Abstract: An exercise device has a frame member comprising first and second supporting members, a pulling set and a loading bar. The frame member is provided with an upper roller and a lower roller, and a pulling set comprising an elastic line is placed under the first supporting member. Two front pull handles are disposed adjacent to the upper roller, and two rear pull handles are disposed adjacent to the lower roller. Therefore, a user can hold the two front pull handles or the rear pull handles with both hands to pull the elastic line for upper body stretching. The loading bar is connected to an outer tube and an inner tube between the first the supporting member and the second supporting member. The loading bar supports below the seat cushion and increases the load capacity of the frame member, thereby preventing the frame member from deforming.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for exercising a body part from any angle with variable resistance while taking up minimal floor space. The apparatus improves the ability of athletes, including football players and wrestlers, to better prepare for contact from any angle while engaged in their sport. The apparatus includes a ring having a guide track therein. A first end of a resistive band may be received by and wrapped around the guide track while encompassing a source of resistance at another end. The source of resistance may be other gym equipment including a pulley. Alternatively, the guide track may be on an inner surface of a stationary outer ring configured to receive a bearing disposed on an outer surface of a rotatable inner ring. The inner ring may include an inflatable bladder disposed along its inside to provide a perfect fit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for exercising muscles of a body part, especially the neck, waist, torso, legs, and glutes from any angle with variable resistance while taking up minimal floor space. The apparatus improves the ability of athletes, including football players and wrestlers, to better prepare for contact from any angle while engaged in their sport. The apparatus includes a ring having a guide track therein. Another inner ring may also be provided in different sizes and shapes to accommodate a variety of users. A car connected to a source of resistance rides freely along the guide track. The source of resistance may be other gym equipment including a bungee cord, a cable cross over machine, springs, and the like. As the user freely exercises by moving the body part the car adapts to the user's position to facilitate a full range of motion.

Abstract: A fall protection device for trampolines includes at least one rope which is preferably substantially non-resilient and can be connected to a user of the trampoline. At least one tautening device is provided for holding the rope taut when the fall protection device is in use. Also provided is at least one device for limiting the rope extension.

Abstract: An unweighted therapy, exercise and training device includes a device frame including a device frame base having a treadmill space sized and configured to accommodate a treadmill platform of a treadmill, an upper frame portion carried by the device frame base and having a frame interior and a pelvic suspension saddle and brace assembly having a saddle carried by the device frame and disposed in the frame interior.

Abstract: A portable anchor for use in a fall arrest protection system. The anchor comprises a base for abutment to a solid support structure, a post extending perpendicular from the base, at least one attachment point connected to the post for receiving a connector, and a rod adapted to be inserted through a central bore through the base and post. The rod has an anchoring section at a first end of the rod for frictionally engaging a portion of the solid support structure and a locking section in the vicinity of a second end of the rod for reversibly securing the rod to the post. Also disclosed is a fall arrest protection system that includes the portable anchor described above. Furthermore, a method of attaching the portable anchor to a solid support structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A traction exercise apparatus comprises a rectangular shaped metal frame including a pair of metal vertical members, a metal horizontal member on a bottom side, and a pair of metal horizontal members on a top side. A first rotating metal shaft and a second rotating metal shaft are located across the pair of metal horizontal members. Further a pair of ankle braces is attached to a snap hook. A cable pulley on each side of the first rotating metal shaft supports a first metal cable attached to the snap hook. A first cable reel on each side of second rotating metal shaft supports the first metal cable. A second cable reel on each side of the second rotating metal shaft supports a second metal cable attached to a hand grab bar. Second rotating metal shaft rotates to transmit a tension to the first metal cable to perform different traction exercises.

Abstract: A traction device for use in surgery is disclosed with the traction device being secured to one side of a surgical table. The traction device includes one or more traction lines which include a line-tensioning device at one end thereof and a connector at the other end thereof for attachment to the limb of a patient undergoing surgery. A tension meter is associated with each of the traction or lines with the tension meter being connected to a readout which indicates the tension or traction force being imposed in the traction line. The traction device may be used for patients undergoing shoulder surgery or other types of limb surgery.

