Abstract: A barbell system includes a grip having an axial length and an axial bore with a diameter and planar end faces and a contoured exterior surface. The contoured exterior surface has a maximum diameter at its radial central plane and at its ends and a minimum diameter at its radial intermediate planes symmetrically positioned between the central plane and the ends. The exterior surface is formed with three circumferentially positioned regions around the periphery to form flat ovals. The central ovals are all located in three planes 120 degrees from each other with a major axis parallel with the axis of the grip and shaft and a minor axis transverse to the axis of the grip and shaft.

Abstract: A chest press exercise apparatus is provided. The chest press apparatus includes a selectable eight mechanism and a support member which pivotably supports a pair of four-bar linkage mechanisms. The four-bar linkage mechanisms are pivotably mounted at their rearward ends about axes which are disposed at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, i.e. are tilted relative to vertical, such that a pair of elongated bars of the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel in planes which are tilted relative to vertical. The tilted planes through which the four-bar linkage mechanisms travel enable the handles to travel along a slightly curvilinear downwardly diverging path which simulates as natural a human musculoskeletal upward pushing motion as possible.

Abstract: A dynamic tensioner that exhibits direction responsive, adjustable, rotational resistance. The tensioner is particularly suited for use in exercise equipment to provide physiological sculpting. A ratcheting mechanism is combined with an adjustable resistance bearing to provide a specific resistance in a first rotational direction, and almost no resistance in the opposite rotational direction, based on the position of a selector switch. Two of the tensioners can be used to provide adjustable resistance in both rotational directions. When two of the tensioners are used, the ratcheting mechanisms can be set to work oppositely to allow adjustable resistance in both directions, or set to work together for increased adjustable resistance in one direction and free movement in the opposite direction. Various embodiments of the adjustable resistance bearing are envisioned. An exercise bar and an exercising leg or arm brace, using the dynamic tensioner of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of performing the front squat exercise and a weight lifting device for distributing the load of a weight lifting barbell during the performance of the front squat exercise is provided which transfers a majority of the load of the barbell to the anterior deltoid muscle areas of the weight lifter. The weight lifting device of the present invention comprises a pair of barbell supports, each having a lower surface contoured to fit and conform to the anterior deltoid muscle areas of the weight lifter and an upper surface for attaching to the shaft of a barbell.

Abstract: A slide-on protector cap for dumbbells is disclosed. Such protector cap comprises a hexagonal protector member for each weight of a dumbbell. The cap includes six generally rectangular planar plates coupled together in a cylindrical cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration of an associated weight which it is adapted to cover and protect. Each rectangular plate is adapted to be removably slidably positioned over the rectangular planar faces of the associated weight.

Abstract: An exercise dumbbell includes a handle having a first weight member releasably coupled thereto. In addition, a first light structure is releasably coupled to the handle adjacent the first weight member such that the light member securely couples the weight member to the handle. The first light structure includes a light source house within a fluorescent lens.

Abstract: An exercise system is provided comprising a rocking chair and a footstool. The rocking chair comprises a seat, a back support, a base, and one or more rockers for producing a rocking or lilting motion. Rocking resistance is provided for requiring that an additional force be applied to the rocking chair to maintain a rocking motion. The footstool comprises a foot rest positionable relative to the rocking chair such that the feet of a user are supported on a foot support surface of the foot rest when the user is seated upon the rocking chair. The height and angle of the foot rest are adjustable. A method for selectively exercising specific muscle groups in a user's legs with the exercise system is also provided.

Abstract: A seat 100 is used with a device 10 for transferring stress from the lumbar spine to the rib cage of a person. The device 10 includes torso embracing members 29 and 30 and a seat 100 supported by the device 10. The seat includes a fluid tight chamber 106 and a fluid control device for controlling flow of fluid into and out of the chamber 106. The chamber has a first height when filled with fluid and a second, lesser height when fluid has been removed from the chamber.

Abstract: A patient position monitor is disclosed. The patient position monitor includes an inclinometer and a microprocessor connected to the output of the inclinometer. The inclinometer is a body axis orientation sensor having a light impermeable capsule including a cylindrical body. The longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body is parallel to the patient's body axis. The cylindrical body includes a first end portion having a circuit board with a radial array of sequentially illuminated LEDs. A light sensor is mounted on a second end portion of the cylindrical body. A light impermeable sphere disposed in the capsule between the array of LEDs and the light sensor is sized to block light emitted from a portion of the LEDs. The detection of light from the unblocked LEDs is indicative of the position of the sphere and of the orientation of the patient's body axis relative to gravity.

Abstract: A shoulder exercise bar intended for use with hemiplegic patients is provided which maintains a patient's hands in proper position during shoulder exercises and may also be used for elbow and wrist exercises. The shoulder exercise bar includes a crossbar which is adjustable in length to fit a particular patient. A plurality of handles are provided at each end of the crossbar to be grasped by the patient demonstrating weakness. One of the handles is angularly offset at each end with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the crossbar and provides for versatile strengthening and stretching exercises for the patient. The orientation of the handles also encourages self resisted or isotonic strengthening exercises.

