Abstract: A device designed for use on land solely as a rehabilitative balance board apparatus and in water (e.g., a swimming pool) as a rehabilitation and/or fitness apparatus. The invention may be used terrestrially as a proprioception (balance) board and aquatically as a kickboard, as a proprioception (balance) board, and/or as a general exercise board that provides added resistance and/or buoyancy for the exerciser.

Abstract: A rectangular board has support surface with two spaced apart parallel arcuate rockers. Each rocker has a flat portion adjacent to one edge of the rocker board. The flat portion makes an angle of approximately 45.degree. with the upper surface of the board. A hemispherical pedestal or projection is formed between the two rockers on the underside of the board. The board has structure to assist in the performance of multiple exercises. A person standing on the board may hold the upper portion of the body in a substantially vertical position, with the lower extremities of the body then following the board back and forth as it rocks. In a second exercise, the board is held so the flat portion of the rocker holds the upper surface of the board at an angle of approximately 45.degree. to the ground. The user's toes are placed on the ground with the heels extended up the 45 degree ramp until the ankle joints are stretched.

Abstract: An improved twister includes a base frame, a rocker, a hydraulic cylinder, a link and a rotatable disk. The base frame is provided with a pivot seat and two upright bars, the pivot seat being pivotally mounted on the rotatable disk and the upright bars being pivotally connected to the rocker. The rocker is connected to a grip link at a top end and two substantially C-shaped frame at a bottom side. The hydraulic cylinder is pivotally mounted on the base frame and has a shaft with a pivot head pivotally connected to one of the C-shaped frames. The link has one end pivotally connected to the other of the C-shaped frames and the other end coupled to a pivot shaft of the rotatable disk. To operate, the user stands on the rotatable disk with both hands holding the grip link and pulling the rocker so as to cause the link to rotate the rotatable disk. Working in conjunction with the hydraulic cylinder which provides a damping force, the twister permits the user to exercise various parts of the body.

Abstract: An exerciser with combined stepping and twisting functions is provided. The exerciser includes a base, a tubular sleeve and a stepper. The base has an upright cylindrical body fixed thereto. The cylindrical body is provided with a pair of radially extending and diametrically opposite branches. The tubular sleeve is sleeved rotatably on the cylindrical body and is formed with a circumferentially extending opening to permit passage of the branches on the cylindrical body therethrough. The stepper includes a pair of spaced pedal arms, each of which has a front end pivoted to said tubular sleeve, and a rear end. Each of a pair of resistance cylinders interconnects the rear end of one of the pedal arms and the tubular sleeve. A pair of transmitting members are provided respectively on the front ends of the pedal arms. Each of the transmitting members engages a respective one of the branches on the cylindrical body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for performing high intensity exercises wherein the user sits in and is encircled in a padded chair mounted at an acute angle on a base member and, further, having a padded area encircling the thigh and knee area of the user, the chair being free to rotate relative to the base member and wherein the user applies pressure to various parts of the chair to limit rotation while the user performs his or her exercise routine, with a resultant high intensity workout for all of the users major muscle groups, in addition to obtaining an aerobic result.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a leg press exercise with counterbalance are disclosed. A user support, such as seat and a backrest, is mounted to a frame. A swing, such as a four-bar linkage, is mounted to the frame distal to the user support. A footplate is mounted to the four-bar linkage. An arm with a counterweight is pivotally connected to the frame. A beam is rotatably mounted to the four-bar linkage and the arm. The footplate is adjusted relative to the seat by variation of the length of a connection between a pulley weight system and the four-bar linkage. The footplate rotates arcuately with respect to the frame during adjustment to accommodate users of various stature. The position of the counterweight changes during footplate adjustment in order to compensate for the changing effect of gravity on the footplate and the swing.

Abstract: A device is presented for quantitatively measuring and developing proprioceptive ability. The device is also useful for rehabilitating injuries, particularly those to the lower body. The device comprises a rigid platform affixed to an inelastic, unstable rocker assembly by means of a support. In one preferred embodiment the rocker assembly rests on the floor. In another embodiment, the rocker assembly rests on the surface of a contact bed. The user stands on the platform and, by shifting his/her center of gravity with respect to the unstable rocker assembly, brings the platform into approximate balance wherein the plane of the platform is substantially parallel to the floor within certain limits. The ability of the user to keep the plane of the platform within a predetermined range of inclination with respect to the horizontal, measured as a function of time, enables quantification of the increase in proprioceptive ability. The device also provides rehabilitative and conditioning exercise.

