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 exercise apparatus comprises a generally rectangular extruded aluminum frame having a head end and a foot end and including a pair of spaced apart parallel track members wherein the head end, the foot end, and the track or rail members are each formed from the same metal extrusion material and have the same cross sectional shape. The extruded shape comprises a closed middle portion, an outer T shaped slot portion, and an inner C shaped support channel portion and may include one or more screw races in the closed middle portion for forming a solid mitered connection at the comers of the frame. The apparatus includes a movable carriage mounted on the frame for movement along the rail members between the head and foot ends against one or more resistance members connected between the carriage and the foot end of the frame. The exercise apparatus may include a foot bar assembly that permits a foot bar to be rotated between various positions via a quick release arrangement.

Abstract: A lumbar exercise machine having an adjustable pad assembly for engaging the legs above and below the knees while the legs extend generally forward with the feet against a foot rest and the knees bent so that the thighs and calves form an obtuse angle. A lock mechanism is provided to secure the pad assembly in the aforementioned position with the femurs restrained against movement so that the hips, buttocks and thighs cannot move during the exercise. The exerciser then moves his back against a movement arm in opposition to a resistance mechanism connected to the movement arm. The machine is adjustable to properly position a particular user for the exercise. One machine for home use utilizes dead weights plus the user's weight as the resistance mechanism while another machine for commercial use utilizes a compound weight stack as the resistance mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is a piece of exercise equipment designed to train and condition sport-specific muscle groups used during a swinging motion, as in golf. It is comprised of a mechanical linkage, with at least six degrees of freedom of motion so that it effectively simulates a wide variety of golf swings without the need for complex adjustments. It includes a resistance mechanism, such as a pulley system linked to two one-way hydraulic cylinders. This allows a user to simultaneously practice swing form and technique while also strengthening and conditioning the specific muscles needed for the sport.

Abstract: Resistance training apparatus comprising a carriage mounted for movement along a reciprocally linear path, a load borne by the carriage and programmable drive apparatus that engages the carriage for bearing at least part of the load when a speed of the carriage meets or exceeds a maximum speed limit and meets or falls below a minimum speed limit.

Abstract: An exercise machine comprises a frame on which a load mechanism and a sliding seat pad are mounted. The load mechanism is formed of a damping member and a slide member fastened with the damping member. The sliding seat pad has a link portion. The slide member is provided with a traction portion capable of coupling and uncoupling with the link portion of the sliding seat pad. The frame is further provided with a pull cord capable of pulling the sliding seat pad to displace at the time when the pull cord is pulled.

Abstract: A compound exercise apparatus for extension, stretching and rowing-type exercises where the user's body weight provides a component of the resistive force against which the user exercises. The apparatus includes a base having a pair of stationary foot pedals, a cushion mounted to the top of a support bar for supporting the user's upper body. A lower end of the support bar is mounted to the base and an upper end of the support bar is pivotally mounted to an upper end of a twin-wheeled push rod. The twin-wheeled push rod is biased to a retracted position by an extension spring anchored within the support bar and connected to a cable anchored to a connection post of the twin-wheeled push rod. A fork member having a U-shaped bar at a lower end and a T-shaped connection member at an upper end is pivotally connected to the connection post of the twin-wheeled push rod. A lower end of the U-shaped bar of the fork member is pivotally connected by a linkage to the support bar.

