Abstract: Air-holding fabrics and improvements to reinforced tape used to join multiple fabric panels. Specifically disclosed is a joining system and method for securing two air-holding panels to one another, while eliminating air leakage through the seam tape. The disclosed reinforced tapes find particular use in connection with evacuation slides, evacuation slide/rafts, life rafts, life vests, and other life-saving inflatable devices.

Abstract: A twirl training device that is a mold that has a top and a bottom side. The top side receives the foot of a user. A front part of the top side of the mold receive the ball of the foot of the user. A middle part of the top side of the mold defines an instep that rises at an angle from about thirty degree to about 45 degree from the front part of the top side of the mold. The rear part of the top side is a heel portion. The bottom side of the mold has a front portion, a middle portion and a rear portion, the front and middle portion of the bottom side slope upward from the rear portion of the bottom side. The heel portion of the top side and the rear portion of the bottom side are parallel. The twirl training device has a width that is at least two and half inches.

Abstract: A device for receiving a user and cushioning an impact where a plurality of air displacement units are connected through air displacement units comprising discrete pillars extending above base cells where base cells are selectively connected to adjoining base cells to attenuate and manage air flow. A tarp connected to each base cell provides positional stability and a cover connected across a top surface of the device provides a working surface to receive a user. The combined elements provide a cushioned impact for a user. The device can be inflated with a portable blower positioned within the device that can be battery powered to provide a mobile and portable inflatable impact device.

Abstract: A game playable on land or water is provided. The game may have a frame having a generally circular playing surface having a net and a plurality of legs attached to the frame. A plurality of buoys may be removably attached to the plurality of legs so that the game may float on water or the plurality of buoys may be removed from the legs so that the game may be played on land. A plurality of straps may connect the plurality of buoys to a centralized weighted anchor for balancing and stabilizing the game on water.

Abstract: A trampoline with a frame has a rebounding mat that is tensioned to the frame with a plurality of flexible and cordlike linear elastic members. Preferably each cordlike elastic member is connected to the frame and the rebounding mat at one of two alternative positions to alter the tension. The alternative positions permit a tensioning process that extends the lifetime of elastic cords having a fabric sheath. This independent tension of each elastic member is via connector member that grips the rebounding mat but also grasps opposing the ends of the elastic members as well as central portion thereof so that two segment of the cord between each end and the central portion are preferably wrapped around the trampoline frame.

Abstract: An airbag system having a base air mattress, a top air mattress, and a plurality of tubular posts positioned between the base air mattress and the top air mattress in a generally vertical orientation so that the top air mattress is supported upon the base air mattress. A plurality of breather holes are provided in either the top air mattress or the base air mattress, wherein each of the tubular posts is sealably mounted around at least one of the plurality of breather holes. The tubular posts all have a common diameter, and the tubular posts are separated from each other by a distance that is greater than the common diameter of the tubular posts.

Abstract: An apparatus for a ball stowable support is provided. The apparatus includes a frame, an elastic cover secured to the frame, and at least one leg supporting the frame. Each leg of the at least one leg has an opening. The opening is configured to retain a ball.

Abstract: This presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a bi-directional toy configured to be used as a trampoline and further to be used, upon turning said bi-directional toy upside down, in at least one of the following functions: a playpen-like device, a water pool, and a sphere pool. The toy comprises at least a frame with a plurality of legs configured to elevate the trampoline from a base surface; a bounce mat configured to allow usage of the toy as a trampoline; and the encircling member configured to be attached to the legs for creating a delimited area for use in at least one of the functions.

Abstract: A trampoline with hanging seat units that allows elastic ropes to be mounted easily, comprises a frame, leg tubes, a bouncing unit, hanging seat units and elastic rope rings. The bouncing unit is hung on the frame and comprises a piece of bouncing cloth and connection belts. The hanging seat units are connected with the connection belts and each comprises a body, a through groove penetrating through the body, a connection body, an extension section, and a clamping and abutting section extending towards the bouncing cloth. The body, the extension section and the clamping and abutting section of each hanging seat unit define a clamping space. Each connection belt penetrates through the corresponding through groove. The bouncing unit and hanging seat units are connected through the elastic rope rings. The ends of each elastic rope ring are arranged in the corresponding connection belt and clamping space in a sleeved mode.

