Abstract: A frame has a continuous upper surface with a pair of side-by-side elongate openings for receiving foot pedals. Each pedal is hingedly mounted to the frame near the heel. A motor is mounted on the frame for rotating a shaft. A cam is mounted on the shaft for supporting the pedal between the toe and the hinged frame mounting. The cams associated with the pedals extend in radially opposite directions from the shaft so as to produce counter-reciprocating motion in the pedals during shaft rotation. A resistance device, such as a spring, fluid cylinder, shaft brake or motor, provide resistance to downward movement of each pedal during manual operation. One or more switches or other control device is mounted relative to the frame or pedal that is manipulable by a user's foot or hand for controlling operation of the motor.

Abstract: A foot stepper exercise machine is composed of a base (10), two platform elements (20R, 20L) pivotally secured on the base (10), and two resilient elements (30) sandwiched between the base (10) and the corresponding platform elements respectively. The resilient elements (30) provide recoiling force for the platform elements (20R, 20L) and substitute mechanically hydraulic presses so that the structure of the foot stepper is simplified and a user is enabled to selectively operate the foot stepper in different ways while sitting.

Abstract: A weighted cuff comprises a casing, a weight insert received in the casing, and a cylindrical spring clip embedded in the casing, the cylindrical spring clip imparting a desired shape to the casing and defining a slot extending along the length of the casing.

Abstract: A balancing exercise device for an individual, having a flexible hemisphere having a flat circular surface and a hemispherical side surface and being made out of flexible resilient material which will compress when placed under pressure and pair of attachment straps respectively affixed on oppositely disposed sides of the hemispherical side surface and which are connected by connecting members respectively located on each attachment strap so that a body part is held against said flat circular surface when the attachment straps are connected.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for exercising a body part is disclosed as including an attachment structure and a resistance member. The attachment structure is adapted for placement on the body part that is to be exercised. The attachment structure includes a plurality of fasteners positioned at different locations on the attachment structure. The resistance member provides resistance for exercising the body part. The resistance member has a first end and a second end. A resistance member fastener is located proximate the first end of the resistance member and is capable of fastening to at least one of the fasteners located on the attachment structure. The resistance member includes an anchor for removably attaching the second end of the resistance member to an anchor point. An apparatus for exercising a body part may also include a plurality of distinct identifications on the attachment structure for the plurality of fasteners.

Abstract: A shoe sole having a resilient outsole including a weight for applying a larger-than-normal load on the leg muscles. The outsole has a single recess formed on the upper surface thereof and extending in a lengthwise direction from a toe portion to a heel portion of the outsole. The recess has an outline that is similar to the outline of the outsole and a single weight is embedded in the recess. The single weight comprises a mixture of a resilient material and metallic grains and has an outline that is similar to the outline of the outsole. The weight is formed so as to be relatively thin at the toe portion and relatively thick at the heel portion.

Abstract: A swing machine includes a casing having a sliding member movably engaged with a rail and the sliding member is driven by a block eccentrically connected to an output shaft of a motor. A support member is connected to a top of the sliding member. A first protrusion extends from a side of the sliding member and a limitation member located in the casing has a wave-shaped slot in which the second protrusion is movably engaged.

Abstract: An athletic training shoe insert includes particles of heavy material mixed with a flexible porous material and molded into an insole form to fit within a shoe. The particles and the insole form are designed to allow a human foot to be placed comfortably in the shoe and cooperate to substantially increase the weight of the shoe for training purposes. The amount of particles is changeable to change the weight of the athletic shoe. That is, a larger amount of particles can be added to increase the weight of the shoe. Also, additional insoles of particles and flexible porous material can be added to a shoe to substantially increase the weight if desired.

