Abstract: An apparatus for exercising the muscles surrounding the cervical spine of a person, comprising: a belt adapted to be secured about the waist of a person, and including frontal and posterior portions; a pair of suspenders connecting at their frontal ends to opposing frontal portions of the belt, extending over opposing shoulders of the person, and connecting at their posterior ends to opposing posterior portions of the belt; a chin cup adapted to fit around the person's chin; a head band adapted to fit around the person's head and including frontal and posterior portions; a first elastic strap adapted to provide a tensile load between the chin cup and the frontal portion of the belt; and a plurality of elastic straps adapted to provide tensile loads between the frontal portion of the head band, across the person's head, and the posterior portion of the belt or suspenders.

Abstract: A body exercise device includes a waist belt, which is releasably fastened on the waist of the user. A plurality of snap rings are pivotally attached to the belt at spaced intervals throughout its length to provide different attachment locations for elongated elastic members. The elastic members have snap hooks connected at opposite ends, with one end of each elastic member connected to a selected one of the snap rings on the belt. Foot pieces are provided for each foot of the user; and each of the foot pieces has a snap ring on it for attachment to a snap hook on the opposite end of an elastic member. Hand pieces also are provided for each hand, and include a hand-encircling portion and a wrist protector portion with a swivel snap ring on them, to which a snap hook on the opposite end of a corresponding elastic member is attached.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joint controlled training of different motoric units for development of functional muscle strength and proprioceptiviety, wherein the direction of action of the resistance is adjusted in relation to the muscle groups or motoric units to be trained. In the method and apparatus all joint positions are arrested for the joints associated with the groups of muscles or the motoric units to be trained. The apparatus incorporates orthoses (1, 4, 5) for arresting positions of all joints which are affected by the muscle groups or motoric units to-be-trained, as well as a non-resilient strap (8). The strap (8) facilitates adjustment of the angle under which a load (12) is applied.

Abstract: A muscle is exercised by orienting the body such that the muscle must be flexed to support a part of the body from falling under its weight. The strength of the muscle is supplemented by a device which provides an adjustable resistance, and the resistance is progressively reduced as the muscle is strengthened. The preferred device includes a spring and structure to adjustably compress the spring and to arrange it between selected parts of the user's body.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus for exercising and dancing includes a resilient, stretchable band element capable of encircling at least two rigid objects, such as two persons. When two person are encircled by the stretchable band element, the first person can exert an outwardly directed first force against a first portion of the interior side of the band element. Then the second person, who is also encircled by the band element, can experience an inwardly directed second force exerted by a second portion of the interior side of the band element. In addition, the second person can exert an outwardly directed third force against the second portion of the interior side of the band element. This third force is opposite in direction to the first force. The exercising and dancing apparatus can also include two belts, each one for individually encircling one of the two persons who are both encircled by the common band element. Snap connectors can be used to attach the individual belts to the common band element.

Abstract: An adjustable golf swing training device is provided together with a method for its use to guide a golfer through a golf swing with proper hip turn and body rotation. The device comprises an adjustable belt to be affixed to the golfer which is movable with the golfer during a golf swing, a stake for affixing the training device to a ground mass, and a resilient cord. The resilient cord includes a first end which is affixed to the stake and a second end which is adjustably affixable to the belt. The resilient cord is stretchable to create a bias on the belt which is sufficient to guide the golfer through a down swing with proper hip turn and body rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for augmenting exercise of body muscle(s) comprising one or more articles of close-fitting wearing apparel employing one or more removable elongate resistance members, loosely enclosed in passageways along a portion of the length of the apparel, which resistance members releasably anchored at one end to a fixed-in-place member such as a belt or a shoulder harness and attached at the distal end to the extremity of an arm or leg, the apparatus being devised so as to increase the energy required by a user to flex his arms or legs over the energy level necessary without the resistance of the elongate resistance members.

Abstract: An aerobic resistance exercise garment effectively supplements a motion exercise. The garment includes an article of clothing including gloves and socks worn on the body with anchor members worn at the gloves and socks. A connecting element is connected to the article of clothing and the anchor member by interconnecting the gloves. A second set of connecting members connect the socks to the garment. Each connecting element is preferably made of an elastic material so as to offer resistance during the movement of the arm or leg in a motion exercise.

