Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable lifting apparatus that includes an actuator and a lifting mechanism, which includes a parallel bar, a first coupler, a second coupler, a first rocker, a second rocker, and a frame that are each rotatably connected, so that operation of the actuator moves the parallel bar in a J-shaped path while maintaining a constant orientation of the parallel bar.

Abstract: A device for encouraging and exercising limb movement of patients who have been affected by a stroke, brain injury, or other orthopedic conditions is provided. The device is preferably designed to encourage the slightest movement present in the limbs so that the limbs are initially encouraged and practiced. Preferably, the device is designed to displace the weight of the limb (upper extremity or lower extremity) allowing the patient the opportunity to practice using the slightest amount of available active range of motion (ROM). In one implementation, the device includes a teeter-totter balancing beam, a shaft and a base. The balancing beam is pivotably connected to the shaft via joint member and is designed to pivot laterally about the joint member.

Abstract: A therapy tool designed to assist therapist to manually control and facilitate patient elbow and knee flexion-extension during walking, sit to stand, control in standing, and other functions is provided. The therapy tool includes a first cushion adapted to receive at least a portion of a person's shin or forearm, a second cushion adapted to cushion a person's knee, a elongate handle attached the first and second cushions in a manner such that the second cushion is disposed above the first cushion, and a horizontal extension adapted to provide a support surface for the patient.

Abstract: A weight training machine having a moment arm weight resistance mechanism for creating a weight resistance or weight load.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing an exercise against a resistance mechanism comprised of one or more incremental resistance members, the apparatus comprising: a frame; a handle mounted to the frame and interconnected to the resistance mechanism via a cable; a traveler having a selected resistance force; a stop mechanism adjustably positionable on the rail at one or more selectable stop positions; wherein the cable is selectively interconnectable to one or more of the resistance members.

Abstract: A hip thrust sled may include a pair of spaced apart runners configured in generally parallel relation to each other. A first cross member extends between and is connected to the spaced apart runners proximate to a distal end of the hip thrust sled. A second cross member extends between and is connected to the spaced apart runners near a proximal end of the hip thrust sled to receive removable weights. A pendulum arm is rotatably attached at its distal end to the first cross member and is configured at a proximal end to move vertically relative to the spaced apart runners. The pendulum arm extends towards the proximal end of the hip thrust sled at an upward angle. An adjustable stop may limit the vertical movement of the pendulum arm. A handlebar may be attached to the proximal end of the pendulum arm.

Abstract: This is an exercise apparatus and system characterized generally by the presence of a user interface member having a point of attachment to the apparatus that is positionable at different locations along an arcuate path determined, dictated and/or supported/braced by an arcuate guide. The central axis of the arcuate path may intersect the ball joint of a user. The arcuate path and the arcuate guide may lie in spaced substantially parallel planes and the user interface member be one of a rigid arm with a handle or forearm interface, or a flexible member with a free handle at its end forming the user interface. A flexible linkage forms part of the operative connection between the user interface and a weight stack or other apparatus providing adjustable resistance, with the flexible linkage being reeved through a centering pulley proximate the central axis of the arcuate member.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a stationary main frame, a pivotally mounted user support frame, a user engagement device pivotally mounted on one of the frames for engagement by the user in performing an exercise, and a connecting link which links movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support frame. A load resists movement of one of the moving parts of the machine. An elongate flexible, load-bearing connecting linkage extends between the load and user support frame, and first and second anchors are selectively connectible to a first end of the load-bearing connecting linkage to vary the resistance felt by a user. At least one of the anchors is located on the user support frame.

Abstract: The present application describes a combination exercise-massage unit consisting of a base platform with enclosed weight enclosure at one end and a pivoting bed assembly at the other. The bed assembly can easily be tipped having the effect of increasing the weight lifted, reducing the pressure of the rollers on the back or relieving tension by elevating the head. A continuous belt covers a plurality of massage rollers that have replaceable outer sleeves with a variety of different configurations and softness. There is a translating framework that has elevated head rest and two shoulder supports on either side. The person can hold the upright handles or the side support bars with the padded side members of the translating framework. The translating framework can be adjusted in length to accommodate the height of the person using the unit.

