Abstract: A damping assembly for an exercising device includes a shaft with a base member and a rotatable member respectively mounted thereto. The base member has a first annular surface and the rotatable member has a second annular surface which is engaged with the first annular surface with a friction member clamped therebetween. A driving member is connected to the rotatable member and is connected to a power transferring member. An adjustable member is movably mounted to the shaft and a bearing is mounted to the shaft and located between the adjustable member and the rotatable member. The friction between the rotatable member and the base member can be adjustable by moving the adjustable member to compress the rotatable member toward the base member.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a small body. The body has a held portion for being held by users. The body is pivotally installed with a rope wheel for being wound by a rope. The rope wheel has a restoring means for restoring the rope to rewind the friction wheel. A friction means is coaxially installed with the rope wheel. A unidirectional bearing is used to connect the friction means and the axis of the wheel. The friction resisting force of the friction means is controlled by an adjust device. Thereby, as the rope is pulled, the friction means will be driven so as that the friction means will generate resisting force. Since the body is small, and the friction force between the friction wheel and the friction strip is not too large, the exercise machine is suitable for the rehabilitated patient and for general users engaged in gymnastic exercise.

Abstract: An arm exercising device for strengthening a user's biceps and triceps. The device has an upper arm support platform which is attached to the user's upper arm. The upper arm platform is hinged to a hand driven arm. The hand driven arm holds a handle so that the handle can slide along the hand driven arm as the exerciser pulls and pushes the hand driven arm with respect to the upper arm platform. Friction is provided at a pivot point between these two members so that the user's bicep is exercised during the pulling in of the hand driven arm and the tricep is exercised as the hand driven arm is pushed outwardly. The device can also be attached between a user's chest and an arm and used to exercise deltoid and lateral muscles.

Abstract: A chest exerciser has a pneumatic resister (1) of linear motion and a selection of handle (8, 9), attachment (29) and/or anchor means (34, 40, 42) that are positional on opposite ends for direction of selectively push exercise and pull exercise to select muscle groups and to specific muscles in the select muscle groups. The pneumatic resister of linear motion can be a cylindrical pump (6, 7), an accordion bellows pump (4), a variously telescopic bellows pump (5), a resilient pump or other pneumatic pump or combinations of pneumatic pumps. The pneumatic resister of linear motion can be selectively resistant to linear motion by means of flow resisters (2, 3) that can be adjustable of resistance or rate of inflow and outflow of air. Separate inflow and outflow resisters (2, 3) can be provided for adjustment of push and pull exercise. Handle means can be different for different sizes of hands and for different positioning of the pneumatic resister in relation to muscles.

Abstract: A roller-type reducing apparatus comprising reducing rollers mounted within a housing for rotation in opposite directions. The reducing rollers comprise a plurality of reducing discs having different diameters and placed in a side-by-side relationship. There are provided reducing discs with fine serrations and reducing discs with coarse serrations, with comminuting discs with fine serrations having a diameter smaller than that of reducing discs with coarse serrations.

Abstract: A resistance mechanism suitable for applications such as resistance exercise equipment, cable reels, garage doors and other equipment requiring a resistive force. Resistance packs include circular rims and central hubs connected by deformable spokes. The packs are stacked in pairs with the rims in each pair pinned together and the hubs rotatable relative to one another. Each hub has a spline connection with the hub of the next resistance pack in the adjacent pair. This provides a series arrangement of the resistance packs which allows a long extension of the actuator with the spokes of each pack being deformed only slightly. A spiral pay out pulley for the cord assists in avoiding varying resistance with extension of the cord. The mechanism includes a preload system for applying a preload force to the resistance packs and a visual indicator for indicating the level of the preload force.

Abstract: An exercise device with a true pivot point includes a first and a second arm joined at a joint assembly. The first arm is fixed in relation to the joint assembly and is also stabilized at an end opposite the joint assembly. The second arm rotates in a first, or in a second direction, about an axis of rotation which is defined by the joint assembly. A resistance mechanism is contained in the joint assembly which includes a one-way clutch interconnected to the second arm to allow the second arm to rotate freely in a second direction. Rotation by the second arm in a first direction, however, engages the resistance mechanism to create a resistance to the first rotation.

