Abstract: A massaging device having a very simple structure, which can be used directly or can be inserted in the back of massage chairs or the like comprises a post which supports, so that it can slide in a substantially vertical direction, a movable framework provided with massage wheels. Elements are provided for the translatory motion of the framework along the post to move the massage wheels in substantially vertical directions to perform a massaging action of the so-called "stretching" type. The structural simplicity of the device allows to significantly contain its production costs.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising a first grip and a second grip, both the first grip and second grip having a longitudinal grip and a transverse grip, the longitudinal grip having a longitudinal diameter and the transverse grip having a transverse diameter greater than the longitudinal diameter, the second grip being torsionally connected to the first grip such that the longitudinal grips are adjacent and such that the torque required to rotate the first grip relative to the second grip can be adjusted via a threaded arrangement.

Abstract: A trampoline convertible for use as a swimming pool includes a substantially rigid frame having a top member, a bottom member and a plurality of posts fixed between the top member and the bottom member to secure the members in spaced relationship to each other. A mat having a perimeter is planarly suspended relative to the top member. Also included is a shell having an outer perimeter and being insertable within a space defined by the frame. A plurality of shell attaching devices secures the shell to the frame. Overlapping the shell, a liner is included which is also positionable within the space defined by the frame. A plurality of liner attaching devices secures the liner to the frame. The trampoline is converted to a swimming pool by inverting the trampoline, securing the shell and the liner to the frame, and introducing water into the space defined by the frame and within the liner.

Abstract: A new detachable padding for a neck brace for providing contoured pads that are shaped to fit the contours of a neck brace. The inventive device includes a plurality of pads mountable to the front and back portions of a neck brace. Each pad includes a liquid permeable top layer, a substantially liquid impermeable bottom layer, and a liquid absorbing inner padding layer interposed between the top layer and the bottom layer. The back surface of the bottom layer is designed for adhesively coupling to another surface, such as the inside of a neck brace.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus which comprises a track, a track carriage slidably disposed on the track, and a resistance system for providing unidirectional, selectively variable resistance to the track carriage. The track carriage is capable of sliding along the track in a first direction when a force is applied to the track carriage sufficient to overcome the resistance force of the resistance system, and whereby the track carriage is capable of sliding along the track in a direction opposite to the first direction when the applied force is diminished.

Abstract: A gymnastic apparatus for performing vaults possesses a lower portion, an upper part arranged on same in a vertically adjustable fashion and constituted by a board arranged in a resilient manner on the lower portion. A gymnast running toward a front side of the apparatus, places his hands on the top side of the board, which forms a support face, applies his weight for an instant and leaps over the apparatus. In such leap he is aided by the resilient board. A front region of the board rises from the front convexly toward the rear in a arcuate manner, the arcuate region merging with an approximately horizontal flat region. The transitional region and/or the flat region serves a support face.

Abstract: A stretch exercise device is molded in one piece of a material having the physical properties of a soft, flexible, deformable rubber. Two elongate, spaced apart side members extend along a long axis. Many finger grips or rungs are arranged parallel to one another attached at their ends to the side members. The rungs are spaced apart by a distance small enough so that a hand grasping a first rung may reach out with some fingers to reach an adjacent rung without first releasing a secure grip on the first rung. This enables a user to exert continuously increasing tension in stretching exercises. Grooves on the rungs and grooves on the side members provide finger gripping surfaces to facilitate this progressive tensioning movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a predetermined area on a heart of a patient to enable a surgical procedure, the apparatus comprising a bifurcated member having two elongated prongs and an elongated handle segment attached to the bifurcated member. Selected portions of the apparatus can be constructed from a memory metal alloy, such as nitinol, to allow the surgeon to adapt the apparatus to a particular surgical procedure. The bifurcated member can be either fixably or pivotally attached to the handle segment. The apparatus may further comprise an attachment or inlay to prevent lateral movement thereof when being used in the surgical procedure. The apparatus may additionally include a cleat for securing a portion of the surgical thread used during the surgical process. Another aspect of the present invention is a member slidably attached to a portion of the handle segment that is movable between a position compressing an artery to reduce or stop blood flow and a position spaced apart from the artery.

Abstract: A cervical collar is provided having a front collar portion fabricated from a substantially incompressible plastic resin and a compressible, flexible foam strip mounted on one side of the front body section. The front collar portion includes a mandible support portion comprising a chin support portion extending transversely in an upper central portion of the front collar portion and a pair of laterally extending jaw support portions which connect at their distal ends to side portions of the front collar portion. Each jaw support portion includes at least one opening formed therein for facilitating bending of the jaw support to conform to a wearer's jaw line.

