Abstract: Disclosed is a device for exercising muscles and balance including a board with a support surface to accommodate at least one person performing a physical exercise, a static support structure, a suspension between the static structure and the board adapted to maintain this latter suspended and raised off the ground and first actuator of the suspension mounted on the static structure, in which the suspension includes elongated flexible elements with a first end connected to the first actuator and a second opposite end connected to the board, the actuator being controllable by a control unit adapted to generate a sequence of activation and deactivation signals to move the suspension and, therefore, to vary the height or the tilt of the board or both.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sittable universal motion platform including a chassis, a support arm and a waist ring, the support arm is rotationally connected with the chassis and provided with an adjusting support; the adjusting support includes a slide carriage and a slide block, the slide block is slidingly connected with the slide carriage and is fixed on the support arm, the slide carriage is connected with the waist ring; and a positioning device is arranged on the adjusting support. The slide carriage is provided with slide rail and the slide block is provided with a corresponding matched chute, the number of slide rails can be two, and the number of corresponding chutes is also two, so that the slide carriage and the slide block can slide at will and can be more stable.

Abstract: An insulated container configured to store cold consumables is disclosed. The container has a body having a curved track wrapping around the body and upon which the body is able to be rolled. The body has an insulated wall encompassing a cavity configured to hold at least ice and consumables.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a base frame formed of a pair of spaced, circular inner rails, each having an angularly-adjustable, semicircular side rail attached thereto. The upper portion of the base frame includes a pair of handlebars for performing certain pulling exercises. An elastomeric resistance band is securable to any one of a plurality of spaced rings positioned on the entire inner circumference of the inner rails and the side rails. An opposing end of the resistance band is secured to a wearable accessory to allow a user to perform virtually any desired exercise at various angles.

Abstract: A bipod robotic walking apparatus consisting of two feet on the coupler link of a spherical four-bar linkage, for movement in a forward or rearward direction by repeated motions of the four-bar linkage. Three four-bar linkages may be connected in tandem to form a hexapod with three points of contact with the ground.

Abstract: Arrangement for axle and wheels with rolling cylinders for transportation of a load, formed by two separate wheels (1) positioned parallel to one another by means of a main axle (10) arranged in the center of the wheels and a plurality of rolling cylinders (11) that turn radially about the individual axis thereof, supporting and moving thereon a base board (12); said cylinders are fastened by cable or cord (13) to the reel (14), which optionally takes up the cord (13) by means of the handle (15); the rolling cylinders (11) are arranged in an annular manner on the inner face of the wheels (1), following the circumference of the wheels; the ends of the main axle (10) and the base board (12) are connected by cables or cords or the like to the pulling animal or to any other force capable of moving the assembly; movement of the wheels (1) gives rise to the simultaneous movement of the rolling cylinders (11), which, in operation, pass under the base (12) and support the load contained on the base, allowing the slid

Abstract: A mobile positioning, supporting and transporting system has two upright generally circular, oblong, elliptical or polygonal support structures joined together with lateral support members to form a freestanding structure with a roughly circular geometry so that it may be tipped end-over-end or rolled to translate from place to place. Any objects attached to or suspended from the structure within the volume space between the support structures readily are moved to a different location or position as desired. Alternatively, the support structures are disassembled and segments thereof may be aligned adjacent one another to form a cargo bin or cart to hold remaining portions of the structure and accessories for storage or transport.

Abstract: A spherical armored mobile platform (SAMP) is provided for at least one operator to enable protected entry and egress from a militarily hostile environment. The SAMP includes a spherical shell, an armored cockpit and a set of wheels. The spherical shell has inner and outer surfaces and features a plurality of cavities that extend therethrough. The cockpit houses a seat, a guidance controller, a display console, and an electric motor connected to a power supply. The cockpit is contained within said shell. The seat is designed to receive the operator. The wheels are driven by the motor and structurally supported by the cockpit. The wheels engage the inner surface and turn in response to the motor. The cavities are disposed within three-sided boundaries of a geodesic dome. The SAMP can further include a plurality of optical sensors disposed on the cockpit, and a signal integrator to present temporally concatenated visual signals into a mosaic at the display console.

Abstract: According to various embodiments a recreational apparatus can include an outer raceway having a ground engaging portion. An inner race assembly can be rotatably engaged to and operable to rotate within the outer raceway. A footrest can be disposed on the inner race assembly. The footrest can be adapted to receive a foot of an operator and support an operator within the inner race assembly. A handle can be disposed on the inner race assembly and adapted to receive a hand of the operator. A locking portion can be disposed on the inner race assembly and operable to permit rotation of the inner race assembly in a first direction around the outer raceway and inhibit rotation of the inner race assembly in a second direction around the outer raceway.