Abstract: An arm exercising device for strengthening a user's biceps and triceps. The device has an upper arm support platform which is attached to the user's upper arm. The upper arm platform is hinged to a hand driven arm. The hand driven arm holds a handle so that the handle can slide along the hand driven arm as the exerciser pulls and pushes the hand driven arm with respect to the upper arm platform. Friction is provided at a pivot point between these two members so that the user's bicep is exercised during the pulling in of the hand driven arm and the tricep is exercised as the hand driven arm is pushed outwardly. The device can also be attached between a user's chest and an arm and used to exercise deltoid and lateral muscles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement for a freestanding apparatus for demonstrating correct rotational movements of the body for different sports activities and for training an individual to perform such movements in the correct order and relative relationship. In an apparatus comprising a vertical support having upper and lower rotational resistance assemblies which are vertically adjustable to be positioned at the user's pectoral and hip levels where the assemblies include mechanisms whereby the degree of resistance to rotational movement may be adjusted, the improvement comprises an optional accessory for the upper assembly providing adjustable upper arm supports which permit selective restriction of rotation of a user's shoulders relative to the upper torso.

Abstract: Portable exercise machine having a base, a capstan rotatively mounted within the base, an elongated cable wrapped about the capstan and trained about guides toward opposite ends of the base with end portions of the cable extending beyond the base, handles attached to the end portions of the cable for drawing the cable back and forth through the base and thereby rotating the capstan, and means for resisting rotation of the capstan. The handles have frames with reels rotatively mounted on the frames and the end portions of the cable being wound about the reels, springs for rotating the reels to wind the end portions of the cable onto the reels, first grips connected to the reels and adapted to be grasped by the hands of an exerciser to prevent rotation of the reels and second grips connected to the frames and adapted to be engaged by the hands of the exerciser for moving thee handles without inhibiting rotation of the reels.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises a housing with a self-rewinding spool of cord. The cord is threaded out between a pair of inner wedgeblocks that can move together and pinch the cord. The amount of pinch applied determines how much resistance will be applied when the user exercises by pulling out the cord on handles. The inner wedgeblocks are disposed between a pair of outer fixed wedgeblocks. Facing channels in the interfaces between the inner and outer wedgeblocks have ball bearings that run on inclined ramps. When the inner wedgeblocks are pulled by the cord out of alignment with the outer wedgeblocks, the inclined ramps and ball bearings press the inner wedgeblocks together. The more they press together, the more the cord resists being pulled out. An adjustment limits how far the inner wedgeblocks can move out of alignment.

Abstract: Methods of use of a portable in-bed exercising machine are provided for strengthening and/or strength maintenance of the musculature and ligaments associated with an extremity. The exercise apparatus employs the principles of closed kinetic chain exercise of the extremity in both concentric and eccentric modes and for isometric, isotonic and isokinetic exercise. Each extremity is engaged separately allowing for bilateral, unilateral and reciprocal motion. As exemplified for lower extremities, force is actively applied to the feet with each lower extremity having the force level continuously adjustable from zero force to a force equal to or greater than body-weight The exercise motions and force applications use the same major muscle groups as functional activities such as standing from a chair, climbing stairs walling, jumping and jogging. Vertical support is provided for the lower extremity to stabilize and control the lower extremity motion within safe limits.

Abstract: A exercise device for exercising muscles of the upper body. The exercise device includes a generally U-shaped housing with a base portion adapted for resting on a floor, a main portion upwardly extending from a rear of the base portion, and an upper portion outwardly extending from an upper end of the housing. A pulley system is housed in the housing. A continuous rope extends through the pulley system and through holes in the upper and base portions of the housing. Movement of the rope is resisted by a friction member adjustably engaging portions of the rope wrapped about a cylindrical pulley.

