Abstract: An exercise arm assembly for mounting on an exercise machine frame has a main arm, a swing arm, and a handle. The main arm has a first end for pivoting on a frame of the machine to pivot about a first pivot axis. The swing arm has a first end pivoted to the second end of the main arm for pivoting about a second pivot axis. The handle is pivoted to the swing arm for pivoting about a third pivot axis, with each pivot axis being non-parallel to the other two pivot axes, and at least one pivot axis being non-perpendicular to the other two pivot axes.

Abstract: An inferior limb muscle force training apparatus is provided with a supporting strut standing vertically, a seat body provided so as to be capable of ascending/descending along the supporting strut, and a weight balancing mechanism which applies a lift force to the seat body, wherein the seat body is provided with a saddle type seat portion and a pair of shoulder pads, and the weight balancing mechanism is constituted to be capable of adjusting a lift force applied to the seat body properly by winding ropes on pulleys provided on an upper portion of the supporting strut, linking one ends of the ropes to the seat body, and linking the other ends thereof to a weight placing stand provided on a back side of the supporting strut so as to be capable of ascending and descending.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a frame, a carriage, a central pulley, first and second frame pulleys, a pull cord, and a locking mechanism. The frame defines a longitudinal axis. The carriage is mounted on the frame and movable along the longitudinal axis. The central pulley is attached to the carriage. The first and second frame pulleys are attached to the frame. The pull cord has first and second handle portions. The pull cord is looped about the pulleys. The central pulley is between the first and second frame pulleys along the pull cord. The first frame pulley is between the first handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The second frame pulley is between the second handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The locking mechanism is configured to engage the central pulley.

Abstract: A dual lift apparatus is provided for use by up to two people to perform the same lifts and exercises simultaneously. The apparatus includes a frame, guide rods, weight guides and a weight bar. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus includes three guide rods coupled vertically within the frame. The three guide rods include two side guide rods and a middle guide rod that is positioned at about the center point between the two side guide rods. The apparatus may include a weight holder positioned at about the center point of the weight bar so that the weight is more evenly distributed between the two lifters. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes an adapter for switching between a roller weight guide and a linear bearing weight guide.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a vertical support member; an adjustable incline having a first end and a second end, the first end of the adjustable incline adjustably supported by, and vertically movable with respect to, the vertical support member for adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline; a user support platform movably attached to the adjustable incline; first and second pulleys coupled to the adjustable incline; one or more cables extendable through first and second pulleys and coupled to the user support platform for movement of the support platform along the adjustable incline through cable movement; and a non-motorized lift assist mechanism coupled to the adjustable incline and configured to impart a force on the adjustable incline to assist a user in adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline.

Abstract: An exercise assembly designed to exercise the upper body including the arms, shoulders, upper back and muscles associated therewith. The exercise assembly is thereby particularly, but not exclusively, adapted for use by an injured person or invalid having limited use of the legs and/or lower torso. A track assembly includes two track segments disposed in a convergent configuration and at least partially defining an open end dimensioned to receive a user, when in a seated, substantially upright position, at least partially therebetween. The user accesses two hand grips each linearly and reciprocally along the separate track segments. A resistance assembly includes a line interconnecting the hand grips and an adjustable resistance mechanism engaging the line so as to apply a movement restricting force thereto. An adjustable resistance is thereby applied to the linear, push/pull movement of the hand grips, as applied by the user.

Abstract: A weight lifting frame system with a rear frame member, first and second side frame members coupled to opposite ends of the rear frame member and a barbell holding and guiding assembly capable of releasably securing a barbell for selectively guided movement of the barbell relative to the side frame members. The assembly is configured to receive and releasably retain the barbell therein, and includes first and second guide members coupleable to the side frame members, and first and second movable holders coupleable to the guide members.

