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 compact, portable exercise machine includes a base, a pair of receiving means, a pair of parallel support bars fitting slidably within the receiving means, a body support platform, a resistance device, a cable, pulleys, and a cable tightening means. The base has a forward end and an after end and has the first and second receiving means located between the two ends. The support bars each has a forward end and an after end and are joined at these ends by front and rear connecting bars. The platform has a forward end and an after end and is attached to the front connecting bar and the rear connecting bar. Seat, head-rest and foot rests are attached to the platform. The resistance device is removably attached at its upper end adjacent the forward end of the body support platform and removably attached at its lower end adjacent the forward end of the base. A first pulley is attached adjacent the after end of the base. The cable tightening means is attached to the support bars.

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: 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 variable resistance exercise assembly for runners, football players and the like includes a housing having a pair of opposing spaced side walls with an end wall therebetween. A fixed cylinder is rotatably mounted between the side walls. A cord is wrapped about the cylinder with each of its two ends extending from the end wall of the housing. Each end of the cord includes a hook for attaching either end of the cord to a shoulder harness.

Abstract: An exercise device retractable, compact, and portable comprised of a main center piece block assembly, with two aligned handles with adjustable tension control. The center piece block assembly on one of the two surfaces has a multitude of spherical ball rollers to allow rotatability to every desired direction with a minimum friction or resistance. The opposite side of the center piece block provides a mild recessed surface corresponding to foot heel impression to allow stability for the footrest zone during user exercising. The handgrips of the device in this invention offers torsion control of either the same or the opposite direction of rotation during wrist exercise.

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: The present invention provides an exerciser system which includes a seating unit, a housing and a channel guide for selectively positioning the seating unit with respect to the housing. The system further includes a pedal exerciser extending from the housing, wherein the pedal exerciser has an elevated transverse crank pin extending therethrough with arms extending in opposite directions from each end of the crank pin and a first and second adjustable rotating resistance exerciser extending from each end of the arm. A row bar exerciser also extends from the housing and provides another adjustable rotating resistance exerciser device to control the resistance of the back and forth movement of the row bar. The row bar provides a T-handle with either flexible or rigid members extending therefrom with adjustable rotating resistance exercisers on each end. The seating unit is provided in a semi-recumbent position to provide a low-impact exercise workout for the user thereof.

Abstract: A new Arm Exercise Device for exercising and strengthening the triceps muscle of a user's arm. The inventive device includes an upper arm support securable to the upper arm of the user, a forearm support pivotally connected to the upper arm support and securable to the forearm of the user, and an adjustable resistance mechanism interconnecting the upper arm support and the forearm support for creating resistance in response to pivotal movement of the forearm support relative to the upper arm support.

Abstract: A portable exercise apparatus includes a support frame having a base mountable under a chair to hold the base in a stationary position with a user seated on the chair and an upright standard mounted upon the base, a shaft mounted to an upper end of the upright standard and having opposite ends extending from opposite sides thereof, a pair of arms disposed on opposite sides of the upright standard with each arm at one end mounted to one end of the shaft for rotatably mounting the arm to the upright standard, a pair of pedals each mounted to the other end of each of the arms for engagement by a user to create the force necessary to rotate the arms relative to the upright standard, and a resistance generating and adjusting mechanism disposed on the ends of the shaft at the opposite sides of the upright standard and engaged with the one ends of the arms and being operable to generate and selectively adjust a level of resistance to rotation of the pair of arms relative to the upright standard in response to rotati

