Abstract: An exercise apparatus has (a) a bi-modal seat that readily transforms between a first configuration, which is adapted for conventional cycling, and a second configuration, which is adapted for recumbent cycling; (b) a bi-modal flywheel assembly that readily switches between a direct drive configuration and a free-wheel configuration; and/or (c) a braking assembly which readily stops rotation of the flywheel at the discretion of a user.

Abstract: Exercising is made more comfortable and effective by providing a foot rest that has a front end which holds the ball of the user's foot fixed and a back end that both cradles the user's heel and allows the user to pivot his heel around the ball of his foot in a natural manner. The frame of the machine can be easily and repeatedly taken apart and put back together because it has two arms which mate at a connector that can be mated and unmated by simple pivoting of the two arms.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus and process of adjusting the exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus includes a basic frame, a bench unit, including a back part and a seat part, which is vertically adjustable on the basic frame between a sitting position and a lying position, and a curved guideway, including at least one substantially straight section, that is arranged to positionally adjust the back part. The process includes moving the bench unit so that the back part and the seat part are positionable between a lying position and a seated position. The back part is moved along a path defined by the curved guideway.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame, a seat adjustably mounted on the frame, and a rest attached to the frame rearwardly of the seat for supporting the upper torso of an exerciser. A lever arm assembly includes a pair of lever arms movably connected relative to the frame about at least one horizontal pivot shaft between a starting position and a finishing position, and structure is provided on the frame for resisting movement of the lever arm assembly. A conversion arrangement is connected between the frame and the lever arms for changing the starting position of the lever arms so as to provide for different exercise movements.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for performing squat type exercises is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base supporting a resistance assembly and a pivoting user engaging assembly. A cable assembly links the user engaging assembly to the resistance assembly for applying resistance as a user performs an exercising routine. The user engaging assembly includes an upwardly extending post and a pivot arm secured to a free end of the upwardly extending post. The user engaging assembly further includes a locking assembly integrally associated with the pivot arm assembly for controlling the pivotal movement of the pivot arm.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fitness device which includes a seat, a telescoping means which is attached to the seat at a terminal portion thereof by a pivot means and a support means which is attached to a second terminal portion of the telescoping means. The fitness device is adapted to support the hands and feet of a user who desires to stretch, strengthen and condition various muscle groups in the user's body.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a foldable and transportable elliptical exercise machine are disclosed which include pedal arms and optional corresponding load bearing rails that are folded to an upright position for storage and transportation. The pedal arms are shaped to optimize user safety and exercise productivity. The device housing can include movable portions that optimize safety during use, but accommodate the pedal arms in the upright and folded position.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for an exerciser includes a seat and a frame secured on a base. A seat back is pivotally secured to the base at a pivot axle and includes a sector gear. A handle includes a shaft rotatably secured to the frame and having a pawl that is biased to engage with the sector gear of the seat back and to secure the seat back to the base at the selected angular position. A sleeve is secured on the shaft and the pawl is extended upward from the sleeve and a spring engaged with the sleeve to bias the pawl to engage with the sector gear of the seat back.

Abstract: A pogo stick includes (a) a housing, (b) a member movable within the housing, (c) a spring retained at opposite ends by the housing and the member and compressible upon the actuation of the member to a support surface (e.g. ground) and expansible upon the movement of the member from the support surface, (d) a handle on the housing near the housing top and (e) a foot rest on the housing near the housing bottom. A switch normally in an open relationship is operative (a) to a closed relationship upon the actuation of the member to the support surface and (b) to an open relationship upon a movement of the member from the support surface. The switch includes a resilient electrically conductive element and a stationary electrically conductive element normally defining an open relationship. The resilient member is movable in response to the member actuation to the support surface to engage the stationary element and to provide a switch operation in the closed relationship.

Abstract: A person's leg muscles can be strengthened with a leg-support cross piece adapted to underlie the person's knee joint while the person lies with his back on a floor surface. The lower portion of the leg is swung up and down around the supported knee joint to exercise the leg muscles. An elastic strap type resistance unit may be extended from the framework that supports the cross piece for partial encirclement of the person's ankle, to increase the effort involved in swinging the leg.

