User Inside Device Patents (Class 482/78)
  • Patent number: 9940847
    Abstract: A virtual reality exercise device including : at least one actuator; at least one of a handle, a foot stirrup, a step, and a limb strap, where the at least one actuator is coupled to the at least one of a handle, a foot stirrup, a step, and a limb strap, where the actuator is designed to provide resistance force to at least one motion carried out by the user; a computer processor; computer readable non-transitory medium coupled in communication with the computer processor; an actuator control circuit coupled in communication to the computer processor and adapted to receive signals from the computer processor and output the signals to control the at least one actuator; a software algorithm stored on the computer readable non-transitory medium, where the computer processor executes the software algorithm, where the computer processor outputs a signal that is at least partially used by the actuator control circuit to control the at least one actuator; a virtual reality display coupled in communication to the pro
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Anton Zavoyskikh
  • Publication number: 20150111707
    Abstract: A waist twisting station includes a base, a rotating unit for waist twisting, and at least one spring to generate resistance force. The rotating unit has a hoop linked with a spring, which can be pushed away by user's body movement. The inside layer of the hoop has a row of massage balls so that the body movement can exercise the waist and lags as well as receive body massage at the same time to accelerate calorie burning. In addition to the waist twisting hoop, a handle bar with or without spring connected to the base can give user a unique whole body exercise experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Hui YAN
  • Patent number: 8764612
    Abstract: Play gyms and methods of operating the same are disclosed. A disclosed example includes a floor mat dimensioned to be positioned within a play yard and/or a bassinet. It also includes a play gym to suspend an object above the mat when the mat is positioned in the play yard and/or the bassinet, and at least one connector to couple the play gym to the mat when the mat is removed from the play yard and/or the bassinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Myers, Joseph Paul Sejnowski
  • Patent number: 8663133
    Abstract: The present invention provides a differential pressure body suit with external support against body suit migration. In its preferred embodiment, such body suit may comprise a close-fitting, multi-layered suit sealed against a mammal's skin to contain the differential pressure, or a looser-fitting suit that bends at the mammal's joints with minimal force. External support means include either fixed or movable mechanical supports attached to the body suit, extraordinary air pressure levels for making the body suit rigid, or exoskeletons attached to the body suit. A cyclic control system can turn the differential pressure condition within the body suit on and off on a selective basis to accommodate the movement of the legs of the mammal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Lite Run, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas E. Johnson, John A. Hauck, Odd Osland, Mark T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7887471
    Abstract: Neuromuscular training apparatus configured to maintain a body unit in a suitable geometry for performing neuromuscular training therapy or athletic training. The neuromuscular training apparatus comprises a center support member and a pair of transverse support members coupled to opposing ends of the center support member in a parallel spaced relationship. A plurality of arcuate members span the spaced relationship between the transverse support members. The arcuate members are axially repositionable about a common vertical axis which parallels the center support member. Each arcuate member is configured to maintain a radial element in a suitable geometry with the body unit for performing the neuromuscular training by providing a bias force, movement restriction or inhibition to a range of movement of the body unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Tyrone G. McSorley
  • Patent number: 7803092
    Abstract: One embodiment relates to a fitness development system. The fitness development system generally comprises an exercise chamber and an object. The exercise chamber may comprise a base, an inclined floor, and one or more barriers. The base may define a substantially horizontal axis to support the exercise chamber, while the inclined floor may comprise an angle of inclination that defines a degree of separation of the inclined floor from the base, wherein the angle of inclination maximizes fitness development of an individual advancing the object up the inclined floor against a gravitational pull on the object. The barriers may substantially enclose the exercise chamber. The object may comprise a configuration enabling maximum fitness development of the individual advancing the object up the inclined floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Phillip Gilliam
  • Publication number: 20100029446
    Abstract: A weighted and padded exercise hoop used for toning and weight loss comprising a circular weighed padded hoop having an inner semi-hard plastic like material forming a circular tube with a flowable liquid substance disposed within the inner hoop tube having affixed to it outer circumference an outer tube of soft padding material wrapped with a decorative tape or cover material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Leslie-Amber Munoz, Margaret Ann Sweet
  • Publication number: 20090286656
    Abstract: Provided is a rotating sports apparatus capable of keeping safety even if the user has protruding limbs or the like. The rotating sports apparatus comprises a contour frame (2) forming a regular icosahedron, ball members (3) rotatably supported individually at the outer side positions of the individual vertices of the icosahedron of the contour frame (2), and a pedestal (5) having a hemispherical face (4) inscribing the balls (3) of the contour frame (2). The rotating sports apparatus keeps predetermined spaces between the individual faces of the contour frame (2) and the hemispherical face (4). Thus, the rotating sports apparatus can keep the safety, even in case the limbs or the like of the user (P) protrude more or less during a practice from the individual faces of the contour frame (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Etsuji Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20080195005
