Abstract: A physical exercising ball is constructed to include an inflatable inner tube, an outer leather cover, and multiple covering layers sandwiched in between the inflatable inner tube and the outer leather cover, each covering layer being formed of strips of rubber, the strips of rubber of one covering layer being overlapped on the strips of rubber of another covering layer.

Abstract: A device and method for bilateral upper extremity training for patients with a paretic upper extremity, the device facilitating cortical remodeling, sustained relearning and improvement in functional outcomes in paretic and possibly non-paretic upper extremities. In one variation, the device includes a base (2), an adjustable chest plate (31) for placing the user at a set distance from the device and isolating arm movement, an incline plate (3) attached and inclinable relative to the base, two width plates (30, 31) adjustably attached to the incline plate, and two swivel (50, 51) plates adjustably attached to the width plates. In one variation, the swivel plates are swivalable relative to a fixed point in a plane parallel to the plane of the width plates. In another variation, the swivel plates are pivotably attached to the width plates. Other features of the device include a counter for counting user activity, and audible and visual cueing devices for facilitating sustained learning.

Abstract: An exercise device for stretching the lower back and leg muscles of a user includes a flexible footrest and a handle device. The handle device is designed to be grasped by the hands of a user and the cable is attached, at one end, to a footrest or fixed location. The other end of the cable is engaged by a rotatable member in the handle device; and a pawl and ratchet mechanism in the handle device rotates the rotatable member to draw the cable member into the device. A reciprocating lever member is operated by the user, grasping the handle member to effect incremental stepwise rotation of the rotatable member through the pawl and ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: A swingable exercising device includes a main body, a handle, and a counterweight. The handle is pivotally mounted on the main body eccentrically, so that the main body may be rotated about the handle. The handle has two opposite sides each provided with a first handgrip and a second handgrip. The counterweight is mounted in the main body eccentrically, and is located opposite to the handle.

Abstract: A pelvic extension frame for removable attachment to the waist. The pelvic extension frame comprises a yoke having a first end, a second end, a medial aspect and a longitudinal axis. A harness is connected to the medial aspect of the yoke. A first coupling is connected to the first end of the yoke. The first coupling has a first pivot and a first mount. The first pivot is pivotable about the longitudinal axis. A second coupling is connected to the second end of the yoke. The second coupling has a second pivot and a second mount. The second pivot is pivotable about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A body weight support system that monitors and controls the level of support force within a stepcycle to result in normative center of mass movement and ground reaction forces. The system comprises a harness connected to a lift line which in turn is connected to a means for advancing and retracting the lift line. A control system is configured to monitor load on the cable and to regulate lift line advancement and retraction in response to load information. The support system can be combined with a treadmill for locomotor training of a subject.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a support frame and an exercise arm assembly pivotally linked to the support frame for swinging movement in at least one fixed arc about a first pivot axis, the exercise arm assembly including at least one rigid, elongate exercise arm. A flexible handle assembly is secured to the exercise arm, the handle assembly having a hand grip portion for gripping by a user, and a flexible connecting portion securing the hand grip portion to the exercise arm to permit a variety of different upper body exercises to be performed by moving the hand grip portion in selected different paths as permitted by the flexible connecting portion.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; a back rest mounted on the frame; and a foot platform mounted on the frame. At least one of the foot platform and the back rest is movably mounted on the frame in such a manner that a person may rest his back against the back rest and exercise his quadriceps muscles in isolated, closed chain fashion. A resistance device is preferably provided to resist an increase in distance between the user's hips and the user's feet due to straightening of the user's legs at the knees.

Abstract: The grasping and lifting aid, according to the present invention, comprises a flexible strap having a first and second end portion. Doubling back and fixedly securing the first end portion to a remainder of the flexible strap, a first loop is formed. The first loop has an opening commensurate with a width of the flexible strap, so that the second end portion can freely pass through. Thus, a second loop adaptable for attaching about a user's wrist is formed. The flexible strap includes a wrist securing portion formed by the second loop, followed by a palm grasping portion having a length adaptable to be spirally wrapped around a weight bar or the like by using several coils in close proximity to each other, without overlapping. The flexible strap also has anti-slip proprieties on a side adaptable for confronting a palm, fingers and thumb of a user. A material for providing anti-slip proprieties is used.

