Having Upright Array Of Horizontally Extending Elements Patents (Class 482/36)
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Patent number: 11344762Abstract: A suspension training based functional fitness element (11, 31) comprising: an essentially planar element (22) having an upper edge, a lower edge and two side edges, said planar element (22) being designed to form a pivotable connection to a support element (32) along said upper edge of the planar element (22), a first elongated element (23, 32, 52) connected to said planar element (22) at a first connection point at said lower edge of the planar element (22), a second elongated element (23, 32, 52) connected to said planar element (22) at a second connection point at said lower edge of the planar element (22), and a first and second handle (24), said first and second handle (24) being connected to said first and second elongated elements (23) respectively, whereby that said first and second connection points are arranged such that there is a horizontal offset between the first and second connection points and such that there is a vertical offset between the first connection point and the pivotable connectionType: GrantFiled: July 11, 2016Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: KOMPAN A/SInventors: Nikolaj Maj Bentsen, Rob Boogmans, Martin Nørgaard Johansen
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Patent number: 11311762Abstract: A modular play set including a support beam for supporting one or more play equipments therealong, two or more support assemblies each supporting an end of the support beam above a support surface, the support assemblies each including one or more upright poles having a lower end for engagement with the support surface and an upper end remote from the lower end, a lateral support structure engaging the upper end of each pole, the lateral support structure having a support beam connection for connecting to one end of one or more of the support beams and extending by a predetermined distance transverse to the or at least one of the support beams connected thereto.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2017Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: VULY IP HOLDINGS NO. 2 PTY LTDInventor: Joe Andon
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Patent number: 10537762Abstract: A jumper apparatus may include a base, a set of poles, a pneumatic tube and a cap. Each of the poles extend upwardly from the base and circumscribe a circle. The poles have axial end portions inwardly extending towards a centerline of the circle. The pneumatic tube extends about the set of poles proximate the base. The cap secures the axial end portions of the poles about the centerline, wherein the cap comprises radially extending grooves receiving the axial end portions of the poles.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: M&M Sales Enterprises Inc.Inventors: John Brian Priest, Ryan J. Fens
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Patent number: 10493312Abstract: An exercise ladder has a vertical ladder frame that includes one or more wall support blocks configured to fix the vertical ladder frame against a wall that is perpendicular to a floor. The ladder frame has vertical rails on each side. Each vertical rail has a track that allows a carrier of hook and a lock to slide up on down the length of the ladder frame. An exerciser can easily change the height of the hook with a slide action that changes the height of the carrier and a locking action that locks the carrier at an adjustable height. In this way, a exerciser can perform resistance exercises with an elastic band that attach at different heights without having to disengage the elastic band from the hook.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: Fuse360 LLCInventors: Mariska Breland, Roxanna Hakimi
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Patent number: 9868008Abstract: A jungle gym is provided which has a base frame group where three cubic frames are formed continuously in a y axis direction by pluralities of pipes provided in an x, y and z axis directions, and a plurality of jungle gym joints each including a joint main body and a rotary member and where the rotary member is connected rotatably to the joint main body so as to form a folding portion which can be folded in one direction within an angular extent of 90 degrees, and the pipes in the y and z axis directions are connected to the joint main bodies, while the pipes in the x axis direction are connected to end portions of the rotary members lying opposite to end portions where the folding portions are formed, all the folding portions being rotated in the same direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: AGATSUMA CO., LTD.Inventor: Shinji Todokoro
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Patent number: 9521911Abstract: A furniture system for optimizing sound levels and acoustics in a learning environment. The system includes a plurality of pieces selected from a toy shelf, a bridge/tunnel structure, a sandwich board shelf unit, a tunnel with interior shelves, a toy box with leaning bendable posts, a bench/tunnel with combination seat, tunnel, and shelf, a listening center, a stealth chair/cave structure, stealth leaning surface/cave, a multifunctional zigzag chair, and a multipurpose chair/easel.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Inventor: Nancy Hebenthal
