US3707284A

US3707284A - Exercise and massage device

Info

Publication number: US3707284A
Application number: US136109A
Authority: US
Inventors: John Waldeck
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-04-21
Filing date: 1971-04-21
Publication date: 1972-12-26
Anticipated expiration: 1989-12-26

Abstract

An exercise and massage device comprising a body support structure having a base assembly and a back assembly. The back assembly is capable of assuming at least two positions so that the operator may sit or recline upon the body support structure. The body support structure carries a plurality of rollers whereby parts of the operator''s body can be massaged. In addition, tension springs may be detachably affixed to the body support structure in various positions and combinations to be engage by the operator''s hands and feet.

Description

United States Patent Waldeck EXERCISE AND MASSAGE DEVICE Inventor: John Waldeck, 2764 Faber Avenue,

Cincinnati, Ohio 45211 Filed: April 21, 1911 Appl. 110.: 136,109

US. Cl. ..272/58, 128/57, 272/82 Int. Cl. ..A63b 21/00 Field of Search..... .272/57 R, 58, 60, 67, 72, 82, 272/83 R, 79 R; 5/110, 111

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 6/1885 Ruebsam ..272/58 3/1935 Schmidt 9/1938 Riley 11/1965 Beverly 272/58 1451 Dec.26, 1972 Primary Examiner- Anton O. Oechsle Assistant Examiner-H. G. Strappello Attorney-Melville, Strasser, Foster & Hoffman [57] ABSTRACT An exercise and massage device comprising a body support structure having a base assembly and a back assembly. The back assembly is capable of assuming at least two positions so that the operator may sit or recline upon the body support structure. The body support structure carries a plurality of rollers whereby parts of the operator's body can be massaged. In addition, tension springs may be detachably affixed to the body support structure in various positions and combinations to be engage by the operators hands and feet.

15 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PATENTED DEC 26 I972 sum 1 0F 3 INVENTOR/ 1 EXERCISE AND MASSAGE DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of the Invention The invention relates to an exercise and massage device, and more particularly to a simple, portable device offering the operator a wide variety of exercises and stretching and massaging actions.

2. Description of the Prior Art In recent years, the general public has become increasingly aware of the value of exercise. In response to this, prior art workers have devised a number of exercise means for use in the home, the office and elsewhere. v

In general, however, the prior art exercise means have been large, bulky and complex in construction. As a result, these prior art means have not been readily portable and have usually been quite expensive.

In addition to the above, the prior art exercise means have been characterized by the fact that they offer the user or operator only a limited number of exercises which can be performed with them. As a consequence,

only a limited exercise program may be adopted and the range of degree of difficulty of the various exercises is narrow.

. stretching and massaging actions than has hitherto been available in a single device. As a consequence, a variety of exercise programs may be adopted, incorporating exercises having a wide range with respect to the degree of difficulty.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The exercise and massage device comprises a body support structure having a base assembly and a back assembly. The base assembly comprises a horizontal platform supported on legs near its forward and rearward edges. Means may be provided to adjust the height of the platform from the supporting surface. The back assembly comprises three elements: a lower back portion, an upper back portion and a brace. The lower back portion has its forwardmost edge hingedly affixed to the rearward edge of the platform. The brace is detachably affixed to the lower back portion and maintains the lower back portion in its proper position. The upper back portion is detachably affixed to the brace and is maintained in position thereby.

In one orientation of the brace, the lower back portion is maintained in a substantially horizontal position and forms a continuation of the platform. The upper back portion is maintained in a position sloping rearwardly and upwardly from the rearward edge of the lower back portion. In this orientation, the user may recline on the body support structure.

In another orientation of the brace, the lower back portion is maintained at an angle with respect to the platform and serves as a support for the operator in a seated position. In this instance, the upper back portion may be afiixed to the brace so as to serve as ahead rest for the operator.

Means are provided at the sides of the platform, near the rearward edge thereof, for the attachment of tension springs to be manipulated by the operators hands. Roller means are also provided at the sides of the platform, near the forward edge thereof, and serve both as massaging means and gripping means for the operators hands.

