Abstract: An exercising apparatus for exercising the abdominal muscles and for performing stretching exercise including an upper cross bar, a lower cross bar, and a pair of elastic bands or springs. The upper cross bar has a pair of foot pedals fixedly disposed at both ends thereof. The lower cross bar is centrally and fixedly provided with an abdomen pad. Soft packing sleeves are fitted on the lower cross bar at both sides of the abdomen pad. The upper cross bar and the lower cross bar are arranged opposite to each other with the elastic bands or springs detachably connected to both sides thereof such that a substantially rectangular structure is formed. The abdomen pad has insert holes for receiving weights.

Abstract: An energy expenditure garment is worn underneath outer clothing continuously for an extended period of time during which the user would perform physical activities which are dominantly non-anaerobic so as to burn more calories than would be burned if the resistance garment were not being worn.

Abstract: A swimwear garment includes an upper body portion and a trunk portion made of a base fabric. At least one resistance band is incorporated in the garment. The resistance band has a direction of strength and memory characteristics to return the band to its unstretched condition. The resistance band has greater resistance characteristics than the base fabric so that during swimming strokes the muscles used for performing the swim strokes are strengthened by the additional exercise resulting from the stretching of the resistance bands.

Abstract: A body exercise device that attaches to an exerciser and includes right and left members, right and left shoulder engaging apparatus, right and left knee engaging apparatus, right and left foot engaging apparatus, and right and left sole assemblies. The right and left members are elastic, elongated, slender, and formed as closed loops, and vertically encircle the right and left sides of the exerciser. The right and left shoulder engaging apparatus selectively maintains the right and left members against the right and left shoulders of the exerciser. The right and left waist engaging apparatus are capable of maintaining the right and left member against the exerciser's waist on both his front and back sides. The right and left knee engaging apparatus selectively maintain the right and left members against the right and left knees of the exerciser.

Abstract: An arm/shoulder exercise walking vest (10) comprising a belt (12) worn about a waist (14) of a person (16). A pair of shoulder straps (18) are secured to the belt (12) and worn on a torso (20) of the person (16). A plurality of rings (22) are provided. A structure (24) is for affixing the rings (22) in spaced apart relationships to the shoulder straps (18) and the belt (12). A plurality of elastic bands (26) of varying resistances are also provided. A facility (28) is for attaching in a removable manner a first end (30) of one elastic band (26) to one of the rings (22). The elastic band (26) can be pulled through any other of the rings (22) and grasped at a second end (32) by a hand (34) to be used by the person (16) for exercising an arm/shoulder (36) while walking.

Abstract: The present invention improves on prior art abdominal exercisers with horizontally slidable members by providing a large contact area for a subject's abdomen that maximizes the size of the abdominal region that is exercised and increases user comfort compared to prior art devices. In the preferred embodiment, the contact device comprises a substantially convex shape with respect to the vertical dimension of a subject's abdomen, a substantially flat shape with respect to the horizontal dimension of a subject's abdomen, and an outline that is shaped like a disk with a flattened top and bottom, thereby engaging a larger abdominal area than prior art devices. A vertical channel and two horizontal channels divide the device into six sections that make separate contact with a subject's abdomen. In a preferred embodiment, the individual sections have padded surfaces to increase user comfort.

Abstract: An exercise device, including a belt assembly to be worn around the torso of the user having first and second layers formed of nylon or polypropylene. The belt assembly further includes a plurality of attachment rings connected to the belt assembly and hook and loop fastening strips for removably attaching the belt assembly to the torso of the user. The device further includes a pair of hand assemblies each including finger holes for receiving the fingers of the user, a hand strap for removably attaching each hand assembly to a hand of the user, and an elastic hand resistance member having attachment clips thereon for detachably connecting the hand assembly to one of the attachment rings on the belt assembly.

Abstract: Thus, the invention lets the user perform a whole group of buttock developing motions, working the muscle from many different angles. These motions are enhanced, through the addition of resistance. The resistance may be varied by adjusting the length of the cords and/or interchanging cords of different elastic strengths. The exercise device further has cords and a shoulder and/or neck piece attachment.