    Abstract: Portable devices and methods for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by assuring that the ankle is flexed and extended sufficiently to promote blood flow in the lower leg are disclosed. The device includes an actuator with a free movement mode that allows a patient to move freely between activations or to initiate movement to delay a next automatic activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Robert W. Horst, Kern Bhugra, Thomas J. Fogarty
  • Patent number: 7384379
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fitness device (1) in the form of a garment, comprising at least one skin stimulation means (5) which is actuated by fluid pressure and, in a stimulation area (13, 16), acts on the skin surface of a wearer (2) of the fitness device. Such fitness devices are known as low pressure suits. To enhance the action of said fitness devices, the skin stimulation means (5) is transferred according to the invention from a low pressure state, in which a low pressure acts on the skin surface (19) in the stimulation area (20), into an overpressure state, in which an overpressure acts on the skin surface (19) in the stimulation area (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Norbert Egger
  • Patent number: 7341543
    Abstract: An apparatus for shifting the body weight of a runner from a runner's legs to a wheeled frame for enhancing the runner's performance and minimizing leg strain comprises a loop of elastic rod-shaped material stretchable during standing and during running movement. A base bend of the elastic is secured to a pelvic harness at the top of the back of each leg, and another bend of the elastic is secured to the wheeled frame. A third bend is supported on pulleys mounted on a height adjustable tee on the wheeled frame. This brings about a significant shift of the runner's weight from the runner's legs to the wheeled frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Walter Dandy
  • Patent number: 7338418
    Abstract: An assembly for stabilizing an individual while exercising in a seated position, such as, but not limited to, a wheelchair. A harness assembly comprises a plurality of harness structures each intended to be removably secured to a different part of the individual's body in a manner which stabilizes that body portion while performing a particular exercise. A restraint assembly comprises a plurality of restraint members interconnected to each of the plurality of the harness structures being used and to an anchor assembly, disposed in underlying, supporting relation to the individual and the support structure. The restraint assembly is cooperatively structured with the anchor assembly to maintain any of the harness structures being utilized and the corresponding body portion in a stable, operative position best suited to effectively perform the intended exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Miki Erez
  • Patent number: 7094189
    Abstract: A fitness stretching apparatus comprising a base and a cage structure surrounding the base. The cage structure includes at least a first stretching station for performing stretching of a muscle. A second stretching station is located on the base and within the cage structure. Preferably, the second stretching station is configured for seated stretching exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas Fallacaro
  • Patent number: 7086996
    Abstract: A balance training apparatus for supporting an individual with a limited liability to maintain his or her on balance has a pair of vertical support rods connected to a base by joints which include lower elastic parts tending to bias the user into an upright position. The two support rods are connected by a brace for supporting the pelvis of the user and knee supports are provided between the two support rods for yieldably pressing the knees of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Medica-Medizintechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Zlatko Matjacic, Thomas Sinkjaer
  • Patent number: 6758793
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a user to repetitively bounce into the air, includes a first and second support, each having a first and second end. A base being coupled to the first and second supports at the second ends. At least one compression resistance system being coupled with the base. The compression resistance system is configured to provide an uncompression force. First and second handles being coupled with the first ends of the first and second supports, respectively. When in use a user stands on the base between the first and second support and provides a first force on the apparatus. The user releases the first force and receives a second force. The user then stops exerting the second force and repeats the steps of providing the first force, releasing the first force and receiving the uncompression force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Scott Eldridge
  • Patent number: 6692419
    Abstract: An exerciser has a base and a rocking plate. The rocking plate is rotatably attached to the base with a ball joint. Consequently, a user can swing or twist body, rotate ankles and develop feet muscles when the user steps on the rocking plate to keep balance. The exerciser can exercise the lower part of the body of a user. This exerciser is more versatile than the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 6679815
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus utilizes a weight-laden frame which is grasped by the hands of a user during an exercise routine for lifting the frame from the floor during a lift phase of the exercise routine and for subsequently returning the frame to the floor during a lowering phase of the routine. To enhance the strength gains of the user, the user walks while holding the apparatus in spaced relationship with the floor following the lift phase of the routine. The frame of the apparatus is sized so that walking movements of the user are unobstructed by the frame and so that if the apparatus is dropped while the user walks while holding the apparatus, no part of the apparatus strikes the legs or feet of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventors: Larry W. Vittone, Suzanne R. Vittone
