Elevated Walking Device (e.g., Stilts, Etc.) Patents (Class 482/75)
  • Patent number: 11602672
    Abstract: A leg attachment assembly for a stilt device of the type used to support a user above a base surface. The leg attachment assembly has a curvilinearly extending leg band configured to partially surround an upper leg portion of a user's leg. The leg band is attached to a distal end of a support pole using a pair of spacers and associated fasteners. One or more strengthening ribs extend in a lateral direction between contact locations of the spacers. The strengthening ribs extend beyond the spacers to enhance rigidity of the leg band during use. A securement strap can be used to encircle the user's leg and the leg band to attach the stilt to the leg. The strap can be routed between the spacers and over the top surfaces of the strengthening ribs so that, when the strap is tensioned, the ribs prevent slippage or displacement of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Emmert Second Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Raymond L. Emmert
  • Patent number: 10624810
    Abstract: A crutch for assisting a user to walk includes a leg platform configured to support a portion of a leg of the user, and a ground contact having a weight supporting medial contact region that is disposed higher than a weight supporting lateral contact region. An optional strap on the leg platform can be used to maintain the leg in a forward position. An optional thigh saddle can be used to help prevent lateral movement of the user's upper thigh with respect to the crutch. An optional front facing handle can assist new users in learning to use the crutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: IWALKFREE, INC.
    Inventor: Bradly Hunter
  • Patent number: 10371191
    Abstract: In order to provide a connecting means for connecting a first component and a second component, in particular for connecting furniture parts or machine parts, by means of which the components may be connected to one another simply and reliably, it is proposed that the connecting means includes a first connecting element which in the connected condition of the components is arranged on the first component, and a second connecting element which in the connected condition of the components is arranged on the second component, wherein, for connecting the first component and the second component, a spring element of the first connecting element is configured to come into engagement with a receiving element of the second connecting element, wherein the connecting means, in particular the first connecting element and/or the second connecting element, includes a reinforcing element for reinforcing a spring force of the spring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignees: Lamello AG, Franz Baur, Franz Haser
    Inventors: Franz Baur, Franz Haser, Patrick Jeker, Philipp Seiler
  • Patent number: 10039956
    Abstract: A stilt comprises a floor platform, a shoe platform, parallel supports extending between the platforms, a leg support extending above the shoe platform, and a yoke connecting the leg support to the shoe platform. The pair of parallel supports is substantially vertically mounted supports pivotally connecting the floor platform and the shoe platform. The vertical supports are spring-biased so as to maintain the vertical supports and the platforms in a parallelogram configuration. The leg support is mounted to one of the vertically mounted supports and to the shoe platform. The mounting includes a capturing bracket for engaging the lower end of the leg support. The yoke engages the leg support at the attachment to the shoe platform. A key closely engages depressions in the yoke and the leg support to resist twisting of the leg support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Joe Lin
  • Patent number: 10039688
    Abstract: A walker glide is provided. The walker glide has a base configured to support the walker and glide along a floor or other surface that the walker is being used on. A shaft extends from the base and comprises the attaching structure to connect the glide to a leg of the walker. The shaft includes two fingers which extend into the leg of the walker and are flexible towards each other. A protrusion extends from outer faces of each finger. The protrusion is configured to mate with an aperture in each side of the leg, thereby removably securing the glide in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Epp
  • Patent number: 9675829
    Abstract: An adjustable pull-up device for use as part of a comprehensive fitness routine, including upper body and core strengthening, and balance training. The device transitions easily between traditional and modified fitness training exercises. The device includes a pair of support mechanisms and a bridge extending therebetween. The pair of support mechanisms each include at least one expandable leg. When the device is deployed, the legs selectively expand and contract for performing exercises, such as a pull-up, when the user lies between the legs. In an example embodiment, the device includes tripod legs for added stability of the device. In another example embodiment, the legs are pivotally coupled to the bridge to enable the collapsibility and storage of the device. The device can include a plurality of hooks for coupling supplementary fitness equipment to further enable variable forms of fitness training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Katz
  • Patent number: 8528233
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the ability of a human to run and jump with comfort comparable to running barefoot on a trampoline and with control comparable to that of the unaided human form, yet with freedom from ankle-turning roll moments associated with substantial ground contact member (GCM) extension downwardly away from the sole of the foot including, a resiliently urged GCM constrained to two degrees of freedom. The apparatus relates flexure of a GCM toe pressure member to comparable flexure of user's toes at the metatarsal joints. The apparatus also incorporates lower leg to ankle pivot bracing, and extends the GCM in downward direction parallel to the lower leg while mimicking user ankle articulation with parallelism-maintaining rotation about a downwardly resiliently urged transverse pivot axis similar to the user's own ankle joint for extended travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: David L. Killion
