Abstract: The gymnastic equipment described herein is characterized by a rectangular platform which is preferably about 30-50 cm wide and about 75-150 cm long. Vertical supporting members are arranged at the four corners of the platform. A resilient elongated rope-like member is looped around the four supporting members and is height-adjustable. The height of the rope can be set so as to enable a combination of muscle exercises with simultaneous aerobic and/or choreographic workouts free of interruption. Particular skills for fixing the resilient rope on arms or legs are not necessary during the sequence of exercises. A securing device is attached to each supporting member to retain the member at the set height.

Abstract: A wall-mounted support structure for supporting an exercise device, including front and back metal plates disposed in parallel relation on respective sides of the wall and secured together by bolts passing through the wall, a vertically elongated chamber formed therein inside the wall between the plates, a metal ball attached to the exercise device, the front plate having an upper opening large enough to admit the ball into the chamber and a lower opening that is too small to admit the ball, the openings being contiguous so that when the ball is inserted through the upper opening it may drop down within the chamber behind the lower opening and will then be confined behind the front plate; a spring also is provided inside the chamber to retain the ball in a captured position.

Abstract: A multiple station exercise and stretching apparatus is described. A first exercise station includes a plurality of spaced apart horizontal bars. A second exercise station includes a foot support and at least one horizontally extending grasping bar. A third exercise station includes at least one foot stirrup and at least one horizontally extending bar which is in a spaced apart relationship to the foot support. A fourth exercise station has an upper grasping member having bars which angle in a rearward and downward direction and at least one lower grasping device which is positioned at an angle to the upper grasping device. A fifth exercise station includes a plurality of vertically extending bars. A sixth exercise station includes a plurality of angled overhead bars. Each station preferably includes a support platform having a first angled mat which angles upwardly from a midline and a second angled mat which angles upwardly in an opposite direction from the first angled mat.

Abstract: A portable ambulatory therapy device provides for the training or retraining of persons in developing walking skills after suffering a serious illness, injury, or other infirmity which limits their walking skills. The present device comprises a folding walkway with opposed folding hand rails along each side thereof. The hand rails are supported by a series of telescoping upright columns or posts, with the columns being pivotally secured to the walkway at their lower ends and pivotally secured to the hand rails at their upper ends. Each column includes a single locking pin which selectively locks the column in the upright position as desired, or allows the column to fold when removed. When the locking pins are removed, the walkway may be lifted at its center section to cause the two ends to fold together, along with the hand rails which fold to lie adjacent the walkway.

Abstract: The training pad for a gymnastic vaulting horse has a first elongated pad with a vertical height substantially equal to the height of the body of the vaulting horse. A second elongated pad has a vertical height substantially equal to the combined height of the body and the supporting stand of the vaulting horse. An elongated flexible blanket has its opposite sides connected to the first and second pads and is adapted to engage and span the lateral width of the top of the body of the vaulting horse. Straps are secured to the pad for attachment of the pad to the body of the vaulting horse. The length of the pad is slightly less than the length of the body of the vaulting horse.

Abstract: The gymnastic equipment described herein is characterized by a rectangular platform which is preferably about 30-50 cm wide and about 75-150 cm long. Vertical supporting members are arranged at the four comers of the platform. A resilient elongated rope-like member is looped around the four supporting members and is height-adjustable. The height of the rope can be set so as to enable a combination of muscle exercises with simultaneous aerobic and/or choreographic workouts free of interruption. Particular skills for fixing the resilient rope on arms or legs are not necessary during the sequence of exercises. A securing device is attached to each supporting member to retain the member at the set height.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing body exercises for muscle training purposes and muscle growing purposes. A wire (3) is provided with a number of attachment members (4) and at least one hand grip (6). One of the attachment members is used to attach the wire to a vertical surface. A foot support (7) is placed beneath the hand grip when the wire is extended at substantially 90.degree. from the vertical surface. A person supports himself or herself on the foot support, grips the at least one hand grip, and performs exercises.