Abstract: An arbor guide shoe assembly for slidably interconnecting an arbor top plate or bottom plate with a pair of spaced rails. The guide shoe assembly has a rail contacting channel which defines a plurality of operable rail capturing distances, and an elongate slot for orienting the guide shoe assembly with a plurality of orientations with respect to the counterweight arbor.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a pair of opposing axially-aligned elongated members each having a first end and a second end, first and second wheels being rotatably connected to each of the first ends of pair of the elongated members, respectively, and a connecting bar having each end operatively connected to the second end of each elongated member, the connecting bar being adapted for cooperation with the elongated members to selectively vary the distance between the elongated members, thereby controlling the width between the first and second wheels.

Abstract: A portable power training device for developing and strengthening body muscles by manually overcoming spring forces comprises a base body and at least one rope-like spring element. The base body is realized in the form of a long integral profile and contains at least one groove section for inserting the spring element which extends parallel to its longitudinal extent. One eyelet, through which the rope element is guided, is respectively arranged within the region of the free ends of the base body in the groove sections, wherein the rope element respectively has a thickening, the diameter of which is greater than the diameter of the eyelet, on its free ends. This power training device is characterized by a simple design and makes it possible to perform a series of training exercises that stress different muscle sections.

Abstract: A multi-function exercise machine is composed of a first base (20), a pair of swing arms (10), two reversing elements, an extension rod (30) and a second base (40). The swing arms (10) are pivotally mounted on the first base (20) and automatically returned to their original position by the reversing elements after they are pulled or pushed, thereby exercising a user's muscles. The extension rod (30) attached to the first base (20) is retractable and selectively secured to the second base laterally or vertically to make the exercise machine capable of being used with a variety of different exercises.

Abstract: A portable functional training resistance apparatus used to exercise, rehabilitate and promote muscular strength and flexibility throughout the entire human body and a method for its use. This apparatus comprises a rigid base with a recess, strong enough to bear the weight of an adult exerciser who is standing, sitting, leaning, laying or vigorously moving about said base while performing exercises. The base is designed to receive various adaptors in the recess for the user to stand, sit, lean or lay on while performing exercises. The base has a plurality of attachment points, strategically placed on opposite sides of the recess, used to receive a means of resistance for exercise movements where added resistance is desired.

Abstract: A neck and back exerciser including a cap-like device adaptable to being worn on a user's head. VELCRO attachment members mounted on the outer surface of the device engage similar VELCRO attachment members formed on confronting surfaces of a plurality of weights, allowing the weight to adhere to the cap-like device. The weights may be repositioned without removing the cap by merely stripping the weights from the cap, repositioning and reattaching the weights to the cap. A weight belt may encircle the cap and provide pockets for supporting one or more additional weights. A weight support frame assembly may be mounted on the cap-like device with the frame including an adjustable band member adaptable to being rotated relative about the cap to reposition any weight supported on the adjustable band.

Abstract: A support frame of an exerciser bike includes a front bar which has two support pad assemblies connected on two ends of the front bar and contacting the ground. A beam has a first end thereof connected to an intermediate portion of the front bar, and a second end of the beam contacts the ground. The exerciser bike is connected on the beam so that the weight of the exerciser bike is evenly supported by the front bar and the beam.

Abstract: An exerciser includes a supporting member rotatably supported on a base with a pivot axle and having an end portion rotatable relative to the base about the pivot axle. A post is coupled between the end portion of the supporting member and the base, a lever is pivotally secured to the supporting member, and a link is coupled between the lever and the post. The feet of the users may engage with the lever to move the post relative to the supporting member or relative to the base, for elevating the supporting member and exercising the lower muscle groups of the users.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resistance type exercise device that uses frictional forces between members to provide resistance for a variety of different exercises. In operation, when a pull cord is withdrawn from the exercise device, a cord wheel converts the translational movement to rotational motion. A brake lever contacting a brake drum fixedly attached to the cord wheel provides a friction resistive force to the rotational motion. A recoil cord causes the recoil cord 900 to stretch and wrap around a bearing lug, placing the recoil cord in tension. The potential energy stored in the tensioned recoil cord is used to rewind the cord wheel and restore the pull cord back to its at rest position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wellness apparatus consisting of elastic material in which vibrations can be stimulated. Weights can be added to the ends of the object to allow different exercise purposes. The apparatus is provided for the fitness, wellness, leisure sports and aerobics field.

