Abstract: An adjustable infant holder apparatus includes a support structure that has a base support and a head support situated at opposing longitudinal ends and mutually coupled by a longitudinal stabilizer. A seat is adjustable between an inclined lying position and an upright sitting position. The seat has a base end that is suspended from the base support and a head end that is suspended from the head support. Optionally, at least one of the base and head ends is suspended by at least one cable that permits the seat to swing back and forth laterally. Embodiments include a linear actuator that can force the swinging motion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a children's exercise and activity apparatus for providing cognitive development activities for small children and exercise functionality. The apparatus includes an activity table adapted for receiving one or more children's activity items, a seat for supporting a child above the floor, a connecting beam for connecting the seat to the activity table, and one or more legs connected to and depending downwardly from the seat to the floor to support the seat and prevent the seat from tipping over when a child is supported therein. The seat has a pair of leg openings that allow the child to touch the floor with its legs, and the connecting beam is rotatably connected to the activity table so that the child in the seat can travel in an orbital path around the activity table.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport and gliding device for surfboards, comprising a guided stream of water influenc-ing the action of the surfboard, and a plurality of flexible parallel tubes (1) which are inclined at an angle (2) and have a non-abrasive, pressure-insensitive cover. Water flows upstream through said tubes which are preferably arranged or fixed on a solid base with spac-ers. In the region of the board gliding thereover, the cross-section of the tubes is reduced to a maximum value of zero by the gliding and squashing edge (5) of the board. In this way, the upwardly flowing water column (3) in the tube moves the board (4) with the surfer upwards. Strong jets of water (8) are also sprayed upwards on the surface of the tube, hitting the lower side of the board when it tilts and thus also pushing the board with the surfer upwards. The inventive gliding device can either be used in a buoyant manner on a lake, on the land or in areas with pools.

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 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: An improved bird perch comprising a fixedly attached mounting member, and a pivoting means for a rotating member. The rotating member can have various shapes such as a formed planar track, a formed multi-planar track, and a formed helical track. The rotatable member can also be an enclosure such as a cage for having constrained objects within or coupled objects along its outer perimeter. The rotatable member is manipulated by the primary action of a bird causing secondary action of objects coupled to said rotating member by gravitational and bird manipulative action. The improved bird perch can accommodate one or more birds for stimulation and entertainment. The bird perch is not limited to mounting to a fixed surface but may also be free standing.

Abstract: A scalable high-performance bouncing apparatus provides convenient access to an internally mounted compound tension spring. Semi-mounted internal storage of disengaged tension elements may be provided. The tension elements may be engaged or disengaged through an access feature such as a slot in the apparatus frame. A user's finger or tool may be employed to effect engagement/disengagement. Alternatively, the apparatus may include mechanical components capable of effecting engagement/disengagement. The tension elements may also be part of a cartridge unit that can be wholly removed from the apparatus for engagement/disengagement. The assembly may also include a torque-transmitting bearing and/or a universal foot joint for improved high performance operation.

Abstract: A balance board comprising a platform (4) to support a user, a ground contacting rocker member (8) having a rounded surface (16) to permit pivoting of the platform about a first axis (10), and an interconnecting member (14) extending between the rocker member and the platform to permit pivoting of the platform about a second axis (11) substantially perpendicular to the first axis and about a third axis (12) substantially perpendicular to the first and second axes. The interconnecting member and the rocker member cooperate to define a central pivot region, for pivoting of the platform about the three axes. Preferably, the balance board includes stop members (30) to adjust the pivoting movement of the platform about at least one of the axes to make balancing of the platform adjustable depending on the skill level of the user. The balance board is used as an exercise device to improve and develop the balancing ability of a user.

Abstract: A suspension assembly in a seat has a clamp for coupling the seat to a support and a seat having a seat ring, seat web, and seat material. The suspension assembly comprises a web link having a link slot and is coupled to the clamp. A first web is configured in a closed loop and coupled to the web link through the link slot. A tube defining an interior cavity is provided, with the tube having a spring retainer on one end and an anchor pin on the other end. The anchor pin is threaded through the loop of the first web, wherein the tube is coupled to the web link. A spring is nested in the interior cavity of the tube against the spring retainer. A disk having a disk slot is coupled to a second web at one end of the second web. The other end of the second web is passed through the spring in the tube and coupled to a web spreader. The web spreader has a seat slot wherein the seat web engages the seat slot to suspend the seat assembly.