Abstract: The invention relates to medicine and is used for forcedly modifying a human posture and producing an increased load on a locomotion apparatus. The inventive device comprises shoulder, pelvic, knee and foot supports which are connected to each other by loading elements each of which is embodied in the form of an inextansible strip and an avoid of residual deformation elastic rod fixed thereto. Said device also comprises a support arranged on the thoracic surface of the body which is connected to the shoulder supports with the aid of self-fixing buckles, thereby forming a vest which tightly embraces a patient body. The pelvic support is embodied in the form of shorts. Said thoracic and pelvic supports are provided with load strips which are sewed therein and provided with buckles for fixing said thoracic and pelvic supports to each other. The knee supports are embodied in the form of a binder in such a way that it tightly embraces a knee-joint area, the upper quarter of a leg and the lower quarter of a hip.

Abstract: A trainer for tap swing and giant swing training (collectively, “giant maneuvers”) on a high bar comprises an engagement rotatably coupled to the high bar, a cantilever affixed to the engagement, an upper support member joined at an obtuse angle to the cantilever, a lower support member pivotally coupled to the upper support member, a foot grasp joined to the lower support member at a location remote from the pivotal coupling to the upper support member, and a safety harness coupled to at least one of the upper support member and the lower support member proximate to the pivotal coupling.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with gymnastics equipment having a bar which is held by a gymnast, the apparatus including: one or more sleeves surrounding at least a portion of the bar and rotating relative to the bar while the gymnast holds an outer portion of the one or more sleeves; at least one harness for securing around at least a portion of a torso of a gymnast; and one or more straps fixed at a first end to the harness and to the one or more sleeves at a second end; wherein the one or more sleeves have one or more slots for accepting the second end of the one or more straps.

Abstract: A trainer for tap swing and giant swing training (collectively, “giant maneuvers”) on a high bar comprises an engagement rotatably coupled to the high bar, a cantilever affixed to the engagement, an upper support member joined at an obtuse angle to the cantilever, a lower support member pivotally coupled to the upper support member, a foot grasp joined to the lower support member at a location remote from the pivotal coupling to the upper support member, and a safety harness coupled to at least one of the upper support member and the lower support member proximate to the pivotal coupling.

Abstract: The purpose of the safety and assistance strap is to securely suspend and also to provide quick height adjustment of dumbbells, barbells and exercise equipment to a specific height appropriate for the user prior to usage, beginning an exercise, and throughout the exercise acting as a safety device. As important is the finish and release of the equipment after the exercise whereby the safety assistance strap or SAS will prevent over extending. It is adjustable in heights in three large increments as well as numerous smaller increments. The present invention allows the user to quickly adjust the height, with one hand in large or small increments, without the need to remove the weight. It has a top end, which loops around horizontal supports and secures itself to a clasp upon the strap. The SAS has additional connection members at equal distances for quick height adjustment and a lower clasp at the end for the suspended exercise equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising and supporting an upper limb includes two support modules connected on the first side by a rigid connecting piece. Both support modules have a frame, with a support plate fixed to their upper part. An exercising part is removably attached to the support plate of the first support module. An upper arm support part is articulated in the support plate and an actuator actuates the support part relative to the support plate. The frames of the support modules can be fitted immediately underneath the shoulder joints, the other upper limb being supported on the support plate in such a way that the upper limb exerts a force on the rigid connecting piece. The first upper limb is supported on the exercising part so that the weight of the upper limb exerts a force on the rigid connecting piece, the forces being balanced by the connecting piece.

Abstract: A child activity device for entertaining and promoting activity in a child is disclosed. The child activity device is configurable between a use and storage position and may also include a frame providing bouncing motion for a child. The activity device includes a support frame extending vertically upwards from a lower end proximate to a support surface and terminating at an upper end, a supporting portion, and may further include a seat, coupled to the supporting portion, that is rotatable about a first axis relative to the support frame to allow a child placed in the seat to rotate about the first axis. A coupling assembly is also disclosed. The coupling assembly secures the supporting portion to the support frame upper end and permits rotation of the supporting portion about a second axis for configuring the seat and supporting portion in a storage position. An activity device with foldable support legs is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a child to walk comprises a handlebar including a first handle having a grip portion. A pair of second handles each have a grip portion substantially coplanar with one another. The second handles are connected to and extend laterally outwardly from the first handle. The first handle and the second handles together define a space disposed laterally inwardly of the second handles sized to accommodate a child's head. A harness includes a loop for surrounding the torso of a child, and a connector for coupling the loop to the handle.