Abstract: An arm exercising device for strengthening a user's biceps and triceps. The device has an upper arm support platform which is attached to the user's upper arm. The upper arm platform is hinged to a hand driven arm. The hand driven arm holds a handle so that the handle can slide along the hand driven arm as the exerciser pulls and pushes the hand driven arm with respect to the upper arm platform. Friction is provided at a pivot point between these two members so that the user's bicep is exercised during the pulling in of the hand driven arm and the tricep is exercised as the hand driven arm is pushed outwardly. The device can also be attached between a user's chest and an arm and used to exercise deltoid and lateral muscles.

Abstract: An exercise machine mounted above one end of a bed, occupied by a bedridden patient or other supine user, has one or more double-ended ropes, each rope having a handle or a stirrup on each of its ends and a central loop tractively encircling a torque drum. Each torque drum is mounted for rotation against adjustably variable braking torque, which may be canceled in one direction of angular rotation by a one-way clutch. The handles and stirrups have adjustable rope engaging features, achieving infinitely variable rope lengths. Pulleys guide the ropes for substantially horizontal pulling reciprocation by the supine user, whose position may be braced or stabilized by torso-positioning rigid arms, such as adjustable telescoping spacer tubes, extending from the exercise machine to the user.

Abstract: A multi-piece barbell bar is tubular, the pieces of the bar being provide with a retainer that permits the pieces easily to be joined permanently, free of relative movement with respect to one another, without tools.

Abstract: A portable in-bed exercising machine is provided for strengthening and/or strength maintenance of the musculature and ligaments associated with an extremity. The exercise apparatus employs the principles of closed kinetic chain exercise of the extremity in both concentric and eccentric modes and for isometric, isotonic and isokinetic exercise. Each extremity is engaged separately allowing for bilateral, unilateral and reciprocal motion. As exemplified for lower extremities, force is actively applied to the feet with each lower extremity having the force level continuously adjustable from zero force to a force equal to or greater than body-weight. The exercise motions and force applications use the same major muscle groups as functional activities such as standing from a chair, climbing stairs, walking, jumping and jogging. Vertical support is provided for the lower extremity to stabilize and control the lower extremity motion within safe limits.

Abstract: A dynamic tensioner that exhibits direction responsive, adjustable, rotational resistance. The tensioner is particularly suited for use in exercise equipment to provide physiological sculpting. A ratcheting mechanism is combined with an adjustable resistance bearing to provide a specific resistance in a first rotational direction, and almost no resistance in the opposite rotational direction, based on the position of a selector switch. Two of the tensioners can be used to provide adjustable resistance in both rotational directions. When two of the tensioners are used, the ratcheting mechanisms can be set to work oppositely to allow adjustable resistance in both directions, or set to work together for increased adjustable resistance in one direction and free movement in the opposite direction. Various embodiments of the adjustable resistance bearing are envisioned. An exercise bar and an exercising leg or arm brace, using the dynamic tensioner of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A resistance mechanism suitable for resistance exercise equipment. Resistance packs include circular rims and central hubs connected by deformable spokes. The packs are stacked in pairs with the rims in each pair pinned together and the hubs rotatable relative to one another. Each hub has a spline connection with the hub of the next resistance pack in the adjacent pair. This provides a series arrangement of the resistance packs which allows a long extension of the actuator with the spokes of each pack being deformed only slightly. A spiral pay out pulley for the cord assists in avoiding varying resistance with extension of the cord.A preload mechanism which allows an initial preload resistance to be set includes a large gear connected with the stack of resistance packs and a smaller gear meshing with the large gear. A pivotal pawl urged against the teeth of the large gear allows the gear to turn in a direction to initially deform the spokes to preset the initial resistance level.

