Abstract: A play apparatus has a gas filled balloon and an opening through which fluid is squirted or otherwise released. Fluid is delivered to the opening from an adjacent or nearby reservoir which is connected to at least one hollow tube whereby liquid is transferred from the reservoir to the release point on or adjacent to the balloon, such that the buoyancy of the balloon is unimpeded, for the purposes of play and amusement.

Abstract: A play apparatus has a gas filled balloon and an opening through which fluid is squirted or otherwise released. Fluid is delivered to the opening from an adjacent or nearby reservoir which is connected to at least one hollow tube whereby liquid is transferred from the reservoir to the release point on or adjacent to the balloon, such that the buoyancy of the balloon is unimpeded, for the purposes of play and amusement.

Abstract: A method is provided for a method of purchasing goods online, which allows end users to receive money in return for browsing the internet and making purchases. According to the features of the invention, the end user enters a profile into YOUniverse, which is uploaded to the database. The user then logs in to search for items and the advertisement search results are specific to the end user's profile. The user controls the amount of information in their profile; however, more information yields better advertisement results and more money.

Abstract: A rebounder comprising an encompassing frame supported by plural legs has a substantially rigid platform suspended on the frame. The platform has a substantially rigid base and a pad of resilient material is secured on the base. A vertical handhold frame may have a directly attached handhold or a rotating handhold, which may be attached by elastic connections.

Abstract: A smart traffic control device transmits information to approaching vehicles regarding its current and future state enabling vehicles to control their speed to avoid arriving at the traffic control device until it permits the passage of traffic, thus avoiding stopping, idling and reaccelerating when reaching the traffic control device. In other embodiments the traffic control device or systems receives information from vehicles, transmitting it to other vehicles.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems (including members-only systems) and methods for distribution of items to individuals. Such systems and methods are highly efficient, environmentally conscious and permit a greater amount of control on the part of the customer in how, when and where distribution occurs.

Abstract: A mass transportation system deploys dual use vehicles that transfer between a primary track and streets via a secondary or switching track. The dual use vehicles have comparable size and weight to ordinary automobiles but are configured to engage the primary track via either the street tires or a co-axially disposed wheel. When engaging the primary track the vehicles travel clustered in pods or groups for higher speed travel than on ordinary roads. The vehicles transfer from the primary track without a significant change in speed by disengaging or engaging the switching track. The switching track selectively drops or removes single vehicles from the pods according to the position of a track engaging support member associated with each vehicle.

Abstract: A trampoline provides higher performance and greater shock absorption capability by utilizing pairs of springs to connect the rebounding mat to the supporting frame. The springs in each pair are coupled to a common junction on the periphery of the rebounding mat, being disposed vertically with respect to each other. The upper spring in each pair is directly connected to the rebounding mat and the trampoline frame to initially to tension the mat in the equilibrium position. The lower spring in each pair is coupled to the frame and then to rebounding mat via a linkage arm such that it comes substantially under tension only as the corresponding upper spring is stretched. Depending on the level of impact force on the trampoline mat both springs extend, such that their combined stored energy propels the user upward on the return bounce. However, as each spring pair engages in stages the shock of the users initially landing is gradually absorbed.

Abstract: A swimming or wading pool has an enclosed area for playing games such as volleyball and basketball, so that the enclosed pool serves as a game court.

Abstract: A trampoline system has a rebounding bed and a resilient member located below the bed at such a position that the bed depresses the resilient member when the bed is sufficiently depressed by a person jumping on the bed. The presence of the resilient member makes it easy tune the system to adjust the performance of the trampoline and to minimize impacts on a jumper and thereby reduce the likelihood of bed-impact injuries.

Abstract: A coffee maker devices comprises a thermally insulated bottled that is threadably connected to a coffee grinder at it bottle surface. A press filter is adapter for insertion into the bottle such that coffee beans freshly ground in the grinder can be steeped with hot water in the bottle to provide freshly brewed coffee on demand.