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Patent number: 9089731Abstract: Embodiments of play systems having multiple curved structural members are disclosed. Play systems illustratively include a first quarter of an ellipse, a second quarter of an ellipse, a third quarter of an ellipse, and a fourth quarter of an ellipse. Each ellipse quarter has first and second ends. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth ellipse quarters are oriented approximately vertically relative to a surface such that the first ends of the ellipse quarters contact the surface and the second ends of the ellipse quarters are above the surface. The first ends of the ellipse quarters are optionally spaced further apart from each other than the second ends of the ellipse quarters.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Landscape Structures Inc.Inventors: Steven G. King, Thomas L. Keller
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Patent number: 8992388Abstract: The present invention relates to playground equipment and, more particularly, to a playground apparatus incorporating modular construction, which permits rapid simplified assembly, modification and universal arrangement of playground equipment modules without tools.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Gym-Mark, Inc.Inventors: Jay Beckwith, Hap Parker
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Patent number: 8926474Abstract: An exercise device for exercising a user's arms and upper body includes an endless belt of hingedly connected articulating panels guided in channels of a supporting frame. A pair of hand grip assemblies are slidably attached to the endless belt through a ratcheting mechanism that allows relative movement of the hand grip assemblies in a first direction while preventing said relative movement in a second direction. Movement of the endless belt may be retarded by a tensioning mechanism and completely ceased by a braking mechanism actuated by signals provided from first and second sensors provided on the supporting frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Inventor: Adam Morris Beal
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Patent number: 8821353Abstract: The invention provides a mobile structure that can be used in any water body having a relatively uniform floor and a calm surface (i.e., beach, lake or pool). This structure has multiple hold and leaning surfaces and/or elements that lie flush and below the water level providing people with disabilities and older people a solid support structure to hold, sit, stand or lean while performing adapted swimming activities.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: University of Puerto RicoInventors: Mauricio A. Lizama, Diego A. Agostini
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Patent number: 8668626Abstract: A handhold for rock climbing for attachment to a constructed wall with a screw, for wireless communication with a remote computer, comprises: a) a body having a rear generally flat side portion and an integrated peripheral side portions wherein an upper peripheral portion is adapted to be grasped, said body having an interior cavity; b) an elongate cylindrical hole extending through the body sized to closely receive the screw for attachment to the constructed wall; c) a circuit, generally positioned within the interior cavity, containing a microprocessor, a pressure sensor to detect force on the handhold created by a user, a light emission device, a wireless transmission antenna; and d) a power source. In conjunction with the remote computer the circuit can be activated, the light emission device can be lit, and information generated in the handhold can be restored for recall at a later time.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventors: Matanya B. Horowitz, Anil S. Damle, Mark G. VanKempen
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Patent number: 8602905Abstract: A playground system includes a support post secured to a foundation, a play unit defining a passageway; and a cam assembly configured to secure the play unit to the support. The cam assembly includes a cam base sized and shaped for engagement with the play unit, and a cam. The cam assembly also includes a cam lock sized and shaped for engagement with the play unit within the passageway, and a slot sized and shaped for seating the cam. The slot defines a plurality of steps being sized and shaped to seat the cam to provide an adjustment range to accommodate for variances in sizes and tolerances of the play unit and support.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Miracle Recreation Equipment Co.Inventors: J. Stephen Steury, Tracy Archer
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Patent number: 8597221Abstract: A traction exercise apparatus comprises a rectangular shaped metal frame including a pair of metal vertical members, a metal horizontal member on a bottom side, and a pair of metal horizontal members on a top side. A first rotating metal shaft and a second rotating metal shaft are located across the pair of metal horizontal members. Further a pair of ankle braces is attached to a snap hook. A cable pulley on each side of the first rotating metal shaft supports a first metal cable attached to the snap hook. A first cable reel on each side of second rotating metal shaft supports the first metal cable. A second cable reel on each side of the second rotating metal shaft supports a second metal cable attached to a hand grab bar. Second rotating metal shaft rotates to transmit a tension to the first metal cable to perform different traction exercises.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Inventor: Andrew Lisowski