Abstract: An ingenious calf and ankle exerciser for engagement with the lower leg muscle and ankle which consists of a shin support w/protective pad (10), back support (14), a front support w/band brackets (16), and an adjustable sole support (30) affixed together by a pivot mechanism (24) to allow pivotal motion of the framework about substantially the same axis of the joint of the ankle, an adjustable arm (22) and an ankle connector pivot pin mechanism (37) which supports back support (14) and front support w/band brackets (16). The front support w/band brackets is swingably connected to the toe pocket w/band bracket (32) by the desired pressure resistant band (34). Then one would pull the front support w/band brackets upward to their leg and drop the back support arm w/ locking latches (15) down onto the locking catch post (18) locking the Calf Master in position. Once locked in place the, Calf Master provides swinging resistance through a range of the pivotal and lateral motion of the ankle.

Abstract: A foot, leg and lower body exercise system comprising a housing having a generally rectangular configuration. The housing comprises an upper plate and lower plate. There are also two side plates and two end plates there between. The length of the housing is greater than the width of the housing. The width is greater than the height. The housing has two equally configured rectangularly shaped openings in the upper plate. Each of the openings has a slot along each of the long edges of the rectangular shaped openings. There is further provided a pair of foot slides mated to the upper plate and a foot rest mated with rectangular slots of the base plate. The system also comprises a reciprocating mechanism to allow the forward and rearward motion of the foot slides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a body weight driven treadmill, and when the exerciser steps on the treadmill, the exerciser's body weight acts as a loading to tilt the pedal platform upward from the rear back of the treadmill, since the base of the treadmill has a front supporting rod and a rear supporting rod, wherein the radius of the front supporting rod is slightly smaller than that of the rear supporting rod, and the points of contact tangential to the ground are different. Such arrangement can slightly tilt the exerciser's body forward, until it reaches equilibrium and a stable position. When the treadmill is stepped by our legs alternately, the pressing foot will tilt forward, and twist the exerciser's waist. Such body weight driven treadmill is a simple and easy-to-assemble structure and does not occupy much space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sporting and exercising device comprising an upper foot-receiving portion and a lower spring portion. The spring portion comprises an upper spring layer arched upwardly, a lower spring layer arched downwardly, an intermediate, generally flat and substantially elastic elongate member, a first connecting member for interconnecting first ends of the intermediate member, upper spring layer and lower spring layer, and a second connecting member for interconnecting second ends of the intermediate member, upper spring layer and lower spring layer. The intermediate member has two longitudinally spaced apart openings each having a peripheral contour and a needle extending across the opening from the peripheral contour thereof. Resilient shock absorbing bodies each have an annular groove for receiving the peripheral contour of one of the openings and a hole which opens in the annular groove for receiving the corresponding needle.

Abstract: A foot position training apparatus for teaching proper foot position for batting a baseball includes a foot support member formed in the shape of the sole of a shoe. A toe portion is attached to a front edge of the support member and extends upwardly and rearwardly therefrom and defines a space for receiving the toes of a batter's foot and, more particularly, for receiving the toe portion of a batter's shoe. The toe portion restricts vertical movement of a batter's foot when batting a baseball. The apparatus further includes an upstanding wall extending along an outer edge of the support surface between the toe portion and a rear edge for restricting outward lateral movement of a batter's foot when batting a baseball. A plurality of cleats are threadably coupled to a lower surface of the foot support member for selectively engaging a ground surface.

Abstract: A rotatable pedestal for allowing single riders such as a child to use their body weight to cause a rotatable disc seat to rotate over a sloped surface on a support stand. Springs within the stand cause the seat to rotate in an erratic and jumpy manner while the seat goes from a horizontal position to tilted positions of up to approximately 20 degrees and back to a horizontal positions. The pedestal is small enough and light enough to be portable and strong enough for most children up to the age of approximately 12 years old.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out flexion exercises of the calf muscles is disclosed. The present invention provides a calf and foot stretching apparatus wherein the ball, the arch, the plantar fascitis and the heel of the foot conform to a convex curve of a foot plate with a slip resistant surface. While providing for effective stretching, the device provides for performing stretching and exercising in a safe, controlled and comfortable manner due to the design of the apparatus. The curved foot plate is firmly attached to a sturdy and stable support structure that may have means for attaching to a floor. Furthermore, so as to assist in keeping one's balance, the apparatus may have a vertical bar extending from the support structure to a height sufficient for one to hold onto while exercising.

