Abstract: A suspension system (2) for assisting a user (4) to navigate a staircase (6), the suspension system comprising: a beam (8) positioned above the staircase (6); a carriage (18) displaceable along said beam (8) between a first position at the bottom of the staircase (6) and a second position at the top of the staircase (6); a harness (14) securable to the user (4), said harness (14) being operably connectable to said carriage (18) such that said carriage (18) follows the user (4) as the user (4) navigates the staircase (6); and a brake (42) operably connected to said carriage (18) for braking said carriage; wherein if the user (4) falls while navigating the staircase (6), said brake (42) stops said carriage (18) in place and the user (4) is suspended above the staircase.

Abstract: A treadmill may include a deck, a first pulley incorporated into the deck, a second pulley incorporated into the deck, a tread belt surrounding the first pulley and the second pulley, a motor in mechanical communication with at least one of the first pulley and the second pulley to move the tread belt in a first direction, and a runaway mitigation mechanism in at least indirect mechanical communication with the motor. The runaway mitigation mechanism at least mitigates a motor runaway condition.

Abstract: The present application relates to a landing ramp, which includes a ramp body; the ramp body includes an inclined ramp, a granule retaining dam disposed at the lower end of the inclined ramp and protruding from a slope of the inclined ramp, and a deceleration ramp disposed on one side of the granule retaining dam away from the inclined ramp; a dry snow grass sliding blanket is provided on the deceleration ramp, a dry snow granule layer is provided on the inclined ramp and the dry snow grass sliding blanket; the dry snow grass sliding blanket includes a mounting mesh plate and a dry grass body provided on the mounting mesh plate, there are multiply dry grass body spacingly distributed, a dry snow granule is filled between the dry grass bodies, the aperture of the mounting mesh plate is smaller than the diameter of a dry snow granule.

Abstract: A relief system for at least partially relieving the body weight of a person includes at least one first fastening device for fastening a first end of a first support device and at least one second fastening device for fastening a second end of the first support device which are formed on a cuff, such that an equally distributed tensile force is exerted on the cuff at the first fastening device and second fastening device when the first support device is guided through a guide device during a movement of the cuff when loaded by at least part of the body weight of the person. This advantageously permits a simple connection in particular of a bedridden patient to the relief system, without the patient first having to be moved, without other medical/therapeutic devices being disturbed, and without limiting the patient's stepping/walking movement.

Abstract: An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one example, an exercise device employs a first pivotable treadle assembly including a first moving surface, a first foot platform extending outwardly from a side of the first treadle assembly, and a second pivotable treadle assembly including a second moving surface. In some implementations, the exercise device includes a resistance element operably coupled to at least one of the first treadle assembly or the second treadle assembly to resist movement of the at least one of the first treadle assembly or the second treadle assembly. In some implementations, the exercise device includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a slope of at least one of the first treadle assembly or the second treadle assembly.

Abstract: A snow sports apparatus (10) including: a hollow housing (12) having an internal generally cylindrical surface (12) and supported, with its axis having a major horizontal component, for rotation about said axis; and means (60) to provide on said internal generally cylindrical surface (30), a surface that, as the housing (12) is rotated, is relatively traversable downwardly on skis or a snowboard on the initial rising part (115) of the surface's travel.

Abstract: A ramp (1) for sporting activities, the ramp (1) including a plurality of ramp portions (10,15,20), at least one of the plurality of ramp portions (10, 15, 20) being moveable with respect to another one of the plurality of ramp portions (10, 15, 20) such that the ramp (1) forms an open ramp position or a closed ramp position.

Abstract: A sporting facility comprises a plurality of rotary elements having flexible components extending therefrom, the rotary elements being arranged so that the flexible components thereof provide a substantially continuous supporting surface, and means for rotating the rotary elements. The flexible components are preferably filaments or fibers, extending perpendicular to the substantially continuous surface. The facility is of particular use in providing an artificial surface for skiing, snow boarding, surfing or the like.

Abstract: An exercise device for the crossover step, including an upper wheel supported, the upper wheel having a skating surface and being rotatable; a lower wheel joined to the upper wheel via a hub, the lower wheel having idler wheels supporting the upper wheel; upper legs and lower legs, the upper and lower legs being joined to the lower wheel; a track joined to the upper legs and lower legs, the track adapted to allow the upper wheel, lower wheel, upper legs and lower legs to be stored vertically against a wall and positioned for use adjacent a floor; and mechanism for controlled increase of simulated G-forces applied to a skater skating on the skating surface.

