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 inflatable suspension harness/body jacket and method of use in medical partial weight-bearing therapy. The suspension harness/body jacket is fit onto a patient and has bladders that are inflated sufficiently to achieve a tight conforming fit. Deflating and re-inflating the bladders where necessary to re-achieve the tight conforming fit allows for successful weight-bearing therapy without discontinuing the therapy for an extended period or removing the patient. The suspension harness/body jacket has shoulder straps and jacket portions that may pass through D-rings that, when attached to a frame or other apparatus, provide additional offloading capacity.

Abstract: A device for mastering skate board tricks and maneuvers comprises a frame. The frame has a top and the frame is adapted to rest on a support surface. A spring board is suspended from the frame by stretchable straps. A foot deck is rotationally secured to the spring board and is secured to the spring board to limit or eliminate relative vertical motion between the spring board and the foot board.

Abstract: A mobile, rehabilitative walker is configured for use outdoors on an irregular or rough support surface. The walker includes a support frame, configured for supporting a person in an upright position, having a plurality of frame members defining an open rear end and an interior space sized for receiving a wheelchair. A plurality of wheels are rotatably coupled to the support frame, and configured for multidirectional movement on the support surface. A support harness is vertically suspended from a rotatable upper rail of the support frame. A crank mechanism is coupled to the upper rail, and configured to rotate the upper rail to draw the support harness upward. The crank mechanism includes a crank handle located near the rear end of the support frame to facilitate rotation of the upper rail.

Abstract: A device for use by an adult to support an infant at a comfortable walking position for both while teaching the infant how to walk.

Abstract: A walker particularly suitable for rehabilitation of a patient's legs includes a base provided with casters, a pair of handlebars, and a suspension frame for holding a safety belt. A leg separator is height-adjustably connected to the base to locate between and separate apart the patient's two legs, so that a cerebral palsied patient may bear inner sides of two legs against two lateral sides of the leg separator during practicing walking. Direction control members adapted to limit the casters to rotate forward and backward only are provided on the base to effectively enable the cerebral palsied patient to practice walking straightly forward.

Abstract: An exercise assistive device to help a developmentally developed person, or a physically or neurologically impaired person, such as a child or adult, develop vestibular balance and muscle control, so that the person can learn to perform mobility activities, such as crawling, sitting upright, standing or walking. The device includes a support frame supporting a body suit that is moved longitudinally, and optionally transversely and rotationally. The body suit may be optionally spinally supported. The body suit is optionally suspended from either a hand-held frame, like a marionette, or from a floor-mounted, wall-mounted or ceiling mounted frame with a glidable support dolly. Flexible connector straps are provided between the body suit and body suit glidable support dolly and made of a material such as reinforced fabric, elastic or canvas. These connector straps are positioned in spaced-apart relation to one another about the body suit.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a child to walk comprises a handlebar including a first handle having a grip portion. A pair of second handles each have a grip portion substantially coplanar with one another. The second handles are connected to and extend laterally outwardly from the first handle. The first handle and the second handles together define a space disposed laterally inwardly of the second handles sized to accommodate a child's head. A harness includes a loop for surrounding the torso of a child, and a connector for coupling the loop to the handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic machine, which is used in treadmill therapy (walking therapy) of parapetic and hemiparetic patients. The machine automatically guides the patient's legs on the treadmill. The machine includes a driven and controlled orthotic device, which guides the legs in a physiological pattern of movement, a treadmill and a relief mechanism. Knee and hip joints of the orthotic device each include a drive. The orthotic device is stabilized on a treadmill with stabilizing means in such a manner that the patient does not have to keep his/her equilibrium. The othotic device can be adjusted in height and can be adapted to different patients.

Abstract: A walk assisting device includes a longitudinal member made of such as woven or non-woven cloth materials to form a tubular structure, and having a cushioning middle portion for engaging onto chest portion of babies or children. A fastening belt may be attached to the cushioning middle portion of the longitudinal member, to secure the longitudinal member onto the chest portion of the babies or children. The ends of the longitudinal member may include one or more knots for being carried by the users. The longitudinal member may include two resilient side portions to attach onto the chest portions of babies or children of different chest measurements.

