For Foot Or Ankle Patents (Class 482/79)
  • Patent number: 5586958
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a lower leg exercise device, including: a base member; two, elongate, parallel plates attached to rotating apparatus mounted on the base member; and support apparatus disposed at distal ends of the plates to accommodate thereon selected weights; such that a person standing on the plates, with a foot disposed over each of the rotating apparatus, moves the weights between a first, lowered position and a second, elevated position by alternatingly flexing and relaxing muscles in the person's lower leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Oscar L. Little, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5584787
    Abstract: A balancing apparatus emulating the acrobatics associated with skate boards etc. having a rectangular platform, one or more hemispherical, pivotal fulcrums, rotational with respect to a rectangular platform, and a foot plate, attached to the fulcrum member. A single fulcrum may be used in conjunction with a truncated, conical, stationary member for encouraging parallel orientation of the platform. A detachable, restricting ring is also provided for reducing the angulation of the platform with the supporting surface during use. The user stands on one foot plate and attempts to maintain balance on the fulcrum member while manipulating the platform with the other foot, at the opposite end of the apparatus, which may also contain a fulcrum member or a stationary, conical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Don D. Guidry
  • Patent number: 5582579
    Abstract: There is provided an orthopedic device for therapy and rehabilitation of knee joints and the like which includes a flexible wraparound style boot which substantially supports a user's foot and ankle. The boot includes an interior for receiving the user's foot, heel and toe portions, and a substantially open front portion for easy insertion and withdrawal of a user's foot. An adjustable closure spans across the open front portion to help conform the boot to the user's foot without unnecessary binding, and a pair of manipulation straps extend from opposite sides of the toe portion of the boot adjacent the substantially open portion. A pair of grasping handles are attached to respective manipulation straps to provide exercise and flexion control by the patient. The device insures proper line of pull and anatomically correct splay. In a preferred embodiment, the flexion straps are adjustable in length adjacent the handles to facilitate adjustment by the patient for optimal use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Chism, Dudley K. Chism
  • Patent number: 5583407
    Abstract: A manipulating foot pedal device used with a video game machine or the like is operable to provide a three-dimensional operation. The device includes a base member movable in a forward/backward direction relative. A rotatable member is mounted on a top of the base member and rotatable about a first axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the forward/backward direction; a pivotal member mounted on a top of the rotatable member and pivotable about a second axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the first axis. The device further includes first, second, and third detectors operable to detect a moved amount of the base member, a rotated amount of the rotatable member, and a pivoted amount of the pivotal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Konami Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5558606
    Abstract: A calf muscle exercise device includes a base having a surface, inclined at about 35.degree. from horizontal, for supporting a user's feet, and a retainer for holding the user's feet on the inclined surface, with the user's toes pointing downwards. The method of using the exercise device is to position the user's feet on the inclined surface with the toes pointing downwards, to secure the feet against the inclined surface so as to leave the heels free to move, and then for the user to raise and lower their heels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventors: Richard D. Poncini, Paul D. Poncini
  • Patent number: 5536226
    Abstract: An exercise and physical therapy device for a human anatomical part (e.g. a foot and ankle) has a base plate; a support plate is pivotally mounted on the base plate. An elevating latch mechanism latches the support member at one of several angular positions relative to the base plate. An adjustable, resilient torsion device, capable of both twisting and bending motion, has one end affixed to the support member; a connection member, for connection to the human anatomical part, is mounted on the other end of the torsion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Gordon Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Gordon
  • Patent number: 5527247
    Abstract: Exercise apparatus comprising a frame on which is journalled at least one bank of rollers presenting an arcuate support for a person's foot. The bank of rollers is of such length as to provide continuous support for the foot as the person's leg is oscillated while the person is in a sitting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Darrell H. Archambault
  • Patent number: 5520598