Abstract: A weight device of an exerciser. The exerciser including two guide rods respectively passing through two through holes of an inclined rest board. Multiple weight blocks are placed on the rest board. A front side of the weight block is formed with two insertion slots. The guide rods are inserted into the insertion slots. The inclined rest board makes the weight of the weight blocks downward distributed. So, the weight blocks can be moved up and down without dropping out during operation. The weight blocks are only slightly guided by the guide rods so that it is unnecessary to accurately locate the weight blocks and this greatly reduces the manufacturing cost for the exerciser. Also, the weight blocks can be arbitrarily placed in or taken out and thus when assembling the exerciser, it is unnecessary to assemble the weight blocks with the exerciser at the same time. Therefore, it is easier to assemble the exerciser.

Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary barbell holder and methods for its use. In an exemplary embodiment, a barbell holder comprises a base member having at least one region that is adapted to hold a weight. A coupling mechanism is operably attached to the base member. The coupling mechanism is adapted to removably couple a barbell to the base member.

Abstract: The multifunctional exercise machine includes a pedal, handle and swivel rod linked to a pivoting seat by a cable and pulley system. The handle is pivotally fastened to a suspension frame rod which is, in turn, pivotally fastened to the frame of the machine. The pedal is pivotally mounted to the frame and the swivel rod is pivotally mounted to the pivoting seat. A cable is fastened at one end to the handle, extends in turn though pulleys on the suspension frame rod, seat suspension rod, pedal and seat suspension rod, again, and is fastened at the other end to the swivel rod. The user faces forward to use the pedal and rearward to use the swivel rod. Movement of the pedal, handle or swivel rod is resisted by the weight of the user on the seat. The machine is foldable to facilitate storage and shipping.

Abstract: An exerciser is mounted on a belt to be worn by a person while walking, sitting or running. A housing is mounted on the belt at the user's back. Two cords are wound on separate grooves in a disc rotatably mounted in the housing and wound in opposite directions. A handle is mounted at the free end of each cord. Each cord is conducted through low friction guideways mounted on the belt to the user's sides. Pulling on one handle unwinds that cord from the disc and winds the other cord on the disc. Pulling alternately on the handles rotates the disc in first one direction and then the other. Friction elements between the disc and the housing resist rotation. The amount of friction and the force required to pull the handles is adjustable as is the length of the cords.

Abstract: An exercise device having weighted heads is disclosed. The weighted heads are composed of a light shell with a heavy core. The combination of a durable but light shell material with a denser core material results in weighted heads with reduced bulk. The reduced bulk improves the user's control of the device during use, reduces anatomical stress to the users arms and hands, and allows the user to lift a greater amount of weight while maintaining control of the device.

Abstract: An automatic weight selector for exercise equipment is characterized by a screw mechanism for adding or subtracting weight applied to a carriage on the equipment. A plurality of weights are slidably connected with the equipment. The weights contain central threaded through-openings which are in alignment when the weights are arranged in a stack. The screw mechanism has a vertical axis aligned with the threaded openings in the weights. Thus, the screw can be rotated to connect or disconnect one or more weights to the carriage. A remote-controlled motor is provided to rotate the screw, thereby enabling a user to easily and automatically adjust the weight applied to the exercise equipment.

Abstract: A multi-function exercise device having an elongate frame member with a conjoined seating component located on the frame and with the seating component adapted to lock into either of two operating positions facing the longitudinal ends. The forward-facing end has a pair of upstanding lever members adapted for manual arcuate movement having a set of resilient tensioning bands provided for a countervailing force for a first set of exercises. At the other frame end, is a vertical mast secured pivotally at its lower end to the frame member, and also provided with a upper end, manually actionable cross bar, for arm exercises. A pair of foot rests are mounted midway of the vertical mast for conducting certain leg exercises using a second set of tensioning bands which provide the countervailing force for the opposing end set of exercises.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for toning the mid-section and lower portion of the body, especially helpful for handicapped individuals who have marginal or only functional use of their lower extremities on an involuntary basis whereby a physically able person or a physically challenged person manipulates a pendulum bar, freely suspended from a semi-flexible member in a quarter circular oblique movement, while strapped to the apparatus in a seated position, and whereas the flexibility of the flexible member is predetermined by design or controlled hydraulically by the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable apparatus for providing lumbar traction in the home or while traveling which is used in conjunction with a door or gate. The apparatus includes an anchoring device which fits over the top of an ordinary door. The anchor is connected to an adjustable support strap which is attached to a junction box. An adjustable rope passing over a pulley in the junction box is provided with a grip at one end, and a pelvic traction belt at the other end. A locking mechanism is provided on the junction box to set the adjustable rope attached to the traction belt in a desired position. The device is attached over a door, and the user puts on the traction belt and lies down on the floor with knees bent, the soles of both feet flat against the door. By pulling the grip of the rope, the traction belt can be raised to a desired position for traction, and then locked in place. After an appropriate period of traction, the user disengages the lock, and lowers the traction belt.

Abstract: An exercise and rehabilitation machine for strengthening the torso muscles and rehabilitating back injuries includes an optional leg support and an angled torso platform further having attached a plurality of vibrational therapy pads and body pads whereby the angled torso platform cradles and supports that portion of weight attributable to the upper body, or torso, of a user, and if the leg support is not used, the user supports that portion of weight attributable to the lower body with the user's feet against the bottom surface of a room, or otherwise, if the leg support is included, the user supports that portion of weight attributable to the lower body with the user's legs draped over the leg support.