Abstract: A chiropractic device for concurrently massaging and exercising a user comprising elongated hollow cylindrical tubes fabricated of a rigid metallic material. Each tube has a length with an external diameter and an internal diameter with an aperture through each tube. A plurality of welds are provided. Each weld is of a linear extent corresponding to the length of the tubes. The welds couple to and secure together the three tubes along their contacting lengths to form a cluster of tubes in a triangular configuration with each tube coupled to the other two tubes along their entire contacting lengths.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for exercising a person's knee. The apparatus includes a base member that supports a person in a supine position. There are a pair of shoulder braces connected to and extending upwardly from the base member. Each shoulder brace engages a respective shoulder of the supported person. An elongate strap is interconnected to and extends between the shoulder braces. The strap extends across the back of the supported person's leg to hold the upper section of the leg, located generally above the knee, in an upright condition extending upwardly from the base member. The lower section of the leg, located generally below the knee, may be selectively lowered and raised relative to the upper section of the leg to stretch and strengthen the knee.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a saucer which is adapted to be used in exercising various muscle groups. The saucer includes a frustroconical base having a lower end of a first diameter and an upper end of an enlarged diameter. A number of straps are employed on the upper surface of the frustroconical base for use in securing a user thereon. Thus, with a user secured to the upper surface of the frustroconical base, they may shift their weight in such a manner that the device no longer rests on the lower surface of the base, and thus rests upon the tapered sidewall. The user can then commence various exercising routines in an effort to exercise difficult to reach muscle groups.

Abstract: This invention directs itself to a portable exercising system (10) which includes a stabilization mechanism (24) for contact with a resistive force load applying mechanism which may be a user's feet (22) or a stationary rigid object such as a door (62). The stabilization mechanism (24) is coupled to a force load application mechanism (38) through an adjustable securement mechanism (46) which adjusts the displacement distance between the stabilization mechanism (24) and the force load application mechanism (38) in a transverse direction (30). The force load application mechanism (38) contiguously interfaces and contacts the front of the user's thighs (14) while the user's feet (22) are mounted to and hold the stabilization mechanism (24) against a base surface (18).

Abstract: The subject invention provides an apparatus for stretching muscles. The apparatus comprises a plurality of means for engaging a limb connected adjacent to one another. Preferably, the engaging means comprise loops or pockets. The apparatus is used by engaging a portion of a limb with one of the engaging means, and grasping and pulling engaging means on each side of the "engaged" engaging means in a direction opposite or the same as the direction the engaged limb is being moved. In this manner, stretching of muscles in the engaged limb is enhanced.

Abstract: A swimming exercise device structured to be worn around the user's waist and utilized inside a swimming pool having at least one generally vertical wall surface. The exercise device includes an elongate, rigid resistance member having a first end and a second end. Further, the exercise device, at the first end of the resistance member, is structured to facilitate, substantially stable, generally perpendicular abutted engagement of the resistance member with the wall surface and thereby prevent movement of the resistance member towards the wall surface of the swimming pool. Moreover, the exercise device, at the second end of the resistance member, is structured to be secured to an individual such that upon the individual swimming towards the first end of the resistance member, and hence the wall surface, in generally parallel relation to an axis of the resistance member, movement of the individual towards the wall surface of the swimming pool is prevented.

Abstract: A stretching apparatus for stretching muscles includes a foot coupler for coupling to a foot of a user. The foot coupler is coupled to a flexible connector which in turn is coupled to an anchoring device. The anchoring device secures the stretching apparatus to a fixed element such as a door knob. The connector includes an adjustable locking device for adjusting the length of the connector. A handle extends from the locking device for pulling the locking device downwardly and for adjusting the length of the connector.

Abstract: An exercise machine which can independently vary the force and the speed at the user end is developed. The exercise machine includes a constant torque, variable speed reversible motor, a temperature controlled magnetic particle clutch, a gear reducer, a controller, and a suitable lever mechanism. The motor, clutch and gear reducer are chosen in a combination in order to achieve a predetermined output so that any combination of isotonic, isokinetic, isometric, isotonic/isokinetic, constant, variable, active, passive, uni-directional or bi-directional exercise routines can be performed with the exercise machine. With suitable lever modifications, the resistance providing unit can be successfully modified to emulate a shoulder press, bench press, leg exercise machine, arm exercise machine, etc. The output parameters, user force and user speed, are controlled in real time to maintain accuracy. This is made possible by the use of a PC-based controller interfaced to off-the-shelf motor and clutch control boards.

