Abstract: A step platform for aerobic exercise may include multiple layers. The top layer may include an elastic foam member that is configured to at least partially deform when stepped on by a user. The middle layer may include a rigid support member that is configured to at least partially maintain the shape of the foam member. The foam member may include a cover that wraps around the foam member and at least a portion of the support member to fasten the support member to the foam member. The bottom layer may include a base member having a support ridge configured to at least partially restrict deformation of the foam member in at least one direction. The base member may be connectable to the support member.

Abstract: A step platform for aerobic exercise may include multiple layers. The top layer may include an elastic foam member that is configured to at least partially deform when stepped on by a user. The middle layer may include a rigid support member that is configured to at least partially maintain the shape of the foam member. The foam member may include a cover that wraps around the foam member and at least a portion of the support member to fasten the support member to the foam member. The bottom layer may include a base member having a support ridge configured to at least partially restrict deformation of the foam member in at least one direction. The base member may be connectable to the support member.

Abstract: A system and method for a retractable tennis court shade device is disclosed. The device is constructed such that it does not substantially impair the play of the game on the tennis court that is being shaded. The device can be constructed substantially along existing fencing structures to surround the entire tennis court, or it can be constructed so that it is parallel to any of the sidelines or baselines or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the device can be constructed such that it is freestanding. The device comprises a frame supported by a plurality of support columns, wherein the frame is disposed at an angle extending inward from the edge of the support columns toward the tennis court while stopping short of completely covering the play area above the tennis court. A plurality of fabric shade panels are retractably attached to the frame, which fabric shade panels filter substantially all of the light and/or UV radiation from the sun.

Abstract: A portable hinged cutting board with drawer for recreational use, such as the popular picnic, is presented having a housing 10 with a folding extension 11 attached by a hinge means 12 to the top edge along the length of the housing 10. The folding extension 11 corresponds in length and width with top of the housing thereby when folded in a closed position it is adjacent to the upper surface of the housing top 10a. The housing 10 can generally be described as having a rectangular top 10a two short sides 10b one long side 10c thereby forming a compartment 10e. A drawer 13 fits snugly into the compartment 10e and is of such a width that when positioned inside as in the closed position the outer wall 13a of the drawer 13 is flush with the edges of the housing 10. The drawer is held in the closed position inside the housing by a fastening means 18 thereby preventing the drawer from opening during transport.

Abstract: A racket, for use in playing tennis and similar games, includes a frame which defines a head and a handle, with the head having a generally polygonal configuration defined by a first pair of sides that extend from the handle away from each other to the widest portion of the head and a second pair of sides, connected to the first pair at the widest portion of the handle, extending back towards each other. The second pair of sides are longer in length than the first pair of sides and are connected by a fifth side which extends parallel to the widest portion of the head. Strings are strung between the sides of the head to define an impact surface which provides an enlarged "sweet" spot on the racket near the widest portion of the head as compared to conventionally shaped oval tennis rackets.

Abstract: An improved racquet frame construction including a one-piece handle, throat and shoulder member formed of a composite material and a metal rim is provided. The shoulder of the one-piece composite material member defines two opposed shoulder-receiving portions. The respective ends of a curved metal rim are secured in the opposed shoulder-receiving portions to thereby define an improved racquet frame.

Abstract: An improved game paddle construction, utilizing a wood core and metal skin layers is provided. The wood core defines an integrated blade portion and handle portion, the blade portion of the wood core having a uniform thickness defined by opposed substantially planar surfaces. The first and second metal skin layers are respectively bonded to the opposed surfaces of the wood core to substantially sandwich the entire blade portion of the wood core therebetween. A grip is secured to the handle portion, the grip surrounding a substantial lengthwise extent of the handle portion.

Abstract: A game board of a table type game, such as for example, a pool table, is provided with a leveling mechanism that includes a support bar mounted beneath the game board and a bed-level slide bracket slidably mounted on the support bar, beneath the game board, for movement to any one of a plurality of positions along the bar. A cooperating bed level guide plate is secured to the underside of the game board directly above and substantially in alignment with the path of travel for a portion of the slide bracket along the support bar. This plate has a longitudinally extending slot formed therein which receives a portion of a bed adjusting mechanism that is mounted on the slide bracket. The adjusting mechanism includes adjustable means cooperating with the guide plate for raising and lowering adjacent portions of the guide board in order to adjust the level thereof.

Abstract: The dart board game includes a dart, a target board having a target face, and cooperating elements for retaining, on the target face, a removably mounted marker on the dart. Such cooperating elements can consist of cooperating "Velcro" strip material. The dart includes a resilient and flexible portion at which the dart body is removably engaged with the marker, so that upon impact of the dart against the target board, the resilient portion of the dart flexes to allow the Velcro strip to engage without disengagement due to bouncing. This flexing motion compresses the resilient portion, which, as it expands, propels the dart body away from the target board to disengage the dart from the marker. In playing one embodiment of the game, in order for the "score" of a marker to count, the player throwing the dart must catch the rebounding dart body after an impact on the target board.