Abstract: A foldable exerciser includes a base member, an upright post, a pair of rail members, and a pair of pedal rods. The base member has a main shaft, and front and rear bars connected transversely to the main shaft. The upright post is connected to the front bar of the base member. The rail members are connected slidably and respectively to the opposed ends of the rear bar. Each of the rail members has front and rear ends, and is disposed perpendicularly to the rear bar on either side of the base member. The rail members are movable between a retracted position and an extended position. Each of the pedal rods is disposed on either side of the base member and has front and rear sections. The rear sections are foldable forwardly relative to the front sections of the pedal rods. The upright post has a lower tube and an upper tube that is foldable downwardly relative to the lower tube.

Abstract: An adjustable torsion damper has a mount which is divided in the longitudinal direction thereof into two submounts made of a material conductive to magnetism. Located between the two submounts is a portion nonconductive to magnetism. The mount is provided at an upper end thereof and a lower end thereof with a first round hole and a second round hole. The first round hole runs between the submounts. A magnetic block is rotatably disposed in the first round hole. A rotary shaft is rotatably disposed in the second round hole. The rotary shaft is made of a material conductive to magnetism. The value of torsional moment of the rotary shaft changes along with the magnetic block in motion.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing exercises including a case for transporting the exercise device and for use in performing the exercises. The case can be a simulated briefcase, so that the exercise device can be carried around like ordinary luggage, or be another type of container. Included are elastic cables which can be moved from stowed positions in the case to exercising positions in which portions of the cables extend outwardly from the case. The portions of the cables remaining in the case are restrained against stretching thereby allowing essentially only the portions of the cables extending outwardly from the case to be stretched. In performing exercises, the outwardly extending portions of the cables are pulled against the case, thereby setting up isometric forces which resist the pulling action and enable the desired strength training. It is possible to exercise all of the major muscle groups and to replicate the exercises performed on popular stationary exercise apparatus.

Abstract: A body exerciser includes a base frame with two support rods provided with first coupling members, and a handle frame with two bendable handle rods provided with second coupling members that are rotatable relative to the first coupling members. Each of two retaining sets is disposed between inner engaging walls of the first and second coupling members to arrest relative rotation in a tightened state. Only in a loosened state when the inner engaging walls have been brought away from each other will relative rotation between the first and second coupling members be permitted. Each of two biasing members is disposed between the inner engaging walls to bias the second coupling members to move away from the first coupling members. Each of two tightening rods is inserted into the coupling members, and has a pivot end extending outwardly of the respective second coupling member. A locking member is pivoted on the pivot end and has first and second cam surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a physical training apparatus comprising a platform that mounts a column forming a surface which can rotate in a plane perpendicular to the column and on which a part of a user's body can be rested. The rest surface is connected to movement transmission means and these transmission means are in turn connected through a gear mechanism to load handling means. The gear mechanism is designed to convert the rotational movement of the rest surface performed by the user into a rotational movement of the load in a plane perpendicular to the platform, the rotational movement of the load being performed by muscular effort controlled by the user through the entire arc of the movement performed.

Abstract: Weights are disposed on opposite sides of a base member, and selector rods are selectively moved into engagement with the desired number of weights on each side of the base member. The resulting adjustable resistance assembly may be used on dumbbells and/or weight stacks.

Abstract: A curved track striding exercise device includes a movable track assembly wherein the curved tracks can be rotatably inclined or declined relative to the base, to simulate either an uphill or downhill striding arrangement. The striding exercise device includes an arcuate track assembly including a pair of spaced elongated, parallel tracks which curve upwardly in an arc, a pair of foot skates respectively movably supported on the parallel tracks for receiving the feet of an operator thereon, and a base assembly for supporting the arcuate track assembly. The track assembly is cradled within the base and is slidably rotatable relative to the base about a pivot point which is located above the base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for performing exercises to stretch the muscles in the leg of a person. In one embodiment, the device comprises a main support member having a first end portion and a second end portion engaged upon a floor. The main support member also has first and second mounting members. The device further comprises a leg support member adapted to be selectively positioned by the person along the main support member from a first position wherein said leg support member is engaged with the first mounting member to a second position where the leg support member is engaged with the second mounting member. The leg support member is adapted to support the leg of the person. After the person selects the position of the leg support member, the person's leg may be supported by the leg support member so that the person may stretch the leg.

Abstract: In a weight lifting exercise apparatus, a leg exercise station is provided. A leg exercise arm carrying leg engaging roller pads is pivotally mounted on a frame member of the support frame of the apparatus, and is linked to an exercise resistance such as a weight stack. An upper roller pad assembly is pivotally mounted on the frame member adjacent the leg exercise arm, and is freely movable between a down position engaging behind a user's knees for performing leg extension exercises, and a raised position resting on top of the user's thighs when performing leg curls or pull down exercises.

