Abstract: A new hopping vehicle for travelling a distance by spring aided hopping. The inventive device includes a ground engaging base, a lever member, and an elongate handle all hingedly coupled together by a hinge member at their proximal ends. A foot platform for standing on is coupled to the distal end of the lever member. A spring is interposed between the base and the lever member to bias the base and lever member away from each other.

Abstract: A trampoline with safety net is provided including a trampoline frame with a plurality of stanchions. Also included is a trampoline mat having a periphery connected to the trampoline frame via a plurality of springs connected. Further included is a trampoline net assembly situated within a horizontal plane, wherein an area enclosed by the net assembly is substantially larger than that enclosed by the trampoline frame. The trampoline net assembly further includes a plurality of supports for maintaining the net assembly at an elevation above that of the trampoline frame. Finally, a trampoline net is provided having an inverted frusto configuration and connected to the trampoline assembly and extending downwardly and inwardly therefrom.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that a user can utilize when alone and which imitates the motion of a trampoline and can also imitate the motion of jumping rope while providing secure support to the user. A horizontal platform is supported on a base that has pivotally connected crossed arms that permit the platform to smoothly move up and down. The resistance is provided by a pneumatic spring assembly located beneath the platform. Compressed air supplied by a simple tire pump and a relief valve enable the user to increase or reduce the pressure of the system, thus controlling the bounce frequency and degree of resistance. A pressure set-up table assists the user in setting the pressure at the proper level for his or her needs and an ergometer accurately determines energy output. A handlebar assembly attached to the platform provides good support and can be vertically adjusted to accommodate the particular support needs of the user.

Abstract: An exercise shoe includes a shoe body and a frame fastened to the underside of an outsole of the shoe body. The frame is provided therein with a circular body in which a spring is located such that both ends of the spring are engaged with the retaining rings of two control rod members, and that the spring can be expanded or compressed by the control rod members so as to adjust the resilience of the frame. The frame is provided with a skidproof bottom to prevent the exercise shoe from skidding on a surface.

Abstract: A rebound-type exercise device is provided which allows an individual to perform a sit and bounce exercises that, among other things, stimulate the lymphatic circulation. The exercise device includes a support frame which supports a seat assembly by means of four springs. The support frame includes a pair of laterally spaced apart side support frames which are interconnected by a head tube. Each side support frame includes a generally horizontal ground-engaging base tube, a rearwardly disposed, generally vertical rear support tube extending upwardly from the base tube, and a generally L-shaped arm which interconnects a front portion of the base tube with the upper end of the rear support tube.

Abstract: A play apparatus for children's playgrounds or the like includes a helical spring one end of which is perpendicularly secured to a firm base or ground, and a support member with a seat and a grip is attached to the other end of the helical spring. A base plate is mounted between the base and the helical spring and/or between the support member and the helical spring, wherein the base plate has two grooves with a sector-shaped cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the helical spring, the grooves being arranged offset and spaced from each other on the level of half of the inclination of the helical spring. A clamping plate which can be clamped against the base plate and also has two grooves corresponding to and arranged opposite of the grooves of the base plate can be clamped against the base plate. The free end of the helical spring is clampable essentially without deformation into the grooves between the base plate and the clamping plate.

Abstract: An aerobic bouncing chair and chair frame exercise equipment for performing a variety of aerobic, body strengthing, stretching and lymphatic circulation exercises. The exercise equipment includes a chair frame having a first side frame, a second side frame and a "C" shaped rear frame. The "C" shaped rear frame fits inside and is secured to the top of the first and second side frames for holding the entire chair frame in place. A seat with a back support includes four support straps with four suspension rings attached to the ends of the straps. The four suspension rings are attached to one end of four coil springs. An opposite end of the coil springs is attached to the chair frame. Two of the coil springs are secured to the rear frame and the other two coil springs are secured to the front of the first and second side frame. The four support straps are adjustable for people of different heights and weights.

Abstract: An inflatable jumping toy typically employed in a play area by children performing jumping exercises is disclosed. The inflatable jumping toy comprises a construction incorporating a large torodial-shaped tube utilized as a base element and a vertical retainer wall mounted upon the top of the torodial-shaped tube. The retainer wall functions to absorb the lateral impact of a child against the jumping toy and to prevent a child from falling out of or being accidentally ejected from the jumping toy. A multi-layer bouncing mattress which is surrounded by and in communication with the torodial-shaped tube serves as a cushioned floor to absorb the vertical impact of the children during the jumping exercises. In a preferred embodiment, the multi-layer bouncing mattress includes an upper floor layer having an I-beam construction for providing maximum impact absorption of the vertical forces associated with jumping.

