Abstract: A stretch therapy apparatus is disclosed which provides for enhanced physical fitness as well as rehabilitation and medical treatment. The stretch therapy apparatus includes both a leg stretching component and an arm and back stretching component. The leg stretching component allows the user to easily and safely separate his or her legs by 180.degree. or more using hand crank or motorized mechanisms. Sliding leg deck construction reduces the pressure on the user's knees during leg stretching exercises. The arm and back stretching component allows the user to maintain his or her arms and back muscles in a fully extended position without applying undue force during stretching. The arm and back stretching component includes a platform on which the user is seated and a stretching pole which can be selectively oriented in three dimensional space relative to the user's waist.

Abstract: A self-assistive shoulder stretching and rotation machine for physical therapy of the shoulder wherein a supine person's forearm is secured to a forearm support that is attached to a horizontal support such that the forearm support may be moved in a 90.degree. arc from vertical in either the left or right direction by the supine person's pulling on a rope. One end of the rope is attached to each side of the forearm support such that a continuous loop is formed. The loop is supported on one side by passing it through pulleys or eyelets attached to a vertical support at one end of the horizontal support. The patient lies in a supine position securing one forearm to the forearm support. When the patient pulls near one end of the rope, the forearm support may be moved in as much as 90.degree. or more to one direction. When the person pulls on the opposite end of the rope, the forearm support is moved back through the vertical position, 90.degree. or more in the opposite direction.

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: The leg stretching device includes a slidable foot supporting plate mounted on a pair of rails extending between a pair of blocks. A person straddles one end of the device, places a foot on the plate, and obtains the desired stretch by urging the plate toward the other end.

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 exercise and stretching apparatus including a base, a pair of adjustable vertical uprights, and a cross-bar extending the uprights. The ends of the upper transverse bar are pronged and engage a movable retainer on each of the uprights. A handle and a rotatable bearing or releasable grip on each adjustable retainer helps raise or lower the cross-bar. The apparatus further includes a hinged, collapsible platform which may overlie or form part of the base.

Abstract: This invention is a leg stretcher with a frame having a seat mounted thereon. A pair of leg platforms are hingedly mounted on opposite sides of the seat with removable hinge pins so that the platforms can be quickly connected and disconnected from the seat. A vertically disposed hydraulic jack is mounted on the frame below the seat. A vertically disposed lift beam is mounted on the hydraulic jack with rollers on the end thereof for engaging a block on the underside of each of the leg platforms so that as the jack raises the beam, the outer ends of the leg platforms will be raised toward a more horizontal position with smooth rolling contact between the wing blocks and the rollers. Elongated handles are connected at one end to the release valve and pump arm of the hydraulic jack with the other ends being disposed adjacent the seat so that the person using the leg stretcher can manipulate the hydraulic jack upwardly and downwardly while sitting on the seat.

Abstract: A neck exercising and manipulating device, for stimulating the range of motion of the intervertebral joints of the neck in several directions is in the form of a strap with loops at each end for gripping in the hands. In the middle of the strap is a padded central portion with a high friction surface on one side, for engaging against the back of the neck at various levels depending on the joints to be stimulated. A series of different stimulating exercises are disclosed, for improving the range of motion and comfort of the cervical spine as well as other exercises.

Abstract: An apparatus to relieve back and leg pain comprising a housing with fasteners for mounting the housing to a ceiling. A pair of cable lines extend downwardly from the housing, while a foot support is affixed to the lower ends of the cable lines. A mechanism is for controlling the vertical movement of the foot support by raising and lowering the cable lines. A person can lie down on their back upon a horizontal surface under the ceiling adjacent the foot support and place their feet upon the foot support when lowered. The foot support can be raised to assist in easing the back and leg pain the person is suffering from.