At the forwardmost end of the base assembly, means are provided to affix the end of one or more tension springs to the body support structure. The other end of the one or more springs is affixed to a roller-bearing unit provided with means for engagement by the operators feet. At least one hand-manipulated spring may be affixed to the forwardmost end of the base assembly or the above mentioned roller-bearing units, as well. Finally, additional roller-bearing means may be affixed to theabove mentioned brace in such a position that the operator may massage his head and neck therewith.

' The device of the present invention is so constructed thatthe roller-bearing unit, the additional roller-bearing means, spring means, the upper back portion and the brace may be detached therefrom. The lower back portion may be pivoted into a'position wherein it overlies the platform. As a result, the entire assembly may be conveniently packaged so that it may be readily carried by the operator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise device of the present invention with the back assembly set up for the operator to assume a reclining position and further illustrates an exemplary combination and attachment of spring means.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the body support structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the upper back portion.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the brace.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the roller-bearing unit.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the roller-bearing unit.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the roller-bearing unit.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention with the back assembly set up for the operator to sit upon the body support structure, and further illustrates another exemplary attachment and combination of spring means.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the body support structure of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a roller-bearing means of the present invention.

FIG. 1 l is a perspective view illustrating the base assembly and the lower back portion in folded relationship.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are fragmentary perspective views illustrating additional exemplary combinations and attachments of the spring means to the forward end of the body support structure.

FIG. 14. is a fragmentary side elevational view of the body support structure illustrating means for adjustin the height thereof from a supporting surface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Turning first to FIGS. 1 through 4, the body support structure is generally indicated at l. The base assembly is generally indicated at 2 and the back assembly is generally indicated at 3.

The base assembly comprises a horizontal platform 4 supported by forward leg means 5 and rearward leg means 6. On one side of the platform 4 there is mounted a member 7 having an L-shaped cross sectional configuration. The upstanding portion of the member 7 hasrota tively affixed thereto three pairs of rollers 8, 9' and 10. It will be noted that the intermediate pair of rollers 9 is slightly higher than the pairs 8 and 10. The member 7 may be affixed to the platform 4 by any suitable means. For example, the horizontal portion of the member 7 may underlie the platform 4 and be affixed thereto by screws 11 and 12 or the like. On the other side of the platform 4 there is a member 13, substantially identical to the member 7. V The member 13 has rotatively affixed thereto three pairs of rollers 14, 15 and 16. Again, it will be noted that the intermediate pair of rollers 15 is slightly higher than the pairs 14 and 16. The member 13 may be'affixed to the platform 4 in the same manner described with respect to the member 7. I

On the forwardmost leg 5 of the body support structure, three attachment means. are provided by which the ends of tension springs may be removably affixedto the body support structure. While these attachment means may take any suitable form, for purposes of an exemplary showing they are illustrated as comprising

simple hook members

17, 18 and 19.

Additional attachment means for tension springs are provided at the sides of the platform 4. One such attachment means is shown at 20, and is affixed to a block 21. The block 21 is, in turn, affixed to the underside of the platform 4 ahead of the rearward leg means 6. In similar fashion, an attachment means 22 is mounted on the other side of the platform 4 to a block 23 similarly mounted on the underside of the platform 4.

The forwardmost edge of the platform 4 has a notch 24 therein, the purpose of which will be described hereinafter. The rearwardmost edge of the platform 4 is provided with hinge means 25 and 26 by which the lower back portion 27 of the back assembly 3 is affixed to the platform 4.

The lower back portion 27 is supported by a brace 28. The brace 28 has a first supporting surface 29 and a second supporting surface 30. It also has a first bearing surface 31. As is most clearly shown in FIG. 2, the

lower back portion 27'is affixed to the supporting surface 29 while the first bearing surface 31 of the brace is intended to rest on the same surface as the leg means 5 and 6. Attachment means for affixing the lower back portion 27 to the bearing surface 29 of the brace are generally indicated at 32.