Abstract: The invention provides a full functional weight training gym, and in particular, one that is constructed essentially by supporting a main skeleton on a supporting base with nuts and bolts, and hanging and snapping a sliding backrest with a rope hanging cord loop to drive a pulley block and hence to pull a weights set in a up and down motion. A gym that can be used for weight training on legs with a proper pose is thus obtained. In addition, by combining a set of fittings, including a two-handed long pulling bar, a two-handed short pulling bar, a single-handed short pulling bar, a single-handed ring-shaped pulling bar, a two-handed rope-type pulling bar, a leg band-type pulling ring, a back and forth adjustable plate chair, a foot pressing bar, and a quick snap loop, weight training on all parts of the body involving hands, the chest, the abdominal, the waist, the bottom, the back and shoulders, can be accomplished by only one gym and a less space.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a generally rectangular extruded aluminum frame having a head end and a foot end and including a pair of spaced apart parallel track members wherein the head end, the foot end, and the track or rail members are each formed from the same metal extrusion material and have the same cross sectional shape. The apparatus includes a movable carriage mounted on the frame for movement along the rail members between the head and foot ends against one or more resistance members connected between the carriage and the foot end of the frame. Each of the rail members includes an outwardly open T shaped longitudinal slot therein for receiving a T shaped anchor bar for a foot support bar assembly. The foot bar assembly includes a replaceable U shaped foot bar having a pair of spaced parallel leg portions. The assembly accommodates various shapes of foot bars. The leg portions are telescopically joined to support members pivotally mounted to a support bracket assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for training of muscles, comprising a support (1) wherein a sliding seat (6) is supported on a rail (4), said rail being adjustable to permit the seat sliding travels in desired angles to a horizontal plane, and two-pulley cables (7,8) are attached in the support and longitudinally adjustable, the load of said pulley cables being adjusted as desired by threading the cables in alternative running paths in the apparatus, and through which pulley cables the user moves his body along the rail while resting on the seat for training the muscles of arms, legs and body exclusively against the load of his own body weight, said load being adjusted to the user's muscle strength through an appropriate selection of the running path and power reduction of the pulley cables and the seat angle relative to the horizontal plane.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus has a base to which is pivoted one end of a rockable arm, the opposite end of which is coupled to one end of a force transmitting line by means of which the arm may be rocked from and to a rest position. Movement of the arm away from the rest position is yieldably opposed by elastic resistance members which react between the rockable arm and the base. An upright arm is removably supported by the base and is equipped with one or more line guides about which the force transmitting line may be reeved. In one embodiment the line guide automatically compensates for variations in the force which must be applied on the rockable arm to overcome variations in the resistance of the resistance members.

Abstract: The invention is an exercise device which creates a controlled and infinitely variable resistance profile using a pair of rods that are wrapped about a common axis with a varying pitch. A slide unit is attached to the rods with rollers. When the slide unit is moved in a linear motion, the movement of the rollers on the rods causes the rods, and a shaft on which they are mounted to rotate. In one embodiment, the rotation of the shaft is used to move one or more units of a set of stacked weights. In a second embodiment, a rotation motion of the shaft on which the rods are mounted, causes a linear motion to the slide unit which is attached to a set of stacked weighs.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a body supporting carriage that moves relative to a frame in a direction having a vertical component. Levers are movably mounted on the carriage and connected to the frame in such a manner that movement of the levers relative to the carriage is linked to movement of the carriage relative to the frame.

Abstract: A multi-station exercise apparatus for use during a leg exercise routine during which the user lies in a supine position and bends his legs at the knees and waist between extended-leg and bent-leg conditions includes a frame and a bench and utilizes two pairs of movable stirrups arranged generally above the bench at opposite ends thereof. The stirrups are adapted to accept the feet of the user as the user lies upon the bench in the supine position and to move with the feet as the legs of the user are bent at the knees and waist between extended-leg and bent-leg conditions. The frame includes two sets of guide rods disposed at each of the opposite ends of the bench for guiding the movement of the two pairs of stirrups generally upwardly and downwardly along predetermined paths as the user selectively moves either the first or second pair of the stirrups with his feet as the feet are moved between the bent-leg and extended-leg conditions.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a frame with parallel rails and a glide board slidably mounted upon the frame and having a plurality of wheels defining concave surfaces in rolling engagement upon the parallel rails. The wheels have a relatively hard roller and an outer tire of resilient material defining the concave surface.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus of a push-pull type for exercising a person's abdominal muscles includes a track unit formed by a track board having an upper, body supporting surface extending between front and rear ends; an elongate, track-supporting base board for extending horizontally across a floor; a knee support on the base board adjacent the rear end of the track board; and, a support member for supporting the track board pivotally connected to overlie the base board with the rear end adjacent the base board and the front end at selected elevations. A hand-grip carriage unit with a pair of hand grips and an elbow support aligned rearward of the hand-grips is removably mounted by rollers on the body supporting surface for reciprocal rolling movement therealong. An anchoring unit for a person's legs or hands, alternatively, can be releasably mounted to the front end of the track board, when elevated.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus utilizing a wheeled rolling platform which moves on an incline frame and includes an adjustable arm cord mounting assembly. The arm cord mounting system includes a pair of elongated arm cords each entrained over a fixed pulley mounted in each adjustable upright corner post. An anchoring device attaches the cords to the mobile platform. The platform moves on the frame against a resistance force provided by the body weight of the user seated or lying on the platform and the upward angled slope of the incline frame. A back and head support connects the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving fitness and muscle rehabilitation which includes a horizontal base having an upwardly extending structure secured thereto. A seat is provided at the lower end so that a user may sit with legs extended up the slope. A carriage is mounted for movement along the structure, with a seat oriented so that a user can selectively push the carriage upwardly or restrain carriage movement downwardly. A power drive selectively moves the carriage up and down the structure at a desired rate against which the user works. Multiple safety devices are included to prevent the carriage from moving down the slope beyond a selected point and to prevent the carriage from moving at a speed beyond a selected rate. A convenient control box is provided for operating the apparatus in a selected mode.

