Abstract: The goal of this invention is to provide an ergonomic handle for cable-based exercise equipment which is comfortable in the user's hands and increases user strength and range of motion. This exercise handle allows wrist flexion and extension as well as forearm and hand pronation and supination. The handle is composed of a grip which is rotatably coupled to a bracket, which is in turn connected to a rotatable connection assembly which freely rotates along an axis parallel to the cable.

Abstract: A multifunctional fitness equipment that allows the user to perform a variety of exercises either indoors or outside. The fitness equipment enables the user to perform exercises with the use of weights or their own body weight for resistance and stability. The fitness equipment can be utilized as a sled in which the user can perform cardiovascular conditioning with use of a harness attached to it. In addition, the user can utilize a variety of attachments such as battle ropes, resistance bands, and punching bag to perform a variety of exercises. The fitness equipment is mobile and can also be used by multiple people at the same time.

Abstract: A fitness device contains a strap, a handle, and a plate. The strap is substantially inelastic and flexible. The plate is substantially rigid. The handle at least partially envelopes the strap. A method of exercising with such a fitness device is also described herein. Other fitness devices and other methods of use are also described herein.

Abstract: An elongated exercise strap formed from a single polymeric strap folded over itself and sewn together at predetermined intervals to form a plurality of loops, each loop affixable to a carabiner such that the carabiner is oriented orthogonally to the strap to prevent the carabiner from abrading the skin surface of a user.

Abstract: A device that attaches to three body segments connected by two joints harvests energy selectively from one of the two joints using a single motor-generator. The device also selectively augments relative body segment motion about one of the two joints. Selection of the harvesting or generating mode depends on the user's preference. When in a particular mode, the device automatically selects which of the two joints to connect to the motor-generator in order to optimize the augmentation or harvesting. Depending on whether the user is on flat terrain, going up an incline or down a decline, the selection of the joint to be connected is different. Use of a single motor-generator and gearbox mounted near the knee reduces metabolic cost compared to the use of two motor-generators and gearboxes.

Abstract: An assisting torque setting apparatus and method, wherein the apparatus is configured to generate a reference gait model by applying body information of a user to a predetermined body model, and set an optimal assisting torque by adjusting an assisting torque provided from a walking assistance apparatus to the user based on the reference gait model is disclosed.

Abstract: An exercise ring includes a ring comprising a flexible and inelastic material, and the ring includes a plurality of strands in a braid. A plurality of handles are disposed on opposing sides of the ring. The plurality of handles includes a cylindrical body having a first end, a second end, and a center portion, and the plurality of handles can provide an ergonomic gripping surface.

Abstract: A device and method for the performing of fireground training exercises is presented. The device includes a sled having a plurality of runners. Further included is a frame in communication with the sled. The frame is coupled to the sled and defines a structure. A number of simulation exercises are facilitated via the device, such as a ceiling breach simulation device. The ceiling breach simulation device is configured to include a pole having a first end and a second end. The first end pivots about a mount in communication with the sled so as to maintain the point of rotation below the hands of the trainee. In one embodiment the ceiling breach simulation device permits both rotational motion as well as vertical translation of the pole.

Abstract: A massage attachment device has a roller bar with a massage sleeve slidably positioned thereon. In one embodiment, the massage attachment device is configured to be removably coupled to a wall mounted rack apparatus. In another embodiment, the massage attachment device is configured to be removably coupled to a portable mounted rack apparatus. A further embodiment of the massage attachment device is configured to be removably coupled to existing squat rack apparatuses. The massage attachment device may be used to massage various muscles, and may be particularly useful following a workout session.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising a person's calves in two different ways. The apparatus comprising a footrest, a kneerest, and a length of stretchable material for extending between the footrest and the kneerest. The length of stretchable material is flat sided and the footrest has a roller arrangement that allows the length of stretchable material to connect to the footrest such that the flat sides of the length of stretchable material slide over the roller arrangement. The kneerest has an anchor means for the length of stretchable material that allows the length of stretchable material to connect to the kneerest such that the flat sides of the length of stretchable material pass over the anchor means. The footrest, the kneerest, and the length of stretchable material are separable from each other.