Abstract: An exercise machine providing selectively variable rhythmic audible accompaniment for torso twisting and arm thrusting motions. The machine has three rotatably mounted foot platforms and two upwardly projecting, pivotable hand levers. Two of the three foot platforms are located proximate to and equidistant from the hand levers and the remaining foot platform is located distally from the hand levers. The hand levers are adjustable as to resistance to pivoting, and alternatively may be fixed in place if arm motions are not desired. A music synthesizer controls tempo of exercises. Tempo, beat, volume, and other characteristics of the music may be controlled by the user. A microprocessor sums the number and frequency of body motions and calculates energy expended while exercising. This information is transmitted to a display visible to the 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: An adjustable clothes hanging and exercising apparatus includes a T-shape supporter which has a horizontal tube and a vertical tube integrally and perpendicularly connected with a lower central portion of the horizontal tube. A left arm supporter has a first end and a second end, wherein one of the first and second ends is detachably connected with the left section of the horizontal tube. A right arm supporter has a first end and a second end, wherein one of the first and second ends is detachably connected with the right section of the horizontal tube. An adjustable device which comprises an adjustable bar having a top end rotatably connected with a bottom end of the vertical tube. A base bar has a top end detachably connected with a bottom end of the adjustable bar. A base supporter is detachably connected with a bottom end of the base bar.

Abstract: The present invention provides 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. The apparatus comprises 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. The assemblies include mechanisms whereby the degree of resistance to rotational movement may be adjusted.

Abstract: An adjustable rotating resistance exerciser wherein an adjustment knob functions to supply an axial force to a series of interleaved washers and compressible washers to adjust the rotational restriction of a tubular grip handle, which is disposed on an inner collar that is affixed to a tubular handlebar. The exerciser may be configured such that it is adaptable to a riding bicycle or a stationary exercise bicycle or the exerciser may be affixed to various size tubes or bars such that it may be used in any convenient location. A further embodiment of the present invention may be utilized by incorporating the adjustable rotating resistance exerciser with a tabletop unit which can be used by individuals confined to wheelchairs, hospital beds or nursing homes. Furthermore, the tabletop unit may be modified to accept foot plates so that individuals may use the rotational exerciser to exercise ankle and calf muscles.

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 turning exercise apparatus comprising a structural frame means, a user engagement means, and optional resistance means and motor means, whereby the user may engage the user engagement means with their legs and/or feet, and perform lower body exercise routines while in a relatively reclined position. The user engagement means is turnably coupled to the structural frame means to turn in the forward, backward, and side directions. The user may manually produce motion in the user engagement means, with an optional resistance means included to provide a resistance force against the turning motion. An optional motor means may also be used to provide automatic turning motion of the user engagement means.

Abstract: A treadmill including an upper body system for manipulation by the upper extremities of a user walking or jogging on the treadmill belt. The upper body system includes pivotally mounted lever arms having substantially constant but adjustable resistance to rotational reciprocation by the user, such as a frictional resistance. The pivot points of the lever arms may be adjustable as to both height and longitudinal position on the treadmill, to accommodate different sized users and different exercises.

Abstract: It is critical to prevent muscular damage to an athlete in a machine that produces a restraining force that must be overcome in the initial part of an exercise stroke. This is achieved by a precise and accurate type of control system by which the athlete safely and surely control the initial restraining force magnitude. With a reliable vernier type control device the athlete then may "inch-by-inch" increase the restraining force as the muscles become able to overcome greater forces in the manner the proverbial strong man lifts a calf each day so that he can lift a full grown cow eventually. In a preferred embodiment of this vernier type control the restraining device comprises an electromagnet with a retained magnetic member coupled to the athlete by an intermediate muscular operated linkage.

Abstract: An exercise device having a coupling assembly attaching a pair of elongated handles, is provided for reversible rotation thereabout. Each of the handles includes a tubular housing within which a torque adjustment apparatus is disposed. The coupling assembly permits reversible frictional adjustment of the angle formed by the elongated handles to provide exercise of the musculature of the chest and shoulders as the user moves the arms toward or away from each other. The user can adjust the level of resistance to arm movement by adjustment at the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes a first spatulate member having a first elongated arm fixed thereto for rotational movement thereabout, a conical member is fixed at a base to the first spatulate member at an angle to the first elongated arm. An integral anti-rotation boss having an integral threaded rod is fixed to the conical member opposite its base.