  • Patent number: 8337369
    Abstract: An adaptable mounting plate is secured to and thereby combined with a stilt boot plate. The mounting plate pivotally couples a quick-release ratcheting strap and an adjustable arched heel backer to the stilt boot plate. The mounting plate and backer keep a user's feet in correct position, thereby providing both lateral and forward stability needed during movement. The pivotal quick release ratcheting strap simultaneously drives the user's heel into the arched heel backer, ensuring a secure coupling therebetween, and draws the user's shoe or boot tightly down against the stilt boot plate. The toe strap is also preferably a quick-release ratcheting strap, and is preferably attached in existing toe strap mounting holes. Likewise, the upper calf support utilizes the same type of quick-release ratcheting strap as the ankle, and is preferably mounted with nylon lock nuts through mounting holes on the calf support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Zachary T. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 8220181
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the ability of a human to run and jump with comfort comparable to running barefoot on a trampoline and with control comparable to that of the unaided human form, yet with freedom from ankle-turning roll moments associated with substantial ground contact member (GCM) extension downwardly away from the sole of the foot including, a resiliently urged GCM constrained to two degrees of freedom: translation away from the sole of the user's foot and rotation about a longitudinal axis at ground level. The apparatus relates flexure of a GCM toe pressure member to comparable flexure of user's toes at the metatarsal joints. The apparatus also incorporates lower leg to ankle pivot bracing, and extends the GCM in downward direction parallel to the lower leg while mimicking user ankle articulation with parallelism-maintaining rotation about a downwardly resiliently urged transverse pivot axis similar to the user's own ankle joint for extended travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: David L. Killion
  • Patent number: 8172730
    Abstract: A stilt device having a front extendible strut and a cooperating rear extendible strut pivotally connected to a base member and a shoe plate, the front and rear extendible struts being disposed in a parallelogram relationship. The rear extendible strut has a rear member and a rear extendible member. A leg support pole is supported at one end by the rear extendible member and extends for its other end to be connected to a workman's leg to provide stability and to thereby enable the replacement of height determining extendible members, the distance from the shoe plate being a common vertical difference that is unchanged the extension of the extendible struts or by components thereof. For stilts of increased height the springs of the damping assemblies are selectively stiffened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Emmert Second Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Raymond L. Emmert
  • Publication number: 20120004078
    Abstract: Stilts for supporting a worker for doing elevated work, such as drywall installation, and methods of improving the safety of stilts, reducing the weight of stilts, and obtaining and providing stilts. Stilts each include a base member, a shoe plate, at least one (e.g., two) column(s), a leg-attachment mechanism, a support pole having a non-circular feature, and a guide that engages the non-circular feature to better resist twisting. In some embodiments, the non-circular feature is that the support pole has a non-circular cross section, such as an oval cross section. Inner and outer portions may telescopically engage to provide for height adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: CINTA TOOLS, LLC
    Inventors: Werner L. Schlecht, David T. Roman
  • Patent number: 8075456
    Abstract: A squat training device. A generally planar base is shaped to receive a shoed foot of a user. A plurality of straps are coupled to the base and are configured to secure the shoed foot to the base. A vertical member is detachably coupled to a front toe portion of the base and extends upwardly from the base to provide the user thereof with feedback regarding a predetermined exercise form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Nathan B. Fugitt
  • Publication number: 20110275490
    Abstract: An industrial stilt generally includes a floor-engaging member having a heel portion and a toe portion, a load-bearing riser pivotally coupled with the heel portion of the floor-engaging member, a biasing assembly pivotally coupled with and between the toe portion of the floor-engaging member and the load-bearing riser, a foot-engaging member, a leg support assembly, and a leg cuff assembly. The biasing assembly assists in preventing excessive forward or backward leans and maintains the load-bearing riser and the user in a substantially vertical, upright position. The position of the leg cuff assembly on the user's leg and the user's elevation may be easily and safely adjusted using bracket and load-bearing riser adjustment and locking assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: James T. Sener, David Mathieu, Christopher D. Hageman, Jack D. Murders
  • Patent number: 8047969
