Abstract: A spring connector that includes a loop is used in an exercise apparatus that has one or more springs fastened between a movable member and a stationary member. The connector of this disclosure includes a handle to aid a user to fasten one end of a spring to a stationary hook or post. The handle is a solid body generally symmetrical about a central axis, and has a large diameter base end and an opposite small diameter end, the base end having a transverse slot therein intersecting an axial bore through the solid body. The transverse slot has a curved bottom shape receiving a bottom portion of the connector loop. A user can grip the handle and install the loop over a hook or post without putting a finger in the loop.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a frame, a carriage, a central pulley, first and second frame pulleys, a pull cord, and a locking mechanism. The frame defines a longitudinal axis. The carriage is mounted on the frame and movable along the longitudinal axis. The central pulley is attached to the carriage. The first and second frame pulleys are attached to the frame. The pull cord has first and second handle portions. The pull cord is looped about the pulleys. The central pulley is between the first and second frame pulleys along the pull cord. The first frame pulley is between the first handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The second frame pulley is between the second handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The locking mechanism is configured to engage the central pulley.

Abstract: A spring connector that includes a loop is used in an exercise apparatus that has one or more springs fastened between a movable member and a stationary member. The connector of this disclosure includes a handle to aid a user to fasten one end of a spring to a stationary hook or post. The handle is a solid body generally symmetrical about a central axis, and has a large diameter base end and an opposite small diameter end, the base end having a transverse slot therein intersecting an axial bore through the solid body. The transverse slot has a curved bottom shape receiving a bottom portion of the connector loop. A user can grip the handle and install the loop over a hook or post without putting a finger in the loop.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a frame, a carriage, a central pulley, first and second frame pulleys, a pull cord, and a locking mechanism. The frame defines a longitudinal axis. The carriage is mounted on the frame and movable along the longitudinal axis. The central pulley is attached to the carriage. The first and second frame pulleys are attached to the frame. The pull cord has first and second handle portions. The pull cord is looped about the pulleys. The central pulley is between the first and second frame pulleys along the pull cord. The first frame pulley is between the first handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The second frame pulley is between the second handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The locking mechanism is configured to engage the central pulley.

Abstract: A portable device for performing exercises, including: two independent tracks with a physical connection between them, and a movable platform on each track. The device is adapted to enable a user to move the movable platform on both tracks simultaneously by exerting a physical force on each platform simultaneously, and the physical force required to move each platform by the same distance is independently controllable for each platform.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a frame, a carriage, a central pulley, first and second frame pulleys, a pull cord, and a locking mechanism. The frame defines a longitudinal axis. The carriage is mounted on the frame and movable along the longitudinal axis. The central pulley is attached to the carriage. The first and second frame pulleys are attached to the frame. The pull cord has first and second handle portions. The pull cord is looped about the pulleys. The central pulley is between the first and second frame pulleys along the pull cord. The first frame pulley is between the first handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The second frame pulley is between the second handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The locking mechanism is configured to engage the central pulley.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame, first and second free pulleys, first and second handle portions, first and second frame pulleys attached to the frame, a central pulley, a pull cord, and a resistance member. The first free pulley includes a first pulley wheel and a first hub with the first pulley wheel configured to rotate in relation to the first hub. The second free pulley includes a second pulley wheel and a second hub with the second pulley wheel configured to rotate in relation to the second hub. The first and second handle portions are in mechanical communication with the first and second hubs with the pulley wheels configured to rotate relative to the handle portions. The pull cord is looped about the pulleys with the resistance member configured to resist movement of the pull cord.

Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus is disclosed that has a generally rectangular frame. The rail portions of the frame each have an upright outer wall, an integral downwardly slanted inner wall and a hidden outwardly open slot therein between the outer and inner walls. A foot bar support assembly movably carried by each of the outwardly open slots supports the foot bar. Each foot bar support assembly has an elongated slide plate movably supported within the slot, a hook plate fastened to the slide plate, and a foot bar support arm rotatably and slidably fastened to the hook plate. A pair of tubular risers each having an upper roller therein at the head end of the frame direct arm cord ends to a cord retraction assembly mounted on the carriage. The retraction assembly releases the cords by pivoting either one of the shoulder stops toward the foot end of the frame.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus in this disclosure includes a doorway mountable runner restraint device. The device has a generally rigid, preferably padded, belly pad that is placed against and in front of a user's pelvis and abdominal area. A pair of cords are attached to the belly pad, each having an opposite end attached to an elastic member. Each of the elastic members is, in turn, attached to an anchor which is removably fastened to a stationary object such as a closed door, a doorway frame, or sandwiched between a closed door and the doorway frame. A user fastens the apparatus in place in a doorway, faces away from the doorway, and places the belly pad against his or her torso directly over the pelvis area, and then runs in a direction away from the doorway. The elastic members resist and restrain the user from substantial movement away from the doorway but stretch to allow forward running movement during each step.