Abstract: A perineal-discomfort relieving apparatus having a base member with a gripping member and a foot support member attached thereto, a slidable seat assembly on a seat support member, and a stimulating means, adjacent to the seat assembly and the seat support member. The stimulating means is configured of two opposing, off-set rows of alternating ribs and valleys and a set of rollers communicating therewith to permit a sliding movement of the seat assembly along the seat support member, wherein as a user sits on the seat assembly and slides it back and forth across the seat support member, the seat assembly contacts the ribs and valleys to create a vibrating and rocking motion adapted to relieve discomfort in the perineal region of a user.

Abstract: A device for exercising the calf muscles of a user including a frame formed of a base and two substantially parallel diagonal beams extending from either side of the base forming an acute angle with the base. A pad, contoured for accommodating a front side of at least one of the user's thighs is connected between the diagonal beams and extends at an angle adjustable within an obtuse angle supplementary with the acute angle. A weight bar is movable along the length of both diagonal beams and is releasably held at a plurality of different heights above the base. The machine is operable between a first secured mode securing the weight bar at a desired one of the plurality of different heights and a second released mode releasing the weight bar from its secured position.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a frame that has a base with an upright member. The upright member is formed to have a race to receive wheels to interconnect a second frame to the upright member. A cable and pulley structure interconnects exercise structures to cause movement of the second frame relative to the first frame. A user is positioned on a seat connected to the second frame to resist movement of the second frame relative to the first frame. A butterfly structure is provided that has a mechanical linkage to interconnect the link arms to a butterfly lever rotatably connected to deflect the cable of an associated cable arrangement.

Abstract: Apparatus for exercising a user's abdominal muscles and/or back muscles. This exercise apparatus includes a dynamic means in the form of an upper frame which is pivotally attached to a lower form. With the use of the user's abdominal and/or back muscles, the dynamic means produces a forward folding movement and a return straightening movement. A framework means in the form of a vertical frame affixed to a horizontal frame which maintains the vertical frame in an upright position supports the dynamic means. This exercise apparatus also includes a resistance means for opposing the forward folding movement and/or the return straightening movement. Various resistant means include fly wheel-fan, electro-magnetic and weight stack.

Abstract: A weight lifting apparatus is provided which includes a vertical guide rail supported by a base. A carriage assembly rides the guide rail. A handle is interconnected with the carriage and may be adjusted to extend at a plurality of angles therefrom. A weight bearing member is provided for receiving and supporting free weights. The weight bearing member is supported by the carriage and may be interconnected with the handle to permit a user to perform a variety of weight lifting exercises. A horizontal guide rail is also provided which has a carriage assembly for riding the guide rail. The carriage assembly supports an adjustable seat for supporting a user for movement along the horizontal guide rail. The horizontal guide rail can be used in connection with the vertical guide rail, in independent operation, or with conventional weight lifting apparatus to permit a user to perform rowing or other exercises.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for use as a user performs knee-bending exercises while maintaining his balance over his feet includes a grip stably mounted adjacent the user and which is capable of being grasped and held with a hand of the user as the user bends his knees between bent and extended conditions. When held with the hand during the performance of a knee-bending exercise routine, the grip stabilizes the user and thereby enables the user to maintain his balance over his feet with relative ease. The grip of the apparatus is particularly well-suited for use during the performance of a squat exercise routine during which a weight-laden yoke is moved between elevated and lowered positions as the user repeatedly moves between standing and squat positions.The weight-laden yoke includes a yoke portion positionable across the neck of the user. The yoke portion is pivotally attached to weight-laden carriages guided on vertical rods.

