Entire Body Patents (Class 482/96)
  • Patent number: 6786847
    Abstract: Exercise/therapy apparatus that allows a user to change one or more workout parameters without dismounting from the apparatus and without interrupting the workout. Several embodiments for inclined surface apparatus are disclosed, using vertical, tiltable and curvilinear surface support structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventors: Curt Morgan, James Dawson
  • Patent number: 6767314
    Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible exercise apparatus, generally comprising a riser assembly, a carriage assembly, riser assembly support means, and peripheral attachments. The riser assembly further comprises a pair of parallel riser members and the carriage assembly further comprises a riser-engaging end. The riser-engaging end is received between the riser members in a carriage assembly-receiving track. The user may thus selectively incline the carriage assembly in the carriage assembly-receiving track in this operational state for exerting muscular effort against varying degrees of the user's own body weight resistance to achieve some level of physical activity or as part of an otherwise regular exercise regimen. To enable easy horizontal transferability, for example, during shipping or when not in use, the carriage assembly is easily nested within the carriage assembly-receiving track. Additionally, no tools are required to assemble or collapse the exercise apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6752748
    Abstract: An abdominal exerciser has a base (10), a pulling frame (20), seat assembly (30), a step device (40) and multiple actuating linkages. The pulling frame (20), the seat assembly (30) and the step device (40) are pivotally connected to the base (10) and to each other by the multiple actuating linkages. Thereby, the abdominal the step device (40) and the seat assembly (30) are pivoted toward the pulling frame (20) by the actuating linkage when the pulling frame (20) is pulled down to cause a person to bend to exercise and tone the abdominal muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Body by Jake Enterprises
    Inventor: Phil Scotti
  • Publication number: 20040116258
    Abstract: An exercise machine making use of the body weight of an exerciser as a load weight thereof comprises a horizontal base, a vertical bar member, an upper rocking bar member, a lower rocking bar member, a connection bar, a seat pad, a back pad, a handle, a pivoting cross member (V bar) and cushioning members. Unlike a conventional exercise machine, the exercise machine so disclosed is composed of no weights. The vertical tube bar member is affixed to the base. The position of the upper rocking bar member can be adjusted by adjusting the pivoting position of the connection bar via the shuttle and two key pins. The exerciser can use the machine by sitting, kneeling, or standing on the seat pad of the machine for doing the muscle-building exercise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Matthews Production Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Brian Hyder
  • Publication number: 20040110608
    Abstract: The Triceptor that I designed, I do believe is the first of its kind. Its uniquely structured design allows one to do a total upper body workout, in a minimal amout of space. This unit is unlike other larger more cumbersome equipment used to do the same exercises. This lightweight unique unit disassembles into four major parts, which makes transporting and storage convenient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Erick Washington
  • Patent number: 6743158
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus that includes a frame, a rest member on the frame for receiving a user's feet, and a first and a second arm that are pivotably interconnected to each other such that the arms are pivotably movable between a start or rest position and an extended position. The first arm is coupled to the frame. A seat is provided for supporting the user and carried by the second arm. An inclined base support member is disposed under the second arm and is for supporting the second arm during the movement between start and extended positions. A carriage may be associated with the inclined base support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Cybex Interational, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Giannelli, Scott Sechrest, Arnold Gillen, Gary Lurken, Stephen C. Wendt
  • Publication number: 20040058788
    Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible exercise apparatus, generally comprising a riser assembly, a carriage assembly, riser assembly support means, and peripheral attachments. The riser assembly further comprises a pair of parallel riser members and the carriage assembly further comprises a riser-engaging end. The riser-engaging end is received between the riser members in a carriage assembly-receiving track. The user may thus selectively incline the carriage assembly in the carriage assembly-receiving track in this operational state for exerting muscular effort against varying degrees of the user's own body weight resistance to achieve some level of physical activity or as part of an otherwise regular exercise regimen. To enable easy horizontal transferability, for example, during shipping or when not in use, the carriage assembly is easily nested within the carriage assembly-receiving track. Additionally, no tools are required to assemble or collapse the exercise apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6692412
