Abstract: A device for exercising the user's thigh, back, abdomen, and arm muscles. The device consists of a stand which supports two struts that are arranged in the shape of a "V". Resistance to movement of the struts is provided by a spring element connected to the first and second struts at respective first and second connections points. At least one of the connections points is adjustable along the length of its respective strut.

Abstract: A water fitness, exercise and therapy system designed with an elastic tether (17) connected via pulley assembly (16) to shoe (31). The combination provides fitness training in varying depths of water (e.g. running, swimming, and therapeutic exercises). The present invention includes an adjustable buoyancy bladder attached to or constructed within the sole of the shoe where the bladder does not extend so as to interfere with normal running motions. The user expends energy by moving through the water and by stretching the tether.

Abstract: A resistance assembly (13) is disclosed for use in an exercise apparatus having a movable element (18) connected to a progressively increasing resistance assembly (13) by a cable (34). An exercise machine (10) employing the resistance assembly (13) is of a multipurpose type comprised of a frame (12) having an upright member (26) with a backrest (32) and a seat (30) attached thereto. The movable element (18) is operably associated with the frame (12) for movement by a user in performance of exercises resisted by an attached elastic resistance member (16). The elastically responsive resistance member (16) is selectively secured at one end to the upright member (26) to be positionable at one of a plurality of positions. A biasing device (20) to bias the force exerted by the resistance member (16) on the movable element (18) is accessible to a user in a seated position.

Abstract: A one way clutch is rotatable with a member (e.g. helical spring) and a sleeve while the spring is being constrained by the manual winding of a cable on the sleeve. The sleeve is constructed to wind the cable uniformly on the sleeve. During the constraint imposition, the clutch drives a shaft and a disc. One disc surface abuts bearing liners affixed to a casing. The other disc surface is separated from the spring. Calibrated numbers are printed on the casing periphery. A dial externally supported by, the casing is rotatable relative to the casing to any of the calibrated numbers to adjust the friction force between the liners and the disc when the disc is rotated. The casing is vented at its opposite ends. When the spring is being constrained or the constraint is being released, air flows through the vents and through the space between the successive turns in the spring and past the disc to cool the disc.

Abstract: A resistance exercise apparatus is provided which comprises generally means for receiving a body extremity of a user, the means for receiving a body extremity subject to a force provided by the body extremity, this force resulting in limited movement of the means for receiving a body extremity; means for maintaining the means for receiving a body extremity in a predefined plane during movement; and a means for providing resistance to movement upon application of the force to the means for receiving a body extremity. The apparatus may include a self supporting base portion, or may be adaptable for temporary connection for a bed. This apparatus, both portable and stationery versions, combines the well-known resistance methods of isometrics and isotonics to provide a more efficient exercise. Resistance is provide within a single plane by an elastic cord or by a fluid device.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus is disclosed having a pair of pulley support units mounted on a door by straps which vertically encircle the door. The support units are interconnected by a series of elastic bands, such as bungee cords that run vertical paths between the support units. The ends of the bands or cords are wrapped around pulleys and terminated such that a handle may be attached to each of the cords at either the top unit or the bottom unit. Various exercises are possible with one or two arms or legs by pulling on the cords with the handle. The apparatus is easily mounted or dismounted from any door or other vertically oriented and fixed-in-place partition and is small enough to fold and store in a small carrying case.

Abstract: A scissor grip exercising machine includes a locating bar having a cushion in the middle for supporting the machine on the back of the user between the shoulders. A pair of operating bars are pivotally attached to either end of the locating bar for movement about a pivot axis intermediate their ends. One end of each operating bar terminates in a hand grip. Each operating bar has one through opening on each side of the pivot axis. A pair of elastic reversing members are pivotally attached at one end to the locating bar and at the other end to a selective one of the through openings whereby pivotal movement of the operating bars may be selectively resisted in either direction.

Abstract: A calf workout device comprises a base formed in a generally planar rectangular configuration with a toe side edge, a heel side edge, and parallel long side edges. The base includes two planar side faces which extend vertically upward from the long side edges. Each side face includes a coupling device at its approximate center point. A foot plate is shaped in a generally rectangular configuration with a toe edge, a heel edge, and parallel long side edges. The toe edge is linear and the heel edge is formed in a semi-circular configuration. The heel edge includes an upwardly extending cylindrical wall. The approximate center point of the long edges of the plate include an aperture which extends from side to side. A cylindrical axle is positioned through the foot plate with its ends coupled to the side faces. The foot plate includes a resilient device for urging the plate in one direction.

