Abstract: A cushion device shaped into a configuration suitable for supporting the foot and ankle in a normal position or for supporting the elbow, and comprised of a flexible sheet material having adjacent major and minor panels joined by a web to allow the panels to be formed into the necessary shape to match the normal angular position of the foot and ankle, or elbow bend. The sheet material is provided on one surface with an array of pressure fluid cells organized to give the necessary support without causing the formation of sores usually associated with long periods of inactivity of movement. The sheet in its shaped configuration is secured by adjustable cooperating devices of the Velcro type.

Abstract: A size-variable intrauterine pessary for adapting to the uterine cavity geometry, which has a rod part with flexible side arms and made from plastic, a coil, more particularly of copper, being optionally wound around the rod part, which has a fastening device for a thread and in which fitting takes place directly in the uterine cavity and which is characterized in that the rod part comprises a body and a control cylinder, that the body is forcibly coupled with the control cylinder, that through the forcible coupling the control cylinder can be moved against the body in the direction of its longitudinal axis and that the rod part has a coupling part into which snaps a fitting device during fitting and said device can be removed again after fitting.By turning the control cylinder following insertion, the spreading apart of the side arms can be adapted in random manner to the uterine cavity geometry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new and improved intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD), which includes a fixing device to the fundal part of the uterine cavity, attached to members made in a material active into the uterine cavity, said members being attached the one behind the others, in a non-rigid assembly. The members are hollow members, open at both end and arranged in a sequence to form a longitudinal passage allowing passing through of a needle, and the fixing device to the fundal part of the uterine cavity is a thread affixed to the assembly of hollow members, provided with a retaining device in the uterine tissue, adapted for insertion by means of a needle.

Abstract: A heel pad comprising, a sheet of porous material having a hemispherical portion for placement on the heel, first and second opposed flap portions extending upwardly from the hemispherical portion and a central portion connecting the first and second flap portions. The pad has third and fourth flap opposed flap portions extending downwardly from the hemispherical portion, and a central portion connecting the third and fourth flap portions. The third and fourth flap portions are adapted to overlap upper portions over lower portions of the first and second flap portions, with the first and second flap portions facing each other, and with the third and fourth flap portions facing each other in the formed sheet.

Abstract: A system for exercising with a skip-rope including a tread mat having a sensor embedded therein that is responsive to the proximate passage of the skip-rope and read-out instrumentation connected to the sensor for counting the number of skips.

Abstract: The auxiliary instrument for stretching and softening exercises is to be provided for stretching and softening exercises (stretching exercises) and particularly for exercises of stretching Achilles' tendons and calves and can be used also as a treading health instrument.That is to say, this invention is an auxiliary instrument for stretching and softening exercises comprising a supporting base (1), a treading base (2) hinged at one end to this supporting base so as to be free to rise and fall and to open and close, an angle adjusting member (3) interposed between the supporting base (1) and treading base (2) so as to keep the opening and closing angle between them at a predetermined angle and a stopper (4) erected in the rear of the treading base (2) or supporting base (1), a semi-cylindrical member (21) formed to be of a curved surface corresponding to the plantar arches of feet being fitted on the upper surface of the above mentioned treading base (2).

Abstract: An adjustable wrist splint custom fabricated to fit the forearm and hand of a patient with straps adjustable to fasten the wrist piece to the arm of a patient and pivotal connecting means pivotally connecting the wristpiece to the handpiece to allow universal pivotal movement between the two members. A modification of the device also provides a dynamic splint allowing universal pivoting movement of the joint responsive to actuating forces of the patient.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device includes at least two clasps, each clamping around an upper molar tooth on opposite sides of the mouth; a bridge made of an acrylic-like material connecting the clasps; a button which applies pressure to the soft palate of the person; and an easily bendable wire interconnecting the button and the bridge such that the button applies pressure to the soft palate to prevent vibration thereof.

Abstract: An exercise machine having a basic rowing action as well as a pushing action, in which the resistance to movement is provided by the user's body weight, and it comprises a base, a column mounted vertically on the base, a frame with a seat mounted on top of the column, an exercise bar with handles and pedals pivoted to the frame in front of the seat, and a system linking the exercise bar and the column such that rotation of the former causes elevation of the latter.

Abstract: A Karate exercising bag which provides resistance to the four basic movements in that art of self defense. The exercising bag is so mounted that it responds laterally with adjustable resistance when punched or kicked by the person exercising. The exercise bag has upper and lower pole members by which the exercising bag is suspended vertically between semicircular upper and lower mounting frames. The mounting frames are interconnected and supported by two or more vertical support members. Spring-loaded swivel means is provided at the top and bottom of the pole members to provide lateral resistance to any twisting movements imparted to the exercising bag by the exerciser and to return the exercising bag to its original position when at rest. In addition, shock absorbers are mounted at right angles to the pole members to provide resistance to any rearward movement imparted to the exercising bag by the exerciser and to return the exercising bag to its original position when at rest.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the respiratory tidal volume of athletes is described. The invention provides additional volume to the anatomical dead space requiring the athlete to ventilate at a higher rate than that dictated by the actual work or training being done. This results in a respiratory effort in excess of the respiratory requirement.

