Abstract: A frictional exercising device includes a shell body which can be attached to a substantially stationary object, for instance a door, a doorjamb or a floor. A core cylinder is rigidly mounted in the shell body. The core cylinder has a wall with an arcuate friction surface having bumps formed thereon. A space is defined between the friction surface and the shell body through which a flat strap extends. The flat strap is partially wound around the core cylinder and hugs the friction surface. When one of the ends of the flat strap is pulled and a resistive force is applied at the other end, a frictional force increases between the friction surface and the flat strap.

Abstract: A centrifugal resistance device for stationary exercise apparatus that is operatively associated with a rotatable shaft; the centrifugal resistance device comprises a slotted ring, braking material and a fixed cover; the slots of the slotted ring house friction material that is free to move radially and act frictionally against the fixed cover positioned about the slotted ring, the fixed cover is fashioned by those skilled in the art as to act also as a heat dissipating device; tension is varied by increasing or decreasing the RPMs of the rotatable axle.

Abstract: One embodiment is an upright, height adjustable, vertical stand having a freely rotatable elbow and forearm stabilizer, in the form of a receiving cup mounted on its top. The receiving cup is L-shaped, concave, and contoured to receive the elbow of a user, and includes a portion which is parallel to the axis of the forearm of a user, and a portion of the upper arm of a user to secure the upper and lower arm at a 90.degree. angle to one another, which results in the isolation of the rotator cuff muscles at the shoulder joint at any plane of movement. A pivot arm extends from the cup, and includes a hand receiving device adjacent to its end. The device may include a mechanism which allows internal and external shoulder rotation range of motion to be measured, as well as a device by which internal and external shoulder rotation range of motion can be limited. It can be used either without resistance, or with resistance from an external source.

Abstract: Rope climbing apparatus comprises a support, a length of rope and a rope accumulator supported by the support for storing a variable length of rope. The accumulator includes a dancer trolley and means for force-loading the dancer trolley to a maximum storage position. A segment of rope is presented to a user of the apparatus so that he can draw rope from the accumulator. Variable drag mechanism supported by the support feeds rope pulled by the user back to the accumulator to replenish the accumulator. The drag mechanism inhibits the feeding of rope to the accumulator unless the rope is pulled with a force sufficient to overcome the force-loading on the accumulator dancer trolley and move the dancer from its maximum storage position. The drag mechanism also controls the rate at which rope is fed to the accumulator in accordance with the magnitude of the accumulator force-loading.

Abstract: A resilient platform exercise device includes a trampoline having a peripheral frame with a platform secured to the frame by a plurality of spaced springs for resiliently mounting the platform. An upstanding pole assembly is mounted directly to the frame juxtaposed the platform. The pole assembly terminates in two spaced handles on opposite sides of the platform in alignment with each other. Each of the handles is pivotally mounted and is movable in opposition to resistance located at the pivotal mount.

Abstract: A rope friction exercise device is described which is in the form of a member 12 (FIG. 2) having multiple bars (51-62) about which a rope (30) can extend in multiple wrappings to provide frictional resistance against pulling of the rope. The member has an elongated longitudinally-extending first side (42) and has a first plurality of bars (51-54) spaced along the first side, with each bar having a first end (80) mounted on the side and a second end (74) which is free, so a rope can be wrapped and unwrapped from a bar by merely installing and removing it from the free end, to thereby change resistance to rope pulling. A plurality of parallel bars enables a rope section to extend over and under the bars in a small angle of wrap to enable a small change in rope pulled resistance, in an arrangement that makes it easy to understand how to change rope pulling resistance. A handle 36 (FIG. 6) allows easy adjustment of rope length.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise apparatus 100 having a turntable 120 rotatably mounted proximate one end of a base 110, and right and left poles 130 and 140 pivotally mounted proximate an opposite end of the base 110. A person stands on the turntable 120, swivels the hips to rotate the turntable 120, and reciprocally pushes and pulls the poles 130 and 140 against resistance provided by an adjustable resistance mechanism 150.

Abstract: A controlled mechanical friction principle is disclosed utilizing elastomeric spheres. The spheres are grouped in radial or nested formation between at least two working surfaces and contained in such a manner that compression sliding friction occurs between spheres. A frictional resistance adjustment is provided by means controlling the degree to which the elastomeric spheres are compressed. A walled container has pliable balls arranged as a single covering therein against a back surface, and an opposing piston is structured to move freely within the container walls. The degree of adjustable contact made by the cylinder inner wall surfaces against the spheres regulates the applied frictional resistance. Variable degrees of power transfer or brakeage is developed between the container inner surface wall and the opposing cylinder inner surface wall with the compressed spheres as the passage medium.

Abstract: A reciprocating variable isotonic resistance upper extremity and upper torso exercising belt for use while performing predominantly lower extremity and lower torso aerobic exercises.