Abstract: An exercise resistance mechanism provides resistance to unwinding of a flexible line from about a reel. In a preferred embodiment, an arbor is mounted on a shaft by a one-way clutch in such a manner that the arbor rotates in one direction together with the shaft, and rotates in a second, opposite direction relative to the shaft. A first portion of the arbor is connected to an end of a spring extending from a recoil spring pack. A second portion of the arbor is connected to the reel in such a manner that the reel rotates together with the arbor. The arbor and spring end are in full view during assembly of the resistance mechanism. Two holes are provided near the hub of the reel so that a replacement line can be secured to the reel while the original flexible line remains connected thereto and provides a handle for maintaining tension in the recoil spring.

Abstract: An adjustable rotating resistance exerciser wherein an adjustment knob functions to supply an axial force to a series of interleaved washers and compressible washers to adjust the rotational restriction of a tubular grip handle, which is disposed on an inner collar that is affixed to a tubular handlebar. The exerciser may be configured such that it is adaptable to a riding bicycle or a stationary exercise bicycle or the exerciser may be affixed to various size robes or bars such that it may be used in any convenient location. A further embodiment of the present invention may be utilized by incorporating the adjustable rotating resistance exerciser with a tabletop unit which can be used by individuals confined to wheelchairs, hospital beds or nursing homes. Furthermore, the tabletop unit may be modified to accept foot plates so that individuals may use the rotational exerciser to exercise ankle and calf muscles.

Abstract: A universally adaptable adjustable arm exercise device to supplement leg exercising includes a leg exercising unit having a foot contact surface. A pole is mounted adjacent each of two opposite sides of the foot contact surface. The mounting is accomplished by each pole being mounted to a mounting bracket secured to the leg exercise unit. A hinge pin extends from each bracket with a respective pole pivotally mounted to one of the hinge pins. An adjustable resistance device is provided on each of the hinge pins with a resistance setting member on each hinge pin for controlling the resistance force required for a user to pivot the poles back and forth and thereby provide an arm exercise simultaneously with the use of the leg exercise unit. The poles could be part of a self contained unit which could slide under various types of leg exercise units.

Abstract: An exercise device having a coupling assembly attaching a pair of symmetrical, elongated arms mounted at right angles to each other. A pair of elongated handles, each one of which is mounted on one of the elongated arms, is provided for reversible rotation thereabout. Each of the handles has a tubular housing which includes a distal wall and a side wall, the distal wall having a coaxially disposed opening formed therein, the side wall having a pair of opposite longitudinal grooves formed on the inside thereof. Three openings are formed in the side wall.A tubular socket member, adapted for rotation about a coupling assembly conical member includes a plurality of keys mounted longitudinally on its exterior wall, for registration with the tubular housing longitudinal grooves to enable cooperative rotational movement of the socket member.

Abstract: A pivoting exercise apparatus comprising a structural frame, a thigh engagement member, and optional resistance device and motor, whereby the user may engage the thigh engagement member with the thigh portion of their legs and perform lower body exercise routines while in a relatively reclined position. The thigh engagement member is pivotally coupled to the structural frame to pivot in the forward, backward, and side directions. The user may manually produce motion in the thigh engagement member. A resistance may be included to provide a resistance force against this pivoting motion. A motor may also be used to provide automatic pivoting motion of the thigh engagement member.

Abstract: An exercise device adapted for use by a person, comprising:a first ring having a predetermined diameter, an inner surface, and an outer surface;a second ring concentric to the first ring and rotatably retained by the first ring;and components for providing isokinetic resistance to rotation of the second ring andfor sensing predetermined characteristics of said second ring during rotation and providing sensor signals corresponding to said sensed characteristics;whereby a person applying a torque in a first direction of rotation causes rotation of the second ring in the first direction of rotation against the isokinetic resistance and the sensing components in response to said rotation sense said predetermined characteristics which are subsequently converted into sensor signals.

