Bicycle Patents (Class 601/36)
  • Patent number: 11951374
    Abstract: An exercise equipment comprises a display and a rotating mechanism, which includes a rotatable body and a stationary body. The rotatable body connects with the display, and the stationary body connects with a mechanism of the exercise equipment. The display rotates with the rotatable body, whose angle of rotation has an upper limit to avoid damage to wires. In addition, the rotating mechanism can emit a sound to notify the user that the display has been rotated to a specific angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Wei Liu, Hung-Ta Tung
  • Patent number: 11779804
    Abstract: A pedaling exercise machine according to the present embodiment includes: a pair of right and left pedal portions on which feet of a user are placed; a rotation mechanism that rotates the pedal portions when the feet of the user step on the pedal portions; a seating portion that is disposed on a rear end side of the rotation mechanism separately from the rotation mechanism and on which the user is seated; a fixing member disposed on a front end side of the rotation mechanism; and a belt member that is detachably connected to the seating portion and provided to extend from the fixing member to the seating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Eisuke Aoki, Tomio Ikeda
  • Patent number: 11766376
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assisted rehabilitation system comprising a device with static-bicycle movement, and devices that automatically sense and manipulate body performance parameters, allowing the rehabilitation response process of a user to be optimised. In particular, the sensing devices measure the pedalling rate, the pedalling resistance and the user's pulse rate, allowing the optimum exercising range to be configured, depending on the data acquired from the patient and on the level of effort required from him or her. The system also comprises two motors. One motor drives a flywheel that allows the user to experience a variation in the pedalling rate while using the device. A second motor provides different levels of pedalling resistance, allowing muscular strength to be developed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Inventor: Johann Barragan Gomez
  • Patent number: 11685465
    Abstract: An information output device that can output the position of a load applied to the pedal is provided. A strain gauge is provided on the inner face of a crank of a bicycle and detects strain occurring in the crank. A cycle computer display unit displays an image showing the center position of the load applied to the pedal connected to the crank based on the tangential force and the torsional torque calculated based on the output values of the first strain gauge to the sixth strain gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuo Mioka, Yasuteru Kodama
  • Patent number: 11654322
    Abstract: A translational-rotary machine is provided as a physical exercise machine particularly for the rehabilitation or training of upper and lower limbs for both passive and active therapies. The machine can perform movements that: allow a lower shaft to rotate while the carriage is stationary; allow the lower shaft to not rotate while the carriage translates in a direction of applied force; or allow a translational-rotary movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: POLIBRIXIA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Davide Fausti, Massimo Antonini, Giovanni Fusi, Rodolfo Faglia
  • Patent number: 11577122
    Abstract: A limbs cooperation exerciser and a control method for the same are provided. The limbs cooperation exerciser includes a frame, an upper limb exercise mechanism, a first driving module, a lower limb exercise mechanism, a second driving module, a first rotating speed sensor, a second rotating speed sensor, and a control module. The control module controls at least one of the first driving module and the second driving module according to the first rotating speed and the second rotating speed, making a differential value between the detected first rotating speed and the second rotating speed be smaller than or equal to a predetermined differential value. That is, the limbs cooperation exerciser controls the rotation of the first operating member or the second operating member to lower the difference between the rotating speeds of the first operating member and the second operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: GEE HOO FITEC CORP.
