Abstract: A method is provided for treating back pain whereby a person sits comfortably in a seated position in a chair and fastens their upper body above the waist to the seat back and fastens their lower body at just above the buttocks and then by means of leaning back allows the seat back to pull the person's upper body away from their lower body providing spinal traction.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating back pain whereby a person sits comfortably in a seated position in a chair and fastens their upper body above the waist to the seat back and fastens their lower body at just above the buttocks and then by means of leaning back allows the seat back to pull the person's upper body away from their lower body providing spinal traction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method permitting a user to perform traction of the back is provided. The design includes a seat bottom and seat back. The seat back is configured to pivot about the seat bottom enabling the seat back to recline while rotating away from the seat bottom. An adjustable strap is positioned in association with the seat back for the purpose of securing the user's upper body. An adjustable strap is positioned in association with the seat bottom for the purpose of securing the user's lower body, buttocks and hips. A leg rest may be provided to support the user's legs. A locking mechanism may be provided to permit the user to easily sit down, engage the lower body and upper body straps, release the locking mechanism and recline backwards from a seated to a supine position thereby providing traction and providing decompression of the of the spinal column.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arm actuated lever for a multiwheeled cycle. In the preferred embodiment, the invention is a braking system including a braking means associated with one or more of the wheels of the cycle and a brake lever for the purpose of engaging the braking means which is attached to the hand pedal of the bike in a manner that permits the brake lever to be engaged by the operator's wrist or forearm for use by quadriplegics. . The brake lever is further configured to rotate with the hand pedals and crank arms of the cycle which are engaged by the rider's hands through the pedals. The invention permits the cranks to rotate forwardly to deliver power to the wheels and to freewheel in an opposite rotation to permit free coasting. Movement of the operator's wrist and or forearm provides movement to the brake lever engaging the braking means and stopping of the handcycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method permitting a user to perform a simulated climbing and full body exercise is provided. The design includes a frame and a pair of lever arms and a pair of foot platforms and a torso support. The frame is configured to place the operator's center of gravity in a position of falling away from the frame, lever arms, foot platforms and providing a torso support enabling the operator to be supported by hanging from the hands and supported by the feet and torso support. The frame may be rotated through varying angles from vertical permitting the operator's center of gravity to fall away from the frame and allow the operator to hang away from the frame further enhancing the climbing experience.

Abstract: A method for doing an upper body spinning exercise whereby the operator rotates hand pedals attached to crank arms resulting in the spinning of a wheel for the purpose of exercising the upper body. This may be done in a class or group setting under the direction of an instructor and may be done to the accompaniment of music or verbal direction. The rotation of the wheel may be resisted by a friction or magnetic device and each crank arm engages the wheel independently of the other crank arm such that the operator can pedal with one hand while the other hand rests. The operator may also rotate each pedal at a different cadence than the other pedal. The operator may rotate the pedals such that the orientation of the crank arms is 180 degrees apart, 90 relative to each other or any angle of separation relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses several improvements to handcycles. This invention introduces a blend between lean steer and pivot steer. The front wheel may be turned with only minimal twisting of the operator's legs. This invention uses two bearings and quick release axle to connect the front and rear frame together and provide the steering axis. This invention incorporates a means for adjusting the bike from fully reclined to a body forward position. The invention also incorporates a means of crank adjustment. In the embodiment of our new design the cable and housing are attached to the brake and shift levers by means of an intermediate device for the purpose of directing the shift and brake cable away from the rider's field of view.

Abstract: A method for doing an upper body spinning exercise whereby the operator rotates hand pedals attached to crank arms resulting in the spinning of a wheel for the purpose of exercising the upper body. This may be done in a class or group setting under the direction of an instructor and may be done to the accompaniment of music or verbal direction. The rotation of the wheel may be resisted by a friction or magnetic device and each crank arm engages the wheel independently of the other crank arm such that the operator can pedal with one hand while the other hand rests. The operator may also rotate each pedal at a different cadence than the other pedal. The operator may rotate the pedals such that the orientation of the crank arms is 180 degrees apart, 90 relative to each other or any angle of separation relative to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus permitting a user to perform an upper body spinning exercise is provided. The design includes a frame and a drive unit. A seat is connected to the frame and configured to support the user. A wheel is positioned in association with the frame and pedals are configured to interact with the drive unit and the drive unit is operatively connected to the wheel. Hand pedals, wide and narrow crank arms, and crank arms configured to rotate independently of each other, may be provided that enable further variation in muscle groups used and enhance the upper body exercise provided by the upper body spinning experience.