Abstract: A hand-held body massager includes a powered handle having an electric motor and reciprocating assembly mounted therein and a first mating coupler of a side-release buckle assembly connected to the reciprocating assembly to impart longitudinal, reciprocating movement of the first mating coupler relative to a powered handle. A plurality of massaging attachments incorporating a second mating coupler of the side-release buckle assembly are interchangeably securable to the powered handle. One of the massage attachments comprises a flexible strap with the second mating coupler connected to a first end and a second end, formed from a section of elastic material, connected to a passive handle. Other attachments include a plurality of massage head attachments each including a massage head of a different geometry and having a second mating coupler of a side-release buckle assembly projecting therefrom.

Abstract: A preloaded resistance pack and exercise device. The resistance pack includes an elastomeric resistance element coupled to a hub and disposed on a plate. The hub includes a pair of radially extending wings that lie against a surface of the plate. The plate includes a pair of raised tabs that lie within a rotational path of the wings. An initial rotation of the hub relative to the plate causes the wings to slide over and beyond the raised tabs and at least partially stretches the resistance element. Interaction between the tabs and wings prevents the hub from rotating back to an initial position and maintains the resistance element in a preloaded, tensioned condition. The exercise device is configured to detect a number of the resistance packs coupled thereto as well as data associated with exercise movements employing the resistance packs.

Abstract: A preloaded resistance pack and exercise device. The resistance pack includes an elastomeric resistance element coupled to a hub and disposed on a plate. The hub includes a pair of radially extending wings that lie against a surface of the plate. The plate includes a pair of raised tabs that lie within a rotational path of the wings. An initial rotation of the hub relative to the plate causes the wings to slide over and beyond the raised tabs and at least partially stretches the resistance element. Interaction between the tabs and wings prevents the hub from rotating back to an initial position and maintains the resistance element in a preloaded, tensioned condition. The exercise device is configured to detect a number of the resistance packs coupled thereto as well as data associated with exercise movements employing the resistance packs.

Abstract: A personal exercise device comprising a first arm pivotally coupled to a second arm wherein each arm includes a handle removably nesting in a sleeve. The personal exercise device further includes two tension members wherein one end each tension member is operably coupled to a handle of each arm and the other end of each tension member is coupled to the sleeve opposing the handle. A resistance element is operably connected to both the first arm and the second arm and configured to provide resistance between the relative rotational motion of the first arm and the second arm. The resistance element may be configured to be operably connected to other resistance elements to allow a user to customize, increase or decrease the resistance. The configuration of the personal exercise device provides a user the ability to seamlessly encounter resistance when applying force in at least two opposing directions.

Abstract: A personal exercise device comprising a first arm pivotally coupled to a second arm wherein each arm includes a handle removably nesting in a sleeve. The personal exercise device further includes two tension members wherein one end each tension member is operably coupled to a handle of each arm and the other end of each tension member is coupled to the sleeve opposing the handle. A resistance element is operably connected to both the first arm and the second arm and configured to provide resistance between the relative rotational motion of the first arm and the second arm. The resistance element may be configured to be operably connected to other resistance elements to allow a user to customize, increase or decrease the resistance. The configuration of the personal exercise device provides a user the ability to seamlessly encounter resistance when applying force in at least two opposing directions.

Abstract: A resistance exercise machine has a frame that includes a base on the floor and upright posts on the base. Resistance packs mounted for adjustment up and down on the posts are equipped with cams that compensate for the increased resistance resulting from increasing deformation of the resistance elements in the packs. The resistance packs are interconnected by teeth on their rims which allow the packs to be arranged in a stack. An adjustable bench and seat are provided. One alternative is a direct drive system having angularly adjustable levers. Another alternative has a fixed number of resistance packs that can be selectively activated to add resistance.

Abstract: A resistance exercise machine has a frame that includes a base on the floor and upright posts on the base. Resistance packs mounted for adjustment up and down on the posts are equipped with cams that compensate for the increased resistance resulting from increasing deformation of the resistance elements in the packs. The resistance packs are interconnected by teeth on their rims which allow the packs to be arranged in a stack. An adjustable bench and seat are provided. One alternative is a direct drive system having angularly adjustable levers. Another alternative has a fixed number of resistance packs that can be selectively activated to add resistance.