Abstract: A support structure supports powered lifting means for lifting a patient from a wheelchair and moving the patient over a powered treadmill where the patient is lowered onto the treadmill. A control panel with a mirror thereon is supported at one end of the support structure, and a touch screen data entry/display device is supported by the panel. Two similar housings are disposed at opposite sides of the treadmill. Each housing pivotally supports a support arm which can swing away from the treadmill to facilitate access to the treadmill. Each support arm pivotally supports a first depending arm, and a second depending arm is pivotally supported therefrom. A pair of servo motors are supported by each support arm and are drivingly connected to the first and second depending arms to independently move the depending arms about the pivot axes thereof. A first attachment cuff is connected to the first depending arm for attachment to a patient's leg just above the knee.

Abstract: A rotary-type exercise device in which the user jogs, runs, or walks within a cylindrical treadwheel. A safety harness attached to a horizontal stationary beam within the treadwheel above the user prevents the user from falling. A remote control baton controls a braking system for braking and selectively varying the rolling resistance of the treadwheel. Another embodiment provides a harness tied to the hull of a space station to simulate gravity when the exercise device is used in an outer-space, gravity-free environment. Additional embodiments include safety rails. Another embodiment forms the treadwheel in two mating semi-cylindrical sections for facilitating transportation and shipping of the treadwheel. An electronic console continuously apprises the user of his horizontal velocity, time, distance and load factor.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame typically an arching member extending between generally parallel lower members having wheels operably coupled thereto. A harness extends from the frame, and the height of the harness is selectively adjustable by a user within the harness. A controller accessible to a user activates a motor and raises and lowers a cable to adjust the height of the harness, and thus the weight load on the user's feet while operating the device. A handlebar extends to one or more of the wheels for selectively steering the device. A brake system accessible to the user enables stopping of the device. The device may include a motor operably coupled to a wheel for propelling the device, and a throttle control for selecting the speed of the motor. Thus, the user of the device can selectively alter the impact weight and speed while operating the device.

Abstract: An infant walker that provides a safe and confined mechanism in which a child may effectively development the requisite stability and/or balance for proper walking skills and associated motor coordination, and wherein the infant walker is aesthetically pleasing to promote eager utilization of the walker by a child.

Abstract: An exercise device for supporting one or both ankles during a pushup exercise routine in which the ankle holder is pivotally disposed on an elongated upright stand and the pivoting ankle holders are biased, preferably by weight distribution, so that the ankle receiving surface of each ankle holder is upwardly disposed and ready to receive an ankle.

Abstract: A support structure supports powered lifting means for lifting a patient from a wheelchair and moving the patient over a powered treadmill where the patient is lowered onto the treadmill. A control panel with a mirror thereon is supported at one end of the support structure, and a touch screen data entry/display device is supported by the panel. Two similar housings are disposed at opposite sides of the treadmill. Each housing pivotally supports a support arm which can swing away from the treadmill to facilitate access to the treadmill. Each support arm pivotally supports a first depending arm, and a second depending arm is pivotally supported therefrom. A pair of servo motors are supported by each support arm and are drivingly connected to the first and second depending arms to independently move the depending arms about the pivot axes thereof. A first attachment cuff is connected to the first depending arm for attachment to a patient's leg just above the knee.

Abstract: A mobile, rehabilitative walker is configured for use outdoors on an irregular or rough support surface. The walker includes a support frame, configured for supporting a person in an upright position, having a plurality of frame members defining an open rear end and an interior space sized for receiving a wheelchair. A plurality of wheels are rotatably coupled to the support frame, and configured for multidirectional movement on the support surface. A support harness is vertically suspended from a rotatable upper rail of the support frame. A crank mechanism is coupled to the upper rail, and configured to rotate the upper rail to draw the support harness upward. The crank mechanism includes a crank handle located near the rear end of the support frame to facilitate rotation of the upper rail.