    Abstract: Motion or velocity stilts are provided a strapping system for attachment of the leg and foot of a user. An upper knee cuff uses dual straps that enwrap the leg and are secured by a front buckle and perimeter lengths of hook and loop fasteners. The hook and loop fasteners enable fore and aft leg positioning adjustments. The upper cuff is attached to the spring support utilizing a pair of knee braces that permit pivoting of the knee cuff as well as width adjustment for variation in user knee and leg diameters. The lower strapping system utilizes separate heel, instep, and toe straps to secure the foot to a foot plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Jay
  • Patent number: 7981008
    Abstract: An industrial stilt generally includes a floor-engaging member having a heel portion and a toe portion, a load-bearing riser pivotally coupled with the heel portion of the floor-engaging member, a biasing assembly pivotally coupled with and between the toe portion of the floor-engaging member and the load-bearing riser, a foot-engaging member, a leg support assembly, and a leg cuff assembly. The biasing assembly assists in preventing excessive forward or backward leans and maintains the load-bearing riser and the user in a substantially vertical, upright position. The position of the leg cuff assembly on the user's leg and the user's elevation may be easily and safely adjusted using bracket and load-bearing riser adjustment and locking assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Marshalltown Company
    Inventors: James T. Sener, David Mathieu, Christopher D. Hageman, Jack D. Murders
  • Patent number: 7946965
    Abstract: A hand-held walking stilt comprising a base that contacts a walking surface, where the base has a foot stand to support a user's foot a set distance above the walking surface, where the foot stand defines an opening for a pole. The base also has at least one base flange extending into the opening. There is also a pole adapted to extend through the opening in the foot stand, and to extend above the base away from the walking surface, with the pole having at least one pole flange that interconnects with the base flange to hold the base and the pole together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Pull-Buoy, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt K. Carbonero
  • Patent number: 7794366
    Abstract: A height adjustable stilt comprises a base and an extensible leg having a lower end secured to the base and an upper end. A foot support extends laterally from the extensible leg and is supported by the extensible leg. The foot support is height adjustable relative to the base as the extensible leg is extended or retracted. A height adjuster is configured to selectively extend the foot support relative to the base and configured to selectively fix the position of the foot support relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin D. Smith, Patrick Chaney
  • Patent number: 7788823
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the ability of a human to run and jump with comfort comparable to running barefoot on a trampoline and with control comparable to that of the unaided human form, yet with freedom from ankle-turning roll moments associated with substantial ground contact member (GCM) extension downwardly away from the sole of the foot, including a resiliently urged GCM constrained to two degrees of freedom: translation away from the sole of the user's foot and rotation about a longitudinal axis at ground level. The apparatus relates flexure of a GCM toe pressure member to comparable flexure of user's toes at the metatarsal joints. The apparatus also incorporates lower leg to ankle pivot bracing, and extends the GCM in downward direction parallel to the lower leg while mimicking user ankle articulation with parallelism-maintaining rotation about a downwardly resiliently urged transverse pivot axis similar to the user's own ankle joint for extended travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: David L. Killion, Jesse Killion
  • Patent number: 7780581
    Abstract: An apparatus attachable to a foot of a user, such as in a leg extension mechanism (stilt device). First and second support members extend from opposing sides of a foot support surface adapted to support the foot. A retention strap has opposing first and second ends each removeably attachable to the support members by the user, preferably by an opposing pair of buckle assemblies. The strap, the support members and the foot support surface maintain the strap in a semi-circular arc nominally symmetric about a centerline of the surface, with the arc having a width greater than a width of the foot support surface to facilitate insertion of the foot between the surface and the strap along the centerline. The support members are preferably slideably adjustable to accommodate different foot widths. A toe guide is also preferably slideably adjustable to align the toes of the foot along the centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Emmert Second Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Raymond L. Emmert
  • Patent number: 7771326
    Abstract: Two blocks of structural foam are fitted with shoe retaining straps with buckles. The blocks have ground contacting areas larger than the user's shoes for stability and to reduce the toss-over effects of stepping on construction junk on the floor. Small objects embed in the resilient surface of the foot so their effect on walking and stability are nullified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Ted G. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7744509
    Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing relative rotation between a substrate and a rotatable member. The substrate preferably comprises a pole of a leg support assembly in a stilt device, and the rotatable member preferably comprises a leg engagement assembly of the stilt device which engages a user's leg. The reinforcement member preferably operates as a spacer for the substrate, as well as to reduce wear between the substrate and an elongated member which couples the rotatable member to the substrate. A limit surface of the reinforcement member limits mechanical deflection of the elongated member and preferably comprises an annular sidewall of an aperture. A locking feature of the reinforcement member preferably comprises a tab which engages a channel in the substrate to maintain a desired axial orientation of the reinforcement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Emmert Second Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Raymond L. Emmert
