Abstract: A hand and wrist weight assembly has a web with a finger-receiving part, a back section on which a hand weight is mounted along the back of the user's hand, and a wrist section on which a wrist weight, independent of the hand weight and spaced from the hand weight is mounted along the back of the user's wrist. The wrist section has a strap for retaining the assembly on the user's arm. The back section and wrist section are flexible both transversely and longitudinally to permit flexing of the user's wrist while the assembly is in place, and conformance to a part of the user's hand and wrist over which the back section and the wrist section extend. The hand weight and the wrist weight are both soft and complaint to the extend that they will conform to the contours of the back of the hand and the wrist. The wrist weight can take the form of one or more elongated, transversely extending, particle-filled pouches, secured to the wrist section of the web.

Abstract: The exercise apparatus of the invention has a stirrup and an anklet. The stirrup has a lateral strap that extends laterally from the stirrup. The anklet has ankle straps that cross in back of the foot and removably attach in the front of the leg above the ankle. The apparatus has an elastic cord connected to the lateral strap and a handle. The handle can have a rotatable grip which allows the user to change hand positions and vary the type of exercise performed.

Abstract: A swim-exercise device having a main frame and a balance frame; the main frame has a U-shaped frame, of which a lateral rod is mounted with two vertical dampers; the lower end of each vertical damper is connected with a foot supporting assembly. Two vertical rods of the main frame have two horizontal dampers and two pull elements respectively. The balance frame includes two supporting frames and a balance pad, and several elastic elements mounted between the supporting frames and the balance rod. The balance frame is used for supporting a user's chest and belly portions; the user's feet are mounted in the foot supporting assemblies respectively, while the hands grip the two grip rings on the pull elements respectively so as to imitate a swimming motion.

Abstract: A hooked plate is pivotally attached to a generally straight plate which is strapped between the user's wrist and forearm with the pivot near the wrist. An elastic strip holds the fingers on a tongue on the outer circumference of the hooked plate. The appliance walls, openings, and the fastening arrangement for the strip to the hooked plate and for attaching the straight plate to the users arm are for enabling self mounting on the hand by the quadriplegic user.

Abstract: Universal muscular conditioning devices provide for the placement of two bidirectionally acting, frictionally resistant elements on opposite sides of a joint, in order to require a wearer of the device(s) to provide additional muscular exertion against the frictional resistance and thereby build muscular and joint strength. One embodiment includes a wrap which may be adjustably secured about the joint(s) or limb(s) of differently sized persons, thus eliminating the need for numerous such devices to fit different users. The wrap includes a plurality of pockets or sleeves, into which two of the frictionally resistive elements may be placed opposite one another, to the lateral and medial sides of the joint and essentially coaxial with the joint center.

Abstract: The exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a wheeled carriage having a generally flat top surface movably mounted on a generally rectangular frame. The carriage includes a removable shoulder stop and head rest assembly mounted on the carriage at one end thereof for preventing sliding of the user's body from the carriage. This shoulder stop and head rest assembly is removed to convert the apparatus into a flat table for stationary exercises. A first generally flat, padded, table top member is positionable between the carriage and one end of the frame in the plane of the top surface of the carriage. A second generally flat, padded table member is positionable between the carriage and the other end of the frame in the plane of the top of the carriage when the removable shoulder and head rest assembly is removed to prevent the carriage from moving and form a generally flat stationary table surface.