Abstract: A chest expander includes a first handle having two distal ends, a substantially U-shaped tubular housing including a first line and a second line extended from two limb ends thereof and connected to two distal ends of the first handle, a second handle connected between the two limbs of the U-shaped tubular housing, and a load adjusting mechanism being received in one corner of the U-shaped tubular housing allowing a user to adjust the load of the chest expander. The two handles of the chest expander are manually extended and retracted repeatedly via the two lines.

Abstract: An exerciser has a base, a pair of parallel guide rails disposed on the base, a pair of driven units mounted slidably and respectively on the guide rails, and a friction-type resistance device mounted on the base and connected operably to the driven units to resist movement of the driven units. The resistance device includes a friction wheel mounted rotatably on the base, a friction belt trained on the friction wheel, a tension spring interconnecting one end of the friction belt and the base, and first and second transmission rollers mounted rotatably on the base at two sides of the friction wheel. First and second clutch units couple a respective one of the first and second transmission rollers and the friction wheel only when the respective transmission roller rotates in a first direction to drive rotatably the friction wheel in the first direction. The friction wheel applies a force to the friction belt in a compressing direction of the tension spring while rotating in the first direction.

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: 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: Disclosed is an exercise device for use in developing and toning hand, arm, wrist and upper body muscles. The device defines a frictional rotation exercise stick which includes a mounting bar upon which two handgrip elements are rotatably mounted. Located between these two handgrip elements is a center stop collar to prevent one of the handgrip elements from being pushed off of one end of the mounting bar when an inwardly directed force is exerted on the other handgrip element. A cylindrical weight is screwthreaded onto each end of the mounting bar and end stop collars are disposed between these weights and the handgrip elements. Compression bias and friction elements are provided between the end stop collars and the handgrip elements to provide an increase in rotational resistance of the handgrip elements in response to a tightening of the cylindrical weights against the stop collars while retaining a smoothness of operation.

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: The motions of mountain climbing and running are simulated by an exerciser having a pair of movable treadles which are connected to ropes that extend around plural pulleys and having free ends provided with handles which are gripped by the user and pulled during movement of the treadles to thereby exercise both the arms and legs. The treadles are connected to hydraulic cylinders which permit the treadles to be utilized independently of the ropes.

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 golf swing training and muscle exercising device for a full-range of motion golf swing including a rotatable ring rotatable within a stationary ring; a golf club holder sub-assembly for providing hydraulic isokinetic resistance to rotation of the rotatable ring; and an electronic monitoring sub-assembly.

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: An exercisor is described comprising two cranks journaled from opposite directions into a pair of independently operating friction brakes within a central housing. However, while the friction brakes of each crank are independently operatable via a crank arm, they are interconnected by a common friction biasing mechanism. Such mechanism is also housed within the central housing between the friction brakes. The friction biasing mechanism includes a wedge block having slanted side surfaces in contact push blocks of the friction brakes. The wedge block is provided with transverse movement relative to the central housing by rotation of an activation rod (by the user), such rod having an axis of rotation that is normal to the axis of symmetry of the central housing. Such transverse movement, in turn, is converted to bi-directional travel of the push blocks toward the ends of the central housing where the cranks are positioned.

Abstract: The prevent invention provides an apparatus 100 of a type on which a person exercises. The apparatus 100 includes a support frame 101 and a chair member 102 that is rotatably mounted to the support frame 101. A rotational resistance means 105 is also mounted to the support frame 101. The rotational resistance means 105 includes conical surfaces 255 and 256 that provide frictional resistance through interengagement between one of thirty-two teeth 257 on shaft member 154 and one of three ratcheting members 258a-c on rotatable friction member 155. A rotational arm means 106 is operatively connected to the rotational resistance means 105 to allow application of a rotational force in a given direction of rotation against the rotational resistance means 105. A foot anchor means 103 is mounted to the support frame 101, so that a person seated in the chair member 102 may anchor his feet beneath the foot anchor means 103 in order to perform abdominal flexions.