Abstract: An exercise device having a single central element anchored to a fixed structure with a plurality of elastic cables extending from an equal number of "S" type hooks to an elongated handle member. The elastic cables are attached at their ends opposite to the "S" hook attachment to the elongated handle which is covered with a foam type gripping material. The elastic cables attached to the elongated handle member are spaced apart so that the fingers of a human hand grasping the handle will pass between adjacent elastic cables. The elongated handle member is bent formed in a direction away from the handle attachment of the elastic cables at each end thereof with the central elastic cable attachment portion being slightly curved in a concave fashion in a direction facing the elastic cable attachment. Selected ones of the elastic cables can be removed or added at discrete locations along the concave portion of the elongated handle to vary the stress or pull required for particular body part being exercised.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plyometric training device that is simple in construction, inexpensive and easily portable. The plyometrics training device of the present invention includes a harness for attachment to a user and a pair of resilient cords attached to said harness to resist the vertical movement of a user as the user jumps vertically upwardly from a surface. In the preferred embodiment, the resilient cords have free ends that can be attached to a pair of ground anchors or a pair of door anchors or that can be stood upon by assistants to anchor the cords. In the later anchoring method, hand grips are provided that can be gripped by the assistants and the resilient cord is sufficiently long so that the cord is anchorable by passing underneath at least one foot of each of the assistants and gripped at the hand grips.

Abstract: An exercising apparatus including a folding frame having two rectangular frames pivoted in the middle, a rotary seat hinged to one rectangular frame, and two elastic ropes having each one end respectively fastened to the folding frame at the bottom and an opposite end coupled with a respective handle, and wherein the folding frame can be alternatively set into the operative position to support the rotary seat for permitting the player to sit on the rotary seat and pull the handles, or the collapsed position closely attached to the rotary seat at the bottom for permitting the player to stand on the rotary seat and pull the handles.

Abstract: A biasing device for an exercising machine is provided where one end of the biasing device is removably disposed on a lever arm of the exercising machine and the opposite end of the biasing device is disposed on a fixed support member of the exercising machine. The biasing device provides resistance to the movement of the lever arm in the plane of motion wherein the biasing device comprises at least one elastomeric band and a containing device to provide a bight on the ends of the biasing device for disposing on the respective portions of the machine. The biasing device may also have end members or a support placed within the bights. The biasing device, the containing device and the end members or the support may be initially separate and separable such that in the event of damage to any one of said devices it may readily be replaced with another such elastomeric band.

Abstract: A portable exercising apparatus (10) that allows a person to exercise the ankle, foot and toes either individually or in a combination exercise. The apparatus (10) includes a lower stationary platform (12) that is attached to an upper movable platform (20) by a platform spring (22). When a foot is placed upon the upper platform (20), the ankle and feet are exercised by moving the upper platform up and down and/or in a radial motion. The apparatus (10) also includes a pressure and hand/forearm exercising strap assembly (30) that attaches to the left or right edges (20C,20D) of the upper platform. The assembly (30) allows pressure to be maintained on the foot when exercising and includes on its upper end a hand and forearm exerciser (40). The apparatus also has a foot holding strap (64) which allows the foot to be held in-place upon the upper surface of the upper movable platform (20).

Abstract: An exercise device is releasably attached to a wall adjacent to a doorway and includes a spring-biased arcuate lever arm having a resilient pad on one end. A user leans against the pad and moves the lever arm against the force of the spring to exercise his or her abdominal muscles, oblique muscles and/or lower back muscles and/or neck muscles by using the device with the forehead, sides and back of head. This builds strength in the front neck muscles, the sides of the neck and the traps as well as the extensor muscles of the neck that hold the head up.

Abstract: A multi-pull exercise device comprising a stationary frame, an extensible resistance element carried by the frame, at least two flexible pull lines attached to respective ends of the resistance element; and pulleys guiding the free ends of the pull lines to desired locations of use on the exercise device. To achieve a simple and versatile exercise device, each end of the resistance element is movable axially with respect to the other and with respect to the frame. The resistance mechanism is self-restoring, and can be in the form of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder and/or spring.