Abstract: An adjustable footrest assembly adapted to a car safety seat is provided. The car safety seat includes a seat body. The adjustable footrest assembly includes a footrest and two flexible connection structures. The two flexible connection structures are connected to two ends of the footrest. The footrest is adapted to be connected to the seat body through the two flexible connection structures, and a length of each of the flexible connection structures is adapted to be adjusted to change a distance between the footrest and the seat body. In addition, a car safety seat having the adjustable footrest assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A stretching device that facilitates wall-based stretching by creating a vertical surface for a user to press against. The stretching devices include two primary components: a stretching board and a base board. The stretching board can couple with the base board such that the stretching board and the base board form a right angle to each other. To use the device, the base board is placed flat on the ground with the stretching board sticking straight up. Stretching boards are designed to withstand forces of use without excess flexing.

Abstract: A strength training system and method includes an inelastic base strap connecting with an anchor and connecting with elastic/static components, which in turn are connected with handles. The combination of an inelastic base strap with modular elastic/static components configurable to be either elastic or inelastic provides the ability to perform suspension training as well as elastic band training with the same system. The elastic/static components may quickly be converted from an elastic to an inelastic segment by simply disconnecting the elastic module or by simply connecting the inelastic segment, since it is shorter than the elastic module. The elastic module includes a plurality of connectable elastic bands and may easily be replaced with other modules. An anchor point device is disclosed having double opposing cam buckles, usable with a door.

Abstract: An exercising device includes a frame and is configured for placement on a floor and having a top surface, along with a first inflatable bladder disposed for directly bearing against lower thoracic and upper lumbar vertebrae of a user's spine in a first direction and a second inflatable bladder disposed for directly bearing against the mid-lumbar and lumbo-sacral vertebrae of the spine in a second direction. The adjacent inflated bladders provide diverging forces against the user's spine and thereby cause stretching and longitudinal aligning of the spinal vertebrae while promoting fluid imbibition throughout the vertebrae and discs. An adjustable body strap attachment is secured through the frame in non-fixed relationship within a hollow portion. The body strap is attached to an elongate stirrup strap which engages slidably on the user's feet/legs for exercising pulling force aligned from the legs and lower body to the spine.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes loading contact surfaces. An actuator is configured to adjust a position of the loading contact surface. A user controls the actuator through a user interface to adjust the loading contact surface's position in a first exercise session. A processor is configured to automatically monitor the loading contact surface's position as adjusted by the user in the first exercise session, and to automatically control the actuator to move the loading contact surface in a subsequent session to the same or a different position as in the previous session.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to be held between a user's forearms during a golf swing. The apparatus can be a spherical, inflated ball. The apparatus may be further secured using a lanyard or similar article worn around the golfer's neck. In practice, by maintaining the inflated ball positioned between the forearms during the golf swing, the golfer is maintaining his or her arms in the proper position. If the inflated ball falls or fails to remain held in place between the forearms, the golf swing is poor (i.e., the arms have separated too much). Other spherical members can be used as well.

Abstract: Many known portable tissue stretching devices do not properly allow the user to control the treatment intensity because of the need to reposition one's hands on the device when increasing stretch intensity. Some known portable tissue stretching devices are not readily held with two hands due to the small gripping surface. The limitations of these devices often leads to decreased home exercise compliance thereby negatively affecting patient outcomes. Medical professionals have widely accepted the notion that patient compliance with home exercises is poor. A handheld tissue stretching device with left and right handles, a retractor and release mechanism provides numerous benefits, such as improved ease of use and increased home exercise compliance. Individuals now have the option to independently and reliably improve their flexibility with a bilateral grip that does not require changing hand position while stretching.