    Abstract: An interactive exercise apparatus structure comprised of a base, an inclined support structure at the upper extent of the base, and a transport pulley assembly installed above the base. The support structure consists of an arrangement in which one end is on the floor and the other end is angularly positioned on the base. The pull cord is on the floor and the other end is angularly positioned on the base. The pull cord of the transport pulley assembly is respectively wrapped around a first pulley at the lateral end of the upper horizontal bar and positioned onto a second pulley at the bottom end of the reclined body rest buttress rod, following which it is wrapped around a third pulley at the other end of the upper horizontal bar, the two free ends of the pull cord then providing the user extremities for exerting a tugging force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Shu-Yi Chen, Wan-Chen Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6685604
    Abstract: Muscle-building apparatus for press-ups includes a bearing plate having a cushion. A frame includes first and second vertical posts. A first arm has a handle end and a journal end. A first handle is arranged on the handle end of the first arm. A second arm has a handle end and a journal end. A second handle is arranged on the handle end of the second arm. The first arm is movably mounted to the first vertical post between the handle end and the journal end. The second arm is movably mounted to the second vertical post between the handle end and the journal end. A first leg connects the journal end of the first arm to the bearing plate. The first leg is movably mounted to each of the first arm and the bearing plate. A second leg connects the journal end of the second arm to the bearing plate. The second leg is movably mounted to each of the second arm and the bearing plate. Movement of the first and second arms causes movement of the bearing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Anghel Muscocea
  • Patent number: 6676475
    Abstract: A toy for use by an infant in which the infant may set a top, suspended in pendulum fashion to a base, into motion. The top and base are joined by pendulum arms that cause a reciprocating gliding mechanism that is generally in the horizontal plane. The infant is positioned such that the infant may kick a pad joined to the fixed location base, initiating a force which propels the top to move back and forth providing entertainment and motor skills development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: Scott Henderson, Laurel Henderson
  • Patent number: 6634996
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus utilizing a wheeled rolling carriage which moves on a incline frame and includes an adjustable arm cable mounting assembly. The arm cable mounting system includes a pair of elongated arm cables each entrained over a fixed pulley mounted in each adjustable upright corner post. An anchoring device attach the cables to the mobile carriage. The carriage moves on the frame against a resistance force provided by the body weight of the user seating or lying on the platform and the up words angled slope of the incline frame. A back and head support connects the platform. An attachable rowing device is mounted to the incline rails and connected to the mobile carriage through the cables assembly. A leg push device is connected to the rails frame at the lower end. An weights support arm is attached to the lower end of mobile carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Neill Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 6612845
    Abstract: An apparatus for training body movements in athletics includes a waist strap configured for attachment around the torso of a wearer and having a plurality of attachment rings connected detachably thereto, and a shoulder strap configured for attachment around the wearer's shoulders and having two cooperating ends. The shoulder strap is configured to extend around the wearer's shoulders and under the wearer's arms such that the cooperating ends are connectable together at a point located substantially between the wearer's shoulder blades. The shoulder strap further includes a plurality of attachment rings connected detachably thereto. The apparatus may further include leg straps configured for attachment around the wearer's legs and arm straps configured for attachment around the wearer's arms. The leg and arm straps may each include a plurality of attachment rings connected detachably thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventors: Mark A. Macri, Lew Wright
  • Patent number: 6607472
    Abstract: An exercise machine for conditioning muscles of the lower body, abdomen and torso utilizes dual elastic cord resistance to force exerted on a moving platform which rides on rollers set in tracks on the frame. When used suspended with adjustable straps from door hook attachment, user leans back against vertical moving padded platform and exerts downward pressure in a deep knee bend motion and up again. When used horizontally on the floor user mounts machine on all fours with shins on platform and arms extended towards opposite end of machine with hands around grips of adjustable bar assembly. Movement is gained by extending and contracting lower body while moving platform back and forth. Also, user may kneel on a pad which may be located just beyond and facing the machine. With hands securely gripping platform handles user may exert force and move platform to other end of machine by extending torso over said machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Madison Toole