Abstract: An exerciser has a hub, a flat strap having one end connected to the hub and adapted to be wound on the hub, a handle connected to an opposite end of the strap for allowing a user to hold the handle to support the hub and a pair of disk-shaped weights connected to opposite sides of the hub. The weights spin in one direction as the hub moves away from the handle and the strap unwinds from the hub, and continue in the same direction as the hub moves toward the handle and the strap winds onto the hub. The weights can each be made of a mounting dish and a plurality of hollow segments each for receiving a pourable material for adding weight to the segments. The segments are engaged to the dish to form a substantially closed disk-shaped weight and knobs are screwed to the hub and over caps for closing the hollow segment for fixing the segments to the dish. The weight can also be used for other exercise devices.

Abstract: This invention involves pulling weights attached to the floor side of a cable. The cable circles around two pulleys with a handle at the other end to pull down the weight. The arm rests on a cushioned table top and the arm and hand pull the handle from a vertical position to a horizontal position to increase muscle tone and strength. The pull movement of the hand, wrist, elbow, tricep, bicep, shoulder, neck and back are directly related to the design of the machine to improve strength and muscle for general good health, muscle building, arm wrestling and body building. A head band attachment also allows the user to increase muscle tone in the neck, face, and back by lifting the weights in the same fashion from the far end of the table. The weights are adjustable from 10 to 150 pounds and the end result is that as your muscle tone improves, you can add more weight until the desired lift is achieved and your body strength has improved.

Abstract: A body exerciser includes a seat member supported by a leg post, a crank shaft mounted on two bearing members that are disposed rearwardly of the seat member so as to be rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise about an axis, a backrest member secured to the crank shart for swinging clockwise to a bending position or counterclockwise to a straightening position, and a deformable resisting member connected to a crank web on the crank shaft and to an anchored member. The resisting member is tensioned at the bending and straightening positions, thereby generating a biasing action to resist movement of the backrest member.

Abstract: A resistance device for a physical exerciser includes a tubular rotatable seat having an inner cylindrical surface formed with two spiral grooves, an inner tube dimensioned to be slidably fitted into the rotatable seat and having two opposite longitudinal through slots, a slide dimensioned to be slidably fitted into the inner tube and provided at an end with a lug having a notch, the slide being formed with a radial hole, a rear cover engaged with an end of the inner tube, a front cover engaged with an outer end of the rotatable seat; and a pin extending through the longitudinal through slots of the inner tube to engage with the spiral grooves, whereby the resistance device can be easily assembled, operated and adjusted smoothly.

Abstract: An improved device for exercising the PC muscles comprises a pair of squeezable arms that contract and expand in relation to one another. A spring biasing means inside an axle section provides a resistive force element that urges the arms in the expanded position and thus the female can exercise the PC muscles against this force by squeezing the arms together. Each of the arms is symmetrical in shape includes a bulbous tip portion and a narrower shaft portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic control multifunctional exercise apparatus with double cable sheave. The exercise apparatus includes a base frame having a seat pad and an adjustable back pad. Two upright bars and one support frame are disposed at rear and front ends of the base frame. The base frame further has a magnetic control retarding mechanism provided with two cable sheaves and disposed at the bottom of the rear end of the base frame. Two pull cables are connected with two drive cables of the magnetic control retarding mechanism by means of a plurality of guide pulleys. Furthermore, a flywheel of the magnetic control retarding mechanism is coupled for unidirectional rotation, thereby reaching the expected effect of the magnetic control retarding mechanism.