Abstract: A case of approximate sphere is formed by assembling a pair of hemispherical shell pieces with elastic materials. A rack, capable of shifting in the axial direction in connection with shift of the shell pieces, is supported within the case. A pinion designed to rotate in engagement with the rack is provided within the case. A grip indicator dial designed to rotate in connection with the pinion is provided within the case. This grip indicator dial is provided with a scale observable from outside the case. Within the case is provided a target-grip setting dial capable of being operated from outside the case. The target-grip setting dial is provided with a scale indicating the target-grip.

Abstract: The conventional exercise device for performing sit-ups includes a base and a strap for holding the feet of the user on the base. The number of consecutive sit-ups performed by an exerciser can be dramatically increased by using an exercise device including a frame, and footrests, calf supports, thigh supports and a seat on the frame, with each of such elements being adjustable in terms of position and inclination on the frame.

Abstract: A tunnel formed of a thermoplastic film with an outside and inside surface with compressed air in between. The tunnel consists of end sections (20) connected by longitudinal sections (22) to support sections (24), each having openings therebetween, allowing communication for introducing the compressed air. A second embodiment is similar, except it utilizes helical shaped sections (34) formed in a round configuration. A polygon shaped center intersection (40) connects the tunnels together with hook and loop tape (28) bonded to each mating surface forming a matrix when used in conjunction with a plurality of tunnels and intersections. The hollow interior of the devices allow children at play to enter and crawl through while within the protective enclosure afforded by the invention.

Abstract: An exercising apparatus which can be used as a rowing machine or for performing other types of exercises not possible with a rowing machine, by having the pivotally mounted ends of the lever members of the rowing machine-type exerciser selectively movable between a position on the base frame and a position on a vertically extending column member adjacent the foremost end of the base frame.The base frame contains a longitudinally extending track, with a seat mounted on the track for longitudinal movement relative thereto when the lever arms are in the rowing-machine position.An elongate body support member is provided for mounting on the frame in longitudinal alignment with the seat when the levers are pivotally mounted on the column member, to provide a surface upon which the user can stand or lie while actuating the lever members.

Abstract: An active human limb manipulation device utilizes a frame to which a carriage is slidably mounted for vertical movement. A sub-carriage is movably mounted to the carriage for horizontal movement and carries the limb of a patient along a predetermined path. Both carriage and sub-carriage are powered by a pair of rodless cylinders which are controlled by a computer control system which simulates normal walking movement so as to strengthen and stretch the limbs of a patient who otherwise lacks the strength and muscle tone associated with normal limb movement. The cylinders have yokes which are fixed to the carriage and sub-carriage and retained in position on the cylinders by a magnetic attraction. When the patient's resistance to movement reaches a predetermined level, the yoke will break the magnetic bonds with the cylinder piston so as to avoid overstressing the limbs of the patient. The yoke may be supplied with an electromagnet so that the magnetic attraction can be closely controlled.

Abstract: A multi-function gymnastic device which is composed of a pedestal capable of being erected and two rocker components installed on the two sides of said pedestal and capable of being assembled horizontally when the said pedestal is in an erect state so that the said rocker components can be pushed and pulled to-and-fro for boat-rowing sports, up-and-down for weight-lifting sports, and left-and-right for chest-expanding sports, and moved for 360.degree. so as to be in keeping with each other to change the mode of sports and to achieve the effect of multi-function sports.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for adjusting the height of a walker which includes a seat, a slidable base, and two U-shaped tubes which are pivotally connected to each other in a crosswise arrangement and are placed between the seat and the slidable base with one central portion of one U-shaped tubes pivotally connected to the rear side of the seat, and the other central portion of the other U-shaped tube movably engaged to the underside of the seat near its front side, the adjusting apparatus comprising two plates secured on the underside of the seat in a parallel arrangement, with each plate having an indented portion formed at its underside; two sliding members provided on the movable central portion, and slidably engaged with the plates respectively; a controlling member pivotally connected with the movable central portion, and having an engaging portion, with an operating portion opposite to the engaging portion, and two protuberances extended upwards; and a spring member arranged between

Abstract: A tongue therapy device is disclosed for training the tongue to assume its proper posture on the palate and to prevent tongue thrust during swallowing. The device includes an element, such as a pin, for irritating the tongue upon contact. A protective element is provided which keeps the tongue off the irritating element unless the tongue moves beyond a given point. The protective element can be a resiliently yieldable cover for the pin. Alternatively, it can be a ramp sloped to resist forward movement of the tongue. Each device is compact enough to fit on the lingual side of a single tooth. It can be, therefore, mass-produced to fit substantially all individuals and can be installed relatively quickly and easily.

Abstract: The present application discloses a physical exercise device which comprises a base having a bracket at one end; a seat member detachably engaged with the base; a supporting frame having one end detachably engaged with the bracket; a handling means having a connecting plate, pivotally engaged to the other end of the supporting frame; and a hydraulic cylinder having one end pivotally connected to the supporting frame and the other end detachably connected to the connecting plate for producing hydraulic resistance.