Abstract: A weightlifting system includes a weight bar first frame member that extends along a longitudinal axis. The first frame member includes a front face, a first side face, a second side face and a multiple of opposed pairs of openings disposed along the longitudinal axis. Each of the multiple of opposed pairs of openings are generally L-shaped and include a first opening and a second opening. A weightlifting weight arm system includes a weight horn and a bracket assembly that is engageable with at least two opposed pairs of openings of the multiple of opposed pairs of openings.

Abstract: A weightlifting system includes a weight bar first frame member that extends along a longitudinal axis. The first frame member includes a front face, a first side face, a second side face and a multiple of opposed pairs of openings disposed along the longitudinal axis. Each of the multiple of opposed pairs of openings are generally L-shaped and include a first opening and a second opening. A weightlifting weight arm system includes a weight horn and a bracket assembly that is engageable with at least two opposed pairs of openings of the multiple of opposed pairs of openings.

Abstract: A calf exercise machine has a floor engaging main frame, a user support pivot, a user support assembly pivotally mounted on the main frame via the user support pivot, and a pivotally mounted user engagement device. A user engaging foot plate assembly is pivotally mounted to track movement of the user's feet during a calf exercise, and may comprise either the user support in a standing calf machine or the user engagement device in a seated calf machine. A connecting link translates movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support so that pivotal movement in the user engagement device results in a self-aligning, pivoting movement of the user support.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a user support movement arm rotatably mounted on a support frame for rotation about a first pivot axis, and a user support assembly pivotally connected to the movement arm for rotation about a second pivot axis so that the user support assembly rotates in two directions about different pivot axes. An exercise arm pivotally mounted on the frame is linked to the user support assembly or user support movement arm so that movement of the exercise arm automatically moves the user support assembly. Movement about one pivot axis may be a free pivoting, non-resisted movement while movement about the other pivot axis may be associated with a resistive load.

Abstract: A support assembly has laterally spaced horizontal base rails. The support assembly has laterally spaced vertical rails. The vertical rails extend upwardly from the base rails. The front vertical rails house a safety rod to catch the pivot rails. Pivot rails have interior ends and exterior ends. The interior ends are pivotally coupled with respect to the vertical rails. A cross bar is coupled to the pivot rails adjacent to the exterior ends. A plate is coupled to the pivot rails adjacent to the interior ends. The plate has recesses. The recesses receive and support attachments.

Abstract: A multistation weight machine including a cam pivotally connected to the base on an lever axle that functions as the sole and central pivot point for a class II lever in the machine's lever system. A plurality of handles storable on the apparatus are removably insertable into a plurality of variously positioned handle receptacles operatively connected to the lever axle and provide means for performing a wide variety of exercises in a standing position. One or more foot pedals or any handle connected to the lever axle through a handle receptacle results in the smooth upward linear translation of all or a portion of a weight stack.

Abstract: An adjustable weight-loaded dip-chin machine. Dip bars and chin bars with means for vertical adjustment are mounted on columns, which in turn are mounted on a base. An arm is pivotally attached to the base, and weights can be added to an arm spindle attached to the arm. A belt is attached to the arm, and the weighted arm spindle resist upward exerciser motion when performing dips or chins. A pivot hook releasably engages the arm spindle in an elevated position for convenience and safety when commencing and ending a squat exercise series. Means are disclosed for adjusting the height of the pivot hook on a column, and for automatically disengaging the pivot hook from the arm spindle when exercise commences. A squat platform is sized to fit between foot platforms, which together form a stable standing area for the exerciser. Squat handles are height-adjustably mounted to the columns.