  • Patent number: 7744513
    Abstract: A leg lift device is provided for attachment to a shoe. The leg lift device includes a sole, an optional lift insert and a shoe receiver attached to the sole. The shoe receiver includes a first section to engage a toe of a shoe and a second section to engage a heel of a shoe. The device also includes an attachment strap. A selected method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Bradley Castellano
  • Patent number: 7708676
    Abstract: An apparatus for cognitive and physical training has a figure-eight walking course with both or alternate inner and outer borders. Adjustable rails inside and outside the course assist rehabilitation. Gates in outer rails admit users to the course. Oppositely swinging gates at a center of course between the two loops provide supported direction from one course loop to another. The course may include a knockdown and portable track. Coordinated walking with bodily rotation and turning is promoted by a single off course focus point in a plane through the center separating the two loops. Increased motor, sensory, cognitive and other challenges are added to the walking, turning and lateral rotation. Also disclosed is a sensory-motor game and method of playing the game, which also employs a figure-eight course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Deborah T. Sunbeck
  • Publication number: 20100093501
    Abstract: A walking stilt includes a shoe platform and a floor platform connected by a support. The floor platform includes a heel section pivotally attached to the support and a separate and independently pivotable toe section pivotally attached to the support. The construction mimics an ankle joint and toe joints to provide a smooth rolling action while walking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Robert P. Singleton
  • Patent number: 7695412
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for a portable attachment device. The portable attachment device includes a narrow attachment end, a wide wrap end, a fastening means on the narrow attachment end, a fastening means on the wide wrap end, and padding located within the wide wrap end. The portable attachment device is attachable to a first item by wrapping the narrow attachment end around a portion of the first item and attaching the narrow attachment end to a portion of the wide wrap end, securing the portable attachment device to the item. The first item is then attachable to a second item by wrapping the wide wrap end of the attachment device around the second item. In one embodiment the portable attachment device is used to secure the leg and calf of a wearer to a construction stilt, securely and comfortably holding the leg in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Phil Hansard
  • Patent number: 7678027
    Abstract: An exercise ball device for exercising by a user while in a prone position. The exercise ball device includes a semi-circular shaped housing having an outer curved surface and an interior curved compartment having an inner curved surface. The housing has a retaining member positioned on the perimeter edge of the housing. The exercise ball device also includes a rolling ball positioned within the interior curved compartment, and the rolling ball is removably restrained within the interior curved compartment by the retaining member. Further, the outer curved surface of the housing has a restraint member attached thereto for receiving the hand of a user. Additionally, the rolling ball is approximately the same size as the interior curved compartment so that the rolling ball rotates or rolls within and relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Maulik Sanghavi
  • Patent number: 7674207
    Abstract: A coupling assembly is adapted to removably couple an associated bucket to an associated foot of a user. The coupling assembly includes a lower component. The lower component is adapted to encompass an associated bucket. The coupling assembly also includes an upper component. The upper component is formed as a strap. The upper component is adapted to couple with respect to a foot of a user. The coupling assembly also includes an intermediate component. The intermediate component is formed as a plurality of vertical straps. The straps couple the upper and lower components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventors: Donald W. Weaver, Charles E. Waltz, III
  • Publication number: 20100048361
    Abstract: A height adjustable stilt comprises a base and an extensible leg having a lower end secured to the base and an upper end. A foot support extends laterally from the extensible leg and is supported by the extensible leg. The foot support is height adjustable relative to the base as the extensible leg is extended or retracted. A height adjuster is configured to selectively extend the foot support relative to the base and configured to selectively fix the position of the foot support relative to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin D. Smith, Patrick Chaney
  • Patent number: 7600524
    Abstract: A mono-crutch for assisting the ambulation of individuals having injured or otherwise debilitated lower extremities. The mono-crutch having upper leg support with inner and outer support pads, a lower leg support for cradling a wearer's lower leg, and a ground contact member. The inner and outer support pads are configured so as to be able to be swapped or raised/lowered relative to one another, thereby allowing both right legged and left legged configurations to be created using the same mono-crutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignees: West Effective Solutions and Technology, LLC, Idaho Foot Center, P.C.