Abstract: An exercise method for strengthening the lower back muscles has a horizontally-movable plunger that contacts the abdomen of a user for linearly applying the force of a weight stack to resist lower back and pelvic muscle flexion and extension by a seated user. The plunger is attached to a carriage mounted for horizontal movement on rails. A cable connection between the carriage and the weight stack includes a cam for varying resistance with changes in position of the plunger. The backrest and seat are made optionally tiltable.

Abstract: An improved exercise device which is adjustable for users of different size and muscle capability. The device comprises a wheel rotatably mounted on an axle, a pair of handgrips telescopically mounted on the axle, and a length of elastic robing telescopically mounted on the opposite ends of the axle. Pads for a user's knees, and a padded purchase for the user's ankles are also provided. In one embodiment, the knee pads are adjustably mounted on the elastic tubing. In an alternative embodiment, the elastic rubing, knee pads and ankle purchase adjustably affix to a common frame. The user kneels on the pads, grips the handgrips, and rolls the wheel and axle forward, away from the pads until the user is in the prone position. Thereafter, the user rolls the axle and wheel backward, until the starting position is reached. A stop can be provided for limiting forward movement of the roller.

Abstract: An upper body exercise apparatus to assist an exerciser to do chin-ups and dips. The apparatus includes a frame having a base, a support for the exerciser, and chin-up handles and dip handles extending from the frame. A motive device provides for movement of the support vertically between a lower position and an upper position. Angular displacement of the platform is prevented by coupling the platform to a guide device which constrains the support to travel along a predetermined path. The guide device can comprise a wheel and track system. Binding of the wheel and track system is avoided by providing a force to the wheel and track system which tends enhance tracking.

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: Horizontal squat exercise apparatus includes a substantially horizontally disposed base frame. The base frame supports at its front a substantially vertically disposed foot plate frame and supports at its rear a substantially vertically disposed weight rack frame carrying a plurality of selectable weights. A track frame is supported on the base frame between the foot plate frame and the weight rack frame and includes a substantially horizontal section and a section inclined downwardly from the horizontal section toward the front of the base frame. A carriage is supported on the track frame so as to be displaced first upwardly along the inclined section and then along the horizontal section by an exerciser pushing with his/her feet against the foot plate frame. Selected weights are arranged to be lifted in the weight rack as the carriage is so displaced.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus having a closed loop, hydraulic controller which provides a user selectable resistance to movement over an operating path. A restrictor valve assembly controls fluid flow in an exercise direction and includes a sealed valve body and a rotatable stem piece having a number of flow bores of differing relative dimension to a primary flow path. A pair of separable interlocking piston head pieces at a piston shaft control a reduced bypass resistance with return travel. Alternately disclosed modular frameworks, which include stationary and carriage portions, permit physical motion in relation to a measurement means which displays relative exertion.