Abstract: A leg muscle stretching and conditioning device in the form of a belt made from flexible material, and a pad member having a slot through which the belt is passed. The pad member is slidable along the belt and preferably includes a plurality of alternating ridges and grooves along its lower surface to permit the pad member to be slidable over a wide variety of surfaces. In use, the user applies one foot on the belt to hold the belt in position and to prevent movement of the belt in a direction along the belt longitudinal axis. The other foot of the user is placed on the pad member so that the user's heel is received within a recess formed on the top surface of the pad member. This foot is moved to convey the pad member along the belt and support surface employing the frictional force between the pad member lower surface and the surface over which the pad member is moved to insure stability during performance and to guarantee gains achieved.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus which may be utilized to perform a variety of exercise routines and provides a frictional force for resisting the exercise movements of the user. The preferred apparatus has a modular construction which permits assembly of the apparatus in a variety of configurations for performing the various exercise routines. The apparatus may also be disassembled for storage, ease of transportation, and marketing of the apparatus in kit form. A friction rope brake mechanism for the exercise apparatus and other uses.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus on which a wide variety of body exercises can be performed is disclosed herein having a base supporting an upright frame with a movable carriage traveling between guide tracks. The frame further supports an adjustable tension mechanism operably connected to the carriage for providing a resistance force against which the user applies muscle pressure. A handle is attached to the carriage and the carriage is movably mounted to the frame. Hand grips are coupled to the adjustable tension mechanism for use without the carriage and the base includes a first section supporting the frame and a second section for supporting the user or an incline bench. By orientation of the frame in a vertical or a horizontal position and by selected use of the carriage, various groups of muscle may be selectively exercised.

Abstract: A lightweight exercise device comprising a pole of nearly uniform diameter throughout its length. At each end of the pole are knob handles to be manually gripped by the operator. One knob handle is fixed and the opposite end knob handle is rotatable continuously in either direction. The rotating handle can engage a friction assembly within the handle to resist motion while pulling or pushing on the handle. Between the handles and along the pole can be one or two sliding or twisting friction sleeve handles or no sleeve handles depending on the length of the pole and configuration of the exercise device desired by the operator. The sliding or twisting friction sleeve handle resistance can be changed by the operator gripping the sleeve handle with increasing or decreasing pressure by the operator's hands. This exerciser is adapted to assist the user to perform stretching, isometric, isotonic, and isokinetic exercises and to combine them with various aerobic exercises.

Abstract: A retarding device for an exerciser includes a tubular housing, a drive shaft extending axially into the tubular housing and being movable axially therein, and a friction unit secured in the tubular housing and in contact with the drive shaft so as to resist axial movement of the drive shaft in the tubular housing. The tightness of contact between the friction unit and the drive shaft can be varied so as to vary correspondingly resistance to axial movement of the drive shaft.

Abstract: An upper body exercise device having a support structure including an upstanding stub-post mounted to an extending upwardly from said stub-post and further comprising a central housing carried by the support post and having spacers at opposite ends of the central housing so that resistance pads on the spacers act against surfaces of the central housing as arms carried by the spacers are manipulated back and forth and with the entire assembly held together by a carriage bolt and nut extending through plate members fixed to the central housing and with the underhead of the carriage bolt gripped intermediate its length by a plate member to prevent rotational movement of the carriage bolt.

Abstract: A retarding device for an exerciser includes a tubular housing, a drive shaft extending axially into the tubular housing and being movable axially therein, and a plurality of friction plates provided in the tubular housing and in contact with the drive shaft so as to resist axial movement of the drive shaft in the tubular housing. The tightness of contact between the friction plates and the drive shaft can be varied so as to vary correspondingly resistance to axial movement of the drive shaft.

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 sleeve capable of motion within a plane, applying a first selected level of resistance to the motion of the sleeve which is constant regardless of the force applied to the sleeve, 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: An apparatus for measuring the instantaneous power generated by a leg extension, which includes a seat provided above a drive system unit on which a subject is seated. A slide rail extends forwardly from the drive system unit, and a foot plate slides along the slide rail in forward and backward directions. A rope connected to the foot plate is provided in the drive system unit in order to be paid out in response to the forward sliding movement of the foot plate. This apparatus also includes a transmission device, which rotates in response to the rope paying-out and a powder brake, which is rotated by the transmission device. A foot load sensor is also mounted on the foot plate in order to detect the foot load developed when the subject extends his/her legs, and a rotation frequency sensor is provided at a predetermined position within the drive system unit in order to detect the rotation frequency of the powder brake.

Abstract: A hand-held, friction stabilized, multi-exercise device comprising a body having a substantially flat, wall frictionally gripping surface thereon, the surface facing laterally; and manually grippable handles carried by the body and projecting in longitudinally opposite directions at opposite sides of the body. Two such bodies, connected by a bar or bar assembly, may be employed during exercise.

