Abstract: A user interface console for programming exercise parameters relating to the operation of an exercise device, including a display for displaying the value of each of the exercise parameters and a selector for selecting one of the exercise parameters to be programmed. The interface console further includes a programmer for programming the selected exercise parameter with a desired value; the programmer includes an encoder unit having a rotatable shaft, wherein the user programs the selected exercise parameter by rotating the rotatable shaft. In response, the encoder unit generates electrical signals representative of the incremental motion of the rotatable shaft. The interface console further includes a microprocessor, coupled to the programming means and the display, for receiving the electrical signals and for responsively adjusting the value of the selected exercise parameter.

Abstract: An improved treadmill comprises a motor driven endless belt, sensors located below an upper run of the belt for sensing the position of a user, and a controller for controlling the speed of the belt in accordance with the position of the user relative to the sensors. The detection or lack of detection of the user by the sensors can cause the belt to accelerate, decelerate, remain at a constant speed, or stop. A proper sequence of user detections by the sensors permits the controller to initiate an automatic speed adjusting system. The controller also provides a safety system for stopping the belt. In one embodiment, the controller stops the belt upon a lack of the sensors detecting the user. In another embodiment, a safety sensor is mounted on an upper surface of a member located proximate the belt, and the controller stops the belt when the safety sensor senses the user.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber-reinforced molded racquet frame includes placing at least one core having a tube with at least one layer of woven reinforcing fibers in a mold shaped to define the frame. A plastics material is injected into the mold around the core or cores. The plastics material preferably has a relatively low setting temperature and a relatively low viscosity.

Abstract: A compact multi-function weight training exerciser employs handlebar levers that are angularly adjustable by releasable, splined connections with respect to the pivot shaft that they operate so that the rest positions of the respective levers can be disposed in various angularly displaced locations to enable the performance of a variety of exercises.

Abstract: A multi-position exercise bench convertible between a chair-like configuration for supporting a user in a seated position with back support, and a bench-like configuration for supporting the user in a reclining position. Three pivotally interconnected bench portions can be configured with the front and center bench portions substantially coplanar and the rear bench portion forming a back support, or with the rear and center bench portions substantially coplanar and in a reclined position.

Abstract: A method of moulding racquets to define stringing holes in the moulded frame. The method includes forming at least one approximately ladder-shaped member having two side pieces interconnected by rung pieces, with the side pieces substantially conforming to the curved shape of at least part of the frame of the racquet; entrapping the ladder-shaped member between two mould plates defining a mould cavity; injecting a plastic material into the mould cavity to mould the frame around the rung pieces; and forming the ladder-shaped member in two parts and separating the two parts after the frame has been moulded to remove the ladder-shaped member from the moulded frame.

Abstract: A basketball goal assembly for mounting on a door frame, door, column or the like in which a support member, such as a backboard, having a hoop secured thereto is height adjustable relative to the floor. The support member, which may be a backboard, includes parallel slots formed adjacent to opposed sides thereof so that it may be frictionally slidably mounted to the door or the like by threading a strap through the slots and attaching the strap ends to the door. U-shaped brackets adapted to engage with opposed edges of a door frame, door or the like may be used to attach the strap ends to the door. A goal including basketball hoop is pivotally secured to the support member or backboard. The installed goal assembly permits friction restrained movement of the hoop to any number of vertical positions along the mounting surface, while frictionally maintaining the hoop in a fixed vertical position during normal use.

Abstract: A compact multi-function weight-training exerciser having at least one pivoted handlebar lever efficiently matches liftable weight-training resistance to the exercising forces applied by the user. The handlebar levers can be simply and easily reconfigured in a variety of rest positions to facilitate a variety of exercises. Cable and linkages are efficiently laid out and housed within the frame of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of making a fibre-reinforced molded racquet frame is disclosed. The method comprises placing two cores each including a respective tube having at least one layer of woven reinforcing fibres in a mold shaped to define the frame. A respective core is positioned on each side of the split-line of the mold. A plurality of string-securing members are formed with each string-securing member comprising a first portion shaped to receive and position at least one string of stringing to be secured in the frame and a second portion adapted to be embedded in the frame. The string-securing member is supported such that, upon closure of the mold, the second portions are disposed inside the mold cavity and entrapped between the two cores while the first portions project out of the mold cavity into the area which will be surrounded by the mold frame. A plastics material is injected into the mold around the cores and the second portions of the string-securing members.

Abstract: A dual action cycle exerciser providing for exercising movement of the arms and legs using rotating pedals and oscillating handlebar levers. Connecting rods linking the handlebar levers and the pedals are journalled about the pedal axes via upwardly projecting rigid portions, resulting in a simplified construction affording beneficial exercise results, improved access to the seat of the cycle exerciser, and easier initiation of exercise movement.