  • Patent number: 6554751
    Abstract: An exercise device that allows a user to specifically target exercise the buttocks and hip muscles without also targeting the thigh muscles. The device includes a frame, an adjustable user torso support assembly, and a slidable knee support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Charlie S. Dannelly
  • Patent number: 6547706
    Abstract: A rack exercise system (30), according to the invention, having a main support frame (38), two upright support racks (42), a base frame, and a floor unit (36), for conditioning in three-dimensions using a mobile support (32) such as a Swiss ball. The rack excerise system is a multi-capability platform, or anchoring system that, in conjunction with the Swiss ball, allows an exercise or rehabilitation professional or an exercise enthusiast to fully express their creativity in exercise design, and selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Paul Chek Seminars
    Inventor: Paul W. Chek
  • Patent number: 6537185
    Abstract: An exercise device having a simple and inexpensive configuration including an exercise load unit connected to a movable knee hold unit, and a seat unit having a seat plate and a back plate which are selectively or completely movable during an exercise, irrespective of whether or not a leg support unit having foot holders is in a fixed state or in a movable state, thereby being capable of achieving a variety of exercises for the whole part of the human body using the upper body or lower body, or using both the upper and lower bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Young-Baek Hur
  • Patent number: 6514182
    Abstract: A doorframe mountable exercise system for providing an exercise system that uses a relatively small area of space. The doorframe mountable exercise system includes an elongate member. The elongate member has a first end and a second end. A first rod and a second rod each has an end integrally coupled to and extending away from one of the ends of the elongate member. The first and second rods each have a pair of openings therein. A first and second support bar is removably fastened to opposite sides of a doorframe. A variable weight resistance system includes cables and a plurality of biasing members. Each of the cables extends through the opening of each of the rods. The biasing members are generally resiliently elastic along a longitudinal axis. The biasing member each have a distal end and a proximal end. Each of the distal ends is removably couplable to an end of the cables. A plurality of coupling means removably couples the proximal ends of the biasing members to the first and second rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Vuthy Chhloeum
  • Patent number: 6508745
    Abstract: A stationary exercise bicycle apparatus is provided, the apparatus including shock absorption capabilities in order to more completely simulate the movement and feel of an actual free standing bicycle. Shock absorption capabilities are provided by a rearwardly extending member having a first end which is pivotally secured to the base portion of the apparatus and a second end which includes a surface contacting roller. Further, a resilient elastomeric component is provided which is disposed between brackets mounted on the rearwardly extending member and the base portion, respectively, this component being slightly compressed in response to the operator's weight and movements initiated by the operator. Such compression serves as a dampening or absorption of shock waves. Also, it will be recognized that the configuration described allows for some limited up and down movement of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Schenk, William E. Clem, Cory Williamson, Martin Albini, Darius Eghbal, Erik G. Green
  • Patent number: 6491608
    Abstract: An exercise machine (10-101) is provided having a platform (12-121) on which a user (14-141) is supported in a reclining position with the weight of the user (14-14G) being utilized as a resistance which may be selectively varied to the various exercises which may be performed on the exercise apparatus (10-101). A lever (20-201) is pivotally connected (30-321) to the platform (12-121) with the lever being actuated by the user for raising one end of the platform (12-121) with respect to a pivot point with resistance to such raising being varied by the pivotal mounting of the lever (20-201) on the platform (1 2121). Two of the various embodiments (FIGS. 13-16) include a base support (41 F, 41 G) having a rail (42F, 42G) on which a lever (20F, 20G) has a roller (47F, 47G) mounted for riding movement thereon and pivotally connected (32F, 32G) to a lower leg (62F, 62G) for pivotal movement. Other embodiments (FIGS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Stearns
  • Patent number: 6491610
    Abstract: An exercise bench includes a floor engaging base, a vertical column, a body support, and inclined rails which occupy a vertical plane together with the column. Cables are interconnected between respective handles and respective pivot arms. At least one resistance device is interconnected between the pivot arms and one of the frame members. The cables are routed about pulleys which are selectively movable along respective rails to facilitate different types of exercise motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Dale R. Henn
  • Patent number: 6485398