Abstract: A ramped and horizontal stretching bench for relieving spinal and muscle conditions contributing to back pain. More particularly a stretching bench that has moveable and adjustable settings for increasing the effectiveness of such relief. An arm brace and hand grip assembly is located under a horizontal bench portion that receives and supports a user's upper torso. The arm brace is readily adjustable as stretching exercises are on-going and without the user leaving the bench proper. Additional bench adjustments provide an individualized height setting, and these combined adjustments allow the bench to be personalized for each given individual in order to increase the effectiveness of certain on-the-bench stretching activities.

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: Method and apparatus are provided for stretching tight muscles. The apparatus includes a base; a leg carriage pivotally mounted at one end to the base and adapted to receive and hold at least one leg of a user during use of the device; and a drive motor for causing the leg carriage to pivot at the one end relative to the base and cause the opposite end of the carriage to alternately raise and lower to thereby stretch the leg of the user.

Abstract: A back stretching invention that consist of a vertical main tube (11) that is fitted with a rib (12) and is fixed to the wall via plate (15). Located on the main tube (11) is a slider (17) that moves vertically on said tube to raise and lower handle tube (22). The handle tube (22) is were the uses grasps with their hands and hangs, stretching their spine, strengthening their muscles.

Abstract: A stretching machine provides a structural framework upon which a user can perform a series of assisted stretching exercises. The framework includes a number of restraint points where the user can be positioned and stabilized, and a motor-driven tractive line that slowly and safely applies a stretching motion to the user.

Abstract: An exercising machine for the back which is simple, compact, economical and suited for home use includes a base which is constructed to lie flat on the floor. Included in this base is a seat upon which the user sits while leaning back against a pivoting arm. The pivoting arm has a resistance device which provides resistance to backward motion so as to work the muscles of the back. The pivoting arm is shaped to lie down flat when not in use, in a space defined by the base, creating a compact, substantially rectangular unit which is easy to handle and store.

Abstract: According to the invention, a stretching machine is provided that can be used both for physical therapy/rehabilitation and for physical fitness. The stretching machine includes both an arm and back stretching component and a leg, thigh, and calf stretching component. The arm and back stretching component includes a mechanism for allowing the user to sit and fully extend his arms either directly above his head, directly in front of his torso, or at any angle therebetween. In addition, the arm and back stretching component can be pivoted to an angular orientation with respect to the user's waist, thereby allowing different muscle groups to be stretched. The leg, thigh, and calf stretching component includes a pair of leg supports which when moved apart holds the user's legs in a spread orientation for a period of time to stretch the muscles.

Abstract: A body exercising and stretching mat having a resilient surface. The mat folds into several sections along a hinge line for easy storage. The mat has a plurality or stations arranged on the mat. One or more handles or grips may be selectively inserted into the stations. The user sits on the mat and reaches outwardly to grasp the handles to provide stability and to provide a progressive measure of exercise progress. The mat may also be used with a toe bar which is positionable to assist the user in doing other types of exercises such as sit-ups. Elastic bands may be attached to either the toe bar or at selected stations for additional stretching and exercising capability.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a base and a transmission device. The base is provided with a plurality of support frames, one of which is provided with two locking shafts. The transmission device is mounted pivotally on the base and composed of movable support, transmission support, adjustment support, rest pad, leg pad, and elastic element. The user of the apparatus is capable of doing exercise for building the muscles of arms and legs.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for stretching tendons, muscles and associated soft tissues of human joints. The apparatus includes a generality planar frame having two sides, two ends, a lower surface adapted to be supported by a ground support surface and an upper surface. An elongated upright support has a first end which is secured to the frame so that the second end of the upright support extends generally vertically upwardly from the frame. At least one pulley is secured adjacent the upper end of the upright support. Thereafter, an elongated cord has one end adapted to be secured to the limb of a human user and this cord extends through the pulley. The human user, by pulling on the cord, stretches the limb of the human user in the desired fashion. By attaching the cord to different limbs and assuming different positions, the human user can stretch his or her tendons, muscles and associated soft tissues of numerous joints and a numerous stretching positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretching the span of a hand includes a base member and a pair of spaced pegs; one peg for engaging the first metacarpal and one peg for engaging the fifth metacarpal of the hand. The pegs are mounted for relative adjustment in the base member. More particularly, the peg for engaging the first metacarpal is received in a straight guide way or slot extending through the base member. The second peg for engaging the fifth metacarpal is received in an arcuate guide track or slot extending through the base member in an arc about the first peg. Graduations are provided to identify relative positions along the guide way and guide track. A method for stretching the span of a hand includes engaging the hand between the first and second metacarpals with a first peg and between the fourth and fifth metacarpals at a spaced stretching distance with a second peg. Next is repeatedly pressing the hand against the pegs to provide stretching.