The upper back portion 33 is removably supported by the brace 28 on its bearing surface 30. It will be noted that the forwardmost edge 33a of the upper back portion 33 rests on the rearward end-of the lower back portion 27. Attachment means to affix the upper back portion 33 to the bearing surface 30 of the brace is generally indicated at 34. 7

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the upper back portion 33 and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the brace 28. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the attachment means 34 of FIG. 2 may take any suitable form. For purposes of an exemplary showing, the brace 28 is illustrated in FIG. 4 as having an attachment member 34a let into the surface 30. The attachment member 34a has a pair of slots therein. In FIG. 3, the upper back portion 33 isillustrated as having an attachment member 34b provided with a pair of hooks. The hooks of the attachment member 3412 are adapted to be received in the slots in the attachment member 34a and to engage the attachment member 34a so that the upper back portion will be firmly affixed to the surface 30 of the brace.

The attachment means 32 for affixing the lower back member 27 to the surface '29 of the brace 28 again may take any suitable form. For purposes of an exemplary showing, the surface 29 of the brace is illustrated .as being provided with an attachment member 32a substantially identical to the attachment member 340. Similarily, the lower back portion 27 is shown (FIG. 1 1) as having an attachment member 32!: substantially identical to the attachment member 34b in FIG. 3. The attachment members 32a and 32b are adapted to cooperate to firmly affix the lower backportion 27 to I the brace;

The arrangement of the back assembly 3 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is such that the operator may recline on the body support structure 1. However, the back assembly may be appropriately rearranged to enable the operator to sit upon the body support structure. This is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. Like parts have been given like index numerals.

Turning first to FIG. 4, it will be noted that the brace 28 is provided with an additional bearing surface 35 and an additional supporting surface 36.

As is most clearly shown in FIG. 9, the lower back portion 27 may be affixed to the bearing surface 35 of the brace 28. The attachment means are generally indicated at 37. As is indicated in FIG. 4, the bearing surface 35 of the brace may be provided with an attachment means 37a. The attachment means 37a may be identical to the attachment means 32a and 34a. Thus, the attachment means 32b on the lower back portion 27 will cooperate with the attachment means 37a in the same manner as described with respect to its cooperation with the attachment means 32a on the brace 28. When the brace 28 is so affixed to the lower back portion, the supporting surface 36 will rest on the same surface as the leg means 5 and 6.

As is clear from FIGS. 8 and 9, the upper back portion 33 may again be affixed to the bearing surface 30 of the brace 28, via the attachment means generally indicated at 34. In this instance, the upper end of the upper back portion will serve as a headrest. For example, when desired, an ordinary pillow may be placed against the upper end of the upper back portion 33 and will be supported by it and the upper end of the lower back portion 27 When the exercise and massage device of the present invention is in the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, a roller carrying means (generally indicated at 38) may be provided with which the operator may massage the back of the head and the neck and shoulders. The roller carrying means 38 is illustrated in FIG. 10. It comprises a substantially rectangular plate 39 and a rod-like member 40. The upper end of the rodlike member 40 is affixed to the underside of the plate 39 near its rear edge. This attachment is such that the plate slopes slightly upwardly and outwardly with respect to the rod-like member (as is clearly shown in IOGOIZ (N10 I FIG. 9). The plate 39 has rotatively affixed thereto two pairs of rollers 41 and 42, adjacent its forward edge.

The method of attachment of the roller carrying means 38 to the device of the present invention does not constitute a limitation. For example, the rod-like member 40 may be affixed to the upper back portion 33 or one or the other side of the brace 28. For purposes of an exemplary showing, the brace 28 is illustrated in FIG. 9 as having an elongated perforation 43 therein. This perforation is adapted to receive the rodlike member 40. The rear edge 39a of the plate 39 will rest against the upper back portion 33 so that the roller carrying means 38 willbe firmly held.

it is within the scope of the present invention to provide the brace 28 with a transverse holeintersec'ting the perforation 43. This holemaybe adapted to receive a set screw 44, or the like, to further secure the .roller carrying-means 38 in position. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the rod-like member 40 with a plurality of perforations. (generally indicated at 45 in FIG. These perforations can be engaged by the set screw or pin 44 so that the height of the roller carrying means 38 may be adjusted.

As is shown in FIG. 1, for example, the exercise and massage device of the present invention will be provided with at least two tension springs adapted to be manipulated by theoperators hands. Such springs are illustrated at 46 and 47 in FIG. 1. The spring 46 is provided with a grip means 46a for the operator's hand. The spring 47 is provided with a similar grip means 47a. Both of the

springs

46 and 47 will be provided at their other end with means whereby they may be attached'to the various spring attachment means such as those indicated at 18, and 22. The nature of these means will depend upon the nature of the attachment means 18, 20 and 22, themselves, and may comprisesimple hooks or the like as is well known in the art.