Abstract: A combination stance limiting and muscle flexing device particularly useful in karate training. The device consists of a flexible strap which is adjustable in total length, connected at opposite ends by means of swivel connectors with cuff assemblies to be worn on the legs or arms of an individual. The flexible strap is made up of two length-adjustable portions connected by an elastic portion. The length-adjustable portions form loops at their free ends which receive the swivel connectors and are adjusted by folding the strap material over on itself at selected positions along the body of the strap material. The strap material is made of Velcro material which easily attaches and detaches to allow for easy adjustment. The elastic portion of the strap allows a limited stretch capability of about two inches.

Abstract: A belt which mounts to the hips and thighs and includes a number of fasteners for selectively attaching one or more training bands. The fasteners are arrayed about the circumference of hip and thigh straps. Varying degrees of resistance to hip rotation are obtained upon selectively positioning appropriate elastic and/or static training bands to the fasteners at the front, sides and rear of the hip strap. The training bands may be supported to stationary objects or handles can be gripped by a training assistant. The assembly finds particular advantage for training softball pitchers and batters, although can be used to condition other dynamic training or therapeutic movements.

Abstract: A joggers belt includes a waist band of a resilient material. The band mounts a series of pouches having weight elements within them. The band is configured so that as the jogger moves the weight elements tend to compress the band so that the full force of the weight elements is applied to the jogger's skeleton over a period of time thereby reducing the maximum forces that are applied to the jogger's joints. This result is supported and improved by forming the band with a triangular cross section so that the weights are tilted with respect to the joggers waist. In one embodiment, the weights are spring mounted so as to further extend the force timing of the belt.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus which isometrically works the upper body muscles while the person is engaged in an aerobic activity such as walking or while the person remains in a standing or sitting stationary position. The exercise apparatus includes a belt member having a first end, a second end, and a body section disposed between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are securable to each other for fastening the belt member around the torso of a person. A pulley housing is mounted to the body section of the belt. A pulley wheel is rotatably mounted within the pulley housing. An adjustable tension mechanism is attached to the pulley housing and the pulley wheel for selectively adjusting an amount of force needed to rotate the pulley wheel within the pulley housing.

Abstract: Fitness apparatus including an upper body wearable protective shell formed of a generally planar web material, which is sufficiently flexible so as to be generally conformable to a user's body and generally impact resistant, a plurality of resiliently stretchable elongate elements mounted at first ends thereof on the protective shell; and a plurality of user appendage engagement attachments mounted at second ends of respective ones of the elongate elements.

Abstract: A training device (10) that is suitable for practicing the kicking stroke for punting and/or soccer style field goal kicking, comprising a harness (12) that fits over an ordinary cleat (14). A ring positioning strap (34) attaches to the harness (12) and accepts a D-shaped cord attachment ring (40) at predetermined loop positions along the periphery of the harness (12). A cord (58) attaches to the ring (40) at one end and attaches to a fixed object such as a corkscrew type anchor (56) at the other end. The training device (10) provides a smooth, variable resistance to the leg as the leg is extended during the punting or kicking motion.

Abstract: A multipurpose exercise device includes a stiff bar terminating in limb engagement members and a flexible element connected to the center of the bar, extending away from the bar and being provided with its own limb engagement members. The bar can be positioned so that it engages the feet and the flexible member can be positioned to engage the hands or vice versa to perform a large array of exercises. Preferably the flexible member is elastic.

Abstract: An exercising device includes a non elastic strap that fits around the upper back, shoulders and upper arms of a user. The ends of the strap are coupled with a hand grip. The strap may form part of an upper torso body garment. In use, the upper torso is twisted and the handgrips pushed while tensioning upper body muscles and arms.

Abstract: An apparatus for upper body exercise includes a belt which has a pair of shoulder straps and leg straps to maintain the belt in position relative to the user's body. At least one elastic band has an end attached to an upper portion of the belt. The free end of the elastic band has a loop that can be pulled by a user for upper body exercise.