Abstract: A floor standing exercise machine enables a user to perform an assisted back extension to exercise his lower back. The exercise machine contains: (a) a frame; (b) a stationary pad angled at about 30 to 60 degrees to the floor for supporting the user's lower body; (c) a footrest for supporting the user's feet; (d) a horizontal restraint bar for restraining the user's lower body against the stationary pad; (e) a pivoting pad connected to the top of the stationary pad, the pivoting pad being movable between a first position parallel to the stationary pad to a second position that is angled downward from the first position; (f) a means for providing a sufficient upward force to the pivoting pad to hold the pivoting pad in the first position when not in use; (g) a means for providing an adjustable upward force to the pivoting pad that partially offsets a downward gravitational force exerted by the user's upper torso.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of securing an exercise device having an elongated base member with a linear track on a topside of the elongated base member to conventional exercise machine in order to exercise multiple muscle groups at once. A slidable body moves within the one or more linear tracks of the exercise device. The slidable body is attached to a pole to be gripped while exercising.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for performing simultaneous horizontal and vertical exercise movement has a stationary frame, upper and lower horizontal guides mounted on the stationary frame, and an exercise unit movably mounted on the horizontal guides for horizontal movement relative to the stationary frame. At least one of the horizontal guides is offset from the opposite sides of the frame. The traveling exercise unit has two vertical guides slidably linked with the horizontal guides, at least one traveling cross member linking the two vertical guides, a horizontal slide associated with the traveling cross member and slidably engaged with the offset horizontal guide to slidably link both vertical guides to the horizontal guide, two vertical slides each slidably engaged with a respective vertical guide for vertical linear movement, and a weight bearing exercise bar extending horizontally between the vertical slides. This arrangement allows simultaneous vertical and horizontal movement of the exercise bar.

Abstract: This invention relates to an exercise machine having an exercise station that includes an exercise bench and one or more exercise implements for allowing a user to perform one or more exercises. An adjustable exercise mass assembly is oriented perpendicularly to the exercise station and includes a pivotal lever. An exercise mass is carried on the pivotal lever and is movable back and forth thereon towards and away from the pivot axis of the pivotal lever to adjust the exercise resistance provided by the exercise mass. The exercise mass preferably comprises at least one selectorized dumbbell. Portions of the dumbbell can be removed from the pivotal lever for use as a dumbbell while some of the weights of the selectorized dumbbell remain in place on the pivotal lever. This allows the mass provided by the selectorized dumbbell(s) to be simultaneously used by multiple users.

Abstract: A weight lifting power cage for use by a weight lifter includes a frame assembly including a pair of side frames and a rear lateral frame interconnecting the pair of side frames. A carriage is carried by the side frames and is movable simultaneously vertically and front to back. The carriage retains a weight bar mount for retaining a weight bar spanning between each side frame. The weight bar is movable by the carriage vertically and front to back. The movable carriage also carries a pair of vertical weight rack bars. An engagement mechanism enables the weight lifter to rack the weight bar from a weight lifting position without stepping forward or backward.

Abstract: A bar support member that can be used to hold a weight bar in a desired position on a piece of exercise equipment. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention can be used to provide a safety stop or spotter for supporting the weight bar in the event that the user cannot return the weight bar to its original bar support member.