Abstract: The structure is designed to allow an infant to ride, sit, or lie reclined on a rocker, and to be rocked back and forth, as well as to enable the changing of the rocker's angle of inclination, or the folding of the structure for storage. In the invention, the structure comprises a frontal support frame, a rear support frame, and an arc-shaped rocking frame. On the frontal support frame there is a movable sliding sleeve to which the rear support frame is connected by a hinge. With the movable sliding sleeve, the relative positions of the frontal support frame and the rear support frame may be changed, so as to adjust the frontal support frame's angle of inclination or to draw the frontal support frame close to the rear support frame for folding to facilitate storage.

Abstract: A scalable high-performance bouncing apparatus includes a carriage assembly that can support a person; a foot alternately retracting toward and extending away from the carriage assembly; and a thrust assembly having a tension force and effecting the retraction and extension using a plurality of engageable and disengagable elastomer tension elements that supply the tension force. A shield member integral with the carriage assembly protects the rider from accidental contact with moving parts of the thrust assembly, and an access feature enables engagement and disengagement of the tension elements for adjustment of the tension force. Piston pogo, scissor-lift pogo and scissor-lift bounceboard embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A convertible activity toy for promoting gross motor development in children includes a base receivable on a supporting surface and a top coupled to the base. The top includes a first portion and a second portion whereby the first portion is movable from a substantially coplanar orientation relative to the second portion to a substantially non-coplanar orientation relative to the second portion. The top and base define an opening and an interior space so that an infant can crawl through the opening into the interior space when the top is in the substantially coplanar orientation or so that the child may walk the opening and into the interior space or a portion thereof when the top is in the substantially non-coplanar orientation. The top includes activity items that are attractive to an infant and encourages the infant to reach up to the top by pulling up from a seated position to a standing position using handles or grips disposed on the toy.

Abstract: A geometric-tree like gymnastic amusement-thrill structure, devised for relatively safe, exhilarating, gravity defying, action by several novice or skilled aerobatic gymnasts at one time; each enjoying their own bungee-cord suspension. Efficiently based upon a central ground-anchored vertical trunk-pylon member employing a preferably four-way arrangement of radially upward and outwardly extending branch support-booms, each in discreet combination with a laterally supporting ground-anchored beam extending upward to a point proximal the base of its respective support-booms. Plus, nearly vertical compression-load beams are secured at their lower-ends near each support-boom's lower treminus, and secured at their upper-ends near the outer ends of the respective overhanging support-boom.

Abstract: A method of exercising and various exercise devices. The exercise device includes a substantially circular hoop, the hoop comprising a hollow chamber for allowing a member to move within the chamber. One of at least one handle or at least one mechanism is attached to the hoop for supporting the hoop at a location on a user's body. At least one member is disposed in the hollow chamber, wherein the hoop is postionable around a portion of the user's body. The exercise device can also include at least one substantially circular casing comprising a hollow chamber for allowing a member to move within the chamber and a centrally disposed through opening. A handle rod at least partially disposed within the opening, and at least one member is moveably disposed in the hollow chamber. The casing is removably fixed to the handle rod so that movement of the handle rod causes movement of the at least one member within the casing.

Abstract: An amusement system is provided which gives children an opportunity to acquire a formative artistic sense in a simple and clean manner without soiling their bodies and clothes. The amusement system includes: a playing space (A) defined by a floor (10) and partition plates (20) projecting upright on the floor (10); a plastic member (30a) provided over the floor (10) in the playing space (A); and a plurality of plastic members (30b) stacked one on another in tiers along interior surfaces of the partition plates (20) to a height that players can reach. The plastic members (30a, 30b) are each obtained by filling a gel material as a plastic material (32) into a container bag (31) of a flexible urethane sheet to about one half the volume of the container bag (31), then removing residual air from the container bag (31) by suction and sealing the container bag (31).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-functional balance rotary disk includes a circular disk body having a center provided with a circular base. The circular base is recessed to form a plurality of successive tracks, so that a ball can roll in the tracks. The disk body has a bottom formed with an arc-shaped face for allowing rotation of the disk body. A plurality of holding handles are secured on comers of the disk body, for allowing hold of a user. The child may stand on the disk body for training balance of his hands, while the child can use swinging action of his feet to swing the disk body, whereby the ball continuously rolls in the tracks so that the child can watch the rolling ball for training his eyes. The disk body can also function as a skateboard or a swing.

