Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a back support cushion of an exercise machine has two separate pivotal adjustments. One pivot is located above and behind the back support cushion and a second is located below and behind the back support cushion. A two-arm linkage system connects the back support cushion to the exercise machine at the two pivot locations.

Abstract: An improved teeter-totter has a pair of seats mounted at opposite ends of a longitudinal seat support member. The seat support member is suspended from overhead pivots by a pair of linkage arms to provide riders with a motion that combines the up-and-down arcuate motion of a conventional teeter-totter with a back-and-forth gliding motion, thus creating a more stable and balancing effect allowing users of different weights, to use the teeter-totter without other counter balance features.

Abstract: An aerobic exerciser, such as a treadmill, elliptical machine or strider/hiker, is combined with a secondary exercise mechanism. The secondary exercise mechanism includes a movable user-contacting portion that is configured to move forward from a rest position and to provide adjustable resistance to pressure in a forward direction exerted by at least a portion of a user's body while the user is performing the aerobic exercise. The user-contacting portion is biased to return to the rest position when the forward pressure is released. The user-contacting portion may comprise a handgrip or may be configured to contact the user's waist. The exercise apparatus may include a sensor that is responsive to movement of the secondary exercise mechanism beyond a predetermined position. The user may be provided with visual or aural encouragement to maintain sufficient pressure on the contacting portion so that the secondary exercise mechanism is maintained beyond the predetermined position.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise bar accessory having a rigid bar that is placed against a user's chest and cradled within his underarm region, with two alternating upward and downward extending handles attached to the bar opposite the user so that the user's arms partially overlap while gripping the handles. A rigid side extension extends upward from the bar and is attached to an overhead resistance station, such as a cable-and-pulley weight system. The bar is preferably concave, but may be straight, and preferably includes cushioned pads. A method of use in which the user rotates and moves the bar downward from an upright sitting position towards the user's thighs, causing it to travel in a non-circular, non-uniform pathway that matches that of the user's natural body movements, then returns to an upright sitting position.

Abstract: A lounge has a foot-operated mechanism for propelling the lounge with a rocking motion. The lounge has a frame with at least one arcuate runner contacting the floor. A user-supporting surface is attached to the frame with portions of the surface adapted to support different body regions of the user, particular the body regions proximate to the user's knees, neck and buttocks. The user-supporting surface may be configured so that the user's buttocks are at a lower elevation than the user's knees and neck. A foot pedal is connected by a linkage assembly to an actuating member that contacts the ground. By pushing against the pedal, the user can impart a rocking motion to the lounge. The lounge may be folded along portions of the frame for compact, convenient storage.

Abstract: A single rider teeter-totter has a support frame and a longitudinal beam member pivotally coupled to the support frame. A seat for a user is attached to a first end of the beam member. A counterbalancing resistance is provided by a plurality of elastic members, each of which is attached at a first end to the support frame. A number of the elastic members appropriate to the weight of the user are secured to a securing station disposed on the beam member. The unused elastic members may be secured to a second securing station attached to the support frame.

Abstract: A safer, more user-friendly spring-balance single-rider teeter-totter includes manual adjustments for both the vertical position of the spring, which adjusts the rest height of the seat, and the horizontal position of the spring from the pivot, which adjusts the counterbalance resistance. A safety cover may be provided for the spring or other counterbalance mechanism.

Abstract: A sprinkler play system has a central distribution station and a plurality of sprinkler stations. The sprinkler stations may be spaced apart on a lawn. The sprinkler stations are connected to the distribution station with flexible water conduits. Each of the sprinkler stations includes a low voltage solenoid valve. Electrical conductors may be included with the flexible water conduits in order to operate the solenoid valves. A control unit permits selective activation of the individual sprinkler stations.

Abstract: A lounge has a foot-operated mechanism for propelling the lounge with a rocking motion. The lounge has a frame with at least one arcuate runner contacting the floor. A user-supporting surface is attached to the frame with portions of the surface adapted to support different body regions of the user, particular the body regions proximate to the user's knees, neck and buttocks. The user-supporting surface may be configured so that the user's buttocks are at a lower elevation than the user's knees and neck. A foot pedal is connected by a linkage assembly to an actuating member that contacts the ground. By pushing against the pedal, the user can impart a rocking motion to the lounge. The lounge may be folded along portions of the frame for compact, convenient storage.

Abstract: A safer, more user-friendly spring-balance single-rider teeter-totter includes manual adjustments for both the vertical position of the spring, which adjusts the rest height of the seat, and the horizontal position of the spring from the pivot, which adjusts the counterbalance resistance. A safety cover may be provided for the spring or other counterbalance mechanism.

Abstract: An improved teeter-totter has a pair of seats mounted at opposite ends of a longitudinal seat support member. The seat support member is suspended from overhead pivots by a pair of linkage arms to provide riders with a motion that combines the up-and-down arcuate motion of a conventional teeter-totter with a back-and-forth gliding motion, thus creating a more stable and balancing effect allowing users of different weights, to use the teeter-totter without other counter balance features.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a play area, such as a sandbox, comprises a frame disposed over the play area and a covering material attached to the frame. The frame is constructed so as to be convertible between a first configuration in which children can enter and play in a fully enclosed play area and a second configuration in which the play area is shaded, but open to the outside.

Abstract: A lounge has a foot-operated mechanism for propelling the lounge with a rocking motion. The lounge has a frame with at least one arcuate runner contacting the floor. A user-supporting surface is attached to the frame with portions of the surface adapted to support different body regions of the user, particular the body regions proximate to the user's knees, neck and buttocks. The user-supporting surface may be configured so that the user's buttocks are at a lower elevation than the user's knees and neck. A foot pedal is connected by a linkage assembly to an actuating member that contacts the ground. By pushing against the pedal, the user can impart a rocking motion to the lounge. The lounge may be folded along portions of the frame for compact, convenient storage.

Abstract: A teeter-totter is constructed with a pair of seats mounted at opposite ends of a rocker beam. The seats, when aligned horizontally, are below the pivot point so as to provide a pendular component of motion. The pivot is supported on an overhead framework and the rocker beam is suspended below the pivot to eliminate the pinch points found in conventional teeter-totter designs. A counterbalance mechanism may be incorporated so that users of different weights remain in balance while operating the teeter-totter.

Abstract: An exercise machine has audio programs that provide explanation, coaching and encouragement to the user. The user is given a spoken description of the workout program or work mode, along with training and encouragement. The user may also be advised of any change in speed, resistance, incline, pedal position, etc. The voice can be turned on or off during a programmed exercise sequence and will automatically pick up where the user is in the exercise program. Controls allow the user to select among different voices and exercise levels.

Abstract: A motivational apparatus contains a supply of tokens. The apparatus includes a release mechanism for releasing one of the tokens, which may be actuated by a child as a reward for good behavior. After being released, the token is collected in a reservoir. The apparatus may include a token routing path with a variety of obstacles and the like for the amusement of the child. Once a predetermined number of tokens have been collected in the reservoir, the child may be awarded a prize. The prize may be dispensed by the apparatus in response to the collection of the predetermined number of tokens.

Abstract: An improved foot support platform for cardiovascular exercise machines provides various adjustable platform configurations. The different configurations allow the user to target specific muscle groups more easily and prevent the user's feet from falling asleep while exercising.

Abstract: A safer, more user-friendly spring-balance single-rider teeter-totter includes manual adjustments for both the vertical position of the spring, which adjusts the rest height of the seat, and the horizontal position of the spring from the pivot, which adjusts the counterbalance resistance. A safety cover may be provided for the spring or other counterbalance mechanism.