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Patent number: 8425383Abstract: An exercise apparatus accommodates a user and a resilient and resistive pivot such as an exercise ball within its structure. The pivot may have various dimensions based on the size and needs of the user and the exercise program chosen to be performed. The shape and inner dimension of the apparatus is designed to exploit the inherent instability of pivoting exercises such as twists, rolls and lifts. Various configurations of horizontal and vertical apparatus members offer the user a wide range of gripping and leverage points. A variety of exercise positions and motions may be used with this device to increase muscle flexibility and strength.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Inventor: Michael F. Kelly
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Patent number: 8172726Abstract: A doorway mounted horizontal bar includes a rod having two ends for attaching to two side moldings of a doorway, two frames attached to the end portions of the rod for supporting a tubular member, and two auxiliary supports each having a lower segment attached to the rod and each having an upper handle attached to the upper end of the frame for being grasped by the user, the lower segments of the auxiliary supports are each attached to the rod with a coupling device, and the handles of the auxiliary supports are each attached to the frame with another coupling device, the coupling devices each include a quick release fastening device for detachably securing the coupling devices and the auxiliary supports to the rod and the frames.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignees: Expectations, LLC, Inversion International, Ltd.Inventor: Christopher Henry Leier
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Publication number: 20120021874Abstract: An elevated adventure course, having an ascending entrance-exit tracking member with bases secured downwardly therefrom. The bases oriented leftwardly and rightwardly in alternating fashion to define a non-linear pathway.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventor: James Liggett
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Patent number: 8083648Abstract: The invention relates to a rope spreading device for rope networks with tensioning ropes that converge at a top point of a support mast at an acute angle. It is an object of the invention to overcome the lack of play space, while making it also possible to vary the tension of the tensioning ropes. Accordingly, a rope spreading device is provided for rope networks with tensioning ropes that converge at a top point of a support mast at an acute angle, wherein the device is characterized in that at least one rope spreader is arranged between a tensioning rope and a support mast. The rope spreader changes the path of the tensioning rope so that a greater usable volume is created between the tensioning ropes and the central support mast, which can be used for climbing and play. Advantageously, the rope spreader may be used to vary the degree of spreading and the tension of the tensioning ropes.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2006Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Berliner Seilfabrik GmbH & Co.Inventor: Karl-Heinz Koehler
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Patent number: 7981004Abstract: An elevated adventure course, having an entrance-exit platform connected to a support member; a tracking member secured to a top portion of the support member; an element secured to said support member; and a path defined by a plurality of the elements that leads to a second entrance-exit platform.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Inventors: James Allen Liggett, Troy Garland
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Patent number: 7951047Abstract: The invention relates to a rope game device with an outer frame and with ropes rigged within the outer frame forming a spatial net and which are attached in a tensionable manner to specific node points of the outer frame. The invention has the object, to provide a new rope game device, which displays a distinct “fullness” of the spatial net and which manufacture has distinct technological and cost advantages compared to known devices.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Berliner Seilfabrik & Co. KGInventor: Karl-Heinz Köhler
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Patent number: 7931564Abstract: An assembly rock climbing device having a rock climbing body comprised of several three-dimensional assembly blocks. Each of the assembly blocks has at least one surface and at least one assembly surface to be connected with adjacent assembly blocks. The assembly blocks are connected via their assembly surfaces to form the rock climbing body. The surfaces of the assembly blocks combine to form at least one climbing surface for users to climb. Rocks are disposed on the climbing surface for users to hold.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Inventor: Yu-Feng Wu
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Patent number: 7699756Abstract: An apparatus for removably mounting an exercise apparatus to a supporting structure such as a ladder-like structure. Various types of mounting apparatus with specially designed brackets having multiple interchangeable parts, attachments and accessories, are used to facilitate easy and quick mounting of several types of exercise apparatus to the supporting structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: BVP Holding, Inc.Inventor: Robert A. Piane, Jr.