Abstract: An exercising device is provided for use with a baby stroller of the type having a housing secured to the frame of a stroller, and an elongated arm pivotally attached at one end of the arm to the housing. The invention may further include an apparatus for preventing pivotal movement of the arm relative to the housing until a torsional force greater than a predetermined amount is applied to the other end of the arm. The housing is secured to the stroller frame by a pair of plates, each having a channel in one side. With the channels facing each other, the plates compressingly engage a portion of the stroller frame. The elongated arm is pivotally attached to the housing by a fixed cuff interposed within a movable cuff. The movable cuff further includes a driven member including an aperture through which the elongated arm is attached.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a shoulder press exercise are disclosed. A user support and a primary hinge are mounted to a frame. A secondary hinge is mounted to the primary hinge. An arm mounted to the secondary hinge has a handle adapted to be grasped by the user. The two hinges permit the user to displace the handle in either or both the longitudinal and lateral directions. A means for resisting the displacement of the handle, preferably in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, is provided. The resistance means may include a post attached to the arm for mounting weight plates. A second handle, arm, and secondary hinge may be provided for the other hand so that the user may exercise both halves of his body. The arms may be connected such that both handles move the same longitudinal and/or lateral distance.

Abstract: An adjustable weighted exercise sleeve that fits over the hand or foot and is secured thereto enabling the user to accomplish various exercises with the benefit of weight resistance. The adjustable weighted exercise sleeve has adjustable straps secured by hook and loop fasteners to provide a comfortable fit for the user. The configuration of the exercise sleeve and adjustable straps allows the user to interchangeably wear the exercise sleeve on the hand and wrist or foot and ankle. The exercise sleeve uses variable weighting arrangements to allow the user to choose a weight resistance for optimum comfort and physiological benefit.

Abstract: A leg stretching apparatus for a user in a standing position has a base, a pair of upright bars, a leg rest member slidably engaged between the upright bars for movement between selected vertical positions for stretching posterior leg muscles of a user's leg rested thereon, and a linear drive mechanism fixed to the base provided with a drive motor and a linear drive member having an end coupled to the leg rest member. The linear drive member is operated to raise and lower the leg rest member in the vertical direction in a cycle of stretching, holding, and retracting as desired by the user.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a chest press exercise are disclosed. A user support and a primary hinge are mounted to a frame. A secondary hinge is mounted to the primary hinge. An arm mounted to the secondary hinge has a handle adapted to be grasped by the user. The two hinges permit the user to displace the handle in either or both the longitudinal and lateral directions. A means for resisting the displacement of the handle, preferably in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, is provided. The resistance means may include an incremental weight stack operably engaged to handle by belts directed by self-aligning pulleys. A second handle, arm and secondary hinge may be provided for the other hand so that the user may exercise both halves of his body. The arms may be connected such that both handles move the same longitudinal and/or lateral distance.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a frame base with a platform at the rearward end upon which the athlete stands. A horizontal shaft rotatably mounted on a pair of vertical frame members near the forward end of the base has an upper central sprocket at its center and smaller sprockets at each end. A weight lever member pivotally connected to a pair of upright frame members extends forwardly therefrom and a number of weights are received on the outer end of the weight lever. A lower central sprocket is rotatably mounted between the upright frame members. A drive arm is arm pivotally connected at its bottom end to the platform. A handlebar rotatably mounted at the upper end of the drive arm is positioned a selective distance above the platform and has hand grips at each end.

Abstract: The present invention is applicable to the field of weight training. The device described herein comprises of insulated twin manacles that would be placed upon the users ankles and attached to a weighted cable. The user has a wide array of exercises to choose from at this point including hamstrings, abdominal, quadreccepts, etc. The rise of weight to achieve an isotonic contraction has long been recognized to promote proximal musculature in a desired anatomical region. A twin manacle design allows the user to engage both appendages simultaneously allowing for a balance to exist between both limbs. This directly attacks the "dominant/subservient" theory that we can define as one limb or appendage having the ability to over compensate for its weaker counter part.

Abstract: A lower-body exercise machine is provided having a frame, a carriage assembly pivotally attached to the frame and moveable in an upwardly and downwardly arcuate path about the frame, a support beam attached to and extending upwardly from the frame, and a platform pivotally attached to the frame and angling downwardly. A hookbar assembly is pivotally attached to the carriage assembly for releasably engaging the support beam to arrest the downward motion of the carriage assembly. The hookbar assembly comprises a hook bar rotatably attached to the carriage assembly, an elongated hook attached to and extending upwardly from the hook bar, and an elongated engagement handle attached to the hook bar. A rung is attached to the support beam. By moving the engagement handle upwardly, the hook bar rotates and pivots the hook towards the support beam to engage the rung and arrest the downward movement of the carriage assembly.