Abstract: This invention provides a body mounted exercise device primarily for use in exercising the muscles of the buttocks, but preferably adaptable to also exercise the thighs and arms. The device preferably comprises two hinge plates which are each secured outwardly and to one side of a respective hip joint of a human user, each of the hinge plates provided with a pivot arm pivotable about the hinge plate. For exercise of the muscles of the buttocks, the pivot arms extend downwardly along the legs of the user, preferably engaging the backs of the legs between the hip joints and knees. The exercise device is provided with biasing means which exert a forwardly directed biasing force on the backs of the legs, the biasing force opposing rearward pivoting of the legs about the hip joints. During rearward pivoting of the legs, the muscles of the buttocks contract and are forced to overcome the biasing force exerted by the pivot arms on the legs of the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an exercising device. The exercising device includes an elongated flexible body having a first extremity and a second extremity disposed to either side of a central portion and an elongated elastic member. The elongated elastic member includes a first end and a second end. The first and second ends are (i) adapted to accommodate a human limb and (ii) adapted to removably couple to the central portion of the elongated flexible body. A plurality of ring structures are disposed along an axis extending between the first extremity and the second extremity of the elongated flexible body, a first clip is disposed at the first end of the elongated elastic member and a second clip is disposed at the second end of the elongated elastic member. The first and second clips are adapted to couple the first and the second ends of the elongated elastic member to ones of the plurality of ring structures.

Abstract: A golf swing timing trainer formed, in its preferred embodiments, from (a) a forearm brace that serves as a base for the other operative elements of the device; (b) a generally linear member, which member is pivotally connected to the forearm brace at one of its ends and has a vee shaped notch at its other end which fits against the shaft of a golf club held by the user when said club is cocked in the proper plane for a golf stroke; (c) an adjustable biasing means disposed between said forearm brace and said generally linear member, which biasing means generates an adjustable force proportionate to the angle between the forearm brace and the generally linear member/shaft such that the greatest force is experienced by the user when the shaft is cocked and the least is experienced by the user when it is fully extended; and (d) an audible signal generator that indicates when the shaft is not fully cocked.

Abstract: A portable whole body exercise device is disclosed that utilizes a rigid hollow tube and two elastic cords that may have different tensions. Elastic cord runs lengthwise through the hollow tube, while an additional elastic cord is connected between the open ends of the tube.

Abstract: A portable whole body exercise device utilizes at least one hollow robe and several cords having different tensions for allowing a user to exercise his or her muscles. The exercise device includes elastic cords extending out of open ends of the hollow tube, and another elastic cord connected between the open ends of the tube.

Abstract: An exercise member is slidably mounted on the parallel rails of a generally U-shaped frame. Resilient members resist movement of the exercise member in either direction from a point of equilibrium along the rails.

Abstract: A body exercise device that includes a right member for vertically encircling the right side of the exerciser, right shoulder engaging apparatus for selectively maintaining the right member against the right shoulder of the exerciser, right waist engaging apparatus for selectively maintaining the right member against the waist of the exerciser, right knee engaging apparatus for selectively maintaining the right member against the right knee of the exerciser, right foot engaging apparatus for selectively maintaining the right member against the right foot of the exerciser, a right sole assembly positionable on the right sole of the exerciser, a left member for vertically encircling the left side of the exerciser, left shoulder engaging apparatus for selectively maintaining the left member against the left shoulder of the exerciser, left waist engaging apparatus for selectively maintaining the left member against the waist of the exerciser, left knee engaging apparatus for selectively maintaining the left membe

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: An exercise device for exerting a resilient force upon the limbs of the user having two cuffs and a continuously formed looped tension band. The cuffs are generally made of a webbing fabric having secured at opposite ends VELCRO strips for securement about the limbs of the user. The cuffs are generally made of a webbing fabric having secured at opposite ends strips made of synthetic materials which adhere when pressed together such as that material sold under the trademark VELCRO for securement about the limbs of the user. Provided on the exterior of the cuff is an envelope-like enclosure having a closure which is formed from the same adhereable synthetic materials such as those sold under the trademark VELCRO, whereby the tension band is placed within the flaps of the envelope-like enclosure and the flaps are secured about the tension band. In use, the cuffs are secured about the limbs of the user using the VELCRO strips.