Abstract: A mechanical device that performs single, orthogonal, alternate, and independent movements which, adapted in an apparatus, can be applied to the prevention of lower limb thrombosis suffered by people who spend long hours in a sitting position. The device includes a solid cylinder shaped as a horizontal axis with a solid, centered, and jointly-moving sphere with grooves on its surface, along which runs a guiding bolt that guides the movement all along the grooves. The guiding bolt is joined to one of the arms of a fork-shaped piece. On the other arm of the fork, there is a ball-holding cavity with a spring to push a ball into a depression on the sphere surface opposite to the grooves. The guiding grooves engraved on the piece, which are read by the guiding bolt, are transferred to the pedals adhered to the gym apparatus.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention involves a method of using a collapsible exercise device including providing a collapsible exercise device; positioning a first end of an adjustable incline at a desired height with respect to a vertical support member so that the adjustable incline is at a desired inclination; moving first and second combination pulley-support and pull-up bars to a desired position; moving first and second pulleys connected to the first and second combination pulley-support and pull-up bars to a desired location; and moving a support platform along the adjustable incline through cable movement through the first and second pulleys on the combination pulley-support and pull-up bars.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for isolating and strengthening upper back and shoulder muscles including opposed first and second outboard support members containing separate and opposed sets of stacked weights supported for reciprocation vertically, and an upper cross-member containing a pair of aligned upper roller tracks. The frame includes a pair of inboard first and second crossbars supported at opposed ends in upper and lower roller tracks of the frame, such that the crossbars are manipulated in opposed outwardly directions by the user positioned therebetween. Separate cables and supporting pulleys are utilized to extend between first and second crossbars for connections to respective opposed sets of stacked weights, allowing for concurrent movement of weights when each crossbar is moved laterally outwardly and inwardly by user's right and left hands in palm-out orientation, thereby isolating and strengthening the user's upper back and shoulder muscles.

Abstract: In a gymnastic apparatus, the actuator (22) is fitted in fixed angular position to a first shaft (16) to oscillate from initial to final position, normally maintained in initial position by a weight unit (8) and connected to the weight unit (8) by a driving device (33) provided with a cam (38) splined on a second shaft (34) transversal to the first shaft (16), two gears (37) are joined in angular position to the first and second shaft (16, 34), respectively.

Abstract: A gymnastic apparatus is provided with a base (2), which is used to place the gymnastic apparatus on the ground, at least a user-operated actuator (22) that can be moved from initial to final position; a weight unit (8) used to normally maintain the actuator (22) in initial position; and driving means (33) used to connect the actuator (22) and weight unit (8) and provided with at least a cam (38) housed inside a box-shaped section of the base (2).

Abstract: Weightlifting system which is particularly suitable for doing leg presses having an inclined frame, a foot support near the lower end of the inclined frame for receiving the feet of an exerciser, a carriage adapted for receiving the back of the exerciser and being driven in an upward direction along the frame by extension of the legs of the exerciser, a weight bar extending laterally from each side of the carriage, a pair of weight stands positioned to the sides of the frame, and a plurality of weight plates disposed on each of the stands for selective attachment to the bar extending from each side of the carriage.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus used to simulate skating or roller blading movement in a user includes a pair of sleds or shuttles which include a pedal adapted to support the foot of a user standing thereon. The shuttles are movable along a respective guide assembly consisting of one or more rails which curve away from each other extending from proximate forwardmost ends, outwardly and rearwardly. The rail assemblies are provided in a substantially mirror arrangement and curve downwardly from their respective forwardmost ends to a lowermost distal portion. A guide member is provided to assist in positioning and maintaining the shuttles in sliding movement along each guide assembly, whereby the reciprocal sliding movement of the shuttles along an associated guide assembly acts to guide the feet of the user in skating or roller blade movement.

Abstract: A straddle stretching apparatus comprises a seat on top of a support frame and leg support wings which extend from opposite sides of the seat and move outward and upward away from the support frame as a handle at the top of the base is rotated. The handle attaches to rotating means which has struts extending from opposite sides that attach to the side of the leg support wings. The stretching apparatus is used to stretch the muscles of the lower and upper body including the legs, lower back and upper body. Stretch straps are provided on the side of the leg support wings to assist the user in a stretching exercise.

Abstract: A weight machine is used for acceleration movement of heavy weights, and jumping and throwing exercises. The weight machine includes a hydraulic cylinder that will retard movement of the weight under gravity, and will permit free movement against the force of gravity.

Abstract: The present invention involves an exercise device having an elongated base member with a linear track on a topside of the elongated base member. A slidable body moves within the one or more linear tracks. The slidable body is attached to a pole to be gripped while exercising.