  • Patent number: 6648411
    Abstract: A suspension assembly in a seat has a clamp for coupling the seat to a support and a seat having a seat ring, seat web, and seat material. The suspension assembly comprises a web link having a link slot and is coupled to the clamp. A first web is configured in a closed loop and coupled to the web link through the link slot. A tube defining an interior cavity is provided, with the tube having a spring retainer on one end and an anchor pin on the other end. The anchor pin is threaded through the loop of the first web, wherein the tube is coupled to the web link. A spring is nested in the interior cavity of the tube against the spring retainer. A disk having a disk slot is coupled to a second web at one end of the second web. The other end of the second web is passed through the spring in the tube and coupled to a web spreader. The web spreader has a seat slot wherein the seat web engages the seat slot to suspend the seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventor: Christine E. Julien
  • Patent number: 6558297
    Abstract: A locomotion device, such as a pogo stick, having a housing having a first end portion and a second end portion, a plunger being slideably connected to the housing second end portion, the leaf spring also pivotally attached to the plunger. A method for locomoting using such a device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: H. Benjamin Brown, Jr., Illah R. Nourbakhsh, Garth John Zeglin
  • Publication number: 20020187880
    Abstract: A recreational device having a large rotatable outer wheel, a frame disposed internally within the wheel and about which the wheel is rotatable, a pivotable foot platform attached to the frame, and a tail wheel assembly disposed aft of the large wheel and coupled to the platform. In use a rider stands on the platform, preferably in a sideways stance, and grasps hand grips on the frame members and steers the wheel by applying torque to the frame. The tail wheel assembly is coupled to the foot platform by pulleys and cable such that pivoting of the platform causes pivoting of the tail wheel assembly to aid in steering the device. A hand brake can be provided to control the speed of rotation of the wheel about the frame. A nose wheel assembly can be provided having a nose wheel forward of the large wheel and which can engage the ground during braking to aid in stable operation. The tail assembly can be folded for ease of storage and transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Robert N. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20020132709
    Abstract: An exercise and amusement device having a pair of spaced-apart rings or hoops which allow a person to roll while being safely contained within the device. The rings are kept in spaced-apart position by a number of support bars as well as a handle bar useful by a person using the device for stabilizing his position while the device is in use. The support bars and handle bar are attached at their opposite end to the pair of rings respectively in fixed, spaced-apart relationship. A support panel, equipped with a comfort pad, as well as a pair of foot supports, are also provided for comfortably accommodating a person within the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Lajos Varga
  • Patent number: 6001071
    Abstract: An aquatic exercise and rehabilitation device includes a cycle assembly mounted in a vessel containing water. The cycle assembly includes a seat and a pivotally mounted handlebar on each side of the seat. A pair of pedals is rotationally mounted with each pedal connected to a respective handlebars by a linkage for transmitting the motion of the handlebars and pedals to each other. The motor drive assembly is connected to the pedals for causing rotation to the pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Brian R. Butler
  • Patent number: 5860811
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a geo-positional treading sphere (10) having a sphere (12) rotatably cradled within a base (14). The base (14) has at least one base pylon (14A) having a base pylon driver to rotate the sphere (12) longitudinally and/or latidudinally in response to an instant position which the user (16) is located within the sphere (12). The base (14) has a plurality of base bearings (14D) attached thereto which function to facilitate the sphere's (12) rotation. The user (16) adorns a user control (18) consisting of a user control backpack (18A) and a user control helmet (18B). The user control backpack (18A) has at least one user control backpack infrared distance sensor to send and receive signals to the inner wall of the sphere (12). The received signals by the at least one user control backpack infrared distance sensor is relayed to the geo-positional treading sphere operating system (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Gordon H Henderson
  • Patent number: 5816983
    Abstract: An aerobic bouncing chair and chair frame exercise equipment for performing a variety of aerobic, body strengthing, stretching and lymphatic circulation exercises. The exercise equipment includes a chair frame having a first side frame, a second side frame and a "C" shaped rear frame. The "C" shaped rear frame fits inside and is secured to the top of the first and second side frames for holding the entire chair frame in place. A seat with a back support includes four support straps with four suspension rings attached to the ends of the straps. The four suspension rings are attached to one end of four coil springs. An opposite end of the coil springs is attached to the chair frame. Two of the coil springs are secured to the rear frame and the other two coil springs are secured to the front of the first and second side frame. The four support straps are adjustable for people of different heights and weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventors: Charles R. Dawes, Robert M. Fenner, Scott A. Fenner
  • Patent number: 5792031