Abstract: An exercise device for allowing a user to perform functional tasks during training or exercise. The exercise device has a housing and a harness assembly adapted to be worn by the user. The harness assembly is located substantially within the housing. The exercise device also has at least one biasing member. The biasing member has a longitudinal length, a first end, and a second end. The biasing member is further in cooperation with the harness assembly at its first end and with the housing at its second end.

Abstract: A waist exerciser includes a casing supported on two support posts and two blocks are rotatably connected to two ends of a shaft in the casing. A locking member is movably received in each of the blocks and has a plurality of first holes. Each of the blocks has a plurality of second holes which are located in alignment with the first holes. A belt has two ends which of which has a pin for inserting in the aligned first hole and second hole. Each of the pins has a groove and a periphery of the first hole is movably engaged with the groove so as to prevent the pin from disengaging from the holes.

Abstract: The invention provides improved climbing devices and structures for use in mobile and fixed climbing installations. Modular climbing towers are generally assembled from panels having lateral curves by fastening upper and lower flanges of the panels together. The panels and flanges are integrally molded from fiberglass, and act as a monocoque structure. The climbing surface is on the radially outward portion of the partially or fully enclosed tower, thereby increasing the number of climbers that can safely be accommodated on a climbing surface of a given width. The invention also provides belaying devices for safely supporting a climber at the end of a flexible member such as a cable, rope, or the like. These belaying devices generally draw in the flexible member as the climber climbs. When the climber falls or completes the climbing route, the belay device supports the climber's weight, slowly and safely lowering the climber down to the ground.

Abstract: A transportable offloading weight apparatus for supporting a portion of a patient's weight undergoing gait training is provided. The offloading weight apparatus employs a resilient suspension system to reduce the amount of weight borne by a patient. The offloading weight apparatus includes a frame having a connection linkage, a rope routed in the frame through a pulley system, a resilient cord that is attached to the frame at one end and connected to the connection linkage through one end of the rope, a harness support assembly secured to another end of the rope and a tension adjustor for applying tension to the resilient cord.

Abstract: A suspended motor-skill training apparatus comprises a substantially solid and weighty main body member defining in horizontally surrounding relation a hollow central region open for vertical passage therethrough and sized to permit the legs and pelvis of a trainee to pass therethrough. The main body member has left and right forwardly disposed attachment points and a rearwardly disposed attachment point defining a geometric center disposed within the hollow central region, and a center of gravity disposed substantially centrally between and rearwardly of the left and right forwardly disposed attachment points. Strap members connect the attachment points to a suspension mechanism mounted on an elevated support structure. A seat depends from the main body member such that the pelvic area of a trainee is received by the seat below the main body member and such that the center of gravity of the trainee is at an elevation adjacent or below the main body member.

Abstract: A trampoline system including a trampoline having a frame and an adjustable support for supporting a user of the trampoline. The support includes a tower adjustable to the dimensions of the frame and a harness attached to the tower for carrying the user. The height of the tower adjusts to accommodate the size of the user.

Abstract: A counterbalancing assembly reduces the weight of an exercising person by pulling the exercising person upwardly. The counterbalancing assembly includes a monolithic support structure which is secured to a base. A cantilever support extends out from the top of the monolithic support structure. A cable extends from the top of the monolithic support structure, down through a linear actuator, and back up through the monolithic support structure to the cantilever support. The cable extends down from the end of the cantilever support to a position suitable for an exercising person to comfortably exercise on a piece of exercising equipment. A spring at the fixed end of the cable provides an unloading force accommodating to the exercising patient movement and dampens sudden movements created by the exercising person. A linear actuator is used to adjust the length of the cable extending down from the cantilever support and to tension the spring.

Abstract: A rebound-type exercise device is provided which allows an individual to perform a sit and bounce exercises. The exercise device includes a support frame which supports a seat assembly by means of four springs. The support frame includes a pair of laterally spaced apart side support frames which are interconnected by a head tube. Each side support frame includes a generally horizontal ground-engaging base tube, a rearwardly disposed, generally vertical strong tube extending upwardly from the base tube, and a generally L-shaped arm which interconnects a front portion of the base tube with the upper end of the strong tube.