Abstract: A trampoline comprising a trampoline mat defining a jumping area and supported via springs from a circumextending support structure, the support structure including a plurality of legs so that the trampoline mat is positioned at a height above ground or flooring; the trampoline being provided with a safety enclosure surrounding the jumping area. The safety enclosure comprises a net supported by a plurality of telescopically extendable poles, each pole when extended comprising a plurality of sections, each successive extended section with distance above the trampoline mat having a cross-section less than that that of the next less extended section whereby the sections nest when telescopically collapsed. The lowermost such section is supported at a position above the ground or flooring by the support structure.

Abstract: A foldable or non-foldable trampoline includes a frame assembly that supports a resilient trampoline mat using a plurality of springs. The frame assembly includes an adjustable tension system that adjusts a dimension of the frame assembly. For a circular frame assembly, the adjustable tension system may increase the circumference of the frame assembly to increase a tension of the springs. The adjustable tension system may also decrease the circumference of the circular frame assembly to decrease a tension of the springs.

Abstract: A trampoline game has a trampoline with a trampoline frame and a trampoline bed. The trampoline bed is connected to the trampoline frame by a plurality of springs. A gun has an infrared emitter emitting an infrared signal. A target has one or more infrared receivers capable of receiving a signal from the infrared emitter of the gun. A second gun also has an infrared emitter emitting an infrared signal, and the target is capable of receiving an infrared signal from the second gun. A bounce sensor can be used for sensing user bounces. The bounce sensor outputs data which could be sent to a microprocessor. Defined game parameters may be stored in memory programmed into a microprocessor that receives data.

Abstract: A trampoline or trampoline system including a frame or other foundation; biasing means mounted on or to said frame or other foundation; and a plurality of jumping mats connected to selected first ones of said biasing means respectively above said frame or other foundation in side by side relationship, said selected first ones of said biasing means being arranged to bias said plurality of mats outwards to tension said mats, and said plurality of mats being operatively connected to each other along respective adjacent portions thereof and/or to selected second ones of said biasing means along their respective adjacent portions, said second ones of said biasing means being arranged to bias adjacent ones of said plurality of mats upwards and/or outwards away from their respective centers and/or towards each other.

Abstract: A trampoline anchor comprising a trampoline frame, a trampoline bed attached to the trampoline frame, trampoline springs connecting the trampoline frame to the trampoline bed, a fluid chamber formed as a toroidial enclosure, and an outside skirt attached to the fluid chamber, wherein the outside skirt connects between the fluid chamber and the trampoline frame at a fluid chamber skirt connection. The trampoline anchor can also have fluid chamber pods attached to the legs of the trampoline.

Abstract: A portable stepping device includes at least one spacer and an open platform defining an opening and connected to a first side of the at least one spacer. A trampoline mat is suspended in the opening, and a first foot connected to the open platform. The portable stepping device also includes a closed platform connected to a second side of the at least one spacer, and a second foot connected to the closed platform.

Abstract: Trampoline systems containing at least one platform that extends over and above adjacent trampoline jumping surfaces is disclosed. Methods of making and using trampoline systems containing at least one platform that extends over and above adjacent trampoline jumping surfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: A connecting structure between a jumping mat and a frame in a trampoline, comprises an elastic element connected to the frame, the elastic element having at least one positioning element; and a connecting element connected to the jumping mat, the connecting element having at least one limiting element for engaging one of the plurality of positioning elements and thus connecting the elastic element to the connecting element. A trampoline using the connecting structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A trampoline anchor comprising a trampoline frame, a trampoline bed attached to the trampoline frame, trampoline springs connecting the trampoline frame to the trampoline bed, a fluid chamber formed as a toroidial enclosure, and an outside skirt attached to the fluid chamber, wherein the outside skirt connects between the fluid chamber and the trampoline frame at a fluid chamber skirt connection. The trampoline anchor can also have fluid chamber pods attached to the legs of the trampoline.