Abstract: A golf training device for a golf player including a hip belt having opposite belt ends, belt closing elements on the belt for holding the belt ends in joined position on the player, an elastic cord having an upper end and a lower end, an elastic cord attachment point on the belt disposed substantially opposite the joined position, and a stirrup attached to the lower end of the elastic cord for receiving a foot of the golf player.The length of the elastic cord is such that the stretched cord extends from the stirrup receiving the player's foot laterally and upwardly over the front and to the rear of the player to its attachment point on the belt thereby creating a rotational torque at the hips of the player which assists the player in maintaining a proper body stance throughout the swing with a club and properly turning the hips as required for a proper swing.

Abstract: A basketball training device is described for improving the shooting skills of the user including an elongated member adapted to be strapped to the user's forearm and a hemispherical finger and hand engagement element configured as a portion of a basketball facing the elongate member so as to be engagable with the user's fingers and hand. A resistance member pivotally mounts the hemispherical engagement element to resist movement from an inclined position to allow the user to flex the hand, fingers and wrist against the resistance in a manner closely simulating the execution of a basketball shot. An elbow rest is adjustably mounted at the opposite end of the elongate member.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which includes a short pant with both a drawstring and cinches designed to cinch the leg portions tightly. Hook and pile fastening halves are disposed at various areas in the front and back of the pant and two elongated straps having hook and pile fastening halves on their ends are attached at one end to side seams of the pant. Through manipulation of these straps as well as auxiliary straps forming a part of the present invention, the user may provide proper support for their musculature to facilitate rehabilitation.

Abstract: A plurality of leg straps are arranged for securement about an individual's legs to permit manual manipulation of the legs to enhance circulation for individuals lacking control of their lower limbs. The strap members include cooperative fastening surfaces for securement about the lower limbs, with each strap member having a top surface loop, with each top surface loop interconnected by a connecting belt. The connecting belt permits ease of manual manipulation upon grasping the belt and manipulation of each limb.

Abstract: An exercise and physical therapy device having a central elongated resilient element with a wrist attachment strap at one end and a foot attachment strap at the other end. The device is configured so that the foot strap fits comfortably inside the user's shoe, allowing the device to be used simultaneously while performing walking, running, or other exercises.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided for a joint of a lower limb which consists of a first framework for supporting a first part of the lower limb, a second framework for supporting a second part of the lower limb and a resistive pivot mechanism affixed between the first framework and the second framework, to allow pivotal motion of the frameworks about substantially the same axis as the joint located between the first part and the second part of the lower limb, while providing resistance through a range of the pivotal motion of the joint.

Abstract: An apparatus, kit and method for stretching and strengthening the muscles of the lower back and legs of a person. The apparatus includes a backboard and a belt to restrain the person's pelvis. A single cable is provided with sliding handles, a pulley guiding system, and leg supporting slings. In a stretching exercise segment, the handles are slowly pulled by the person to raise the legs and thereby stretch the supporting muscles of the spine. In a strengthening exercise segment, the person's feet are pushed toward the floor against the resistance provided by the muscles of the arms.

Abstract: The baseball throwing device is used for training arm muscles associated with throwing by simulating the throwing motion; is used for developing the arm muscles associated with throwing by doing strengthening exercises; and is used for rehabilitating the muscles associated with throwing by doing rehabilitation exercises.The apparatus includes an elastic band or bands, depending on the tension desired, which are attached at one end to a hand frame with a ball included, and the other end of the elastic band/s is attached to a harness. To use, the harness is attached to any stationary object that a canvas harness can be wrapped around, such as a tree or post. Then grab the baseball hand frame and walk away from the harness therefore stretching the elastic bands to a comfortable tension. Then begin workout by simulating the throwing motion or by doing strengthening or rehabilitating exercises.