Abstract: A device and method for activating the circulation of the lymphatic system in the legs of a user (100), is described. The device includes a T-shaped support 12 having a main shaft 14 with a cross shaft 16 mounted at the proximal end 14B and a base 18 mounted at the distal end 14A. Coil springs (26, 28) are mounted at one end to ends (26A, 28A) of the cross shaft or arm and at the other end (26B and 28B) to the supporting stirrups (30, 31) for the heel 103A of the user in a sitting position. The base is comprised of a first crossbar 18A and a second crossbar 18B which can be disassembled for shipping and storage. To activate the circulation of the lymphatic system, the heels of the user are first inserted into the supporting stirrups. Next, the user applies a downward force on the stirrups with the heels and finally, the user releases the downward force on the stirrups.

Abstract: An exercise machine is constructed with an elongate rectangular framework having spaced apart vertical legs joined by a plurality of horizontal cross braces. Suction cup anchors are attached to the elongate rectangular framework approximately at the four corners and at midsections of the legs for anchoring the shower exercise machine to nonporous wall surfaces such as tile surfaces or other nonporous wall surfaces of a shower or bath. First and second stretchable resistance cords are anchored at one end to the rectangular framework at the midsection of the legs and terminate at the other ends in hand grips. The stretchable resistance cords pass through pulleys. Pulley supports are provided for supporting the pulleys at different locations on the rectangular framework for example at the top corners or the bottom corners of the rectangular framework for changing the direction of the handle grips and direction of stretching of the cords for exercising different muscles.

Abstract: A constant force load for use in an exercising apparatus. The load includes a frame, an energy storage unit coupled to the frame and capable of exerting a force on an external element when storing energy therein, a cam for making the force transmitted from that exerted by the energy storage means constant, and force transmission means for changing the constant transmitted force. The load further includes an output force modifying assembly for making the output force constant.

Abstract: The exercise apparatus comprises a track assembly, a carriage movable on the track assembly and a kickplate assembly attached to the track assembly. The carriage is resiliently restrained to move toward one end of the track assembly. The kickplate assembly can be adjusted to be anywhere along the track assembly and the position of the kickplate on the kickplate assembly can be adjusted to vary its distance above the track assembly.

Abstract: A system utilizable by a patient engaged in strengthening, stretching or range of motion exercise therapy of the shoulder which contains a number of interactive components combinable in any one of several different configurations to provide the patient with specific shoulder exercise devices. A first device provides shoulder exercise by moving the patient's arm in various directions against the elastic resistance of an elastomeric tube while the device is anchored to the foot of the patient or in a door jamb. A second device provides shoulder exercise by grasping opposite ends of an overhead line resting on a support guide anchored in a door jamb and pulling the opposite ends of the line back and forth across the glide. A third device provides shoulder exercise by performing various movements of the arms while grasping opposite ends of a baton assembly.

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: 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 chairs 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: Disclosed is a physical exercising machine including a high pulley station, a scissor grip, a thigh & knee machine and a rowing machine respectively mounted on a machine frame at the front, and a low pulley station and a stepping machine respectively mounted on the machine frame at the back, wherein the rowing machine is reciprocated as the thigh & knee machine is operated; the low pulley station is releasably coupled to the high pulley station in using the same counter balance mechanism.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a reciprocating body reciprocatably mounted between spaced and parallel first and second guide plates having respective first and second slots, with the first and second slots arranged to slidably receive first and second U-shaped locks arranged to lock and secure the reciprocating body relative to a central lock plate, that in turn is reciprocatably mounted within a second tube received within a first tube within the reciprocating body, such that the first and second tubes include respective first and second springs positioned on opposed sides of the central lock plate.

Abstract: A resistance exercise apparatus is provided which comprises generally means for receiving a body extremity of a user, the means for receiving a body extremity subject to a force provided by the body extremity, this force resulting in limited movement of the means for receiving a body extremity; means for maintaining the means for receiving a body extremity in a predefined plane during movement; and a means for providing resistance to movement upon application of the force to the means for receiving a body extremity. The apparatus may include a self supporting base portion, or may be adaptable for temporary connection for a bed. This apparatus, both portable and stationery versions, combines the well-known resistance methods of isometrics and isotonics to provide a more efficient exercise. Resistance is provide within a single plane preferably by an elastic cord such as rubber tubing.