Abstract: According to various embodiments a recreational apparatus can include an outer raceway having a ground engaging portion. An inner race assembly can be rotatably engaged to and operable to rotate within the outer raceway. A footrest can be disposed on the inner race assembly. The footrest can be adapted to receive a foot of an operator and support an operator within the inner race assembly. A handle can be disposed on the inner race assembly and adapted to receive a hand of the operator. A locking portion can be disposed on the inner race assembly and operable to permit rotation of the inner race assembly in a first direction around the outer raceway and inhibit rotation of the inner race assembly in a second direction around the outer raceway.

Abstract: A wheeled transport device includes a body having a compartment configured to contain goods. Wheels are rotatably attached to a lower portion of the body, and a handle is attached to an upper portion of the body. The handle is configured to retract within a cavity defined by the body. An electronic device is mounted to the handle.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a mono-wheel vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a housing with an inner circumference. A wheel is connected to the housing such that the wheel is able to rotate independently of the housing. The wheel has an outside portion that makes contact with a surface. A motor mechanism is provided for rotation of the wheel. Gyroscopic forces acting on the rotating wheel maintain the vehicle in a substantially upright position such that the vehicle is able to travel along the surface in a first direction. A platform connected to the inner circumference of the housing is pivotable in relation to the housing to causes a change in a center of gravity. The change in center of gravity causes the gyroscopic forces acting on the vehicle to turn the vehicle towards the changing center of gravity in order to maintain the vehicle in a more upright position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wheeled luggage item with an ergonomic telescopic handle assembly. The ergonomic telescoping handle assembly of the present invention allows a user to use the luggage using just one hand. Furthermore, the ergonomic telescoping handle assembly shifts the weight of the bag onto the bag, rather than the user's arm, reducing strain on the user's arm, and it provides for a greater space between the user's heel and the bag, reducing the chance that the user will kick the bag while walking. Finally, the ergonomic telescoping handle assembly of the present invention is stored compactly within the luggage, maximizing the volume available within the luggage for storage of personal items.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an auxiliary power unit starting apparatus for an electric bicycle, which can convert the rider's pedaling force into mechanical displacement at the time the bicycle is being pedaled, and then the mechanical displacement can start the auxiliary power unit of the electric bicycle. The device of the present invention has simple structure and small size, and it can be easily manufactured and assembled.

Abstract: In a stabilizer apparatus for a vehicle, an electronic control unit calculates a target current of an electric motor from vehicle speed, steering angle, and lateral acceleration, and increases and decreases actual current such that the calculated target current flows through the motor. The control unit decreases the actual current by a predetermined amount when the difference between the target current and the actual current becomes smaller than a predetermined value during control of increasing the actual current. The predetermined amount is equal to the difference between the determined target current at the time of the detection of the difference and current which is necessary to obtain, during control of decreasing the actual current, an output torque equal to the output torque of the speed reduction mechanism obtained as a result of the target current flowing through the electric motor.

Abstract: An apparatus facilitating the lifting and movement of objects. The present invention, in one embodiment, features a curved rim extending around a mounting plate to which an object or an object carrier can be attached. The object is mounted off-center relative to the central axis of the curved rim. According to the invention, a counter-balancing weight offsets the moment associated with the object to allow the moving device to roll along a surface, and thereby move the object, with application of a small amount of force. According to embodiments of the present invention, the curved rims include at least one section having an increased radius of curvature relative to other sections of the curved rim to promote rotation of the moving device.

Abstract: A tumbling toy that permits children to be received and supported within a central tube. The tumbling toy includes a pair of wheels that support the tube. A pull is connected to the tumbling toy, allowing the tumbling toy to be pulled over the ground or other support surface. As the tumbling toy is moved over the ground or support surface, it follows that children supported within the tube will be subjected to a tumbling action.

Abstract: vehicle has two vertical wheels, each fixed to a horizontal axle. A carriage that can hold a human rider is positioned in between the wheels, freely suspended from the axle. The wheels can be fixed to the same horizontal axle and the perimeter of the wheels can be connected so as to enclose the carriage. Alternatively, the wheels can be unconnected and fixed to different, but concentric, axles so that they can rotate independently. The vehicle can be unpowered, powered by the rider, or powered by an engine. It can be adapted to ride on land, water, or snow and ice.