Abstract: An exerciser is mounted on a belt to be worn by a person while walking, sitting or running. A housing is mounted on the belt at the user's back. Two cords are wound on separate grooves in a disc rotatably mounted in the housing and wound in opposite directions. A handle is mounted at the free end of each cord. Each cord is conducted through low friction guideways mounted on the belt to the user's sides. Pulling on one handle unwinds that cord from the disc and winds the other cord on the disc. Pulling alternately on the handles rotates the disc in first one direction and then the other. Friction elements between the disc and the housing resist rotation. The amount of friction and the force required to pull the handles is adjustable as is the length of the cords.

Abstract: A rope pull exercising device in which the rope follows a tortuous path around a figure eight braking bar of the type used conventionally in rock climbing. The rope threads through one of the rings of the figure eight bar at least once and around the connecting region that joins through the rings. Mounting structure secures the second ring to a stationary object such as, for example, a door frame.

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: The present invention provides a golf exercise apparatus that includes a resistance such that during an exercise emulating a golf swing, muscles of the axial skeleton and lower extremities of a golfer are strengthened. The golf exercise apparatus includes a support base, an axial shaft coulpled to the support base, and means for resisting the muscles of the golfer during the golf swing when the golfer is coupled with the shaft of the exercise apparatus. The golf exercise apparatus preferably provides progressive resistance to the muscles of the golfer during a downswing of the golfer. The support base preferably comprises at least one end having a reverse bevel such that the support base is securable under a closed door by wedging the end having the reverse bevel under the door. Alternatively, a support frame is coupled to the support base by wedging the end having the reverse bevel with the frame.

Abstract: To provide controlled amounts of resistance to movement in exercise equipment or in orthotic devices, a control module has cooperating resistance elements. The force between the elements is varied in accordance with the position of the elements with respect to each other. For example the control module can connect two splints of a knee brace so that the resistance to flexion and extension are programmed in accordance with the position of the leg and thigh with respect to each other.

Abstract: To provide controlled amounts of resistance to movement in exercise equipment or in orthotic devices, a control module has cooperating resistance elements. The force between the elements is varied in accordance with the position of the elements with respect to each other. For example the control module can connect two splints of a knee brace so that the resistance to flexion and extension are programmed in accordance with the position of the leg and thigh with respect to each other.

Abstract: To provide controlled amounts of resistance to movement in exercise equipment or in orthotic devices, a control module has cooperating resistance elements. The force between the elements is varied in accordance with the position of the elements with respect to each other. For example the control module can connect two splints of a knee brace so that the resistance to flexion and extension are programmed in accordance with the position of the leg and thigh with respect to each other.

Abstract: An exercise device for exercising a user's upper body including a U-Shaped guard mounted around a user's waist, a non-elastic cord extending around a central portion of the guard, guide means on said guard for positioning the cord to allow free longitudinal sliding movement and a hand hold at each end of the cord to allow the user to grasp one of the hand holds in each hand and force the cord to slide alternately in opposite directions along the guard.

Abstract: An upper body exercise device designed to be used by a person while walking. The device consists of a belt to which a pair of cables is attached. The cables are retractable and roll up automatically, via a spring reel assembly, onto spools located within a pair of handgrips. The user grasps the handgrips and pulls outwardly while walking. The force required to pull the handgrips outwardly can be increased or decreased by turning an adjustment knob located on the outside of each handgrip. The adjustment knob causes a frictional force to be exerted on the cable spool making it easier or harder to pull the cable out. Straps are provided on each side of the belt to store the handgrips when not in use. Obviously the device of the present invention may also be used while in a stationary position or while jogging.

Abstract: An exercise machine mounted above one end of a bed, occupied by a bedridden patient or other supine user, has one or more double-ended ropes, each rope having a handle or a stirrup on each of its ends and a central loop tractively encircling a torque drum. Each torque drum is mounted for rotation against adjustably variable braking torque, which may be canceled in one direction of angular rotation by a one-way clutch. The handles and stirrups have adjustable rope engaging features, achieving infinitely variable rope lengths. Pulleys guide the ropes for substantially horizontal pulling reciprocation by the supine user, whose position may be braced or stabilized by torso-positioning rigid arms, such as adjustable telescoping spacer tubes, extending from the exercise machine to the user.