    Inventor: Phillip B. West
  • Publication number: 20090215590
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for a portable attachment device. The portable attachment device includes a narrow attachment end, a wide wrap end, a fastening means on the narrow attachment end, a fastening means on the wide wrap end, and padding located within the wide wrap end. The portable attachment device is attachable to a first item by wrapping the narrow attachment end around a portion of the first item and attaching the narrow attachment end to a portion of the wide wrap end, securing the portable attachment device to the item. The first item is then attachable to a second item by wrapping the wide wrap end of the attachment device around the second item. In one embodiment the portable attachment device is used to secure the leg and calf of a wearer to a construction stilt, securely and comfortably holding the leg in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: PHIL HANSARD
  • Publication number: 20090203504
    Abstract: An extension is provided for a standard mechanical stilt that is interfitted or telescoped between upper frame members and lower frame members of the standard mechanical stilt to thereby greatly increase the desired working length of the mechanical stilt. The extension consists of the same cross-sectional profiles as the standard stilt. The extension member may be interlocked with the standard stilt at any desired length. The extension frame has shock absorbing springs incorporated therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Jerry Wayne Williams, John Paul Ruffini
  • Patent number: 7571839
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a load bearing apparatus, and more particularly, to a passive exoskeleton whereby a load may be placed on the passive exoskeleton and thereby transfer weight of the load from the passive exoskeleton to a ground surface. The passive exoskeleton comprises a rigid body member for attaching proximate a portion of a user's body, a sliding rod attached with the body member, and a ground surface engage-able foot analog attached with the sliding rod. When a user places a load on the body member, weight of the load from is transferred from the body member, through the sliding rod, and into the foot analog, causing the passive exoskeleton to support at least a portion of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Conrad Chu, Andy Chu
  • Publication number: 20090100706
    Abstract: An elevated heel sole exercising device for securely receiving the heel portion of a user's shoe, comprising a sole member, an upper member, a means for providing grip to the user's shoe, a means for providing traction to the device during use and a means for securing the user's shoes in place. The upper member comprises a heel-bed, heel counter and a band having elastic and a non elastic portions and extending from the heel counter such that it wraps around the ankle of the user. The sole member has sufficient length and thickness such that the forefoot portion of the user's shoe is elevated off the ground when the user's shoe is received. The bottom section of the sole member is broader than the top section to provide better balance to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Vashone Kyndell Pierre
  • Patent number: 7490618
    Abstract: A forearm crutch cover that provides padding in the forearm cradle to increase the comfort of the user and covers the pivoting attachment junction that attaches the forearm cradle to the pole of the forearm crutch to help prevent injury or damage caused at the pivoting attachment junction when the forearm cradle is moved. The cover may also include a forearm strap to prevent the cradle from slipping off the arm. An elastic tongue may act as a reset for cradle to prevent the cradle from falling downward and allows easy access to the cradle for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: DeMay Med, LLC Mo. Corp.
