Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a walk assisting apparatus which enables persons having walking difficulties due to leg paralysis or other conditions to make the alternate walk improved for unassisted walking. The walk assisting apparatus according to the present invention comprises a left and a right full length leg brace swingably connected to left and right outer coxa links, an inner coxa link interconnecting the insides of the thighs of the left and the right leg supports, a swing center of the inner crotch link substantially coinciding with a swing center of the coxa links, so that the inner coxa link allows the leg supports to make the alternate walk properly.

Abstract: A base for exercise devices is composed of a first rod member, a second rod member, a retaining mechanism, and a resilient member. The first rod member has two plates provided with a plurality of slots symmetrically. The second rod member is fastened pivotally with the two plates. The retaining mechanism is mounted on the second rod member and composed of a retaining member capable of a translational motion along the second rod member. The resilient member has an elastic force enabling the retaining member to undertake the translational motion so as to be releasably retained in the plates of the first rod member at such time when the second rod member is turned in relation to the first rod member to be coincident with any one of the slots of the two plates. The retaining member is released by the plates of the first rod member when the retaining member is exerted on by an external force greater than the elastic force of the resilient member.

Abstract: A portable folding exercise apparatus has left and right side frames pivotably attached to a cross brace. Handgrips on the side frames are useful for performing traditional dips and knee raises, with the apparatus in an upright position. A cross brace has a pair of parallel handgrips useful for performing close parallel grip push-ups, and a pair of further spaced apart aligned handgrips useful for performing regular push-ups and tricep dips. The exercise apparatus is preferably formed of welded steel tubing, and is sufficiently ridged to resist excessive bending or deflection during use, even under extreme loads generated by heavy users. Quick release pins lock the side frames into an open position for use, or into a closed position for transport or storage.

Abstract: Back-to back hydraulically linked pistons are mechanically coupled to contact probes and measurement sensors. The pistons are hydraulically linked by small diameter flexible conduits which enable the contact probes and the measurement sensors to be mounted and moved independently of each other without affecting the ability of the measurement instrument to simultaneously measure a plurality of points on a selected predefined surface, such as a human tooth. The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the complex mechanical linkages heretofore required in such instruments.

Abstract: A method for determining muscle strength of elements of the musculature used in speech and swallowing. In particular, a tool is equipped with at least one pressure sensor. A person inserts the tool into the person's mouth and utters sounds of speech or swallows. While uttering sounds of speech or swallowing, portions of the oral musculature contact and exert force on the sensor. A representation of this force is displayed at a visual display device as an indication of muscle strength and position.

Abstract: A climber includes a driven bar revolvably supported in an upright support frame on a base frame and turned back and forth when two pedal bars are alternatively stepped up and down, a swivel holder revolvably supported on the driven bar and spaced between the upright support frame and a control block at the top of the driven bar to hold a handlebar unit, and an adjustment bar mounted in the swivel holder and moved between a first position where the swivel holder is turned with the driven bar, a second position where the swivel holder can be freely turned about the driven bar, and a third position where the swivel holder is fixed to the upright support frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for practice and demonstrating defense arts, such as karate, includes a vertical wall-mounted main frame unit assembled of a pair of vertical, symmetrical, cylinder shaped tubes secured to three horizontally extending wall mounting brackets or to a free standing frame unit. The purpose of the invention is to support a height adjustable hanging target, such as a speed bag or heavy bag, which the artisan strikes with various human appendages, such as the hand or foot and other certain appropriate weapons. The hanging target is supported by a striking bag carriage assembly and a striking bag platform as it rides along the vertical tubing.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus having a frame including a base, a plurality of support members extending upward from the base, a slide board carrying member carried by a first group of the plurality of support members, and a platform carrying member carried by a second group of the plurality of support members. A slide board is carried by the slide board carrying member and generally resides in a plane which is angled with respect to horizontal while a platform is carried by the platform carrying member and generally resides in a plane which is parallel with respect to horizontal. A pair of channels between which said slide board is generally disposed is provided for use in carrying a reciprocable shuttle. A plurality of upwardly extending poles is also provided which are preferably adapted to be removably mated with a corresponding number of said plurality of support members.

Abstract: An exercise machine (10-101) is provided having a platform (12-121) on which a user (14-141) is supported in a reclining position with the weight of the user (14-14G) being utilized as a resistance which may be selectively varied to the various exercises which may be performed on the exercise apparatus (10-101). A lever (20-201) is pivotally connected (30-321) to the platform (12-121) with the lever being actuated by the user for raising one end of the platform (12-121) with respect to a pivot point with resistance to such raising being varied by the pivotal mounting of the lever (20-201) on the platform (1 2121). Two of the various embodiments (FIGS. 13-16) include a base support (41 F, 41 G) having a rail (42F, 42G) on which a lever (20F, 20G) has a roller (47F, 47G) mounted for riding movement thereon and pivotally connected (32F, 32G) to a lower leg (62F, 62G) for pivotal movement. Other embodiments (FIGS.

Abstract: An exercise device for exercising and massaging the back of a user. The exercise device includes a base frame and a back rest pivotally coupled to the top of the base frame. The spring is provided for biasing the pivoting of the back rest in a direction away from the back of the base frame and towards the front of the base frame.

Abstract: A vertically oriented exercise device for working out arms, legs or both arms and legs simultaneously is provided which includes a stationary base having an adjustable vertical standard attached thereto. A rotatable pedal operated variable tension load wheel is provided near the bottom of the standard, and an adjustable seat is conveniently attached at a central location thereby allowing the user to comfortably sit while also reaching the pedals and hand grips. A pair of movable, adjustable hand grips are provided which are attached through a set of pivoting linkages to the pedals on the load wheel. These linkages allow force applied by the user to the hand grips to directly turn the load wheel. Thus, the legs independently, the arms independently, or both the arms and legs together may be used to operate the load wheel. As a result, without exiting or changing anything on the exerciser, the user may shift the emphasis of force back and forth from the arms to the legs during a given workout.