Abstract: A method for using a device or activating the circulation of the lymphatic system in the legs of a user (100), is described. The device includes coil springs (26, 28) mounted on ends (16A, 16B) of cross shaft or arm (16) and supporting stirrups (30, 31) for the heel of the user in a sitting position. To activate the circulation of the lymphatic system, the heels of the user are first inserted into the supporting stirrups. Next, the user applies a downward force on the stirrups with the heels and finally, the user releases the downward force of the stirrups. The springs are constructed so that the legs of the user are moved in a vertically oscillating direction without significant exercise of the leg muscles and is particularly adapted for users who are unable to participate in normal activity due to age, illness or accident.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable, safe, easy, and effective device for exercising. The device includes a series of components usable 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 portable foot plate providing the anchor resistance. Alternately, the legs, ankles and 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: A pitching and batting conditioning device which is characterized in a first preferred embodiment by single and multiple drum conditioning devices having a drum spool for receiving a weight line attached to a weight and one or more drums of the same or different diameters for receiving a conditioning line or lines attached to a baseball bat or ball. Conditioning of the arm or arms and upper body is achieved by grasping the bat or ball and swinging the bat or simulating throwing the ball against the resistance of the weight. In another embodiment a multiple spring conditioning device also includes a conditioning line attached to a bat or ball and an adjustable feature for engaging springs of varying tension for application to the conditioning line. In a third embodiment a torsion spring is mounted in a housing with an adjustable torsional feature and includes a drum, upon which is wound a conditioning line attached to a bat or ball.

Abstract: An apparatus is arranged for arm manipulation simultaneously with treadmill use, to include a mounting strap securable about upstanding posts of a treadmill structure, with an anchor boss mounted medially of the mounting strap having a plurality of exercise straps extending therefrom, with each exercise strap including a loop member for manual grasping. A modification of the invention includes a slide member structure to limit relative pivotment of one exercise strap relative to the adjacent exercise strap.

Abstract: A fastening strap configured as a loop is securable between a door and its associated frame to provide structure for attachment of exercise or physical therapy equipment to the door structure for support. The fastening strap is formed from a flexible elongate strip of webbing with an enlarged end portion which in a first species comprises a rolled portion of the first end portion of the webbing material and in a second species is a separate resiliently deformable element. The webbing strip extends from the enlarged end portion to form a loop and pass back over the enlarged end portion for fastening of the second end to the loop portion of the strip. The second end and adjacent the strips forming the loop are fastened to each other spacedly adjacent the enlarged end portion.

Abstract: A biasing element for an exercising machine is provided where one end of the biasing element is removably disposed on a lever arm of the exercising machine and the opposite end of the biasing element is disposed on a fixed support member of the exercising machine. The biasing element provides resistance to the movement of the lever arm in the plane of motion wherein the biasing element comprises at least one elastomeric band and a containing member to provide a bight on the ends of the biasing element for disposing on the respective portions of the machine. The biasing element may also have end members or support members placed within the bights. The biasing element, the containing member and the end members or support members may be initially separate and separable such that in the event of damage to any one of said members it may readily be replaced with another such elastomeric band element.

Abstract: A door gym apparatus includes upper and lower mounts of telescoping configuration having swivel caps at their distal ends formed with C-shaped mounting clamp structure, wherein the mounting clamp structure includes friction pads to engage surfaces within a doorway or opposing wall surface within a hallway and the like within a dwelling. First and second guide loops mounted to the upper mount include first and second tether lines directed therethrough, wherein the tether lines have at their lower ends pivotal securement to elastomeric first and second resilient webs, with the tether lines having handle to permit manual grasping for exercise purposes.

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 arm wrestling simulating device having a frame attachable to a solid flat surface, mounting a rotatable upstanding arm-simulating lever which may be rotated both clockwise and counterclockwise against the resistance of springs contained within the frame, so that both left and right arms of the user may be selectively employed.

Abstract: A martial arts practice device essentially comprises an I-beam having a plurality of striking pads selectively positionable along its vertical height. The pads are cylindrically shaped and are attached to the I-beam by resilient springs so that they can flexibly move when struck by a user. A plurality of the devices may be interconnected so as to encircle a user to thus give the user the opportunity to strike in many different directions while improving his martial arts skills. Velcro attached padding may be positioned around the I-beam to prevent user injury, and various types of abrasive surface covers may be positioned over the pads to toughen a user's hands and feet.