Abstract: There is described a knee exercising device comprising a foot support and a pair of wheels attached to the heel of the foot support, wherein the wheels allow the wearer to exercise their knee while sitting or lying down simply by raising their foot and rolling it forward and backward. There is further provided a detachable cord means which enables a user to use their arms to aid the motion of the knee, particularly when the muscle strength of a leg is insufficient for this purpose.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a therapeutic rocking shoe, provide for the fore and aft reversibility of the shoe relative to the wearer's foot for working different muscle groups of the lower body. Each embodiment has a flat upper or insole surface, with a convex asymmetrically longitudinally curved sole or lower surface. The sole has a greater degree of curvature, i. e., a smaller radius of curvature, at one end than at the other, with the central portion of the sole having an intermediate degree of curvature. This varying curvature produces different effects as a wearer of the shoes rocks forwardly and rearwardly on the shoes, thus exercising various muscle groups in the lower body. The present rocking shoes are easily reversed relative to their longitudinal orientation for the wearer to place either the greater curvature or the lesser curvature of the soles generally beneath the heels of the wearer, as desired.

Abstract: With the Blood Circulation Helper, people can exercise in a confined space, mostly needed while having a long trip in automobile, buses, trains, airplanes. Of course, it can be used any where that people can sit.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a support structure in the form of a boot (10) a primary lever (22) being pivotally mounted adjacent the heel of the boot (10), the primary lever (22) extending downwardly below the sole formation (17) of the boot (10) and being biased away therefrom, by resilient means (38), and a secondary lever (26) being pivotally mounted adjacent the lower end of the primary lever (22) and being biased away from the sole formation (17) of the boot (10) by resilient means (34), the secondary lever (26) being pivotal relative to the first lever (22) towards the sole formation (17) against the biasing force of the resilient means (34), so that upon downward movement of the boot (10) the resilient means will be resiliently deformed storing energy which will assist motion of the boot in the upward direction.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for exercising, strengthening and conditioning the tibial and ankle areas of the leg, shin as comprises a first strap adapted to form a loop around the foot of a user, passing across the underside of the foot in the region of the ball of the foot. A metal ring is slidably attached to the underside portion of the strap to connect to an exercise resistance, such as a pulley system weight rack or an elastic cord. The first strap is held in place with the aid of a second strap extending along each side of the foot and around the heel portion and connecting at each side to the first strap.

Abstract: An exercising device includes a short strap having an interior surface and an exterior surface with a first end and a second end and an intermediate extent. A first pile-type fastener is provided on the interior surface and a second pile-type fastener on the interior surface. A large buckle has parallel end plates with parallel first and second end cross pieces and a central cross piece. The first end cross piece receives the first end. A long strap has a first end constituting a handle. An intermediate extent of the long strap is coupled to the exterior surface of the short strap.

Abstract: A foot lift assist enables a person with foot drop to walk in a nearly normal manner. The foot lift assist comprises an elastic cord anchored at a person's hip by a belt. A foot strap is worn on the foot generally over the toes of the foot. The elastic cord is connected to a ring on the foot strap that is located to the outside of the longitudinal centerline of the foot. The elastic cord then lies completely to the outside of the leg and knee. When the person removes his weight from the foot, the elastic cord exerts an upward force that bends the leg at the knee and hip and that also pivots the foot upwardly about the ankle. The person can then take a step without his toes dragging on the ground. The foot strap may be fully flexible. Alternately, for walking on abrasive surfaces, the foot strap may have a metal plate bonded under a strap. A heel band attached to the plate and looped around the heel helps retain the foot strap on the foot.

