Abstract: An adjustable weight lifting bench includes a frame, a seat pad, and a back pad. The back pad is pivotably coupled to the frame about a first pivot axis and angularly adjustable between a plurality of user-selectable incline and decline positions. A hydraulic mechanism supports the back pad in the incline and decline positions. A movable operating lever operably coupled to the hydraulic mechanism operates to change the mechanism between an activated condition in which the back pad is movable and a deactivated condition in which the back pad locks into a selected one of the positions. When the mechanism is in activated condition, applying pressure against the back pad the lowers the back pad and removing the pressure raises the back pad. In one embodiment, the mechanism automatically raises the back pad when the pressure is removed and the mechanism is in the deactivated condition.

Abstract: An adjustable exercise suspension system and related methods of use and exercise are disclosed. The system includes a length-adjustable suspension strap assembly attached at one end to a fixed overhead support structure and at an opposite end to a weight element. The strap assembly comprises a plurality of straps detachably connected together. The weight element is suspended from the overhead support structure creating a tensile force in the strap assembly establishing a taut condition. The weight element is manually movable by a user during the exercise routine along an arcuate path in a plane of stable motion while the tensile force maintains the taut condition of the strap assembly. The strap assembly advantageously provides guided and stabilized motion of the weight element for the user thereby minimizing risk of injury. The resistance force of the system is user-variable by attaching different size weight elements to the strap assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable weight lifting bench includes a frame, a seat pad, and a back pad. The back pad is pivotably coupled to the frame about a first pivot axis and angularly adjustable between a plurality of user-selectable incline and decline positions. A hydraulic mechanism supports the back pad in the incline and decline positions. A movable operating lever operably coupled to the hydraulic mechanism operates to change the mechanism between an activated condition in which the back pad is movable and a deactivated condition in which the back pad locks into a selected one of the positions. When the mechanism is in activated condition, applying pressure against the back pad the lowers the back pad and removing the pressure raises the back pad. In one embodiment, the mechanism automatically raises the back pad when the pressure is removed and the mechanism is in the deactivated condition.

Abstract: A rotary exercise system in one embodiment includes a chassis configured for mounting to stationary support members, a rotational support shaft rotatably coupled to chassis, and handle bar assembly coupled to the support shaft and manually rotatable therewith by a user. A variable resistance mechanism applies a user-adjustable rotational resistance force on the support shaft, which changes the force required to be applied by the user to rotate the handle bar assembly during an exercise routine. In some embodiments, the resistance mechanism may be a frictional resistance mechanism, such as a drum or disc brake assembly. A user-operated control actuator allows the user to readily change resistance settings to increase or decrease the rotational resistance imparted to the support shaft by the resistance mechanism. In some implementations, the chassis may be detachably mounted on vertical supports of a power rack and adjustable in height for performing different exercise routines.

Abstract: An adjustable exercise suspension system and related methods of use and exercise are disclosed. The system includes a length-adjustable suspension strap assembly attached at one end to a fixed overhead support structure and at an opposite end to a weight element. The strap assembly comprises a plurality of straps detachably connected together. The weight element is suspended from the overhead support structure creating a tensile force in the strap assembly establishing a taut condition. The weight element is manually movable by a user during the exercise routine along an arcuate path in a plane of stable motion while the tensile force maintains the taut condition of the strap assembly. The strap assembly advantageously provides guided and stabilized motion of the weight element for the user thereby minimizing risk of injury. The resistance force of the system is user-variable by attaching different size weight elements to the strap assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder assembly for operating a weight lifting bench and other equipment. The hydraulic cylinder assembly comprises a hydraulic cylinder containing a hydraulic fluid, an accumulator containing a pressurized compressible fluid, and a flow control valve assembly interposed in a flow path therebetween. The flow control valve includes an axially reciprocating piston defining a flow control orifice and an axially movable plunger received in the orifice. Movement of the plunger operates to engage and open a ball check valve which in turn opens the flow path allowing hydraulic fluid to flow from the hydraulic cylinder to the accumulator. The working end may be stepped and positionable between first and second axial positions relative to the orifice to define first and second flow areas via movement of the plunger. Reciprocating movement of the piston opens and closes the flow path.

Abstract: A rotary exercise system in one embodiment includes a chassis configured for mounting to stationary support members, a rotational support shaft rotatably coupled to chassis, and handle bar assembly coupled to the support shaft and manually rotatable therewith by a user. A variable resistance mechanism applies a user-adjustable rotational resistance force on the support shaft, which changes the force required to be applied by the user to rotate the handle bar assembly during an exercise routine. In some embodiments, the resistance mechanism may be a frictional resistance mechanism, such as a drum or disc brake assembly. A user-operated control actuator allows the user to readily change resistance settings to increase or decrease the rotational resistance imparted to the support shaft by the resistance mechanism. In some implementations, the chassis may be detachably mounted on vertical supports of a power rack and adjustable in height for performing different exercise routines.