Abstract: An arm and/or leg stretching apparatus and method where one end of a steel (or other rigid material) cable can be connected to a post, tree or to anything that it can be wrapped around, and the other end fits a cuff that can be placed around the wrist or ankle so that the user can stretch by leaning or pulling against the cable. An alternate embodiment of the present invention can use a waist belt where again, the user uses his or her own weight to stretch against the cable. In the case of an arm stretch, the cuff relieves the user of having to grip something by attaching around the wrist.

Abstract: A system for performing proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (“PNF”) stretching. The system includes a harness portion comprising a harness strap with movably attached buckle portions and a hook receptacle surrounding the harness strap to support the harness strap when the hook receptacle is suspended. The harness strap includes a mini-strap with buckle portions extending in parallel with the harness strap. The harness strap buckle portions mate with the mini-strap buckle portions to form a double loop harness configuration, and alternatively, combine with a single loop enabler to form a single loop harness configuration. An attachment strap is configured for attachment to a fixing structure by a movably attached hooking mechanism, which varies the distance between the attaching end of the attachment strap and the hooking mechanism. The harness portion attaches to the attachment strap attached to the fixing structure to provide a user with a body support while in un-balanced positions.

Abstract: A portable exercise device includes an anchor portion, a swivel portion, one or more elongate straps, springs or elastic cords, and handles. The swivel portion may allow the elongate straps to rotate without getting tangled. The springs may be placed in series or in parallel with at least part of the elongate straps. Two or more springs, of different lengths, may be placed in parallel to achieve a changing spring constant of the system, depending on displacement of the handle.

Abstract: A health aid and method for treating neck, shoulder and back pain including a first elongated member, a second elongated member, and an attachment connecting the first and second elongated members and configured for the first and second elongated members to move between an open position, wherein a bottom end of each of the first and second elongated members are separated by a first distance, and an engaged position, wherein the bottom ends are separated by a second distance that is less than the first distance.

Abstract: An exercise device for exercising the grip muscles of the hand and auxiliary muscles used in gripping by simultaneous isometric exercise of the hand muscles while exercising other muscles isotonically.

Abstract: A foot stretcher assembly for stretching a foot includes a foot stretcher and a handle removably secured with the foot stretcher. The foot stretcher includes a sole that is flexible in response to receiving a foot. The foot stretcher assembly can also include a securing feature to maintain the foot relative to the foot stretcher.

Abstract: A device (101) for supporting or exercising the pelvic floor muscles in a female human. The device has a unitary elongate body having a first enlarged end (103), a second enlarged end (105), and a relatively narrow interconnecting region (107) that interconnects the first enlarged end and the second enlarged end. The first enlarged end (103) generally extends in a first direction from the interconnecting region (107) and from one end of the interconnecting region. The second enlarged end (105) generally extends in a second generally opposite direction from the interconnecting region (107) and from the other end of the interconnecting region. The first enlarged end (103), the second enlarged end (105), and the narrow interconnecting region (107) are substantially fully insertable into the vagina to provide resistance to contraction of the pelvic floor muscles.

Abstract: A body stretching assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a pulley, a plurality of body attachment straps, and a rope. The pulley comprises a securing end and a wheeled end, wherein the securing end includes a frame having a proximal aperture, a protrusion, and a pair of distal legs with fastening apertures. The proximal aperture is configured for connection with a pulley assembly supporting structure, such as a door jam or an exposed support such as a pole. A user threads a rope over the pulley wheel to begin treatment. One end of the rope comprises a hand attachment, whereas the opposing rope end includes one of a head, hand, or ankle attachment. The user pulls one end of the rope, thereby causing the opposing end to pull on the body of a user. Gradual actuation of the rope end provides a stretching exercise to a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment and more specifically, to an isometric exercise apparatus and a storage rack therefor. The isometric exercise apparatus includes a frame which has a base and a sidewall joined to the base. The base has an exercise platform for supporting a user's body. Also provided is a restraint arm assembly connected to the frame. The arm restraint assembly includes a swing arm pivotally connected to the base, a restraint arm carried by the swing arm and positionable above the exercise platform to inhibit movement of a portion of the user's body so as to allow the user to perform isometric exercises. An indexing assembly is provided to fix the swing arm in a predetermined angular position selected from a set of discrete angular positions relative to the base. At least one limb restraint accessory is positionable at predetermined locations along the base for inhibiting movement of the user's limb so as to allow the user to perform isometric exercises.