Abstract: An exercise device for the crossover step, including an upper wheel supported, the upper wheel having a skating surface and being rotatable; a lower wheel joined to the upper wheel via a hub, the lower wheel having idler wheels supporting the upper wheel; upper legs and lower legs, the upper and lower legs being joined to the lower wheel; a track joined to the upper legs and lower legs, the track adapted to allow the upper wheel, lower wheel, upper legs and lower legs to be stored vertically against a wall and positioned for use adjacent a floor; and mechanism for controlled increase of simulated G-forces applied to a skater skating on the skating surface.

Abstract: A sporting facility comprises a plurality of rotary elements having flexible components extending therefrom, the rotary elements being arranged so that the flexible components thereof provide a substantially continuous supporting surface, and means for rotating the rotary elements, wherein the rotary elements are arranged such that the flexible components are caused to rotate at an angle to the supporting surface. The flexible components are preferably filaments or fibres, extending perpendicular to the substantially continuous surface. The facility is of particular use in providing an artificial surface for skiing, snow boarding, surfing or the like.

Abstract: New clay-like athletic surface compositions that utilize different types of glass cullet, such as container, ceramic, or plate glass, are provided. Preferably, recycled container-glass cullet between 1.4 millimeters and 20 microns in size is used to provide a slow playing, resilient surface good for a variety of athletic purposes, such as tennis, track and field, and bocce.

Abstract: An improved skate rail having the dual-function of a flat surface and a round surface in one device. The skate rail allows the skateboard rider to easily choose either the flat surface or the round surface. A locking mechanism holds the skate rail securely in either position.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for creating a dynamic riding terrain for wheeled sports, having a translating cylinder assembly and a flexible riding surface. The assembly includes a cylinder supporting frame, a cylinder having an axis, which is rotationally supported by the cylinder supporting frame, and opposing transition frames extending from the cylinder supporting frame, generally in a direction orthogonal to the cylinder axis. The transition frames have a proximal end adjacent to the cylinder, a distal end adjacent to a support surface when the assembly is placed thereon, and a gliding surface affixed to an upper portion thereof. A dynamic riding terrain is created when the assembly is used in conjunction with a flexible riding surface placed over the assembly and moved, either by a self-contained motor or external forces. The transition frame can be modified to alter the gliding surface profile or the location of the proximal end.

Abstract: An apparatus for an a method of closing a fixed gap in an activity surface such as a turfed race-track is described. The apparatus comprises a movable turf tray having an upper surface with the same characteristics as the activity surface and means for guiding the tray into the gap so as to wedge the tray releasably in the gap and thereby to provide a substantially continuous activity surface. The apparatus can be used to provide a reconfigurable racetrack crossing with the permanent road gap in the racetrack being closeable by means of the movable turf tray. Overlapping edges of the turf tray provide a weight wedging action which provides reliable pressure joins. This also has application for creating reconfigurable turfed activity surfaces such as are used in sports stadia and the like.

Abstract: A device for mastering skate board tricks and maneuvers comprises a frame. The frame has a top and the frame is adapted to rest on a support surface. A spring board is suspended from the frame by stretchable straps. A foot deck is rotationally secured to the spring board and is secured to the spring board to limit or eliminate relative vertical motion between the spring board and the foot board.

Abstract: A rotary ski slope comprising an inclined disc which is rotatable about an axis and has a diameter of at least 100 meters. The disc may be divided into a number of concentric rings (1) which are rotatable at different speeds. Means are preferably provided to circulate coolant across the entire under surface of the disc to prevent the snow from melting. The entire surface of the disc is preferably available for skiing with snow conditioning and grooming apparatus (49, 52) being mounted away from the surface, or selectively retractable from the surface. The upper surface of the disc may be non-planar to set up “wave” allowing a variety of skiing conditions to be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a driving simulator, particularly for simulating the movements of earthbound vehicles. To take into account the special features of the movements of earthbound vehicles, the proposed driving simulator has a carrier unit that has a rigid floor platform, on which a test vehicle can be mounted. The carrier unit also includes at least one projection surface and at least one projector, and at least three movement modules, each of which has a wheel that rolls on a floor surface. The wheel can be steered, relative to the axis extending perpendicular to the floor, via a first drive, and can be driven by a respectively associated second drive.