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a combination leg exercise device, including: a base member; two, elongate, parallel plates attached to rotating apparatus mounted on the base member; and support apparatus disposed at distal ends of the plates to accommodate thereon selected weights; such that a person standing on the plates, with a foot disposed over each of the rotating apparatus, moves the weights between a first, lowered position and a second, elevated position by alternatingly flexing and relaxing muscles in the person's lower legs; the device further including: two track assemblies extending horizontally from the base member; and the track assemblies including thereon two wheeled platforms; such that a person standing with a foot on each of the platforms, slides the platforms back and forth along the track assemblies by alternatingly flexing and relaxing inner and outer muscles in the person's upper legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Oscar L. Little
  • Patent number: 5499958
    Abstract: A reversible, portable leg exercising apparatus includes an inclined guideway supported on a frame. The guideway has upper and lower ends. A pedal is mounted for relative sliding movement along the guideway. A first reversing roller is provided at the upper end of the guideway and a second reversing roller is provided at the lower end. An elastic cord provides resistance to movement of the pedal. The elastic cord is selectively connectable in one of two positions. In a seated exercise position a first end of the cord is held by the pedal, an intermediate portion extends over the first reversing roller and a second end of the cord is held by the second reversing roller. In a reclined exercise position the first end of the cord is held by the first reversing roller, the intermediate portion of the cord extends over the second reversing roller and the second end of the cord is held by the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Daniel F. Hess
  • Patent number: 5489251
    Abstract: An exercise device having a foot harness securable about a foot of a user; a thigh harness having a rigid plate member securable about a thigh of a user; and a tension adjusting mechanism connected between the foot harness and the thigh harness. The tension adjusting mechanism includes a tubular housing having an elongated passageway formed therethrough terminating in a first and second housing end; a spring plate, slidably disposed within the passageway, having a first and second plate side; a spring having a first and second spring end; a flexible, fixed length, tension member having a first and second tension member end; and a positioning member in connection with the spring plate for allowing the user to selectively position the spring plate in a desired position within the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Sherman U. Robles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5487711
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a lower leg exercise device, including: a base member; two, elongate, parallel plates attached to rotating apparatus mounted on the base member; and support apparatus disposed at distal ends of the plates to accommodate thereon selected weights; such that a person standing on the plates, with a foot disposed over each of the rotating apparatus, moves the weights between a first, lowered position and a second, elevated position by alternatingly flexing and relaxing muscles in the person's lower leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: Oscar L. Little
  • Patent number: 5470296
    Abstract: A sport jump apparatus is disclosed that provides variably paced aerobic and anaerobic exercise. The apparatus has a drive unit with a rotating shaft mounted on a support base. The shaft is positioned at an oblique angle with respect to the floor. A resilient rod is connected to the rotating shaft at an oblique angle to the shaft whereby the rod rotates in a conical configuration. As part of the conical configuration, the rod rotates through a substantially horizontal position at which point an individual jumps over the moving rod. Variable speed control adjusts the pacing of the rotation of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: David C. Welte
  • Patent number: 5460596
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for stretching tight muscles. The apparatus includes a base; a leg carriage pivotally mounted at one end to the base and adapted to receive and hold at least one leg of a user during use of the device; and a drive motor for causing the leg carriage to pivot at the one end relative to the base and cause the opposite end of the carriage to alternately raise and lower to thereby stretch the leg of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas L. Brady
  • Patent number: 5453065
    Abstract: An exerciser includes a lower stationary support frame having an upright shaft fixed thereto. A stepper mechanism includes a base body mounted rotatably on the shaft and having a front portion and a rear portion, a pair of spaced pedal arms, each of which having a front end pivoted to the front portion and a rear end portion extending from the front end toward the rear portion, and a pair of resistance cylinders, each of which interconnecting the rear end portion of a respective one of pedal arms and the base body. A horizontal plate member is mounted to the shaft above the base body and has two opposite spaced rear portions on two sides of the shaft. A locking unit is provided to lock releasably the plate member on the shaft so as to prevent movement of the plate member relative to the stationary support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Kingi Cycle Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lan-Tai Lien, Chih-Jen Lee
  • Patent number: 5413543