FIGS. 1, 8, 12 and 13 illustrate a roller-bearingunit (generally indicated at 48) affixed to the forward leg means 5 by one or more springs, as will be more fully described hereinafter. The roller-bearing unit 48 is more clearly shown in FIG. 5 through 7. The rollerbearing unit comprises a channel-shaped body 49 having a planar portion 49a and a pair of downwardly depending legs 50 and 51. The downwardly depending leg 50 has rotatively affixed thereto three pairs of

rollers

52, 53 and 54. As is most clearly shown in FIG. 6, the roller pair 53 is mounted slightly lower than the roller pairs 52 and 54. The downwardly depending leg 51 has received in hole 63. The wing nut permits the operator to readily remove or adjust the handle 64, as described hereinafter.

Finally, the planar portion 49a near its forwardmost edge may be provided with strips of friction or anti-slip material 67 and 68. Additional pieces 69 and 70 of this material may be applied to the planar portion 49a near its rearwardmost edge. The anti-slip material may be of any suitable type well known in the art and its purpose will-be described hereinafter. It will further be noted that the planar portion 49a has a hole 70a between stripes 67 and 68. Thus holes 59 and 70a may serve the same alignment function as holes 62 and 63 when the position of the handle 64 is ,shifted 90, as will be described hereinafter.

. The roller-bearing unit 48 may be affixed to the body support structure 1 in several ways. As shown in FIG. 1,

for example, the unit 48 may be affixed to-the forward rotatively affixed thereto three roller pairs 55, 56 and 57. Again, the roller pair 56 is mounted slightly lower than the roller pairs and 57. The planar body portion 49a has, along its rearward, three perforations 58 through 60, whereby various springs may be affixed to the roller-bearing unit, as will be described hereinafter. The planar portion 49a also has a key slot 61 and two holes 62 and 63. The key slot permits the mounting of handle means 64 to the roller-bearing unit by a suitable machine screw, bolt or the like provided with a wing nut 65. The handle 64 is provided with a pair of detents or screws to be received in holes 62 and 63 to maintain proper alignment of the handle. For purposes of an exemplary showing, FIG. 6 illustrates a screw 66 the head of which is received in perforation 62. It will be understood that the head of a similar screw will be leg means 5 by a pair of tension springs 71 and 72. One end of spring 71 is hooked into perforation 58 in the unit 48. The other end ofthis spring is affixed to attachment means 19 on the forward leg means 5. One end of spring 72 ishooked into perforation 60 in the unit 48, while the other end of spring 72 is affixed to attachment means 17 on the forward leg'means 5. When the roller-bearing unit 48 is affixed to the forward leg means 5 in the manner shown in FIG. 1, the central perforation 59 of the roller-bearing unit is free. Under these circumstances, it would be possible to affix one of the hand-actuated

springs

46 or 47 to the perforation 59. For purposes of an exemplary showing, spring 46 is illustrated as attached to the roller-bearing unit 48 in this manner. Alternatively, one of the two spring means 46 and 47 could be affixed to the central attachment hook 18 on the leg means 5. Spring 46 is illustrated as being attached in this'fashion in FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 8, the roller-bearing unit 48 may be affixed to the forward leg means 5 by a single spring. In such an instance, only one of springs 71 and 72 is used. In FIG. 8, spring 71 is illustrated with one end affixed to attachment means 18 on the leg means 5 and the other end affixed to the perforation 59 on the roller-bearing unit 48. 7

When the roller-bearing unit 48 is affixed to the forward leg'means 5 in the'manner shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to take one of the hand-manipulated

springs

46 and 47 and affix it to the same attachment means 18 as is the spring 71. This is shown in FIG. 8. On the other hand, it will be noted that perforations 58 and 60 in the roller-bearing unit 48 are free. Therefore, it is possible to affix hand-manipulated

springs

46 and 47 to these perforations, as is illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 11 shows the exercise and massage device of the present invention in its knock-down form. Like parts have been given like index numerals. In the condition shown in FIG. 11, it will be noted that all of the springs and the roller-bearing

units

38 and 48 have been removed from the device. Similarly, the upper back portion 33 and the brace 28 have been detached. The lower back portion 27 may then be folded onto the platform 4, as shown. Thus, the portion of the bodysupport structure 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 1, together with q the springs, the roller-bearing

units

38 and 48, the

brace 28 and the upper back portion 33 may be conveniently packed into any suitable box or carrying case.