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Patent number: 7666119Abstract: A hurdle assembly includes spaced-apart left and right legs, a cross bar having two longitudinally opposite ends connected respectively to top ends of the legs, and at least one top frame including a vertical support section, a barring section extending longitudinally and horizontally parallel to the cross bar and having an end connected to a top end of the vertical support section, and a clamp element connected to a bottom end of the vertical support section and clamping releasably the cross bar in proximity to one end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2009Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Inventor: Jhih-Hao Jhang
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Patent number: 7594874Abstract: A selectively rotatable climbing hold removeably attached to the front face of a climbing wall with a quick connect fastener system. The climbing hold includes a first component and a second component. The first component or the second component includes a shaft, and the other one of the first component or the second component includes a bore, and the shaft is positioned within the bore to releasably secure the climbing hold to the climbing wall. The shaft may further include a portion having a polygon shape or a spline, the portion having the polygon shape or spline is configured to be positioned within a mating shape of the bore. The first component or the second component may also include a detent and the other one of the first component or the second component may include an indent, the detent being releasably receivable by the indent to releasably secure the climbing hold to the climbing wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Inventor: Richard K. Meissner
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Patent number: 7520838Abstract: A climbing wall route setting assembly and process for setting climbing wall routes. The route setting assembly includes a guide with climbing wall maps having a coordinate system. Cooperating sets of hand hold structures are provided with indicia to create climbing routes of varying difficulty utilizing the route maps.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Everlast Climbing Industries, Inc.Inventors: Timothy S. Sudeith, Jeremy Mariette
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Publication number: 20080300111Abstract: Improved climbing structures, systems, and methods for use on an artificial rock climbing arrangement which includes a generally rigid framework removably attached to a support surface located adjacent a body of water. The framework makes use of assist shocks in combination with actuators in order to provide an automated (motorized) easy-up vertical climbing wall. A panel structure is mounted on the framework for defining a climbing surface, the panel surface carrying a plurality of climbing holds. A hinged adjustable support bar is secured between the framework and the support surface for maintaining the framework and the climbing surface in a substantially vertical orientation when a climber scales the climbing surface. The hinged adjustable support bar is diagonally mounted with telescoping and threaded ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventor: Richard K. Meissner
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Publication number: 20080293548Abstract: An aquatic climbing system having safety features. A climbing apparatus having a climbing surface suitable for use in a body of water in an aquatic environment; and a falling mitigation element in cooperative arrangement with the climbing apparatus and one or more user falling conditions, the one or more user falling conditions having a potential adverse effect on user safety of a user of the aquatic climbing system, wherein the falling mitigation element mitigates at least one of the one or more user falling conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: Russell Moy, James Bellanca
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Publication number: 20080293547Abstract: An aquatic climbing system having safety features. A climbing apparatus having a climbing surface suitable for use in a body of water in an aquatic environment; an entrapment mitigation element in cooperative arrangement with the climbing apparatus and one or more user entrapment conditions, the one or more user entrapment conditions having a potential adverse effect on user safety of a user of the aquatic climbing system, wherein the entrapment mitigation element mitigates at least one of the one or more user entrapment conditions formed by the position of the climbing apparatus proximate a support structure proximate the body of water.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: Russell Moy, James Bellanca
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Publication number: 20080293546Abstract: An aquatic climbing system having safety features. A climbing apparatus having a climbing surface suitable for use in a body of water in an aquatic environment; and one or more mitigation elements in cooperative arrangement with the climbing apparatus and one or more user conditions, the one or more user conditions having a potential adverse effect on user safety of a user of the aquatic climbing system, wherein the mitigation element mitigates at least one of the one or more user conditions to enhance user safety of the user of the climbing apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: Russell Moy, James Bellanca
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Patent number: 7300386Abstract: The present invention refers to play and training equipment. The equipment is mainly intended to be used at playgrounds and the like places but may also find use at many other locations. An equipment according to the invention comprises at least one post or preferably two or more posts which are erected in vertical direction. Between the posts or a post and the ground or other support there are one or more movable elements or units, the movements of which are dampened or suppressed and of limited extension by connectors having internal bushings and which mount the units to the posts.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: AB Hags MekaniskaInventor: Sven Åke Sjöstam