Abstract: An improved exercise device including a sole with an upper surface on which a wearer's foot rests and a lower partially ground contacting surface. The sole has a heel, a midfoot, a forefoot and a toe region such that when the heel region lower surface and the forefoot region lower surface are in ground contact, the upper surface does not incline upwards from the forefoot to the heel region. The forefoot lower surface of the sole is generally radiused in a cylindrical curve about the line connecting the mid points of the first and second metatarsal-phalangeal joints of the wearer. When the wearer contracts their calf muscles, the heel section is lifted away from the ground, requiring work against gravity.

Abstract: An athletic training shoe insert includes one or more thin strips of heavy material, such as lead, constructed to fit within a shoe and formed to be spaced apart along the length of the shoe and to extend the width of the shoe. A removable insole is constructed to fit within the shoe and to hold the thin strips in a fixed position within the shoe. The thin strips and the insole are designed to allow a human foot to be placed comfortably in the shoe and cooperate to substantially increase the weight of the shoe for training purposes. The number of thin strips is changeable and the position of the thin strips along the length of the athletic shoe is changeable to change the weight of the athletic shoe. That is, a larger number of thin strips can be added to increase the weight of the shoe. Also, additional insoles and weights can be added to a shoe to substantially increase the weight if desired.

Abstract: A rotating punching assembly used in combination with a variety of punching bag types. The first embodiment of the invention attaches the rotating punching bag assembly to the top of a standing type of punching bag using common nuts and bolts. The rotating punching assembly has cushioned punching pads that revolve around the standing punching bag when struck. The second embodiment is also attached to the top of a standing punching bag, but is attached with a hook and loop fastener arrangement. The third embodiment pertains to the use of the rotating punching assembly with a hanging punching bag, with the assembly being encircled around the hanging punching bag. All three embodiments are designed to revolve around a punching bag and to improve the speed and coordination of the user.

Abstract: A multipurpose exercising apparatus. The apparatus includes a mattress unit formed of a back mattress and a seat mattress, a rack, and a damping unit, wherein the relative angle between the back mattress and the seat mattress being adjustable. The position of the mattress unit is adjustable relative to the rack. The damping unit includes at least one actuating bar, one linking mechanism and one damping force source. By changing the position and/or direction of the mattress, the angle between the back mattress and the seat mattress, and/or the position of the actuating bar, the user can operate the exercising apparatus to exercise different parts of the body in different exercising positions.

Abstract: A springy sports shoe includes a boot which is fastened in the sole to a springy body and an elastic body by a fastening body. The fastening body is formed of an upper body which is fastened to the sole the boot, and of a lower body which is fastened to the springy body. The elastic body is retained by the springy body.

Abstract: A rehabilitation and exercise device for facilitating and limiting motion and biomechanical forces along the horizontal and vertical axes in the saggital, frontal, and transverse planes of the human anatomy. The device consists of an elongated, substantially flat platform with somewhat rounded corners (24). The platform is made of a rigid material to prevent fracturing and bending and is further supported on the bottom surface by central support spines (30) and peripheral support spines (16). The platform provides a decreased slip top surface (10) by utilizing a recessed grid (20). The bottom surface of the platform (12) is configured with a larger diameter central platform attachment extension (28) and smaller diameter peripheral platform attachment extensions (32) which have internal recesses (14) configured at a predetermined set of points to accommodate rigid, somewhat rounded pegs (18) of varying shape and diameter.

Abstract: An athletic training shoe that is designed to simulate beach training (exercising in sand) so as to provide the user with all of the positive effects of beach training which result in improved running speed, vertical jump, pedal agility and quickness. Such benefits are easily understood where greater demands are placed on an athlete's muscles when walking, running, or jumping on a beach as opposed to other common surfaces. The muscles of the lower leg are strengthened and elongated simultaneously as they are put through a broader range of motion. The athletic training shoe is comprised of a highly pliable, foot-receiving member which places the user's foot in an ample depth of sand simulating material contained by a material holding element, positioned specifically under the front portion of the user's foot. This causes the user's weight and momentum to be supported by the muscles of the lower leg and foot that control flexion of the foot and toes.