Abstract: Portable exercise apparatus adaptable to fit a chair is provided. The apparatus comprises, in combination: (1) a back support removeably attachable to the backrest of a conventional chair; (2) at least one elongate extension member removeably and adjustably affixed to the back support such that the extension member extends through a point of reference located at a desired height on an imaginary vertical line which essentially bisects the backrest of the chair, the extension member extending through the point of reference and outwardly therefrom within a substantially vertical plane containing the line, the plane being parallel to and adjacent to the backrest of the chair, the outward end of the extension member having attached thereto, (3) a resistance mechanism to create resistance against movement, the resistance mechanism being engageable by a limb of a person when sitting in the chair.

Abstract: A foot exerciser for engagement with the lower leg and foot that provides for resistance to swinging of the foot to exercise the foot. The foot exerciser includes a cradle for engaging the lower leg between the ankle and the knee and a pedal for engaging the foot. The pedal is swingably connected to the cradle with a tension arrangement to provide for swinging resistance. The foot exerciser is tailored to fit the foot and lower leg such that it may be used by the bed or wheelchair-ridden patient, or ambulatory patient.

Abstract: A training device for teaching children to ride a bicycle comprising a handle, a loop portion for selectively engaging the child's waist, and means for adjusting the size of the loop portion. The loop portion is placed over the head and shoulders of the child and placed around the child's waist. The adjusting means is adjusted so that the loop portion snugly and firmly engages the child's waist so that when the parent holds the handle, the parent can support and control the balance of the child as the child rides the bicycle. In one embodiment, the training device has an elongated member having first and second ends. The first and second ends are coupled together to form the handle and the loop portion therebetween. The first and second ends can be coupled together using any conventional means including, for example, Velcro hook and loop devices, extrusion or molding techniques, glue, or sturdy tape.

Abstract: An improved exercising device for developing various parts of the user's body that can also be used in walking, jogging, and running. The Spring Exerciser comprises of a coil extension spring connected to locking clamps. These clamps can be attached to shoes for walking, running, exercising, or rehabilitation. They can also be attached to flexible straps which can be used in arm pulls or arm and leg exercises.

Abstract: A gymnastic training device has a conventional training belt adapted to support a gymnast at the waist. A pair of elongated resilient supporting assemblies are attached to opposite sides of the training belt and are comprised of bungy cords which can be selectively added or removed with respect to the assemblies to adjust the resilient capabilities thereof. A pulley support means including a pair of laterally positioned pulleys and at least one elevated pulley are supported over the normal position of the training belt by either a self-standing frame or by a frame assembly attached to the ceiling of a building. A first cable has a center portion and opposite ends with the opposite ends being secured to each of the free ends of the elongated resilient supporting assemblies.

Abstract: This invention is a device to specifically develop certain muscle groups and techniques for golfers by utilizing a variable resistance means which may be attached to an object such as a door and utilizes a simulated golf club, D-handle or waist belt to permit free rotational movement of the users limb or torso through a series of exercises. The D-shaped handle having a stirrup and a roller located between the stirrup to allow axial movement of the roller and the stirrup relative to the variable resistance means. The waist belt having teeth on the rubber liner to prevent slipping of the belt upon the user turning their body. The variable resistance means being lengths of rubber tubing which vary the resistance as the user pulls against it.

Abstract: An exercise device provides resistance to flexion or extension of the arms or legs. The device is worn about the knee or elbow and has a first framework which is secured about the upper portion of the limb and a second framework which is secured about the lower portion of the limb. Struts protrude toward the joint from the upper framework and from the lower framework, and are connected at the joint by a resistive pivot connection. The resistive pivot connection has a resistive mechanism which is attached between the struts by matching projections and conduits which are on opposing faces of the struts and ends of the mechanism. The degree of resistance is varied by substituting a mechanism, which is made of an elastomeric material, with another of different resistive properties. Resistance may be varied by changing the positions of the projections and conduits relative to each other. Moving the relative positions of the conduits and projections would also change the muscle group being exercised.

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 apparatus is provided for therapeutic exercising of the scapula related muscles of a body. A scapula harness fits tightly over a shoulder and an upper arm of the body and extends over a breast and an opposing scapula area of the body. The harness has a plurality of attachment straps, each of which has a downwardly extending attachment end. A plurality of urging springs are each connected to one of the attachment ends and establish a variable tension force to each attachment strap. A plurality of tensioning straps are each connected at one end to one of the urging springs so that a force applied to any one of the tensioning straps causes one of the urging springs to extend. A seat has a horizontal, upward facing surface for supporting the body in a seated position, a peripheral edge, and at least one holding clamp for holding the straps in fixed positions and under a desired tension.