Abstract: A variable path infant walker having a tunnel assembly of intersecting paths. A ball assembly is arranged within the tunnel assembly and moves along any of the intersecting paths. Posts support the tunnel assembly a spaced distance above the ground. An infant seat is joined to the ball assembly by a cable which extends through an elongated slot in the bottom half of the tunnel assembly to enable an infant in the infant seat to move along an infant selected variable path.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a child to walk comprises a handlebar including a first handle having a grip portion. A pair of second handles each have a grip portion substantially coplanar with one another. The second handles are connected to and extend laterally outwardly from the first handle. The first handle and the second handles together define a space disposed laterally inwardly of the second handles sized to accommodate a child's head. A harness includes a loop for surrounding the torso of a child, and a connector for coupling the loop to the handle.

Abstract: Walking training overalls comprising: a) a body portion having a closed side having a first leg opening, and an opening side which opens to access a second leg opening; b) a back portion having shoulder straps extending to a front portion of the body portion; and c) a single hand held strap extending from a top portion of the back portion. A method of using the above overalls comprises the steps of positioning a first leg of an infant within the first leg opening by sliding the leg along an interior side portion of the body portion of the overalls; extending and then attaching end portions of the open side portion together around a second leg of the infant; positioning the shoulder straps on and over the shoulders of the infant; and finally, holding the single hand held strap to support the infant in an upright walking position.

Abstract: An infant trainer for assisting an infant in learning to walk having a lateral support bar adapted to be secured around the stomach and chest area of an infant; and having a rigid upwardly extending support member attached to the rear of the lateral support bar; and having a handle at the upper end of the support bar to guide the trainer and to support an infant contained therein; and having support straps to be secured around the infant to hold the infant within the trainer.

Abstract: In an exercise machine having a weight type resistance for use with a repetitive exercise having a desired parameter such as time per repetition or desired heart rate of the exerciser, the improvement of means to determine the actual values of the parameter and to then automatically continually adjust the value of the resistance so as to keep the exercise within the desired parameter within acceptable values. The means also imparts an inertial quality to the resistance.

Abstract: A torso support portion and a pair of thigh support portions are each formed of an outer layer of hard relatively stiff molded plastic material of limited flexibility and an inner layer of relatively soft cushioning material for distributing the weight of a patient over a large area. Three tightening straps serve to tighten the torso support portion about a patient with the parts of the torso support portion adjacent the free sides thereof overlapping one another in operative position.. A pair of tightening straps serve to tighten each of the thigh support portions about the thighs of a patient with the free sides of each thigh support portion spaced a substantial distance from one another in operative position. Four adjustable suspension straps are provided for suspending the torso support portion and provide a quick-release feature. Each of the thigh support portions is connected to the torso support portion in depending relationship therefrom by three adjustable connecting straps.

Abstract: A mobile rehabilitative walker is configured for use outdoors on an irregular and rough support surface. A support frame is configured for supporting a person in an upright position and includes a plurality of frame members defining an open rear end, and an interior space accessible through the open rear end, being sized for receiving a wheelchair through the open rear end and into the interior space. A plurality of wheels are rotatably coupled to the support frame and are configured for multidirectional movement on the irregular and rough support surface. The wheels have a diameter sized to reduce friction between the wheels and the support surface and sized to easily roll over the irregular and rough surface. A pair of adjustable hand grips extend towards the interior space, such that the user is stabilized within the interior space of the frame by grasping the hand grips.

Abstract: A support belt device for allowing a user to walk or run on a treadmill without holding on to the treadmill handle. The support belt device includes a panel. The panel includes a first end, a second end, a front side, a back side and a peripheral edge integrally coupled to and extending between the front side and the back side. A strap that includes a first end and a second end is securably attached to the backside of the panel. A pair of coupling members is designed for coupling the first and second ends of the strap to the handrail of the treadmill.

Abstract: An exercise device for allowing a user to perform functional tasks during training or exercise. The exercise device has a housing and a harness assembly adapted to be worn by the user. The harness assembly is located substantially within the housing. The exercise device also has at least one biasing member. The biasing member has a longitudinal length, a first end, and a second end. The biasing member is further in cooperation with the harness assembly at its first end and with the housing at its second end.