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Patent number: 7273443Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a portable, modular skate rail comprising a plurality of square or tubular interlocking rail members 12 that may be assembled to provide grind rails of various lengths and elevations. Each rail member 12 has at least one hinged leg support 20 with a hinged footplate 22 that allows the leg support and footplate to be folded in a substantially parallel relation to the rail member to save space during transport and storage. Additionally provided are brackets 38 whereby two rails 12 can be fastened together with one rail having a handle 44 furnishing means for porting the present invention 10 as an integral assembly. The rails 12 of the present invention 10 may also be adapted to provide an angled rail relative to the ground 18.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventors: Juan M Martinez, Therese Morales
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Patent number: 7250020Abstract: A removable artificial climbing hold comprising a molded or cast body having an opening for a threaded fastener to pass through, and safety means incorporated in the body around the opening to retain the debris in the event of the body breaking.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Investissement Sport DeveloppementInventors: GĂ©rard Barbafieri, Philippe Moreau, Henri Miceli
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Patent number: 7044892Abstract: A child activity device for entertaining and promoting activity in a child is disclosed. The child activity device is configurable between a use and storage position and may also include a frame providing bouncing motion for a child. The activity device includes a support frame extending vertically upwards from a lower end proximate to a support surface and terminating at an upper end, a supporting portion, and may further include a seat, coupled to the supporting portion, that is rotatable about a first axis relative to the support frame to allow a child placed in the seat to rotate about the first axis. A coupling assembly is also disclosed. The coupling assembly secures the supporting portion to the support frame upper end and permits rotation of the supporting portion about a second axis for configuring the seat and supporting portion in a storage position. An activity device with foldable support legs is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2002Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Carl M. Stern, Andrew M. Weiman, Timothy J. Snyder, Brian S. Kelly
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Patent number: 6942600Abstract: The invention provides an imitation climbing rock that allows children to simulate rock climbing activity. The climbing rock is adapted to be attached to a wall to simulate a natural rock-like structure. The climbing rock includes a mounting surface, a body (e.g., a continuous side wall) and an endless grip that extends outwardly from the entire circumference of the body. The endless grip provides a hand/foot hold for children seeking to grasp the climbing rock as they attempt to negotiate a wall that includes several of the climbing rocks. The endless grip provides a hand/foot hold regardless of a climbing child's position relative to the climbing rock and no matter how the climbing rock is mounted to the climbing wall.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: PlayStar, Inc.Inventor: Brian K. Zeilinger
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Patent number: 6709365Abstract: The invention provides an imitation climbing rock that allows children to simulate rock climbing activity. The climbing rock is adapted to be attached to a wall to simulate a natural rock-like structure. The climbing rock includes a mounting surface, a body (e.g., a continuous side wall) and an endless grip that extends outwardly from the entire circumference of the body. The endless grip provides a hand/foot hold for children seeking to grasp the climbing rock as the attempt to negotiate a wall that includes several of the climbing rocks. The endless grip provides a hand/foot hold regardless of a climbing childs position relative to the climbing rock and no matter how the climbing rock is mounted to the climbing wall. The body, or side wall, of the climbing rock preferably includes a mounting portion that forms an edge with the mounting surface and a gripping portion where the endless grip extends outwardly from the gripping portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Playstar, Inc.Inventor: Brian K. Zeilinger
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Patent number: 6626801Abstract: An exercise system for providing a compact and complete exercise apparatus that strengthens, tones and corrects body alignment deficiency without the usage of weights. The exercise system includes a pair of elongate side members, a plurality of bar members extending between the side members, a plurality of eyelets attached to a front edge of the side members, and a mat member pivotally attached to a lower portion of the side members. A plurality of attachments can be attached to the bar members and the eyelets to allow the performance of various exercises such as a back member, a pull-up member, tricep members, and a strap.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Inventor: Jean Pierre Marques
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Patent number: 6558295Abstract: A jungle gym requiring a small storage space and easy assembly is provided. A jungle gym comprises a main frame body comprising connecting bars extending vertically or horizontally. The main frame body has a shape of an approximate cube or an approximate rectangular parallelepiped as a whole by connecting the connecting bars. The jungle gym also has a sub-frame body being attached to the main frame body and turnable around one of connecting bars of the main frame body or around an axis being parallel to the one of connecting bars. The sub-frame body is capable of folding along the main frame body.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.Inventors: Katsumi Araki, Shigeru Kanauchi
