John N Boren

US Patent:

48692409, Sep 26, 1989

Filed:

Jul 14, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/219891

Inventors:

John P. Boren - Houston TX

International Classification:

A61H 102
A61F 524
A61F 504

US Classification:

128 75

Abstract:

An improved cerical traction apparatus adapted for use with an overhead door frame is disclosed. The traction apparatus has a spring mounted with a clamp. The spring is movable relative to the clamp between a rest position and an operating position for providing a range of traction loadings. A head halter or headstall for fastening to a user's head is mountable to a spreader bar secured to the spring. When the traction apparatus is secured to the door frame, the user is quickly and conveniently able to achieve a range of loadings in the operating position or no loading in the rest position by the position of the headstall fastened to the user's head.

US Patent:

52639134, Nov 23, 1993

Filed:

Jul 31, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/922807

Inventors:

John P. Boren - Houston TX

International Classification:

A63B 21068

US Classification:

482 96

Abstract:

An exercise machine or apparatus (10) to permit a user (U) to perform a squatting exercise while supported in an inclined supine position on a slidable platform (12) which may be positioned at a predetermined inclination relative to the vertical by adjustment of the length of a diagonal leg (16) is disclosed. The movable platform (12) has bearing sleeves (64) mounted for sliding movement along fixed rods (60). Shoulder pads (78) on the platform (12) engage the shoulders of user (U) supported on the platform (12) with the feet of the user supported on a foot rest (52). Force exerted by the user (U) against the shoulder pads (78) by a pushing action of the feet from the bent position shown in FIG. 1 forces the platform (12) upwardly for straightening of the legs of the user (U). The vertical load exerted by the user (U) is determined by the inclination of the body support platform (12).

US Patent:

52135560, May 25, 1993

Filed:

Jul 10, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/912095

Inventors:

John P. Boren - Houston TX

International Classification:

A63B 21062

US Classification:

482137

Abstract:

In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a motion converting mechanism for an exercise machine includes a shaft mounted on spaced bearings on opposite walls of a side compartment of the machine, a pitman arm on the shaft, a drive assembly including inner and outer arms extending above and below the shaft, a linkage and transducer that connect the outer end of the pitman arm to the lower end of the drive assembly, a lifting wheel on the shaft between the inner and outer drive arms, and a laterally shiftable pin that extends through the outer drive arm, one of a plurality of holes near the outer periphery of the lifting wheel and into the inner arm to connect the drive assembly to the lifting wheel in any one of a plurality of relative orientations. A stop against pivotal rotation of the lifting wheel also is provided to enable static tests to be made of certain ones of the users muscles.

US Patent:

53603834, Nov 1, 1994

Filed:

Oct 16, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/962530

Inventors:

John P. Boren - Houston TX

International Classification:

A63B 23025

US Classification:

482 10

Abstract:

An exercise machine (10) and method for testing and exercising the cervical muscles of a patient or user. A movement arm (58) is mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis defined by stub shafts (64, 66) and has a head pad (60) adapted to be contacted by the head of the patient. The exercise machine (10) has a chair (22) mounted for rotation to a desired angular position and mounted for vertical adjustment by actuation of a foot lever (38) to position the chair (22) relative to movement arm (58) and head pad (60). Chair (22) is also mounted for translatory horizontal movement parallel to the pivot axis of the movement arm (58) and for translatory horizontal movement perpendicular to the pivot axis of the movement arm (58) by movable bases (45, 46) thereby to precisely position the head of a user relative to head pad (60) while the user is seated in the chair (22) and pivoted among angular positions. A strain gauge (117 ) has one end anchored to the fixed frame (20, 118) and the other end is secured to a releasable locking means (130, 132) for the pulley wheel (78, 86) to block rotation of the pulley wheel (78) for static testing of the cervical muscles.

US Patent:

52697380, Dec 14, 1993

Filed:

Mar 19, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/854540

Inventors:

John P. Boren - Houston TX

International Classification:

A63B 2100

US Classification:

482134

Abstract:

An exercise machine (10) and method for testing and exercising the lumbar muscles of a user or patient (P) while in a secured seated position on a seat (20) by the user exerting a rearward force against a back pad (32) on a pivoted movement arm (30) is described. The user (P) is positioned on seat (20) with feet on a horizontal plate (82) and tibias restrained against upward movement by thigh pads (72). Upward vertical movement of platform (80) relative to pads (72) secures the user (P) tightly on the machine (10) and permits a limited rocking movement of the pelvis during exercising as shown at (D) in FIG. 12. A strain gauge (172) anchored at one end (176, 178) to the fixed support frame (14) is mounted for connection to a pulley wheel (132) for static testing and for disconnection from pulley wheel (132) during the exercise mode.