    Abstract: A portable exercising apparatus (10) that allows a person to exercise the ankle, foot and toes either individually or in a combination exercise. The apparatus (10) includes a lower stationary platform (12) that is attached to an upper movable platform (20) by a platform spring (22). When a foot is placed upon the upper platform (20), the ankle and feet are exercised by moving the upper platform up and down and/or in a radial motion. The apparatus (10) also includes a pressure and hand/forearm exercising strap assembly (30) that attaches to the left or right edges (20C,20D) of the upper platform. The assembly (30) allows pressure to be maintained on the foot when exercising and includes on its upper end a hand and forearm exerciser (40). The apparatus also has a foot holding strap (64) which allows the foot to be held in-place upon the upper surface of the upper movable platform (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Marcello S. Drago
  • Patent number: 5411456
    Abstract: Passive exercise apparatus with parallel bars for receiving the feet. The exercise equipment, or cradle, has extendible tubular construction wherein the distance between the parallel bars and the distance of the apparatus from the floor are adjustable. The cradle has attached adjustable-length straps which may be secured to the users feet to enhance the exercise. These straps are comprised of surgical-type tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Lay
  • Patent number: 5401224
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for measuring physical strength by dynamically measuring the instantaneous power of a nonrepetitive muscular force as, for example, the force exerted by a leg extension, on the basis of a power theory and, consequently, the instantaneous power generated by a dynamic, nonrepetitive multi-articular movement such as a vertical jump. Work equivalent to an inertial energy is absorbed by a rotary drive system. This work is then added with an amount of work equivalent to the kinetic energy absorbed by a foot plate, the sum being added to the work done to a powder brake to obtain the maximum speed V.sub.max of the foot plate and its output time T.sub.max. Finally, the power produced by a leg extension is calculated from the maximum speed V.sub.max of the foot plate and its output time T.sub.max.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventors: Kunimasa Tsuchiya, Masao Ito
  • Patent number: 5395294
    Abstract: A foot pad for a stair climber type exerciser having a relatively soft cushioning pad overlying a rigid base member. The pad has a length of at least about one foot, a width of at least about four inches, and an undulating contoured surface extending from about one-quarter to at least about two-thirds of the way from the front to the rear of the pad. It also has an overall top surface convexity fore-and-aft enabling easier weight shift, from the user's heel to the ball of the foot as the attitude of the pedal changes during cyclical pivotal movement of the part of apparatus on which the foot pad is mounted. The cushioning pad disclosed is formed of molded polyvinylchloride with a hardness of about Durometer 70 Shore A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Tunturi, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Clem
  • Patent number: 5372563
    Abstract: A mechanism for exercising legs includes a housing, an eccentric wheel rotatably disposed in the housing, a follower engaged with the eccentric wheel and moved in a reciprocating way by the eccentric wheel, a board slidably supported in the housing and having a rack formed in the upper surface, a support rotatably supported on the housing and having a rack formed in the bottom for engaging with the rack of the board, the support is rotated when the eccentric wheel is rotated so as to massage and exercise the legs of the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Tsai Chien-Nan
  • Patent number: 5368535
    Abstract: A rotary weighted exercising device having a base, and a rotary plate mounted on the base with upright guides for one's foot to rest therebetween. A weighted member is disposed on said base movable from a first position adjacent to the base to a second position extending away from the base. An elongated member is coupled at one end to the rotary plate and at the other end to the weighted member, the elongated member being guided between the rotary plate and the weighted member so that rotation of said rotary plate raises said weighted member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Magna Tech Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: George Twardokens
  • Patent number: 5368536
    Abstract: An ankle rehabilitation device providing for exercise movement duplicating the complete range of ankle movement including plantar and dorsi flexion, inversion, eversion and rotation. The amount of resistance to movement and the direction of resistance may be changed without disattaching the foot from the device. A tensioning device is also provided to permit use of the device for isometric exercise of the ankle. An ankle rehabilitation device according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a base, a support post mounted to the base, a base plate rotatably mounted to the support post, a foot receiving platform universally mounted on top of the support post, and a two bar linkage mounted at one end to the base plate and at the other end to one of a plurality of attachment points on the foot receiving platform. A coilspring is operatively connected between the bars of the linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Mark E. Stodgell
  • Patent number: 5366430
    Abstract: An improved twist disc structure having a base disc with an axle in the center thereof for pivotally fitted thereon a movable disc, the upper surface of the base disc being provided with a plurality of undulating tracks. The movable disc has multiple through holes provided therein, and each through hole accommodates a lifting element. The base of these through holes are supported on the tracks. When the movable disc rotates on the base disc, the lifting elements move up and down in the corresponding through holes to massage the points on the soles of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Ching-Hui Yao