Abstract: An exercising bicycle includes a supporting base, a movable base slidably and adjustably secured to the supporting base, at least one pivot bar including a first end portion pivotally connected with the supporting base, a mediate portion and a second end portion, a supporting bar including a first end portion pivotally connected with the movable base and a second end portion pivotally connected with the mediate portion of the pivot bar, a seat mounted on the second end portion of the pivot bar, a transmission case mounted on the supporting base, a pedal member movably mounted on the transmission case, and a resistance device mounted in the transmission case for providing resistance to movement of the pedal member.

Abstract: A base for exercise devices is composed of a first rod member, a second rod member, a retaining mechanism, and a resilient member. The first rod member has two plates provided with a plurality of slots symmetrically. The second rod member is fastened pivotally with the two plates. The retaining mechanism is mounted on the second rod member and composed of a retaining member capable of a translational motion along the second rod member. The resilient member has an elastic force enabling the retaining member to undertake the translational motion so as to be releasably retained in the plates of the first rod member at such time when the second rod member is turned in relation to the first rod member to be coincident with any one of the slots of the two plates. The retaining member is released by the plates of the first rod member when the retaining member is exerted on by an external force greater than the elastic force of the resilient member.

Abstract: A gluteal exercise system (10) for imparting a resistive force responsive to a displacement force applied by a user (1) is provided. The gluteal exercise system (10) includes a lower body section (100) having a lower coupling portion (110) and a pair of engagement bars (120, 120') for concurrently engaging the feet of the user (1). The gluteal exercise system (10) also includes an upper body section (200) which is displaceably coupled to the lower body section (100). The upper body section (200) is formed with an upper coupling portion (210) and a pair of engagement arms (220, 220') extending transversely therefrom for concurrently engaging portions of the legs of the user (1). The gluteal exercise system (10) also includes a tension mechanism adjustably coupled to the lower and upper coupling portions (110, 210) for imparting the resistive force in opposition to the force imparted by the user (1) to displace the upper body section (200) relative to the lower body section (100).

Abstract: An apparatus for practice and demonstrating defense arts, such as karate, includes a vertical wall-mounted main frame unit assembled of a pair of vertical, symmetrical, cylinder shaped tubes secured to three horizontally extending wall mounting brackets or to a free standing frame unit. The purpose of the invention is to support a height adjustable hanging target, such as a speed bag or heavy bag, which the artisan strikes with various human appendages, such as the hand or foot and other certain appropriate weapons. The hanging target is supported by a striking bag carriage assembly and a striking bag platform as it rides along the vertical tubing.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for an exercise machine enables the relative position between a support for the operator of the machine and an exercise member to be adjusted by the operator while in the exercise position. In a particular embodiment, the mechanism adjusts the longitudinal position of a pedal assembly of a recumbent bike exerciser. The operator is supported by a seat on a fixed frame member, and the pedal assembly is mounted on an extension member that slides longitudinally with respect to the fixed frame. Various mechanisms are provided for the operator to conveniently position the pedal assembly relative to the seat while the operator is seated in an exercising position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising the subtalar complex with controlled triplaner motion. The principal embodiment includes a standing platform and handrail in association with a rotatable foot plate. The foot plate is controllable and adjustable in three planes with fixed settings in all planes, including the oblique. The exerciser provides a method for isolating specific muscle groups involved with foot, ankle and calf extensions or where combinations of muscles are used, such as, with dorsiflexion-eversion or plantarflexion-inversion, while preventing tibial rotation of the foot. A second embodiment provides a more portable exercise apparatus utilizing the concepts employed with the principal embodiment wherein a rocker member is provided, attached to a support member. A foot plate attaches to the support member opposite the rocker and is pivotal in the transverse and frontal planes.

Abstract: A selector rod is rotated into engagement with a desired weight within a weight stack to provide resistance to exercise movement.