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Patent number: 6551216Abstract: A rock-climbing structure including one or more pliable climbing matrices held under tension and a plurality of rock-climbing/gymnastic holds attached to the pliable climbing matrices. In an embodiment of the invention, a climbing matrix is, for example, a net or sheet. The plurality of holds can be attached to the one or more pliable climbing matrices by, for example, clasp rods that clamp a matrix or by clamps that engage a cord of the matrix. In an embodiment of the invention, distances between each hold of the plurality of holds vary across a climbing matrix to create a varied climbing route. The holds can include, for example, a hold edge, a jib hold, a hold hole, a hold lip, a hold crack, or a hold boss.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Inventor: Brian George Rennex
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Patent number: 6544145Abstract: Prior art movable types of artificial walls are incapable of offering attractive climbing on irregular wall surfaces, and in the case of a prior art artificial wall having an irregular shape formed on its wall surface, it is difficult to immediately change the irregular shape, and in addition, it is impossible to change the irregular shape while an athletic competition is in progress. A movable artificial wall according to the present invention includes multiple plates each made of a plate of polygonal shape and connected to one another by connection means each of which provides pivotal connection between the sides of the multiple plates, and is characterized in that the whole of each of at least two sides of one of the multiple plates is connected to the whole of one side of another of the multiple plates and the multiple plates are connected to one another so that the multiple plates are closely adjacently arranged about at least one vertex of at least one of the multiple plates.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Hakusan CorporationInventors: Minoru Yoshida, Kazuyuki Shiomi, Seiji Hocchi
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Patent number: 6540645Abstract: The invention provides an imitation climbing rock that allows children to simulate rock climbing activity. The climbing rock is adapted to be attached to a wall to simulate a natural rock-like structure. The climbing rock includes a mounting surface, a body (e.g., a continuous side wall) and an endless grip that extends outwardly from the entire circumference of the body. The endless grip provides a hand/foot hold for children seeking to grasp the climbing rock as the attempt to negotiate a wall that includes several of the climbing rocks. The endless grip provides a hand/foot hold regardless of a climbing childs position relative to the climbing rock and no matter how the climbing rock is mounted to the climbing wall. The body, or side wall, of the climbing rock preferably includes a mounting portion that forms an edge with the mounting surface and a gripping portion where the endless grip extends outwardly from the gripping portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Playstar, Inc.Inventor: Brian K. Zeilinger
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Patent number: 6514178Abstract: The invention is directed to an artificial climbing structure comprising panels (2) for making up an artificial wall (3), grips (4, 5) to be positioned on the panels (2), and attachment structure (6) for attaching the grips (4, 5) to the panels (2), each panel (2) having a plurality of engagement seats (7) for the grip attachment structure (6) to define a plurality of distinct positioning points to be selected at will for application of said grips (4, 5).Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Inventor: Renzo Vettori
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Patent number: 6503174Abstract: An overhead hand-over-hand traversing apparatus, reminiscent of playground monkey bars, is provided. The apparatus has a single longitudinal bar with pivoting hubs at both ends and regularly spaced traversing hand holds, such that as the user traverses the bar, the bar pivots, to a limited degree, to provide fun and exercise while requiring agility. In a preferred embodiment, the traversing hand holds are in the form of generally U-shaped segments attached to the longitudinal bar. The traversing apparatus is supported by cross-bars intersecting the pivoting hubs at each end. The crossbars may then be independently supported such that the apparatus is a free-standing device or the apparatus may be connected such that it spans between two other play platforms and forms a bridge between the platforms or may form the entry to a single platform.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2001Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Playcore, Inc.Inventor: Charles Alan Mantooth
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Patent number: 6464619Abstract: A play structure having a header connecting the tops of two side supports such that the side supports are spaced to define a pathway. Streamers hang from the header into the pathway and textured protrusions attached to the side supports extend into the pathway. The streamers may be bead chain, plastic strips, or the like. The textured protrusions may be spheres, feathers, fibrous bristles, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Inventor: Anthony Bondi
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Patent number: 6394932Abstract: A sectional horizontal bar mainly includes two H-shaped uprights, two A-shaped bar supports connected to upper ends of the uprights, two curved bases connected to lower ends of the uprights to extend forward and rearward from the uprights for the latter to stably stand, and a top bar connected at two ends to upper ends of the bar supports. A lower and an upper D-shaped support are pivotally connected to lower ends and upper portions of each upright to normally locate at outer sides of the two uprights. When the two D-shaped supports are pivotally turned to locate at inner sides of the two uprights, a user may grip with two hands at the two inward turned upper D-shaped supports to do exercises just as on parallel bars.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Inventor: Walt Chu