    Inventor: Ching-Lu Hsu
  • Patent number: 11547899
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus having a stationary frame, a handlebar assembly, a frontal-torso assembly, a resistance assembly, a rotatable crankset having a pair of crankarms with pedals mounted thereon where the crankset is positioned rearward of the handlebar assembly and the frontal-torso assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventor: Marty Williams
  • Patent number: 11471729
    Abstract: Electromechanical rehabilitation of a user can include receiving a pedal force value from a pedal sensor of a pedal; receiving a pedal rotational position; based on the pedal rotational position over a period of time, calculating a pedal velocity; and based at least upon the pedal force value, a set pedal resistance value, and the pedal velocity, outputting one or more control signals causing an electric motor to provide a driving force to control simulated rotational inertia applied to the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: ROM Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Adam Hacking, Daniel Lipszyc
  • Patent number: 11433276
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for using an artificial intelligence engine to modify resistance of pedals of an exercise device. The method includes generating, by the artificial intelligence engine, a machine learning model trained to receive measurements as input, and outputting, based on the measurements, a control instruction that causes the exercise device to modify, independently from each other, the resistance of the pedals. While a user performs an exercise using the exercise device, the method includes receiving the measurements from sensors associated with the pedals. The method includes determining, based on the measurements, a quantifiable or qualitative modification to the resistance provided by a pedal of the pedals. The resistance provided by another pedal of the pedals is not modified. The method includes transmitting the control instruction to the exercise device to cause the resistance provided by the pedal to be modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Rehab2Fit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bissonnette, Luis Berga, Steven Mason, Philip Powers, James D. Steidl
  • Patent number: 11426321
    Abstract: A physiotherapeutic device is disclosed. In an embodiment a physiotherapeutic device includes an arm trainer configured to rotationally move arms of a patient, the arm trainer having a first axis and a leg trainer configured to rotationally move legs of the patient, the leg trainer having a second axis, wherein the first and second axes comprise an adjustability in height, wherein a distance of the first axis to the second axis is constant, wherein the arm and leg trainers are adjustable in height so that an adjustment in height results in different exercising positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: ANTON RECK E.K.
    Inventor: Christine Reck
  • Patent number: 11413495
    Abstract: An exercise machine creates a simulated continuous resisted climbing motion. The machine includes a floor- or ground-contacting base frame and two or more substantially vertically oriented uprights, wherein at least one upright is rigidly connected to the base frame. The machine further includes two handles and two foot pedals, each handle and each foot pedal being movably engaged with an upright for linear reciprocating motion along the upright. The handles and foot pedals are interconnected so that they move concurrently. An adjustable resistance mechanism may be operatively connected to the interconnection of the handles and foot pedals to provide adjustable resistance for the simulated continuous climbing motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: CLMBR1, LLC.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Carruthers, Joe Ellis
  • Patent number: 11406866
    Abstract: An exercise device for deep squat and body stretch has a device body, a damping assembly, and a pedal set. The device body has a base. The damping assembly is disposed on the base, and has a tube, a pneumatic cylinder which has multiple positioning through holes, and a seat. The pneumatic cylinder is mounted in the tube. An adjusting component is able to extend through the tube and is mounted with one of the positioning through holes. The seat is connected to the pneumatic cylinder for height adjustment. The pedal set is assembled on the device body, and has two pedals rotatably mounted on the device body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Zhongshan Yingliang Health Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yi-Tzu Chen
  • Patent number: 11389365
    Abstract: A knee joint stimulation device that can effectively stimulate a knee joint is composed of a base, a frame provided upright on the base, a center shaft provided at an upper part of the frame, a crank connecting a motor and the center shaft and driven by rotation of the motor, a swing arm hanging down perpendicularly from the center shaft, and a support plate unit provided at a lower end of the swing arm and allowing a user in a sitting position to put his/her sole thereon. With the user putting the sole on the support plate unit, the length of the swing arm is adjusted such that a pivot point of a knee joint of the user is aligned with the center shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventor: Takaaki Hino
  • Patent number: 11311772
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus is provided that allows the user to assist the force applied with one arm or leg by exerting force from another appendage, without the use of complex mechanical linkages. The apparatus may also be reconfigured to accommodate the user in a wide variety of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Push Product Design, LLC
    Inventors: Lloyd Guyton Bowers Cooper, Foster D Phillips
  • Patent number: 11034408
    Abstract: A position adjusting arrangement for use in a vehicle includes a seat for supporting a rider, a rear wheel and a front wheel, a steering arrangement including a handle bar for allowing the rider to control the steerable wheel, and a hub for interconnecting the components of the wheeled vehicle. The position adjusting arrangement includes an adjustable seat support arrangement movably connected to the hub, an adjustable handle bar support arrangement movably connected to the hub, and a releasable position locking arrangement configured to lock the position of the components of the vehicle relative to the hub. The hub may include a first portion and second portion, wherein the first and second portions are moveably connected to one another, such as by pivoting, sliding, or a combination of pivoting and sliding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: LiteCycle, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Michael
  • Patent number: 11033767
    Abstract: An exercise machine can include a frame, one or more platform arms that can be driven by a motor or a hydraulic system, and one or more handle arms that can be grasped by the user's hands. The exercise machine can guide the user through movement that actively flexes and extends portions of a user's body while the user exercises to provide, for example, dynamic stretching and cardio benefits while achieving strength training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: ENGEN FITNESS, INC.