Abstract: A weightlifting system includes a first frame member that extends along a longitudinal axis. The first frame member includes a front face, a first side face, a second side face and a multiple of opposed pairs of openings disposed along the longitudinal axis. Each of the multiple of opposed pairs of openings are generally L-shaped and include a first opening and a second opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing variable resistance in connection with exercise equipment uses vertically oriented weight plates that rare in a side-by-side arrangement and are selected by selectors in a selector assembly. A set of actuators are controlled by a computer processor and force the selectors into positions that engage and disengage with a corresponding set of weights. The computer is connected to a user interface that accepts input from a user and instructs the computer to adjust the amount of weight using the actuators and the corresponding selectors. The computer is also in communication with sensors that indicate whether the weights have been lifted successfully and automatically select a lower weight when the weights are not lifted successfully.

Abstract: A weight training machine having a moment arm weight resistance mechanism for creating a weight resistance or weight load.

Abstract: A lockout mechanism for a selection mechanism on an exercise machine, the selection mechanism being associated with a carriage for selectively carrying load. The carriage may include a support system adjustable by the selection mechanism for adjusting the amount of load to be carried. The lockout mechanism may include a lockout member configured to prevent adjustment of the selection mechanism during exercise.

Abstract: An isolated curl machine and method therefor is disclosed herein. Generally, the isolated curl machine provides a resistance having a force which is directed upward and away from the user. The machine may also support the user's upper arms, or a portion thereof. In this manner, training on the machine is highly focused on the biceps. The machine may comprise a frame, a seat, an arm rest, and a resistance device. The user may engage the machine by sitting in the seat and placing his or her arms on the arm rest. In this position, the user may engage the resistance device such as by grasping a handle of the resistance device. The resistance device provides the resistance which resists movement of the user's arm during a bicep curl and may be configured such that the force of the provided resistance is directed upward and away from the user.

Abstract: A weight plate having a detachable locking cartridge by which the weight plate is releasably connected to a lifting element (e.g., a center post) whereby one or more weight plates carried by the lifting element may be lifted by a user. The weight plate also has a plate body with a central bore in which to receive the lifting element. In one embodiment, the detachable locking cartridge is mounted flush against one side (e.g., the bottom) of the weight plate body so as to lie entirely external to the plate body. In an alternate embodiment, the detachable locking cartridge includes a stabilizer extension that is received within a cavity recessed in the one side of the plate body. The detachable locking cartridge includes a manually-accessible toggle lever switch arm that is adapted to rotate within a housing of the cartridge between locked and unlocked positions to thereby control the displacement of a locking pin relative to the lifting element within the central bore of the plate body.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a gluteus weight training machine for progressive overload resistance training of the gluteus muscles. The gluteus weight training machine includes a frame, a support member linked to the frame, and two resistance members that provide resistance against a downward arcing rotation of the resistance member. Each resistance member includes a pad against which a user's leg applies force in order to perform the downward arcing rotation of the resistance member. Each resistance member further includes a weight assembly that adjusts the amount of weight used as resistance.

Abstract: A training machine for strength training and rehabilitation includes: a machine frame, a weight carrying frame, a weight package carried by the weight carrying frame, pull or press elements which are turnably provided on the machine frame and which are arranged to be moved backwards and forwards while a selected pre-determined number of weights in the weight package is arranged to be turned about a first axis, alternatively, by connection elements connected to the pull or press elements, and drive members to lift weights by a first force and to lower the weights by a second force, the first force being less than the second force, the weight carrying frame being turnable on the machine frame about a substantially horizontal second axis and the first and second axes being substantially perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A weight exercise machine may include an exercise member, one or more weights, and one or more weight selectors. When using the machine to exercise, the user exerts an exercise force against the exercise member. A weight selector may be rotated, pivoted, or otherwise moved to operably couple the exercise member to at least one of the weights such that displacement of the exercise member causes at least one of the weights to displace, thus providing resistance to displacement of the exercise member. The weights may include main weights and add-on weights for operative coupling to the exercise member via a movable frame. The one or more weight selectors allow for selection of different combinations of weights for providing resistance to displacement of the exercise member.