Abstract: A belt that can be worn around a person's waist and which has a back support along a portion of the belt. The belt contains loops positioned along the sides of the belt to attach various elastic resistance elements for exercising a person's arms and legs.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a device for an arm free treadmill workout. It has a belt having a left side and a right side. There is a left loop attached to the left side of the belt. The device has a right loop attached to the right side of the belt. A first strap has a first end connected to the left loop and a second end connected to the treadmill. A second strap has a first end connected to the right loop and a second end connected to the treadmill.

Abstract: A new resistance, weight loss garment worn by user will elevate the heart rate of a user so that the user can expend more calories over an extended period. The garment would contain at least one article of clothing worn on the body of the user, said article of clothing incorporating elastic resistance structures that tend to oppose normal directions of motion thereby causing extra exertion by the user that results in burning more calories over a period of time.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises an elongate strut on which a pair of limb engaging members are located. At least one of the limb engaging members is slidable along the length of the strut towards and away from the other member. A resistive force means such as one or more elastomeric bands links the movable limb engaging member to a reaction point on the strut or the other limb engaging member. The arrangement is such that movement of the movable limb engaging member along the strut in at least one direction requires work to be done against the action of the resistive force means. Preferably both limb engaging members are movable along the length of the strut towards and away from each other. The strut may be formed in more than one section with the different ends of the sections engageable with each other to provide for different modes of operation of the device.

Abstract: A system (100) particularly directed to exercising gluteal and thigh muscles is provided. System (100) includes a longitudinally extended handle member (110) and assembly (150) for engaging a heel portion of a user's foot. A resistive force assembly (120) is coupled on a first end to a central portion of the handle member (110) and on an opposing second end to the heel engagement assembly (150). The resistive force assembly (120) includes an inelastic resistive force subassembly having an inelastic strap member (132) coupled on a first end (138) to handle member (110) and a second end (136) formed in a closed contour. Inelastic resistive force subassembly (130) includes an adjustment buckle (135) for adjusting an overall length dimension of the inelastic strap member (132).

Abstract: An exercise device to be used while walking for exercising the back, abdominal, chest, shoulders, arms, hands, buttocks and leg muscles while walking. A first preferred embodiment of the device includes a elastic neoprene rubber belt having a first and second pair of metal O-rings sewn onto the left and right sides respectively of the belt and approximately 16 long latex hoses attached to each pair. The opposite loose ends of hoses have third and fourth pairs of metal O-rings sewn thereon attached to cylindrical neoprene rubber covers that house a pair of coaxial weights therein. The second embodiment of the device has a T-cross-sectional shaped weight formed by a cylindrical plastic body and an enlarged end cap for fitting within a user's hands and through-holes for tieing. A third embodiment uses alternating hollow cylindrical weights of 1 and 2 lbs each, where each weight has identical outside dimensions. The lengths of the elastic hoses can be varied depending upon the arm swinging of the user.

Abstract: A golf swing training device (10) including a grip (12), an elastic cord loop (14), a neck pad (16) and an adjustment mechanism (18). Grip (12) is in the form of a conventional golf club grip. The elastic cord loop (14) is secured at the narrow end of grip (12). Adjustment mechanism (18) allows the length of cord loop (14) to be selectively adjusted for a particular golfer. Neck pad (16) includes straps (50), through which cord loop (14) is inserted. Neck pad (16) doubles as a carrying case for the grip and cord loop. Neck pad (16) includes a sleeve (66), closed at one end by a flap (60).

Abstract: An exercise device to be worn on the user's body. The exercise device includes a resistance arm connected by pivot means at the ends thereof to mechanisms for mounting the resistance arm at spaced apart locations on the human body. The mechanisms for mounting include an arm harness at one end and a body harness at the other end, or a pair of straps for mounting around either an arm or a leg of the user's body spaced above and below an elbow or a knee, respectively.

Abstract: Portable multi-purpose exercise device has an elongated generally tubular, and preferably cylindrical, cushion or pillow portion which is adapted to be placed behind a user's head and neck or other body portion while handle members attached to the outer ends of a stretchable cord-like tension member extending from each end of the pillow portion are engaged and pulled by the user's hands. The pillow portion preferably comprises one or more layers of resilient foam surrounding rigid sleeve members through which the tension member passes. The device is very lightweight and compact, and yet permits many exercise routines to be performed to strengthen a wide range of muscle groups. The device is especially helpful in providing head and neck support while doing ab crunches, for example.

