Abstract: A weighted cover for the head of golf club is made from a mixture of plastic and a filler and includes an inner cavity having an entrance thereto for receiving the club head. Besides protecting the golf club head from the elements and nicks and scratches, the weighted covers securely fit on the club head and add a predetermined amount of mass uniformly around the club head, thereby retaining the club's effective center of gravity, even during practice swings of the golf club.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for strengthening the muscles of the upper body and arms includes a handle means, a connecting means, and a bias means or counterweight system. The connecting means is telescopically positioned within the handle means. The bias means, or counterweight system, provides the resistive force desired during a work-out period.

Abstract: An apparatus for use by a person to do squat exercises that emphasizes substantially the full range of upper leg muscle groups while alleviating the pressure that concentrates in the lower back, the apparatus being in the form of an inclined elongated platform having a bottom surface that rests on a floor and an upper surface supported above and in close proximity to the bottom surface at an inclined angle of about 11 to 21 degrees, the platform having a width sufficient to permit the user to place at least a portion of both feet thereon with the user's legs spaced apart.

Abstract: An exercise aid for use by individuals which is adapted to be supported on a support surface such as a floor. The exercise aid comprises a pad assembly having a pad channel formed through an upper surface and extending a distance through the pad assembly through the lower surface. The individual sits on the upper surface of the pad assembly with the individual's spine being about aligned with the pad channel and the lower surface of the pad being disposed on the support surface.

Abstract: A hand-held, friction stabilized, multi-exercise device comprising a body having a substantially flat, wall frictionally gripping surface thereon, the surface facing laterally; and manually grippable handles carried by the body and projecting in longitudinally opposite directions at opposite sides of the body. Two such bodies, connected by a bar or bar assembly, may be employed during exercise.

Abstract: An exercise wand and method are set forth which are particularly adapted to exercise the lower torso through twisting or bending. The wand includes a hollow tube having a closure at each end. The tube contains a plurality of movable spheres which extend 93% to 97% the length of the tube between the closures. Twisting or bending in a first direction shifts the spheres to abruptly engage and stack against a rigid closure at one end of the tube, the shifting spheres altering the center of mass for the wand and imparting momentum to the wand to urge full twisting or bending. Reverse twisting or bending shifts the spheres to abruptly engage a rigid closure at the other end of the tube, altering the center of mass and imparting momentum to the wand to urge full twisting or bending.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretching and strengthening leg muscles, particularly in use in martial arts endeavors, is provided to include a framework having a reciprocating carriage mounted slidably in a vertical orientation, with the carriage including a foot plate selectively and rotatably mounted relative to the carriage. The carriage is formed with a handle yoke operative through cable structure to effect lifting of the carriage when an individual's foot is positioned thereon. The carriage includes latching mechanism cooperative with a release mechanism mounted within the handle yoke to effect release of the carriage relative to the framework.

Abstract: A combination exerciser and baggage carrier having a rigid, main frame (11), force resistive pistons (17), force engaging plates (12a-b), handle portion (37), wheels (36), and a load supporting plate (32), is capable of selective engagement of either operational mode. The exerciser may be embodied as any number of cardiovascular workout devices, including stair stepping simulator (10), rowing machine simulator (40), walking/running simulator (50), and weight lifting machine (60). The baggage carrier is of the type used in areas catering to mass transportation travels, such as airports, and bus and train depots, and may similarly vary in embodiments, from standard two-wheeled carrier (30) to a multiple wheeled, horizontal push cart. The exerciser/baggage carrier is designed to tote one's baggage conveniently, then when such service is no longer required it is capable of space saving compaction, until when an opportunity arises, such as in a hotel room, office, park, etc.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight and hand-held triceps muscle exerciser has a base with a flat lower surface and a pair of arms extending upwardly therefrom and joined together to form a structure having an isosceles triangle shape. Grips are provided on each arm intermediate their ends. The arms extend from the base at an angle of about 35.degree..

Abstract: Playground devices in the form of building constructions are provided to relax, entertain, exercise and teach children while always maintaining them in full view and within easy access from the outside to their parents or attendants. The structures are divided into rooms or cubicles interconnected to form a variety of maze passages on a plurality of levels permitting the children to selectively and sequentially advance from an entrance to an exit or return to the entrance. The devices may include dining rooms, play rooms, exercise zones and the like, interconnected in such a way that the child has many ways to use the devices.