Abstract: A weight training machine having a dynamically controlled resistance capability. The user exercises by causing an exercise arm to pivot. Pivoting coaxially with the exercise arm, is a pivot arm which supports a secondary weight. To pivot the exercise arm, the user must overcome a primary resistance and the torque on the pivot arm due to the secondary weight. The torque due to the secondary weight can be dynamically varied by varying the position of the secondary weight on the pivot arm. Thus the resistance experienced by the user, can be varied within a predetermined range. A force input mechanism engageable with a body part of the user is also disclosed which reduces discomfort to the user during exercise.

Abstract: A punching handle accessory of simplified design and construction which enables a user to perform various natural, unobstructed punching motions, while overcoming a cable actuated resistance. An elongated, crescent shaped mounting bracket provides a resistance connection point on each end. A pressure plate is attached to the mounting bracket by a spindle. The spindle attaches the pressure plate to the concave side of the crescent shaped elongated mounting bracket generally midway between the resistance connection points. The spindle allows the pressure plate to rotate on the mounting bracket along an axis which is generally perpendicular to a straight line passing through the resistance connection points on the elongated mounting bracket. A non-supportive handle cross member is attached to the pressure plate. This handle cross member, when grasped in a user's palm, only correctly positions the user's fist in relation to the rotational centerline of the pressure plate and spindle.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a rear deltoid and rowing exercise are disclosed. A user support and a primary hinge are mounted to a frame. A secondary hinge is mounted to the primary hinge. An arm mounted to the secondary hinge has a handle adapted to be grasped by the user. The two hinges permit the user to displace the handle in either or both the longitudinal and lateral directions. A means for resisting the displacement of the handle, preferably in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, is provided. The resistance means may include an incremental weight stack operably engaged to handle by belts directed by self-aligning pulleys. A second handle, arm and secondary hinge may be provided for the other hand so that the user may exercise both halves of his body. The arms may be connected such that both handles move the same longitudinal and/or lateral distance.

Abstract: An exercise bar for use with standard weight machines employing exercise bars. The bar is vertically hinged in the center, so that it is usable not only for pull down exercises, but also forms a vee which is compressed during pectoral exercises. The two sides of the vee are geared together, so that the vee opens and closes symmetrically, both arms being forced to move the same amount. An adjustable spring assembly attaches to the bar for selectively varying resistance for the pectoral exercises. A brace contacts the user's forearm, so that the user applies a force countering the tendency of the bar to incline responsive to being drawn downwardly. The bar is configured to include a relief in the center, so that it can be pulled down past the user's head, while avoiding interference with the user's neck. The novel exercise bar is rugged, uncomplicated, increases the number of exercises which can be performed, and can be retrofit to a standard weight machine.

Abstract: A method of exercising a selected muscle, e.g. the biceps, using exercise weights embodied in a device having a limb-encircling stretchable band for both establishing an attached position overlying the selected muscle and also exerting external pressure upon the encircled limb muscle during the exercise routine.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a lat pulldown exercise are disclosed. A user support and a primary hinge are mounted to a frame. A secondary hinge is mounted to the primary hinge. An arm mounted to the secondary hinge has a handle adapted to be grasped by the user. The two hinges permit the user to displace the handle in either or both the longitudinal and lateral directions. A means for resisting the displacement of the handle, preferably in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, is provided. The resistance means may include an incremental weight stack operably engaged to the handle by belts directed by self-aligning pulleys. A second handle, arm and secondary hinge may be provided for the other hand so that the user may exercise both halves of his body. The arms may be connected such that both handles move the same longitudinal and/or lateral distance.