Abstract: An exercise device for hips, thighs and buttocks is provided which has two elongated arms that pivotably linked together at their proximal ends and that are associated with a pivotable body engagable plate at each of their distal ends. An arcuate tree is medially joined across each proximal end permits a yielding compression biasing member, such as an elastomeric band, to be associated with adjacent respective tree ends for producing either lateral compression force of lateral extension force between the plates. The device makes possible a variety of new and very useful exercises for hips, thighs and buttocks.

Abstract: A supination-pronation orthosis for the elbow joint of a patient which includes a hand and wrist cuff secured to the hand and wrist of the patient and an upper arm cuff secured to the upper arm of a patient to extend from adjacent to the elbow joint outwardly along the upper arm. A flexible torsion unit is mounted to extend between the upper arm cuff and the hand and wrist cuff along the forearm of the patient. This torsion unit provides a bias to selectively oppose rotation of the forearm of the patient about the elbow joint.

Abstract: An elastic body suit constructed of two breathable, durable elastic layers quilted together over a series of flexible weights. The first, inner layer of elastic is lighter than the second, outer layer. Air ports for body cooling and air circulation at the arm pits and the backs of the knees are formed from the inner layer. The flexible weights are constructed of polyurethane and metal blended material made through an extrusion process normally used for making tubing and hoses. The suit can be made with an optional third layer of stretchable material to enhance its appearance, i.e.--spandex or latex.

Abstract: A stress transfer garment for an individual in a low gravity environment to minimize bone deconditioning and the migration of fluids to the torso. The garment includes members made of elastic or resilient material which cover the torso and multiple limbs. The members extend down the long axis of the body, with each member interlaced with the member on each side at least once to form a mesh-like structure. The garment is fitted for an individual in a first position, preferably the fetal position. Any movement by a part of the body covered by the members from the fetal position, stretches those members. The stretched members deliver a physical strain along the long axis of the body to the underlying bone structure. The garment may also be designed to deliver a physical strain across the short axis of the body which is greater across the torso than the limbs and is sufficient to prevent body fluids from the limbs from migrating to the torso. The garment may be formed as a one-piece or two-piece garment.

Abstract: Thus, the invention lets the user perform a whole group of buttock developing motions, working the muscle from many different angles. These motions are enhanced, through the addition of resistance. The resistance may be varied by adjusting the length of the cords and/or interchanging cords of different elastic strengths. The exercise device has cords and optionally a should and/or neck piece.

Abstract: An exercise device, including a belt assembly to be worn around the torso of the user having a plurality of layers wherein a first layer is formed of rigid plastic and a second layer is formed of a cushioning material. The belt assembly further includes upper and lower back support areas extending from the belt assembly, a plurality of attachment rings connected to the belt assembly and Velcro closure strips for removably attaching the belt assembly to the torso of the user. The device further includes a pair of hand assemblies each including finger holes for receiving the fingers of the user, a hand strap for removably attaching each hand assembly to a hand of the user, and an elastic hand resistance member having attachment clips thereon for detachably connecting the hand assembly to one of the attachment rings on the belt assembly.

Abstract: The sporting and exercising device comprises an upper foot-receiving portion, and a lower spring portion. The spring portion comprises an upper spring layer arched upwardly, a lower spring layer arched downwardly, and an intermediate elastic plastic strap. A first end of the plastic strap is connected to both a first end of the upper spring layer and a first end of the lower spring layer, and a second end of the plastic strap is connected to both a second end of the upper spring layer and a second end of the lower spring layer. First and second resilient shock absorbing bodies are mounted on the top face of the plastic strap proximate the first and second ends thereof, respectively. Similarly, third and fourth resilient shock absorbing bodies are mounted on the bottom face of the plastic strap proximate the first and second ends thereof, respectively. The resilient shock absorbing bodies prevent the spring portion to collapse after a certain deformation by compression has been reached.

Abstract: A resistance exercise device is disclosed for an amputee which includes a harness assembly configured to engage the stump portion of an amputated limb. The harness assembly includes a circumferential support strap and a depending retention portion. A mechanism is provided for affording dynamic resistance to the amputee during the performance of an exercise, and fastening members are associated with said circumferential support strap for engaging the resistance mechanism.