Abstract: A leg exerciser is provided allowing exercise while the user is seated or stationary. The leg exerciser includes a base member having at least one longitudinally extending track configured to accommodate a foot pad having a plurality of gliders and/or rollers coupled to the bottom of the foot pad and providing a sufficient coefficient of friction to allow the foot pad to smoothly slide within the track. Various alternative configurations provide foldable construction for ease of travel, mounting devices for securing the leg exerciser to a seat, non-removable foot pads and various configurations to provide for variations in travel and/or effort required for movement of the foot pad.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus may be built into a couch or other seating assembly. The seating assembly may have a pair of side structures and a seating area between the side structures. The seating assembly may be a couch having a rear face, a pair of arms and a seating area between the arms sized to seat at least two people. A case is mounted alongside one of the side structures of the seating assembly. A cable is routed through the seat assembly to the case. This cable has one end routed to emerge through the seat assembly for pulling exercises. An adjustable weight is mounted in the case and coupled to the cable. The weight can be lifted in response to pulling of the cable. The adjustable weight is accessible in a region that is spaced from the rear face of the couch to avoid any need for clearance behind the couch in order to gain access to the adjustable weight.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base structure having a central support member secured to a vertically oriented resistance assembly with a resistance member. The apparatus further includes a cable linking the resistance member to a user interface coupled to an end of the cable. A first pulley is pivotally mounted adjacent a lower end of the resistance assembly. The cable passes over the first pulley to direct the cable toward the lower body of an individual using the exercise apparatus. The first pulley also includes a cylindrical member through which the cable passes such that the cable extends substantially along an it axis about which the first pulley pivots.

Abstract: An ankle and hip exercising apparatus for exercising the ankle and hip using dorsi ankle flexion, plantar ankle flexion, ankle rotation, and hip rotation. The user may use unidirectional resistance for strength and range of motion development, or bidirectional resistance to develop proprioception. The foot is held in place by an overshoe having a sole with divots, mating with a shaft having a rounded top. Resistance is provided by elastomeric resistance members such as surgical tubing. The ankle exerciser's base board includes angle measurement indicia to provide feedback for range of motion improvement. A unique combination disc and hemispherical ball support is used to distribute weight which produces stress about the ankle in various areas of the foot. The device may be used while sitting or standing, depending on the type of exercise desired.

Abstract: An ankle rehabilitation device includes a foot platform movably disposed on a support arm coupled to and extending upwardly from a base. The foot platform is configured to pivot along a restricted pivot path configured to limit the user's ankle movement to plantar flexion, inversion and internal rotation in one direction along the restricted pivot path, and dorsi flexion, eversion and external rotation in an opposite direction along the restricted pivot path. A ball and socket type joint is coupled between the foot platform and the support arm, and has an aperture sized and shaped to limit movement of a coupling arm, and thus to limit movement of the foot platform. The device also includes resistance means, such as piston/cylinders, coupled to and between the base and the foot platform, for resisting movement of the foot platform with respect to the base. The piston/cylinder may be oriented transverse to all pivot axes of the foot platform to resist all movement of the foot platform.

Abstract: A portable calf stretcher is provided having a base plate which is arranged to be supported on the ground. A foot plate and an adjustable support plate are pivotally mounted on opposing ends of the base plate. The adjustable support plate is arranged to support the foot plate above the base plate at any one of numerous fixed angles therebetween. A person positions one foot on the foot plate and leans forward for isolating and stretching the corresponding calf muscle. The foot plate is pivoted flat against the base plate in a storage position.

Abstract: An ankle, leg and hip exercising device is disclosed which includes a parabolic-shaped base portion having a foot supporting and retaining portion at the upper end thereof. A plurality of pipe stubs are secured to the device which are adapted to receive weight supports thereon. At least one of the upstanding pipe stubs is designed to have a flexible tubular member positioned therein which extends upwardly therefrom so that the user may either resist the movement of the device in any of its 360° permissible movements, and also enables the user to cause the movement of the device in any of its 360° movements. The foot of the user is securely received in a recessed portion of the foot supporting and retaining portion to positively maintain the user's foot in the proper position. The device of this invention may be used while either sitting, reclining or standing.