Abstract: An exercise bicycle includes a supporting base having a first portion and a second portion, a hood fixedly mounted on the first portion of the supporting base and having a first portion and a second portion located adjacent to the second portion of the supporting base, a first positioning beam fixedly mounted on the first portion of the hood, a first adjusting beam adjustably mounted on the first positioning beam, a handle fixedly mounted on an upper end portion of the first adjusting beam, a second positioning beam fixedly mounted on the second portion of the hood, a second adjusting beam adjustably mounted on the second positioning beam, a third adjusting beam adjustably mounted on the second adjusting beam, a seat fixedly mounted on an upper end portion of the third adjusting beam, and a positioning base fixedly mounted on the second portion of the supporting base and defining a passage therein for removably receiving the second adjusting beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ergometric stationary bicycle apparatus which is suitable for training, rehabilitation and diagnostic purposes. The apparatus comprises a base member, a pedal unit arranged on the base and including a hub which is rotatable about a pedal unit axis, and a carrier element connected to the base such that it can pivot relative to the base about an axis parallel to the pedal unit axis. The apparatus also includes a seat unit pivotally connected to the carrier element such that the seat unit and the carrier element may be selectively adjusted into different pivot positions. The pivot axis of the carrier element is disposed proximate the pedal unit axis so that the average distance between the seat surface and the pedal unit axis is essentially equal in the different pivot positions of the carrier element.

Abstract: An exercise and stretch device constructed of semi-flexible tubing. The exercise and stretch device of the present invention has a rectangular frame disposed between a pair of axially aligned and oppositely extending tubular extensions each with an angular leg support depending therefrom which are adapted to receive the legs of the user. The rectangular frame has a pair of U-shaped handle supports connected perpendicular to the plane of the frame which can be used to support the weight of the user during stretching exercises. The handle supports can be removed depending on the exercise being performed or to allow the user to easily position himself or herself on the stretch machine. The present invention also includes an optional back support member which can be used without the handle supports or in combination with the handle supports.

Abstract: A multiexercise weight lifting machine which features in its most basic embodiments a gearbox capable of converting the torque input through a first axle from a source of resistance (such as a weight stack) into a greater torque output at a second axle to which is connected a user interface (such as a handle); which gearbox is slidably mounted on a linear member such that the gearbox can be moved to different positions along the length of the linear member to allow different types of exercises. In its preferred embodiments it also features means for reversing the torque output at the second axle and user interface. Its numerous functions and benefits may also be supplemented by addition of a weight bench, provision of means for changing the gear ratio of the gearbox, and other features.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods, devices and systems for exercise. An embodiment of this invention comprises a circular exercise wheel in the shape of a conventional automobile steering wheel with a weight attached along its diameter with a pair of wing nuts. The wing-nuts and bolts are attached such that they cannot be lost or stolen or misplaced.

Abstract: An exercise bicycle includes a supporting base having a first portion and a second portion, a hood fixedly mounted on the first portion of the supporting base, a first positioning beam fixedly mounted on the hood, a first adjusting beam adjustably mounted on the first positioning beam, a handle fixedly mounted on an upper end portion of the first adjusting beam, a second positioning beam fixedly mounted on the second portion of the supporting base, a second adjusting beam adjustably mounted on the second positioning beam, a third adjusting beam adjustably mounted on the second adjusting beam, and a seat fixedly mounted on an upper end portion of the third adjusting beam

Abstract: A support arm extends from the press arm toward the frame. A sleeve is slidably mounted on the support arm to contact the frame in the rest position. A cable and pulley system, including a pulley mounted to the sleeve, links the press arm to the resistance. Adjustment of the sleeve along the support arm adjusts the rest position of the press arm without slackening the cable.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing exercises including a case for transporting the exercise device and for use in performing the exercises. The case can be a simulated briefcase, so that the exercise device can be carried around like ordinary luggage, or be another type of container. Included are elastic cables which can be moved from stowed positions in the case to exercising positions in which portions of the cables extend outwardly from the case. The portions of the cables remaining in the case are restrained against stretching thereby allowing essentially only the portions of the cables extending outwardly from the case to be stretched. In performing exercises, the outwardly extending portions of the cables are pulled against the case, thereby setting up forces which resist the pulling action and enable the desired strength training. It is possible to exercise all of the major muscle groups and to replicate the exercises performed on popular stationary exercise apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for practice and demonstrating defense arts, such as karate, includes a vertical wall-mounted main frame unit assembled of a pair of vertical, symmetrical, cylinder shaped tubes secured to three horizontally extending wall mounting brackets. The purpose of the invention is to support a height adjustable hanging target, such as a speed bag, which the artisan strikes with various human appendages, such as the hand or foot and other certain appropriate weapons. The hanging target is supported by a striking bag carriage assembly and a striking bag platform as it rides along the vertical tubing.