Abstract: A calf muscle exercise device includes a base having a surface, inclined at about 35.degree. from horizontal, for supporting a user's feet, and a retainer for holding the user's feet on the inclined surface, with the user's toes pointing downwards. The method of using the exercise device is to position the user's feet on the inclined surface with the toes pointing downwards, to secure the feet against the inclined surface so as to leave the heels free to move, and then for the user to raise and lower their heels.

Abstract: An isometric exercise bar having a base and a pair of substantially triangular planar uprights mounted on opposite sides of the base. The tops of the uprights are connected by a tie bar. A plurality of apertures runs along the forward and rearward edges of the uprights. A second bar is adjustably positioned between the uprights within an aligned pair of apertures.

Abstract: A golf swing training device which automatically allows any golfer to develop a perfect swing plane, while hitting golf balls, and with minimal instruction. The primary operative mechanism of the device is the maintaining of a substantially constant distance between the left pectoral muscle and the right forearm (assuming a right-handed golfer). The device includes a stick, with elastic bands for connection to the left pectoral muscle and the right forearm. Various alternative connections are disclosed.

Abstract: This isometric/isotonic exercise and physical therapy device employs an elongated exercise rod preferably made of urethane or other resilient, elastomer resin. The exercise rod is releasably mounted, as by a set screw, in a socket that in turn is mounted on a metal base. The exercise rod may have one end secured in the socket; in other embodiments the socket is tubular and the elastomer rod extends through the tube. Different forms of mounting apparatus mount the base of the device on a stable support such as a floor, a desk, a table, a cabinet, a wall, a door, or a door frame. The base mounts include a vacuum cup for surface mounting, a clamp for a table or desk edge mount, and a floor-to-lintel doorway mount. The exercise/therapy use of the device depends on the resilient elastomer exercise rod; for a limp, low-resistance rod the exercise is essentially isotonic, but with stiffer rods isometric exercise is provided.

Abstract: Exercise aids for doing inclined pushups which may be positioned on the top of an elevated surface e.g. a table top. The handle bar of each aid is held in one hand and the person plants the bottom of the feet on the floor and does the pushup. The aid has a handle bar which is inclined at an angle of about 30.degree..+-.5.degree. with respect to the bottom surface of the aid which supports it to permit back and forth push up type motion.

Abstract: A hook-shaped hip receiver increases the efficiency of a golf swing by limiting hip rotation and increasing the differential angle between a golfer's shoulders and hips during a back swing, and yieldably opposes hip sway while allowing an unrestricted, full downswing. The hip receiver is slidably coupled to an upright support member by a slider block and spring which yieldably opposes shifting movement of the hip receiver while permitting rotation relative to the upright support member. This permits the golfer's body to remain centered with respect to his feet as the hip receiver pivots about an off-center axis. The hip receiver shifts laterally to remain centered about the golfer's hips, while the spring opposes excessive hip sway movement.

Abstract: An exercise device employs a tether rope that extends longitudinally through an elongated rigid tubular member, and terminates in gripping handles that are held by the exercising person while standing upon the tubular member. The tubular member is pivotably mounted at its centerpoint upon holding plates upwardly emergent from the upper surface of a base platform, thereby having see-saw motion in a vertical plane. An elongated aperture is disposed in the upper surface of the base platform to receive the extremities of the tubular member as they are depressed alternately during the exercise activity.