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus to strengthen the abdominal and oblique muscles in a relaxed state by kneeling and twisting the lower torso. An embodiment configured according to principles of the invention includes a height-adjustable, contoured knee rest rotatingly mounted on a base. Handles extend from the base to where a user may comfortably grasp the handles while kneeling on the knee rest. The user exercises with the present exercise apparatus by urging the user's lower torso to rotate the knee rest. Rotation may be resisted by increasing the inertia of the knee rest with weights suspended from weight arms connected to the knee rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Paul H. Kreft
  • Patent number: 6482134
    Abstract: A total body exercise machine in which an individual, seated in a body support sled, in a front or rear facing position, may use leveraged bodily force to elevate the sled against hydraulic and weighted resistance. A line trolley, suspended from a header by an assembly of pulleys and lines, tracks on a pair of rails, to pivotally support the upper end of the sled frame. At its lower end, the sled is pivotally joined to a frame mounted, radial indexing apparatus. That apparatus operatively positions a set of front and rear foot platforms, linked to the sled, to transmit leg force and assist in its elevation. Attached at the end of the lines is a set of hand rings, with which the user may use arm force, to help elevate the sled. Finally, the machine frame assembly is collapsible for shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Aaron P. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 6468187
    Abstract: A back slide exercise device for mounting to a vertical surface such as a wall for performing squatting exercises. The back slide exercise device has a slide portion with a smooth surface for slidingly supporting the back of a user performing squat-type exercises. Upper and lower rigid support members secured to the upper and lower edges of the slide surface are secured to the vertical surface by fasteners. A user performs squat exercises by leaning against the smooth outer surface of the slide portion with their back and extending their legs to move from a squat position to an upright position and then flexing their legs to move back to a squat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Donald Jeffrey Boatwright
  • Patent number: 6435611
    Abstract: A chair having two body supports which move in similar rotation and inverse elevation to one another to change from a chair configuration, where one support is higher than the other, to a spine tensioning apparatus, where the supports are near equal in elevation. Preferably body supports are spaced apart from one another such that the only interconnecting human link between the two supports, when in a near equal elevation configuration, is the human spine. The spine, in this configuration is then subjected to similar forces as a simple beam supported by two separate forces, tension, compression, shear and moment. The spine is aided by and through tension and contraction and increased blood flow and afforded the ability for spinal muscle, nerve and soft tissue development and maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Brian A. Walter
  • Patent number: 6428450
    Abstract: A sit-up exercising apparatus includes a base frame fixedly provided with a seat cushion, a swinging back cushion pivoted to a middle part of the base frame and turned up and down within an angle, a stop frame bar adjustably fastened to the base frame to limit the swinging angle of the swinging back cushion, two smoothly curved tracks provided at two sides of the base frame, and two handles connected in parallel to the swinging back cushion and respectively slidably coupled to the smoothly curved tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventors: Wei-Teh Ho, Keith Mirchandani
  • Patent number: 6425843
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out flexion exercises of the calf muscles is disclosed. The present invention provides a calf and foot stretching apparatus wherein the ball, the arch, the plantar fascitis and the heel of the foot conform to a convex curve of a foot plate with a slip resistant surface. While providing for effective stretching, the device provides for performing stretching and exercising in a safe, controlled and comfortable manner due to the design of the apparatus. The curved foot plate is firmly attached to a sturdy and stable support structure that may have means for attaching to a floor. Furthermore, so as to assist in keeping one's balance, the apparatus may have a vertical bar extending from the support structure to a height sufficient for one to hold onto while exercising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventors: Leesa Storfer, James Gisondo
  • Publication number: 20020098954
    Abstract: A portable exercise apparatus for rehabilitation and fitness training comprising horizontal side members attached to a horizontal cross bar. Vertical members extend upward and rearward from a mounting bracket attached to the middle of the cross bar where each vertical member contains a telescoping member for adjusting the height of the apparatus. A U-shaped handle is disposed on top of the telescoping members with a gripping section at each distal end. Each of the vertical and telescoping members have a plurality of apertures for inserting for inserting a locking device therethrough that secures the handle at the desired height. Wheels are attached along one face of the cross bar for ease of movement while a plurality of feet are disposed on the bottom face of the side members for stability and resistance to rolling while the apparatus is in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: STABO International LLC