    Inventors: Harry J. Phillips, Douglas D. Udall
  • Patent number: 10960954
    Abstract: A bike pedal shoe platform apparatus for stabilizing a rider's foot on an exercise bike includes a platform dimensioned to receive the entirety of a user's shoe. A pair of mounting posts is coupled to the platform with each mounting post extending perpendicularly from a platform bottom side. A pedal holder is coupled to the pair of mounting posts. The pedal holder secures a pedal against the platform bottom side. A heel plate is coupled to the platform. The heel plate is coupled to the outer perimeter along the heel portion. A strap is coupled to the platform. The strap is coupled to the outer perimeter and extends from the insole portion to the outsole portion. The strap is adjustable to secure the user's shoe to the platform top side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: Jerry Snider
  • Patent number: 10716965
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes a supporting mechanism, two driving units, and a resistance device. The supporting mechanism is used to support the two driving units and the resistance device. The two driving units are respectively disposed at the left and right side of the supporting mechanism for the user to operate. The resistance device can be operated in both directions to eliminate the blockage when switching the operation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventor: Han-Lin Liu
  • Patent number: 10478660
    Abstract: Various embodiments related to a recumbent therapeutic and exercise device are provided herein. The recumbent therapeutic and exercise device includes a frame; a hand crank system coupled to the frame, the hand crank system including a hand crank rotatable by a user, wherein the hand crank is movable in a substantially vertical plane closer to and further from a support surface for the frame; and a foot crank system coupled to the frame, the foot crank system including a foot crank rotatable by the user, wherein the foot crank is movable in a substantially horizontal plane relative to the support surface for the fame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Jose D. Bernal-Ramirez, Daniel D. Wagner
  • Patent number: 9314664
    Abstract: Seat post and handlebar post that may be used for upright and recumbent stationary bicycles with its height adjustments and tilt angles controlled and powered by mechanisms that allows the user to adjust each to their desired position while operating the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Inventor: Edward Villaume
  • Patent number: 9199115
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of stationary exercise machines having reciprocating foot and/or hand members, such as foot pedals that move in a closed loop path. Some embodiments can include reciprocating foot pedals that cause a user's feet to move along a closed loop path that is substantially inclined, such that the foot motion simulates a climbing motion more than a flat walking or running motion. Some embodiments can further include reciprocating handles that are configured to move in coordination with the foot via a linkage to a crank wheel also coupled to the foot pedals. Variable resistance can be provided via a rotating air-resistance based mechanism, via a magnetism based mechanism, and/or via other mechanisms, one or more of which can be rapidly adjustable while the user is using the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Rasmey Yim, Marcus L. Marjama, Kevin M. Hendricks
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130310716
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a system and method for alleviating symptoms of a medical disorder of a patient by forced exercise. The system includes an exercise machine having movable portions that move in response to a first contribution by a patient and in response a second contribution by a motor. The system further includes at least one mechanical sensor and a control system programmed to alter the second contribution by the motor in response to the sensed data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventor: Jay L. Alberts
  • Patent number: 8029419
    Abstract: A support mechanism includes a front unit and a rear unit, wherein two swing members are respectively and pivotably connected to the front unit and the rear unit. Two positioning members are respectively connected to the two swing members and the front wheel shaft and the rear wheel shaft of a bicycle are connected to the two positioning members, so that the bicycle can pivot together with the swing members. Multiple rollers respectively connected to the front unit and the rear unit and the front and rear wheels are rotatably in contact with the rollers. A connection unit is connected between the rollers on the front unit and the rear unit. When treading the pedals of the bicycle, the front and rear wheels are rotated and the front wheel can be pivoted and the bicycle can be swung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Kuo Hui Wan
  • Patent number: 7497811
    Abstract: An exercising device includes a base frame, two crank shafts rotatably mounted on the base frame and each having two opposite bent end portions, and two pedals each mounted between the two crank shafts and each having two opposite end portions each pivotally mounted on and movable with the respective bent end portion of the respective crank shaft respectively. Thus, the user can step the two pedals to rotate the two crank shafts simultaneously so as to obtain an exercising effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventors: Barua Arun Kumar, Mei-Ting Yang