Abstract: Muscle stretching apparatus characterized in that it comprises a support structure (3) mounted so as to pivot on a frame (1) by means of a pin (2), this support (3) being provided with means (5.sub.1, 5.sub.2) for supporting the two legs of the user, these means being mounted on the support by means of pivot pins (4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, which are perpendicular to the pin (2) on which the support (3) pivots on the frame (1), this frame including a support platform of adjustable height, the arrangement of the three rotation pins (2, 4.sub.1 and 4.sub.2) making it possible to position the physiological joint axes of the individual in alignment with the pins of the machine, regardless of the movement performed and the morphology of the individual.

Abstract: An exercise and stretching apparatus including a base, a pair of adjustable vertical uprights, and a cross-bar extending the uprights. The ends of the upper transverse bar are pronged and engage a movable retainer on each of the uprights. A handle and a rotatable bearing or releasable grip on each adjustable retainer helps raise or lower the cross-bar. The apparatus further includes a hinged, collapsible platform which may overlie or form part of the base.

Abstract: A joint device is provided for treating a patient who is unable to flex and extend an arm, leg or other jointed member through its normal range of movement about the patient's joint. The joint device includes two extending sidearms. Each sidearm is secured by a sleeve, cast, brace or the like to the patient's limb so that the sidearms are on opposite sides of the afflicted joint. The joint device pivotally connects the two sidearms, and includes a selectively actuated one-way clutch which allows movement in one direction while inhibiting it in the other.

Abstract: A wall mounted leg exercise device has a beam pivoted intermediate its ends to a hub assembly that is vertically adjustable on the wall. One end of the beam has an ankle retaining cuff for the user's leg. The other end opposite said one end relative the pivot axis of the hub carries a hand grip so the user can steady himself as he performs at least three leg exercising kicks.

Abstract: A leg muscle stretching and conditioning device in the form of a belt made from flexible material, and a pad member having a slot through which the belt is passed. The pad member is slidable along the belt and preferably includes a plurality of alternating ridges and grooves along its lower surface to permit the pad member to be slidable over a wide variety of surfaces. In use, the user applies one foot on the belt to hold the belt in position and to prevent movement of the belt in a direction along the belt longitudinal axis. The other foot of the user is placed on the pad member so that the user's heel is received within a recess formed on the top surface of the pad member. This foot is moved to convey the pad member along the belt and support surface employing the frictional force between the pad member lower surface and the surface over which the pad member is moved to insure stability during performance and to guarantee gains achieved.