  • Patent number: 5360015
    Abstract: The apparatus has a plate (1) pivotingly mounted on a horizontal axis (X--X') with stops (4) limiting the inclination of the plate (1) on either side of the axis. The inclination of the plate is measured at (7) and recorded at (14). Display (17) displays the values recorded in recorder (14). The stops (4) are adjustable. The measuring device comprises an electric potentiometer (7) servocontrolled by the motion of the plate (1) about its pivoting axis (X--X'). An associated electric voltage or current measuring apparatus has output which is applied to an analog-digital converter (10) having an output connected to the input (12) of a first digital data memory (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Alain Heurte
  • Patent number: 5352185
    Abstract: An apparatus for exercising the upper and/or the lower joint of an ankle has a frame which can be placed on the floor or can be mounted on or in a bed and supports an adjustable first support of the lower leg of a patient. The first support movably carries a second support for the foot, and the second support can be moved relative to the first support by two discrete prime movers defining pivot axes one of which can be caused to coincide with the axis of the upper joint and the other of which can be caused to coincide with the axis of the lower joint of the ankle between the lower leg on the first support and the foot on the second support. The operation of each prime mover can be programmed, one of these prime movers can be mounted directly on the first support, and the other prime mover can be mounted on a yoke which is carried by the first support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Ernst Knoll Feinmechanik
    Inventors: Walter Blauth, Ernst Knoll
  • Patent number: 5343856
    Abstract: The present device discloses a complete body passive exercise machine. A motor drives a crank shaft which rotates two foot plates about a given point. These foot plates are attached to limited slide joint assemblies which cause the foot plates to flex forwardly and rearwardly while they are being moved in a circle thereby exercising the legs and ankles. The crankshaft is also operatively attached to arm levers which are held onto by the user. The arm levers work such that the one of the user's arms is fully extended while the other is close to the user's body thereby working the arms as well as pivoting the torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventor: Alfred E. Proctor
  • Patent number: 5342266
    Abstract: A slalom water-ski training device comprising a main channel member having a vertical upright member that is rigidly mounted substantially perpendicular thereto at one end thereof. At least two auxiliary support braces are connected at one end to the vertical upright member and connected at their opposite end to the main channel member. At least one stabilizing member is rigidly connected to and in substantial coplanar relation with the main channel member a proximate predetermined distance from the vertical upright member. A ski rope is detachably and reattachably connected to the vertical upright member at a free end distal the main channel member. A ski board is slidably and swivelly mounted to the main channel member. A resilient sliding resistance means is attached to the main channel member distal the vertical upright member and the ski board for the purpose of applying a substantially elastic resistance to the sliding longitudinal displacement of the ski board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Dailey Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Dailey
  • Patent number: 5328421
    Abstract: A rehabilitation device for conditioning the lower extremity joints of a user includes a platform having an upper surface with spaced apart enhanced friction regions for stabilizing the users feet on a variety of side to side locations on the platform whereby tipping movements about a pivot plate connected to the platform will produce a closed chain kinetic exercising of such joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Charles G. Stanalajczo
  • Patent number: 5310395
    Abstract: An exercising apparatus includes a base having two upright handles on two opposite sides thereof and a ball bearing, a rotary table supported on the ball bearing and moved to turn thereon and having an upright support in the center, a foot board balanced on the upright support and moved to turn the rotary table on the ball bearing of the base, and tensile elements bilaterally connected between the rotary table and the foot board for permitting the foot board to be alternatively oscillated back and forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Yow Li Feng Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Ho Ko
  • Patent number: 5308302
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes left and right adjustable resistance exercise mechanisms operated by hand levers linked to pivotal pedals. The machine is positioned before a user seated on a stationary support. To facilitate movement of the machine by a seated user who may be elderly or infirm, a retractable front caster wheel is deployed, elevating the machine off its support posts and onto the front caster wheel and two rear wheels. To stabilize the operating machine against movement when a high resistance is used, retraction of the front caster wheel lowers the machine onto front and rear support posts. Further stability is provided by an anchoring channel which receives the front legs of the user support. A cord attached to front end of the machine connects to the channel and applies tension to anchor the machine against movement. The hand levers are provided with a locking pivotal adjustment to permit the hand grips to be positioned comfortably for the seated user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: Samuel Miller