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 universally adaptable adjustable arm exercise device to supplement leg exercising includes a leg exercising unit having a foot contact surface. A pole is mounted adjacent each of two opposite sides of the foot contact surface. The mounting is accomplished by each pole being mounted to a mounting bracket secured to the leg exercise unit. A hinge pin extends from each bracket with a respective pole pivotally mounted to one of the hinge pins. An adjustable resistance device is provided on each of the hinge pins with a resistance setting member on each hinge pin for controlling the resistance force required for a user to pivot the poles back and forth and thereby provide an arm exercise simultaneously with the use of the leg exercise unit.

Abstract: A wrist exercise device includes a handle having an axial opening through which a bolt extends. A spring is around one end of the bolt disposed against an adjustment ring. A pressure plate is mounted at the opposite end of the handle between the handle and the head of the bolt. At least one clutch disc is disposed against the pressure plate. A knob is mounted around the pressure plate and cluch disc, mounted for relative rotational movement with respect to the handle. The wrist is exercised holding the handle and the knob and twisting one of the handle or knob relative to the other.

Abstract: A ski-practicing device includes front and rear base members and two longitudinal members disposed in parallel therebetween. A sliding pedal is slidably mounted on each longitudinal member to provide a foot rest. A sliding member is slidably mounted in each longitudinal member. A stick assembly is pivotally attached to each sliding member by a pivotal plate, thereby allowing the stick assembly to be slidable relative to the longitudinal member via the sliding member. Such an arrangement also allows an outward pivotal movement of the stick assembly and the pivotal plate relative to the sliding member, and allows forward and rearward pivotal movement of the stick assembly relative to the pivotal plate.

Abstract: An exerciser for softball pitchers who are especially strengthening the muscles in the shoulder and arm of the user. The exerciser has a base which may be attached to a fixed frame member. A rotatable arm is held by the base, and a brake pad and shoe assembly is affixed between the rotatable arm and the base. The amount of pressure between the brake pads and the brake shoe is adjustable. A curved arm is held by the arm-support member, and a flexible line is attached at its remote end. The flexible line is about one-half the length of the curved arm. The curved arm may be rotated 360.degree. around the base.

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: In accordance with the invention, an exerciser is described which comprises a simple structure comprised of elements which can be readily assembled while at the same time generate a large, distributed resistance load in which the user's limbs can be worked in both push-pull only, or push only movements. The exerciser comprises essentially two cranks journaled from opposite directions into independently operating friction brakes for independent operation of the cranks by the user. However, the friction brakes of each crank while independently operatable are interconnected by a common frictional biasing plates housed within a horizontally extending, central housing and having an activation rod that extends exterior. The biasing plates generates biasing pressure at a pair of push blocks centrally disposed within the housing to cause bidirectional movement of the latter toward fixed end blocks of the housing.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a base and a pull bar. A cord is attached to the ends of the pull bar, and the cord is guided over a floating pulley. The pulley is in turn connected to an energy dissipating device so that they pull on the cord lengths at the ends of the bar.

Abstract: An isoinertial lift machine is described which can be used to evaluate and train patients in the static and dynamic lift modes. The machine consists of an arm which can be positioned on a vertical column. At the end of the arm, various size attachments and handles can be attached. The arm also carries a force sensor that measures the forces applied to the handles. In the static mode, the arm is positioned at a desired height and locked in place. The patient lifts on the handle, and the force sensor registers the lifting force. Since the handle does not move during the lift, the mode is called static. In the dynamic mode, the arm/handle moves in the vertical direction during the lift. A resistance mechanism is used to resist the lifting force applied by the user at the handle. The resisting force is always pulling the arm down, both in the lifting and the lowering motion. The resisting force remains constant throughout the range of motion during lifting.

Abstract: A resistance reel for an exerciser includes an extractive band extractible against an adjustable force of resistance and rewound by a return spring. A central pin has mounted thereon an extraction section and a resistance section. The components of such sections that are rotatable relative to the central pin are connected by a clutch means for non-rotatable connection in an extraction direction and are freewheeling for rewinding of the extractive band. One end of the central pin is intended for non-rotatable attachment to a stationary point.