Abstract: A thigh and buttocks exercising device includes a pair of hook shaped or curved clamp members terminating in linear inner legs connected to respective knuckles of a torsion spring-loaded hinge to bias the clamp members to a contracted position with their free ends in relatively vertically offset overlapping positions. Each clamp member is formed of a rigid metal tube preferably covered by a soft plastic or elastomeric sheath. The biasing torsion spring may terminate in tangentially projecting hook shaped cores of the clamp members. In alternative constructions, the clamp members are biased by resilient devices, such as a flexible-compressible member, a compression spring, or an elastomeric cord adjustably extending between the free ends of the clamp members.

Abstract: A constant torque joint utilizes joint elements extending respectively between brace attachments for use in an anatomical brace. The brace has a range of motion dependent upon the particular application and in one embodiment from about 65.degree. to about 215.degree. with an included angle of motion of approximately 150.degree.. A constant torque in the joint is provided by a spring-loaded cable wherein a cam driven cable anchor pin is utilized to compensate for variations in the spring cable joint system to produce a constant torque within the joint throughout the full range of motion of the joint.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable, safe, easy and effective device for exercising. The device includes a series of components useable together in numerous combinations so as to provide a total physical workout. The components are capable of being transported in a small attache case or gym bag. The exercise device may be used for exercising the upper portion of the body, including hands, arms and upper torso, with a stationary door frame or a portable foot plate providing the anchor resistance. Alternately, the legs, ankles an lower torso may be exercised while seated on an ordinary chair or bench with an ordinary door providing the anchor resistance. Multiple elastic bands, cables or springs provide adjustable resistance to movement in all forms of the invention.

Abstract: An upper body exercise device comprising a base (10) on which two adjustably resistant recoilers (20) are mounted is contained in a waist pouch (30). Two extension members (40) extend outwardly and downwardly from the base (10) and pulleys (50) are attached to the outer ends (44) of the extension members. Cords (60) from the recoilers (20) are threaded through the pulleys (50) and handles (70) are provided at the ends. The extension members (40) displace and direct frictional force created by the recoilers (20), and the pouch (30) makes the device easy to put on and take off. The recoilers (20) preferably provide adjustably resistant force against tension applied to the cords (60) and a slight restoring force sufficient to recoil the cords (600 when tension is released. This avoids safety problems with other mechanisms that provide a restoring force equal to the displacing force.

Abstract: A Portable exerciser for stretching or toning muscles of a user is provided. The exerciser has a stretchable elastic anchor loop and a plurality of supplemental elastic loops of different but interchangeable strength and lengths. Accordingly, loops can be interchanged and interconnected in a series by the use of releasable fastening means such as a buckle or the like, for interchangeably combining such loops into a variety of portable exercise devises.

Abstract: An exercising and training method and apparatus particularly providing resistance and assistance physical training for athletes. An upper body harness is worn by the athlete and attached to one end of an inelastic rope that is extended around a rope guide pulley. The rope guide pulley is attached to a stationary object on a playing or exercise field. The other end of the rope is attached to one end of an elastic resistance and assistance member, including a latex hose, through a safety stop and connector. The other end of the elastic resistance and assistance member is attached through a further connector to a ground stake driven into the field at a preset angle to the stationary object. In use, the athlete stretches the latex hose between the ground stake and the rope guide pulley and the safety stop and connector prevents the passage of the latex hose around the pulley wheel.

Abstract: An orthosis for stretching tissue that limits compressive forces on the soft tissue around a joint during movement of the joint. The orthosis includes two relatively pivotable cuff arms with a cuff on each arm. The cuffs clamp onto the body portions on either side of the joint. The pivot axis of the cuff arms is spaced from the pivot axis of the joint, so that movement of the cuff arms to extend the joint results in distractive forces being applied to the joint. The cuffs are selectively moved on the cuff arms, during extension and flexion, to provide the proper amount of distractive forces to the joint and to limit compressive forces on the joint. A mechanical advantage is gained through the use of a gear drive mechanism for transmitting to the joint the force applied by the patient. This allows the orthosis to be relatively small and light weight. The orthosis also provides a portable system for continuous passive motion therapy for a joint.