Abstract: An exercise device for use under water to exercise muscles associated with a person's upper extremities, the device comprising a wheel support member, a wheel, a plurality of paddles, and a handle, the wheel support member being anchored to the side or bottom of a swimming pool or other body of water. The wheel is movably attached to the wheel support member so that the wheel can revolve around its central axis during use. Each paddle is removably attached to one of the sides of the wheel, or in the alternative to its perimeter, with means that allow the orientation of each paddle to be individually changed into a variety of fixed positions between a first position of maximum water resistance and a second position that is rotated ninety degrees from the first position and creates a position of minimum water resistance.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus and associate method that provides a variable resistance to muscle movement during the course of a single exercise. The apparatus includes an articulated arm assembly that supports a selected amount of weight plates at one end. The arm assembly is connected to a support frame at a pivot point. The opposite end of the arm assembly is connected to a cable that extends to an exercise attachment that is moved by the user's muscles. As a user exercises, a tensile force is applied to the cable. The tensile force applies a torque to the arm assembly that causes the arm assembly to turn about the pivot point. As the arm assembly moves, the weights are advanced up along an inclined surface. If a strong enough force is applied, the weights can be advanced over the top of the inclined surface. Without the support of the inclined surface, the arm assembly is free to remain extended.

Abstract: A hand held aquatic exercising device includes a handle and relatively moveable hydroresistive elements at respective ends of the handle. The hydroresistive elements can be moved to different positions relative to a longitudinal axis through the handle. In another embodiment the hydroresistive elements are selectively removable from the handle. The hydroresistive elements can be assembled in different relative positions with the handle. The handle is selectively solid or hollow. The device thereby presents a resistance to the water that can be varied according to the desires of the user. The hydroresistive elements may be cup-like and may be flexible to facilitate reversal about their bases. A hand gripping element facilitates rotation of the handle abcut the longitudinal axis while the gripping element is held in the palm of a user and the device is moved through water.

Abstract: In a weight lifting machine having a manually engageable mechanism which is movable along a predetermined path of movement wherein the manually engageable mechanism is anchorable to a weight mechanism which resists movement of the manually engageable mechanism, an apparatus for positioning the manually engageable mechanism in a selected initial position along the path movement, the apparatus comprising, an elongated rod having a mesh mechanism on a surface of the rod and a sleeve having a mesh mechanism receivably interlockable with the mesh mechanism of the rod, one of the rod and the sleeve being connected to the manually engageable mechanism and movable in unison with movement of the manually engageable mechanism, the other of the rod and the sleeve being anchored to the weight mechanism, the mesh mechanisms of the rod and the sleeve being reversibly interlockable and unlockable such that the rod and the sleeve move in unison with each other when interlocked and such that the manually engageable mechanism

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device to assist in exercising all three abdominal muscles includes a platform which is placed on a flat supporting surface. A substantially U-shaped body cage is pivotally mounted on the platform and extends outwardly therefrom and includes a U-shaped neck and head support portion and a pair of platform connecting portions adjustable connected thereto. A padded cushion mounted on the support portion supports the head of the user. A pair of pivot members pivotally connect the body cage to the platform. Each pivot member includes a cylindrical portion for pivotally rotatably mounting the body cage to side walls of the platform, and a semispherical portion which connects to free ends of the body cage. A user reclines on the platform and grasps the body cage and performs a sit-up type of motion with the body cage ensuring a full range of motion in the proper plane of movement to maximally recruit the abdominal muscles.

Abstract: A range limiting device for use in an exercise machine having a cam and an input arm fixed to a shaft, wherein the shaft is pivotally mounted to a frame. The range limiting device includes a cam arm pivotally mounted to the cam arm so as to maintain a tether substantially tangential to the outer perimeter of the cam. A detent pin mounted to the cam arm selectively locks the orientation of the cam arm with respect to the cam. A stop cam is pivotally mounted to the frame coaxial with the shaft and includes a stop member positioned to interfere with the rotation of the input arm. The orientation of the stop cam is locked by a detent pin mounted to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an exercise, rehabilitation and extremity testing method and apparatus having a cycloidal speed reducer. A multiposition chair is rotatably mounted to a stand which is slidingly mounted to a track on a platform. A dynamometer is mounted on a pedestal on the platform such that it is capable of rotating about a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. The vertical height of the dynamometer can also be adjusted. An input apparatus capable of engaging the limb or body segment of a user is mounted to an input shaft of the dynamometer. A motor controls the movement of the input shaft through a cycloidal speed reducer. Consequently, the motor controls the movement of the input arm and the user's limb or body segment. The user exercises his muscles by applying force to the input apparatus according to a number of different protocols.