Abstract: An exercising machine wherein a cable pull is resisted by spring deflection. The cable is connected to a lift arm that is pivotally fixed and carries a lift roller. The lift roller abuts a pivotally mounted bar and urges pivotal movement of the bar opposed by a spring member. The connection of the cable to the pivotal lift arm, the position of the lift roller relative to the lift arm pivot, the engagement of the roller with the pivotal bar and the engagement of the spring member with the pivotal bar all involving lever advantages that can be manipulated to achieve varying shapes of resistance of the cable pull as felt by the user.

Abstract: A resistance regulator for a magnetic brake includes a resistance-designating mark unit and an indicator, which can rotate relative to each other so as to move a pull rope that is adapted to be connected to the brake. The mark unit has a small-resistance mark and a plurality of equidistant large-resistance marks. The indicator is directed toward a selected one of the large-resistance and small-resistance marks. Each adjacent pair of the large-resistance marks are spaced apart from each other at a distance that is smaller than the distance between the small-resistance mark and a leading one of the large-resistance marks.

Abstract: A device for exercising when partially submerged in water. The device includes a dumbbell shaped floatation member for providing boyant resistance once submerged underwater. This dumbbell shaped member can accept extensions on either end thereof. A second dumbbell member and a second pair of extensions is provided. A third component of the boyancy system is a boyancy member that would threadably engage both dumbbell shaped members to provide for a barbell shaped device for submerging underwater and providing boyant resistance for the user to work against. The pairs of extension may be threadably engaged either end of the barbell member.

Abstract: The present invention features a a muscle strengthening exerciser to be worn at specific parts of the body. This inventive muscle strengthening body frame apparatus can be worn on isolated body parts as non-apparel items for direct longitudinal resistive forces exerted on the body part of the wearer during movement. The apparatus comprises a frame assembly consisting of a first and second portions which are joined together by a resistance bar. The resistance bar provides the resistive forces providing muscular activity to adjacent body parts.

Abstract: A pogo stick has an upper tubular member with a hand graspable means on an upper end and a foot engageable means on a lower end, and a lower slider member with a top end and a bottom end, the top end being shaped to telescopically engage the lower end of the upper tubular member, and the bottom end having a removable bumper having a co-molded rubber portion. The lower slider member slides between a retracted position and an extended position, and the upper tubular member includes a spring assembly for biasing the lower slider member towards the extended position. The pogo stick includes a spring assembly that includes springs of varying strengths which, in conjunction with a compression assembly that pre-compresses the spring assembly, enables the user to customize the desired spring characteristics. The hand graspable means includes a novel pair of laterally extending hand grips that can be attached to the upper tubular member with a clamping mechanism supported by an inner lip.

Abstract: A weight stack apparatus for an exercising machine includes a weight stack comprised of a plurality of weights vertically arranged on top of each other with each of said weights including a pair of spaced apart substantially vertical apertures extending therethrough. A pair of spaced apart substantially vertically extending guide rods pass through the weights as they are moved up and down. At least one of the guide rods is hollow. An upper pulley is mounted adjacent the upper end of the hollow guide rod and a cable passes over the upper pulley. A first end of the cable extends downwardly toward the weight stack and includes means for selectively connecting any desired number of the weights to the first end of the cable. A second end of the cable extends downwardly through the hollow guide rod and around a lower pulley mounted adjacent the lower end of the hollow guide rod and is connected to the exercising machine.

Abstract: An improved variable tension swing training and exercising apparatus which uses a primary resistance system and an adjustable secondary resistance to accommodate a number of golfers, having a wide range of physical characteristics and strength. The resistance is connected to a rotatable swing arm permitting a golfer to simulate a golf swing while exercising the golf muscles.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes at least two vertically-adjustable force-applying members that can be independently adjusted by a user to desired positions. Both force-applying members are connected by a cable and pulley system to a single weight stack.