    Inventors: Shirley DeMay, Neil Westbrooks
  • Patent number: 7445138
    Abstract: A load bearing apparatus is presented in the form of a passive exoskeleton whereby a load may be placed on the passive exoskeleton and thereby weight of the load from the passive exoskeleton is transferred to a ground surface. The passive exoskeleton is made of a rigid body member for attaching proximate a portion of a user's body; a sliding rod attached with the body member; a ground surface engage-able foot analog attached with the sliding rod; a rocker pivotally attached with the body member; a load pin attached with the sliding rod and operably attached with the rocker; and a bias block attached with the body member for engaging with the rocker. As a user walks, the bias block pivots the rocker to aid the load pin in transferring weight to the rocker and thereafter through the sliding rod to the foot analog and ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Conrad Chu
  • Patent number: 7374514
    Abstract: Two blocks of structural foam are fitted with shoe buckles. The blocks have ground contacting areas larger than the user's shoes for stability, and to reduce the toss-over effects of stepping on construction junk on the floor. Small objects embed in the resilient surface of the foot so their effect on walking and stability are nullified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Ted G Anderson
  • Patent number: 7357766
    Abstract: An adaptable body conditioning apparatus is disclosed having a relatively rigid platform and a resilient elevating and locating member receivable in an opening at an elevated center of the platform for adapting the platform for use in balance enhancing exercises. The locating member includes a releasable grip configured to hold the apparatus at the selected surface without surface modification. At least one resiliently stretchable cord attachment may be received through circumferential openings in the platform. A handle attachment having a stem may replace the locating member and is receivable through the opening at the elevated center of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: FunctionalInnovations, LLC
    Inventors: Todd A. Langer, Brent W. Murray, Clinton L. Percy
  • Publication number: 20080058171
    Abstract: An industrial stilt generally includes a floor-engaging member having a heel portion and a toe portion, a load-bearing riser pivotally coupled with the heel portion of the floor-engaging member, a biasing assembly pivotally coupled with and between the toe portion of the floor-engaging member and the load-bearing riser, a foot-engaging member, a leg support assembly, and a leg cuff assembly. The biasing assembly assists in preventing excessive forward or backward leans and maintains the load-bearing riser and the user in a substantially vertical, upright position. The position of the leg cuff assembly on the user's leg and the user's elevation may be easily and safely adjusted using bracket and load-bearing riser adjustment and locking assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Marshalltown Company
    Inventors: James T. Sener, David Mathieu, Christopher D. Hageman, Jack D. Murders
  • Patent number: 7335138
    Abstract: A hopper includes a handrail, a treadle, and a spring component, which is installed at the bottom of the hopper and touches the ground. The treadle is placed above the spring component and the handrail is place above the treadle and extends upward. The spring component has upper and lower arc boards and an auxiliary spring component. The upper and the lower arc boards assemble together to form a spring frame. The top of the upper arc board is fixed with the treadle and the lower arc board meets the ground. The auxiliary spring component is placed between the upper and lower arc boards to enhance the spring force of the arc boards as well as structural strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Yan-Yee Lee
  • Publication number: 20070270288
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for a portable attachment device. The portable attachment device includes a narrow attachment end, a wide wrap end, a fastening means on the narrow attachment end, a fastening means on the wide wrap end, and padding located within the wide wrap end. The portable attachment device is attachable to a first item by wrapping the narrow attachment end around a portion of the first item and attaching the narrow attachment end to a portion of the wide wrap end, securing the portable attachment device to the item. The first item is then attachable to a second item by wrapping the wide wrap end of the attachment device around the second item. In one embodiment the portable attachment device is used to secure the leg and calf of a wearer to a construction stilt, securely and comfortably holding the leg in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventor: Phil Hansard
  • Patent number: 7258652
    Abstract: A quick action lock for vertically adjustable legs of a stilt or workbench utilized by construction workers, as for example, installers of wallboard. The lock includes a pair of horizontally aligned squeeze spring fingers completely positioned within the confines of the telescoping struts of the legs for biasing a pair of stop pegs outwardly into alignable holes formed in such struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Wallboard Tool Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Florio, Elvin R. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7204262
    Abstract: A forearm crutch cover that provides padding in the forearm cradle to increase the comfort of the user and covers the pivoting attachment junction that attaches the forearm cradle to the pole of the forearm crutch to help prevent injury or damage caused at the pivoting attachment junction when the forearm cradle is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: DeMay Med, LLC
    Inventors: Shirley DeMay, Neil Westbrooks
  • Patent number: 7195102
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a telescopic stool for enabling a user stable and practical elevated working environment. The system enables the user to climb up or down and to move horizontally relative to a surface, increased and enhanced horizontal mobility, stability, portability, and height adjustability in an economical and lightweight telescopic stool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Moti Shai
  • Patent number: 7153242
