Abstract: An exercise equipment for use by people in wheelchairs has a stationary frame within which a user can readily located their wheelchair, including attachment structure for securing the lower body of the user to the chair. A guide frame pivotally secured to the stationary frame is readily adjustable in its angle of inclination, which angle defines the plane of displacement in which weight-lifting exercise is performed by the user. A load bar is secured to the guide frame, for displacement therealong by the user, in carrying out their selected exercise. The load bar is connected by its ends in load transfer relation with two sets of selectively adjustable weights. Use of a load bar in sliding relation with a guide frame diminishes the risk of loss of control of the weights. The equipment may be readily used and adjusted in relation to the angle of lift and the required weight load, by a majority of users, despite significant incapacitation.

Abstract: A walking exercise device is disclosed, which allows a user to move through normal walking motions while lying supine in a position of reduced (preferably no) axial gravitational loading on his spine. The device permits prolonged walking without the limitations of spinal vibration and stress and of foot fatigue. Pivoting arm and leg supports are mechanically linked such that the opposing pairs of limbs move in a counter motion to each other as in normal walking. These movements are performed with the assistance of a flywheel to control the walking pace or to provide adjustable resistance against which the user must exert himself. Hinges or a knee flexure roll may be provided to flex the knees and provide foot stroke during each step. The device may be operated by the user's own exertions or may be motor driven for use by infirm persons. Spinal massage mechanism and head and neck traction devices which may be operated simultaneously are also disclosed.

Abstract: A CPM device is disclosed having a single drive tube supporting the calf and thigh support members. Arms extend upwardly from the calf and thigh support members, each supporting an adjustable cradle in which the calf or thigh rests. The support arms are rotatable 180 degrees so that either leg may be supported over the single drive tube. A foot support is also cantilevered from the end of the calf support drive bar. The drive tube which supports the calf and thigh drive support bars is cantilevered from a unique support mechanism which attaches an end of the drive tube to the horizontal bed frame at the end of the hospital bed. A rack and pinion mechanism is combined with a unique gas spring in order to allow the drive tube to be easily rotated up above the hospital bed with the gas spring providing a power assist to the person lifting the drive tube off the bed in order that the drive tube may be easily rotated up off the bed without undue physical exertion.

Abstract: A device for exercising various extremities of the body is disclosed. The device is particularly useful for exercising one's feet, ankles and leg muscles, while the user is in the sitting position. The exercise device consists of a stationary base (12) and a movable platform (14) which is pivotally connected to the base for pivoting and oscillating motion with respect thereto. The platform (14) is suspended above the base (12) so that the platform is freely capable of both pivotal and oscillatory movement without touching the top edges or vertical sides of the base and yet, the platform cooperates with the base to completely enclose the machine.

Abstract: A portable CPM machine is presented for causing controlled continuous passive motion of one or more of the digits of a patient's hand. The device is mounted on the dorsal surface of the hand for motion of the four fingers and is mounted on the palmar aspect of the forearm for motion of the thumb. The thumb use is independent of finger use in that the device is mounted in a different location and the axis of rotation is about a line which is perpendicular to the frontal or sagittal plane of the forearm. The mounting for use with the thumb has the device mounted on the palmar surface of the forearm parallel to the longitudinal axis of the forearm. In both instances, the device is supported by a splint on the user's hand which extends along the forearm. The device has a housing with an actuating mechanism located within the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus which permits the index and middle finger of the hand to be spread apart in a manner to stress the finger joints. The joint may then be exercised while in its stressed condition so that the joint is strengthened at the same time as it is made more flexible. The object of the invention is to improve the flexibility and stretch of the finger muscles of the index and middle finger of the hand so that a person utilizing the exerciser may practice the split finger baseball pitch.

Abstract: A mechanically powered exercise apparatus is provided having a pair of slidable accommodated vertical bars supported in an elongated housing. Each bar has an extending hand grip, and a foot support secured at opposite end thereof. In operation, the bars are reciprocated in opposite directions within the housing for simulating a climbing motion.

Abstract: The exerciser is adapted to simulate the motions and conditions incident to making turns on a ski slope, and for perfecting body movements that are important for the safety of skiers on a snow-covered slope. The exerciser has a platform for supporting a person and a support including a frame for supporting the platform for rotation in accordance with shift of weight and movements of the person. Restraining spring is coupled between the platform and the frame. The spring is effective to yieldably resist with increasing force the increasing tendency of the platform to rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise from a neutral position relative to the frame.

Abstract: A passive exercising apparatus comprises a first stationary horizontal platform supported on a first frame detachably connected to a second frame supporting a second platform forming a lengthwise extension of the first platform and connectable thereto for relative pivotal or rotative movement, a drive mechanism supported on the second frame below the second platform, adjustable linkages connected to the drive mechanism enabling the second platform to be selectively pivoted up-and-down or about its central longitudinal axis or both so as to vary the type of exercise obtained, a third horizontal stationary platform in the form of a bench having a third frame detachably connectable to the second frame of the second platform and a fourth set of leg support members on a fourth frame detachably connectable to the second frame of the second platform with means connected to said drive mechanism to drive said leg support members and exercise the legs of the user.