Abstract: A body twist exerciser, including a base, a guardrail mounted on the base, a rotatable hollow box-type rotating arm having one end pivoted to a fixed shaft in the center of the base, and a rotary disc rotatably supported by the center part thereof on the free end shaft of the rotating arm. A transmission mechanism is located in the hollow interior of the rotating arm. The transmission mechanism includes a drive sprocket fixed to the free end shaft of the rotating arm and located below the rotary disc. A driven sprocket is spaced-apart from and mounted side by side with this drive sprocket on a revolving shaft approximating the base end inside the rotating arm. A loop-like transmission chain is wound between the drive and driven sprockets and a transmission gear is mounted on the revolving shaft below the driven sprocket. An intermediate gear is rotatably disposed on an intermediate shaft between the fixed shaft and the revolving shaft to be engaged with the transmission gear.

Abstract: A balancing apparatus emulating the acrobatics associated with skate boards etc. having a rectangular platform, one or more hemispherical, pivotal fulcrums, rotational with respect to a rectangular platform, and a foot plate, attached to the fulcrum member. A single fulcrum may be used in conjunction with a truncated, conical, stationary member for encouraging parallel orientation of the platform. A detachable, restricting ring is also provided for reducing the angulation of the platform with the supporting surface during use. The user stands on one foot plate and attempts to maintain balance on the fulcrum member while manipulating the platform with the other foot, at the opposite end of the apparatus, which may also contain a fulcrum member or a stationary, conical member.

Abstract: An exerciser includes a base member having a plurality of supporting beams each having two distal ends. A plurality of rollers are each rotatably mounted on each of the two distal ends of each of the plurality of supporting beams. A rocking member is rotatably mounted on the base member and includes a plurality of arcuate tracks each rotatably mounted between the rollers on each distal end of a corresponding one of the plurality of supporting beams. A pedal board is fixedly mounted on the rocking member to rotate therewith.

Abstract: Applicant's invention discloses an inclined platform which rotates freely upon a base having an annular ring with at least three legs extending between the annular ring and an inclined collet. The inclined collet has an upper tapered bearing race and a lower bushing sized to rotatably receive a shaft mounted perpendicular to the underside of the inclined platform. The inclined platform is preferably covered with a pliable material with padding extending between the pliable material and the top side of the inclined platform. Flexible handles extend from opposing sides of the inclined platform to aid in supporting the user thereon. The user shifts their body weight to rotate the inclined platform, thus spinning the user about the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating bowlegs, which is simple in structure and easy in operation, gives no pains to the patients, while keeping the patient in a very stable and safe condition. The apparatus comprises a stationary platform 1, a tilted rotary plate 3 being located inside the platform 1 and having, on its top, a tilted surface 4 in the form of an inverted cone, a motor 2 for turning the tilted rotary plate 3 together with a patient standing upright on the tilted surface 4, and a control panel 7 for controlling the speed of rotation of the motor 2. The tilted rotary plate 3 is connected to the motor 2 in such a way that the plate 3 can be replaced with one of other tilted rotary plates having different angles of inclination.

Abstract: An exercising apparatus including an elongated base supported on two stands and having two foot plates with bottom pulleys at two opposite ends. Each stand consists of a top section fixed to the base, a fiat bottom section rotatable about a bolt affixed to the top section, and a plurality of bearings supported between the top section and the bottom section. The apparatus moves when the user twists his body thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus which closely simulates actual snowboarding is provided. The snowboard simulator apparatus includes a board member with a curved or convex lower surface, a pair of stop members positioned on the longitudinal edges of the board, a pair of cross-rails positioned perpendicularly relative to the stop members and a roller member having a pair of guide slots for engaging with the cross-rails. The rolling travel of the roller member is limited by the stop members while the positioning of the roller member on the lower surface of the board member is controlled by the engagement of the cross-rails with guide slots. The apparatus generates a front-to-back action for the user which closely simulates actual snowboarding. The apparatus is also capable of simulating a pivot turn maneuver as experienced in real snowboarding.

Abstract: An exercise and physical therapy device for a human anatomical part (e.g. a foot and ankle) has a base plate; a support plate is pivotally mounted on the base plate. An elevating latch mechanism latches the support member at one of several angular positions relative to the base plate. An adjustable, resilient torsion device, capable of both twisting and bending motion, has one end affixed to the support member; a connection member, for connection to the human anatomical part, is mounted on the other end of the torsion device.