    Inventors: Frederick Buechel, Colin Hoobler
  • Patent number: 6371895
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a generally rectangular extruded aluminum frame having a head end and a foot end and including a pair of spaced apart parallel track members wherein the head end, the foot end, and the track or rail members are each formed from the same metal extrusion material and have the same cross sectional shape. The extruded shape comprises a closed middle portion, an outer T shaped slot portion, and an inner C shaped support channel portion and may include one or more screw races in the closed middle portion for forming a solid mitered connection at the comers of the frame. The apparatus includes a movable carriage mounted on the frame for movement along the rail members between the head and foot ends against one or more resistance members connected between the carriage and the foot end of the frame. The exercise apparatus may include a foot bar assembly that permits a foot bar to be rotated between various positions via a quick release arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Balanced Body, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Endelman, Brian Janowski
  • Patent number: 6354982
    Abstract: A lumbar exercise machine having an adjustable pad assembly for engaging the legs above and below the knees while the legs extend generally forward with the feet against a foot rest and the knees bent so that the thighs and calves form an obtuse angle. A lock mechanism is provided to secure the pad assembly in the aforementioned position with the femurs restrained against movement so that the hips, buttocks and thighs cannot move during the exercise. The exerciser then moves his back against a movement arm in opposition to a resistance mechanism connected to the movement arm. The machine is adjustable to properly position a particular user for the exercise. One machine for home use utilizes dead weights plus the user's weight as the resistance mechanism while another machine for commercial use utilizes a compound weight stack as the resistance mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: MedX 96, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Sencil
  • Publication number: 20020022558
    Abstract: An angle-adjustable rowing exerciser, which includes a wheeled base frame, a fixed mattress and a pivoted mattress supported on the base frame, a transverse frame bar pivotally mounted on the base frame at the bottom, two handlebars respectively adjustably connected to two adjustable ratchet connectors at the ends of the transverse frame bar for turning by hand to rotate the transverse frame bar, and two actuating bars perpendicularly and fixedly connected to the transverse frame bar and forced to tilt the base frame or the movable mattress up and down upon turning of the handlebars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Casey
  • Patent number: 6348027
    Abstract: An exercise wheel comprises a housing, two grip rods secured to two sides of the housing, respectively, a chassis housed by the housing, and two wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly comprises a shaft mounted between two side walls of the chassis, two wheels mounted in the housing and connected by the shaft to thereby allow rotational movement of the wheels, and a torsion spring. The torsion spring has a coil portion mounted around the shaft, a first end securely attached to one of the wheels, and a second end securely attached to one of the housing and the chassis. Rotational movement of the wheels in a forward direction is stopped when the torsion spring is twisted such that the coil portion of the torsion spring is in contact with an outer periphery of the shaft. A sleeve is mounted around the coil portion of the torsion spring to prevent radial outward expansion of the coil portion when the wheels are moved in a direction opposite to the forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Chin-Tsun Lee
  • Patent number: 6302832
    Abstract: An exercise device (10) has a handlebar (30) with handgrips (32) for gripping by a user (U). An adjustment plate member (26) is mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot (28) on a fixed support plate member (18). A seat (58) supports the weight of the user U to resist to the rotation of the adjustment plate (26). A generally horizontal exercise movement is performed by pulling on the handlebar (30) and simultaneously pushing on foot pedals (70) on a foot frame (68) secured to the adjustment plate member (26). The horizontal exercise movement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be easily converted to a vertical exercise movement shown in FIG. 3 at the discretion of the user (U) by changing the motion exerted against the handlebar (30) by the user (U).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Stearns
  • Patent number: 6287241
    Abstract: A leg press exercise apparatus with composite motion movement combining a moving actuating member and a moving user support, the leg press having a support member, a frame on which the user support is located, the frame being pivotally connected to the support member, a truck in slidable engagement with the support member and the frame, an actuating member on which a push plate is located, the actuating member being pivotally connected to the support member and operatively connected to the truck, the actuating member being adapted to move between a first position and a second position, and a linking mechanism operatively connecting the actuating member the truck, wherein, when the user pushes the actuating member between the first position and the second position, the truck moves along rails on the support member, forcing the frame to pivot relative to the support member and causing the user to actuate a resistance weight, thus exercising certain of the user's muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Metal Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph K. Ellis