Abstract: Exercising is made more comfortable and effective by providing a foot rest that has a front end which holds the ball of the user's foot fixed and a back end that both cradles the user's heel and allows the user to pivot his heel around the ball of his foot in a natural manner. The frame of the machine can be easily and repeatedly taken apart and put back together because it has two arms which mate at a connector that can be mated and unmated by simple pivoting of the two arms.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise apparatus having a stabilizing device pivotally mounted relative to the frame of the exercise apparatus. A bolt is rotatably mounted relative to the frame at a fixed distance from the pivot point of the stabilizing device, and a nut is threaded onto the bolt. The stabilizing device is rotatably mounted relative to the nut at a point intermediate the pivot point and a body support member on the stabilizing device.

Abstract: An abdomen fitness apparatus including a frame bar, a slide slidably mounted around the frame bar and having a longitudinal coupling hole and a transverse coupling hole, a bearing plate pivoted to the frame bar at one end and adapted for supporting on the user's body, a tubular end cap fixed to the frame bar at an opposite end, a connecting tube fastened to the transverse coupling hole of the slide; a plurality of elastic rubber bands connected between curved pegs at the tubular end cap and curved pegs at the slide, and two tubular handlebars respectively connected to two opposite ends of the connecting tube and adapted for pulling the connecting tube and the slide toward the bearing plate, and two spring-supported retainer rods mounted in a respective radial hole at two opposite ends of the connecting tube to position the handlebars in one of four equiangularly spaced angular positions respectively.

Abstract: A hand development apparatus is provided with a first housing having an interior cavity formed therein and a gripping portion adapted to fit the palm of a person's hand and a second housing having an interior cavity formed therein and a gripping portion adapted to fit the palm of a person's hand. The apparatus has a carrier adapted to be removably fitted within the interior cavity of the first housing or within the interior cavity of the second housing, a plurality of movable elements associated with the carrier, the movable elements being adapted to accommodate the fingers of a person's hand and being movable along a movement direction, and springs for resisting movement of the movable elements along the movement direction. The width of the first housing is substantially different than the width of the second housing so that the apparatus may be configured either for a person having relatively large hands or a person having relatively small hands.

Abstract: A weight lifting apparatus is provided which includes a vertical guide rail supported by a base. A carriage assembly rides the guide rail. A handle is interconnected with the carriage and may be adjusted to extend at a plurality of angles therefrom. A weight bearing member is provided for receiving and supporting free weights. The weight bearing member is supported by the carriage and may be interconnected with the handle to permit a user to perform a variety of weight lifting exercises. A horizontal guide rail is also provided which has a carriage assembly for riding the guide rail. The carriage assembly supports an adjustable seat for supporting a user for movement along the horizontal guide rail. The horizontal guide rail can be used in connection with the vertical guide rail, in independent operation, or with conventional weight lifting apparatus to permit a user to perform rowing or other exercises.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a pair of foot engaging links (30a, 30b). The rearward ends of the foot links are supported for rotational motion about a pivot axis (26), and the forward ends of the foot links reciprocate back and forth along a guide (36). The combination to these two foot link motions permits the users feet to travel along an elliptical path of travel. The inclination and/or elevation of the guide (36) may be selectively altered to vary the nature of the stepping motion experienced by the user. At lower inclinations/elevations of the guide, the stepping motion may resemble cross country skiing. At progressively higher angles of inclination or elevations of the guide (36), the stepping motions may simulate walking, jogging, running and climbing. The connection of the foot links to the pivot axis allow motion in a direction orthogonal to the rotational motion, thus compensating for alignment inconsistencies of the device.

Abstract: A space walking exerciser including two swinging frames hung on a stand and equipped with a respective foot plate, two damping devices adapted for imparting a damping resistance to the swinging frames, and two swinging angle control devices bilaterally fixed to the stand and respectively coupled to the damping devices to limit the swinging angle of the swinging frames, each swinging angle control device including a sector plate fixed to the stand and having two stop plates and a smoothly arched bearing plate between the stop plates, a guide rod fixed to one swinging frame, and a roller mounted around the guide rod and moved with the corresponding swinging frame along the bearing plate between the stop flanges of the corresponding sector plate.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus utilizing a platform which is slidable on a frame. The platform moves on the frame against a resistance force provided by a spring connected to the platform and the frame. A foot support connects the frame and includes a contact surface which is adjustable along first and second dimensions.