Abstract: A lower extremity exercise device for performing strengthening exercises for the calf muscles, as well as for performing static or dynamic stretching of the calf muscles. The device is preferably configured to have a generally wedge-shape positionable upon a flat surface. The wedge defines an upper, inclined platform surface for receiving the foot of a user, and has a rounded base portion having an asymmetric, gradually increasing radius to allow the user's foot to smoothly roll or rotate the device forward when pushed thereagainst. In use, the device allows for natural, relative rotations between the forefoot pivot-point and the ankle joint in the sagittal plane.

Abstract: A watersport resistance training device includes an elongated inelastic strap having an anchor an anchor unit disposed along a first end, and a ski handle assembly disposed along a second end. A plurality of rings is disposed along the middle section of the inelastic strap, and one or more watersport resistance elements are removably connected to at least two of the rings.

Abstract: An inelastic exercise apparatus includes an elongated member having a pair of ends. The elongated member is an inelastic strap. The apparatus also includes an anchor having a first portion for mounting to a structure and a second coupling portion. The exercise apparatus further includes a rigid yoke including a yoke housing having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the yoke housing is coupled to the second coupling portion of the anchor and the second end of the yoke housing defines a translation channel configured to receive the elongated member.

Abstract: A pelvic clamp for back stretching is disclosed which provides temporary relief for low back pain by employing means for stretching the lumbar region. Embodiments which provide this means for stretching include a cam stop assembly, a block stop assembly, a slide panel assembly and a bend rod assembly. Each of these assemblies works by squeezing the sides of the pelvic region in order to hold it stationary while the user exerts pressure on assembly elements to force the upper torso away from the pelvic region.

Abstract: A stretching device for therapy contains a base including a inclined foot platform axially connected with a rear end thereof and tilting backward, a frame for the inclined foot platform having a horizontal support to abut against or be connected to an upright member extending upwardly from the front end thereof, and the upright member having two handle loops mounted thereon relative to a user's waist, the inclined foot platform is lifted to be used as an oblique platform. Accordingly, the user is capable of stretching calves, hamstrings, lower back, upper back, shoulders and neck, also to provide traction to the spine.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment and more specifically, to an isometric exercise apparatus and a storage rack therefor. The isometric exercise apparatus includes a frame which has a base and a sidewall joined to the base. The base has an exercise platform for supporting a user's body. Also provided is a restraint arm assembly connected to the frame. The arm restraint assembly includes a swing arm pivotally connected to the base, a restraint arm carried by the swing arm and positionable above the exercise platform to inhibit movement of a portion of the user's body so as to allow the user to perform isometric exercises. An indexing assembly is provided to fix the swing arm in a predetermined angular position selected from a set of discrete angular positions relative to the base. At least one limb restraint accessory is positionable at predetermined locations along the base for inhibiting movement of the user's limb so as to allow the user to perform isometric exercises.

Abstract: A cost effective training belt that offers the ability to vary the release resistance and that allows the release resistance to remain relatively constant throughout the life of the belt. In one disclosed embodiment, the reaction belt has a first and second belt detachably secured together with a detaching structure that can connect the first and second belts together in at least two different ways. Each of the connecting ways offers a different release resistance; thereby a user can select the desired release resistance by selecting which way to connect the two belts together.

Abstract: System, method and apparatus for carrying out isometric exercises for therapeutic purposes. As employed in a therapeutic mode the apparatus may only be programmed within mandated therapeutic parameter limitations. During therapeutic trials, the user is visually and aurally cued throughout the test sequence and the therapeutic data evolved during the regimen is recorded and recoverable from archival memory. Particular target force modes can be selected to allow stimulation of nitric oxide release.