Abstract: An orthopedic device to provide lower back support for a wearer includes a flexible flat body, a resilient contoured lumbar support pad of varying thickness secured to the body, and a flexible belt traversing the pad and secured to the body at points beyond the pad, the belt being configured and dimensioned to be secured about the waist of the wearer for positioning the pad on the lumbar region of the wearer.

Abstract: Attachment elements are connected to spaced ends of an elastic cord. A shroud extends the length of the cord between the attachment elements and is affixed to the attachment elements. The shroud is a tubular-shaped member forming a plurality of pleats when the elastic cord is in unelongated condition. When the elastic cord is elongated and the shroud is unpleated it provides a positive restraint against further stretching of the elastic cord.

Abstract: A foot receiving member has a spring member detachably attached to the bottom surface thereof. The spring member includes a top, arched, layer and a bottom, arched, layer and a strap disposed between the two arched layers. The arched layers are attached, at their ends, to a corresponding end of the strap in such a manner that the spring member will be automatically disassembled under the influence of an extraordinary lateral force.

Abstract: To alleviate the problem that a considerable amount of force is required by an archer to bend the bow by pulling or drawing the bowstring, this invention introduces an auxiliary force aid to supplement the manual force of the archer's arm for drawing the bowstring. Thus, an elastic member anchored to the archer's body is stretched to store a force when the archer's arm reaches for the bowstring to draw it, and the stored force from the stretched elastic member supplements the manual force provided by the archer's arm in a vectorial direction for drawing the bowstring thereby to make the drawstring easier to draw. The elastic member, typically a bungee cord, is affixed to a body harness held on the upper torso by a shoulder strap for movement and stretching along the line of travel of the archer's hand when reaching for the bowstring to draw it. Thus, the peak drawing force exerted by the archer is reduced by distributing it over the reciprocal reaching and drawing motions of the archer's arm.

Abstract: Variable resistance leg harness exercise apparatus includes a belt, leg attachments, foot attachments and stretchable cords attached to the belt and to the leg and foot attachments for enabling the user to perform under an increased load while not changing the user's natural center of gravity and without distorting the natural patterns of the exercise being performed.

Abstract: An adjustable length pole resiliently tethered at the waist to a body harness is used in exercises to condition certain selected muscles. The body harness is preferably of a type known in mountain climbing, having a belt and two straps encircling the crotch. Two elastic tubes, one on each side of a user's body, are each connected at one end to the body harness and at the other end to the pole near the ends of the pole. These tubes resiliently resist bodily movement. The effort of overcoming this resistance provides muscle conditioning. The pole terminates in enlarged, flat portions large enough to overlap the user's hands, with the palm held against the flat portions, fingers spread out. With the pole held by contact with the palms, arms outstretched laterally from the body, with the center of the pole resting on the back of the user's neck, the user twists about the spinal column to exercise the external oblique abdominal muscles.

Abstract: An adjustable golf swing training device is provided together with a method for its use to guide a golfer through a golf swing with proper hip turn and body rotation. The device comprises an adjustable belt to be affixed to the golfer which is movable with the gofler during a golf swing, a stake for affixing the training device to a ground mass, and a resilient cord. The resilient cord includes a first end which is affixed to the stake and a second end which is adjustably affixable to the belt at different locations circumferentially of the golfer's waist and adjacent a hip. The resilient cord is stretchable to create a bias on the belt which is sufficient to guide the golfer through a down swing with proper hip turn and body rotation.

Abstract: An aerobic resistance exercise garment effectively supplements a motion exercise. The garment includes an article of clothing worn on the body with an anchor member worn at the hand or foot. A connecting element is connected to the article of clothing and the anchor member. The connecting element is preferably made of an elastic material so as to offer resistance during the movement of the arm or leg in a motion exercise.