Abstract: The berry catcher system has an elastic catcher sheet that is sandwiched between upper and lower endless hollow rims. A protector sheet is deployed below the catcher sheet. The system is structured so that as berries are dislodged from their respective vines, the catcher sheet catches the berries as the protector sheet simultaneously protects (at least) the underside of the catcher sheet.

Abstract: A water sports board includes a top deck forming portions of an outer surface of the water sports board; an underside forming portions of the outer surface; a set of internal baffle chamber structures disposed between the top deck and the underside, each baffle chamber structure fluidically isolated from another baffle chamber structure and including a plurality of pressurizable/inflatable baffle elements therein having hollow elongate internal passages that are fluidically coupled to one another; and a set of inflation/deflation valves fluidically coupled to the set of baffle chamber structures, wherein each inflation/deflation valve is accessible from the outer surface of the water sports board. The water sports board can also include a concavity adjustment mechanism by which concavity of the underside of the water sports board is adjustable. Essentially the entire water sports board is manufacturable by way of 3D printing.

Abstract: A soft edged trampoline includes a flexible mat supported from a base frame by a plurality of resiliently flexible rods. Each rod has an enlarged upper end. A plurality of fittings coupled to the mat about the periphery of the mat each include a socket cavity which receives the enlarged upper end of a flexible rod, so that the upper ends of the flexible rods are pivotally connected to the periphery of the mat.

Abstract: A trampoline court has a trampoline frame providing a frame for multiple trampolines arranged in a regular pattern including a first player section, and a second player section. The first player section includes a first player middle trampoline bounded by a pair of first player side trampolines. A first player right trampoline extends to the right of the first player middle trampoline and a first player trampoline extends to the left of the first player middle trampoline. The first player middle trampoline is generally horizontal. The first player side trampolines are angled toward each other relative to the first player middle trampoline.

Abstract: An in-ground trampoline including a frame, trampoline mat, a plurality of springs and a protective pad. The protective pad incorporates a permeable material to allow for the passage of air through the protective pad. The in-ground trampoline system may also include a retaining wall which may comprise self-locking panels. In some embodiments, the self-locking panels may be attached to the frame of the in-ground trampoline.

Abstract: A trampoline with a beam spring-actuated bed supported by a frame with the bed having a grommetless spring mounting portion secured to a plurality of springs. Disclosed embodiments include the jumping surface portion of the bed and the spring mounting portion being formed from a continuous sheet of material with the spring mounting portion being a fold in the bed material defining a pocket for receiving an elongate rode therein. The continuous sheet of material can also include at least one of an enclosure mounting portion and a spring covering portion.

Abstract: A capture basket system for use below an underdeck pipehandling machine on a drill rig. The capture basket system includes a capture basket to retain a falling object such as a pipe. The capture basket is coupled to a structure of the drill rig by an energy absorber that includes an elongated element.

Abstract: A trampoline with a spring-actuated bed supported by a frame with the bed having a grommetless spring mounting portion secured to a plurality of springs. Disclosed embodiments include the jumping surface portion of the bed and the spring mounting portion being formed from a continuous sheet of material with the spring mounting portion being a fold in the bed material defining a pocket for receiving an elongate rod therein. The continuous sheet of material can also include at least one of an enclosure mounting portion and a spring covering portion.

Abstract: A fall protection system is provided providing all protection for all workers in building erection. The system involves an interior net, and a perimeter net if needed. The net system may be both horizontally and vertically mobile, allowing it to be easily moved as building erection continues.

Abstract: A system for substantially enclosing the periphery of a building top with a netting system which is easily and efficiently movable or reconfigurable during the building construction process comprises a lightweight netting system for extending above a completed work area or floor, a strong lightweight structural support system for the netting, wherein the structural support system is vertically adjustable via slidable engagement with brackets attached to the floors which are already completed, provides enhanced safety for workers and for pedestrians below by preventing passage of workers or debris through the netting and enhances efficiency of construction by providing an easily reconfigurable, inexpensive and lightweight system for providing such enhanced safety.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a perimetric protection system for buildings undergoing construction including at least two masts (1) spaced from one another and each formed by two vertical U-profiles (1); a horizontal platform (3) supported on at least two horizontal beams (300) attached to the masts by means of first attachment elements or anchors (130). The system further comprises: at least two inclined beams (100) parallel to one another, which are attached: to the masts (1) by means of at least two second attachment elements (110) forming a first angle (?); to the horizontal beams (300) by means of at least two third attachment elements (310) forming a second angle (?); and, the at least two inclined beams (100) having a free end (100a) in the third attachment elements (310), such that their height is greater than the height of the horizontal platform (2); an inclined protective panel (120) attached to said at least two inclined beams (100).