Abstract: A spring connector that includes a loop is used in an exercise apparatus that has one or more springs fastened between a movable member and a stationary member. The connector of this disclosure includes a handle to aid a user to fasten one end of a spring to a stationary hook or post. The handle is a solid body generally symmetrical about a central axis, and has a large diameter base end and an opposite small diameter end, the base end having a transverse slot therein intersecting an axial bore through the solid body. The transverse slot has a curved bottom shape receiving a bottom portion of the connector loop. A user can grip the handle and install the loop over a hook or post without putting a finger in the loop.

Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus is disclosed that has a generally rectangular frame with a head end and a foot end and parallel spaced tracks therebetween supporting a movable carriage thereon. The frame includes a foot support at the foot end of the frame and one or more elastic resistance members fastened between the carriage and the foot end of the frame. Supporting the frame is a first rocking support assembly supporting the head end of the frame and a second rocking support assembly supporting the foot end of the frame, whereby the frame can rock from side to side to provide a dynamic feedback to a user of the apparatus as to whether or not the user is properly centered on the apparatus. A kit for changing a conventional reformer into a rocking reformer apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus in this disclosure includes a doorway mountable runner restraint device. The device has a generally rigid, preferably padded, belly pad that is placed against and in front of a user's pelvis and abdominal area. A pair of cords are attached to the belly pad, each having an opposite end attached to an elastic member. Each of the elastic members is, in turn, attached to an anchor which is removably fastened to a door, a doorway frame, or sandwiched between a closed door and the doorway frame. A user fastens the apparatus in place in a doorway, faces away from the doorway, and places the belly pad against his or her torso directly over the pelvis area, and then runs in a direction away from the doorway. The elastic members resist and restrain the user from substantial movement away from the doorway but stretch to allow forward running movement.

Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus is disclosed that has a generally rectangular frame with a head end and a foot end and parallel spaced tracks therebetween supporting a movable carriage thereon. The frame includes a foot support at the foot end of the frame and one or more elastic resistance members fastened between the carriage and the foot end of the frame. Supporting the frame is a first rocking support assembly supporting the head end of the frame and a second rocking support assembly supporting the foot end of the frame, whereby the frame can rock from side to side to provide a dynamic feedback to a user of the apparatus as to whether or not the user is properly centered on the apparatus. A kit for changing a conventional reformer into a rocking reformer apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A high pressure rotary nozzle having a rotating shaft operating within a fixed housing wherein the of axial force which acts upon the shaft due to the fluid pressure at the shaft inlet is balanced by allowing passage of a small amount of the pressurized fluid to be bled to an area or chamber between the outside of the opposite end of the shaft and the inside of the housing where the fluid pressure can act axially in an opposing direction upon the shaft to balance the axial inlet force. The balance of axial forces is self-regulating by controlling escape of the fluid through a tapered or frusto-conical region between the shaft and housing. This further provides a fluid bearing between the two surfaces and allows use of interchangeable rotating jet heads having jet orifices which can be oriented in virtually any desirable configuration including axially forward of the nozzle.

Abstract: A foam roller exercise apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the foam roller exercise apparatus may have first and second portions. The first portion may have a uniform cross-sectional shape, a first curved outer surface having a first radius of curvature, and a second curved outer surface spaced from the first curved outer surface and having a second radius of curvature. The second portion may be separable from the first portion and may have a uniform cross-sectional shape complimentary to the first portion. The foam roller exercise apparatus may have a third portion.

Abstract: A versatile exercise device comprising a level frame; a frame keyhole sequence; a track parallel to two sides of the frame; at least one resistance medium, and a platform comprising at least two wheels, placed and rolling within said track, a platform frame comprising a platform keyhole sequences, and a top panel. The resistance mediums connect the platform to the frame. Preferably, each of two resistance mediums connects one side of the platform with one side of the frame.

Abstract: A barrel exercise apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure is a curved, partial barrel shaped body that has an upper curved surface having two portions with different radii of curvature. A removable step block may be included and may be attached to the barrel shaped body.