Abstract: A combination exercise device includes a trampoline which has a peripheral frame and a resiliently mounted spring member secured to the frame with an upper surface upon which the user may jump. Feet are mounted to the frame for elevating the spring member. The exercise device also includes a step which has a horizontal rigid platform upon which the user may be repeatedly step on and off in an aerobic exercise. The step is mounted with its platform over at least a portion of the spring member so that the user may selectively use the exercise device in a trampoline and/or stepping exercise mode.

Abstract: An exercise platform mounted on a support structure with a curved base, so that the platform can rock between two end positions. The platform being adapted so that a person can exercise thereon. The curved base ensures that the person maintains a preferred posture while exercising. Normally, the exercises will utilize an elastic tied to the platform.

Abstract: A combination twister and stepper device includes a stepper unit and a twister unit in combination with a common frame. The stepper unit has a pair of side by side steps, each of which is biased upwardly. The twister includes a turntable or disk on a pivotal mount. The stepper and twister are secured to a frame which includes a pair of pivotal poles. The stepper and twister may be used simultaneously while also using the poles or the stepper and twister may be selectively inactivated so that only one of the units could be used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising the subtalar complex with controlled triplaner motion. The principal embodiment includes a standing platform and handrail in association with a rotatable foot plate. The foot plate is controllable and adjustable in three planes with fixed settings in all planes, including the oblique. The exerciser provides a method for isolating specific muscle groups involved with foot, ankle and calf extensions or where combinations of muscles are used, such as, with dorsiflexion-eversion or plantarflexion-inversion, while preventing tibial rotation of the foot. A second embodiment provides a more portable exercise apparatus utilizing the concepts employed with the principal embodiment wherein a rocker member is provided, attached to a support member. A foot plate attaches to the support member opposite the rocker and is pivotal in the transverse and frontal planes.

Abstract: The Roc-A-Way.TM. personal exercise device is designed for use by a single person to improve his or her balance and sense of well being. It consists of a solid elongated member having at each of its ends a horizontal upwardly facing flat rectangular foot platform. The two spaced apart foot platforms are connected by an elongated downwardly curved center portion of the device whose downwardly facing lower surface touches the floor in a horizontal plane substantially lower than the plane of the two foot platforms. A smoothly rounded pivot point on the lower surface of the device is located near each end of the device directly beneath one of the upwardly facing foot platforms.

Abstract: A device and method for rehabilitation of patients with kinesthetic injuries. The device consists of a base with non-skid feet to securely locate the device on a supporting surface. An upwardly extending guide member is located on the base. A target attachment with target is attached to the guide member. A repositionable platform assembly with a downwardly extending platform support point is placed at a receiving location on the base. From the upper surface of the repositionable platform extends a wand support with a wand tip at its upper end. Optionally, an anti-rotation member can be used to partially prevent movement of the platform. Such an anti-rotation member interacts with the guide member to restrict platform movement. In one configuration, the anti-rotation member is used to prevent yaw of the platform, but allow roll or pitching motion. In use, the patient attempts to move the platform either in single or multiple directions; i.e.

Abstract: An exerciser includes a lower stationary support frame having an upright shaft fixed thereto. A stepper mechanism includes a base body mounted rotatably on the shaft and having a front portion and a rear portion, a pair of spaced pedal arms, each of which having a front end pivoted to the front portion and a rear end portion extending from the front end toward the rear portion, and a pair of resistance cylinders, each of which interconnecting the rear end portion of a respective one of pedal arms and the base body. A horizontal plate member is mounted to the shaft above the base body and has two opposite spaced rear portions on two sides of the shaft. A locking unit is provided to lock releasably the plate member on the shaft so as to prevent movement of the plate member relative to the stationary support frame.

Abstract: An exercise device employs a tether rope that extends longitudinally through an elongated rigid tubular member, and terminates in gripping handles that are held by the exercising person while standing upon the tubular member. The tubular member is pivotably mounted at its centerpoint upon holding plates upwardly emergent from the upper surface of a base platform, thereby having see-saw motion in a vertical plane. An elongated aperture is disposed in the upper surface of the base platform to receive the extremities of the tubular member as they are depressed alternately during the exercise activity.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus wherein a supporting base carries a rotatable platform oscillated by a drive from a hand held support that stabilizes the person exercising, characterized by an upstanding fence on the platform and over which the person jumps from side to side, the degree of rotation being variably controlled by the person.

