Abstract: A balance training apparatus for supporting an individual with a limited liability to maintain his or her on balance has a pair of vertical support rods connected to a base by joints which include lower elastic parts tending to bias the user into an upright position. The two support rods are connected by a brace for supporting the pelvis of the user and knee supports are provided between the two support rods for yieldably pressing the knees of the user.

Abstract: This invention relates to health and fitness, and more particularly to exercise methods and devices. More particularly, the invention is directed to stretching exercises and physical therapy, for example an apparatus and exercises for lower back pain. The exercise apparatus comprises at least three cells abutting each other on a common base or frame. Each cell can be independently inflated and deflated to provide an adjustable support cushion having a range of shapes and firmness. An articulated frame is optionally provided for additional independent movement of the cells. Users lie down on the cushion and produce precise stretches and exercises by controlling the rate and degree of inflation or deflation of each cell or group of cells, and optionally, articulated movement of the frame. Stretching can occur passively, as when the body conforms to the shape of the cushion, or actively by exercising in concert with the conformation of the cushion.

Abstract: A wheel-guiding device comprises a handle connected to a member of a U-shaped member and the handle is preferably essentially perpendicular to a plane of the U-shaped member for guiding the motion of a preferably wheel. The handle is extendable for adjusting the length of the wheel-guiding device. The wheel's motion is controlled with the wheel-guiding device by engaging the U-shaped member and pushing on the wheel with the wheel-guiding device causing the wheel to both rotate and move in various directions or to stop movement of the wheel.

Abstract: An exercise machine and associated method for assisting a person in performing a push-up. The exercise machine has a body support platform that extends from a point of rotation at a variable angle of inclination. A user lays prone on the body support platform to perform a push-up. When a person laying on the body support platform performs a push-up, the body support platform rotates around its point of rotation from a first angle of inclination to a second angle of inclination. A bias mechanism is used to bias the body support platform toward one angle of inclination. Depending upon the needs of the user, the bias mechanism can be configured to either apply an upward bias to the body support platform that would assist a person in performing a push-up, or apply a downward bias to the body support platform that would resist a person in performing a push-up.

Abstract: A kit for assembly of exercise apparatus (1) comprising a first major component (2) and a second minor component (3) each with engagement means (22–25) complementary to those on the other and detachably interengagable with each other in alternative mutual orientation of those components (2, 3) so that the assemblage can be arranged and rearranged at will be assume alternative bench, chair or incline configurations.

Abstract: A child activity device for entertaining and promoting activity in a child is disclosed. The child activity device is configurable between a use and storage position and may also include a frame providing bouncing motion for a child. The activity device includes a support frame extending vertically upwards from a lower end proximate to a support surface and terminating at an upper end, a supporting portion, and may further include a seat, coupled to the supporting portion, that is rotatable about a first axis relative to the support frame to allow a child placed in the seat to rotate about the first axis. A coupling assembly is also disclosed. The coupling assembly secures the supporting portion to the support frame upper end and permits rotation of the supporting portion about a second axis for configuring the seat and supporting portion in a storage position. An activity device with foldable support legs is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising a frame, and at least one elongated sheet of flexible material has a first end coupled to the frame and has a second free end positioned frontwardly relative to the frame. The sheet of flexible material has an upwardly facing support surface, and the sheet of flexible material has a predetermined stiffness for supporting substantially the entire weight of an exerciser of the apparatus. At least one support assembly is mounted to the frame and generally overhangs the support surface of the sheet of flexible material for further supporting the exerciser upon pushing downwardly against the sheet of flexible material and thereby moving the free end of the sheet of flexible material downwardly, and for supporting the exerciser upon pulling upwardly to release the downward force against the sheet of material and thereby permitting the free end of the sheet of flexible material to move upwardly.

Abstract: A transportable exercising apparatus comprising a frame at which is secured a structure supporting the user's body while its hand or foot is in use, and that can be adjusted according to user's needs.

Abstract: An exercise device which includes a structure with a lower outwardly extending ground-engaging surface, an upper surface which includes a seat formation for a user positioned so that a user, seated on the seat formation, can place his feet on the ground, and an upwardly extending back-supporting surface.

Abstract: A physical interaction device which includes a wall and a floor presenting a surface of a hook or loop component of a hook and loop fastening system. Also provided is at least one glove and at least one piece of footwear which includes an outer surface presenting the other hook or loop component of the hook and loop fastening system. Each of the glove and piece of footwear can be selectively and releasably attachable by a person wearing such, to the surface of the wall and floor to thereby immobilize the hand or foot and allow the person to apply an action force countered by the wall or floor in a reactionary manner.

Abstract: A stretching apparatus includes a base comprising a seat, a back support mounted to the base, at least one leg support pivotally mounted to the base, a first strap securing a user's leg to the leg support, a foot pedal positioned at a free end of the leg support, and a second strap securing a user's heel to the leg support.