Abstract: A spine therapy and exercise device (10) for conditioning and exercising the muscles associated with the back, abdomen and legs. The device (10) of the present invention includes a belt member (12) and a harness (14). The harness (14) is carried by the belt member (12) and is provided for receiving the arms of the wearer. The harness (14) of the preferred embodiment is fabricated from a pair of straps (16), each being secured at one end (18) to the belt member (12), crossing each other to form an "X" configuration, and are then being releasably secured to the belt member (12) at their distal ends (20). Adjustment members (26) are provided on each strap (16) for adjusting the size of the harness (14) to the particular wearer by varying the length of the particular strap (16). The belt member (12) includes a torso engagement portion (28), and a leg engagement portion (34) connected in an end-to-end fashion such as to form a continuous loop.

Abstract: First and second rigid bars may be connected together by a support to form an elongated bar assembly having a longitudinal axis. A pair of hand grips are spaced from one another, and each hand grip includes a mounting portion which is freely pivotally supported on a bar for pivotal movement about pivot axis extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bar assembly. A hand grip portion is supported on the mounting portion for swivel movement through 360 degrees about an axis of rotation disposed substantially perpendicular to and passing through the pivot axis at the point where the mounting portion is pivotally supported by the bar assembly. The swivel connection can be locked to prevent swiveling of the hand grip portion.

Abstract: A weight supporting body harness is used to support additional weight between the legs of a weight trainer. The body harness includes a torso engaging webbing assembly that directly supports the additional weights, and a waist encircling strap that stabilizes the torso engaging webbing. The weight supporting body harness allows the weight trainer to effectively increase his body weight while lowering his effective center of gravity.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a shoulder press exercise are disclosed. A user support and a primary hinge are mounted to a frame. A secondary hinge is mounted to the primary hinge. An arm mounted to the secondary hinge has a handle adapted to be grasped by the user. The two hinges permit the user to displace the handle in either or both the longitudinal and lateral directions. A means for resisting the displacement of the handle, preferably in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, is provided. The resistance means may include an incremental weight stack operably engaged to handle by belts directed by self-aligning pulleys. A second handle, arm and secondary hinge may be provided for the other hand so that the user may exercise both halves of his body. The arms may be connected such that both handles move the same longitudinal and/or lateral distance.

Abstract: A bottle holding device for forming a refillable dumbbell in conjunction with a bottle of the type including a main body portion which is closed at a bottom thereof and which tapers at an upper portion thereof to a reduced diameter neck having a reclosable bottle opening, the bottle holding device including an upper bottle engaging section for engaging the tapered upper portion of the bottle, a lower bottle engaging section for engaging the bottom of the bottle, and an adjustable tensioning handle assembly for pulling the upper and lower bottle engaging sections toward each other with an adjustable force when the bottle holding device is assembled with the bottle, so as to tightly grip the bottle therebetween, and for enabling a person to grasp the tensioning handle assembly to perform dumbbell exercises, the tensioning handle assembly including a lower lateral extension which extends outwardly from the lower bottle engaging section, an upper lateral extension which extends outwardly from the upper bottle eng

Abstract: An exercise machine utilizing a Exercise Resistive Device in conjunction with a Counter Compressive Force Device. The Exercise Resistive Device applies a resistive force to the users body in such a manner that it requires that the users muscles contract in order to execute an exercise. The Counter Compressive Force Device produces a counter force that opposes compressive forces acting on the body resulting from said exercise. Frictional and other destructive internal forces upon the body are consequently reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: An improved leg lift unit includes three sets of exercising and/or support pads for facilitating various exercise regimens. A first set of exercising pads is mounted to a pivoting leg member to facilitate leg lift exercises. A second set of exercise pads are mounted to a body of the unit to provide support for an exerciser in various positions. A vertically adjustable support pad assembly is provided which can be positioned to clamp a user's legs or thighs when doing leg lift exercises. The vertically adjustable support pad assembly can also be used in arm curl exercises in connection with a bar rest mounted to the pivoting leg member.