Abstract: An exerciser device having a band, a wrist securing member connected to the band such that the band extends outwardly of the wrist securing member, and finger engagement member affixed to the band at a position generally opposed to the wrist securing member. The wrist securing member serves for removable attachment around a human wrist. The finger engagement member extends inwardly of the band. A thumb engagement member is affixed to the band at a position generally between the finger engagement member and the wrist securing member. The band has a generally rigid and generally circular configuration extending from the wrist securing member. The finger engagement member includes a slide member extending around an exterior of the band and a plurality of finger receptacles extending from the slide member in a direction generally facing the wrist securing member.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus provides support and coordination of exercise motions to the user. The exercise apparatus has two exercise bars, two short exercise bars, a stabilizing bar, and a device for coupling the two exercise bars or the two short exercise bars at one end. The exercise bars have removable hand grips for helping the user maintain a grip on the exercise bar, wrist straps to provide for a level of safety when exercising with others when the grip is lost on the exercise bar, and a shoe that mounts on the stabilizing bar. One or both of the exercise bars may include lights mounted along the length of the bar. The lights provide an apparatus to help the instructor and user determine the position of the bar in space and also provide aesthetic appeal. The stabilizing bar attaches securely to the floor, and includes recesses for mounting the exercise bar. The stabilizing bar attaches to the floor and provides a stable point of reference.

Abstract: One embodiment is an upright, height adjustable, vertical stand having a freely rotatable elbow and forearm stabilizer, in the form of a receiving cup mounted on its top. The receiving cup is L-shaped, concave, and contoured to receive the elbow of a user, and includes a portion which is parallel to the axis of the forearm of a user, and a portion of the upper arm of a user to secure the upper and lower arm at a 90.degree. angle to one another, which results in the isolation of the rotator cuff muscles at the shoulder joint at any plane of movement. A pivot arm extends from the cup, and includes a hand receiving device adjacent to its end. The device may include a mechanism which allows internal and external shoulder rotation range of motion to be measured, as well as a device by which internal and external shoulder rotation range of motion can be limited. It can be used either without resistance, or with resistance from an external source.

Abstract: This invention directs itself to a portable exercising system (10) which includes a stabilization mechanism (24) for contact with a resistive force load applying mechanism which may be a user's feet (22) or a stationary rigid object such as a door (62). The stabilization mechanism (24) is coupled to a force load application mechanism (38) through an adjustable securement mechanism (46) which adjusts the displacement distance between the stabilization mechanism (24) and the force load application mechanism (38) in a transverse direction (30). The force load application mechanism (38) contiguously interfaces and contacts the front of the user's thighs (14) while the user's feet (22) are mounted to and hold the stabilization mechanism (24) against a base surface (18).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a user force application device which will optimally be used with a computerized exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus, preferably, an apparatus which permits concentric and eccentric isokinetic exercise by a user. One embodiment of the user force application device comprises a main support structure; securing assembly for securing the main support structure in an exercise position desired by a user; a shaft having a cable end and a handle end, the shaft being received by the main support structure and moveable therein, the cable end and the handle end extending from the main support structure; controlling assembly for controlling movement of the shaft within the main support structure; a handle detachably connected to shaft handle end; and detachably connecting assembly for detachably connecting the shaft cable end to the tension transmitting device of an exercise apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for training and treating the muscles of the female pelvic diaphragm and having a form corresponding to the vagina includes an external shell (1) axially divided into a number of mutually separated segments (3-9) which are separately connected by connecting pieces (3'-9') formed as longitudinal cams to a displacement mechanism (10) mounted axially around a hollow shaft (12) inside the apparatus, the displacement mechanism being prevented from rotating around the shaft (12), and wherein a mechanical displacement of the mechanism (10) in one or the other axial direction through the connecting pieces (3'-9') as a result of the construction of the mechanism results in a radial movement of the segments (3-9), thereby dilating or retracting the shell (1).

Abstract: An isometric exercise apparatus of the sit-down type having a base and in which footrests carried by a first post pivoted on the base enable isometric resistance to pulling or pushing on a second post intermediately pivoted at the user's seat, the second post being linked to the first post in alternate arrangements of a common link, depending on which muscles are to be exercised.

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: An exercise apparatus for performing isometric body exercises such as bar dips and vertical leg lifts which includes a standard having a straight upper leg with a dependent inclined lower leg having a lower support plate. A handlebar head is removably supported on the standard and a crossbar is located above the standard and extends laterally with distally located handles. A pair of walls struts are supported on the head such that the apparatus may be located in a corner of a room wherein the two struts bear against the adjacent walls of the corner.