Abstract: An exercise device including a push-up board and two push-up handles. The two C-shaped push-up handles are mounted along various positions of the push-up board. Only one end of the C-shaped handles is located within symmetrically-spaced holes of the push-up board. Since only one end of the C-shaped handle is secured within the board and with the shape of the inserted handle end being round, the C-shaped handles are rotatable about the anchored end to provide a vast array of movement and varied exercise routines. A position most comfortable for the user is obtainable by rotation of the handle about the one end located in the push-up board. Numerous pre-set positions are available for doing push-ups to obtain a maximum health benefit from basic push-ups. Further, an adjustment is provided for maximum strength development and wrist comfort when doing difficult push-ups through a series of wide to narrow hand separation positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing gradual changes to an audio signal so that the changes are subliminal. The changes can involve tempo and volume, for example, and can take the form of a gentle gradient having ever increasing/decreasing ramp-like changes over a sufficient duration, or a more complex program involving several gentle gradients. In the preferred embodiment, an enhanced audio play-back device such as a portable audio cassette recorder can be programmed to subliminally alter the characteristics of a standard pre-recorded tape containing music, for example. As a motivational tool during walking, jogging or other repetitive exercise, the tempo is gradually increased over a period of time to encourage a corresponding gradual (and subliminal) increase in physical exertion by a user whose rate of movement is proportional to the tempo of the music.

Abstract: An apparatus including a torso plate to include a plurality of rigid arcuate first and second shoulder straps are mounted and extend from a top edge of the plate to define respective first and second shoulder receiving cavities, with each respective plate terminating in a respective first and second handle. The first and second arcuate plates include first and second abutment flanges projecting therefrom, wherein the abutment flanges are of a predetermined length greater than a predetermined diameter defined by a weight lifting bar to permit positioning of the bar within spaced pairs of flanges in support of the bar during a weight lifting "squat" procedure utilizing "free weight". A modification of the invention includes securable pad members mounted within bottom surfaces of each of the first and second arcuate plates and to further include rods and dispensing handles to enhance and insure grip during use of the organization.

Abstract: A playground base and standard assembly (10) includes a typical hollow traffic cone (28) having a top hole (20) for receiving a standard (12) into the cone (28). The cone (28) is modified by placing an insert (26) inside the cone for stabilizing the standard (12). The insert (26) is a solid polyethylene foam member shaped to fit snugly in the cone (28). The insert (26) has a hole (34) coaxial with a top hole (20) on the cone (28) for receiving and supporting any standard (12). One possible standard (12) includes telescoping members (40,42) for adjusting the height of the standard.

Abstract: An upper body exercising device for use while standing or sitting in water. The exercise device is a padded barbell comprised of a lightweight, water-impervious lift bar, a pliable hand grip, buoyant floats and lightweight, water-impervious float retaining collars and end caps for positioning and maintaining the floats on the lift bar. The buoyancy of the barbell provides the necessary resistance for stressing the exerciser's muscles. Because the hand grip and floats are made from a relatively soft and pliable material, i.e., closed cell expanded polymer material, any part of the barbell can be comfortably grasped and moved in the water by the exerciser to stress the upper body muscles.

Abstract: Athletic training apparatus (10) for conducting conditioning drills or exercises includes a generally U-shaped frame (11) having a cross beam (15) and a pair of extending arms (25, 35) spaced and joined by the cross beam, an impact member (50) of elastomeric material suspended between the arms, and means (37) for selectively adjustably tensioning the impact member. A harness (70) may be employed for assisting an athlete to hold the frame in operative position for conducting the drills or exercises.

Abstract: A walk exercising floor comprising a base board having a flange vertically projecting upward around the peripheral edge thereof and a recessed surface portion defined within said flange, said recessed surface portion having a plurality of recessed holes thereon, a plurality of stones respectively fastened in said recessed holes, said stones each having a top edge protruding beyond the level of the topmost edge of said flange for massaging the muscles and joints while one is walking, lying or sitting thereon, and a layer of epoxy resin covered over said recessed surface portion in flush with the topmost edge of said flange to secure said stones to said base board. The stones may be manmade, each having holes on the bottom edge thereof into which epoxy resin is filled to secure the stones to the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising muscles of the leg comprising a frame, a padded sling for engaging the back of the knee, a load and a cable running from the load to the sling over one or more pulleys hung from the frame so that the load loading is applied perpendicularly to the back of the knee as it is straightened. A foot rest aligned with the sling assures that the foot remains planted throughout the movement of the leg except for flexing at the ankle. At least one of the pulleys is adjustable so that legs of different length can be accommodated. The type of load includes weights, an hydraulic cylinder, extension or compression springs and isokinetic mechanisms.