  • Patent number: 5299993
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a pair of laterally spaced apart foot pedals, each of which is independently coupled to a frame by a respective articulated linkage. Each such linkage has a generally vertical arm that is pivotally coupled to the frame and a generally horizontal arm that is pivotally coupled to its respective foot pedal. These arms are pivotally coupled to one another such that each foot pedal is free to move with in a two-dimensional envelope of motion in a vertical plane. The linkage members are arranged so that the envelope of motion has a generally ovate shape, slightly inclined to the horizontal. The exercises performed with this apparatus may have both vertical and horizontal components of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Pacific Fitness Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore G. Habing
  • Patent number: 5298002
    Abstract: A stepper includes a base frame, a parallel-crank linkage, and a resistance device. The base frame has a pivot portion located at an intermediate section thereof. The parallel-crank linkage includes a pedal assembly, a reciprocating lever and two parallel cranks. The pedal assembly has two horizontal pedals, each of which having an inverted U-shaped bracket secured to a bottom surface thereof. The reciprocating lever has a middle section mounted pivotally on an upper section of the pivot portion of the base frame and two end sections mounted pivotally and respectively on the inverted U-shaped brackets of the pedal assembly. The cranks are disposed under the reciprocating lever. One of the cranks is pivotally connected to the pivot portion of the base frame at one end thereof and to one of the inverted U-shaped brackets of the pedal assembly at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Lan-Fa Lin
  • Patent number: 5297540
    Abstract: A continuous passive motion orthosis device for a toe of a foot including a base having first and second mounting members for receiving the calf and foot, respectively. A pivotable carriage member is positioned proximate the second mounting member and has a first end for receiving the toe and a second end. A drive mechanism is interconnected between the second end of the carriage member and the base for oscillating the first end of the carriage member about its second end with respect to the second mounting member to thereby move the toe between dorsiflexion and plantar flexion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Jace Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Kaiser, George Telepko, Vero Ricci, Berdj C. Kalustyan
  • Patent number: 5292296
    Abstract: A recreation and exercise device having spaced, rotatable footpads, a crossboard integrally connecting the footpads, and one or more ground contacting members for supporting the device above the ground when balanced by the user standing on the footpads. The ground contact may comprise a pair of rounded pivots disposed under the crossboard just inwardly from the footpads. Also contemplated is a horizontal, annular ground contact member disposed below the crossboard intermediate the footpads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Barry J. Davignon
  • Patent number: 5284465
    Abstract: An apparatus for use by a person to do squat exercises that emphasizes substantially the full range of upper leg muscle groups while alleviating the pressure that concentrates in the lower back, the apparatus being in the form of an inclined elongated platform having a bottom surface that rests on a floor and an upper surface supported above and in close proximity to the bottom surface at an inclined angle of about 11 to 21 degrees, the platform having a width sufficient to permit the user to place at least a portion of both feet thereon with the user's legs spaced apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventor: Paul T. Homan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5279530
    Abstract: A portable leg exercising apparatus especially adapted for lower back rehabilitation is provided, having an adjustable, V-shaped frame assembly constructed from lightweight tubular material, and oriented so that a base forming one side of the V lies adjacent to the floor. The other side of the V extends upwardly from the vertex at an incline forming spaced guide rails. Adjustable support braces extend between the two sides of the V-shaped frame opposite the vertex. The support braces and cross tube are adjustable to accommodate various angles of inclination of the guide rails. In the extreme lowered position, the frame assembly is substantially flattened to facilitate portability and storage. Independently movable carriages having foot pedals slide along the rails in response to the force applied by the legs of the user. Elastic cords extending between the frame and the carriages serve to provide elastic resistance to the leg motion as the carriages move upwardly along the inclined rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Inventor: Daniel F. Hess
  • Patent number: 5267927
    Abstract: An exercising device in the form of a shoe having a series of weighted sections adapted to be added or removed so as to selectively vary the weight of the shoe. The weighted sections have cooperating joinder elements which enable them to be nested longitudinally with respect to each other in a cantilevered fashion and then locked in place. A rounded heel section is provided to facilitate exercises comprising rocking movements of the foot. In an alternative embodiment, a cooperating platform shoe member is provided for attaching to the device so that ambulation is facilitated without requiring removal of the exercising device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventors: Michael A. Catanzano, Anthony Wolverton