  • Patent number: 6270159
    Abstract: A manual uplift apparatus comprising a structural frame unit, a mechanical uplift assembly unit, and a power translating mechanism connecting the two units to allow the user to more easily obtain a standing position from a previously seated position. A second use for the apparatus may be as an exercise product for exercising upper body muscle groups. The structural frame unit is used to support and guide the mechanical uplift assembly unit. The mechanical uplift assembly unit has two sections that can independently move vertically with respect to the structural frame unit. One section has a seat, the other has rails or hand engagement handles. When downward force is applied to the hand engagement handles, the section having the handles move vertically downward and produces an upward force in the section having the seat through the power translating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Gary L. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6264588
    Abstract: A composite motion movement machine combining a moving actuating member and a moving user support, the composite motion movement machine having a support member, a frame on which the user support is located, the frame being pivotally connected to the support member, a truck in slidable engagement with the support member and the frame, an actuating member being pivotally connected to the support member and operatively connected to the truck, the actuating member being adapted to move between a first position and a second position, and a linking mechanism operatively connecting said actuating member with said truck, wherein, when the user moves the actuating member between the first position and the second position, the truck moves along rails on the support member, forcing the frame to pivot relative to the support member and causing the user to actuate a resistance weight, thus exercising, strengthening or rehabilitating certain of the user's muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph K. Ellis
  • Patent number: 6258016
    Abstract: A folding collapsible exercising apparatus including a wheeled front frame, a tubular bearing bracket, a back frame unit, a wheeled seat, a coupling, a damping device, and two handlebars. The wheeled front frame unit has a backwardly extending longitudinal shaft, and the tubular bearing bracket is slidably sleeved onto the longitudinal shaft of the wheeled front frame unit. The back frame unit is pivoted to the tubular bearing bracket and turned by the user between vertical and horizontal positions. The wheeled seat pivots to the back frame unit and is slidably supported on the tubular bearing bracket. The coupling moves along the longitudinal shaft of the wheeled front frame unit and is locked by a lock screw. The dampening device coupled between the coupling and the bearing bracket, and the two handlebars are pivoted to the back frame unit at two opposite sides and locked by a respective lock screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Johnson Kuo
  • Patent number: 6244995
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exercise device capable of entirely supporting a person's head, back and buttocks (seat) through the use of a carriage (located and moving on the inclined semi-circular tracks) and the feet through the use of the foot rest. The semi-circular tracks and the foot rest are mounted on vertical posts which are connected to a solid rectangular frame. The movement of the carriage is made possible by four small wheels fastened at the bottom of the carriage, which roll in corresponding partially covered grooves of the semi-circular tracks. The body weight of a person is used as a resistance for the exercises which can be varied by changing the inclination of the tracks. When a person is properly positioned in the device, the person's body moves the carriage up the tracks by the interaction between the torso and the legs. The flexed legs extend and the head and back resist the leg action by pressing against the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Jan Prsala
  • Patent number: 6238322
    Abstract: An exercise machine comprises a frame on which a load mechanism and a sliding seat pad are mounted. The load mechanism is formed of a damping member and a slide member fastened with the damping member. The sliding seat pad has a link portion. The slide member is provided with a traction portion capable of coupling and uncoupling with the link portion of the sliding seat pad. The frame is further provided with a pull cord capable of pulling the sliding seat pad to displace at the time when the pull cord is pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Hank Hsu
  • Patent number: 6234942