Abstract: An abdominal hip/flex exercise machine includes a frame, a seat located at a first end of the frame for supporting an exerciser in an upright exercise position facing the second end of the frame, and a lever pivotally connected to the frame between the first and second ends thereof. At the second end of the frame, the lever includes at least one hub for holding weighted plates, while the opposite end of the lever located adjacent the seat includes spaced pads and handles adapted to be engaged by the arms and hands of an exerciser supported on the seat in the upright exercise position. The exerciser acts on the pads via a downwardly directed abdominal/hip flex motion to pivot the lever about the axis against the weight resistance held at the second end thereof. A leg brace may be included to restrain the exerciser from upward movement during performance of the downwardly directed flexing exercise motion, with the leg brace and the seat being vertically adjustable to suit the height of the exerciser.

Abstract: An improved calf exercise machine includes a frame with a seat for supporting an exerciser in an exercise position with the legs extended horizontally, a lever pivotally connected to the frame in front of and below the seat, and an engagement plate secured to the lever and adapted to be engaged and acted upon by the upper portions of the feet of the exerciser via an outward toe extension movement followed by a rearward toe retraction motion. This movement arcuately rotates the lever about its pivot axis, with a corresponding flexion and then extension of the calf muscles. Weight holding hubs connected to the lever hold a selected number of weighted plates to provide a desired weight resistance to pivotal extension of the lever via the outwardly directed foot movement. This machine optimally isolates the calf muscles during calf flexion/extension.

Abstract: An exercise and physical therapy device having an adjustable length elongated resilient element with a wrist attachment strap at one end and a shoe attachment clip at the other end. The device is configured so that the shoe clip attaches to either the shoelace or an eyelet of the user's shoe, allowing the device to be used simultaneously while performing walking, running, or other exercises.

Abstract: A device for exercising the limbs of an individual. The inventive device includes a mounting assembly for securing to the frame of a door. A rotatable arm is coupled to the mounting assembly and is frictionally retarded against rotation thereof relative to the mounting assembly. A limb engaging assembly is mounted to a distal end of the arm, whereby an individual can rotate the arm to exercise the engaging limb.

Abstract: In order to maximize the benefit from exercise by isolating a muscle to be developed, a deltoid muscle exercise device is disclosed. The device includes a base for supporting it on a generally fiat surface, a frame integral with the base and extending generally upwardly therefrom, a grip integral with the frame at a point generally remote from the base, and an arm rest integral with the frame at a point generally intermediate the base and the grip. With these features, the deltoid muscle exercise device also is adapted to support free weights at a point generally closer to the base than to the grip.

Abstract: An inexpensive, light-weight, easy to use exercise device which is comprised of a harness having an adjustable flexible, inelastic strap with and adjustable foot loop at one end and a hand grip at the other end. Most exercises are performed using two exercise harnesses. While holding the hand grips and having placed the feet in the foot loops, the user exerts opposing forces between the arms and legs in a variety of exercises while lying down, standing, or sitting. By varying the strength of the forces exerted and the speed of the motion, the user can do isometric, isotonic, stretching, or aerobic exercises.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stretching and exercising the soft tissue surrounding the shoulder girdle and back, while stabilizing the upper extremities. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of elbow/forearm cuffs are mounted on a lower horizontal bar, and a second horizontal bar is attached above the lower horizontal bar. The users elbows/forearms are placed in the cuffs on the lower bar, while their hands slide back and forth along the upper bar.

Abstract: An arm training device comprises a resilient and extensible tether, a set of bindings for the upper and lower arm, such that the set of bindings is connected to each other and to a tether. The other end of the tether is then connected to a restraint means which provides resistance for the arm moving or exerting motion away from restraint means. In one embodiment, particularly suitable for development of both arms, two sets of arm bindings are provided for attachment to upper and lower parts of both arms and the tethers of each set of arm bindings are then attached to a belt to be worn about the waist. In another embodiment, a single set of arm bindings is provided for attachment to upper and lower parts of the one involved arm, and the opposite end of the tether is provided with a loop or similar means for attachment to a stationary source of resistance or to be held by the trainer.