Abstract: A vehicle has two suppoting wheels, each mounted on an axle. A carriage that can hold a human rider is positioned in between the supporting wheels, suspended from the axle. No portion of the carriage extends from the axles a distance greater than the radius of the supporting wheels. A driveable wheel, such as a sprocket gear, between the supporting wheels is mounted on an axle and moves with a supporting wheel. Turning the driveable wheel from the carriage causes the supporting wheel to turn. The supporting wheels can be connected at their peripheries so as to enclose the carriage. Alternatively, the supporting wheels can be unconnected and fixed to the axles so that they can rotate independently. The vehicle can be unpowered, powered by the rider, or powered by an engine. It can be adapted to ride on land, water, or snow and ice.

Abstract: A spherical vehicle is designed to increase passenger safety by rolling away with the passengers from a collision scene while applying controlled braking force until the speed of the vehicle is reduced to zero. The spherical vehicle has an outer body and a horizontal platform resting on four telescopic columns inside the outer body. Each column is equipped with a set of braking shoes and pads normally engaged with the inside surface of the outer body. The engine and the passenger seats are located on the platform. The driving force from the engine is transmitted to the outer wheel which propels the vehicle forward. A pair of retractable wheels is placed in the lower portion of the vehicle to aid while turning or when the vehicle is stopped. In case of a collision, the braking shoes disengage from the outer body so the spherical vehicle can roll away while the platform with the passengers remain in horizontal orientation.

Abstract: An implement to be used as a plaything by children and as training equipment by grownups, includes a hoop of a diameter larger than the height of a person standing on its inside surface and treading forwards with the aim to roll the hoop along a floor surface. A chassis frame is slidingly attached to the two lateral edges of the hoop. The chassis frame supports a front wheel and a steering handle extending towards the hands of the person in the hoop. Treading on the hoop's inside surface propels the hoop along the floor while the front wheel is steered by the user. A hoop sized for adults can be used as a training implement by mounting it in rotatable alignment on a stationary base. The training implement may be configured for use in various positions, either upright, or when sitting and even while laying down.

Abstract: A one-wheeled vehicle has a spokeless hoop, a rigid load carrier mounted inside the hoop and a seat. The carrier forms a connection between a plurality of guide elements rotatably connected with the carrier and distributed along the circumference of the hoop. The guide elements guide the hoop with respect to the carrier during the rolling movement of the hoop. The vehicle is controlled purely through the rider shifting weight.

Abstract: A vehicle has a passenger compartment suspended between two wheels mounted at the ends of a single axle that is perpendicular to the direction of travel. The passenger compartment is mounted beneath the axle so as to allow the passenger compartment to repeatedly rotate in an unconstrained manner about the axle upon impact of the vehicle with another object so as to convert linear momentum of the vehicle into self-extinguishing angular momentum in order to dissipate energy and reduce injury to passengers in the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle-sensitive mechanical contactor for activating a restraining system in vehicles is provided with an inertial mass ball (12) movably accommodated in a housing (10). A first contact spring (14) bears on the surface of the ball (12) under predetermined bias. In the rest position of the ball (12) the first contact spring (14) is at a predetermined distance (s) from a second contact spring (16). The second contact spring (16) is deflectable for dampening the impact exerted by the ball (12). Furthermore, a spring blade (18) is in frictional engagement with the upper side of the ball (12) to additionally dampen the movements thereof. With extremely small dimensions and very simple construction the contactor ensures a reliable bounce-free contacting and is suitable for restraining systems in vehicles, such as belt pretensioners or airbag impact protection systems.

Abstract: A flexible, low friction, rideable sliding toy is disclosed that slides over relatively smooth, firm surfaces with very low friction. The toy is comprised of a bag of flexible, air impermeable material having one or more relatively large holes cut out of the bottom of the bag where the bag contacts the floor when in use. The bag is inflated by allowing it to drop onto the floor, trapping air inside it as it lands. The outer edges of the hole form a relatively air-tight seal allowing the bag to retain its inflated state when laid upon by a user, thus permitting a user to propel himself over flat surfaces in a low friction manner.

Abstract: An apparatus including an exterior annular wheel rotatably mounted relative to an inner semi-annular rim rotatably mounted interiorly of the wheel, with a framework mounting a seat and handle bars spaced relative to one another defining a gap therebetween, including a top sprocket driven to rotate a bottom sprocket to rotate an associate annular gear rack mounted to the annular wheel, with a right and left brake pad selectively actuated at the handle bar structure to effect turning of the organization upon actuation of the brake pads.