Abstract: A downhill sliding course of sliding track for sliding objects and persons down a slope or a hill includes covering or cladding elements for covering the surface of the slope and a water source to moisten the elements with water. The sliding elements include pools located one below the other, wherein the pools are forming water filled micro-terraces (10). The micro-terraces (10) are formed by a sheet covering the slope in a water-tight manner and flexible ribs (2) are emerging from the sheet, furthermore each pool is bordered by the covering sheet (5) and the rib (2) and is closed by a flexible transverse sectioning rib joined to the covering sheet (5) and the flexible rib (2). With suitable accessories activities similar to skiing, sleighing and surfing can be performed on the sliding course. Accordingly, the invention includes also accessories that can be used to perform these activities. The invention provides individual appliances to implement the sliding course.

Abstract: A rotary ski slope comprising an inclined disc which is rotatable about an axis and has a diameter of at least 100 metres. The disc may be divided into a number of concentric rings (1) which are rotatable at different speeds. Means are preferably provided to circulate coolant across the entire under surface of the disc to prevent the snow from melting. The entire surface of the disc is preferably available for skiing with snow conditioning and grooming apparatus (49, 52) being mounted away from the surface, or selectively retractable from the surface. The upper surface of the disc may be non-planar to set up “wave” allowing a variety of skiing conditions to be provided.

Abstract: Skiing facilities, which supply artificial snow onto the ski slope floor to form a ski slope, the skiing facilities, comprises a movable ski slope floor provided in a part of the ski slope floor along a width direction, a movable floor driving mechanism, which is provided under the ski slope floor, for driving the movable ski slope floor in up and down directions, a cover member, which is provided under the ski slope floor, for covering a gap generated between the movable ski slope floor and the ski slope floor when the movable slope floor is driven, and a cover member driving mechanism, which is provided under the ski slope floor, for closing a gap generated between the movable ski slope floor and the ski slope floor by driving the cover member.

Abstract: Skiing facilities, which supply artificial snow onto the ski slope floor to form a ski slope, the skiing facilities, comprises a movable ski slope floor provided in a part of the ski slope floor along a width direction, a movable floor driving mechanism, which is provided under the ski slope floor, for driving the movable ski slope floor in up and down directions, a cover member, which is provided under the ski slope floor, for covering a gap generated between the movable ski slope floor and the ski slope floor when the movable slope floor is driven, and a cover member driving mechanism, which is provided under the ski slope floor, for closing a gap generated between the movable ski slope floor and the ski slope floor by driving the cover member.

Abstract: Sports apparatus having a variably tilting platform providing a continuously sloping surface. The platform is mounted to permit tilting in a plurality of planes. An actuating mechanism for tilting the platform includes at least two actuators and a fixed pivot or at least three actuators. The actuators may comprise rams or a crank mechanism. The actuators operate simultaneously and sequentially to cause a progressive and circulatory movement of the highest point of the tilting platform around the periphery of the platform. The sloping surface of the platform can be used for such sports activities as skiing, skateboarding and even hang gliding.

Abstract: A training device is capable of simulating for a person being trained by the device the motion of a slalom or "wedeln" skiing. The device includes at least two rotating disks which are operatively connected to each other and rotate in opposite directions. The disks function as platforms for supporting a skier who is being trained by the device. The person being trained changes his or her position by jumping or stepping rhythmically from one platform to the other in simulation of wedeln and/or slalom and or wider downhill ski turns on parallel skis.

Abstract: A wave-generating apparatus that is used for various types of surfriding water sports, such as body-surfing, boogie-boarding, and belly-boarding and is defined by a horizontally positioned, rotatable, cylindrical housing cradled in a frame structure, wherein a suitable amount of water is contained within the housing by means of end caps member that define a reservoir within the cylindrical housing, whereby a continuous wave pattern is formed in the stored water as the tube is rotated about its horizontal axis.

Abstract: A system for detecting trace concentrations of an analyte in air includes a preconcentrator for the analyte and an analyte detector. The preconcentrator includes an elongated tubular container comprising a wettable material. The wettable material is continuously wetted with an analyte-sorbing liquid which flows from one part of the container to a lower end. Sampled air flows through the container in contact with the wetted material with a swirling motion which results in efficient transfer of analyte vapors or aerosol particles to the sorbing liquid and preconcentration of traces of analyte in the liquid. The preconcentrated traces of analyte may be either detected within the container or removed therefrom for injection into a separate detection means or for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: An artificial ski slope assembly is disclosed, which includes an upwardly moving inclined skiing zone formed as a zone on a moving endless conveyor assembly. The latter is suitably in the form of an inclined, distorted disc having one side part, which has a substantially horizontal portion at which snow may be added or refurbished, and an opposite side part which is inclined to form the skiiing zone.