Abstract: A wall-mounted frame assembly to which is attached a pulley-controlled variable weight structure. The weight structure is engaged via pulleys by a hand-held yoke assembly. The yoke is adapted to be held by the exerciser so that a hip-turning motion will be resisted by the weight structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising the limbs of an individual. The inventive device includes a frame assembly having a seat assembly adjustably positioned relative thereto. A plurality of resilient exercise assemblies are coupled to the frame assembly and can be tensioned by a user to exercise the arms and legs thereof. The exercise assemblies each include a pair of elongated springs or elastomeric elements coupled to the frame and terminating in a pair of grips engageable by either the hands or feet of the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a waist, hip, or shoulder exercise device designed to tone or develop the torso muscles through gentle exercise. The device comprises an arcuate body (10) of plastics material or metal shaped to suit a human frame, the body (10) incorporating rollers (11) freely mounted to rotate within the body of the device. At each end there are webbing straps (12 and 13) with hook and loop type or similar attachment devices 14 and 15. The exercise device may be used in conjunction with an adjustable frame and a baseboard. The frame may also include a foot rest or a head or shoulder rest. The wheels or rollers may be driven by electric motors by battery or a main power source.

Abstract: The application discloses an apparatus for an exercise machine having a force resistor such as the cable type wherein a weight stack supplies resistance to movement of this apparatus along an inward arcing path from an interconnecting cable system and the handles includes grips supported on extended arms, while the bottom support arms include properly placed plates to which arm pads are affixed and all arms be supported by a single member to which an angle of proper degree near the top of this single member will allow transfer of center of gravity to be directed inward towards user, thus keeping this apparatus in constant contact with the users hands, wrist or forearms area.

Abstract: A system for exercising a user's midsection muscles. The system includes a spotting fixture having a base, side frame members and a central vertical member arranged in a tripod configuration. C-shape arms are supported atop the side frame members and central vertical member. The C-shape arms partially wrap around the user who stands on the base. At each end of the C-shape arms are swivel mounted mechanical hands that engage the hip or waist area of the user, thus holding the user's lower body immobile during the exercise routine. The mechanical hands adjust laterally into and out of slots formed in the C-shape arms as well as adjust vertically with telescoping lateral frame members. Free weights such as a twisting baton can be held by the user to increase the exertion level during the exercise regime. A receptacle located in the base allows storage of the free weight or twisting baton.

Abstract: A body conditioning device utilizing a base member having a first surface and a second opposite surface. The base member includes a padded core between the first and second surfaces. The first surface provides a recess portion which is capable of at least partially positioning weights. The weights are held to the base member by a strap which is extendable along the base member. The strap and base member form a unit by feeding the strap through a plurality of holding slots in the base member. The weights may be positioned at the front and back of a user when the strap is looped about the waist portion of the user, and held in such a configuration by a clasp.

Abstract: A handle assembly includes two aligned handle units which are disposed on two sides of the base frame of an exerciser. Each of said handle units includes a lower handle section mounted pivotally on the base frame, and an upper handle section having a lower end connected pivotally to the upper end of said lower handle section by a horizontal pivot pin. Accordingly, when the handle units are operated by the hands of a user, the lower handle sections can rotate relative to the base frame. At the same time, the upper handle sections can rotate relative to the lower handle units. Accordingly, the arms of the user can be exercised in such a manner that the hands can be moved to be in front or back of the elbows, or to be above or below the same in order to operate the handle units during exercise.