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: A frame for hanging exercise equipment includes a base having front and rear sides and opposite ends for resting on a floor. The base is further equipable with inclineable end extensions. Crossing first and second overhead supports have generally horizontal bars connecting vertical legs which are attached to the base sides in the case of the first support and the ends in the case of the second support. Fixed and slideable types of anchors are disposed on the supports for pivotally hanging exercise equipment. Horizontal guide bars are demountably attached between a pair of cross members which are height adjustably mounted on the legs of the first overhead support. The distance from the legs of the first overhead support to each horizontal guide bar is also adjustable. The guide bar ends are mounted to a tubular slide which slides over the end of the cross member. The slide can be selectively secured by a removable pin to any one of a plurality of spaced apart mounting holes in the cross member.

Abstract: The portable baby swing of the invention is arranged for the ease of transport and storage, to include a support shaft having first and second sets of telescoping leg sections extensible at opposed ends therefrom, with third and fourth telescoping leg sections pivotally mounted about the support shaft adjacent respective first and second leg sections, with strap structure arranged to secure the sections together when the telescoping legs of each telescoping leg section are extended. The support swing structure provides for a flexible bag member having support straps extending therefrom about the support shaft.

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: An apparatus for exercising the muscles surrounding the cervical spine of a person, comprising: a belt adapted to be secured about the waist of a person, and including frontal and posterior portions; a pair of suspenders connecting at their frontal ends of opposing frontal portions of the belt, extending over opposing shoulders of the person, and connecting at their posterior ends to opposing posterior portions of the belt; a chin cup adapted to fit around the person's chin; a head band adapted to fit around the person's head and including frontal and posterior portions; a first elastic strap adapted to provide a tensile load between the chin cup and the frontal portion of the belt; and a plurality of elastic straps adapted to provide tensile loads between the frontal portion of the head band, across the person's head, and the posterior portion of the belt or suspenders.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising the muscles surrounding the cervical spine of a person in an isokinetic manner, comprising: a headband adapted to fit around the person's head; a breast plate; a back plate; at least one strap adapted to hold the breast plate and back plate in position on the person's body; a belt adapted to fit around the person's lower torso and lower back, wherein the belt is coupled to the breast plate or back plate; a lumbar belt adapted to fit around the person's waist; a plurality of adjustable non-elastic straps with isokinetic tensioners adapted to provide tensile loads between the headband and the breast and back plates; a plurality of adjustable elastic straps adapted to provide tensile loads between the headband and the breast and back plates; and a plurality of adjustable elastic straps adapted to provide tensile loads between the breast and back plates and the lumbar belt.

Abstract: An infant walking trainer includes a handle and a body harness suspended from the handle. The harness supports an infant in an upright walking stance when the handle is held overhead the infant.

Abstract: An amusement ride for slingshotting and bouncing humans with bungee cords. The ride is similar to a bungee jump, except that two separate bungee cords are used, and the jumper (rider) starts on the ground. The ride keeps most of the thrilling sensations of bungee jumping, but reduces or eliminates many of the dangers, including hitting the ground, swinging into a tower, and getting tangled in the cords. The slingshot ride consists of two elevated supports (10). In between the two elevated supports is a carrier (24). Two spring members (12) connect the carrier to the top of both supports (picture the letter "M"). A rider is strapped into the carrier that is secured to the ground with a release mechanism (28). The two springs are stretched with a tensioning mechanism (22). The release mechanism is triggered by the operator, and the rider is shot up into the air. The strapped-in rider bounces up and down about four times before being lowered to the ground.

Abstract: A freestanding exercise and gymnastics training machine allows improved control and balance when doing ring exercises. The exercise and gymnastics training machine comprises a first block and tackle pulley system and a second block and tack system which together suspend a body harness from a freestanding support frame. Accordingly, a user of average strength wearing the body harness can utilize a mechanical advantage afforded by the block and tackle systems to lift and/or support his/her body weight to remain at least partially suspended from the freestanding support frame. While suspended or partially suspended, the user can perform various exercises to improve conditioning, to increase strength and/or to do gymnastics training. In some embodiments, the exercise machine further comprises a footrest attachment, a bench attachment, a pull-up bar attachment, and/or a parallel bar attachment.