  • Patent number: 5267924
    Abstract: A continuous passive motion (CPM) device includes a foot support plate and a toe plate. The foot support plate pivots back and forth, driven by a rod connected to a motor. A toe plate pivots separately from the foot support plate, and receives its motive power solely from the foot support plate. The engagement of a pair of pins, one pin connected to the foot support plate and the other pin connected to the toe plate, causes the toe plate to pivot at the desired moment. The toe plate pivots in the opposite direction from that of the foot support plate, and pivots only when the foot support plate reaches a predetermined angle. At other times, the toe plate does not move. The latter arrangement enhances the level of comfort felt by the patient, by increasing the effective angle of flexing of the foot, while limiting the amount of flexing of the heel to a comfortable level. The positioning of the pins determines through how many degrees the toe plate pivots for each degree of rotation of the foot support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Advanced Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Miller, Robert P. Wolk, Guido LaPorta, Harold Schoenhaus, William J. Covert, Ray M. Frey, Semond Levitt
  • Patent number: 5263911
    Abstract: An exercise device is provided for a joint of a lower limb which consists of a first framework for supporting a first part of the lower limb, a second framework for supporting a second part of the lower limb and a resistive pivot mechanism affixed between the first framework and the second framework, to allow pivotal motion of the frameworks about substantially the same axis as the joint located between the first part and the second part of the lower limb, while providing resistance through a range of the pivotal motion of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventors: Larry G. Frydman, George Spector
  • Patent number: 5260870
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the instantaneous power generated by a leg extension, which includes a seat provided above a drive system unit on which a subject is seated. A slide rail extends forwardly from the drive system unit, and a foot plate slides along the slide rail in forward and backward directions. A rope connected to the foot plate is provided in the drive system unit in order to be paid out in response to the forward sliding movement of the foot plate. This apparatus also includes a transmission device, which rotates in response to the rope paying-out and a powder brake, which is rotated by the transmission device. A foot load sensor is also mounted on the foot plate in order to detect the foot load developed when the subject extends his/her legs, and a rotation frequency sensor is provided at a predetermined position within the drive system unit in order to detect the rotation frequency of the powder brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventors: Kunimasa Tsuchiya, Masao Ito
  • Patent number: 5242342
    Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneous isometric and aerobic exercising having a base, a vertical upright, vertically adjustable handlebars on the upright, and a weighted cylinder not aligned vertically with the handlebars to be rotated with the feet while supporting the body from the handlebars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Bi-Robic Conditioning Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John Silverman
  • Patent number: 5232420
    Abstract: An exercise machine is provided that includes two stepping platforms with pedal arms pivotally interconnected to a frame. The pedal arms are moved in a substantially vertical direction by the application of forces during the stepping motion by the user. The applied forces are resisted by fluidic cylinders physically connected such that the fluid can be forced through a resistance valve between the two cylinders, enabling an adjustment to the resistance to the movement of the pedal arms. A pair of cables attached to the pedal arms and the cylinder piston rods interconnects the pedal arm motion via fluid, passing through a resistance valve, between the connected cylinders. Preferably, the pair of lifter cables are adjustable or replaceable by another pair of lifter cables having different lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Juris Terauds
  • Patent number: 5231776
    Abstract: A weighted athletic, training or sport shoe is disclosed. In the present invention, a weight is distributed over the entire bottom of the athletic shoe, but inside the shoe. The weight comprises a large number of small metal spheres of less than 1 mm diameter, arranged in a lattice grid matrix which is molded to the sole and sandwiched between the inner and outer sole of the shoe. From the outside, the shoe appears to be a stylish athletic shoe. The bottom of the shoe is flexible and comfortable because of the method of integrating the weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Paul S. Orloff
    Inventor: Rodger D. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5230676