Abstract: An improved recreational device of skill and balance, having an elongated base, a pair of downwardly projecting feet which are spaced apart, and on the inboard side of spaced footrests on the upper face of the board, the feet being rotatable about a vertical axis, and preferably being a resilient material. An optional rope or J-hook is also provided to engage with the center of the board. Methods for using the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: The play apparatus has a ball-like body and a saddle forming a seat for the user who sits astride the saddle gripping the apparatus by means of a handle situated on the front end of the saddle. The region in which the saddle is anchored to the ball-like body is situated in the vicinity of the handle.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises a handle rod, a foot board, a base board, and an elastic member. The handle rod is composed of an upper tube and a lower tube. The foot board is fastened with the upper tube while the base board is fastened with the lower tube. The elastic member is fastened between the foot board and the base board. The elastic member is composed of two or more torsion springs arranged symmetrically between the foot board and the base board. The torsion springs have an upper arm, a lower arm and a coiled body located between the upper arm and the lower arm such that the upper arm and the lower arm form a predetermined angle, and that the upper arm is fastened with the foot board, and further that the lower arm is fastened with the base board.

Abstract: A child exerciser device in which an integral seat and tray are adapted to bounce relative to a bouncer ring. The bouncer ring rotates relative to a cross piece member by means of a lazy susan mechanism. The cross piece includes pivotable legs which are adapted to be adjustably engaged in tubular members extending upward from a base member which allows the device to rock in only one back and forth direction. The top portion of the device is removable from the base member and can be disposed within the base member whereby the collapsed unit can be manually transported and stored.

Abstract: Bouncing boot having a platform, a resilient bouncing element with a hemispheric lower portion mounted in a fixed position on the under side of the platform, heel and toe pieces mounted on the upper side of the platform for receiving the foot of a person, and straps for securing the foot in the heel and toe pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for use during the performance of squat-jump type exercises utilizes a weight-laden frame which is grasped by the hands of a user during the performance of the exercise routine and leg members associated with the frame which are spring-biased from a retracted position toward an extended position. During an exercise routine performed with the apparatus, the apparatus is lifted from the floor during a jump phase of the routine and is returned to the floor during a rebound phase of the routine. The spring-biased leg members of the apparatus cushion the effects of the weight-laden frame as the apparatus is returned into contact with the floor and facilitate the lifting of the apparatus during a subsequent jump phase of the routine.

Abstract: The sporting and exercising device comprises an upper foot-receiving portion, and a lower spring portion. The spring portion comprises an upper spring layer arched upwardly, a lower spring layer arched downwardly, and an intermediate elastic plastic strap. A first end of the plastic strap is connected to both a first end of the upper spring layer and a first end of the lower spring layer, and a second end of the plastic strap is connected to both a second end of the upper spring layer and a second end of the lower spring layer. First and second resilient shock absorbing bodies are mounted on the top face of the plastic strap proximate the first and second ends thereof, respectively. Similarly, third and fourth resilient shock absorbing bodies are mounted on the bottom face of the plastic strap proximate the first and second ends thereof, respectively. The resilient shock absorbing bodies prevent the spring portion to collapse after a certain deformation by compression has been reached.

Abstract: A tire trampoline platform having a plurality of openings installed therein for purposes of blowing air from an inner cavity of the tire onto a person jumping on the platform. The plurality of vent openings having an additional template to partially or fully cover the vent openings of the platform for purposes of adjusting the resilience of the tire trampoline. A tier or multiple layers of tires are configured such that the tire trampoline apparatus can be used as a chair like apparatus. An additional capability of the tire trampoline is to have a riding toy installed thereon the platform for allowing children to play.

Abstract: An exercise and play apparatus includes inflatable bottom and sidewall portions, each of which includes a plurality of independently inflatable compartments. The bottom wall has a thickness of at least approximately ten inches and the sidewall extends upwardly from the bottom wall by at least approximately ten inches. The sidewall and bottom wall cooperate to define an enclosed play area in which users can perform jumping and bouncing activities.

Abstract: A hopping toy made up of a platform, a base, a spring supporting the platform on the base and a sack having an open top and an open bottom. A ring is attached to the open top. An inflatable animal-like figure is supported on the top of the sack. A child may stand in the sack on the platform in front of the animal-like figure and hop with the base engaging the ground.

Abstract: A leg apparatus shoe sole has an upper sole member and a lower sole member interconnected by expanders so as to be movable towards and away from each other wherein the expanders are connected with a remote actuator by a drive wire. The actuator is operated to reduce the thickness of the shoe sole when the associated leg is the free leg and to increase its thickness when the associated leg is the supporting leg.

Abstract: A treadmill (10) includes a frame (12) on which are rotatably mounted first and second transverse roller assemblies (14, 16). An endless belt (18) is trained about the roller assemblies. A deck (20) is disposed between an upper run of the belt and the frame. The deck is supported spaced from the frame by a plurality of cup-shaped elastomeric springs (22). The elastomeric springs reversibly deform upon downward deflection of the deck toward the frame. Each elastomeric spring (22) has a sidewall (50) tapering in thickness. The resistance to the downward travel of the deck provided by the elastomeric springs is proportional to the degree of deflection of the deck toward the frame.

Abstract: An attachment for the soles of shoes to provide a cushioned bouncing effect. The attachment has wall rising on each side of base which the user's shoe rests and securing straps attached to the sides to secure the device to user's foot. The top surface of the base is slightly ribbed to provide both a gripping and cushioning for the user's foot. The lower section of the body of the device has inflatable chambers along the sides and across the front and rear ends. Egg carton shaped recesses of generally cubic shape and with solid vertical walls are provided to provide strength and rigidity to prevent a distortion of the lower surface when the chambers are inflated.