Abstract: An exercise machine to train the hamstring group of muscles including a base, said base being formed of frame members, a knee rest provided upon the base, a frame member extending rearwardly supporting a cross support, whereby the exerciser rests upon the kneel rest and places his/her ankles under the ankle support, a vertical framework pivotally mounted to the base, the upper end of the vertical framework including a chest support, while various weights may be attached to the proximate bottom of the vertical framework to regulate the amount of stress exerted upon the user while exercising upon the exercise machine.

Abstract: An improved exercising machine comprising a framework, support members carried by the framework, a pair of guide assemblies with at least two degrees of freedom mounted on a respective support member for movement of the respective guide assembly, a pressure bar or handle moveably connected to a guide assembly, at least one resistive means connected to the framework, force transfer means providing connection between the respective guide assemblies and the resistive means, and dampening means to dampen the movement of the respective guide assembly slidable members which serve to prevent sudden and erratic movements of the guide assembly slidable members.

Abstract: An exercise device for simulation of the action familiar to “tire flipping” is provided, having a base frame with a rail, a carriage including a pair of supports and a guide arm coupled to the base frame and the carriage. The guide arm allows guided rotational displacement of the carriage relative to the base frame with the carriage also being supported by at least one support received by the rail of the base frame at all time. One or more weight horns may be used to add additional mass to the carriage. A brake may be used to control the downward movement of the carriage after the carriage is actuated over vertical by a user or a lift that is “missed” causing the carriage to be safely lowered to a starting position.

Abstract: A compound abdominal and upper body exercising device having an outer frame, an inner mechanism that is pivotally connected within the outer frame and on which a user kneels to initiate the exercise, a linkage system between the outer frame and the inner mechanism that interconnects an actuating assembly and the inner mechanism, and a weight support system connected to the inner mechanism.

Abstract: A weightlifting system includes a first frame member that extends along a longitudinal axis. The first frame member includes a front face, a first side face, a second side face and a multiple of opposed pairs of openings disposed along the longitudinal axis. Each of the multiple of opposed pairs of openings are generally L-shaped and include a first opening and a second opening.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support movably mounted relative to the main frame for movement between a start position and an end position during an exercise. At least one user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the main frame for engagement and actuation by a user during an exercise, and a connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support. A lifting arm is movably mounted relative to the main frame and associated with at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage so as to move during an exercise. A load associated with the lifting arm provides exercise resistance.

Abstract: A weightlifting system includes a weight arm system which may include various arm systems such as an incline arm system or a decline arm system. The weight arm system includes a weight arm mounted to a bracket assembly through an omni directional pivot system to permit the weight arm to pivot about a first axis and a second axis. The first axis is defined along the length of the bracket assembly while the second axis is transverse thereto. The combination of the movement about the first and second axis relative the bracket assembly permits the novel omni directional movement.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes a load, a support assembly, a force-transferring assembly operatively coupled to the load and to the support assembly, and an exercise station operatively coupled to the force-transferring assembly. The exercise station includes a user interface, at least one adjustment assembly configured to adjust a position of the user interface, and an actuator assembly selectively engageable with the at least one adjustment assembly. The actuator assembly is configured to approximately simultaneously enable vertical and horizontal adjustment of the user interface when the actuator assembly is actuated to release the at least one adjustment assembly, and to approximately simultaneously disable adjustment of the user interface when the actuator assembly is actuated to lock the at least one adjustment assembly.

Abstract: A weight lifting exercising device includes a number of weight plates slidably attached to a frame with a weight guide rod, two cam members pivotally attached to the frame, two cables coupled between the cam members and the weight plates for moving the selected number of the weight plates up and down along the weight guide rod, and an operating device engaged with the cam members for rotating either of the cam members to actuate either of the cables to move the weight plates up and down along the weight guide rod and for allowing the user to lift and to exercise the weight members either by pulling or pushing a force transfer member and for training or exercising the lower or the upper muscle groups of the users.