Abstract: A lifting and walking aid having a framework (1) constructed of a lower horizontal frame (2a-2c) provided with small casters (9), an upper horizontal frame (2d-2f) provided with lifting means, and a vertical frame (2g-2n) secured to both the upper and lower horizontal frames (2a-2c) and (2d-2f). The framework comprises a plurality of substantially rectilinear tubular members (2a-2y) which are connected to each other so as to allow for a quick disassembling of the framework (1).

Abstract: Featured is a device and a method using such a device for training skaters, particularly ice skaters. According to the method for training a skater there is provided a support frame and a harness that is secured to the support frame. The skater is secured to the support frame by means of the harness so that the point of attachment between the support frame and the harness is a distance above the head of the skater. Further the support frame being provided is configured and arranged so as to extend about and from the skater when the skater is secured to the support frame. The support frame is moved, responsive to a skating motion of the skater, with respect to a surface upon which the skater is skating. In more particular embodiments, the support frame includes a plurality or more of support members that are arranged so as to form a structure about the skater to which is secured the harness.

Abstract: A rotary-type exercise device in which the user jogs, runs, or walks within a cylindrical treadwheel. A safety harness attached to a horizontal stationary beam within the treadwheel above the user prevents the user from falling. A remote control baton controls a braking system for braking and selectively varying the rolling resistance of the treadwheel. Another embodiment provides a harness tied to the hull of a space station to simulate gravity when the exercise device is used in an outer-space, gravity-free environment. Additional embodiments include safety rails. Another embodiment forms the treadwheel in two mating semi-cylindrical sections for facilitating transportation and shipping of the treadwheel. An electronic console continuously apprises the user of his horizontal velocity, time, distance and load factor.

Abstract: A variable path infant walker having a tunnel assembly of intersecting paths. A ball assembly is arranged within the tunnel assembly and moves along any of the intersecting paths. Posts support the tunnel assembly a spaced distance above the ground. An infant seat is joined to the ball assembly by a cable which extends through an elongated slot in the bottom half of the tunnel assembly to enable an infant in the infant seat to move along an infant selected variable path.

Abstract: The safety support device of this invention includes a frame having a mounting section with a forward end and a rear end. A pair of forward legs are attached to the forward end of the mounting section and a pair of rear legs are attached to the rear end of the mounting section. Each leg has a distal end to which is attached a roller assembly. Each roller assembly includes a roller member mounted so that with the weight of the user bearing down on the assembly the roller member is prevented from moving. In a second embodiment used to assist injured or elderly person stand erect, the legs are long and arm support members engage the arm pits of the user when the user is being supported by the device.

Abstract: An exercise harness connected to an unweighting system with shoulder straps. The exercise harness having a waist belt suspended by the shoulder straps which belt may be secured to a user. The exercise harness further having left and right legs or knee bands connected to the waist strap with a left front strap and a right front strap, respectively. A strap is provided forming a sliding “W” connection between the waist belt and the two leg bands to allow for freedom of leg movement when walking, running or jogging. The exercise harness is also provided with a gait modification strap having one end secured to the waist belt and the other end secured to one of the leg bands after wrapping the gait strap partially around a leg of the user.

Abstract: The present invention includes an upright stand from which is suspended a vest and harness for holding a user. The vest and harness are connected to a cable which is in turn connected to a pneumatic cylinder. When pressurized air is delivered to the pneumatic cylinder, the cable is retracted pulling the vest holding a person upwardly. A control system is provided which includes three modes of operation. In the “off” mode, the pneumatic cylinder is vented to the atmosphere. In the “exercise” position, pressurized air, of selected pressure, is delivered to the pneumatic cylinder. In the “balance” mode, the air in the pneumatic cylinder is trapped within the pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: The invention provides improved climbing devices and structures for use in mobile and fixed climbing installations. Modular climbing towers are generally assembled from panels having lateral curves by fastening upper and lower flanges of the panels together. The panels and flanges are integrally molded from fiberglass, and act as a monocoque structure. The climbing surface is on the radially outward portion of the partially or fully enclosed tower, thereby increasing the number of climbers that can safely be accommodated on a climbing surface of a given width. The invention also provides belaying devices for safely supporting a climber at the end of a flexible member such as a cable, rope, or the like. These belaying devices generally draw in the flexible member as the climber climbs. When the climber falls or completes the climbing route, the belay device supports the climber's weight, slowly and safely lowering the climber down to the ground.