    Abstract: A simulation system for simulating a human activity. The simulation system includes a simulator (10, 120) including a support (12, 122) mountable to the torso of the body and an actuator assembly (14, 124, 126) which includes a storage device (18) having a model of the human activity stored therein. The actuator assembly (14, 124, 126) is positioned to engage the body and formed to produce motion of the body in simulation of the modeled activity. The simulation system also includes the method of simulating a human activity which includes the steps of supporting the body and driving an actuator assembly (14, 124, 126) to simulate the human activity using a model of the activity which is stored in a storage device (18) coupled to the actuator assembly (14, 124, 126).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Michael J. Alton
  • Patent number: 5679105
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Suzanne R. Vittone, Larry W. Vittone
  • Patent number: 5669858
    Abstract: An inflatable structure having a trampoline-type floor with an inflatable framework projecting upwardly therefrom and having netting panels extending between adjacent portions of said framework to prevent a child from inadvertently bouncing out of the structure, with at least one of said panels having releasable fastening means to allow opening of said one of said panels as a door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventors: Rodney Lee Blair, Philip G. Chauvet
  • Patent number: 5405304
    Abstract: A play apparatus is disclosed for climbing and crawling that is especially suitable for indoor play grounds. In one embodiment, the play apparatus includes a frame having a plurality of spaced apart netting supports extending across the width of the frame. The netting supports are located at least two different heights, and netting spans the netting supports to define at least one climbing and crawling pathway thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Discovery Zone, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Petersheim, James F. Gleeson
  • Patent number: 5352144
    Abstract: A toy activated air movement including a loop of a self-supporting flexible sheet-like material. The loop has an interior surface and an exterior surface and a major axis perpendicular to the direction of travel. The loop is formed of a material which at least partially deforms under its own weight and has sufficient rigidity such that a portion of the interior surface of the loop will not contact an opposite portion of the interior surface of the loop when the toy is placed upon a supporting surface. The toy travels along the supporting surface in response to air movement. A plurality of flaps extend outwardly from the exterior surface of the loop generally in a direction parallel to the major axis of the loop. The flaps are angled away from the exterior surface of the loop, whereby air impacting upon the flaps will cause the toy to roll about the major axis along the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: Gerald F. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 5302163
    Abstract: An infant exerciser adapted for use in a substantially stationary location has a frame or base and an inboard or outboard infant seat attached to the frame or base such that the seat can be revolved in an orbital manner. The seat can also rotate about its own axis of rotation, whereby an infant who is in the seat can walk along a circular path and/or turn in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignees: Daniel R. Fermaglich, Lois F. Fermaglich
    Inventors: Daniel R. Fermaglich, Lois F. Fermaglich, Alexander R. Malcolm
  • Patent number: 5252859
    Abstract: A jogging electric current generator which comprises a drum-shaped rotatable exercising unit operatively connected to an electric current generator. The drum-shaped unit is constructed so that a jogger can enter the unit and jog for purposes of exercising and also simultaneously therewith generate an electric current through operation of the generator. The jogging generator may be located closely adjacent to a dwelling structure so that one may leave a dwelling structure and immediately enter the jogging generator. The drum-shaped unit may also be constructed so as to operate as a water vane with water being moved during the jogging activity. A hand-held control unit may also be employed by the user of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Lee Tagney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5243224
    Abstract: A jogging electric current generator which comprises a drum-shaped rotatable exercising unit operatively connected to an electric current generator. The drum-shaped unit is constructed so that a jogger can enter the unit and jog for purposes of exercising and also simultaneously therewith generate an electric current through operation of the generator. The jogging generator may be located closely adjacent to a dwelling structure so that one may leave a dwelling structure and immediately enter the jogging generator. The drum-shaped unit may also be constructed so as to operate as a water vane with water being moved during the jogging activity. A hand-held control unit may also be employed by the user of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: Lee Tagney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5167595
    Abstract: An article of play apparatus is provided having an open-ended, hollow rotatable member which is maintained in an elevated, horizontal orientation by two support members located one at each longitudinal end of the rotatable member. A plurality of padded ridges extend along the longitudinal extent of the rotatable member. In this manner, children can climb through the rotatable member while other children climb over it, causing the rotatable member to rotate. A novel bearing system is housed inside each support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Gleeson, Dana W. Ingold, Mitchell R. Warren
  • Patent number: 5108088
    Abstract: Upright sidewall and end panels are bolted to a unitary base component having a treadmill so as to form a composite exercise tank. One end panel has a door of transparent sheet material with specialized hinges and locking mechanism to assure a leakproof fit. Water can be introduced into the tank to a desired level from a storage container, whereupon the treadmill is actuated for exercise or therapy. During use, water in the tank is recirculated through heating, cleaning and sanitizing equipment. After use, the water in the tank is emptied to the storage container and the user exits through the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Stewart Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Keller, Robert Linton