Abstract: A stair stepper device having first and second step plates pivotally mounted relative to a central post includes a handlebar rod mounted to an upper distal end of the central post, with a first post including clamp members permitting selective securement to the handlebar post. The first post includes a second post orthogonally mounted to the first post, with a third post orthogonally oriented relative to the second post and parallel to the first post. A plurality of hook members selectively mount springs, pulleys or elastomeric loops to permit exercise of an individual's arms in association with the leg members. The apparatus is arranged to further include further resistant members to permit varied exercise relative to the stair stepper device.

Abstract: Muscular development of an athlete is achieved for increasing the starting acceleration and stroke speed when an athlete initiates a movement stroke such as a punch from a boxer's arm, throwing a baseball pitch or kicking a football, etc. by the means and method of this invention. Thus, the initial movement of the athlete is restrained with an external force of predetermined magnitude which is released in response to the athlete's movement overcoming the restraining force. Thus, those muscles are developed which are used in initiating motion so that they deliver greater initial acceleration to attain higher stroking speed which is converted to an impact blow of greater force. An exercise machine for such muscular training provides the initial but releasable restraining force by means of two separable magnetically attracted members having the predetermined initial force adjustably varied by introducing a variable air gap distance between the magnetically attracted members.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercise of the temporomandibular joint. The apparatus consists of a maxillary mold attachment means pivotally attached to pins which are inserted to a stationary portion of an actuation device, and a mandibular mold attachment means pivotally attached to pins which are inserted to the traveling portion of an actuation device. The actuation device provides vertical motion to exercise the joint. The attachment means includes extension means including a hollow cylinder and a piston to accommodate the required horizontal displacement of the jaw during opening and closing, the pivot means to accommodate the curvelinear motion of the jaw when opening and closing. A method of therapy using the disclosed device provides improved bite gap for patients undergoing TMJ surgery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-wheeled exercise device that serves to support the feet or legs of the exerciser spaced above an appropriate support surface, in a manner that they can be moved freely along the support surface. The exercise device has a substantially unitary cross member and a pair of wheels rotatably connected thereto, for rotation about an axis extended between the cross member ends. Holding forms on the cross member are laterally spaced apart and between the wheels, to hold the feet of legs just below the knees of the exerciser.

Abstract: A portable pulley exerciser body fitness apparatus is provided and consists of an elongated bar, a pair of pulleys, each affixed to one end of the elongated bar, a cord extending about the pulleys and a pair of handles, each removably affixed to one end of the cord so that a person can grip the handles to do exercises.

Abstract: A leg exercise device for permitting isolated exercises of selected muscle groups of the lower extremity comprising a generally tubular ankle collar or boot having an inner surface conformingly fitted to a user's ankle region. The outer forward facing surface of the ankle boot includes an upturned J-shaped hook member adapted to receive a weight clip member. The weight clip member includes means for retainingly engaging a rod or bar portion of a conventional weight, such as a dumbbell, and is lockable to the hook member of the boot. The boot includes front and back half portions which are hinged together along a first common side and which have an adjustable buckle member for closing the two halves together along their second common side. The front half portion of the boot includes a anti-torsion strap member which is looped under the ball of the user's foot to prevent up and down and side-to-side or torsional movement during use.

Abstract: A support base is arranged to include a plurality of legs retractably mounted within a sleeve that is telescopingly received over leg-receiving slots. The organization includes a telescoping post structure mounting a support arm structure therefrom, with the support arm structure having a container member arranged to include a first and second container shell to receive a rope end therewithin. The organization is arranged to permit rotation of a rope in a jump rope procedure, wherein a modified aspect of the invention includes a plurality of support containers arranged for rotation synchronized relative to one another and displaced one hundred eighty degrees relative to one another.