Abstract: A portable exercise device for the wrists, hands and arms having an elongate shaft of generally circular cross section, a pair of handles connected to the shaft, at least one of the handles having a substantially axial bore in which the shaft is inserted. Clamping means is provided for clamping said at least one of the handles to the shaft to permit relative circumferential movement about said shaft of said at least one of the handles, the movement being opposed by frictional force between the shaft and the bore of said at least one of the handles.

Abstract: An adjustable resistance upper body exerciser includes a generally arcuate belt (2) encircling the waist of a user and having a generally flat, rigid posterior central portion 3 and flexible anterior portions (4, 4a) including buckling means (5). A flexible inelastic cord (7) having a length and left and right ends (8, 8a) passes through an elongated guide means (12) attached to the belt, slidably retaining a central portion of the length the cord and leaving the right and left ends of the cord extending in the anterior direction. A snubber (15) is attached to the rigid posterior portion of the belt, contacting the slidable cord and applying an adjustable friction load to the slidably retained cord. A pair of handles (18, 18a) are attached to left and right ends of the cord, whereby a user wearing the belt encircling the waist may alternately pull said left and right handles with a tension force generally proportional to the friction load applied to the cord by the snubber.

Abstract: A device for moving, repositioning, rehabilitating and exercising a leg that has been immobilized by injury, illness, surgery or general infirmity. The device comprises a single length of firm and non-stretchable tubing made of lightweight porous material reinforced by an inner core running through its hollow center and encased at both ends by a hand grip consisting of a protective non-slip covering, and encased in the middle of the length of the tube by another like section of non-slip covering to minimize slippage of a foot placed on it for movement of the leg. In operation, a user places the middle portion of the device under the sole of her foot and exerts control over the position of the leg by pulling both ends of the device, thus maneuvering the foot and leg in the desired direction. Because of its lightweight characteristics, the invention is easy to operate and also provides a tool that can be utilized for simple toning exercises for the legs and arms of its user.

Abstract: Device for decompressing the spine of the body of a human being having an elongate adjustable strap assembly and soft flexible pad secured to the strap assembly and adapted to be placed in engagement with the body of the human being in the vicinity of the lower portion of the back of the human being. The strap assembly can be formed in a closed loop and adjustable in length so that it can extend from the pad along the opposite sides of the body of the human and over another portion of the body of the human being below the knees of the human being. A cross member is provided which extends over the body of the human being on one side and in the region which is generally opposite that over which the flexible pad extends. The strap assembly can include means for engagement by the feet of the human being and the cross member and soft flexible pad can substantially encircle the body of the human being.

Abstract: An exercise device for enhanced aerobic walking that coordinates the motion of the arms and legs. The device is worn around the torso by means of a belt mounted yoke which has an extension pole extending downwardly and rearwardly. Both the length of the extension pole and the angle of the extension pole to the yoke can be adjusted. Exercise cords are threaded through guides and brake-lock devices located on the sides of the yoke and a guide loop at the end of the extension pole. At each end of the exercise cord are cuffs, which are attached to the exerciser's extremities. Several threading methods are available for coordinated exercise: left arm to right leg and right arm to left leg; left arm to left leg and right arm to right leg; the left and right arm; and the left and right leg. The brakes can be used to increase the resistance and the locks can be used to fix the exercise cord in a position and use the elasticity of the cord for maximum resistance.

Abstract: A portable, articulated, hand-held exercising device comprising a pair of elongated tubular handles pivotally connected to the respective ends of an elongated tubular cross-bar for three-axis rotation and having an adjustable torque/force characteristics. The cross-bar may be telescopically adjustable. Each handle may simulate the grip of a handled sports appliance such as a tennis racquet, golf club, and the like. The exerciser serves in general to condition the wrist, arms, chest, torso, back, legs and shoulders of the user. The handles are rotatable about their respective longitudinal axes, and they are hinged to the cross-bar at the respective longitudinal axis, and they are hinged to the cross-bar at the respective ends thereof. Each handle, when held by the user, may be turned back and forth pivotally above the corresponding end of the cross-bar with adjustable force adjustment characteristics, and each handle may be rotated about as longitudinal axis with adjustable torque adjustment characteristics.

Abstract: The present resistance exercising apparatus for strengthening a golf swing includes a golf club swingably connected to a telescoping shaft. The telescoping shaft in turn is axially connected to a wheel which is mounted in a frame transversely of the golf club. The wheel engages a set of four rollers which bring pressure to bear on the wheel to create resistance to rotation of the wheel. The rollers are mounted in half-moon housings and drawable to or away from the wheel to increase or decrease the resistance to rotation of the wheel. Accordingly, the resistance apparatus may be set for a quicker golf swing with little resistance or a slower golf swing with greater resistance.

Abstract: A skating aid with a broad weighted bottom portion having an undersurface formed into a horseshoe shaped runner. A hollow upper portion with external handles fits into the bottom portion. The invention overall height is adjustable by a peg arrangement which determines the depth into which the upper portion seats into the lower portion.