    Abstract: The gait-locomotor apparatus of the present invention is a device for overcoming impeded locomotion in humans and is aimed at enabling people with handicapped lower limbs to walk. The gait-locomotor apparatus that is wore on a disabled user comprises a brace having a plurality of jointed segments that are adapted to fit the lower body of the disabled user and propulsion means that is adapted to provide relative movement between the plurality of jointed segments. The gait-locomotor apparatus further comprises at least one sensor adapted to monitor the angular position of at least one of the plurality of jointed segments and a control unit that is adapted to supervise the propulsion means and to receive feedback information from the sensors so as to facilitate the brace to perform walking patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Amit Goffer
  • Patent number: 7115071
    Abstract: A track for cognitive and physical training has a figure-eight surface with both or alternate inner and outer borders. Adjustable weight-bearing rails inside and outside the track assist rehabilitation. Gates in outer rails admit users to the track. Oppositely swinging gates at a center of track between the two loops provide supported direction from one track loop to another. Coordinated walking with bodily rotation and turning is promoted by a single off track focus point in a plane through the center separating the two loops. Increased motor, sensory, cognitive and other challenges are added to the walking, turning and lateral rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Deborah T. Sunbeck
  • Patent number: 7108640
    Abstract: A stilt device for supporting a user above a base support surface. The stilt device includes a shoe plate, a base member and at least one intermediary strut. A leg attachment assembly comprises an elongated support pole which extends upwardly from the strut. In some embodiments, a clam-shell assembly is attached to a distal end of the support pole and comprises opposing, curved inner and outer plates configured to surround and support the user's leg. A hinge assembly facilitates rotation of the inner plate with respect to the outer plate between open and closed positions. In other embodiments, a support attachment assembly utilizes a u-shaped bracket and a nested, h-shaped clamp to attach the medial portion of the support pole to the shoe plate. The support attachment assembly establishes and secures both the angular extent and length of the support pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Emmert Second Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Raymond L. Emmert
  • Patent number: 6959716
    Abstract: A bicycle seat supported generally by a tubular V-shaped configuration with an offset seat post to allow for padded leg cradle supports, padded handles and adjusting handle grip bars. The bottom of the ergonomically designed offset walker frame has an adjustable rubber tip for height adjustment. The seat is on a fixed top post. The position can be adjusted up and down in height, forward and back and front to back. Using the handle grips the user can straddle the bicycle seat and rest the injured limb on the leg cradle supports without having to strap the injured limb to the walker frame. The walker frame has been ergonomically designed for balance. The tubular construction is comprised of a number of offsetting bends and spacers, which offset the leg cradle to the proper distance for comfort and balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph Francis Schrader
  • Patent number: 6840893
    Abstract: Disclosed is a jumping device for exercise including an arc-shaped plate spring, a vertical member coupled to the plate spring, a footrest coupled to the vertical member while extending horizontally, a hinge lever hingably coupled to the footrest, a hoof lever hingably coupled to the hinge lever and fixedly mounted to the plate spring in an overlapping state, a shoe case serving as a shoe to be worn by a user, the shoe case being integrally coupled to the footrest while including a shoe bottom plate, and a U-shaped strip member serving as a connecting rod for connecting the footrest to the vertical member, the strip member having leg portions each fixedly mounted at a lower end thereof to an intermediate portion of the shoe bottom plate while extending upwardly and inclinedly toward an upper end thereof, and a connecting portion for connecting the leg portions, and a fitting member fixedly mounted to the connecting portion of the strip member at the rear of the strip member, the fitting member being fitted ar
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Poweriser Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae-Hyuk Yoon
  • Publication number: 20040176221
    Abstract: The invention is of an improved stilt assembly, which provides a height adjustable stilt that is less expensive than the costly adjust on-the-fly stilt, has no safety risk of sudden catastrophic height drops, and provides variable shock absorption. Applicant's stilt uses one or more telescoping member assembly that is locked into a set height by means of interlocking spacer blocks. The rubber-like interlocking spacer blocks vertically hold the stilt assembly together and provide shock absorption for the user. Varying the number and size of the spacer blocks varies the height and level of shock absorption for the stilt. Additionally, the use of spacer blocks creates a solid stilt assembly, which eliminates the safety hazard of sudden catastrophic drops in height from failure of on-the-fly height adjustment mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Dennie Waxler
  • Patent number: 6730005
    Abstract: A ball positioning structure on which a ball is placed comprises a lower body including a round disk with a through-hole in the center thereof, an upper body covered on the lower body and having a bore provided in the center thereof which is in alignment with the through-hole; a bearing disposed in the bore of the upper body such that the upper body and the slide device are mutually rotatable, and a frame, on which a ball is placed, disposed on the surface of the upper body. A user may sit on the ball, press the ball, or lean on the ball and make fixed-point rotation to enhance enjoyment of playing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Hsin Lung Accessories Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jim Liao