Abstract: The instant invention comprises a flat bottom surface, a flat posterior surface and two flat pentagonal lateral surfaces all jointed together to form one hollow unit and with a pair of parallel horizontal aperture slits of equal length through which banding is threaded, cut equidistantly from the respective bottom and leading edges of two flat pentagonal lateral surfaces and with a pair of parallel vertical aperture slits of equal length through which a second piece of banding is threaded, cut equidistantly from the respective top and posterior edges of two flat pentagonal lateral surfaces.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for performing one leg squats and the like which includes a bar, apparatus for supporting the bar in a substantially vertical position; and a grip carried on the bar mounted for sliding axial movement on the bar. In other forms of the invention the apparatus for supporting includes mounting structure configured for cooperation with a wall of a room. The apparatus for supporting may comprise as least one v-shaped bracket having an apex and the vertical bar constrained by the bracket at the apex.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a quick release apparatus for a link member to drive assembly connection and particularly for a link member driven by a pedal drive of an exercise apparatus and which, in turn, drives a reciprocable member such as a rotatably mounted handlebar stem on the exercise apparatus.

Abstract: An isokinetic oscillating exercise apparatus which may be used to exercise different muscles by grasping by one hand or two hands centrally-located gripping portions attached to an elongated member and moving or shaking the member back and forth causing the opposite ends of the member to oscillate. The oscillation causes isokinetic exercising of a user's muscles. The gripping portions may be attached to the elongated member by adhesive or screws threaded into sleeves. Telescoping ends may be used to vary the length of the elongated member or the oscillating range of the member. The telescoping ends may be used to significantly reduce the overall length of the elongated member for ease in carrying the apparatus or for storage purposes. The telescoping ends may be small pipes which fit inside a large pipe, or flat elongated strips of metal that slidably engage brackets attached to a flat elongated member.

Abstract: A children's playground or recreational apparatus is provided in which the bottom half of a large world globe is encased in a stationary socket, there being between the surface of said globe and said socket a means for supporting said globe and for producing frictional drag against the globe's surface in order to restrict the globe's potential rotational speed to a manageable limit. A child achieves an erect and balanced stance atop the globe, and by an asymmetrical shift in foot position and/or weight causes the globe to rotate in a desired direction at a desired speed, thus enabling the child to "walk around the world". The globe is provided with a slip-resistant surface, and padding or other protection is provided around the base of the apparatus to attenuate the effects of a fall. The apparatus can be entertaining and recreational, it can develop enhanced balance, coordination and agility, and it can provide a fun means for learning about world geography.

Abstract: A miniature courtyard apparatus provides a slanted lane for rolling a ball. A generally planar plate forms the floor. Legs are mounted to the lower surface of the plate adjacent to the rear edge for elevating the rear edge of the plate at a slope of about ten percent. The wall is fixedly attached to the plate to extend upwardly from the rear edge and a portion of the left and the right edges for preventing a ball rolled on the plate from travelling beyond the associated edges. The plate extends beyond the wall adjacent to the front edge. A bridge or cover is mounted on the wall to extend over the rear edge of the plate between the left and right edges. A bell is suspended from the cover generally centrally between the left and right edges in a position to be contacted by the ball when rolled along the plate upper surface. A resilient fabric covers the front edge of the plate. Canes may be mounted to the sides of the front to provide support to a user. The ball may be tethered to the ramp.

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus including a base; a strut having one end supported by the base; a support retained by a portion of the strut opposite to the one end, the support adapted to project between a golfer's legs and to engage the groin regions thereof; and a rotational coupling allowing rotation of the support means in response to rotational movement of the golfer's hips. This structural combination desirably provides a steady base, allows the hips to pivot around a near vertical axis and keeps the groin area fixed in space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an upper body exercising device for use while jogging, comprising a non-continuous collar for positioning around a user's neck attached by a strap to a lightweight tossing object.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for a skater or similar athlete includes a flexible sheet having a smooth glide surface along which the feet of the exerciser can slide. Bumper assemblies are releasably connected with opposite ends of the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is releasably clamped between a rigid base plate and a main section of a bumper assembly. A ramp section is releasably connected with the main section of a bumper assembly. A resiliently compressible bumper strip is provided on an upwardly sloping side surface of the ramp section to engage the foot of the exerciser. To further absorb forces resulting from enagagement of an exerciser's foot against the ramp section, a pad is provided between the ramp section and the main section of a bumper assembly. A mat extends beneath the flexible sheet and ramp section of a bumper assembly to stabilize the bumper assembly.