Abstract: A resistance mechanism suitable for applications such as resistance exercise equipment, cable reels, garage doors and other equipment requiring a resistive force. Resistance packs include circular rims and central hubs connected by deformable spokes. The packs are stacked in pairs with the rims in each pair pinned together and the hubs rotatable relative to one another. Each hub has a spline connection with the hub of the next resistance pack in the adjacent pair. This provides a series arrangement of the resistance packs which allows a long extension of the actuator with the spokes of each pack being deformed only slightly. A spiral pay out pulley for the cord assists in avoiding varying resistance with extension of the cord. The mechanism includes a preload system for applying a preload force to the resistance packs and a visual indicator for indicating the level of the preload force.

Abstract: A resistance mechanism suitable for resistance exercise equipment. Resistance packs include circular rims and central hubs connected by deformable spokes. The packs are stacked in pairs with the rims in each pair pinned together and the hubs rotatable relative to one another. Each hub has a spline connection with the hub of the next resistance pack in the adjacent pair. This provides a series arrangement of the resistance packs which allows a long extension of the actuator with the spokes of each pack being deformed only slightly. A spiral pay out pulley for the cord assists in avoiding varying resistance with extension of the cord.A preload mechanism which allows an initial preload resistance to be set includes a large gear connected with the stack of resistance packs and a smaller gear meshing with the large gear. A pivotal pawl urged against the teeth of the large gear allows the gear to turn in a direction to initially deform the spokes to preset the initial resistance level.

Abstract: A hand tool having a frame which holds interchangeable working heads for scraping ice and other materials, scrubbing and sanding. The frame pivotally carries the working head at one end and has a curved forearm brace at the other end. A hand grip bar is located between the ends of the frame such that the forearm provides force against the brace to hold the working head against the work surface. This creates a leverage effect and relieves stress on the wrist. The pivotal head allows angled or contoured surfaces to be followed without requiring the wrist to flex at different angles. The scraping head has two scraping edges which scrape on both push and pull strokes. An accessory head which is interchangeable with the ice scraping head can hold two metal scraping blades or interchangeable base plates which provide a sanding sheet and a scrubbing pad, respectively.

Abstract: A hand held reciprocating belt massager driven by an electric motor to massage sore muscles. The opposite ends of the belt are equipped with handles, one of which houses the motor and a drive train that reciprocates the belt longitudinally when the motor is in operation. The other hand grip connects flexibly with the belt through a resilient elastomer bar that accommodates the belt reciprocation. A detachable thermal pack is applicable to the belt to provide heating in conjunction with the massaging action of the belt.

Abstract: A portable exercise device which provides the benefits of working out with free weights. Adjustable foot pads on opposite sides of a central housing accommodate different stance widths and retract to a compact storage position. Right and left reels in the housing receive cords which extend through the foot pads and carry special hand grips. Outward pulling on the cords is resisted by spring packs having clock-type coil springs. The spring packs can be stacked on one another to vary the resistive force applied to the reels. The two resistance systems are independent of one another but are adjusted to the same initial tension by a common cable adjustment mechanism. Attachment of added components allows rowing exercises to be carried out.

Abstract: A bracket for installation in a vehicle to provide support for hanging clothes. The bracket includes an extensible and retractable rod formed by two telescoping tubes which are circumferentially grooved to hold clothes hangers in place. An adjustable sleeve is fitted on the larger tube and carries both an L-shaped hook element which can be hooked on a grab bar in the vehicle and a U-shaped bail which can be hung on a clothing hook in the vehicle as an alternative way of supporting the clothing rod. The bail can be pivoted to a storage position when not used. An adjustable brace on one end of the rod engages the window frame of the vehicle to stabilize the rod in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A personal security device having modular components that can be assembled in various configurations and combinations to perform a wide variety of security functions. A battery powered main alarm unit can be carried on the person and includes a pull out pin for activating a flashing light and audible alarm siren in the event of an assault, a slide switch may be activated for a flashlight mode. A chemical spray component attaches to the alarm unit and can be used with it or alone. A mounting unit which can be connected to the alarm unit with or without other components mounts on a door or wall and activates the alarm unit when a break in occurs. Other components include a smoke detector and a motion detector which activate the alarm unit in the event of fire or motion indicative of an intrusion. The modular construction provides the versatility necessary to meet whatever security needs are expected, and it also allows all components to use the battery and the audible and visible alarms in the main alarm unit.