Abstract: A fall protection system is provided providing all protection for all workers in building erection. The system involves an interior net, and a perimeter net if needed. The net system may be both horizontally and vertically mobile, allowing it to be easily moved as building erection continues.

Abstract: A flexible member used as a rope in a mesh has an outer sheathing which is easy to touch and an inner core which is shrinkable so that when used in a mesh which is suspended on a frame, it pulls the frame tautly by the shrinkage of the inner cords. Also, a connection between a support member and a border can be effected using one way mechanical fasteners. Shrink nets can be further used on a frame without sheathing with a twisted cord.

Abstract: A driveway safety net. The safety net includes two stakes and a net that attaches between the two stakes. When the two stakes are placed on both sides of a driveway and the net is attached between the two stakes, the net hinders balls and other toys from rolling past the net. In one embodiment, each stake includes at least two prongs that are pushed into the ground when placing the stake. Preferably, at least one prong of each stake is wider in one dimension than in another dimension so that the stake is more resistant to being pulled over in at least one direction than in at least one other direction. Each prong is curved in an arc across its wider dimension.

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 device and method for catching a person who is participating in a trust fall exercise in a ropes course. The device is constructed of a sheet of strong, flexible material that is provided with straps of reinforcing material, that extend under the sheet from side to side and from top to bottom. Each end of the straps is formed into a loop. The loops at the sides and the top of the sheet serves as handles by which team members grasp the device when catching a person on the device, and loops at the bottom of the sheet are to secure the device to a platform on which the person who is to be caught stands prior to falling backward off of the platform and onto the device.

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 to 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 play system floor includes a frame defining the periphery of an area to be floored and a webbed flooring constructed of a webbing material extending between the frame members. The webbing material has an optimal predetermined stretch coefficient at which it retains its resiliency, while resisting sagging. The webbed flooring is sized using the stretch coefficient whereby the dimensions of the webbed flooring when stretched substantially correspond to the dimensions of the area to be floored. The webbed flooring is stretched to the dimensions of the area to be floored and secured to the frame. The floor is stretched to the dimensions of the area to be floored by positioning a bar through loops on each side of the weaved flooring, and applying tension to each bar. The webbed flooring is secured to the frame by attaching each bar to the frame using clamps, bands, or other attaching devices. Tension to each bar is applied by operating a screw-actuated clamping member to tighten the bar against the frame.

Abstract: In one embodiment the amusement device is a series of trampolines arranged vertically and offset to allow a user, starting at the top to spring serially from the uppermost to lower trampolines. A tram can deliver the user to the top. In another embodiment, a trampoline is described which has a rigid support structure except for a portion which is deflectable when excess force is applied so as to prevent injury to a user.

Abstract: An all surface trampoline comprising a hollow inflatible support having an inner and an outer periphery and having an open space between the inner periphery, an elastic trampoline mat suspended over the open space, and wherein a suspension device includes two layers of material extending around the periphery of the support with the mat sandwiched therebetween. The suspension device also extends around the outer periphery of the support and a layer of resilient material is disposed between the suspension device and the support adjacent the outer edge of the mat.

Abstract: A landing net assembly (10) provides a controlled deceleration landing device for pole vaulters, high jumpers and the like in such a way that the impact of a free-falling body and the rate of displacement of the landing net is dampened in a controlled manner. Each of a plurality of damping devices includes a supporting post (12, 14) which contains a fluid (72) and float (76) submerged in the fluid (72), the float (76) being connected by tendons or cords (82) to the landing net (18) so that when the (18) net is displaced the float (76) is displaced within the fluid (72). In this manner, the viscous drag force of each float as it moves through the fluid and the buoyant force of the float in the fluid dissipate the initial impact of the free-falling body and damp the rate of displacement of the net.