Abstract: A skateboard-type sports apparatus has a frame forming a grip for the user and provided internally with a standing surface beneath which a pair of roller elements can be provided. The roller elements are rotatable in respective holders which can be rectangular frame members pivotally mounted on the frame so that a pin and an eyelet on opposite sides of each member define a pivot line for the roller. The rollers can thus pivot in planes substantially perpendicular to a central plane of the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerial bodily maneuvers comprises a harness securable to the lower torso of an exercising person, a first and second ring disposed in a coaxially retaining and rotatable arrangement therebetween about a first axis coinciding with the central axis of the combination of the two rings, wherein the harness is fastened to the first ring and the second ring is rotatively supported by a frame about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, which frame is anchored to a base in a rotatable arrangement about a third axis perpendicular to the second axis.

Abstract: A radio-controlled spherical toy is designed as a hollow, preferably transparent sphere containing a radio-controlled vehicle supported on two drive bands having a track contact between points the maximum distance between which is less than 80% of the inner diameter of the sphere.

Abstract: A rollable toy tank including a flexible, tubular body, which is open at the transverse sides thereof, and which is adapted to be rolled forward on a supporting ground or water surface by a child crawling inside of the tubular body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a physical exercise apparatus comprising three nested frame elements mounted inside one another for rotation about axes offset by 90.degree. from one another. The thus established gimbal mounting of the frame elements permits a person occupying the innermost frame element to assume any angular position in space solely by displacing his weight to thereby fortify his muscles an improve his sense of equilibrium.

Abstract: A hollow sphere formed from a plurality of contra-spiralling members extending through 360.degree. from one end of an axis to the other to form a geodesic frame. Latitudinally extending spaced and parallel reinforcing members may be used to brace the frame. An axle may extend along the axis and may include an elastic motor for the embodiment when used as a toy, a pedal and gear assembly when used as a recreational device and a source of a power when used as a mobile powered device.

Abstract: A spherical recreational rolling cage comprised of at least three mutually orthogonal hoops is presented. The spherical cage includes an axle attached between two of the hoops and a rotatable seating assembly connected to the axle via a bearing whereby the seating assembly swivels freely relative to the spherical cage. Novel braking means, preferably of the disk type, and steering means are also incorporated into the rolling cage of the present invention.

Abstract: A rolling vehicle having a generally spherical cage-like body with a diametrical axle on which a pod is suspended within the cage structure. The pod contains a propulsion unit which provides thrust for driving the vehicle in a particular direction and also carries aerodynamic lift and control surfaces. When the vehicle is rolling, the lifting surfaces reduce the bearing load of the vehicle on the supporting surface and the control surfaces provide directional control. Outrigger stabilizing wheels on the ends of the axle provide basic stability and can be made of buoyant material for operation on water.

Abstract: A spherical vehicle including a spherical shell having a drive shaft secured to the interior wall thereof. A drive motor is connected to the shaft for imparting a rolling motion to the spherical vehicle on a supporting surface. Continuous steering of the vehicle is accomplished by changing the position of a mass suspended from the drive shaft to thereby change the center of gravity of the vehicle.

Abstract: The vehicle comprises an element which forms a wheel, preferably a sphere 11 having an outer bearing surface and an inner bearing surface and, inside the wheel 11, an element which forms a preferably hemispherical car 1 for at least one passenger, said car 1 being adapted to slide along the inner surface of the wheel 11 when the latter rotates.

Abstract: A spherical hollow body for recreational use is disclosed. The sphere has a portal for exit and entry of an occupant and a plurality of ventilation apertures in its surface. Three circumferential ribs are also provided. The inside of the sphere is further provided with at least one pair of diametrically-spaced handles. In a variation of the preferred embodiment, the ribs can be provided with radially-outwardly-projecting paddles, whereby the sphere can be used on water.

Abstract: An improved tree planting machine which includes a rotatable drum mounted over an upright carriage assembly. A plurality of soil penetrating implements or dibbles are positioned at equal intervals on the outer circumference of and adjacent slotted openings through the drum. A tongue assembly for connection to a tractor or similar vehicle is provided with a forked portion with arms extending back adjacent the sides of the rotating drum and attached to each side of the carriage assembly. A seat for the operator is mounted within the carriage. In carrying out the tree planting process, as the machine is pulled over the ground by the tractor, the operator, who is inside the carriage, places the rooted end of a small seedling or other plant through an opening in the carriage and on through a drum slot adjacent one of the dibbles. As the dibble is forced into the ground during rotation of the drum, the roots of the seedling are moved into the slit in the ground created by the dibble.