Abstract: A six-degree-of-freedom travelling system, wherein a solid is driven by eight suspending lines in six degrees of freedom. The six-degree-of-freedom travelling system can be provided as a bodily sensing machine comprising a human-riding cage: eight suspending lines in connection with the cage; eight actuators hauling and veering the respective lines for vary the position and attitude of the cage, and a controller controlling the eight actuators for constantly holding the eight lines under proper tensions, wherein the cage is travelled in six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A conical recreational device for providing recreation and exercise. The conical recreational device includes a tubular housing having a first open end and a second open end. The tubular housing has a generally frusto-conical shape. A peripheral lip is attached to and extends around an edge of the first open end. A sleeve for extending into the first open end of the housing has a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall extending between the first and second ends. The first end of the sleeve is open and has a perimeter edge has a flange thereon. The flange comprises a hook extending toward the second end. The flange may be extended over the lip on the housing for rotationally coupling the sleeve to the housing.

Abstract: An amusement system for infants is provided which gives a player a special bodily sensation that cannot be experienced in daily life. The amusement system comprises: a main body (10) including a mattress (11) of a generally flat rectangular solid shape housed in a frame (13), and pressing means (17) for externally pressing the mattress (11); and an enclosure (20) surrounding the frame (13). The mattress (11) comprises a bag (12) formed of a transparent flexible urethane sheet, and a liquid component including differently colored water and oil filled in the bag (12). The pressing means (17) includes a driver (18) incorporating a hydraulic cylinder, and a press plate (19) connected to a piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder. The press plate (19) is pivoted by the operation of the hydraulic cylinder to press a side face of the mattress (11) from the outside toward the inside, whereby the upper surface of the mattress (11) is waved.

Abstract: An adjustable jumping apparatus having a hollow housing with handlebars for a rider to hold and reinforced foot pegs for a rider to stand upon. A pole extends downwardly from the housing, has a ground-engaging base, and slides in and out of the housing through a sleeve integral with the lower end of the housing. The device is propelled by at least one bungee cord attached at its upper end to a disc integral with the upper end of the pole and at its lower end to the interior surface of the lower end of the housing. The device is adapted for easy installation and removal of bungee cords for adjusting the amount of rebound force available to the user.

Abstract: A jumping device having a high rebound platform, a flexible tether operatively connected at a first end thereof to the high rebound platform, and a handle located on the tether. A method of jumping, including providing a jumping device having a high rebound platform, a flexible tether operatively connected at a first end thereof to the high rebound platform, and a handle on the tether, mounting the jumping device by placing a user's foot on the high rebound platform, grabbing the handle, pulling the handle away from the high rebound platform, and jumping so that the high rebound platform alternates between compressed and uncompressed states.

Abstract: An indoor bicycle includes a bicycle chassis having a frame and pedals, a base on which the bicycle chassis is longitudinally fixed, the first housing having the first support that supports one end of the base, and the second housing having the second support that supports the other end of the base. The first panel is fixed to the lower surface of the first support. The first axle extends longitudinally from the first housing, and the first aperture is formed in the first panel and pivotally receives the first axle. The first axle, after passing through the first aperture formed in the first panel, is received in a counter aperture provided in a supporting member. The second panel is fixed to the lower surface of the second support. The second axle extends longitudinally from the second housing, and the second aperture is formed in the second panel for pivotally receiving the second axle.

Abstract: A spring articulation structure particularly for play, fitness training and sports instruments, said structure comprising a core element (1) supported in between two rubber rings (2) and provided with a shaft element (5) fitted in said core element; a shell compactly surrounding the core element and the rubber rings and attached to a bottom plate (9), the top part (3′) of said shell being in the middle provided with a aperture (8) with a downwardly narrowing conical surface (7) for the shaft element (5); and a cylindrical element (4) resting on top of the top part (3′) of the shell and surrounding the shaft element (5).

Abstract: This invention uses a plurality of inflatable bladders to support a surfboard or other balancing platform or sport board. The bladders are inflated with a gas or liquid, and as such, provide a fluid medium on which to seat a surfboard. This type of support system provides a sensation similar to that of water. This type of support system also allows for adjustments in the stability of the balancing platform. When used with a surfboard, snowboard, or other delicate standing platform, this type of support system evenly distributes the user's weight-load across a large area of the surfboard, snowboard, or other delicate platform so that it is not damaged.

Abstract: A jumping device having a high rebound platform, a flexible tether operatively connected at a first end thereof to the high rebound platform, and a handle located on the tether. A method of jumping, including providing a jumping device having a high rebound platform, a flexible tether operatively connected at a first end thereof to the high rebound platform, and a handle on the tether, mounting the jumping device by placing a user's foot on the high rebound platform, grabbing the handle, pulling the handle away from the high rebound platform, and jumping so that the high rebound platform alternates between compressed and uncompressed states.

Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle with a free-floating wheel is disclosed. The ride-on includes a drive assembly with a battery-powered motor, and a frame that is adapted to support a child and resemble a full-size motorcycle. The ride-on further includes a steerable wheel, plural driven wheels and a free-floating wheel, which is unbiased and travels within a defined range of positions with respect to the ride-on's frame as external forces are imparted to the wheel.

Abstract: A simulation apparatus having a steering wheel includes a seat for the operator to be seated thereon, a support base supporting the seat thereon, and a swing frame supported on the support base for angular movement about a vertical axis, the seat being supported on the swing frame for angular movement about a horizontal axis transverse to the vertical axis. A support frame supports the seat in spaced relation to the vertical axis, the support frame having a curved surface which supports the seat through two movable points which are symmetrical with respect to a center of the seat. A linkage is operatively coupled to the steering wheel and the swing frame for moving the seat in response to operation of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A whirl around toy including a general spherical member that has a hollow body with an upper end. The upper end has an opening defining a recessed portion projecting inward from the upper end. The recessed portion have a front wall, a back wall and a floor. The back wall has a ledge capable of receiving a child in a seated position. Also, included is a ring. The ring has an inner circular edge with at least four protrusions. The ring is positioned around the spherical member with each of the four protrusions positioned within the notches for securing the ring. The ring has a pair of steps coupled thereto for use by the child to enter the recessed portion.

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: A new Two Person Rotating Amusement Apparatus for primarily entertaining children. The inventive device includes a support frame with handle bars attached thereto, a flywheel supported by the frame and driven by a drive sprocket, and large platforms secured to the drive sprocket. The platforms are large enough to support both feet of a person on each platform, and the handle bars are configured such that each person is able to grasp a portion thereof. One person stands on each platform and holds onto the handle bar, and by cooperative effort cause the drive sprocket to rotate, thus rotating the flywheel. The riders will therefore move up and down and in a circular path on the platforms, aided by the inertia of the flywheel.

Abstract: A recreational apparatus for use in jumping or bouncing above a planar surface is described. The recreational apparatus comprises a rigid annular platform with foot supports connected by a plurality of springs of sufficient strength to support a person engaged in jumping or bouncing to a core element that has a planar base.

Abstract: A movable rocking-type recreational equipment device is disclosed. The device includes a tubular enclosure having opposite open ends for entry of an occupant and a support for suspending the enclosure above a floor or ground surface. The support and tubular enclosure are constructed and connected to one another to permit rocking movement of the tubular enclosure relative to the support through the movement of an occupant within the tubular enclosure. The tubular enclosure is resiliently supported relative to the support in order to level the tubular enclosure on the support following the conclusion of the rocking movement. The tubular enclosure may be connected to flexible tubes in a recreational play system environment to enable rocking movement of the tubular enclosure while remaining connected to the flexible tubes.

Abstract: A spring-actuated swing device. The spring-actuated swing device includes a seat having a receiving surface, at least one line, each of the lines having a bottom connecting point removeably attachable to the receiving surface and having a top connecting point removeably attachable to a support beam, and at least one spring mechanism. Each of the spring mechanisms is removably attachable to at least one intermediate connecting point of each of the lines intermediate the receiving surface and the support beam, and each of the spring mechanisms displaces a portion of each of the lines. The spring mechanism includes either a compression, stirrup or extension spring, and may also include an emergency strap. A method for producing swinging and/or bounce in playground, athletic or recreational equipment using the spring mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: A vertical free fall system is proposed where a capsule with human beings is raised pneumatically in a tube, then is released to fall down in a free fall mode inside of the tube. The capsule has some means of controlling the air flow passing across the capsule so that the rate of deceleration is controlled. In this way the capsule is able to free fall then to be decelerated to the bottom of the tube. Also the tube has means to control the flowing air by this being possible to control the deceleration of the said capsule.

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: The motorcycle trainer is a fixed location simulated motorcycle motion producing device. A frame and operating components are covered by a motorcycle trainer body having a seat and foot pads so the user may sit on the trainer as if on a motorcycle. Handlebars are attached to the frame in the normal manner for a motorcycle. The frame is mounted on a spring plate assembly using rotational joints and an eccentric lever attached to an eccentric motor also mounted on the spring plate assembly. The motion of the eccentric lever provides vertical motion on the front portion of the motorcycle trainer. The spring plate assembly is mounted on a base plate using rotational joints and a fluid pressure device is attached between the spring plate assembly and the base plate to provide vertical motion on the rear portion of the motorcycle trainer. The spring plate assemble has a universal joint to allow motion from side-to-side on the motorcycle trainer as well as vertically.