Abstract: A hexagonal jogging platform having a tubular support frame with rounded corners, detachable, tubular support legs at each corner and a fabric platform attached to the tubular frame by novel coil springs having hooked ends bent from the axial center of the spring to prolong spring life. The legs are each rubber tipped with an insert disc or washer in the tip to prevent the leg from cutting through the tip. Each leg is bored to receive a tightening tool.

Abstract: The typical helical springs used to support the bed within the frame of a trampoline or the like are modified to incorporate adjustable hooks threadedly anchored within the springs at one end so that their overall length, and thus the tension on the bed, can be varied and overstretching accommodated. Two principal versions are disclosed, the more preferred one including an additional inner spring biasing the adjustable hook to a retracted position.

Abstract: My pneumatically sustained, flexible exercise surface-and-platform, which I call a "Trampol-air," initially designed for foot-ease along with all the benefits of exercising in any jogging-like manner on a flexing-resilient mini-trampoline-like surface, consists of a flat, flexible exercise surface supported by pneumatic tubing located underneath the outer edge (and, optionally, beneath the surface across the center area) of the exercise surface. The surface consists of a sheet of woven polypropoline (or other suitable material) which covers the pneumatic tubing and fastens at the back of the exercise platform's base (which extends out several inches beyond the exercise surface). The base may be made of a sturdy substance, such as one-inch thick plywood, or of thinner metal with a one-inch upward-curving circular lip around the edge. On the underneath-area of the base there is an access hole (or doors) large enough for putting air into the pneumatic tubing.

Abstract: A disaster evacuation apparatus is disclosed which is particularly useful in the evacuation of victims caught in fires of multistoried buildings, airplane crashes, or similar disasters where the normal escape routes or fire exits have been made inaccessible due to the prevailing circumstances, forcing the victims to leap from high levels to their safety. This rescue unit comprises a large inflated enclosure mounted on a secondary inflated supporting base, both of which are fabricated from extremely lightweight flexible nylon material facilitating easy storage and transportation to the disaster site in the deflated pack-rolled state. The apparatus has the ability of being quickly inflated by its own air blower motor upon delivery to the disaster area. More importantly, the apparatus exhibits instant recovery to its operational configuration after each successive impact of falling bodies.

Abstract: Precision hover is necessary when one must position a load precisely on the deck of a ship. Manual precision hover is possible under very light wind gust conditions and a calm sea. The techniques described here are directed to those special windy days when a mission must be accomplished. The technique is to unload a containerized cargo onto a platform kept level regardless of the rolling motions of the ship. The platform is a resilient net of the proper strength to absorb the cargo's impact upon its contact with the net. During night operations under adverse weather conditions it is desirable to remove the cargo from the hoisting mechanism manually unaided. This is accomplished by an automatic sling detachment device. Usually the container will approach the net at an angle. This is desirable, enabling one or two of the devices to detach themselves first and permitting the reduction in loading upon the helicopter to be less abrupt.

Abstract: Cushioning pads are placed along the sides of a trampoline and have sufficient width to cover the ordinarily exposed springs. The sides of the trampoline frame are reinforced by an extra tube which assists in supporting the pads out of frictional contact with the springs.

Abstract: A catching device for a free-falling body comprising a material web which is held at opposite sides at support bars or ledges which are supported at a spacing from the floor. The support bars are held resiliently damped at a portable base frame carrying tensioning devices for stretching or tensioning the material web.

Abstract: A round trampoline having a sectional, substantially circular frame to which a circular mat is resiliently attached to the frame by a plurality of radially arranged springs. The mat comprises a pair of strips arranged perpendicularly to one another to form a reinforced center jumping area. The frame sections advantageously fit together in a double joint arrangement which affords great rigidity to the structure. .Iadd.The trampoline has sections forming the annular frame which are detachably connected to each other. At the ends of each section there is a portion of a generally U-shaped support member attached thereto and which extends downwardly below the frame rail. The portions of the generally U-shaped support that extend below the frame are detachably connectable with each other and secure the connection of the sections when joined with each other. .Iaddend.