  • Publication number: 20080221492
    Abstract: An active and passive motion device for therapeutic exercise of upper and lower extremities, in the form of a pedaling device for therapy of leg and associated articulations. The device comprises a combination exercise stand and active/passive pedaling device that enables users with and/or without motor skills to remain generally stationary and seated in a chair or wheel chair and use their legs to actively pedal the device or have their legs moved by the pedaling device. Disclosed in an aspect thereof is an improved ankle strap sandal for use in such therapy. A lift enables the pedaling device to be vertically positioned relative to the wheelchair user when atop the support stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Avrahm El'Chonen
  • Patent number: 7399259
    Abstract: An Elevating Exercise Bicycle for fitness and amusement ride in one having occupant-seating station with frame attached to a support base frame through an articulating member providing angular rotation about lower pivot pins to create constant pitching angle and vertical movement for occupant-seating station. Hydraulic pressure powered by occupant's energy via foot pedal and a drive chain to the pump increased the pressure inside the hydraulic system. Hydraulic pressure from the pump transferred to a main cylinder lower port, extending the piston rod and pushing an articulating member to move. Angular movement of the articulating member caused an occupant-seated frame to follow in ascending or descending motion depending on piston rod movement. Each cycle of workout for occupant can be preset to required load level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Banyat Somwong
  • Publication number: 20080096731
    Abstract: A system for stabilizing a leg of a user includes a rail having a first end and a second end. The rail generally defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The first end is capable of being connected to an anchor point while the second end is capable of being connected to a portion of the leg located between the knee and the hip of the leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Hildebrandt, Roger Fettes, Douglas Hennigar
  • Patent number: 6926645
    Abstract: A stationary bike is adjustable through a range of configurations, including one suitable for recumbent cycling, another suitable for semi-recumbent cycling, and yet another suitable for mostly upright cycling. A handle assembly is mounted on the stationary bike, and provides left and right handle members that are operable in different modes of operation, including a stationary mode, a linked exercise mode, and an independent exercise mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Stearns, Joseph D. Maresh
  • Patent number: 6663539
    Abstract: A leg-exercising device includes a base, two support frames mounted on the base, a motor located between the support frames, a transmission gear mounted on a drive axle and actuated by the motor, two sprocket wheels mounted at two ends of the drive axle, two driven chains driven by the sprocket wheels, and two footrests fastened respectively to the driven chains such that the footrests move up and down at such time when the motor is in operation, thereby bringing about a training effect on the legs of a person standing on the footrests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Dong-Her Wu
  • Publication number: 20030109814
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of rehabilitating a person who has suffered spinal cord damage comprising the steps of: 1) providing exercise equipment capable of exercising a person's limbs, 2) providing functional electrical stimulation to the person's limbs to be exercised in order to operate the exercise equipment, 3) reducing the level of functional electrical stimulation as the person's muscles tire, 4) decreasing a resistance provided by the exercise equipment or providing assistance to maintain an acceptable speed of the exercise equipment, and 5) completely removing functional electrical stimulation to the person's limbs and providing assistance to maintain an acceptable speed of the exercise equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Patrick D. Rummerfield
  • Patent number: 6306108
    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: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Brian R. Butler
  • Patent number: 6220991
    Abstract: An exercise bicycle includes a frame having a pedal assembly mounted thereon. The pedal assembly is interlinked with an electric motor, a fan blade type wheel and a reciprocable handle bar assembly whereby the motor automatically rotates the pedal crank assembly and reciprocates the handle bars to provide a light, assisted workout to a physically challenged person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: David H. Sellers
  • Patent number: 6142914
    Abstract: An exercise device is provided for removable attachment to the foot rests of a wheelchair to enable a person sitting in the seat of the wheelchair to exercise at least one of his or her arms and legs. The device includes a base slidably received on the foot rests and an exercising arrangement adjustably mounted on the base to accommodate the physical stature of a person sitting in the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventors: Vincent R. Crawford, Robert E. Gunya