Abstract: A method for using a device or activating the circulation of the lymphatic system in the legs of a user (100), is described. The device includes coil springs (26, 28) mounted on ends (16A, 16B) of cross shaft or arm (16) and supporting stirrups (30, 31) for the heel of the user in a sitting position. To activate the circulation of the lymphatic system, the heels of the user are first inserted into the supporting stirrups. Next, the user applies a downward force on the stirrups with the heels and finally, the user releases the downward force of the stirrups. The springs are constructed so that the legs of the user are moved in a vertically oscillating direction without significant exercise of the leg muscles and is particularly adapted for users who are unable to participate in normal activity due to age, illness or accident.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a pair of parallel tracks each having a shaft disposed in the middle portion, a pair of parallel poles slidably engaged on the shafts, springs biasing the poles away from each other, a pair of slides slidably engaged on the tracks, a number of elastic bands having one end fixed to each of the slides and the other end fixed to the tracks. The elastic bands are arranged such that the poles move toward each other against the springs when the slides are moved away from each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for flexing a knee capsule of a human body which contains a device for grasping a foot, a thigh strap, a first line cord, and a second line cord, a handle, and eight separate guides for guiding line cord is disclosed. This device may readily be used by a patient to rehabilitate a damaged knee capsule.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a post extended upward from a base, a track laterally supported on the base, a pair of foot pedals slidably disposed on the track, four pulleys disposed on the base, and an elastic band engaged over the pulleys and having two ends coupled to the foot pedals respectively. The foot pedals are movable sidewise against the elastic band in order to simulate skiing exercise.

Abstract: An apparatus for flexing a foot of a human body, comprising means for grasping a foot, a first female buckle assembly, a second female buckle assembly, line cord, and ten separate means for guiding the line cord is disclosed. This apparatus allows a patient to rehabilitate an injured foot.

Abstract: A plurality of leg straps are arranged for securement about an individual's legs to permit manual manipulation of the legs to enhance circulation for individuals lacking control of their lower limbs. The strap members include cooperative fastening surfaces for securement about the lower limbs, with each strap member having a top surface loop, with each top surface loop interconnected by a connecting belt. The connecting belt permits ease of manual manipulation upon grasping the belt and manipulation of each limb.

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 device for moving, repositioning, rehabilitating and exercising a leg that has been immobilized by injury, illness, surgery or general infirmity. The device comprises a single length of firm and non-stretchable tubing made of lightweight porous material reinforced by an inner core running through its hollow center and encased at both ends by a hand grip consisting of a protective non-slip covering, and encased in the middle of the length of the tube by another like section of non-slip covering to minimize slippage of a foot placed on it for movement of the leg. In operation, a user places the middle portion of the device under the sole of her foot and exerts control over the position of the leg by pulling both ends of the device, thus maneuvering the foot and leg in the desired direction. Because of its lightweight characteristics, the invention is easy to operate and also provides a tool that can be utilized for simple toning exercises for the legs and arms of its user.

Abstract: An exercise device and method to exercise the wrist and hand of a person at the work station on a desk surface includes a base with a curved bottom surface with front and rear upper horizontal members, the front with finger rings to receive the ends of the digits of the middle fingers while resting the wrist on the rear horizontal member. Upper sections of the base are separate and are rotatably adjustable to fix a chosen distance between the two upper horizontal members. The device is used by rocking the device frontwardly and backwardly on the curved surface to exercise and flex the wrist in all six directions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus 100 of a type on which a person 190 receives back therapy. The apparatus 100 includes a frame 101 designed to rest upon a floor surface 109. A support member 102 is pivotally mounted to the frame 101 above the floor surface 109, and a pelvic belt 103 is secured relative to the support member 102. In operation, the pelvic belt 103 stabilizes the person's pelvis relative to the support member 102, and the support member supports some portion of the person's torso including the pelvis. The support member 102 pivots among several positions, including a mounting position suitable for mounting by a person, and a locking mechanism 104 secures the support member 102 in any of a plurality of back therapy positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously producing dorsiflexion and plantarflexion in both lower legs and both feet of a person and including a pair of exercise shoes for receiving the feet of the person, each exercise shoe including a generally semi-circular base for engaging a support surface on which the exercise shoes rock, and ganging means such as a pair of ganging bars for ganging the exercise shoes together to cause the exercise shoes to be rocked forwardly together to simultaneously produce plantarflexion and to cause the exercise shoes to be rocked rearwardly together to simultaneously produce dorsiflexion.