Abstract: An exercise machine composed of a frame, a first four bar linkage system, a second four bar linkage system, and a means for transferring an incident force from the legs of a user is disclosed. The first four bar linkage system is operably mounted on the frame and operably connects the transferring means to the frame to allow for back and forth movement of the transferring means along a path of travel about an instantaneously changing axis of rotation. The second four bar linkage system operably engages the first four bar linkage system. Either or both of the first four bar linkage system and the second four bar linkage system are operably connected to a resistance means, whereby the second four bar linkage system operates in conjunction with the first four bar linkage system and the resistance means to create a mechanical disadvantage to the user.

Abstract: The invention composes a multifunctional device for exercising the organs of motion. It solves the problem of maximum increasing the number of exercises with a full protection being ensured for a user against injury. It is mainly characterized by the fact that faces (20) of front posts (23) and rear posts (16, 17) are equipped with a row of hooks (21), adapted for detachable fastening on them two protective bar-bell catchers (22), and travelling transporter (9) has the form of rectangular, opened from below, frame (24), side arms (25) of said frame being equipped with a row of through-seats (27) adapted for detachable mounting in them, in front and in the rear, training grips for lifting (28), or horizontal beam (29).

Abstract: A composite motion exercise machine has a main frame device, a user support device pivotally linked to the main frame, an exercise arm device pivotally linked to the main frame device, a slide rail mounted on a first one of said devices, and a traveling member engaging the slide rail for movement along the rail. A first connecting link has a first end connected to the traveling member, and a second end linked to a fixed position on a second one of said devices. A further connection device links the traveling member to the exercise arm device, such that movement of the exercise arm is transferred to the user support to lift the support and user.

Abstract: A therapeutic arm exercise device which includes a vertical supporting frame for mounting on a vertical wall surface. An upright elongated exercise base board is pivotally secured relative to the frame for selectively positioning and retaining the board at different angles from vertical to less than vertical. An elongated track is provided on the outer surface of the board and a weight slide is slidably received on this track and is provided with a handle whereby a patient may manually slide the slide up and down along the track for rehabilitation exercise. In addition, the vertical position of the device may be adjusted on the wall. Also, the amount of weight for the slide may be adjusted. Indicia is provided on the board adjacent the track for indicating distance that the slide is moved by the patient upwardly along the track and a biofeedback annunciator is also provided to indicate attainment of a goal distance of upward movement along the track by the slide.

Abstract: Weightlifting system having a bench, a pair of weight stands on opposite sides of the bench, an elongated bar extending over the bench between the weight stands, and weight plates on the weight stands for selective attachment to the bar without being removed from the weight stands. The bench can be moved between raised and lowered positions relative to the bar, and individually operable leg extension bars are positioned at one end of the bench, with weight plates resting on supports near the leg extension bars adapted to be selectively attached to the leg extension bars without being removed from the supports. In one disclosed embodiment, a frame having a pair of upright posts is positioned between the weight stands, and a pair of guides are connected to the bar and mounted on the posts for movement along the posts.

Abstract: A leg press exercise machine comprises: a frame; a seat unit attached to the frame; a press mechanism attached to the frame, the press mechanism including a foot panel and at least one swing link pivotally interconnected with the frame; a resistance-imparting unit operatively connected with the press mechanism; and a resistance coupling mechanism attached to the press mechanism and the resistance-imparting unit. The press mechanism is configured such that the foot panel is movable along a generally longitudinal stroke path between a retracted position and a fully extended position. The resistance-imparting unit provides resistance to the foot panel as it moves from the retracted position to the fully extended position. The resistance coupling mechanism includes a drawing link pivotally interconnected with the swing link and a control link pivotally interconnected with the drawing link and the press mechanism. The control link is further attached to the resistance-imparting unit.

Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus comprises a rectangular frame, a movable carriage mounted on the frame for supporting a user, and an elongated elastic member extending between the frame and the movable carriage for biasing the carriage toward the one end of the frame. The telescopic rectangular frame has a first frame section and a second frame section that each includes two spaced apart parallel tubular rail members. One set of rail members is telescopically received in the other set of rail members so that the frame is selectively movable between a first storage position and an extended operating position.

Abstract: An exercise machine making use of the body weight of an exerciser as a load weight thereof comprises a horizontal base, a vertical bar member, an upper rocking bar member, a lower rocking bar member, a connection bar, a seat pad, a back pad, a handle, a pivoting cross member (V bar) and cushioning members. Unlike a conventional exercise machine, the exercise machine is composed of no weights. The vertical tube bar member is affixed to the base. The position of the upper rocking bar member can be adjusted by adjusting the pivoting position of the connection bar via the shuttle and two key pins. The exerciser can use the machine by sifting, kneeling, or standing on the seat pad of the machine for doing the muscle-building exercise.

Abstract: A collapsible exercise device includes a vertical support member, first and second sets of rails pivotally connected to each other, and a strut interconnecting the vertical support member and the rails. A user support platform engages the rails. First and second combination pulley-support and pull-up bars are pivotally connected to the first end of the first set of rails for movement between at least a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position. First and second pulleys are slidably connected to bars and receive a cable, which is also connected to the user support platform. The exercise device is foldable such that the vertical support member, the rails and the strut are substantially parallel to each other; and the rails are extendable from the vertical support member and are alignable such that the user support platform is rollable along the first and second pulleys.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes at least one body-building structure, and at least one damping structure serving to bring about a damping effect. The body-building structure is provided with an actuating pulley serving to actuate one or more weighted pulleys of the damping structure in conjunction with a cable. The actuating pulley adds a buffer to the damping effect, thereby preventing a sharp impact from inflicting an injury on a body part of an exerciser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sporting apparatus (1) to carry out exercises according to the natural physiological trajectory of each person, comprising a support structure (2), or frame, provided with lateral elements (11), with base or resting elements (4) for said lateral elements (11), and with at least a transverse element (19) for fixing said lateral elements (11), the sporting apparatus (1) further providing two sliding elements (3), or poles, substantially vertically provided in correspondence of said lateral elements (11) of the frame (2), said sliding elements (3) being hinged above the same lateral elements (11), and being freely oscillating along said base (4) or resting elements of said lateral elements (11), and provided with guide means (6, 7) to guide the sliding of a weight (9) bearing bar (8); and a counterweight transverse element (10), provided above said sliding elements (3), in such a way to join the same, thus creating a single oscillating structure.

Abstract: An inclined leg press machine includes: a frame that includes a base configured to rest on an underlying surface and a pair of inclined guides; a seat assembly attached to the frame; a weight sled slidably engaged with the guides along a travel path that is substantially parallel with the guides, the weight sled operatively coupled with a resistance source; and a foot platform assembly movable with the weight sled, the foot platform assembly having a foot platform that receives the feet of an exerciser. The weight sled is movable along the travel path between flexed and extended positions. The foot platform rotates relative to the underlying surface as the weight sled moves between the flexed and extended positions so that, when the exerciser's feet are placed flat on the foot platform, the exerciser's feet and tibiae are maintained at an angle of approximately ninety degrees.

Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible exercise apparatus, generally comprising a riser assembly, a carriage assembly, riser assembly support means, and peripheral attachments. The riser assembly further comprises a pair of parallel riser members and the carriage assembly further comprises a riser-engaging end. The riser-engaging end is received between the riser members in a carriage assembly-receiving track. The user may thus selectively incline the carriage assembly in the carriage assembly-receiving track in this operational state for exerting muscular effort against varying degrees of the user's own body weight resistance to achieve some level of physical activity or as part of an otherwise regular exercise regimen. To enable easy horizontal transferability, for example, during shipping or when not in use, the carriage assembly is easily nested within the carriage assembly-receiving track. Additionally, no tools are required to assemble or collapse the exercise apparatus.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a frame, a seat and a pair of articulated exercise arm assemblies. Each of the exercise arm assemblies is pivotally attached to the frame with a four bar linkage. Handles at the outer extremities of the articulated arm assemblies are gripped by the user to perform the intended exercise. The geometry of the arms and their pivot points is arranged so that the handles of the articulated assemblies follow arcuate paths which converge as the handles are moved forwardly. At a starting position for a press exercise, the handles are approximately in line with the shoulders of the user. As the handles are pushed forwardly against an exercise resistance, they converge inwardly until they are nearly touching when the user's arms are fully outstretched. The machine may also be used to perform a seated-row exercise, in which case the handles are pulled rearwardly against the exercise resistance.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that includes a frame, a rest member on the frame for receiving a user's feet, and a first and a second arm that are pivotably interconnected to each other such that the arms are pivotably movable between a start or rest position and an extended position. The first arm is coupled to the frame. A seat is provided for supporting the user and carried by the second arm. An inclined base support member is disposed under the second arm and is for supporting the second arm during the movement between start and extended positions. A carriage may be associated with the inclined base support member.

Abstract: An exercise machine for exercising the hamstrings includes at least one weight; a weight support surface below the weight; an upright weight guide shaft laterally spaced apart from the weight; a weight displacement pedal slidably mounted to the pedal guide shaft; a machine frame; a generally horizontal pulley axle secured to the machine frame at a position higher than the weight and higher than the weight displacement pedal and laterally between the weight and the pedal guide shaft; a pulley mounted on the pulley axle so that the pulley is rotatable relative to the machine frame; a cable extending over and riding on the pulley and having a cable distal end secured to the weight and having a cable proximal end secured to the weight displacement pedal, the cable being of a length so that when the weight rests on the weight support surface the weight displacement pedal is elevated.

Abstract: The upper extremity exercise apparatus is a device intended to be used by humans to exercise their upper extremity. The apparatus exercises the upper limb in multiple planes in gravity assisted, gravity eliminated, and against gravity positions. It can be used in a standing, sitting, or lying position. The exercise apparatus consists of a long tubular structure generally made from plastic. A short movable sleeve, generally made from plastic, surrounds the long tubular structure. The movable sleeve has a slightly bigger inner diameter than the tubular structure's outer diameter. The difference in size allows the movable sleeve to migrate freely along the length of the apparatus. To operate the apparatus, the user positions his or her hand onto the movable sleeve. One hand stabilizes the apparatus while the other hand smoothly moves the sleeve in multiple planes.

Abstract: An interactive exercise apparatus structure comprised of a base, an inclined support structure at the upper extent of the base, and a transport pulley assembly installed above the base. The support structure consists of an arrangement in which one end is on the floor and the other end is angularly positioned on the base. The pull cord is on the floor and the other end is angularly positioned on the base. The pull cord of the transport pulley assembly is respectively wrapped around a first pulley at the lateral end of the upper horizontal bar and positioned onto a second pulley at the bottom end of the reclined body rest buttress rod, following which it is wrapped around a third pulley at the other end of the upper horizontal bar, the two free ends of the pull cord then providing the user extremities for exerting a tugging force.

Abstract: This is a multiple function exercise device that enables simultaneous exercise of several muscle groups. The device includes a chest pad that is stationary to the support frame and a seat that moves in a path of motion that enables the user's chest to remain on the chest pad as the user's legs are extended, thereby causing movement of the seat. This combination provides activation of the leg and hip extensor muscles and the trunk flexor muscles at the same time. In another embodiment, a resistance arm is added that is pivotally attached to the frame and mechanically linked to the seat, thereby causing movement of the arm as the seat moves. This allows the additional activation of the triceps muscles, or elbow extensors of the upper arm, while also working the leg and hip extensor muscles and the trunk flexor muscles all in a single movement. The advantage to such a movement is the time saving effect of working a large group of muscles at one time as opposed to several exercises one after the other.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus utilizing a wheeled rolling carriage which moves on a incline frame and includes an adjustable arm cable mounting assembly. The arm cable mounting system includes a pair of elongated arm cables each entrained over a fixed pulley mounted in each adjustable upright corner post. An anchoring device attach the cables to the mobile carriage. The carriage moves on the frame against a resistance force provided by the body weight of the user seating or lying on the platform and the up words angled slope of the incline frame. A back and head support connects the platform. An attachable rowing device is mounted to the incline rails and connected to the mobile carriage through the cables assembly. A leg push device is connected to the rails frame at the lower end. An weights support arm is attached to the lower end of mobile carriage.

