Abstract: A padded dress shoe is provided including a sole having a generally rigid heel portion defining an open top. The sole has an upper mounted thereon for forming an interior space in which a foot may be inserted. Further included is a flexible, thin planar shoe pad having a periphery with a size and shape similar to that of the sole. The shoe pad is situated on the sole within the shoe, thereby affording a closed compartment within the heel portion of the sole. A closed, impermeable cushioned bladder is situated within the compartment of the heel portion.

Abstract: A cargo constraining device for a piece of luggage is provided including at least one bladder having a periphery which encompasses an area approximately equal to one of a pair of faces of the piece of luggage. A valve is mounted on the bladder for selectively inflating the same.

Abstract: A foot pedal for a stepping exercise machine for stimulating the climbing and descending of a sloped surface such as when climbing or descending a mountain slope. The foot pedal includes a plate having first and second surfaces, proximal and distal end edges and a pair of side edges extending between the proximal and distal end edges of the plate. The proximal end edge of the plate is designed for pivotally mounting to a free end of a pivoting lever arm of a stepping exercise machine. The plate is pivotable with respect to the pivoting lever arm between a raised position and a lowered position. The distal end of the plate extends in an upwards direction from the pivoting lever arm when the plate is pivoted to the raised position. The distal end of the plate extends in a downwards direction from the pivoting lever arm when the plate is pivoted to the raised position.

Abstract: A leg exerciser is provided including a pair of rods slidably coupled with respect to each other such that the same remain generally along a common axis. Also included is a pair of pads situated on ends of the rods. A tension mechanism is provided for urging the rods apart. In use, the pads are situated between knees of a user such that the same may be biased together to exercise leg muscles of the user.

Abstract: A cargo restraining system for a truck bed is provided including at least one crank unit mounted to a side of the truck bed. Also included is a flexible, inelastic strap having at least one end coupled to the crank unit. This allows the tightening of the strap to restrain cargo within the truck bed.

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 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.