Abstract: A progressive resistance mechanism suitable for use with a weightlifting machine as provided having a base, a plurality of spaced vertical guide members, a carriage vertically reciprocating along the guide members and a plurality of weight stacks restingly supported by the base. An apertured selector post is slidably disposed through each stack and has a first pin for attaching a selected subset of weights from the stack for upward movement. A second pin on each selector post is provided for locking a slidable collar at selected positions on the post above the carriage. The collars may thus be set at different distances above the carriage. The upward-travelling carriage engages each collar in sequence to serially lift the associated weight stacks. The user thereby experiences progressively increasing weight resistance during the course of a single repetition.

Abstract: A crutch of the bifurcated type having a handgrip which is angularly offset relative to the armrest to accommodate the natural positioning of the hand and wrist. One or both support struts carrying the handgrips may be bent outwardly to carry the handgrip at a selected angle or brackets attachable to a conventional crutch may be used for the same purpose.

Abstract: A multi-function lighted walking cane which may be used in the dark as a cane for lighting the user's walkway and may also be used as a beacon to show the user's position to others. The light-emitting portion of this invention is housed adjacent and within a translucent or transparent lens positioned near the lower end of the cane. It may optionally have a raised lens shape which enhances the light-dispersing characteristics of the cane. The lens is positioned so that light is cast forward of the user along the ground. A plurality of small apertures may also be provided in the hollow cane adjacent the light source around the remaining surface juxtaposed to the lens to provide the beacon light function. This lower portion of the cane, housing the light source near its lower end, contains the battery and the power supply. The length of the cane may is made adjustable. The cane has a connector for attaching a battery charger to recharge batteries in the cane.

Abstract: An umbrella handle with a unique structure that allows a carrying strap to be stored on the handle's exterior surface when not in use so as to be substantially flush with the exterior surface.

Abstract: An occupant propelled roundabout which includes a support base fixed to the ground in substantial upright orientation and having a rotatable hub attached at its upper end. This hub defines a rotational axis which is inclined with respect to a vertical reference. A support arm is attached to a rotating part of the hub and projects outward to attach at a platform provided to carry a user in sitting or standing position. The center of mass of the support arm and platform is offset from the rotational axis, which axis also intercepts a portion of the platform. The platform is attached in an acute inclined relationship with the rotational axis. An upstanding support member is attached at the platform and extends across the rotational axis. A gripping bar or seat member is positioned at the upper end of the upstanding support member to enable the user to partially counter balance against the weight of the platform during rotational motion.

Abstract: An invalid device comprises four vertically disposed support legs, each support leg including a pair of adjustable inner and outer telescoping leg portions; at least one cross member extending between the vertically disposed support legs; and at least one clamp for connecting each end of the cross members to the vertically disposed support legs, each clamp including a first section having a bore extending entirely therethrough for receiving the outer telescoping leg portion of a support leg and a slit extending therealong for connecting the exterior of the first section with the bore, two flange members connected along the first section on opposite sides of the slit for receiving at least one cross member, and each flange member including a through aperture such that a bolt, rivet or the like extending through the cross member and the through apertures will bias the flange members toward each other so as to fixedly retain the at least one cross member between the flange members and so as to compress the first

Abstract: A laparoscope cannula including four rigid members extending from the cannula for receiving sutures to maintain the cannula in place with respect to the patient's abdomen. Each of the rigid members defines a slot which opens to the outside and tapers inwardly toward the cannula. The rigid members extend parallel to the axis of the cannula and are fixed to gas valve means carried by the cannula.

Abstract: A weight lifting bar has hand grip members selectively rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis of the bar so that an exercisor can perform lifting exercises benefiting different muscle groups using a single bar and a single set of weights. A pair of concentric rotatable rings are used, the outer ring being secured to the bar and the inner ring carrying the hand grip member. The rings are securable against rotation after the desired angular relationship between the hand grip member and the bar is selected.

Abstract: An electric swing mechanism includes a battery powered solenoid which exerts a motive force on a swinging infant seat. The solenoid is activated by the linear reciprocation of a specially designed actuator past a microswitch, so that the switch is closed and the solenoid activated in only one direction of the stroke. The mechanism's linkage system is designed to contact the swinging infant seat during only half of the seat's swinging cycle, and is mechanically isolated from the seat during the other half of its cycle.