In this way, the exercise and massage device of the present invention can be converted intoa compact, readily portable unit.

The number of exercises and massaging actions capable of being performed with the device of the present invention are many and varied. For purposes of an exemplaryshowing, only some of the possible exercises will now be described. For example, with the device of the present invention set up either as shown in FIG. 1 oras shown in FIG. 8, his possible to use roller pairs 8 through 10 and 14 through 16 at the sides of the platform 4 to massage the operator's hands and forearms by repeatedly running the hands and forearms back .and forth over these rollers pairs. When the device is set up as shown in FIG. 8, roller pairs 41 and 42 may be used by the operator to massage the, back of his head, his neck or his shoulders.

, The hand-manipulated

springs

46 and 47 may be affixed to the attachment means 20 and 22 as shownin FIG. 1. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that they can be similarly affixed to attachment means 20 and 22 when theexercise device is set up as shown in FIG. 8. When so attached, the

springs

46 and 47 may be used for various arm exercises while the operator is assuming a seated or a reclined position, oris moving between such positions.

Again, with the exercise device set up as shown in FIGS. 1 or 8, the roller-bearing unit 48 may be affixed to the forward leg means 5 by a single spring 71 (as shown in FIG. 8) or by a pair of spring 71 and 72 (as shown in FIG. 1). While in a seated or reclined position, the operator may place his feet on the handle or bar 64 of the roller-bearing unit 48. The legs can then be exercised by extending and retracting them against the action of the single spring 71 or the pair of springs 71 and 72.

Whether one or both of the springs 71 and 72 are used, the operator, while stretching or exercising his legs, may additionally exercise his arms utilizing one of the hand-manipulated

springs

46 and 47 affixed to attachment means 18 as shown in FIG. 8. The notch 24 in the forward edge of the platform 4 provides ample clearance for the spring 46.

. With either of the configurations of the body support structure (FIG. 1 or FIG. 8) the operator can exercise both his arms and legs when the roller-bearing unit 48 and hand-manipulated

springs

46 and 47 are attached as shown in FIG. 12 or as shown in FIG. 13. A great variety of exercises may be performed when the device is set up as shown in these last mentioned Figures. For example, when the device is set up as shown in FIG. 12 the operator may stretch his legs against the action of spring 71. With his legs in stretched position and his hands grasping grips 46a and 47a he may then move his body between seated and reclined positions against the action of

springs

46 and 47.

It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the above described exercises are but a few of those possible with the device of the present invention. Depending on the number of springs used, and the exercises being performed, the degree of difficulty of the exercises'may be varied.

In addition to the above noted uses, several elements of the exercise device may be used separately from the body support structure. For example, the free ends of together so that these spring means may be used as conventional spring exercise devices, in and of themselves.

The roller-bearing unit 48 also hasa number of uses other than those in conjunction with the body support structure. For example, the operator may kneal on a supporting surface, such as the floor, and grasp the handle 64 with each hand. While remaining on his knees, he may shift his body between an extended and a retracted position using the roller-bearing unit as support means for his hands.

In addition, the wing nut 65 and its respective bolt may be removed from the roller-bearing unit 48, so that the handle 64 may be rotated 90 to a'position wherein its axis is aligned with the roller pairs 52 through 54 and 55 through 57. The wing nut 65 may then be tightened so that'the handle is securely fastened in this position with the dents or alignment screws received within holes 59 and a. With the handle 64 grasped by both hands, the roller-bearing unit 48 may be used as a hand-operated massage device for the body, by causing the roller pairs to be rolled back and forth across the body portion to be massaged. Finally, the handle 64 may be entirely removed from the roller-bearing'unit 48 and the unit maybe placed on a supporting surface (such as the floor) with the roller-bearing arms 50 and 51 extending upwardly. When in this position, the antiskid material 67, 68, 69 and'70 will prevent movement or shifting of the unit 48'on the floor. The operator may then sit on the body support structure 1 or an ordinary chair or bench and place his feet upon the roller pairs. Forward and rearward shifting of the feet will cause them to be massaged by the roller pairs.