Abstract: A gymnastic spotting belt apparatus for being buckled about the waist of a gymnast and for being clipped to a pair of spotting ropes. The belt apparatus includes at least four D-rings such that the belt apparatus may be used by either children or adults. Each of the D-rings includes a slot compartment having a height generally the same as the width of the belt to prevent the belt and D-rings from axially twisting relative to each other. The belt apparatus still further includes an elongate pad between the belt and the gymnast and running to each of the sides of the gymnast from the back of the gymnast for cushioning the belt relative to the gymnast and for supporting the back of the gymnast. The belt apparatus further includes a buckle which may be quickly tightened but which is resistant to unintended loosening or release.

Abstract: An infant walking aide device which helps an adult to assist a small child or toddler in learning to walk. A fully adjustable harness is supported by a crossbar which is held by the adult. The harness has straps which fit over the child's shoulders, under the child's crotch, around the child's waist, and across the child's upper back. The crossbar and suspending straps clip to the harness for easy attachment and release. The suspending straps are adjustable in length to accommodate various carrying configurations. The crossbar is width adjustable and may be grasped by either one or two adults. In addition, the crossbar is curved so that it can be placed over an adult's head and supported by the adult's neck and shoulders. Finally, a safety strap or tether attaches between the harness and the adult for use as either a leash or a safety tether providing added security.

Abstract: An orthopedic back harness is provided for alleviating muscle and back pains. The harness is comprised of a wide flexible belts having some degree of stiffness and substantial padding. The belt is fitted above the breast and under the arm pits of the user in such a manner that when connected to an elevated support, such as a ceiling, the weight of the user is borne by the belt and pads under the arms at the arm pit area. Padding sections on the belt provide a thickness such that the user can support upper portions of the arms on the belt to share the body load upon the back. A second belt may be fitted around the waist of the user and connected to the upper wide belt by flexible straps to share the weight load of the user. When the body of the user is fully supported by the aforementioned belts, strain and tension on the back and back muscles can be used to alleviate back and back muscle pains and soreness.

Abstract: A gymnastic training device has a conventional training belt adapted to support a gymnast at the waist. A pair of elongated resilient supporting assemblies are attached to opposite sides of the training belt and are comprised of bungy cords which can be selectively added or removed with respect to the assemblies to adjust the resilient capabilities thereof. A pulley support means including a pair of laterally positioned pulleys and at least one elevated pulley are supported over the normal position of the training belt by either a self-standing frame or by a frame assembly attached to the ceiling of a building. A first cable has a center portion and opposite ends with the opposite ends being secured to each of the free ends of the elongated resilient supporting assemblies.

Abstract: An aerial exercise assembly is provided which enables human users to achieve bounding, swinging and flipping exercise movements and comprises a set of swing members such as straps that extend downwardly from a support and which may be coupled to a single strap or rope for hoisting the user to a desired exercise position. A pair of elongate elastic members having multiple elastic strands establish elastic connection between the swing members and a pair of support straps. Extension of the elastic members is limited by safety cables to limit downward movement of the support straps to enhance the safety of the apparatus. Foot engaging elements, which may be loops or one or more foot boards, are provided at the lower ends of the support straps for stabilized engagement with the feet of the user. A pelvic harness is positionable about the pelvic region of the user and is provided with a pair of harness pivot straps that enable lateral positioning and 360.degree.

Abstract: An infant walking aid (20) is provided for supporting an infant contained therein during a training exercise. The infant walking aid (20) is adapted to be grasped in one hand of an operator and allows the operator to maintain control. A harness mechanism (22) encloses and supports an infant. The harness mechanism (22) defines an interior envelope within which the infant is at least partially located. A first bar member (12) adapted to be grasped by an operator is secured to an upper section of the harness mechanism (22). A second bar member (13) is flexibly secured to the harness mechanism (22) and is adapted to be grasped by the infant during a training exercise for providing support. Second bar member (13) is located external to the interior envelope of the harness mechanism (22) and is displaceable with respect thereto by the infant during the training exercise.