  • Patent number: 6027432
    Abstract: An exercise bicycle is composed of a base, a motor, a seat plate, a plurality of resilient elements, a support unit, a seat, a handle, two pedals, and a drive device. The motor is mounted on the base and provided with an eccentric rod fastened with a shaft of the motor such that the eccentric rod is capable of disturbing the seat plate to vibrate horizontally at the time when the motor is in operation. The horizontal vibration of the seat plate is imparted via the support unit to the seat, the handle and the pedals for massaging the hips, the back, and the hands of a user of the exercise bicycle, who is engaged in a leg exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Chau Yang Cheng
  • 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: 5879269
    Abstract: A training device is proposed having a crank for a training device for the physically disabled includes a crank, an electric motor which is connected to the crank, power electronics which are designed at least for driving the motor, and means for regulating and/or controlling the rotation speed at the crank. The training device for the physically disabled, makes it possible to use their residual movement capabilities and residual muscle power, in order to ensure a training sequence that is as effective as possible. The means for regulating and/or controlling the rotation speed are designed for a rotation speed change .DELTA.n as a function of the torque M.sub.K on the crank .DELTA.n=f(M.sub.K), a new rotation speed n.sub.new being obtained from the old rotation speed n.sub.old in accordance with the relationship n.sub.new =n.sub.old +.DELTA.n, and the function .DELTA.n=f(M.sub.K) being different for specific value ranges of M.sub.K defined in advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Anton Reck
    Inventor: Martin Reck
  • Patent number: 5860941
    Abstract: An active and continuous passive motion (CPM) devices for exercising and/or providing therapy to the upper and lower extremities comprising a frame, a disc pivotally mounted to the frame and hand or feet support members attached to the disc. A motor is provided and is coupled to the disc for rotating the disc in the active mode. A control circuit is provided for adjusting the speed of the disc in the passive mode and for adjusting the resistance to movement of the disc in the active mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Orthologic Corp.
    Inventors: John H. Saringer, Jeffrey J. Culhane, Alexander G. Solomon
  • Patent number: 5848955
    Abstract: A therapeutic system particularly suited for strengthening the hip extensor muscles of a user is described. The vehicle combines the therapeutic benefits of conditioning the hip extensor muscles with the enjoyable activity of propelling oneself on a wheeled vehicle. A frame is provided following the general pattern of a tricycle with one steerable wheel and a pair of driving wheels. A seat, a back rest, and at least one strap for holding the user in position on the seat and the back rest are also provided. These user support structures securely hold the user in the proper operating position, even when the user has less than normal muscular control and strength, such as with children with cerebral palsy. Structures are included for receiving at least a portion of the user's leg between the user's knee and the user's hip and for transmitting the extension motion of the user's hips into the rotational movement of the pair of driving wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Judith L. Gooch, Donald Bloswick, Don R. Brown, Glade Howell, Jeff W. Bean
  • Patent number: 5839995
    Abstract: A multi-functional health device comprises a frame support, a pedal assembly connected by wires with a pair of hand pullers, a hand wheel, a crank member, a torsion member and a pair of positioning plates operably disposed on respective positions of the support, which provide whole bodied exercise to a crippled or abled person for their subsidiary medical treatment. A pair of extensions extend parallel from the front side of the lower frame in cooperation with a plurality of belts and enables a wheelchair to be stably fastened therebetween for facilitating a ready access of a crippled person to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Ko-Chuan Chen
  • Patent number: 5683330
    Abstract: A sprint training machine including a pair of backward and forward movable pedestals respectively provided with a pedal, an arm and a crank and operable independently from each other; a power engine for shifting the movable pedestals by a predetermined distance; a power transmitting portion; and a load controlling means for controlling a resistive load during a pedaling exercise such that a resistive load is applied to the operator when the pedal is located lower than a horizontal position of the pedal arm while no resistive load is applied to the operator when the pedal is located higher than the horizontal position of the pedal arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: The University of Tokyo
    Inventor: Kando Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5514053