Abstract: Actuator assemblies for adjustment mechanisms of exercise machines. In one embodiment, an actuator assembly includes a connecting member having a first end attached to the adjustment mechanism and a second end, a shaft rotatably coupled to the exercise machine proximate the second end, an actuating handle attached to the shaft, and a coupling member attached to the second end of the connecting member and having an engagement portion contacting an actuating portion of the shaft. As the shaft is rotated, the actuating portion of the shaft pushes the engagement portion of the coupling member, tensioning the connecting member and actuating the adjustment mechanism. The actuator mechanism advantageously reduces wear and breakage of the connecting member. In another embodiment, the shaft may be rotated in either a forward or an aft direction, improving the convenience of the actuator assembly for the user.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes at least one tension-type exercise device having a handle assembly attached to an elongated resilient member for being stretched between a base on which an exerciser is standing, and a handgrip to thereby create an exercising counterforce. In this invention, the handle assembly comprises an elongated shaft, a sliding handle plate and an attaching device for attaching the sliding handle plate to the elongated shaft at various positions along the elongated shaft. The elongated resilient member is attached to the handle assembly at the sliding handle plate. Thus, the handle assembly allows adjustment of an effective length of the elongated resilient member to thereby adjust for the size and/or strength of the exerciser.

Abstract: An exercise machine for exercising muscles in the back of an exerciser, includes: a frame; a seat assembly attached to the frame; a movement arm pivotally attached to the frame and movable along a stroke path between an upper forward position and a lower rearward position; a resistance-imparting unit operatively connected with the movement arm to provide resistance to the movement arm as it moves from the forward position to the rearward position; a pair of handles to be grasped by the exerciser; and a pair of extension members, each of which is attached to a respective handle such that each handle is free to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the extension member. The extension members are attached to the movement arm such that each extension member is free to at least partially rotate relative to the movement arm about vertical, longitudinal and transverse axes.

Abstract: A rowing weight training machine includes: a frame; a seat assembly attached to the frame; a movement arm pivotally attached to the frame and movable along a generally longitudinal stroke path between a forward position and a rearward position; a resistance-imparting unit operatively connected with the movement arm to provide resistance to the movement arm as it moves from the forward position to the rearward position; a pair of handles to be grasped by an exerciser; and a pair of extension members, each of which is attached to a respective handle such that each handle is free to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the extension member. The extension members are attached to the movement arm (preferably via a universal ball joint) such that each extension member is free to at least partially rotate relative to the movement arm about vertical, longitudinal and transverse axes.

Abstract: A “Complete Body Fitness Machine” that provides for a muscle building workout as well as a cardiovascular workout for the total body consists generally of an adjustable seat and two arms on either side, which are adjustable in height and have an infinitely and independently variable resistance possible in either clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. The arms are designed to have several types of mechanisms attached, so as to be able to work with a variety of body parts including, but not limited to, hands, arms, legs, feet, torso, neck and shoulders. When the proper attachment is used, the resistance for each direction of rotation of the arm is set, and the exercise is conducted. Depending on the workout desired, the seat and arms could be adjusted to different positions as well as the seat can be free-moving.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided which is used in exercising of the abdominal muscles as well as in exercising the muscles of the upper torso, shoulders and arms while the back of the user is supported, elongated and stretched. The device includes a platform which is elevated at one end from a supporting surface for the device. A seat is located at the one end of the platform and a bowed back support member is disposed on the platform adjacent to the seat. The support member presents a convex curved surface of a longitudinal extent such that the back and head of the user can rest thereon with the user in a backwardly reclining posture. A resilient belt fits around the waist of the user while a restraining arrangement preferably in the form of flexible restraining members is adapted to engage the arms of the user during movement of the user from the backwardly reclining posture wherein the back of the user rests against the convex curved surface to a sitting position.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for performing power exercises with one or more weights, wherein a weight consists of a reservoir for filling with liquid and/or air. This reservoir, referred to below as weight reservoir, serves as weight resistance for a power exercise and is connected by means of a flexible liquid conduit to a liquid displacing device. This liquid displacing device can carry liquid into the weight reservoir and remove it from the weight reservoir, whereby the weight of the weight reservoir, and thus the resistance of the power exercise, becomes greater or smaller.