Abstract: An adjustable, recoiling aerobic exercise bench (20) which reduces the generation and transmission of impaction forces on a user's joints while performing conventional and power step exercises including a resilient platform (22) slidingly disposed in a left and right housings (36 and 38) which function to support the platform (22) above and relative to an exercise floor surface (42); a lateral platform recoiling assemblies is disposed between the platform ends (24 and 26) and inside lateral walls of the housings (36, 38) and adapted to generate lateral, resistive, restoring forces when platform (22) is moved downward during operation of the device (20); vertical platform recoiling assemblies (62), which includes a plurality of rigid tubular spring retainers, telescoping springs (90) mounted the undersurface of the platform and of sufficient length so as to make contact with the exercise floor surface (42) to thereby generate a vertical platform resistive restoring force when platform (22) is downwardly compre

Abstract: A device for assisting a runner, walker, or jumper comprising an elongated biasing means such as a flexible pole, torsional spring, or coil spring, etc., having a handle at its top end and a shoe extension including a flexible bridge having one end swingably attached to the user's footwear and another end swingably attached to the ground end of the biasing means. The impact of a landing stores energy in the biasing means which is then returned to assist in the movement of running walking or jumping.

Abstract: An exercising machine comprised of a triangular base frame having handles on the three sides thereof and plastic bottom sockets extended from the three angles thereof and supported on spring elements above vacuum mount incorporated stands, a rotating disk supported on the triangular base frame for allowing the player to twist the body while standing on it, wherein the inner diameter of the plastic sockets is equal to the outer diameter of the spring elements, and the stands have a respective top recessed hole in diameter equal to the outer diameter of the spring elements, so that the spring elements can be respectively fastened between the sockets and the stands without the use of tools or fastening elements.

Abstract: A device to be worn beneath footwear or an unshoed foot for increasing stride and reducing fatigue while providing comfort and stability by absorbing the energy in a stride and by releasing that energy to user. The invention accomplishes this by providing a cantilevered leaf spring joined to but separated from a platform supporting the user. As the user enters a stride weight of the user flexes the spring to store the energy of contact with terrain. Then during the completion of the stride the spring releases that energy to the user.

Abstract: A boot for recreational exercise which is equipped with a pneumatic ball spring. The ball is configured as a first semi-ovoid segment and a second smaller semi-ovoid segment which intersect at a minimum dimension. This minimum dimension receives an inwardly directed ledge which is captured by the fully inflated ball to secure the ball to its retainer. The retainer is in turn, secured to the bottom of the boot platform by adjustable dovetail members to permit the ball to be adjusted under the center of gravity of the wearer. The platform has a clamshell attaching member which secures a portion of the boot's weight to the calf of the wearer. The clamshell mechanism limits rotation about the ankle to .+-.15.degree. and restricts rotation of the foot about the axis of the leg and foot to reduce the potential of injury to the wearer.

Abstract: An exercise device made from one or more lengths of metallic or a fiber reinforced plastic matrix material. A portion of the length of material adjacent opposite ends are attached to one another to form an annular spring in either a U-shaped, tear drop, elliptical, or circular shape. A hand grip and foot support are mounted to the annular spring. In one embodiment, the annular spring means is mounted in a metal housing of limited spring characteristics. The U-shaped, tear drop, and circularly configured annular spring has a stabilizing bar telescopically mounted to the annulus spring at diametrically opposite locations. The elliptical embodiment includes a pair of annular elliptical springs mounted one on top of the other at locations intersecting the minor axis. Other embodiments have a stabilizing bar offset from the annulus with one end of the bar fixedly clamped to the annulus and a portion of the bar adjacent the opposite end offset from the annulus and slidably clamped thereto.

Abstract: A foot receiving member has a spring member detachably attached to the bottom surface thereof. The spring member includes a top, arched, layer and a bottom, arched, layer and a strap disposed between the two arched layers. The arched layers are attached, at their ends, to a corresponding end of the strap in such a manner that the spring member will be automatically disassembled under the influence of an extraordinary lateral force.

Abstract: A kinesthetic diagnostic and rehabilitation device enables the user to measure the extent of kinesthetic impairment resulting from a bodily injury, particularly an injury to the lower limbs, and also enables the user to rehabilitate the injury. The device is provided with a rigid platform resting atop an unstable support. The ability of the patient to maintain a fixed position on the platform as a function of the instability of the support enables quantification of the patient's kinesthetic impairment. The device further provides rehabilitative exercise.

Abstract: An exercise device using a fiber reinforced plastic matrix hoop as a resilient member with telescoping rigid members each connected at respective diametrically opposed locations on the hoop. A handle and foot support are coupled to one of the telescoping members. Elongated weight adjusting members having a length greater than the diameter of the hoop may be fastened at opposite ends to the diametrically opposed locations for incremently increasing the weight range of the device. Another embodiment using fiber reinforced plastic bow springs as the resilient members are fastened to opposite ends of the telescoping rigid members. The resilient member may or may not be used with the bow springs.