Abstract: An exercise shoe including a semi-circular base providing a semi-circular sole plate on which the exercise shoe rocks. Attached to the base is a support which supports a heel support platform and a foot ball support platform. The semi-circular base and support have a generally diametrical axis and the heel support platform is inclined at an acute angle of 20.degree..+-.5.degree. with respect to the axis and the foot ball support platform is inclined at an acute angle of 30.degree..+-.5.degree. with respect to the axis. The user may employ two of such exercise shoes, one for each foot, then rocks back and forth on the shoes. The effect is to exercise, develop and toe the heel and toe flexors in the foot and calf muscles and the leg. Blood circulation to the lower leg is also stimulated.

Abstract: A weight lifting exercising device of the type wherein at least a portion of the weight lifted includes the user's own weight is disclosed. The device includes a frame having a first end and a second end. A platform has a first end and a second end, with the second end of the platform being pivotally mounted adjacent to the second end of the frame to permit the first end of the platform to move in a generally vertical arc. A bench has a first end, a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface. The first end of the bench is pivotally mounted to the frame adjacent to the first end of the bench to move in a generally vertical arc during the operation of the device. A carriage is disposed below the bench for supporting the second end of the bench on the platform. A first exercise bar is also provided. A first flexible cable has a first end, a second end and a middle portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting vertebrae including a rod and a fastener for connecting the rod with a vertebra of a spinal column. The fastener includes a screw having a threaded portion for connection with the vertebra. The screw has a head connected to one end of the threaded portion. The head includes a bight portion and a pair of spaced apart resiliently deflectable legs extending from the bight portion. The pair of legs and the bight portion define a cavity in the screw head. The rod is receivable in the cavity in the screw head. A cap is receivable on the pair of legs and deflects the pair of legs to clamp around the portion of the rod received in the cavity in the screw head. The cap is retained on the screw so that movement of the rod relative to the screw is blocked.

Abstract: The exercise device of the present invention is comprised of a seat which supports the user in a generally upright position where the arms and legs are free to move in a manner similar to that encountered while swimming. The seat is supported above a base having resistance devices located at one of its ends which impart resistance against the movement of the legs when they are moved in an oscillatory motion about the hips. Located on the other end of the base is an upright post which supports resistance devices above and ahead of the user that impart resistance to the movement of the arms when they are moved in a rotary motion about the shoulders. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the resistance devices comprise rotatably mounted reels which have cables wound onto them. Springs resist rotation of the reels when the cables are unwound from them due to their being pulled, and rewinds the cables back onto the reels when the cables are released.

Abstract: A leg exercising machine comprises a frame, a thigh support pivoted to the frame, a calf support pivoted to the thigh support, a foot support extending transversely to the calf support and pivoted thereto and a rotor carried by the frame. The foot support is pivoted to the rotor on an axis spaced from the axis rotation of the rotor and from the axis of pivoting of the foot support to the calf support. The axes of pivoting of the foot support and the calf support and parallel to each other and to the axis of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A reciprocating gait orthosis or prosthesis to provide a natural and efficient method of ambulation for paraplegic patients comprises hip joints which are coupled by a single push/pull member in the form of an inner metal cable which is surrounded by two nylon tubes, the outer nylon tube being a tight fit on the inner nylon tube which, in turn, closely embraces the inner metal cable so that they all move together, the arrangement also comprising two limb members each having a respective hip joint at one end and a respective knee joint at the other end with the joints rotatably coupling the limb member to further members which are pivotally coupled to a tie rod whereby rotation of the further members relative to the limb member about the joints is coordinated by the tie rod, there also being a spring which acts to urge the arrangement into a standing position and controls movement into a sitting position.

Abstract: A device for progressively applying a flexion force to a phalange includes a fraction-force producing portion for applying long-axis traction to the finger and a flexion-force producing portion, that is infinitely adjustable within a wide range of lengths, for applying a flexion force directly to the proximal phalanx generally perpendicular the long-axis of the bone. The flexion force is adjustable independently of the traction force. Embodiments are disclosed for providing progressive flexion to one finger, two adjacent fingers, or the thumb.

Abstract: A shoulder rehabilitation device is described wherein the forearm is cradled in a movable lever on a mounting plate with the mounting plate hinged to a base plate in such a manner that the arm movement at various angles between horizontal and vertical exercises all the muscles in the shoulder; a structure of adjusting resistance to motion of the lever provides for prescribed exercise as the muscles strengthen.

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

Abstract: An exercise device for the lower extremities that can be mounted on a support and has a frame having a first leg and a second leg. The first and second legs have a first end and a second end. The first end of the first and second legs are pivotally connected. A cylinder is connected to the first and second legs for providing resistance. The resistance is produced when the second end of the second leg is moved in a direction toward the first leg. A resilient spring is connected to the second leg. The resilient spring moves the second end of the second leg away from the first leg. A control valve is operatively connected to the cylinder for varying the resistance of the cylinder. A pad is positioned on the second end of the first leg. The pad is positioned to be engaged by the user to pivot the second end of the first leg towards said second leg against the resistance provided by the cylinder.

Abstract: A hip joint for a prosthetic leg has first and second members pivoted together by a pin through the first member. The pin includes an outer spool-like spindle roatable in a bearing in said first member and an inner spool-like spindle rotatable in a bearing in the outer spindle and carrying pivots for the second member. The inner spindle has an axis skew to the outer spindle so that firstly an angle may be set between the pivot axis of the joint and said first member by adjusting the relative angular positions of the inner and outer spindles and secondly an attitude of said pivot axis may be set by adjusting the angular position of the outer spindle relative to the first member. The hip joint may have a buffer assembly that contacts an abutment on the first member at a contact line or plane to define a rearward limit of swing of the second member.