    Abstract: A combination exerciser and baggage carrier having a rigid, main frame (11), force resistive pistons (17), force engaging plates (12a-b), handle portion (37), wheels (36), and a load supporting plate (32), is capable of selective engagement of either operational mode. The exerciser may be embodied as any number of cardiovascular workout devices, including stair stepping simulator (10), rowing machine simulator (40), walking/running simulator (50), and weight lifting machine (60). The baggage carrier is of the type used in areas catering to mass transportation travels, such as airports, and bus and train depots, and may similarly vary in embodiments, from standard two-wheeled carrier (30) to a multiple wheeled, horizontal push cart. The exerciser/baggage carrier is designed to tote one's baggage conveniently, then when such service is no longer required it is capable of space saving compaction, until when an opportunity arises, such as in a hotel room, office, park, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventor: Juris Terauds
  • Patent number: 5221242
    Abstract: A device for exercising internal and external muscles of the leg is provided. The device includes a foot holder for pivotally supporting a user's foot. The foot holder is capable of pivoting around an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the foot, and near the front of the user's leg. The device also includes a tension control unit for providing constant resistance to pivoting of the foot holder. The device preferably has separate foot holders and hydraulic tension control units for each foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventors: James C. Weber, Clayton L. Nannen, Michael Pollard, Donald R. Pollard
  • Patent number: 5215508
    Abstract: A device is disclosed that is able to isolate the ankle and subtalar joint complex and exercise those muscles directly responsible for inversion and eversion of the subtalar joint as well as those responsible for dorsal and plantar flexion of the ankle joint. The device uses fluid chambers for hydraulic resistance, a modified foot orthosis to create the proper mechanical advantage to allow the chambers to effectively resist the proper muscles, and a leg brace to isolate the ankle and subtalar joint. A method for strengthening an ankle, using the foregoing device, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Inventor: Jack Bastow
  • Patent number: 5205798
    Abstract: A foot receiving member has a spring member detachably attached to the bottom surface thereof. The spring member includes a top, arched, layer and a bottom, arched, layer and a strap disposed between the two arched layers. The arched layers are attached, at their ends, to a corresponding end of the strap in such a manner that the spring member will be automatically disassembled under the influence of an extraordinary lateral force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Unique Life and Fitness Products Corp.
    Inventor: Gregory Lekhtman
  • Patent number: 5203321
    Abstract: A continuous motion passive anatomic ankle-foot exerciser for rehabilitating ankle and foot injuries is provided. The ankle-foot exerciser is constructed to move a patient's foot through a range of motion which may include pure ankle joint motion, pure subtalar joint motion, or a combination of both. The ankle-foot exerciser includes a base, a foot holder, a drive motor for moving the foot holder in an up/down in/out motion, and a foot tilting device for continuously tilting the foot in an inversion/eversion motion. Movement of the foot holder is controlled by an initial positioning of the drive motor and by a control circuit that coordinates the up/down in/out and tilting motions of the foot holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Sutter Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Donovan, R. J. Allemandi
  • Patent number: 5199934
    Abstract: A simple type pedaling exerciser which includes two arched, symmetrical side supports connected by a pivot rising behind a transverse channel bar, two foot pedals pivoted on the pivot, an intermediate driving wheel and two opposite side driven wheels arranged inside the transverse channel bar in a line, a steel cable wound around the driving wheel with two opposite ends extended through the driven wheels in reverse directions and inserted through holes on the transverse channel bar and connected to the foot pedals respectively. The mid-portion of the steel cable is fixed to the driving wheel so that pedaling either foot pedal downwards causes the other foot pedal to be rotated upwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Pin F. Lin
  • Patent number: 5197932
    Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously producing dorsiflexion and plantarflexion in both lower legs and both feet of a person and including a pair of exercise shoes for receiving the feet of the person, each exercise shoe including a generally semi-circular base for engaging a support surface on which the exercise shoes rock, and ganging means such as a pair of ganging bars for ganging the exercise shoes together to cause the exercise shoes to be rocked forwardly together to simultaneously produce plantarflexion and to cause the exercise shoes to be rocked rearwardly together to simultaneously produce dorsiflexion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Prostretch, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. B. Smith, IV
  • Patent number: 5188578
    Abstract: A skiing simulator and training device has first and second bodies that each have a top surface sized and shaped to mate against the sole of a ski boot. Each of the bodies further includes an arcuate bottom surface. A connecting member movably connects the first and second bodies together and attaching brackets on the bodies connect the bodies to the sole of a ski boot. The bottom surfaces of the bodies are formed as tapering surfaces of rotation that are centered about an axis that is essentially parallel with a heel to toe axis of a ski boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Inventor: Bruce S. Voigt