Abstract: A body supporting and flexing apparatus, comprising primary support structure, including a primary platform to support a user's legs, and to allow pivoting of the user's trunk about a generally horizontal axis as the user relatively bends his body and his legs; and auxiliary support structure connected to the primary support structure, and projecting relatively away from the primary platform at adjusted level and to an extent to support at least one of the following:i) the user's trunk between the head and legs,ii) the user's legs between the feet and knee.

Abstract: A buttocks exerciser is formed of a one-piece housing having a generally planar upper surface and rectangular configuration. The exerciser further defines a concave undersurface and a triangular cross-section pivot support extending downwardly beneath the headrest portion. The pivot support terminates in a transversely extending pivot edge about which the exerciser pivots. A pair of fastening belts are secured to the lower portion of the exerciser and are movable for position adjustment. The user places his or her torso upon the exercise with head overlying the headrest and hips near the bottom edge. The user then fastens the attachment straps across the user's lap and hip portion and thereafter, with feet placed near the bottom edge, performs a wrestler's bridge-type exercise in which the exerciser pivots about the transverse pivot edge.

Abstract: A stretching machine for performing the Chinese split includes a base, two generally horizontal tracks extending colinearly from the base, a foot platform sliding on each track, and a vertical column with handles. The user stands on the platforms, which travel outward from the base while the split is performed, and maintains balance by holding the handles. The platforms are moved along the tracks by cables fixed to either side of each platform. The cables run over pulleys to a drum mounted in the column, which can be turned by a crank. A novel aspect is a slight angular inclination between the tracks, allowing a deeper split.

Abstract: A stretching machine comprising a seat having a base and a backrest which is pivotally mounted to the base, a first leg platform having a pivot end and a free end, the pivot end being connected to the base of the seat and a second leg platform having a pivot end and a free end, the pivot end being connected to the base of the seat. The stretching machine includes a mechanism for rotating the backrest relative to the seat as well as a mechanism for rotating the leg platforms about their respective pivot ends such that the free ends move in a generally arcuate path.

Abstract: An exercise device for musicians is provided which effects the forcible spreading of the fingers and thumb of the hand by a series of rings mounted upon two track-like members, upon the first track being four finger rings, and upon the second track being a ring for the thumb, each ring being movable along its track and having locking device for the purpose of positioning the thumb and fingers into forcibly spread-apart positions, and locking that position such that the musician can increase the operable reach of the hand.

Abstract: An exercise device providing a sling of flexible material forming a cradle supported by a frame so that the cradle is initially taut. The frame is basically a "U" shape fabricated from tube stock. The cradle may be fabricated of canvas with two opposing edges formed as channels into which the frame is inserted. A cross piece completes the closure of the "U" open end, holds the cradle taut and prevents the collapse of the cradle and frame when at upon by the user. The frame by be bent to form a support to hold the cradle in a fixed inclination to the horizontal. A riser and base by be attached to a frame to form a triangle to allow the cradle to be set at a plurality of preselected inclinations.

Abstract: A stretching apparatus (10) includes a base structure (12) for supporting an individual in supine position. One leg of the individual is disposed within a cradle (14) pivotally mounted on the base structure (12) by a pair of arm assemblies (16a, 16b) which are powered by a hydraulic actuator (20) to rotate about an axis (22) extending generally transversely to the individual's body at a location coinciding with the hip joints of the individual. The cradle (14) includes a foot cup (18) for receiving and supporting the rear and side portions of the individual's foot through which a stretching load is applied to the individual's leg for stretching the muscles, tendons and joint capsules of the lower back, hip, leg, and foot.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus (10) for stretching a users paraspinal and leg muscles including a leg immobilizing unit (11) having an adjustable extension unit (12) to which is pivotally attached a reciprocating telescoping unit (15) which is controlled by a control unit (14) for causing the reciprocating unit (13) to expand and contract to stretch the users paraspinal and leg muscles.