Abstract: A manually operated back stretching device for relieving compressive forces of the lower lumbar vertebrae and safely stretching lower back muscles includes a platform that supports a user's lower legs. As the user moves a portion of the device with their arms toward their legs, the forward edge of the platform rises up and tilts away from the user's torso, causing the user's hips to lift off the floor and simultaneously stretching the user's back. As the user moves their arms back over their head, the user's back and legs relax while the arms are pulled above the user's head. The result may be a back-and-forth dynamic rotational arching motion that repetitively raises the relaxed hips and tilts them forward to decompress the spine using appropriate longitudinal and torsion forces at the most pain causing compression points of the lower lumbar vertebrae.

Abstract: An exerciser includes two straps and a handle mounted to an end of each strap by an adjusting member having a movable rod movable between two positions respectively allowing and not allowing adjustment of the length of the strap. A connecting member is mounted to the other end of each strap. A stop is engaged with an end of an inelastic strap on a suspension member. A retaining ring is engaged with the other end of the inelastic strap. A plurality of rings is fixed to the inelastic strap. The retaining ring is releasably engageable with one of the rings, so that the inelastic strap forms a loop. The connecting member is releasably engaged with one of the rings. The inelastic strap is mounted around a rod or extended through a gap between a door and a door frame, allowing user to perform exercises resisting the weight of the user.

Abstract: A calf stretching device that helps to increase flexibility, improve posture, and promote rehabilitation of lower leg injuries. The device generally includes a wedge-shaped central ramp having two contiguous sections of different lengths joined end-to-end to define a triangular ramp. The long section is defined by two planar surfaces inclined together along at a centerline at an outside angle of approximately 210 degrees. A pair of opposing substantially triangular side panels flank the central ramp and protrude outward beyond the long section and short section to align the feet and stabilize the device. A built in adjustable flip-out riser may be included for more ramp inclines. The device seats atop a door frame and can be used In two orientations, one that ramps up at 25-35 degrees and a second at 55-70 degrees.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stretching device which makes it possible for a user to stretch muscles such as the calf muscles and Achilles tendons. The foothold unit (10) includes a base plate (12), and an inclined foothold (11) disposed above the base plate at a position spaced apart from the base plate. A support pole unit (30) is disposed in a central portion of the foothold unit. The support pole unit includes a lower tubular member (31) fixed to the base plate (12), an upper tubular member (32) disposed in the lower tubular member so as to be adjustable in height, with a handle (36) provided on an upper end of the upper tubular member, and a fastener (33) fastening the upper tubular member to the lower tubular member. The inclined foothold is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the support pole unit.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises a connector, a strap, and a T-bar. The connector is configured to be attached to a substantially stationary object. The strap is configured to extend longitudinally from the connector, and is adjustable in length. The T-bar has two grips positioned at the two ends of the T-bar. The T-bar is attachable to the end of the strap opposite the connector at substantially the center of the T-bar, such that the two grips of the T-bar are substantially equidistant from the location on the T-bar at which the strap is attached to the T-bar.

Abstract: A method of providing back-pain relief by performing in any sequence a group consisting of eight discrete movements further defined as Knee Pull, Knee Side Push Out, Single Frog leg, Double Frog Legs, Chrysalis, Seated Jack Knife, Bio Crunch, and Seated Hold & Release where the first four listed movements have starting positions of laying supine with knees bent and feet flat on the floor approximately one foot form buttocks. The fifth movement starts by keeping the bottom of feet together with knees bent and slightly down while holding the toes. The sixth movement starts by putting feet and ankles together with knees straight and locked while in a sitting position. The seventh movement starts by laying flat on the floor with arms bent and fingers touching ears. The eighth movement starts in a seated position and holding on to a chair underneath the seat while keeping the back straight.

Abstract: A single-handed overspeed trainer system that detachably tethers an athlete to a trainer through a substantially quiet, non-hook and loop material, release structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the athlete wears a belt with a substantially rigid loop extending therefrom. The trainer holds one end of a tether that contains a retractable pin toward its opposite end. The pin holds the rigid loop of the belt until the pin is retracted by the trainer, preferably when the tether's handle is released by the trainer.