    Abstract: A compound exercise apparatus for extension, stretching and rowing-type exercises where the user's body weight provides a component of the resistive force against which the user exercises. The apparatus includes a base having a pair of stationary foot pedals, a cushion mounted to the top of a support bar for supporting the user's upper body. A lower end of the support bar is mounted to the base and an upper end of the support bar is pivotally mounted to an upper end of a twin-wheeled push rod. The twin-wheeled push rod is biased to a retracted position by an extension spring anchored within the support bar and connected to a cable anchored to a connection post of the twin-wheeled push rod. A fork member having a U-shaped bar at a lower end and a T-shaped connection member at an upper end is pivotally connected to the connection post of the twin-wheeled push rod. A lower end of the U-shaped bar of the fork member is pivotally connected by a linkage to the support bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Cheng-hui Yang
  • Patent number: 6206809
    Abstract: In an exercise apparatus a rigid frame includes upper and lower back supports pivotally connected in axial alignment. Upper and lower back support pads are mounted on the rigid frame for supporting a user in a reclined position with the weight of the user providing resistance to the exercises. Leverage arms are mounted at the head end of the upper back support. The leverage arms extend above the rigid frame such that the free ends thereof may be grasped by the user while performing abdominal exercises. The lower back support includes handles extending outwardly from the foot end thereof for grasping by the user while performing glute exercises. A thigh pad is mounted on the upper end of a lever arm pivotally attached to the foot end of the lower back support. Upon pushing the thigh pad by the user, the foot end of the rigid frame is raised along with the body of the user. Abdominal curls or crunching exercises are performed by grasping the leverage arms and pulling up the upper back support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Dream Visions, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Theodore G. Habing, Kenneth W. Stearns
  • Patent number: 6206808
    Abstract: An angle-adjustable rowing exerciser, which includes a wheeled base frame, a fixed mattress and a pivoted mattress supported on the base frame, a transverse frame bar pivotally mounted on the base frame at the bottom, two handlebars respectively adjustably connected to two adjustable ratchet connectors at the ends of the transverse frame bar for turning by hand to rotate the transverse frame bar, and two actuating bars perpendicularly and fixedly connected to the transverse frame bar and forced to tilt the base frame or the movable mattress up and down upon turning of the handlebars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Sung-Chao Ho
  • Patent number: 6162153
    Abstract: A compact, portable exercise machine includes a base, a pair of receiving means, a pair of parallel support bars fitting slidably within the receiving means, a body support platform, a resistance device, a cable, pulleys, and a cable tightening means. The base has a forward end and an after end and has the first and second receiving means located between the two ends. The support bars each has a forward end and an after end and are joined at these ends by front and rear connecting bars. The platform has a forward end and an after end and is attached to the front connecting bar and the rear connecting bar. Seat, head-rest and foot rests are attached to the platform. The resistance device is removably attached at its upper end adjacent the forward end of the body support platform and removably attached at its lower end adjacent the forward end of the base. A first pulley is attached adjacent the after end of the base. The cable tightening means is attached to the support bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventors: Charles Perez, Jr., Dean G. Tornabene
  • Patent number: 6135930
    Abstract: An exercise device consists of a bottom frame having a frame body, and a leg frame disposed at rear end of the frame body for tilting the frame body, a carrying unit having a seat mounted on the frame body, and a backrest mounted on the frame body, two action units having a pedal rod rotatably fastened at one end thereof with the frame body and at other end thereof with a pedal, a holding frame fastened pivotally with the frame body, a linking member connecting the pedal rod with the holding frame, and a damping device disposed at a pivoting end of the pedal rod. A linking device is disposed at the bottom of the frame body and connected with the linking members for enabling the two action units to operate in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Kevin Yen-Fu Kuo
  • Patent number: 6120425
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a generally rectangular frame having a head end and a foot end and including a pair of spaced apart parallel track members, a movable carriage mounted on the frame for movement along the track members between said head and foot ends against one or more springs connected between the carriage and the foot end of the frame. The carriage has a generally flat upper surface for supporting a user's body. The upper surfaces has a pair of spaced shoulder stops and a head rest extending from the carriage toward the head end. The head end has a cutout portion to permit the head support to extend through the head end so that the carriage can be fully extended to the head end against spring tension. The foot end includes an elastic member, anchor bar and carriage stop assembly to adjustably position the carriage and elastic members on the tracks to accommodate a wide range of user heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Ken Endelman
  • Patent number: 6120419