Abstract: A combined exercise/weight bench/lower cable station device. The device includes a bench that is supported in a generally horizontal use position and that is pivoted so that it can be moved up to an upright stowed position and held in place in the stowed position. Also included is a cable riser with a cable running there through. The cable has a weight-carrying saddle coupled to one end, and the other end of the cable extends from the lower portion of the riser underneath the bench when the bench is in the user position. To use the lower cable station function of the device, the bench is pivoted up and out of the way to the stowed position to provide access to the user end of the cable. The weight-carrying saddle is adapted to carry one or more weight plates, dumbbells, or weighted balls, to allow the user to use existing weights.

Abstract: An overhead exercise system for a complete, low impact, upper body workout emphasizes strengthening and toning the abdominal and oblique muscle groups of the human body. The system simulates an Olympic hammer throw by using adjustable resistance, such as adjustable hydraulic pressure. The system can be used in a number of positions including standing and sitting positions. A rotatably mounted arm having a handle grip is moveable in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Handle pressure is independently adjustable for clockwise and counterclockwise motion. A seat is adjustable both vertically and horizontally to accommodate the user.

Abstract: An apparatus is used on a surface and aids in stretching lower extremity muscles of a person in three planes of movement. The apparatus includes a plane for supporting a foot of the person. The plane has a front end, a rear end, a first edge, a second edge, a top side and a bottom side. The apparatus further includes a rear support associated with the bottom side near the rear end of the plane. The rear support extends from the first edge to the second edge. A front support is associated with the bottom side near the front end of the plane. The front support extends from the first edge to the second edge. The front support has a dimension between the surface and the plane that is greater than that of the rear support. The apparatus further includes means to rock the apparatus between the first edge and the second edge.

Abstract: A seat exercise device for use onboard a mobile platform such as a commercial aircraft is disclosed, wherein a passenger engages the exercise device while seated to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during extended periods of travel. The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a leg support secured to a passenger seat and a foot support secured to a lower end of the leg support. A trombone spring is secured between the leg support and the foot support such that a passenger may push down on the foot support to flex and contract thigh muscles. Additionally, a pivot spring is secured between the leg support and the foot support such that a passenger may pivot the foot support to flex and contract calf muscles. Accordingly, the flexing and contracting of leg muscles increases blood circulation and reduces the risk of DVT during long flights.

Abstract: A martial arts training device comprising a stand having a base and at least one substantially vertically extending arm extending up from the base. There is also at least one guide coupled to the stand which is for guiding a user in performing exercises. In addition, to stabilize the stand there is a stabilizer for stabilizing against movement so that when a user accidentally contacts the guide, the stand remains substantially in place. The guide can be in the form of a rope, cord, or cable.

Abstract: Body exercisers, usable in a plurality of modifications, encouraging exercising on sports training devices through users' emotional stimulation and intended for group exercising, games and team contests. Prior art training devices and/or any modifications of prior art training devices are used as components of a whole training device assembly, comprising: supporting resilient elements; supporting structure including a number of radially arranged and rigidly interconnected cantilever beams; training devices, each mounted on one of said radially arranged cantilever beams; an indicator of team actions' efficiency, mounted on said rigid supporting structure, visualizing the team's work quality: the velocity and the amplitude of participants' movements, and the coordination of team members' actions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving balance featuring a pedestal disk connected by a stem to a fulcrum disk which is supported on the floor. The user stands on the pedestal disk and performs exercises. Improvement of balance is measured by a timer which measures the period when the fulcrum is flush on the floor. An associated sighting device guides the user to maintain a fixed line of sight while performing exercises to improve eye-proprioceptive coordination. As the user improves his balance, he substitutes ever smaller fulcrum disks.

Abstract: The exercising apparatus has a body support against which the torso of a person using the apparatus mainly rests. The apparatus also has first, upper support means (2; 22; 32) for the person's upper extremities and second, lower support means (3; 23; 33) for the person's lower extremities. The apparatus has drive means (9; 39) for moving the upper and lower support means so that the person's extremities, starting from a rest position (A) are imparted a movement outwardly from the sides of the torso and upwardly towards the person's head, along parts of circular paths, to a turning point (B) and thereafter back to the rest position (A).

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a base, a platform, and a resilient member located between and attached to both the base and the platform. The resilient member can rotate, twist, and tilt in every angle while also providing a resistance force to all degrees of movement. The platform may be modified by the addition of an elastomeric material over its surface to provide additional traction or padding. The platform may also have notches placed around its perimeter, through which resistance tubing or rope may be placed such that upper body resistance motion may be integrated into the exercise apparatus. Furthermore, support members may be disposed under both the platform and base for additional support and rigidity. The resilient member may have a flange, which in conjunction with an adjustment mechanism, may affect the amount of resiliency of the resilient member. The adjustment mechanism may have a handle, a gear and ratchet assembly, and a plurality of locking mechanisms.