Abstract: A Gravity Sled Exercise Machine wherein leveraged body forces act to overcome gravity to move a two piece body sled and client upward, along biangular support rails, from a horizontal to a vertical orientation. To support the torso during the change in spatial orientation, a fixed angle sled seat reciprocates in lineal motion on the lower of two differentially inclined rails. In concurrent action, the lower section of a back rest pivots on an axle at the rear of the seat, while its upper end rides via a pivot guide on the upper, more vertically inclined rail. That kinetic linkage produces a curvilinear motion that constantly repositions the sled and introduces variable resistance to the exercise cycle.An arrangement of handrings, lines and pulleys provides the leverage for arm and upper body exercises, while Class I and II levers enable leg and lower body exercises. A flexible coupling attaches a leg lever assembly to either the static lower rail or to the moving sled seat.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus on which a wide variety of body exercises can be performed is disclosed herein having a base supporting an upright frame with a movable carriage traveling between guide tracks. The frame further supports an adjustable tension mechanism operably connected to the carriage for providing a resistance force against which the user applies muscle pressure. A handle is attached to the carriage and the carriage is movably mounted to the frame. Hand grips are coupled to the adjustable tension mechanism for use without the carriage and the base includes a first section supporting the frame and a second section for supporting the user or an incline bench. By orientation of the frame in a vertical or a horizontal position and by selected use of the carriage, various groups of muscle may be selectively exercised.

Abstract: A pneumatic variable resistance rehabilitation/therapy apparatus for the balanced strengthening of musculature surrounding injured, weakened, and post-operative ligaments associated with the major joints of the lower extremities. In a preferred embodiment, a leg press machine is provided comprising a frame, a foot rest assembly including a foot rest pad, and a reciprocating carriage having a patient supporting bed surface thereon. A pneumatic circuit comprising a cylinder having a reciprocating piston therein, an accumulator, an air supply and a pressure regulator is provided for the variable progressive resistance against the movement of the carriage during the working stroke (where the patient straightens his/her leg(s)). The reciprocating piston rod is linked to the reciprocating carriage by a cable and pulley system to provide a longer and more physiologically tolerable working stroke.

Abstract: An exercise machine for strengthening the trunk muscles has a horizontally-movable plunger that contacts the trunk of a user for linearly applying the force of a weight stack to resist trunk flexion and extension of a seated user. The plunger is attached to a carriage mounted for horizontal movement on rails. A cable connection between the carriage and the weight stack includes a cam for varying resistance with changes in position of the plunger. The backrest and seat are made optionally tiltable.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the instantaneous power generated by a leg extension, which includes a seat provided above a drive system unit on which a subject is seated. A slide rail extends forwardly from the drive system unit, and a foot plate slides along the slide rail in forward and backward directions. A rope connected to the foot plate is provided in the drive system unit in order to be paid out in response to the forward sliding movement of the foot plate. This apparatus also includes a transmission device, which rotates in response to the rope paying-out and a powder brake, which is rotated by the transmission device. A foot load sensor is also mounted on the foot plate in order to detect the foot load developed when the subject extends his/her legs, and a rotation frequency sensor is provided at a predetermined position within the drive system unit in order to detect the rotation frequency of the powder brake.

Abstract: An exercise glider has its motion resisted by a spring mechanism cooperatively associated with a friction damping mechanism. In one embodiment, the damping mechanism may be varied.

Abstract: A multiple exercise unit capable of providing a user with a wide range of strength and conditioning exercises. The exercise unit provides resistance through an isokinetic device which utilizes a clutch mechanism. Lines extend out of the isokinetic device and attach to various exercise elements such that a variety of upper and lower body strength exercises may be performed.

Abstract: An exercise, testing and training apparatus includes an upstanding frame, a support rotatably supported by the frame for rotation about a support axis of rotation, a resisting force, such as a weight stack, a force receiving extension supported by the support having a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the axis of the support axis, the extension movable with respect to the support along the longitudinal axis to cause force to be applied against the resisting force, and a resisting force connected device for connecting the extension to the resisting force being responsive to the application of force on the extension to cause force to be applied against the resisting force when the extension is moved along the longitudinal axis. The resisting force may be supported by the frame and a portion of the connecting device may extend parallel with and pass substantially through, the support axis.

Abstract: An exercise machine for isolating and strengthening the abdominal muscles has a horizontally-movable plunger having a convex-shaped back contacting pad for linearly applying the force of a weight stack to resist back flexing of a seated user, and also has arm and leg immobilizing structure to arrest reactionary forces during such flexing, thereby minimizing hip flexion. The plunger is attached to a carriage mounted for horizontal movement on rails. A cable connection between the carriage and the weight stack includes a cam for varying resistance with changes in the degree of flexing.