Abstract: A training apparatus with a bar-shaped intermediate element and identical externally rounded end pieces located on both ends of the bar-shaped element, wherein the end piece is shaped like a sphere which runs continuously into an inverse concave vaulted area on its side facing the bar-shaped intermediate element via a bending area and from thereon into the bar-like intermediate element.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises a rear support which is contoured to be placed against the small of the back, a rigid front pate having a front pad forming a load or resistance to movement against the front plate and an adjustable linkage interconnecting the front plate and the rear support for adjusting the size of the exercise device and the load or resistance, so that repeated use of the exercise device results in improvement of the muscle tone of a person using the device, thereby improving the condition of the muscles in the abdominal region of the user.

Abstract: An exercise device having a body extension mechanism including a press plate mechanism and an articulating seat structure. The press plate mechanism is pivotally connected to a frame forwardly of the articulating seat structure, which is also connected with the frame. The press plate mechanism is operably connected with the articulating seat structure by a transfer link so that when a user actuates the press plate mechanism, the movement of a back support of the articulating seat structure is coordinated with the movement of the press plate mechanism. Resistance for the exercise device is provided by a weight stack that is operably connected with the body extension mechanism through an arrangement of pulleys so that when the user actuates the press plate mechanism a portion of the weight stack is lifted.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for pad assemblies for exercise machines are disclosed. In one embodiment, a pad assembly for an exercise machine includes a layer of compressible padding having a first surface adapted to engage a portion of a user's body and a second surface opposite from the first surface. A backing structure is attached to the layer of compressible padding and has a backing surface proximate the second surface. The backing surface is shaped to provide an approximately uniform-thickness portion of the layer of compressible padding when a compression force is applied to the first surface during an exercise. The approximately uniform-thickness portion may be coextensive with the portion of the user's body.

Abstract: A confined space exercise device (2) having at least two chambers (4, 6) in fluid communication with each other, means (10) for introducing fluid into at least one of the chambers (and variable resistance means to hinder the flow of fluid from one chamber to the other whereby application of pressure to one chamber is required to cause movement of fluid from that chamber to the other.

Abstract: A storable exercise apparatus for home use. The apparatus includes an upright tower, a base structure, a bench frame, and a bench attached to the bench frame. A set of flexible pull lines coupled to a resilient spring system are carried within the tower structure. The user exercises by pulling the pull lines against the bias of the spring system. The grips for the pull lines are mounted at the top of the tower and generate significant tipping force on the tower when the apparatus is in use. To prevent tipping, the bench frame has pivotal and load-transmitting connections with the tower structure; the tower is stabilized by the weight of the user on the bench. The bench may be placed in either a raised or lowered position, and can be stored by collapsing and pivoting it so that it abuts the tower vertically.

Abstract: A combination of a set of free weight plates of at least two different sizes and a rack therefor. In the set of two or more free weight plates of different sizes, each plate has a round center bar hole and at least one racking hole. The size, shape or placement of the racking hole varies from one size weight plate to another. The rack has a set of at least two parallel, substantially horizontal posts that corresponds to each size weight plate in the set of plates. Each set of posts includes a bar hole post and at least one racking hole post that is complementary in size, shape and location to the at least one racking hole of the corresponding size weight plate.

Abstract: An exercise system for one or more persons including a frame, at least one game element, at least one striking member operable by a person to engage the game element, and a resistance system connected to the striking member for resisting the movement of the striking member as it is operated by the person, whereby the person performs exercise while operating the striking member to exchange the game element.

Abstract: A muscle group isolation device for weightlifters, worn when performing weightlifting exercises primarily for the triceps and biceps to assist the weightlifter in maintaining proper arm position while exercising. The muscle group isolation device includes an elongated flexible strap with a fastening means to adjustably connect the two ends of the strap together and form a continuous loop.

Abstract: An exerciser includes a base including a seat for supporting a user, a back frame rotatably secured on the base with a pivot axle for supporting the back of the user and for allowing the user to force and to rotate the back frame relative to the base about the pivot axle. A foot support is slidable relative to the base and selectively coupled to the back frame for allowing the back frame and the foot support to be moved in concert with each other. The back frame includes one or more brackets selectively secured to the base and the foot support with fasteners.