Abstract: In connection with rocking devices used up to now, there was the danger of physiological posture damage because of the essentially seated position of the small child. In accordance with the invention, a teetering or rocking device (1) for small children, particularly for small children of an age between approximately one month to approximately twelve months is provided, having a support (2) for receiving the small child (3) on the surface of which the small child rests prone, and having a support device (4) for suspending the support (2) at such a height (h) from the floor that the feet (14) of the small child can reach the floor. The support (2) is formed from a shell which is ergonomically adapted to the body shape of a prone small child, the support surface (17) for the hands and the head follows the shape of an oval in the front area and approximately continuously tapers towards the back in the direction of the stomach into a rear extension (18).

Abstract: An amusement ride for slingshotting and bouncing humans with bungee cords. The ride is similar to a bungee jump, except that two separate bungee cords are used, and the jumper (rider) starts on the ground. The ride keeps most of the thrilling sensations of bungee jumping, but reduces or eliminates many of the dangers, including hitting the ground, swinging into a tower, and getting tangled in the cords. The slingshot ride consists of two elevated supports (10). In between the two elevated supports is a carrier (24). Two spring members (12) connect the carrier to the top of both supports (picture the letter "M"). A rider is strapped into the carrier that is secured to the ground with a release mechanism (28). The two springs are stretched with a tensioning mechanism (22). The release mechanism is triggered by the operator, and the rider is shot up into the air. The strapped-in rider bounces up and down about four times before being lowered to the ground.

Abstract: A variable motion device displaying interactive rocking and rotating motion and having a geometrically eccentric center of mass, The device is supported upon a teetering surface bearing against a corresponding counterteetering surface, At least one of these surfaces is curved, so that the device wobbles. These features, which are concealed from an observer, cause compound or unpredictable precession in response to the device being rocked or similarly moved by a rider. Further ride altering effects are produced by powered pushing or pulling devices. In another alternative embodiment, initial Potation is produced by a powered source. The device, which finds its best application as an amusement ride, accommodates one or more riders.

Abstract: A child's amusement device having a torsible beam with the torsible beam having a child-support surface for a child to sit or stand on with pivotal supports spaced about and supporting the periphery of the torsible beam, with the torsible beam having sufficient rigidity to remain in a fixed position when no external force is applied to the child-support surface, and the torsible beam having sufficient resiliency so that when an external force deflects the torsible beam, the torsible beam flexes and twists in response thereto, causing the torsible beam to oscillate about the pivotal supports and thereby provide an amusement ride for a child thereon.

Abstract: A recreational swing used as a children's toy which incorporates a pronounced bouncing action along with the pendulum motion of a traditional swing. The bouncing swing utilizes an extension device enclosed in and attached to a rigid tube which is fastened to the swing seat. The weight of the child extends the device which gently rebounds as the child swings. The tubular sleeve protects the child from the action of the extension device and also acts as a handle. The swing is suspended by a rope, chain, or cable from an overhead support.

Abstract: A recreation and exercise device having spaced, rotatable footpads, a crossboard integrally connecting the footpads, and one or more ground contacting members for supporting the device above the ground when balanced by the user standing on the footpads. The ground contact may comprise a pair of rounded pivots disposed under the crossboard just inwardly from the footpads. Also contemplated is a horizontal, annular ground contact member disposed below the crossboard intermediate the footpads.

Abstract: A floor-borne fitness apparatus with variable stepping heights includes an upper stepping floorboard and substructural parts which can increase the height and/or the inclination of the floorboard. The apparatus has at least one attachment element which can cooperate with an exercise expander band. The floorboard cooperates with the substructural parts in such a way as to form a positively engaging support unit. Such construction prevents the unintended tilting of the apparatus.

Abstract: An omni-directional rocking apparatus includes a rocking base assembly and seating assembly. The rocking base assembly comprises at least two arched transverse members with distally disposed contoured stops adapted to limit the range of rocking motion in any direction. In one preferred embodiment, the rocking apparatus is constructed as a tip-resistant, omni-directional riding toy wherein the seating assembly comprises a simulated animal body, vehicle or other conveyance device.