Abstract: A hook shaped or generally concave hip-turn restrictor provides for maximizing the differential angle between a golfer's shoulder and hip so that an increased torsional force will be transferred from the golfer's torso to a golf ball. The generally concave member receives and engages a golfer's hips and is rotatable about a pivot axis but for a stop member which limits rotation of the generally concave member during the backswing of a golf swing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a user force application device which will optimally be used with a computerized exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus, preferably, an apparatus which permits concentric and eccentric isokinetic exercise by a user. One embodiment of the user force application device comprises a hollow outer cylinder, an inner cylinder inserted into the hollow outer cylinder and in co-axial alignment therewith, the inner cylinder being freely rotatable around its axis and freely slidable within the hollow outer cylinder along its axis. Grips of different size and shape can be provided which can easily be attached to the inner cylinder. The movement of the inner cylinder inside the hollow outer cylinder can be restricted. By attaching a larger cylinder to the inner cylinder and in co-axial alignment with it, rotational resistance can be provided. The user force application device can be secured to the exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneous isometric and aerobic exercising having a base, a vertical upright, vertically adjustable handlebars on the upright, and a weighted cylinder not aligned vertically with the handlebars to be rotated with the feet while supporting the body from the handlebars.

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

Abstract: A proprioceptive exercise, training and therapy apparatus is disclosed for supporting and stabilizing at least a portion of the user's body and limbs from at least one elongated flexible support member. Each flexible support member is releasably secured to a selected structural support means. A plurality of attachment points are provided in sequential linear alignment on the flexible support member. An adjustable positioning means is provided on each flexible support member. A first user engagement member is in the form of a rigid, rectangular bar. A second user engagement member is in the form of a flexible body sling, with ends adapted for releasable securement to at least one flexible support member. A third user engagement member comprises at least one hand and foot coupling member, releasably secured to the flexible support member or to a suitable retaining means.

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

Abstract: A support body of a flexible material has a first handle extending from one end of the body and a second handle extending from the second end. The support body is disposed in engagement with one part of an exerciser and the handles are grasped in the hands of the exerciser. Thus, the driving force of the arms of the exercise are used against the restraining force of the one part of the body. The support body may be made up of two flexible members which are detachably and adjustably attachable to each other. Alternatively, it may comprise a single flexible member.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the movement of a patient within a hospital bed is disclosed. A strap is utilized in the process having a first portion for fastening to the head of the bed and a second portion for defining a foot hold for the patient. Preferably, the first portion of the strap is designed to slip over the upper edge of the hospital bed mattress, preferably at a corner of the mattress. The strap is thereafter laid over the surface of the hospital bed mattress to the vicinity of one foot of the patient. The strap in the fully tensioned position includes the placement of the patient foot hold at a location where the foot of the patient can be placed to the foot hold portion of the strap with the knee and thigh flexed. Thereafter, only sufficient hospital personnel are utilized to lift the patient with limited but sufficient force to lift the patient's thoracic and lumbar spine from the mattress to reduce the static coefficient of friction between the bedding and the patient.

Abstract: A control for a DC motor coupled to a user interface to provide a counterforce which simulates a weight stack in an exercise machine. The control includes a position transducer coupled to the motor to provide a signal proportional to the displacement of the user interface. In one embodiment a circuit is provided to generate a control signal which follows the displacement signal when it is less than a maximum torque signal, the control voltage following maximum torque signal when it is less than the displacement signal. In a second embodiment a microprocessor control unit is responsive to the displacement signal to provide a control signal for the motor which starts increasing from a first value when the user interface is displaced an initial amount and which continues gradually increasing to a maximum value as the user interface is moved through a given displacement from the initial displacement.

Abstract: The present invention is an ergometer for isometrically exercising one or more leg muscles of a patient undergoing rehabilitation of the knee joint following knee ligament surgery. The ergometer has an upper leg restraint and a lower leg restraint which are positioned on the leg above and below the knee respectively. The leg restrains are maintained in a fixed position relative to the leg by a rigid crossbar and a bolster positioned behind the knee. Exercise of the hamstring or quadriceps muscles is performed by isometrically contracting the desired muscles while the knee is at an extension angle which does not stress the ligament under repair. Muscle contraction can be artifically induced by an electrical stimulator, which in concert with a closed-loop control system, effectively regulates the exercise level.