Abstract: A perineal-discomfort relieving apparatus having a base member with a gripping member and a foot support member attached thereto, a slidable seat assembly on a seat support member, and a stimulating means, adjacent to the seat assembly and the seat support member. The stimulating means is configured of two opposing, off-set rows of alternating ribs and valleys and a set of rollers communicating therewith to permit a sliding movement of the seat assembly along the seat support member, wherein as a user sits on the seat assembly and slides it back and forth across the seat support member, the seat assembly contacts the ribs and valleys to create a vibrating and rocking motion adapted to relieve discomfort in the perineal region of a user.

Abstract: To provide controlled amounts of resistance to movement in exercise equipment or in orthotic devices, a control module has cooperating resistance elements. The force between the elements is varied in accordance with the position of the elements with respect to each other. For example the control module can connect two splints of a knee brace so that the resistance to flexion and extension are programmed in accordance with the position of the leg and thigh with respect to each other.

Abstract: A jogger exerciser including a first support frame and a second support frame pivoted together, two struts connected between the support frames, two knuckle members respectively and fixedly mounted on two top ends of the first support frame, two swing members respectively turned about the knuckle members and having a respective hand grip at the top and a respective foot plate at the bottom, and a transverse top frame connected between the knuckle members, wherein a pairs of pivoted links are respectively coupled between two opposite ends of a pivot in the transverse top frame and the two swinging members to guide the swinging of the swing members and to limit their swinging angle.

Abstract: A striding-type exercise device includes a unique upper body exercise arrangement. The exercise apparatus includes a frame having spaced upright support arms, two spaced pivotable leg members respectively pivotally mounted to the support arms for providing lower body striding movement and, two spaced, upwardly curved rails respectively mounted to the support members with two grip members respectively slidably mounted on the curved rails for providing upper body exercise. The leg members include platforms for receiving the feet of the user that is positioned between the spaced support members while the grip members are operative for receiving the hands of the user. The grip members are fashioned from a material which provides for a smooth sliding action on the rails.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a frame (1), a loading assembly (2) for variable adjustment of the rotation resistance about a shaft (3) associated with the assembly, and a gripping device (8) connected to the shaft. In the exercise apparatus according to the invention, the gripping device (8) is part of a series of such devices. Coupling means (9, 10) are arranged for quick-release coupling of the different gripping devices (8) to the shaft (3) in the loading assembly (2), which by frictional engagement generates the rotation resistances, which are independently adjustable in the two directions of rotation (6, 7) of the shaft (3).

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a base structure comprising a fixed lower body exercise platform and a pair of elongated upper body exercising units is disclosed. The units are mounted to the base structure by mounting structure that enables the units to be moved by a user against a yielding resistance in any direction with respect to a center in conjunction with the user stepping onto or off of the platform in any direction while performing an exercise thereon. The elongated upper body exercising units preferably include two telescoping exercise poles to be grasped by opposite hands of the user and capable of both oscillating and reciprocating upper body exercising motion. A variable volume air chamber is defined in an annular gap between coaxially arranged inner and outer members of the telescoping exercise poles and a restricted air passage communicates with the air chamber.

Abstract: A method is described of assessment of a physiological state of a body joint of an animal, wherein a first body portion is connected to a second body portion and is moveable relative to the second body portion through muscular contraction. The method includes the steps of fixing the first body portion with a stationary support, restraining the second body portion with a movable restraining member capable of motion within a plane, applying a first selected level of resistance to the motion of the movable restraining member which is constant regardless of the force applied to the movable restraining member, and contracting the muscle in an effort to produce maximum relative movement within the plane. The rate of change of position of the second body portion is then measured during a plurality of contracting steps.