Abstract: Springs or other elastic connectors used to support a bed within the frame of a trampoline or the like are attached using methods that systematically vary the tension (or the travel distance required to reach limit of elasticity) between adjacent (or sets of adjacent) springs. These spring attachment methods increase the time it takes a given trampoline to absorb a given amount of energy, increasing the shock absorption time and thereby reducing the likelihood of an injury.

Abstract: Springs or other elastic connectors used to support a bed within the frame of a trampoline or the like are attached using methods that permit the adjustment and/or a systematic variation of the tension (or the travel distance required to reach limit of elasticity) between adjacent (or sets of adjacent) springs. These spring attachment methods adjust the energy absorption capacity of the tramnpoline bed, as well as increase the time it takes a given trampoline to absorb a given amount of energy, increasing the shock absorption time and thereby reducing the likelihood of an injury.

Abstract: A protective cover for a trampoline assembly that includes an attached safety enclosure has a plurality of edge cuts out coinciding with the connections of the bottom of the safety enclosure netting to the portions of the trampoline disposed with the diameter of the supporting frame. Elastic connecting members are provided at the intersection of each cutout with the periphery of the circular cover so that it is fastened to protect the trampoline frame and rebounding mat. The protective cover can be installed and removed with removing the safety enclosure.

Abstract: A padded basketball hoop is flexibly mounted to a backboard or other rigid vertical surface via an energy or shock absorbing connection device disposed between the backboard and the vertical surface supporting the hoop. The hoop responds to upward and downward vertical displacement by transferring energy to the shock absorbing connector, wherein the absorbing connector then urges said hoop to a substantially horizontal orientation. The hoop is particularly useful connection with play on a trampoline or other instances where players are likely to connect the rim during upward.

Abstract: A smart traffic control device transmits information to approaching vehicles regarding its current and future state enabling vehicles to control their speed to avoid arriving at the traffic control device until it permits the passage of traffic, thus avoiding stopping, idling and reaccelerating when reaching the traffic control device. In other embodiments the traffic control device or systems receives information from vehicles, transmitting it to other vehicles.

Abstract: Springs or other elastic connectors used to support a bed within the frame of a trampoline or the like are attached using methods that systematically vary the tension (or the travel distance required to reach limit of elasticity) between adjacent (or sets of adjacent) springs. These spring attachment methods increase the time it takes a given trampoline to absorb a given amount of energy, increasing the shock absorption time and thereby reducing the likelihood of an injury.

Abstract: A play swing system includes a safety harness attached to each seat, as well as other features for interactive and competitive throwing and tossing games. The safety harness may incorporates various games features, and thus encourage use in activities that require at least one free hand, or otherwise increase the risk of slippage and falling from the play swing seat. Various embodiments accommodate as well as challenge the spatial perception, dexterity and reflexes of players of different ages. For examples, younger players might compete by throwing objects at a fixed target mounted on the ground. In other embodiments, the target is moving in synchronization with the oscillatory motion of the adjacent players swing by a physical coupling or attachment. Interactive play is encouraged at the higher skill levels by configuring the targets associated with adjacent seats to face each other.

Abstract: A planar sheet or chamber is positioned adjacent to the rebounding surface of a trampoline, inflatable bounce surfaces or a pool and has distinct marks such as numbers, letters, colors, symbols, figures and the like to form visually or texturally distinct regions. The marks or regions help to direct the movement of players in skill or educational games. The games may include the alternatively jumping on selected regions in a sequence determined by the rules of play or the lessons sought to be reinforced.

Abstract: A trampoline system has a rebounding bed and a resilient member located below the bed at such a position that the bed depresses the resilient member when the bed is sufficiently depressed by a person jumping on the bed. The presence of the resilient member makes it easy tune the system to adjust the performance of the trampoline and to minimize impacts on a jumper and thereby reduce the likelihood of bed-impact injuries.