Abstract: An exercise device capable of being used in multiple configurations with a plurality of accessories comprises a flat base, sidewalls extending upwardly from the base and spaced from each other, and a handle spanning the sidewalls for grasping by a user of the device. The base has a central hole therethrough to which weights can be mounted, and the handle is hollow for accepting a bar therein to which weights can also be mounted. The undersurface of the base can be coated with a non-friction material to facilitate gliding of the device. An elastic exercise band or rope pulley can be attached to the base at the hole, and a foot strap can be attached at the hollow handle. A bar can extend through the hollow handles of two devices to secure them together to provide even greater versatility.

Abstract: An exercise device capable of being used in multiple configurations with a plurality of accessories comprises a flat base, sidewalls extending upwardly from the base and spaced from each other, and a handle spanning the sidewalls for grasping by a user of the device. The base has a central hole therethrough to which weights can be mounted, and the handle is hollow for accepting a bar therein to which weights can also be mounted. The undersurface of the base can be coated with a non-friction material to facilitate gliding of the device. An elastic exercise band or rope pulley can be attached to the base at the hole, and a foot strap can be attached at the hollow handle, A bar can extend through the hollow handles of two devices to secure them together to provide even greater versatility.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a frame having two parallel tracks, two platforms mounted on the first track by a sliding bearing, and two platforms mounted on the second track by a sliding bearing. The tracks are spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit the platforms on different tracks to move freely past each other. A transverse interlock allows selective connection of platforms on different tracks for movement together and a longitudinal interlock allows selective connection of platforms on the same track for movement together. The frame includes cross braces connecting the rails at their ends, and the rails, cross braces, and platforms all include connecting points for permitting the user to selectively connect to and between the frame and the platforms a variety of exercise accessories or appliances. The accessories can include elastic resistance bands, cord and pulley assemblies, handles, weights, and appliances for administering physical therapy.

Abstract: A device for capturing an object includes a base and a plurality of resilient fingers extending from the base. The fingers provide an internal space for accepting at least a portion of the object, wherein the distal ends of the fingers define an opening configured to deflect the fingers outwardly to enlarge the opening when the object passes through it. An elastic member is attached between plural fingers, and exerts essentially no inward force resisting expansion of the internal space until the fingers are deflected outwardly, such as by the object. Various forms of the device enable it to be used and/or easily adapted for use in many settings, including a light bulb changer that can reach remote locations and is adaptable to many different bulb shapes and sizes, and a sports ball holder/retriever, a device for freeing an object from an attachment at a remote location and retrieving it.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a frame having two parallel tracks, two platforms mounted on the first track by a sliding bearing, and two platforms mounted on the second track by a sliding bearing. The tracks are spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit the platforms on different tracks to move freely past each other. A transverse interlock allows selective connection of platforms on different tracks for movement together and a longitudinal interlock allows selective connection of platforms on the same track for movement together. The frame includes cross braces connecting the rails at their ends, and the rails, cross braces, and platforms all include connecting points for permitting the user to selectively connect to and between the frame and the platforms a variety of exercise accessories or appliances. The accessories can include elastic resistance bands, cord and pulley assemblies, handles, weights, and appliances for administering physical therapy.