Abstract: A pelvic floor muscle weight training kit includes a casing with a cap and a bottom, a set of weights, and a retaining member mounted on each of the weights. The cap has a first inside thread, and the bottom has a second inside thread. Each of the weights is different in shape and weight and is replaced in the casing individually. The retaining member has a third thread. The first and second threads of the casing are capable of being threaded with the third thread of the retaining member such that each of the weights is retained in a universal casing individually. The pelvic floor muscle weight training kit also provides for a method of testing and/or exercising pelvic floor muscles.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for massaging parts of the body, preferably feet and legs. This apparatus is of the type where at least two rollers (1, 12) press against and are moved along the respective part of the body. The apparatus comprises a lower wheel wagon (16), a frame (15) attached to the wheel wagon (16), a lower rotatable roller (12) connected to the frame (15), a first arm (5) with a first end connected to the frame (15), a second arm (4) with a first end linked by a joint to the first arm's (5) second end, an upper rotatable roller (1) connected to the second arm's (4) second end, and a handle (2) connected to the second arm (4).

Abstract: An exercise device comprises a relatively large diameter ball having a pair of handles projecting from opposite sides of the ball. To use the device, one may grasp one or both handles and manipulate the device following specific exercise routines.

Abstract: An extended coverage leg brace having an up and across upper and down and across lower structure carries a number of extended adjustment areas. The structure provides an extended length moment engagement to reduce pressure on the upper and lower leg of the user, while the adjustment areas facilitate and enable the user to form the brace to a configuration which will better fit the user's leg shape and topology. The shape of the upper and lower supports in addition to smaller adjustment area loops produces a large open space which avoids over covering the skin of the upper and lower leg to promote air and cooling to significant areas of the upper and lower leg. A custom pad set has raised areas which fit somewhat through the open spaces left in the looping upper and looping lower structural supports which enable the use of lighter weight and a lesser amount of more efficient padding, which also promotes "breathing" adjacent the leg.

Abstract: A system for preventing and treating most lower back disorders provides an upwardly and forwardly directed compressive force exerted against the sacroiliac joint of the human body. Particularly, an inventive back brace is disclosed as including a support dimensioned to extend along the backside of the body generally from the lumbar region of the spine downwardly at least to the ischial tuberosity of each of the pelvic bones. A pair of adjustable leg straps and a flexible wrap dimensioned to extend around the lower torso are operatively connected to the support for tightening the support against the buttocks of the wearer so as to provide the desired compressive force against the sacroiliac joint.

Abstract: A variable friction resistance exercise machine 10 including a pair of friction wheels 31 rotatably suspended by axles 30, 30' in a framework member 20. The axles 30, 30' are operatively connected to coiled lengths 41 of cable attached to one end to clutch rewind assemblies 40. The friction wheels 31 are provided with adjustable friction means 33, 35, 36, 37, and 38 to vary the frictional resistance required to rotate each friction wheel 30, 30' relative to the framework member 20.

Abstract: A method for anatomical reduction of the bones of the pelvis includes a belt having a clasp or other fastening member. The device also includes at least two inflatable bladders slidingly positionable along the belt. Operationally, the device is positioned to encircle the hips of a patient with a bladder positioned over each of the patient's hip bones. The clasp is fastened to hold the belt in place and a pump is used to selectively inflate each of the bladders. Inflation of the bladders applies a compressive force in excess of five hundred pounds to the pelvic bones of the patient reducing the intra-pelvic volume, thereby minimizing blood loss attributable to fractures or diastasis of the pelvis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an enclosure 10 having a base with rubber edges 16 to prevent slippage on the floor. A boot 12 for a human foot is provided also. Straps 18 connect boots 12 holding the human feet which straps connect to each other through cables 20 traveling over a pulley means 22 connecting to a multiple spring assembly 40 which cause the straps to be tensioned and to communicate with each other. The multiple springs 40 allow the tension to be adjusted on the straps 18 so that the tension on the boots 12 can be varied, thereby varying the exercise tension on the foot 52. The boots 12 are provided with cleats 50 and hook material 48 for holding the straps 18 thereon.

Abstract: A training device is disclosed for exercising the pubococcygeal or pelvic floor muscles, for example in the treatment of incontinence. The device includes a cylindrical, deformable probe for insertion into the vagina or rectum of a user. The probe is connected to a pressure transducer, which detects the pressure applied to the probe by contraction of the pelvic floor muscles and displays a pressure indicator to the user to help direct the contraction of the appropriate muscles. The pressure indicator may take the form of a series of nested figures, such as curves or concentric semi-circles, that incrementally converge toward a common point as pressure on the probe increases. The nested figures incrementally retreat from the common point as pressure on the probe decreases. The training unit guides a user through an exercise routine by tracking the overall exercise time and the timing between flexing and relaxation cycles.

Abstract: A therapeutic system comprising an orthotic device adapted to extend the range of angular movement between adjacent first and second skeletal body parts which have been drawn to and involuntarily held in a limited angular range of motion position relative to one another by contraction of muscle fibers and connective tissue due to immobility of one or both of said skeletal body parts and an electrode component positioned to be effective to conduct an electrical current to at least one of said body parts.

Abstract: A portable exerciser has a generally planar base for receiving a user's foot to be exercised and at least one resilient fastening member for flexibly fastening the user's foot to the base. The attachment member comprises a bar for attaching the resilient fastening member to at least one location on the base. When the resilient fastening member is attached to the base, it provides resistive force in opposition to movement of the user's foot and permits all of dorsiflexion, inversion and eversion exercise. The exercise apparatus can also include a force-bearing portion of the base so that a user can steady the base against movement with a non-exercising foot.