In the same fashion, the entire roller-bearing unit 48 may be submerged in a vessel of water and the'hands or feet may be massaged while submerged.

As indicated above, means may be provided to adjust the height of the body support structure from the floor or other supporting surface. Any suitable extension means may be provided for the leg means 5 and 6 and the support surfaces 31 and 36 of the brace 28. These means may,'for example, take the form of additional legs of fixed or variable length removably attached to the above noted elements.

For purposes of an exemplary showing, one form of height-adjusting means is illustrated in FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a fragmentary side elevational view similar to FIG. 2, and like parts have been given like index numerals. In this embodiment, the base assembly 2 is provided with a pair of identical leg members, one of which is illustrated at 73. The leg member 73 is provided with a pair of notches 74 and 75. The forward leg means 5 will also be provided with a pair of notches, shown in dotted lines in FIG. 12 at 76 and77. The rearward leg means 6 will be similarily notched as indicated at 78 and 79 in FIG. 11. As is indicated in FIG. 2, the leg means 73 will be affixed to the leg means 5 and 6 by engagement of the notch 75 in the notch 76 and the notch 74 in the notch 79. It will be understood that the other leg (not shown), which is identical to the leg 73, will have its notches engaged in the notches 77 and 78 in the leg means 5 and 6 respectively. Finally, an additional leg means 80 may be affixed to the supporting surface 31 of the brace 8. This leg means may, for example, have a stem 81 receivable in a perforation'82 in the brace.

9 Where desired, the stem 81 and perforation 82 may be threaded.

It will further be understood by one. skilled in the art that the additional leg means of FIG. 2 may be used with the body support structure as set up in FIGS. 8 and 9. in this instance, the additional leg means will be affixed to the leg means 5 and 6 in the same manner as described above. Again, the additional leg means 80 may be affixed to the supporting surface 36 on the brace 28 in the manner described with respect to FIG. 2.

Modifications may be made in the invention without departing-from the spirit of it. For example, while the spring means 46, 47, 71 and 72 have been illustrated in the form of coil springs, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that resilient exercise cables or the like would serve the same purpose.

Thus, as used herein and in the claims, the phrase spring means" is intended to refer to coil springs, resilient cables, or the like.

in addition, the exercise device of the present invention may be supplied with a selection of springs of various tension ratings so that the degree of difficulty of a given exercise may be varied by changing the spring or springs used. Further, springs of various lengths may be used to bettersuit the size of the operator. Thus, for example, shorter springs may be used if the operator is a small person or a child.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. An exercise and massage device comprising a body support structure, said body support structure comprising a base assembly and a back assembly, said base assembly comprising a horizontalplatform having a forward edge, a rearward edge and side edges, leg means for supporting said platform, said back assembly being affixed to said rearward edge of said platform, first and second elongated spring means, a hand grip on one end of each of'said spring means, first and second spring attachment means on said base assembly for removably affixing the free ends of said first and second spring means on either side of said base assembly near said rearward edge of said platform, a roller-bearing unit, handle means affixed to said roller-bearing unit, at least a third elongated spring means, third spring attachment means on said base assembly near said forward edge of said platform, one end of said third spring means being removably affixed to said third spring attachment means and spring attachment means on said roller-bearing unit, the other end of said third spring means being removably affixed thereto.

2. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein said back assembly comprises a lower back portion, an upper back portion and a brace, said lower back portion having a forward edge and a rearward edge, said forward edge of said lower back portion being hingedly affixed to said rearward edge of said platform, said brace having a first bearing surface and a first supporting surface, means for removably affixing said lower back portion to said first bearing surface on said brace, said brace having a second bearing surface, means for removably affixing said upper back portion to said second bearing surface on said brace, said upper back portion having a forwardmost edge, whereby when said brace rest on said first supporting surface and said lower back portion and said upper back portion are affixed to said first and second bearing surfaces respectively, said lower back portion will be maintained by said brace in a substantially horizontal position and said upper back portion will be maintained in a position sloping upwardly and rearwardly of said lower back portion with said forwardmost edge of said upper back portion overlying said rearwardmost edge of said lower back portion.