Abstract: A pulling rope fixing structure includes a handle, a grip rope, a fixing device, an elastic element and a pulling rope. The handle is a hollow tubular body with the grip rope passed through the handle; the grip rope has first and second ends with first and second openings respectively; the fixing device includes a retaining ring and a fastening element, and the fastening element has a hollow sleeve passed into the first and second openings and operated with the retaining ring to fix the grip rope. The elastic element is installed in the hollow sleeve and has a penetrating hole for passing the pulling rope and separating the pulling rope from the fixing device. The pulling rope not in a direct contact with the metal fixing device will not be worn directly during exercises, and the service life of the pulling rope can be extended effectively.

Abstract: A therapeutic body strap having a first loop and a second loop. Each loop is made of a strip of material. A central strip having a fixture point such that the first and second loops are connected to the central strip at the fixture point. The strap further includes an attachment portion extending from the central strip for attachment to an attachment point on a stationary object. The first and second loops are configured to snugly surround a user's body parts to allow the user to stretch by creating a tension in the attachment portion.

Abstract: A traction exercise apparatus comprises a rectangular shaped metal frame including a pair of metal vertical members, a metal horizontal member on a bottom side, and a pair of metal horizontal members on a top side. A first rotating metal shaft and a second rotating metal shaft are located across the pair of metal horizontal members. Further a pair of ankle braces is attached to a snap hook. A cable pulley on each side of the first rotating metal shaft supports a first metal cable attached to the snap hook. A first cable reel on each side of second rotating metal shaft supports the first metal cable. A second cable reel on each side of the second rotating metal shaft supports a second metal cable attached to a hand grab bar. Second rotating metal shaft rotates to transmit a tension to the first metal cable to perform different traction exercises.

Abstract: Golf swing exercises are performed with left and right resistance devices proximate a person's left and right feet, respectively. Left and right flexible members extend from respective left and right resistance device housings to a lower portion of a golf club handle.

Abstract: A human shoulder stretcher and method of use for gradual, progressive posterior capsular stretching to rehabilitate the shoulder, in particular to address tightness of the posterior capsule of the glenohumeral joint through use of a lever arm and ratcheting mechanism that permits a patient to stretch his or her shoulder without the need for a therapist present.

Abstract: The present invention includes a user-operated stretching machine for stretching limbs and other body parts of a user. The machine includes a cable system extending from a user operated double reel cable drum to pulleys located at the end of a pair of arms extending angularly from a carriage. The carriage is attached to a curved upright in such a way as to be movably attached to the upright enabling stretching to take place at various angles relative to the upright and user's body.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretching the lower back includes a waist garment configured for placement around a person's waist. It also includes at least one stretchable elastic element for interconnecting the waist garment with a surface. The elastic element is stretchable when interconnecting the waist garment with the surface from a materially biased configuration by a person wearing the waist garment and tensioning the stretchable elastic element by pushing away from the surface to thereby apply force to the person's back via the waist garment. The apparatus also includes at least one foot support element against which a person can push his foot to push away from the surface, thus imposing a therapeutic force on his lower back.

Abstract: An exercise device having an anchor with multiple components is described. In one embodiment, the anchor includes one or more interlocking components, such as rigid or flexible loops. Rigid loops such as gated rings may advantageously be used to connect the different components. Embodiments permit for replacing, interchanging, or adding components to an exercise device anchor.

Abstract: Left and right resistance devices are configured and arranged in different ways to accommodate different types of exercises. In one arrangement, the resistance devices are connected to respective ends of a bar. In one exercise, a person stands on the bar and pulls on handles connected to flexible members emanating from the resistance devices. In another exercise, a person sits down, supports the bar on her feet, and pulls on the handles. In another arrangement, the resistance devices are instead connected to a pole, and the person pulls on the handles. In yet another arrangement, the resistance devices are connected to a person's hands and/or feet, and the flexible members are connected to a harness secured about the person's torso.