Abstract: A calf workout device comprises a base formed in a generally planar rectangular configuration with a toe side edge, a heel side edge, and parallel long side edges. The base includes two planar side faces which extend vertically upward from the long side edges. Each side face includes a coupling device at its approximate center point. A foot plate is shaped in a generally rectangular configuration with a toe edge, a heel edge, and parallel long side edges. The toe edge is linear and the heel edge is formed in a semi-circular configuration. The heel edge includes an upwardly extending cylindrical wall. The approximate center point of the long edges of the plate include an aperture which extends from side to side. A cylindrical axle is positioned through the foot plate with its ends coupled to the side faces. The foot plate includes a resilient device for urging the plate in one direction.

Abstract: A mechanical surfing apparatus includes a board on which a rider can stand and a drive mechanism for cyclically varying the slope of the board to simulate the motions of a surfboard in waves. The board is supported at three support points spaced in the longitudinal direction of the board. Drive forces having differing frequencies are imparted to the board at two of the support points.

Abstract: An exercising apparatus including a folding frame having two rectangular frames pivoted in the middle, a rotary seat hinged to one rectangular frame, and two elastic ropes having each one end respectively fastened to the folding frame at the bottom and an opposite end coupled with a respective handle, and wherein the folding frame can be alternatively set into the operative position to support the rotary seat for permitting the player to sit on the rotary seat and pull the handles, or the collapsed position closely attached to the rotary seat at the bottom for permitting the player to stand on the rotary seat and pull the handles.

Abstract: A multi-use exercising device in which the exerciser rests or supports a body portion on a generally planar receiving or supporting surface provided by the device such that the exerciser may propel the device across a supporting surface by applying force by body members other than that body portion supported by the device and in which means are provided for varying the force which is required to propel the device in the intended manner.

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 balancing sport including an elongated platform for receiving a participant. A lower surface of the platform is attached to two sectors which ate rotatable about two shafts positioned along a common horizontal axis of rotation. Each shaft is secured about a sector post anchored to a horizontal planar board. The lower surface of the board is attached to a pivot means with the board being pivotable about a vertical axis of rotation. The pivot means is attached to a rectangular plank movable along a linear horizontal axis. The lower surface of the plank includes attached axles with wheels attached. Each wheel is positioned within track rails projecting perpendicular and away from the bottom surface of the plank. Each track rail extends longitudinally parallel relative to one another and the linear axis.

Abstract: An exercising and/or amusement device operably by the hands and feet of the user has first and second platforms rigidly spaced from each other adapted to receive one of the feet of the user. A ground engaging element is below and associated with each platform and has a bottom surface for selectively engaging the ground surface. A pivotable joint connects the platform and its associated ground engaging element. The connector has a curved surface on the platform spaced from the pad and a curved surface on the ground engaging element spaced from the bottom surface. The curved surface of the platform has an opening and the curved surface of the ground engaging element each having an opening therethrough. A bolt extends from the curved surface of the ground engaging element and through the opening in the curved surface of the platform for controlling relative movement between the curved surfaces.

Abstract: An exercising machine comprised of a triangular base frame having handles on the three sides thereof and plastic bottom sockets extended from the three angles thereof and supported on spring elements above vacuum mount incorporated stands, a rotating disk supported on the triangular base frame for allowing the player to twist the body while standing on it, wherein the inner diameter of the plastic sockets is equal to the outer diameter of the spring elements, and the stands have a respective top recessed hole in diameter equal to the outer diameter of the spring elements, so that the spring elements can be respectively fastened between the sockets and the stands without the use of tools or fastening elements.

Abstract: A human-powered gyroscope comprising a frame for supporting the gyroscope, a ring assembly and a riding station for supporting a human rider on the ring assembly. The ring assembly includes an inner ring, an intermediate ring and an outer ring concentrically disposed with each other. The outer ring is mounted on the frame for rotation about a first axis extending generally diametrically of the outer ring. The intermediate ring is mounted on the outer ring for rotation relative to the outer ring about a second axis extending generally diametrically of the intermediate ring. The inner ring is mounted on the intermediate ring for rotation relative to the intermediate ring about a third axis of rotation extending generally diametrically of the inner ring. Two of the axes of rotation of the rings are oriented obliquely with respect to the other of said axes of rotation.