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 hip mounted, springable frame that compresses between the chest and thighs of a worker when he stoops over so as to help the worker to stand erect again and ease back strain. The center of the frame comprises a pair of arc-shape springs that wrap around cylindrical spools of elastomer. The spools are attached to a belt surrounding the worker's waist at hip level. The frame is easily removed and reattached by snapping the springs over the spools. Wear is reduced since there are no moving parts, and the spring forces are adjustable with the use of variable compliance and or springs having different spring constant such as priorities by different spring geometry.

Abstract: An aerobic resistance exercise garment includes leg or sleeve sections. Where sleeve sections are used a web is connected to the main portion of the garment. The garment and/or the sleeve and/or the web is made of a stretchable, elastic, resilient material. During the main exercise program where the arms of the user are being swung, resistance is encountered by the sleeves being connected to the garment when the arm swings away from the body causing the material to stretch. Where the garment includes leg portions a web may interconnect the leg portions to each other so as to offer resistance during the movement of the leg in an exercise program.

Abstract: A device for facilitating correct swinging of a golf club comprises an elastic loop which is donned over the head of the player with the major portion of the loop resting over the chest, abdomen and on top of the shoulders. The rear of the loop is affixed to the body of the player so that the loop is disposed away from the neck, approximately at the height of the third vertebrae of the back (spine). In play, the handle end of the club is laid inside the elastic loop and pushed downward and outward by the left hand and arm stretching the elastic loop as much as possible. Swinging the golf club against the upward pull exerted by the elastic loop produces the surprising effect of improved control of the golfer's arms which results in a nearly perfect swing plane and levelling and squaring up of the golf club face.

Abstract: An exercise device includes an elastic cord having a handle at one end which can be grasped by the user. The opposite end of the cord includes a fastener for attachment to a belt or other device worn at the waist of the user. Alternatively, the cord is attached to a belt especially designed for use with the cord.

Abstract: An exercise device to be used while walking which has a back foundation plate with a plurality of belt loops attached to the back foundation plate; to which a belt with two ends are attached. The belts have a means of attaching one end to another. The back foundation plate contains a plurality of flanges to which an extension pole is removably affixed. The extension pole extends down from the back foundation plate. The length of the extension pole can be adjusted. At the end of the extension pole is a clasp to which a plurality of leg elastic resistance devices are removably attached. The elastic resistance devices are attached to an ankle collar by means of ankle collar clasps. The ankle collars have two ends and a means of connecting the ends of ankle collars to one another. A plurality of accessory hooks are attached to the back foundation plate to which arm elastic resistance devices are attached.

Abstract: A training device (10) for developing proper shooting techniques for basketball players in which the wrist is held in the proper cocked position prior to shooting and returned to that position subsequent to shooting through the use of a yieldable tensioning member (C) secured between the upper arm and hand of the players by an arm connector (A) and hand connector (B).

Abstract: The present invention is an elastic resistance exerciser having at least one elastic resistance element secured at the abdomen, preferably at the waist; and most preferably at the sides at the waist. The elastic resistance element comprises two ends between which the elements can be stretched. A first end of the elastic resistance element is secured at the abdomen, preferably at least one side, and more preferably at the waist. A second end of the elastic resistance element can be secured or held at the extremity of a limb. The present invention also includes methods of using the exerciser.

Abstract: The present invention is an exercise machine comprising a booster bar to which is attached a pair of flexible elastic shock cords which have their other ends attached to fixed structural members. The user exercises his arms or his legs by repeatedly pushing against the booster bar, thus stretching and unstretching the shock cords. The unstretched length of the shock cords is adjusted by rotating the booster bar about its axis, thus winding or unwinding, the shock cords around the booster bar. This, in turn, adjusts the force required to stretch the shock cords to a given dimension. The fixed structural member may be a part of a foot-stand or a cot-like backrest.

Abstract: A hand-muscle developer, comprising a tubular base having a rocker arm pivotably connected thereto at one end by a pair of connecting plates and a pair of links with two pairs of torsional springs respectively retained therebetween. Operator's hand is inserted through the tubular base to hold a cross bar on the rocker arm and to drive it to rotate back and forth. Rotating the tubular base causes the torsional springs to produce a resisting force against the applied force from operator's hand and therefore, operator's hand muscles are trained. Adjusting screws are provided for adjusting the tension of the torsional springs.