Abstract: A swiveling user support assembly has a user support or seat rotatably mounted on a user support mounting device or frame for rotation about a first pivot axis, while the mounting device or frame is pivotally or rigidly connected to a main frame of an exercise machine. The user support has a base, and a primary user support and stabilizing device mounted on the base. A pivot connection between the base and mounting device or frame allows the user support to swivel from side to side about the first pivot axis. A centering mechanism helps to orient the user support in a central position for user entry or exit.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a leg exerciser device offering a pair of footplates arranged for inward and outward reciprocal movement along a respective pair of rails and whereby each of the footplates is operatively connected by way of support arms to a variable number of weights so as to increase the resistance offered by apparatus during an exercise routine. The path of travel of each footplate and the configuration of each arm is such that the vertical distance moved by the weights is greater than the vertical distance moved by each footplate during its reciprocal motion along the rails so as to enhance the degree of work undertaking during an exercise routine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bi-directional exercising of upper body muscle groups including the steps of mounting lever arms for pivotal movement about primary and secondary axes; arranging the axes so that they are essentially perpendicular and intersect at a shoulder of a user, wherein the user exercises by grasping the lever arms and pivoting each of them independently about both axes simultaneously moving them close together from an extended position, with resistance opposing such exercise movements.

Abstract: An exercise device for simulation of the action familiar to “tire flipping” is provided, having a base frame with a rail, a carriage including a pair of supports and a guide arm coupled to the base frame and the carriage. The guide arm allows guided rotational displacement of the carriage relative to the base frame with the carriage also being supported by at least one support received by the rail of the base frame at all time. One or more weight horns may be used to add additional mass to the carriage. A brake may be used to control the downward movement of the carriage after the carriage is actuated over vertical by a user or a lift that is “missed” causing the carriage to be safely lowered to a starting position.

Abstract: An abdominal muscle exercise machine that generally contains a diagonal member with an adjustable seat and a backrest and a pivot member that pivots with respect to the diagonal member. A chest push can be mechanically coupled to the pivot member through an adjustable force multiplier. An optional counterweight can be placed near one end of the pivot member to lighten the force, or an optional load weight can be placed near the other end of the pivot member to increase the force. The pivot member can be constructed to telescope or otherwise adjust for different body sizes. The machine provides a smooth exercise where the top and bottom portions of the body move together in a linked fashion. The machine of the present invention works without heavy external weights.

Abstract: A selectorized dumbbell has a handle that can be inserted into a gap between stacks of nested left and right weight plates. A selector determines how many left weight plates are coupled to the left end of the handle and how many right weight plates are coupled to the right end of the handle. Each weight plate is held between a pair of flexible arms on a forked carrier. The arms allow the weight plates to deflect out of a normal, substantially upright, orientation if an impact shock is delivered to the dumbbell. The arms are restored to their normal orientation once the impact shock dissipates. This allows the impact shock to be absorbed without damaging the dumbbell or while minimizing damage to the dumbbell.

Abstract: The present invention is a weight exercise machine for use by a user. The machine comprises an exercise member, a plurality of weights, and an index. The user exerts an exercise force against the exercise member when using the machine to exercise. The index is rotated to operably couple the exercise member to at least one of the weight plates such that the displacement of the exercise member causes the at least one of the weight plates to displace. The plurality of weight plates includes a first weight plate type and a second weight plate type having configurations and masses that differ. The index allows selection of different combinations of weight plates for operable coupling to the exercise member.

Abstract: A weight exercise machine may include an exercise member, one or more weights, and one or more weight selectors. When using the machine to exercise, the user exerts an exercise force against the exercise member. A weight selector may be rotated, pivoted, or otherwise moved to operably couple the exercise member to at least one of the weights such that displacement of the exercise member causes at least one of the weights to displace, thus providing resistance to displacement of the exercise member. The weights may include main weights and add-on weights for operative coupling to the exercise member via a movable frame. The one or more weight selectors allow for selection of different combinations of weights for providing resistance to displacement of the exercise member.