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Patent number: 6165106Abstract: The present invention is a recreation deck. The recreation deck has a plurality of posts which support a platform. The supported platform defines a center, and has a load-bearing member independent of the posts. The load bearing member connects to and supports the platform at the center.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Playcore, Inc.Inventors: Brandon McBride, Kim Blackwood, Wesley Sutton
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Patent number: 5989158Abstract: A horizontal bar exercising device for use in a room having a floor and a ceiling, the device comprising first and second support posts designed to extend vertically between the floor and ceiling and a horizontal bar having first and second ends interconnected with the first and second posts respectively by sleeve members, the sleeve being slidable along the first and second posts by means of friction reducing means interposed therebetween to minimize binding between the sleeves and posts. The device preferably includes extension arms located at the upper distal end, each of the extension arms having a pressure rod to indicate a preset pressure to be applied to the ceiling.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Inventor: Bernard Fredette
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Patent number: 5938566Abstract: An improved modular construction for children to play.Such comprises modular corner parts (1) including extensions (2) and (3) that form guides for sliding and retaining the edges (4) of modular parts (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) and (10) to form right-angled connections and make up prismatic structures, such parts having a relief imitating dressed stone and an embattled profile (12) that make them appear as a mediaeval castle. The said parts have window (14) and door (13) spaces for the child to gain access into the structure, and raised platforms (34) leading to the outside through a slide (31).The invention is useful for forming modular constructions designed for children to play, and are mounted without the assistance of means other than those built in the actual parts.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1996Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Inventor: Jose M. Rodriguez-Ferre
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Patent number: 5893819Abstract: A recreational equipment junction box for tubular recreational equipment is disclosed. The junction box is a one-piece molded thin-walled enclosure having a plurality of spaced and opposed sides. At least one side of the enclosure is provided with a closed wall within a tubular ring section of predetermined dimension. The closed wall is capable of being partially removed for receiving a window or capable of being entirely removed for receiving a complementary shaped tube within the tubular ring section for connection to the enclosure. The junction box facilitates the transition of movement in four possible directions, while also enhancing the use of transparent windows in one or more locations as may be desired.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1997Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Assignee: Soft Play L.L.C.Inventors: James O. Dunn, Jr., Todd A. Coble
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Patent number: 5823925Abstract: Stretching apparatus which includes a flared, concave array of tensioned, smooth elastic cords removably connected to a support, constituting an inexpensive, compact, and flexible mechanism for providing a substantial variety of free-styled or controlled, repeatable exercises. The elastic cords are simultaneously accessible to multiple portions of the body with a wide range of orientations because of the generally concave or frustoconical shape formed by an array of elastic cords which permit multiple multi-directional resistive-type exercises in nearly all directions. The elastic cords preferably comprise shock cords, and the shock cords and/or supporting structures carry visible indicia to indicate the degree of resistance and difficulty of a preplanned routine or to facilitate free-style usage.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1995Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Blodgett & Blodgett, P.C.Inventors: Timothy D. Webster, Robert T. Wyld
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Patent number: 5769756Abstract: An apparatus for use in training and conditioning athletes, particularly an athlete's jumping and balance abilities. The apparatus has jump stations with one or more platforms each that are spaced above the ground at various heights for exercises to improve an athlete's jumping ability. An athlete practices his or her jumping skills by jumping from the ground surface to the platforms. A center section interconnects two jump stations. The center section has a balance member that allows the athlete to practice his or her balance skills. The apparatus can be constructed of light weight materials so that it can be moved. The apparatus can also be manufactured for disassembly so that it can be easily moved to desired practice areas, such as a basketball court, and to facilitate storage. Use of the apparatus can be combined with development of the specific skills necessary for the athlete's desired sports training.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Inventor: John Gerald Parks
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Patent number: 5755641Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating three-dimensional structures for children is provided in which four-way, three-way and elbow fittings having opposing flat sides with orthogonally oriented sockets are used to interconnect cut-to-length tubular members. An end portion of a tubular member is connected to an end portion of a socket by a fastener having a pair of spring loaded opposing pins thereon. The fastener is positioned in a tubular member with its opposing pins protruding out of diametrically opposing holes on the end portion thereof. The end of a tubular member is inserted with a slip fit into a socket until it contacts an internal shoulder thereon and is then rotated until the opposing pins snap into diametrically opposing holes on the end portion of the socket.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1994Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Inventor: Eugene C. Pardella