Abstract: A shoe, preferably an athletic shoe, with an attachment designed to give people who have just begun an exercise program, and have not yet achieved sufficient flexibility to be able to comfortably touch their toes, something to grab onto that is attached to the toes of their shoes. The attachment consists of two side members that go on each side of the shoe from the toe to the opening for the leg, and a front piece and several cross-pieces connecting the side members, like rungs on a ladder. The side members, front piece and cross-pieces can be sewn together, or cut from one piece of material. The front piece is sewn to the toe of the shoe or otherwise permanently attached. A person using the invention may begin by reaching the cross-piece furthest from the toe, and work his or her way downward, one rung at a time, until they are able to touch their toes. The side members may be removably attached to the shoe by strips of hook and loop fasteners, when the attachment is not in use.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in rehabilitation of a patient with a weight bearing restriction on one or both legs includes a pair of vertically movable horizontally elongated platforms and a pair of corresponding vertically fixed platforms. The movable platforms are connected to a mechanism which applies an upwardly directed preselected force so that as the patient walks with a foot on the movable platform, the movable platform will descend if the patient places a greater weight corresponding to the preselected force. A patient may walk with both feet on movable platforms in which case the weights may be selected for each platform or the patient may walk with one foot on the movable platform and one foot on a fixed platform. The platforms move in a vertical plane arcuately in one embodiment and in a vertical plane linearly in a second embodiment. The weights may be moved relatively to the pivot point and, in addition, the movable platform may be locked in its upward position in this latter embodiment.

Abstract: A rocking-type foot and lower leg exercising apparatus incorporates one or two centrally pivoted pedals mounted upon a base in a position facilitating the placement of the feet of the user upon such pedal or pedals while seated in a chair and rocking of the pedals with the foot positioned upon them to provide a soothing motion that will maintain the tone of the muscles of the legs and encourages blood circulation in the feet and legs. The pivot point of the pedal or pedals may be located at any vertical position between the base and the pedal, but is located longitudinally, between about one fourth to one half of the distance from the end of the pedal or pedals. A motor, solenoid, actuator, or other electrical hydraulic or pneumatic means or any combination thereof may be provided to generate rocking-type motion of the pedals.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus and method of use involving a stationary base member, a freely rotatable rectangular foot support centrally attached to the top surface of the base member and having a width-adjustable foot placement area for positioning an operator's feet in line with his or her shoulders during use, the foot support also having an upper surface that is angled laterally upward from its center; as well as a height-adjustable upper torso support pivotally attached to one end of the base member that remains stationary during use and by which an operator can support his or her upper body in a substantially stationary position while the operator's lower torso and legs are alternatively made to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise.

Abstract: An ankle exercise device having a lower leg section receiving a calf portion of a lower leg of a user and a foot section receiving a foot of the user. The lower leg section is rotatably connected near the heel end of the foot section. A rigid control rod has one end connectable to the foot section and an opposite end held by the user. Thus, as the user successively pushes and pulls the control rod, the foot section is pivoted with respect to the lower leg section, thereby exercising the ankle-foot complex.