Abstract: A portable exercise device for use by a human in a seated position in a seat is provided herein. The exercise device includes a pair of grips, a flexible member interconnecting the grips, a pivot and a connector. Each of the grips is suitable for interacting with a human hand or foot. The pivot, i.e., a roller contacts the flexible member and allows for movement of flexible member over the pivot. The connector retains the pivot proximate the human while the human is in the seated position. The connector is typically attached to a seatbelt and exercise device functions somewhat similar to a stationary cycle. Alternately, the connector is attached to one of the feet of the human and the exercise device is useful for exercising the upper body of the human. A tubular housing can be used for positioning the pivot above the seat and storing the grips, flexible member, pivot and connector when the exercise device is not in use.

Abstract: Universal muscular conditioning devices provide for the placement of two bidirectionally acting, frictionally resistant elements on opposite sides of a joint, in order to require a wearer of the device(s) to provide additional muscular exertion against the frictional resistance and thereby build muscular and joint strength. One embodiment includes a wrap which may be adjustably secured about the joint(s) or limb(s) of differently sized persons, thus eliminating the need for numerous such devices to fit different users. The wrap includes a plurality of pockets or sleeves, into which two of the frictionally resistive elements may be placed opposite one another, to the lateral and medial sides of the joint and essentially coaxial with the joint center.

Abstract: Stretching rope specifically designed to facilitate the user in positioning and holding a stretch in a specific position for a set period of time. The stretching rope construction includes a pliable, elastomeric footbed which provides the user with comfortable secure positioning of the stretch rope on and around the foot, feet and lower leg area during stretching exercises.

Abstract: An improved friction type exercise device of the type in which a housing has an outer wall forming a hollow cavity with a central axis. A central shaft is positioned within the cavity and positioned to allow axial and rotative movement relative to the housing when moved in one axial direction and preventing axial rotative movement relative to the housing when moved in the other axial direction. A hub is positioned in the cavity and fixed to the shaft to move axially therewith while allowing rotation of the shaft relative to the hub, the hub being nonrotatable with respect to the housing and includes a first and a second opening. A rope-like member extends through the first opening in the hub, around the shaft and out the second opening in the hub whereby when the rope-like member is pulled frictional resistance is exerted on the rope-like member in proportion to the number of turns around the shaft.

Abstract: An exercise machine of the horse-type on which a user is seated and glides generally horizontally in a reciprocal motion. The present invention comprises a support frame, a seat assembly, a unitary handlebar/footrest assembly, and a glide assembly. The glide assembly is pivotally and operably linked to he seat assembly by a seat riser arm, which in turn is pivotally and operably linked to the handlebar/footrest assembly by a linkage bar. The frame includes generally a rear vertical support fixedly extending upwardly and perpendicularly from a rear base foot, a longitudinal rail assembly upon which the glide assembly reciprocally moves and further includes a front vertical support fixedly extending upwardly and perpendicularly from a front base foot.

Abstract: An exercise bar device comprises a first hollow bar, a second hollow bar, a massage sleeve extending proximally from the second hollow bar, a first foam tube enclosing the first hollow bar, a second foam tube enclosing the second hollow bar, a switch cover covering a distal end of the second hollow bar, a hexagonal rod inserted in the first hollow bar, a brake ring and a friction disk disposed on the hexagonal rod, a nut engaging with an outer thread of a threaded end of the hexagonal rod, a large number of protrusions disposed on an outer periphery of the massage sleeve, an inner sleeve disposed in the massage sleeve and connected to the second hollow bar, a spacing defined between the second hollow bar and the massage sleeve, a motor disposed in the inner sleeve, and a coiled spring and an elastic plate disposed in the spacing. The first hollow bar has an end disk. The end disk couples with the elastic plate. The rod is rotated to increase or decrease the torsion resistance between the hollow bars.

Abstract: A portable exercise device for exercising the upper anatomy is provided. The portable exercise device includes a slide assembly having a pair of cooperating curved slides and a rack formed on each of the slides. A spring-biased elastic resistance mechanism having a pinion is interdisposed between the cooperating slides to generate resistance to relative movement of the slides. The resistance mechanism further includes a brake disc assembly in combination with a clutch assembly for providing frictional resistance in a single direction. A grip assembly including a pair of arms pivotally connected at opposite ends of the cooperating slides are positionable between a stowed position for storing and transporting the device, and an extended position for placing the user's arms in the appropriate position for performing the fly type exercise as heretofore described.