Abstract: A treadmill for use within a pool of water for therapeutic exercise includes an endless track mounted between a pair of side members, a hand rail spaced above and extending parallel to one of the side members, and a vertical post secured to the one side member and providing support for the handrail. A seating member is mounted on the vertical post and is movable with respect to the post for selectively disposing the seating member at various heights above the one side member and either directly overlying the endless track or disposed to one side thereof.

Abstract: An exercise device for exercising a user's upper body, including a belt mountable around the user's waist, an elastic cord secured at a midpoint thereof to the front portion of the belt, and gripping members operatively connected to the respective ends of the elastic member. The gripping members may include a hand grip only, a wrist cuff only, or both a hand grip and a wrist cuff, either as separate members or as an integral unit. As an alternate embodiment, the belt may be a two piece belt connected at the front ends thereof by a cord adjuster plate, with the elastic cord adjustably secured to the belt by an anchor.

Abstract: An exercise kit, and a method of using it, which includes an exercise apparatus having a compact curved base member, which generally conforms to the shape of the back of a user, and a set of transverse rollers which are adapted to enable the base member to roll upwardly and downwardly over a wall or other such surface. A device enables the base member to be worn on the lower back of the user, who can press the rollers against a wall as the user performs various excercises, for enabling the leg muscles to be exercised in a comfortable, easy manner. The base member is also curved transversely to distribute pressure uniformly over a large area of the back to help reduce discomfort to the wearer. A pair of spaced apart transverse rollers for distributing pressure across a large area of a wall uniformly, each include an extruded thermoplastic member to help make the apparatus relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and light in weight.

Abstract: There is proposed the provision of a grip handle for sport and physical exercise implements which enables a person to maintain a full freedom of manual movement at the time of firmly grasping and holding to the handle grips of the equipment provided for sportive activity and physical exercise. The grip handle incorporates a hoop member positioned in the bend of a bow or similarly shaped element. The hoop is revolvable in the bow shaped element and has a diametrically extending grip rod which is freely movable in the plane of the hoop. Two of the bow shaped elements are connected to known exercise apparatus so that while working on the respective apparatus, it is possible for the wrists to work and move freely.

Abstract: An appendage interface assembly, such as a hand grip assembly (2) or a foot pedal assembly (120), is used with an exercise machine to reduce skeletal misalignment problems while increasing the muscle working benefits of the exercise. The assembly includes an assembly support (4, 122) securable to the exercise machine. A hand grip (22) or foot pedal (128) is pivotally mounted to the assembly support for movement about three orthogonal axes (26, 28, 30; 134, 174, 176). The foot pedal is mounted using a universal or ball joint (130). With the hand grip assembly, a yoke (12) is pivotally mounted to the assembly support, a hand grip support (16) is pivotally mounted to the yoke, and a hand grip (22) is pivotally mounted to the hand grip support by first, second and third pivots (14,18,24) for movement about the three axes. The hand grip or foot pedal can pivot freely or with a drag force hindering the pivotal motion or, if great enough, locking the hand grip or foot pedal to a fixed orientation.

Abstract: An improved orthopedic device for human wear comprising of a flexible belt encircling the human, with free ends thereof joined by a hook and loop fastener to position the belt on the wearer, and wherein the flexible belt is provided with a pad to be positioned against the lumbar and sacral regions of the wearer and with vertical stiffeners for the flexible belt. A static support is fixedly attached to the flexible belt and completely encircles the wearer. The static support is bi-level with one level encircling the wearer, extending around the flexible belt, and attached thereto adjacent the pad, and is provided with adjustable length belt buckle ends for cinching the one level about the user with varying degrees of tension. A second level is V-shaped and is attached to the elastic belt adjacent to the pad to dispense the support to the sacral regions when additional support is desired and the buckled clasp and first level tightened.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pelvis stabilizing device for a cross-country skiing exercise apparatus. The device includes a pelvis support and a belt that are effectively secured relative to a cross-country skiing machine. A person using the machine leans forward against the pelvis support and secures the belt around his or her posterior. The belt essentially stabilizes the person's pelvis relative to the pelvis support.