Abstract: A back roller exercise apparatus is disclosed having a base, a support member and a backrest slidably engaged with the support member. In a preferred embodiment, the exercise apparatus includes a seat adjustably attached to the support member, a lower bar attached to the seat, and an upper bar adjustably attached to the support member. In an operating configuration, the support member is substantially vertical and the backrest slides up and down between the seat and the upper end of the support member. The support member is preferably pivotally attached to the base. In a storage configuration, the support member is pivoted such that it is substantially parallel to the base. The exercise apparatus is utilized to perform squats, lunges, narrow pull-ups, wide pull-ups, dips and push-ups. The exercise apparatus may be utilized in three exercise modes: strength, aerobic and circuit training.

Abstract: This is an automatic locking exercise device that incorporates a one-way locking mechanism. The device includes a frame, which supports a track, preferably a pair of linear bearing rods one on each side. A guide member, or linear bearing runs on each bearing rod and is attached to a handle or bar that is grasped by a user. A one-way lock is used to provide movement of the bar along the track in an upward direction but opposes movement down. In the preferred embodiment, rotating the bar actuates a lock release. This disengages the one-way lock and enables the bar to move freely up and down along the track. If the user ever drops the weight the one-way lock automatically engages and catches the weight. Explosive power training can also be performed on the device in that the user can safely throw the weight, knowing that the weight will be automatically caught at its highest point without risk of injuring someone.

Abstract: A rhythmic motion driver having a case containing flywheels and a guide along which the flywheels move linearly while rotating. A spring is within the case that compresses and expands in response to oscillatory motion of a bar that extends through an opening in the case. The spring compression and expansion is slowed but not dampened by the movement of the flywheels.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus providing resistance for hip and knee strengthening without increasing joint loading or shear force beyond that imparted by muscle contraction. A preferred embodiment includes a portable embodiment to allow continued use throughout changes in exercise environment.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that contains a frame and a carriage that moves back and forth along the length of the frame. The movement of the carriage along the frame is resisted by springs that join the carriage to the frame. Two foot support platforms are provided. The first foot support platform extends upwardly from the top of the carriage. The first foot support platform has an adjustable incline and contains a bar that uniformly extends across the width of the carriage a predetermined distance above the top surface of the carriage. The second foot support platform extends above the frame in front of the carriage. Side railings are also provided on either side of the frame. By providing both the unique structure of the first and second foot support platforms and the side railings, a person can not only lie on the moving carriage, but also can stand and kneel between the frame and the moving carriage. As such, a larger variety and diversity of exercises can be performed.

Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus comprises a telescopic rectangular frame, a movable carriage mounted on the frame for supporting a user, and an elongated elastic member extending between the frame and the movable carriage for biasing the carriage toward the one end of the frame. The telescopic rectangular frame has a first frame section and a second frame section that each includes two spaced apart parallel tubular rail members. One set of rail members is telescopically received in the other set of rail members so that the frame is selectively movable between a first storage position and an extended operating position.

Abstract: A rhythmic motion driver having a case containing flywheels and a guide along which the flywheels move linearly while rotating. A spring is within the case that compresses and expands in response to oscillatory motion of a bar that extends through an opening in the case. The spring compression and expansion is slowed but not dampened by the movement of the flywheels.