Abstract: An arrangement of interlocking telescoping members, having particular applicability with invalid devices, such as walking canes, foldable walkers and the like, includes an outer telescoping member having a plurality of longitudinally arranged apertures; an inner telescoping member telescopically received within the outer telescoping member, the inner telescoping member including a single aperture; a push button extending outwardly through the aperture of the inner telescoping member for engagement with one of the longitudinally arranged apertures of the outer telescoping member; a spring disposed within the inner telescoping member and secured to the push button for outwardly biasing the push button through the aperture of the inner telescoping member; and a plastic, resilient sleeve snuggly surrounding the outer telescoping member at least about the longitudinally arranged apertures so as to provide a pinch free adjustment, to prevent rattle between the telescoping members, and with the sleeve being capable

Abstract: An elongated frame retains a pair of drums, sheaves, pulleys or the like, at the ends of the frame, one of which is preferably power driven; the movable surface includes a plurality of step elements which have a flat top surface, preferably covered with a resilient surfacing, such as foam rubber, carpeting, or the like, to form an endless flexible belt which may be a composite of an endless belting to which slats are secured. The slat elements span the width of the apparatus and, in cross section, preferably have T-shape. A series of back-up support rollers with lateral guide flanges are located beneath the upper run of the movable support surface, with at least one elastic cushion support between the rollers and the slats, for example formed of an endless rubber V-belt in contact with the lateral flanges of the support rollers to accept lateral forces arising in use.

Abstract: A display device for creating the illusion of a three dimensional image is disclosed. The device includes a generally planar light transmitting surface having both a background image and an intermediate image formed thereon, the foreground image being in focus, the background scene or image being out of focus. A generally planar mirror has a foreground image located thereon and is maintained at an acute angle with respect to the light transmitting surface such that the light transmitting surface may be viewed by looking at the mirror along an axis which is within the acute angle. A light source is provided for projecting light through the light transmitting surface onto the mirror for reflection thereby.

Abstract: A leg-supported umbrella holder is grasped between the thighs of a wheelchair-bound person while supported by the seat of a wheelchair. An umbrella shaft and handle are clamped within the holder in upright position, permitting use of both hands for locomotion, and convenient, rapid umbrella disposition in avoiding obstacles and negotiating doorways. A variety of umbrella handle configurations are accommodated, rotation of the umbrella is inhibited, and provision is made for freestanding upright support of the umbrella upon a horizontal surface such as a floor conveniently accessible when the holder is not deployed upon the wheelchair.

Abstract: With the device belted around the waist and the user in either a standing or lying down position, the device is ready to be used. The leg restrainer #25 is, depending on the height of the individual, just above the knees. The stomach pad #3 is just below the waist and the chest pad #2 extends from the solar plexus up. The handles are a little below shoulder height and about shoulder width. When the device is being used resistence comes from the pressure between moving the leg restrainer and the chest pad and handles #6 and #7. When the opposite ends of the device are moved a large force is pushed inward at the joint wherein the stomach pad was placed. To keep the device locked so that it will not extend backwards past the vertical, the ends of tubes A and B meet in front of stomach pad #3 and behind the joint.

Abstract: An ambulatory aid in the form of a cane is manufactured from plastics material including a handle and a stick portion. The stick portion is formed in two sections, one having a male screw thread and the other having a female screw thread so that the axial length can be adjusted by screwing one into the other and then locking with a lock nut. The screw threads are formed of moulded plastic material in tubular form with a tubular metal insert. The handle is shaped with an inclined upper surface leading downwardly to an upward stop. The upper surface is positioned directly above the vertical axis of the stick.

Abstract: A water trampoline includes a buoyant inflatable base formed from a plurality of individual buoyant chambers interconnected to define the support for the trampoline. A rigid support frame consisting of an assembled plurality of individual legs is removably attached to the upper surface of the buoyant base member and a jumping cover is resiliently attached to the frame to position the cover above the water on which the base is floating. A shock absorbing cover is positioned over a portion of the base and the frame together with the interconnecting resilient-matting to prevent user contact with these elements. A detachably connected cushioned platform is mounted to overlie a portion of the shock absorbing cover, the frame and the base in a stacked arrangement to provide an elongated takeoff area.

Abstract: The invention comprises flexible handles which are adjustable in length, and which are attached to athletic shoes. The handles may be attached at various points on each shoe, adjusted to the desired length, and the wearer can grasp the handles to aid and augment exercises, and muscle toning routines.

Abstract: A jumping rope for exercising including resiliently flexible handles for adjustably altering the moment of force imposed upon the user by the swinging rope. The jump rope construction includes evenly extended handles at each end thereof. The interval between the extended handles and a ball bearing assembly within which the rope is secured comprises a resilient member which will vary the torsional force along its longitudinal axis. The rope is joined to the handle section by a ball bearing assembly which is recessed from the handle shoulder. The handle section adjacent the rope is a terminal coupling and has a tapered cross-section at the shoulder thereof to reduce the friction between the rope and the shoulder of the handle section. The opposite end of the receiving handle section is joined to a mating extension which resiliently bends along its longitudinal axis and can be easily gripped by the user.

Abstract: An exercise device consisting of two telescoping longitudinal members that are interconnected by an elastic cable is characterized by having an auxiliary cross member affixed on the tubular longitudinal member near the open end of it where the other longitudinal member enters it. This auxiliary cross member permits an increased repertoire of exercises to be performed with the device, including rowing exercises and archery pulls. A number of useful accessories are disclosed.

Abstract: A swing carriage is supported by a frame for oscillation by mating structures at each end thereof. Each mating structure includes an inverted V-shaped projection having a rounded apex in line contact with a generally straight top edge of a hole.