Abstract: A slalom water-ski training device comprising a main channel member having a vertical upright member that is rigidly mounted substantially perpendicular thereto at one end thereof. At least two auxiliary support braces are connected at one end to the vertical upright member and connected at their opposite end to the main channel member. At least one stabilizing member is rigidly connected to and in substantial coplanar relation with the main channel member a proximate predetermined distance from the vertical upright member. A ski rope is detachably and reattachably connected to the vertical upright member at a free end distal the main channel member. A ski board is slidably and swivelly mounted to the main channel member. A resilient sliding resistance means is attached to the main channel member distal the vertical upright member and the ski board for the purpose of applying a substantially elastic resistance to the sliding longitudinal displacement of the ski board.

Abstract: A board-and-rope exercise assembly includes a curved board made up of an arc-shaped middle portion integrating with two terminal pedals, and two elastic ropes. Each of the ropes is attached to a corresponding one of the pedals. The ropes are pullable in an upper direction, so that an exerciser can exercise his/her limbs by rocking the curved board with his/her legs while pulling the ropes with his/her hands.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus to assist in building stomach muscles by a user performing situps with the apparatus, the apparatus comprising first and second anchoring devices disposed on a horizontal surface, devices to position the first and second anchoring devices spaced apart a selected distance, and attaching devices to releasably attach first and second feet of a user to surfaces of the first and second anchoring devices, respectively, to hold the first and second feet of the user relatively immobile so as to assist the user in performing situps.

Abstract: An exercising and/or amusement device for receiving a person's feet and engaging a ground surface has a first and second platform spaced apart from each other. Each platform has an upper surface being adapted to receive one of the person's feet. A ground engaging element is associated with each of the platforms and has a dome-shaped bottom surface wherein the outer edge selectively engages the ground surface. A pivotable connector connects the platform and the associated ground engaging element and consists of a curved surface on the platform spaced from the upper surface. The element has a complimentary curved surface spaced from the bottom surface. The curved surfaces on the platform and ground engaging element slideably engage each other. The curved surface of the platform has a slot with its major axis extending along a longitudinal axis defined by an imaginery line between the platforms.

Abstract: An exercising apparatus includes a base having two upright handles on two opposite sides thereof and a ball bearing, a rotary table supported on the ball bearing and moved to turn thereon and having an upright support in the center, a foot board balanced on the upright support and moved to turn the rotary table on the ball bearing of the base, and tensile elements bilaterally connected between the rotary table and the foot board for permitting the foot board to be alternatively oscillated back and forth.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus is arranged to include a rotatable support pad having an underlying wheel support, to include a positioning leg extending between the pad and a support shaft to rotatably mount the pad about the support shaft, with handles mounted to the support plate at a periphery of the support plate extending from the support plate, whereupon an individual is positioned upon the pad and simultaneously rotates about the support shaft while grasping the handles.

Abstract: An exercise device has a board wherein an oval recess is formed. A circular recess is formed in the oval recess. An oval plate has a first side and a second side on which a disk is rotatably attached. The oval plate is receivable in the oval recess. The disk is receivable in the circular recess. The first side of the plate and the upper side of the board form a plain surface on which the exerciser can do sit-ups when the oval plate is received in the oval recess and the disk is received in the circular recess. When the oval plate is received in the recess with the second side thereof exposed, there is exposed the disk on which exercisers can stand and twist.