Abstract: A recreational toy wheel vehicle comprises a generally annular outer wheel member having an outer peripheral rolling surface and a generally smooth inner peripheral surface area defining a generally circular, axially extending interior cavity. A carriage member has a passenger carrying seat and a series of generally smooth rib members which contact the generally smooth inner surface area of the wheel member. The generally smooth inner surface area of the wheel member and the generally smooth rib members are fabricated of materials which minimize the coefficient of sliding, or kinetic, friction therebetween. Relatively frictionless or gliding contact between the two materials thus occurs, so that the carriage member is supported in a non-rotating position within the interior cavity during rotation of the outer wheel member on the rolling surface.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a spherical vehicle which incorporates an internally mounted rotatable seat, an observation apparatus to permit an occupant at least a view of his prospective path of travel and a drive apparatus having a pedes contact surface to serve as a device to space the occupant from a supporting medium so that he can be transported thereover.

Abstract: An amusement toy comprising an annular body which has an outer peripheral surface containing profiled hoop edge portions at its outboard edges which are joined by a squat barrel-shaped portion, such edge portions being integral with vertical side wall portions which are somewhat bulged in an outboard direction and which terminate at an inner rim. A gripping bar joins the rims and a cover is rigidly connected across the rims which bulges inwardly towards the center of the toy to form with peripheral surfaces a channel of about 120.degree. of arc, the end of the channel being about 30.degree. of arc from the bar. All parts of the toy except the gripping bar are composed of a rigid resin material and all surfaces are compound curves. A person who places himself in the channel and holds onto the gripping means is capable of causing the toy to rock on a level surface and by sufficient rocking to roll over whereby the cover joining the rims holds the person within the channel.

Abstract: A recreational device which approximates the feel of downhill skiing without either skis or snow is described in which the device includes a rotatable outer tire and an inner ring which is carried by roller bearing means within the tire. The inner ring is provided with a pivotably mounted platform adapted to provide a foot support for an individual, with the platform in one embodiment including a backwardly projecting extension which serves as a stabilizing tail. An individual utilizing the recreational device is provided with a cross bar secured at waist level to the inner ring via a trapeze arrangement. The size of the ring/tire combination is such that its vertically extending height exceeds that of the largest individual to be accommodated when the individual is standing upright, such that the center of gravity of the ring/tire combination is well above the center of gravity of the individual, thereby creating stability and ease of turning.

Abstract: A self-propelled rolling toy adapted to contain a child therein and rollable from one point to another, the toy including a seat, and a restraint for holding the child in fixed position in the toy while the child controls movement of the toy. Optionally, a ring is provided having a curved wall whereby, when the toy engages a first part thereof, it is automatically rolled back towards a second part thereof.

Abstract: A recreational device consisting of two annular members and a plurality of circumferentially spaced cross members secured one at each end to the annular members to form a floatation wheel having sufficient buoyancy so that an individual can stand uprightly between the annular members and step from one cross member to the next along land surfaces, marshlands, or a body of water. The device has sufficient buoyancy to support the individual who can transport himself over land, water and other surfaces, such as swamp, muck, salt marshes and the like.

Abstract: A self-propelled cycle-type vehicle comprises a drive wheel rotatably supported by the vehicle frame and coupled to the vehicle foot pedals; a planetary wheel of larger diameter than the drive wheel and rotatably supported by the frame around the drive wheel, with the outer face of the drive wheel engageable with and rollable along the inner face of the planetary wheel, the outer face of the planetary wheel being rollable along the surface over which the vehicle is propelled; and a balancing wheel also rotatably supported by the frame and having an outer face rollable along the surface over which the vehicle is propelled.Two embodiments of the invention are described for propelling the vehicle along the ground, and a third embodiment is described for propelling the vehicle along railroad tracks.

Abstract: An inflatable spherical device is disclosed made of two hemispherical shells or sections that are fastened together by a quick disengageable means, such as a zipper. Each hemispherical shell is made of an outer flexible skin and an inner flexible skin, concentrically spaced apart and having an annular circular flat member bonded by its outer periphery to the periphery of the outer skin and by its inner periphery to the periphery of the inner skin, forming a hemispherical air-tight compartment. Means are provided to inflate each shell. To maintain the outer and inner skins evenly spaced apart and to provide ventilation through the shells, a plurality of flexible wall tubes are disposed between the outer and inner skins. The respective ends of the tubes are bonded to suitable apertures in each of the outer and inner skins.