Abstract: Weight bench having a frame that rests on the floor, a seat mounted on the frame, a backrest pivotally mounted on the frame to the rear of the seat for movement between horizontal, inclined, and declined positions relative to the seat, a plurality of resilient elements which can be selectively connected between the backrest and the frame for lifting the backrest toward the inclined position, a swinging arm pivotally mounted to the frame in front of the seat for movement between raised and lowered positions, a weight bar extending laterally from a free end of the swinging arm for engagement by the legs of a person doing leg exercises, a handle attached to the swinging arm for engagement by the hands of a person sitting on the seat for doing upper body and arm exercises, and weights stored in holders attached to the frame for attachment to the weight bar and for manual use in doing exercises that do not involve the weight bar.

Abstract: An exercise machine for exercising the muscles of the upper body, in which a pushing or pulling movement can be performed in a direction approximately between horizontal and vertical towards or away from the shoulder joint of the user, with the user seated in the same position.

Abstract: A shoulder press exercise machine has a main frame, a user support frame movably mounted on the frame for supporting a user in an exercise ready position, at least one exercise arm movably mounted on one of the frames and movable between a start position in which handles are located in front of the shoulders of a user on the user support frame and an end position in which the handles are located above the head of the user. A connecting linkage connects movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support frame, so that movement of the exercise arm from the start to the end position simultaneously moves the user support frame. A load resists movement of at least one of the moving parts of the machine. The combined motion of the user, user support frame and exercise arm between the start and end position substantially replicates the natural movement of the upper part of a human body when performing a free weight shoulder press exercise.

Abstract: The subject invention provides an exercise machine for exercising the lower torso. As described herein, the exercise machine includes a stabilizer pad, which effectively immobilizes the user's lower body to maintain proper pelvic positioning during execution of the exercise. The stabilizer pad can be part of a user support structure having a seat surface, a pelvic stabilizer pad and a footrest. The footrest is positioned so the user can apply a force using the leg muscles to push the pelvis into the pelvic stabilization pad. The spatial arrangement of the stabilization assembly which comprises: pelvic stabilizer pad, seat, and footrest combination effectively immobilize the user's pelvic area, preventing it from rotating in either the anterior or posterior direction.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for monitoring, recording and analysis of exercise in an exercise machine of the type which uses a cable, having a proximal end and a distal end, and a device, such as a handle, that enables a user to push or pull the proximal end of the cable against a resistance that is coupled to the distal end of the cable. A sensor or “load cell” mounted on the frame structure of the machine, for producing an electronic signal representing the instantaneous tensile force in the cable, and an electronic computer or the like, coupled to receive the electronic signal, for storing values representing the tensile force in the cable as a function of time.

Abstract: The squat machine of the present invention includes a base having opposite sides, a stationary foot plate fixed on the base, a pair of frames each pivotally mounted to respective sides of the base, and a back rest pivotally mounted to the frames so that the frames and back rests are moveable between an initial squat position and an extended position. The back rest is oriented at approximately a 45°-60° angle in the squat position and moves toward a substantially horizontal orientation in the extended position. In use, with proportional foot platement on the foot plate, the user's knees remain behind their toes throughout full range of motion through the hips during movement of the back rest so as to minimize risk of knee shear. The orientation of the back rest minimizes risk of spinal compression during use of the machine.

Abstract: The present invention is a weight exercise machine for use by a user. The machine comprises an exercise member, a plurality of weights, and an index. The user exerts an exercise force against the exercise member when using the machine to exercise. The index is rotated to operably couple the exercise member to at least one of the weight plates such that the displacement of the exercise member causes the at least one of the weight plates to displace. The plurality of weight plates includes a first weight plate type and a second weight plate type having configurations and masses that differ. The index allows selection of different combinations of weight plates for operable coupling to the exercise member.

Abstract: A multipurpose personal training device with a pair of press arms that can be set to numerous different lateral angles. Each press arm can be equipped with a functional trainer handle coupled by cable and pulleys to an adjustable weight engine. The final pulley at the end of each arm is free to rotate to any angle. In addition to exercises involving the arms, the device can supply a full complement of most standard training exercises.