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: An amusement twister has a base disk provided at the center thereof with a hollow axle, a locking disk provided at the center thereof with a round hole dimensioned to fit over the hollow axle of the base disk, and a rotation disk provided at the center of the underside thereof with an engaging rod dimensioned to fit into the hollow portion of the hollow axle in such a manner that the underside of the rotation disk presses the steel balls received partially in the slots located in the upper surface of the locking disk, so as to permit the rotation disk to be turned leftwards and rightwards for a short span in a reciprocating pattern by the user's feet standing on the rotation disk, which is further provided with a protruded portion serving as a baffle and containing therein a receiving space for housing a speaker, a sound-reproducing circuit board, a plurality of batteries, and a switch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for developing and improving the general character, ability and trainability of a young dog between the ages of three to twelve weeks. The apparatus comprising a deck securely attached atop a base having rocking members. When at rest, the distance between the deck top surface 11 and the ground is such that a young puppy or litter of puppies, aged three weeks, can climb upon the deck top surface to playfully romp and play king-of-the hill type games with his litter mates as the deck 10 rocks and rotates.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously producing dorsiflexion and plantarflexion in both lower legs and both feet of a person and including a pair of exercise shoes for receiving the feet of the person, each exercise shoe including a generally semi-circular base for engaging a support surface on which the exercise shoes rock, and ganging means such as a pair of ganging bars for ganging the exercise shoes together to cause the exercise shoes to be rocked forwardly together to simultaneously produce plantarflexion and to cause the exercise shoes to be rocked rearwardly together to simultaneously produce dorsiflexion.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a balancing board of an advanced nature which allows unique maneuverability and whose design renders a smooth performance on virtually any surface conditions both in and outdoors, to promote balance and reflex coordination skills, while providing means for recreation and freestyle maneuvers. The user stands upon a longitudinal deck which engages a precision roller assembly, with means to manipulate the deck so as to achieve linear, pivotal, and sweeping radial motions. The roller assembly contains two independently rotatable wheels mounted to a common axle, each having an interchangeable polymer tire to permit use on diverse surfaces. A special, stepped rail centrally mounted to the lower side of the deck, guides the deck along the roller and furnishes the method whereby the deck is manipulated. A limiting cable maintains the contact between the deck and roller assembly, and defines the longitudinal travel of the deck, producing a desirable stopping action at its boundaries.

Abstract: A skiing simulator and training device has first and second bodies that each have a top surface sized and shaped to mate against the sole of a ski boot. Each of the bodies further includes an arcuate bottom surface. A connecting member movably connects the first and second bodies together and attaching brackets on the bodies connect the bodies to the sole of a ski boot. The bottom surfaces of the bodies are formed as tapering surfaces of rotation that are centered about an axis that is essentially parallel with a heel to toe axis of a ski boot.

Abstract: The invention herein is a machine for exercising the legs and lower extremities of the body by placing most of the forces of exertion below the hips. A two sided frame, which is L-shaped, has a chain-sprocket transmission system connected to weights. The chain is mounted on a sprocket directly above the weights and pulls them up vertically. The chain extends down to the bottom of the frame and meshes with a lower sprocket almost at floor level. The chain then extends to the front of the frame above the floor level to a location contiguous to the area where the exerciser stands and meshes with another sprocket. The chain is connected to a coupler to which a belt is connected. The exerciser places the belt over his/her hips and pulls up on the chain by extending his/her arms onto an arm rest which has grips. The exerciser stands on a platform.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to allow the user to simulate the action of a snowboard during dryland training. The apparatus has a cylindrical roller that has tapered or angled surface at the outer portions of the roller. The tapered sections may have slots cut into them which would allow for a stepping effect from one tapered surface to the other. Attached to the lower surface of the receiving board are spacers. These spacers provide stability to the apparatus, while at the same time permitting unconventional radial, lateral and yaw motions to the receiving board and roller. The receiving board is attached to the lower surface of the upper deck by using vertical lifts attached between the receiving board and the upper deck. The receiving board may also include a gripping surface material between the lower surface of the receiving board and the roller. The upper surface or deck of the apparatus has a concave outer edge to provide increased surface contact with the feet of the user.

Abstract: A ski exercise device is provided having at least two parallel rails held in a fixed relationship by brace elements at the ends. A carriage is provided for riding along the rails, and a first resilient element provides a restoring force on the carriage directed toward the center of the rails. Platforms for a user's feet are pivotally attached to the carriage off-center from the centerline of the platforms so that the natural action by a user in shifting weight from one platform to the other platform in operation causes the respective platforms to pivot in the correct direction to simulate the action of parallel skiing. The first resilient element is fastened to the carriage at about a mid-point. One end of the first resilient element in the preferred embodiment passes around a roller attached to one of the end brace elements, extends back toward the middle of the rails, and is clamped at a clamp assembly attached to an additional brace element between the rails.

Abstract: A children's playground or recreational apparatus is provided in which the bottom half of a large world globe is encased in a stationary socket, there being between the surface of said globe and said socket a means for supporting said globe and for producing frictional drag against the globe's surface in order to restrict the globe's potential rotational speed to a manageable limit. A child achieves an erect and balanced stance atop the globe, and by an asymmetrical shift in foot position and/or weight causes the globe to rotate in a desired direction at a desired speed, thus enabling the child to "walk around the world". The globe is provided with a slip-resistant surface, and padding or other protection is provided around the base of the apparatus to attenuate the effects of a fall. The apparatus can be entertaining and recreational, it can develop enhanced balance, coordination and agility, and it can provide a fun means for learning about world geography.