Abstract: A stretching apparatus for stretching muscles includes a foot coupler for coupling to a foot of a user. The foot coupler is coupled to a flexible connector which in turn is coupled to an anchoring device. The anchoring device secures the stretching apparatus to a fixed element such as a door knob. The connector includes an adjustable locking device for adjusting the length of the connector. A handle extends from the locking device for pulling the locking device downwardly and for adjusting the length of the connector.

Abstract: A housing containing a hand cranked, flywheel type resistance mechanism is mounted upstanding from a base. The base is formed by a housing supporting pillar member from which a thigh brace depends and a lap rest adjustably and releasably secured to extend horizontally from the pillar member by engagement of selected vertically spaced ribs on the pillar and a pillar receiving slot in the slot. The flywheel type resistance mechanism comprises a friction band in encircling frictional engagement with a flywheel thereby to resist rotation thereof. An adjustable band tensioner is provided to adjust the frictional resistance to rotation. A body belt is releasably attached to the pillar to secure the apparatus to a user's waist.

Abstract: A device for exercising the limbs of an individual. The inventive device includes a mounting assembly for securing to the frame of a door. A rotatable arm is coupled to the mounting assembly and is frictionally retarded against rotation thereof relative to the mounting assembly. A limb engaging assembly is mounted to a distal end of the arm, whereby an individual can rotate the arm to exercise the engaging limb.

Abstract: An exercise device of the push-pull type is disclosed. The device consists of a pair of parallel channels, knee rest unit, and hand grip unit. Either the hand grip unit and the knee rest unit can slide freely along the length of the channels, while the other unit is held stationary. Both the knee rest unit and hand grip unit have user-variable resistance means. The invention may be disassembled and folded for easy storage and transportation.

Abstract: An exercise device is described comprising frame means, a wheel mounted to said frame means, a second wheel mounted to said frame means spaced from the first wheel, and an endless rope, or cord, passing over the wheels, which are spaced to keep the rope, or cord, taut. Means are provided for applying friction to one of the wheels mounted to said frame means which will apply a restraint to the rope, or cord, which must be overcome by an exercising person pulling on the rope, or cord. The frame means is rotatably mounted to a sub-frame by a central pivot support for rotation relative to said sub-frame and locking means is provided to permit a desired angle of rotation to be held for particular arm related exercises.

Abstract: A pair of pivotable arms in a clamp in a personal trainer may be spring biased to a closed position as on a door frame. A lock retaining the clamp in the closed position includes a member manually actuatable to release the clamp from the door frame. A clasp on the clamp holds a first belt in a wrapped and frictional relationship. In one embodiment, the second end of the first belt is retained by a resistance unit which is disposed on a handle adapted to be manually gripped by the user. The resistance unit has bars which receive the belt in a frictional and tensioning relationship to retain the belt. Collars on the handle retain a harness shaped to envelope the user's face. The harness may be moved or rotated relative to the handle to exercise muscles in selective portions (e.g. neck or back) of the user's body. In another embodiment, a second belt engaged by the resistance unit extends beyond the resistance unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for stretching tendons, muscles and associated soft tissues of human joints. The apparatus includes a generality planar frame having two sides, two ends, a lower surface adapted to be supported by a ground support surface and an upper surface. An elongated upright support has a first end which is secured to the frame so that the second end of the upright support extends generally vertically upwardly from the frame. At least one pulley is secured adjacent the upper end of the upright support. Thereafter, an elongated cord has one end adapted to be secured to the limb of a human user and this cord extends through the pulley. The human user, by pulling on the cord, stretches the limb of the human user in the desired fashion. By attaching the cord to different limbs and assuming different positions, the human user can stretch his or her tendons, muscles and associated soft tissues of numerous joints and a numerous stretching positions.