3. The structure claimed in claim 1 including roller means affixed to said side edges of said platform near said forward edge thereof, whereby said rollers may serve as massage means for the hands and forearms of the operator.

'4. The structure claimed in claim 1 including a fourth elongated'spring means, one end of said fourth spring means being affixed to said third attachment means, theother end of said fourth spring means being affixed to said spring attachment means on said roller-bearing unit.

5. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein said roller-bearing unit comprises a body having a planar portion with an upper and lower surface, a forward edge, a rearward edge and side edges, a pair of legs depending downwardly from said lower surface, said legs being located at the side edges of said planar portion and extending the length thereof, at least one pair of rollers being rotatively affixed to each leg, the rollers of each pair being mounted on opposite sides of the respective leg of said pair and elongated handle means affixed to said upper surface of said planar portion with its ends extending beyond the side edges thereof.

6. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein the free end of one of said first and second spring means is affixed to said third attachment means on said base assembly.

7. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein the free ends of said first and second spring means are affixed to said spring attachment means on said, roller-bearing unit.

8. The structure claimed in claim 2 including a second supporting surface and a third bearing surface on said brace, means for removably affixing said lower back portion to said third bearing surface, whereby when said brace rests on said second supporting surface and said lower back portion and said upper back portion are affixed to said third and second bearing surfaces respectively, said lower back portion will be maintained by said brace in a position sloping upwardly and rearwardly of said platform and said upper back portion will be maintained by said brace in a position to serve as a headrest.

9. The structure claimed in claim 4 wherein the free end of one of said first and second spring-means is removably affixed to said spring attachment means on said roller-bearing unit.

10. The structure claimed in claim 5 including three pairs of rollers rotatively affixed to each of said legs.

11. The structure claimed in claim 5 wherein said handle is shiftable to a position wherein its ends extend beyond said forward and rearward edges of said planar portion.

12. The structure claimed in claim 5 including antiskid material on' said upper surface.

13. The structure claimed in claim wherein said attachment means on said roller-bearing unit comprises three perforations along said rearwardmost edge thereof.

14. Thestructure claimed in claim 8 including roller carrying means affixed to said body support structure, said roller carrying means being positioned above said rearwardmost edge of said lower back portion adjacent

Claims

1. An exercise and massage device comprising a body support structure, said body support structure comprising a base assembly and a back assembly, said base assembly comprising a horizontal platform having a forward edge, a rearward edge and side edges, leg means for supporting said platform, said back assembly being affixed to said rearward edge of said platform, first and second elongated spring means, a hand grip on one end of each of said spring means, first and second spring attachment means on said base assembly for removably affixing the free ends of said first and second spring means on either side of said base assembly near said rearward edge of said platform, a roller-bearing unit, handle means affixed to said roller-bearing unit, at least a third elongated spring means, third spring attachment means on said base assembly near said forward edge of said platform, one end of said third spring means being removably affixed to said third spring attachment means and spring attachment means on said roller-bearing unit, the other end of said third spring means being removably affixed thereto.

4. The structure claimed in claim 1 including a fourth elongAted spring means, one end of said fourth spring means being affixed to said third attachment means, the other end of said fourth spring means being affixed to said spring attachment means on said roller-bearing unit.

7. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein the free ends of said first and second spring means are affixed to said spring attachment means on said roller-bearing unit.

9. The structure claimed in claim 4 wherein the free end of one of said first and second spring means is removably affixed to said spring attachment means on said roller-bearing unit.

12. The structure claimed in claim 5 including anti-skid material on said upper surface.

13. The structure claimed in claim 5 wherein said attachment means on said roller-bearing unit comprises three perforations along said rearwardmost edge thereof.

14. The structure claimed in claim 8 including roller carrying means affixed to said body support structure, said roller carrying means being positioned above said rearwardmost edge of said lower back portion adjacent said upper back portion, whereby said rollers may serve as massage means for the head, neck and shoulders of the operator.

15. The structure claimed in claim 1 including means to adjust the height of said body support structure from the surface upon which it rests.