Abstract: An exercise device is disclosed for exercising hamstring muscles, adductor/abductor muscles, quadriceps or gluteus maximus muscles of a user. The device includes a base member having a generally flat upper surface portion adapted to receive and support a bottom of a foot of the user. A back member is attached to the base. A heel yoke is attached to the back and is adapted to receive the heel of a foot of the user. A roller arm mechanism is attached to the back and a roller member is attached to the roller arm. The roller member is adapted to contact a top of the foot of the user to secure the device to the foot. Weight plates may be easily attached to and removed from the device to provide a desired resistance for a particular exercise.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a base structure having a resistance assembly and a user support member is disclosed. The apparatus further includes a first user interface pivotally mounted to the base structure for rotation about a first axis at a position allowing an exerciser to comfortably sit upon the user support member, extend a leg and engage the first user interface. The first user interface includes a distal end to which a foot plate is secured and a central pivot which rotates about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The apparatus also includes a cable linking the first user interface to the resistance assembly for the application of resistance as the user rotates the first user interface by extending a foot to exercise the user's calf muscle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for rehabilitating an ankle in which a mobile platform receives a patient's foot. The mobile platform can be moved in six degrees of freedom. The position and orientation of the mobile platform is measured in relation to the fixed platform in six degrees of freedom. The force exerted by the foot against the mobile platform is measured in six degrees of freedom. The measured position and measured force are forwarded to an electronic interface and fed to a programmable computer. The programmable computer determines desired force feedback to be applied by the controller interface to the mobile platform. The desired feedback signal moves the mobile platform to a desired position or applies a desired force or torque to the mobile platform. The rehabilitation system can include simulation of virtual objects which can be moved by the user to simulate an exercise. For example, the virtual reality simulation can include exercises for balance, flexibility and strength.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided for removable attachment to the foot rests of a wheelchair to enable a person sitting in the seat of the wheelchair to exercise at least one of his or her arms and legs. The device includes a base slidably received on the foot rests and an exercising arrangement adjustably mounted on the base to accommodate the physical stature of a person sitting in the wheelchair.

Abstract: A device consisting primarily of two hinged plates with a variable tensioning mechanism. Applied to the foot and lower leg the device provides a progressive stretch for planter fascia, Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle. Enhancements, comprised of an adjustable toe support, adjustable arch support and foot strap enable maximization of stretch for various foot types and conditions. A method of setting tension levels allows for application of protocol and, in conjunction with the use of a system to measure angular displacement of the plates, provides a method of evaluating flexibility and flexibility gains of the plantar fascia/Achilles tendon system.

Abstract: A virtual reality simulation apparatus providing participants with simulations of horizontal walk and walk on slopes and steps with full reality in their feelings in their bodies. The apparatus comprises a walk surface mechanism including a pair of walk plates supporting a participant's feet, a foot bottom-position detecting device for detecting positions of feet-bottoms of the participant moved away from the walk plates, and a walk-plate horizontally-driving device, which horizontally shifts the walk plate, correspondingly to movements of the participant's feet, to cause the foot-bottom to be contacted on the walk plate and keep the participant's trunk in a fixed position. The apparatus has a miniature space and camera mechanism including a miniature space and a camera device which is movable in the miniature space to be placed in a direction imitating a view of the participant and take an image in the miniature space.

Abstract: A footcradle exercise apparatus and footrest having a base structure, a support assembly mounted for rotational movement with respect to the base structure, at least two support rollers mounted for rotational movement with respect to the support assembly, and a support member mounted with respect to said base structure. The two rollers are capable of supporting a base of a foot while the support member supports an Achilles tendon portion of a leg.

Abstract: The exercise device of the present invention has a base having two side members and front member that extends between the side members. At least one truss member extends from the base. A rotatable shaft is positioned on the truss member and a flywheel is mounted on the shaft. A rotatable drive shaft is mounted on the truss member and a first one-way clutch and a second one-way clutch are mounted on the drive shaft. A means is provided for operatively connecting the drive shaft to the rotatable shaft whereby rotation of the drive shaft causes the rotatable shaft to rotate. A pair of arms have a first end that is pivotally mounted on the base and a second end that extends from the base. A foot pad is positioned on the second end of each of the arms. The foot pads are disposed to move in an arcuate path towards and away from the side members of the base and the movement of the foot pads is in a direction that is substantially parallel to the front member of the base.

Abstract: A portable exerciser has a generally planar base for receiving a user's foot to be exercised and at least one resilient fastening member for flexibly fastening the user's foot to the base. The attachment member comprises a bar for attaching the resilient fastening member to at least one location on the base. When the resilient fastening member is attached to the base, it provides resistive force in opposition to movement of the user's foot and permits all of dorsiflexion, inversion and eversion exercise. The exercise apparatus can also include a force-bearing portion of the base so that a user can steady the base against movement with a non-exercising foot.