Abstract: A harness suitable for teaching a sports activity such as skiing or skating, the harness having a body strap which encircles the body of a child, first and second shoulder straps extending between front and rear portions of the body strap, and first and second support handles extending upwardly from the shoulder straps, first and second user handles extending from the harness for grapsing by the child.

Abstract: A child sport activity training device comprising a harness for enclosing and supporting a torso of a child therein. A hand grip is grasped by a hand of a trainer. An adjustment structure is between a rear portion of the harness and the hand grip to compensate for weight and balance between the trainer and the child when the hand grip is positioned above the harness.

Abstract: An overhead support system. A riding surface is located over a space and supports at least one overhead cart from which a load is supported by a tension element. A plurality of spherical elements are positioned between the riding surface and overhead cart and are attached to either the cart or the riding surface. The load can be moved horizontally in the space by applying a horizontal force to the load causing the cart to move over the riding surface while carrying the load in the horizontal direction. In preferred embodiments the riding surface is an array of spoked rimless wheels. In other preferred embodiments the riding surface is a slot track, or the riding surface may be a combination of the array and slot tracks. In other preferred embodiments a hoist assembly is used to raise and lower the load. In a preferred embodiment the hoist assembly is located below the riding surface. In another preferred embodiment, the hoist assembly is located above the riding surface.

Abstract: A transportable offloading weight apparatus for supporting a portion of a patient's weight undergoing gait training is provided. The offloading weight apparatus employs a resilient suspension system to reduce the amount of weight borne by a patient. The offloading weight apparatus includes a frame having a connection linkage, a rope routed in the frame through a pulley system, a resilient cord that is attached to the frame at one end and connected to the connection linkage through one end of the rope, a harness support assembly secured to another end of the rope and a tension adjustor for applying tension to the resilient cord.

Abstract: An exercise assistive device to help a developmentally developed person, or a physically or neurologically impaired person, such as a child or adult, develop vestibular balance and muscle control, so that the person can learn to perform mobility activities, such as crawling, sitting upright, standing or walking. The device includes a support frame supporting a body suit that is moved longitudinally, and optionally transversely and rotationally. The body suit may be optionally spinally supported. The body suit is optionally suspended from either a hand-held frame, like a marionette, or from a floor-mounted, wall-mounted or ceiling mounted frame with a glidable support dolly. Flexible connector straps are provided between the body suit and body suit glidable support dolly and made of a material such as reinforced fabric, elastic or canvas. These connector straps are positioned in spaced-apart relation to one another about the body suit.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading a user's body weight during physical activity comprising: a frame; a pair of straight springs pivotably extending from an upper portion of the frame and having distal ends spaced apart from each other; and a fluid-operated lift system for raising the distal ends of the straight springs to provide a lifting force for the user.

Abstract: A treadmill support belt including a belt portion adapted for coupling with a treadmill user. A back support is secured to the belt portion. The back support is defined by an upper edge, a lower edge, and opposed side edges. The back support has a pair of lateral supports extending outwardly from the opposed side edges thereof. A pair of securement straps are coupled with respect to the back support and the vertical support of the treadmill. The pair of securement straps each have a first end and a second end. The first ends are secured to the pair of lateral supports of the back support. The second ends are couplable with the lower edge of the back support after the securement straps have been wrapped around the vertical support of the treadmill.

Abstract: An exercise assistive device to help a developmentally delayed person, such as a child, develop vestibular balance and muscle control, so that the child can learn to perform mobility activities, such as crawling, sitting upright, standing or walking. The device includes a support frame having an upstanding base legs with a connecting frame extending therebetween. A body suit glidable support dolly is mounted upon the frame, and travels longitudinally, traversely and rotationally thereupon. The body suit is suspended from the suit glidable support dolly. Flexible connector straps are provided between the body suit and body suit glidable support dolly and made of a material such as reinforced fabric or canvas. These connector straps are positioned in spaced-apart relation to one another about the body suit glidable support dolly. The body suit is suspended from the seat-support leg by the connector straps that extend between the body suit and fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention, in certain embodiments, a portable structure for supporting infants for the purpose of training and assisting infants to walk. The structure comprises a frame, generally U-shaped at the top with at least one J-shaped leg element being attached to the frame, with the J-shaped leg elements being parallel to each other, and with the J-shaped leg elements being padded. The frame may be made of a light-weight material, such as aluminum or steel tubing, wood or plastic, and the padding is made of a flexible, yet durable impact-absorbing material. The structure may further include a wheeled extension member attached to either the top of the frame or to one or more of the J-shaped leg elements.