Abstract: Exercise systems are disclosed which are adapted for connection to at least one structural component of a building to provide a framework for kinestetic exercises. Structures are disclosed which define a plurality of fixable locations for the connection of various kinesthetic exercising apparatus in arrangements suitable for a variety of kinesthetic exercises. The system further include mechanisms for quick releasable and replaceable coupling of exercise apparatus in a freely rotatable manner to accommodate a wide range of body motions.

Abstract: A leg muscle training device comprises an elongated elastomeric and stretchable tether, a set of leg bindings secured to each end of the tether, and a position adjustable attachment means connected to the tether. Each set of leg bindings includes a thigh binding and a calf binding. The attachment means is designed to provide stationary resistance for the device to provide resistance for the runner moving away from the stationary resistance. The attachment means is preferably a position adjustable loop, and the means for providing stationary resistance is to have a person, such as the trainer, position the loop over the forearm and grasp the lengths of the tether firmly while the runner is moving or exerting motion away, as by running on a treadmill or in place. A method for strengthening and training a runner comprises securing the leg bindings of the device of this invention to both legs of a runner and securing the attachment means of the device to a stationary point of attachment.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing strength and skill in striking a ball in sports such as golf, tennis, squash, racquetball, table tennis, baseball, cricket and the like where an increase of strength, hand-eye coordination, muscle memory and/or concentration is advantageous to the participant. The apparatus provides at least two strings which pass through, or on, a system of anchor members or brackets, such as pulleys, slides, orifices or arcuate shapes, and a means of providing a resisting force, such as a set of weights, or a spring loaded devices. The distal end from the handle of the club, racket or other ball striking device is attached to the strings and the ball striking device is held and swung by the user.

Abstract: A static rebound exerciser/rehabilitation device for exercising a person regardless of that persons physical condition and particularly for exercising an invalid person. A base platform supports a pair of vertical uprights which have a pivotly attached person supporting boom extending therefrom. The boom is positionable vertically by a hydraulic actuator or jack. A pair of leaf springs are attached to the uprights and extend downwardly from fixed in place ends to distal ends. A pair of cables extend from the distal ends of the leaf springs each around a pulley and extend to common termination member to which is attached a person supporting cable which extends from the end of the boom, a dampening spring and a periodically operated solenoid which pulls against the weight of the person supported by one end of the cable. The person supporting cable passes through a pair of pulleys and extends downward from the distal end of the boom.

Abstract: An exercise device to be used by a person sitting in a seat includes an adjustable length strap with a friction buckle for firm attachment to a seat of variable sizes. A chest strap with an adjustable length fits around the chest of an exerciser and is connected to the seat strap via a pair of self-retracting elastic cords. A pair of adjustable length shoulder straps clamp on the chest strap to inhibit its downward movement when the exerciser moves forwardly against the tension of the elastic cords and/or tightens the stomach muscles when performing an exercise.

Abstract: A neck exercising apparatus (10) including an elongated support member (14) adapted to be suspended from a door (100) and operatively connected to a generally U-shaped leaf spring member (20) having a head rest member (30) movably attached to the outboard leg (22) of the spring member (20); wherein, the position of the head rest member (30) on the spring member (20) determines the amount of resistance provided by the spring member (20).

Abstract: Exercise machine having a base comprising a horizontally extending platform and an upstanding post. A swing arm comprising has a pair of arms and a crossbar is pivotally mounted on the post for movement about a horizontally extending axis, with the crossbar extending in a direction generally parallel to the axis. A first pair of pulleys are mounted on the base in alignment with the horizontally extending axis, and a second pair of pulleys are mounted on the crossbar. A pair of cables are trained about the pulleys, grips are connected to the cables near the second pulleys, and resistance elements are connected to the cables for yieldably resisting movement of the cables when a pull is exerted thereon. A pair of telescoping arms extend between the base and the crossbar for holding the crossbar and the grips at different heights above the platform.

Abstract: A home self-exercising device for strengthening the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the foot, ankle and lower leg, especially the forward lower leg muscles. The foot harness is adjusted to grasp the heel and forward foot of the patient. An elastic tension member is secured to the harness in the vicinity of the ball of the foot, and the other end is secured to an article of furniture or the like. The foot may then be moved against the force of the elastic member in the upward direction and rotated about the ankle. The difficulty of exercising the front lower leg muscles without the aid of another person is overcome by this device.