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus for performing recumbent pedalling exercises including pedals slidably mounted on a substantially horizontal track, a belt having one end secured to each pedal extending back toward the user over an idler then to a drive shaft so that the belt unwinds from the drive shaft as the pedals are pressed along the track. Each drive shaft (one for each pedal) is coupled to a resistance wheel assembly through a one way clutch. The drive shaft is spring loaded so that each pedal returns to a starting position after being extend. Each pedal operates independent of the other pedal. In one embodiment, the resistance wheel assembly includes a fan in which resistance to turning can be controlled by controlling the width of expandable blades, by partially covering up the fan blades or by a variable transmission coupling the fan to the drive shaft. In another embodiment, the resistance wheel assembly includes a rubber wheel in contact with a roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventors: Tranel Hawkins, Robert S. Smith
  • Patent number: 5490824
    Abstract: Disclosed is a limb exerciser mainly including an outer wheel housing and an inner wheel set in the outer wheel housing. With frictional members disposed between the contact surfaces of the outer wheel housing and the inner wheel, as well as actuating members oppositely disposed at two sides of the inner wheel, the inner wheel can be rotated relative to the outer wheel housing by pushing or pedalling the actuating members to produce frictional force or resistance and thereby helps the user to conveniently take hand or foot exercise at a desk top or on a floor or ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Inventor: Chih C. Wang
  • Patent number: 5449334
    Abstract: A rotatable exercise apparatus for rotating a user in such a manner that the user's center of gravity is offset with respect to the user's center of rotation, while simultaneously exercising the user's arms, legs, stomach, back, side and neck. The rotatable exercise apparatus generally comprises a rotatable frame having an outwardly facing user support for offsetting the user's center of gravity from the user's center of rotation, a frame support structure, and a means for rotating the frame. The rotatable exercise apparatus provides a strenuous, low impact, complete physical work out which simulates the exercise and exertion which may be experienced by the human body, while participating in sailing-type activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: Doug Kingsbury
  • Patent number: 5404771
    Abstract: A device for disposing toe clips on bicycle pedals in upright positions when the toe clips are not engaged by the cyclist's shoes comprises a pivot member suspended from the crossbar of the frame of the bicycle centrally above the sprocket wheel connected to the bicycle pedals, a pulley mechanism swivelly connected to the pivot member, and an elastic line which is carried by the pulley mechanism and which has ends detachably connected to the tops of the toe clips at the open ends of the toe clips. The pulley mechanism pivots about the pivot member in response to the movements of the toe clips to substantially prevent the elastic line from becoming entangled with the bicycle or with the user and also anchors the elastic line which urges the toe clips in upright operative positions so that the user can quickly and conveniently put his/her shoes in the toe clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: David N. Soma
  • Patent number: 5314390
    Abstract: A programmable limb exerciser wherein pedal motion is linear and the user may select isotonic, isokinetic or isoacceleration modes. The limbs may be exercised individually, reciprocally or in tandem. The exerciser can be readily re-oriented from a horizontal to vertical position for exercise of upper or lower body. A combination display and control panel provides information of the force exerted by each hand or foot, as well as number of repetitions and elapsed time, and provides a printout at the end of the exercise session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Loredan Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Westing, Glen R. Mangseth
  • Patent number: 5312311
    Abstract: The bicycle of the present invention has a seat having a high padded back, padded arm rests, is rotatable through three hundred and sixty degrees and has a lock to hold it in adjusted positions. The seat can be lowered by a hydraulic cylindrical, electric motor or the like for easy mounting and dismounting. The seat can be raised to a convenient use position and has seat belt, shoulder straps made of a VELCRO-type material. The pedals have slide-in foot supports and support straps which are made of a VELCRO-type material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: William G. Pearson
  • Patent number: 5308300
    Abstract: A step-type training machine in which the exerciser trains using a predetermined load while detecting the pulse of the exerciser, and in accordance with data (e.g. the age, sex and weight) inputted before the training and various data (e.g. the exerciser's pulse) during the training, the step load is varied and controlled during the training so as to impart the optimum exercise load to the exerciser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Chino, Hideo Hata, Kazuhiko Arai, Masao Ito