Abstract: An ambulatory exercise machine which can easily carry out suitable ambulatory exercise in accordance with a condition of a trainee. A walking path surface is provided for the trainee and a drive drives the walking path surface. An assist arrangement is provided which includes support arms supporting the waist part of the trainee in front and at sides of the trainee and which enables a space between left and right arms to be adjusted. The assist arrangement includes a drive which drives the support arms. Further, the support arms enable attachment of a belt for holding the trainee so that the trainee is movable within a desired range.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a treadmill comprising a moving belt and holding means with the aid of which the weight of the user's body can be counterbalanced at least partially, said invention providing the feature that said holding means include at least one support means for weights which can be added one by one and which serve as counter-weights.

Abstract: An ambulatory aid device allowing self ambulation for impaired persons having reduced weight bearing capabilities. A wheeled framework provides overhead support by cables that are pulleyed and terminate on a locking winch. A harness comprising a torso harness and leg bindings for both legs is provided to which the cables are readily hooked and unhooked. An impaired person is lifted from a seated or reclining position by suiting him in the harness, attaching the cables and cranking the winch until he is in a substantially upright position with his feet on the ground, his body weight being at least partially supported by the harness and cable arrangement.

Abstract: A walking assistance device for assisting people to walk without fear of falling. The walking assistance device includes a first support apparatus comprising a first elongate pole having a first end and a second end. A pulley wheel is mounted to a first end of the first support pole. A second support apparatus is substantially identical to the first support apparatus. Each of the support apparatuses is oriented such that each of the convex peripheral edges of the pulley wheels facing each other. A first and a second anchor support each of the support apparatuses. Each of the anchors has pin mounted in it. Each of the pins has a top portion extending away from a top surface of the anchors. A first cable has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first cable is removably coupled to the top portion of the pin mounted in the first anchor. The second end of the first cable is removably coupled to the top portion of the pin mounted in the second anchor.

Abstract: An input system for a virtual reality application that allows for natural human locomotion, and method of using the same, consists of a sphere having a center and an exterior surface and a base support supporting the sphere on the base support. A low friction interface is formed between the base support and a portion of the exterior surface of the sphere. The low friction interface generally conforms to the portion of the exterior surface of the sphere and permits rotation of the sphere about the center of the sphere relative to the base support. A user support is rigidly secured above the sphere and supports a user on the exterior surface of the sphere and holds a center of mass of the user on a vertical axis passing through the sphere. And one or more sensors are coupled to the base support for detecting and measuring a movement of the sphere.

Abstract: A support harness for a child to be used when learning activities such as skating, in-line skating, and bicycling. The support harness comprises a length adjustable chest strap having a releasable fastener, a left and right length adjustable shoulder strap, each of the shoulder straps being connected by slidable loops to the length adjustable chest strap at anterior and posterior chest strap regions; and a length adjustable handle strap with a grasping region. The handle strap is connected to the left and right shoulder straps at left and right posterior shoulder strap positions. The design and the materials used in its construction allows this support harness to be manufactured at minimal cost. It has been found that the points of support, near the shoulders and approximately aligned to the back of the neck region of the child allow the child to maintain an appropriate posture for skating and bicycling.

Abstract: A swing trainer for training and improving the swing of golfers and baseball players which comprises a base platform, a pair of post elements mounted on said base, a wide belt adapted to be worn around the waist of a trainee, and resilient means attached to each of the post elements and to said belt whereby one of said resilient means is attached to said belt at the rear side thereof and the other one of said resilient means is attached to one side thereof The post elements can be vertically adjusted and locked to suit the height of the golf or baseball trainee.