Abstract: A hockey practice device in one embodiment includes a base for resting on a horizontal surface, a motor, a rotating firing wheel coupled to the motor, and a puck feed ramp mounted proximate to the firing wheel on the base. The feed ramp includes an arcuately curved and elongated feed surface arranged to slideably engage a puck. In one arrangement, the firing wheel is rotatable in a vertical rotational plane which is arranged in an off-axis manner from the centerline of the ramp feed surface. This engages the puck off center, thereby inducing spin to the puck when it is discharged from the device toward a target which replicates a pass from a hockey stick. A puck loader is provided that holds a plurality of puck which are automatically dispensed in sequential fashion at pre-selected time intervals to the feed ramp.

Abstract: A rotary exercise system in one embodiment includes a chassis configured for mounting to stationary support members, a rotational support shaft rotatably coupled to chassis, and handle bar assembly coupled to the support shaft and manually rotatable therewith by a user. A variable resistance mechanism applies a user-adjustable rotational resistance force on the support shaft, which changes the force required to be applied by the user to rotate the handle bar assembly during an exercise routine. In some embodiments, the resistance mechanism may be a frictional resistance mechanism, such as a drum or disc brake assembly. A user-operated control actuator allows the user to readily change resistance settings to increase or decrease the rotational resistance imparted to the support shaft by the resistance mechanism. In some implementations, the chassis may be detachably mounted on vertical supports of a power rack and adjustable in height for performing different exercise routines.

Abstract: An adjustable weight lifting bench includes a frame, a seat pad, and a back pad. The back pad is pivotably coupled to the frame about a first pivot axis and angularly adjustable between a plurality of user-selectable incline and decline positions. A hydraulic mechanism supports the back pad in the incline and decline positions. A movable operating lever operably coupled to the hydraulic mechanism operates to change the mechanism between an activated condition in which the back pad is movable and a deactivated condition in which the back pad locks into a selected one of the positions. When the mechanism is in activated condition, applying pressure against the back pad the lowers the back pad and removing the pressure raises the back pad. In one embodiment, the mechanism automatically raises the back pad when the pressure is removed and the mechanism is in the deactivated condition.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder assembly for operating a weight lifting bench and other equipment. The hydraulic cylinder assembly comprises a hydraulic cylinder containing a hydraulic fluid, an accumulator containing a pressurized compressible fluid, and a flow control valve assembly interposed in a flow path therebetween. The flow control valve includes an axially reciprocating piston defining a flow control orifice and an axially movable plunger received in the orifice. Movement of the plunger operates to engage and open a ball check valve which in turn opens the flow path allowing hydraulic fluid to flow from the hydraulic cylinder to the accumulator. The working end may be stepped and positionable between first and second axial positions relative to the orifice to define first and second flow areas via movement of the plunger. Reciprocating movement of the piston opens and closes the flow path.

Abstract: An adjustable weight lifting bench includes a frame, a seat pad, and a back pad. The back pad is pivotably coupled to the frame about a first pivot axis and angularly adjustable between a plurality of user-selectable incline and decline positions. A hydraulic mechanism supports the back pad in the incline and decline positions. A movable operating lever operably coupled to the hydraulic mechanism operates to change the mechanism between an activated condition in which the back pad is movable and a deactivated condition in which the back pad locks into a selected one of the positions. When the mechanism is in activated condition, applying pressure against the back pad the lowers the back pad and removing the pressure raises the back pad. In one embodiment, the mechanism automatically raises the back pad when the pressure is removed and the mechanism is in the deactivated condition.

Abstract: A hockey practice device in one embodiment includes a base for resting on a horizontal surface, a motor, a rotating firing wheel coupled to the motor, and a puck feed ramp mounted proximate to the firing wheel on the base. The feed ramp includes an arcuately curved and elongated feed surface arranged to slideably engage a puck. In one arrangement, the firing wheel is rotatable in a vertical rotational plane which is arranged in an off-axis manner from the centerline of the ramp feed surface. This engages the puck off center, thereby inducing spin to the puck when it is discharged from the device toward a target which replicates a pass from a hockey stick. A puck loader is provided that holds a plurality of puck which are automatically dispensed in sequential fashion at pre-selected time intervals to the feed ramp.