Abstract: This invention relates to exercise apparatus 210 for exercising the human body 12 and in particular the cardiovascular system and selected muscle groups. The exercise apparatus includes application means 211 for applying a force to a person's body and support means 214 for supporting the person's body in an attitude whereby they may oppose the application of said force.

Abstract: A dynamic balance sport performance system is provided for the dynamic testing of an individual so as to be able to provide appropriately configured shims to be placed adjacent the individual's foot in a shoe for the purpose enabling the individual to perform better in whatever sport he/she is participating. In one embodiment, an automatic system is provided for simulating shim insertion in a shoe in which two footbeds spaced apart by a predetermined distance are provided with a quadrature arrangement of hinged shim plates which are individually adjustable to predetermined shim angles. After one of the individual plates has been set, with the individual seeking to maintain his/her elbow in a horizontal position, pressure is applied to the individual's elbow until such time as a load sensor senses a predetermined load indicating that a predetermined pressure has been applied to the elbow of the individual.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that a user can utilize when alone and which imitates the motion of a trampoline and can also imitate the motion of jumping rope while providing secure support to the user. A horizontal platform is supported on a base that has pivotally connected crossed arms that permit the platform to smoothly move up and down. The resistance is provided by a pneumatic spring assembly located beneath the platform. Compressed air supplied by a simple tire pump and a relief valve enable the user to increase or reduce the pressure of the system, thus controlling the bounce frequency and degree of resistance. A pressure set-up table assists the user in setting the pressure at the proper level for his or her needs and an ergometer accurately determines energy output. A handlebar assembly attached to the platform provides good support and can be vertically adjusted to accommodate the particular support needs of the user.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus of a push-pull type for exercising a person's abdominal muscles includes a track unit formed by a track board having an upper, body supporting surface extending between front and rear ends; an elongate, track-supporting base board for extending horizontally across a floor; a knee support on the base board adjacent the rear end of the track board; and, a support member for supporting the track board pivotally connected to overlie the base board with the rear end adjacent the base board and the front end at selected elevations. A hand-grip carriage unit with a pair of hand grips and an elbow support aligned rearward of the hand-grips is removably mounted by rollers on the body supporting surface for reciprocal rolling movement therealong. An anchoring unit for a person's legs or hands, alternatively, can be releasably mounted to the front end of the track board, when elevated.

Abstract: Apparatus for stretching the thigh muscles on the front side of one leg (4) of a user, wherein the apparatus includes a back support bench (10, 11), a foot support (19) which lies in a region above one short end (11) of the bench in a position such that the lumbar region (7) and hip of the user (1) will lie generally flat against the bench (10, 11) when the foot of the other leg (3) rests against the foot support (19). One end of a pivotal arm (30) is pivotally mounted (31) on the apparatus and extends generally away from the short end (11) of the bench (10, 11), wherein the underside of the pivotal arm (30) is adapted to support against the upper side of the thigh of the user's one leg (4). The apparatus includes a drive motor (40, 41) which is adapted to swing the pivotal arm (30) such that when swinging downwards about its pivot axis the pivotal arm will swing said one leg (4) rearwardly such as to stretch the thigh muscles on the front side of said one leg.

Abstract: A stretching device for stretching and massaging the back of a user. The stretching device includes a base frame and a back rest pivotally coupled to the top of the base frame. The lower end of a support shaft is pivotally coupled to the top of the base frame while the upper end of the support shaft is slidably mounted to the back face of the back rest to permit movement of the upper end of the support shaft between the top and bottom ends of the back rest when the support shaft is pivoted. A pivoting device is provided for pivoting the support shaft to move the upper end of the support shaft between the top and bottom ends of the back rest.

Abstract: A skating apparatus, for facilitating replication of a skating stride, comprising a support surface with a pair of pivotable simulator arms. Each pivotable simulator arm supports a foot portion which is slidable along the pivotable simulator arm in a guide track. The foot portions are coupled to a resistance mechanism, via a chain, to provide resistance to the foot portions during a skating stride. The resistance mechanism includes a retraction device for retracting a chain during the return stroke of the foot portion.

Abstract: A game board for playing a game upon which wagers are made. The board comprises an upper playing surface (12) presenting a plurality of player areas with each of the player areas including at least one wager indicator (20, 22, 24). Each wager indicator (20, 22, 24) is characterized by including a lens (27) substantially flush with the playing surface (12) and a sensor (28) for sensing the presence of a chip on the lens (27). The sensor (28) comprises a photocell under the lens (27) and in the center thereof for sensing the presence of a chip on the lens (27). The lens (27) is circular and a light (30), comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes in a circular tube, is disposed about the circumference of the lens (27) and around the sensor (28). A register (34) accumulates the wagers on each indicator (20, 22, 24) and a switching device (36) maintains the light (30) for each indicator (20, 22, 24) illuminated after a chip is removed from the lens (27).

Abstract: A reclining chair with exercising function includes symmetrical front and rear chair frames, and an adjusting rod pivotally connected to said front and rear chair frames by connecting plates. The adjusting rod is connected by springs to the rear chair frame. Both sides of the front chair frame are respectively provided with connecting plates to pivotally connect to a securing rod and a front support rod. The rear chair frame is pivotally connected to a rear support rod at both sides thereof by connecting plates. When the adjusting rod is retained at a bottom rod, an ordinary reclining chair is accomplished. When the adjusting rod is pulled upwardly, the reclining chair will bent downwardly or upwardly for V-shaped or inverted V-shaped body exercises.