    Abstract: The multifunctional exercise machine includes a pedal, handle and swivel rod linked to a pivoting seat by a cable and pulley system. The handle is pivotally fastened to a suspension frame rod which is, in turn, pivotally fastened to the frame of the machine. The pedal is pivotally mounted to the frame and the swivel rod is pivotally mounted to the pivoting seat. A cable is fastened at one end to the handle, extends in turn though pulleys on the suspension frame rod, seat suspension rod, pedal and seat suspension rod, again, and is fastened at the other end to the swivel rod. The user faces forward to use the pedal and rearward to use the swivel rod. Movement of the pedal, handle or swivel rod is resisted by the weight of the user on the seat. The machine is foldable to facilitate storage and shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: How Jing Industrial Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Chu Hsu Huang
  • Patent number: 6113524
    Abstract: A bridge flex machine includes a base composed of a first rod, a second rod and two transverse rods mounted between the first and second rods, a triangular block mounted on the base and located to the first rod, a U-shaped member slantingly inserted into the triangular member and fixedly mounted thereon by a bolt, an oscillating rod pivotally connected with upper ends of the U-shaped member, a rectangular frame arranged on the oscillating rod, a vertical rod with a U-shaped cross section vertically mounted on an intermediate portion of the base, a T-shaped rod vertically inserted in the vertical rod, a U-shaped rod mounted on the base, a rectangular rack pivotally mounted on two ends of the U-shaped rod, and a foldable rod having an end pivotally connected to a bottom of the rectangular rack and another end pivotally connected to an end of the oscillating rod, whereby one may use the machine to release pains and aches in the back and waist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Chao-Chiang Huang
  • Patent number: 6106444
    Abstract: An exercise assembly includes a substantially rectangular housing having planar front and rear surfaces with top, bottom, and two opposing side edges. Extending from the top edge is an extendable cord having a hook member at a distal end for securing the device to a door knob. The bottom edge has a pair of slots each having an axle mounted pulley received therein. A rope or cable is wrapped about each pulley which may be moved back and forth thereon. A digital electronic display means is disposed on the front surface and is in communication with a counting means for manipulating the output with each predetermined number of revolutions of a select pulley. The device also includes an alternative attachment means for securing the housing to non-conventional door knobs and similar support structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Marilyn Maingart
  • Patent number: 6086521
    Abstract: An exercise device is provided, which is of simple and inexpensive construction, compact, lightweight, and portable, and allows the user to use his or her own weight to create a form of resistance in performing a variety of exercise routines directed to different muscle groups of the body. The exercise device is comprised of a support platform that carries the user and is pivotally connected to an upper location of a base frame that rests on a flat surface, a lifting bar that is pivotally attached to the base frame, a carrier bar that is adjustably attached to the lifting bar and is also pivotally attached to a lower location of the support platform, wherein upon raising of the lifting bar, the carrier bar is raised, which in turn causes the support platform carrying the user thereon to pivot about its connection to the base frame and be raised. In this manner, the exercise device utilizes the weight of the user as a counterweight resistance to the raising of the lifting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Kurt Solland
  • Patent number: 6071217
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus which comprises a track, a track carriage slidably disposed on the track, and a resistance system for providing unidirectional, selectively variable resistance to the track carriage. The track carriage is capable of sliding along the track in a first direction when a force is applied to the track carriage sufficient to overcome the resistance force of the resistance system, and whereby the track carriage is capable of sliding along the track in a direction opposite to the first direction when the applied force is diminished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Larry W. Barnett
  • Patent number: 6024677
    Abstract: Apparatus for training of muscles, comprising a support (1) wherein a sliding seat (6) is supported on a rail (4), said rail being adjustable to permit the seat sliding travels in desired angles to a horizontal plane, and two-pulley cables (7,8) are attached in the support and longitudinally adjustable, the load of said pulley cables being adjusted as desired by threading the cables in alternative running paths in the apparatus, and through which pulley cables the user moves his body along the rail while resting on the seat for training the muscles of arms, legs and body exclusively against the load of his own body weight, said load being adjusted to the user's muscle strength through an appropriate selection of the running path and power reduction of the pulley cables and the seat angle relative to the horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Torbjorn Siwertz