Abstract: Each of the cushions in a pair of cushions has two flat sides which meet at a right angle corner and a convex side which interconnects the free ends of the two flat sides. The two cushions may be arranged in a wide variety of end-to-end positions to allow the exerciser to assume various postures. The cushions may be turned on their side and arranged with corresponding flat sides partially overlapping to form separated leg spaces for two people to sit on the cushions in a face-to-face relationship.

Abstract: An spotting assistance apparatus for use in conjunction with a horizontal bar apparatus for providing support for a gymnastics spotter. The apparatus includes a pivoting support platform which is pivotable about a horizontal axis, such that the platform can be moved from a nonoperating position to an operating position. The operating positions of the pivoting support platforms can be adjusted among different operating positions.

Abstract: A therapy device for conducting rehabilitative exercises that includes a base having a receptacle. A standard is capable of being positioned in the receptacle in a substantially vertical position and has a plurality of adjustable arms slidably mounted on it. A locking mechanism is used to secure the standard in the vertical position. Each arm has means for being slidably mounted to the standard and a locking mechanism for fixing the arm at a height along the vertical, longitudinal axis of the standard. Each arm also includes a fastening means for removably securing occupational therapy exercise items, such as hooks, rings, and other items. The base of the therapy device include a slot for receiving the standard and may be shaped and sized to resemble an attache or brief case and to include a handle and one or more bins for holding occupational therapy exercise items. The bin may be compartmentalized and have a lid to secure exercise items therein.

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 webbing material is 2" wide nylon webbing spaced 2" apart. The webs that make up the floor are weaved together and sewed together at areas where they overlap. 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.

Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating three-dimensional structures for children is provided in which four-way, three-way and elbow fittings having opposing flat sides with orthogonally oriented sockets are used to interconnect cut-to-length tubular members. An end portion of a tubular member is connected to an end portion of a socket by a fastener having a pair of spring loaded opposing pins thereon. The fastener is positioned in a tubular member with its opposing pins protruding out of diametrically opposing holes on the end portion thereof. The end of a tubular member is inserted with a slip fit into a socket until it contacts an internal shoulder thereon and is then rotated until the opposing pins snap into diametrically opposing holes on the end portion of the socket.

Abstract: A gymnastic mat having a substantially vertical slot along one edge thereof and at least one engaging edge defined in the slot for removably mounting the gymnastic mat about the non-horizontal support members of various types of athletic and gymnastic equipment; and a method for using such a mat. The mat may have a substantially rigid upper surface to permit the gymnast to regain her footing or balance thereon. Additional gymnastic mats are attachable to the first gymnastic mat to modify the shape and size of the protected area.

Abstract: A shock-displacing inflatable bag for use in balance games, recreation or exercise comprises a bag constructed of material that does not stretch or otherwise absorb shock. The bag is formed from a single sheet of material which is first joined at a set of opposite edges using a lap seam. The lap seam allows the bag to roll from side to side without restriction. The two open ends of the bag are then joined using sandwich seams. A valve is then mounted over a hole in the bag for purposes of inflation and deflation. Radio frequency heat sealing provides a method for creating strong, permanent seams which can withstand forces imparted to the bag. Denser vinyl coated, woven fabrics provide the best resistance to shock and stretch.

Abstract: A family, portable power stretching and entire body building gym, and method of using the same, comprising hooks (2) for suspending the device from a rod or beam (4), first elongate flexible members (8) secured at a first end thereof to the hooks (2), stirrups (10) secured at a second end of the first elongate flexible members (8), second elongate flexible members (12) secured at one end to the hooks (2), a plurality of connectors (14) spaced along the second elongate flexible members (12), and hand grips (16) removable attached to the connectors (14). The gym also comprises a chin bar, slant board and knee bar inverted posture devices for being adjustably suspended from the elongate flexible members for working and stretching the entire body in an inverted position, enabling gravity to help relieve spine compression created from being in an upright position.

Abstract: An exercise device for exercising the user's legs includes a base member having a bottom for engaging a flat support surface and upwardly opening sockets defined by a bottom panel and an upright surrounding socket with cushion elements constructed of resilient compressible material. The cushion elements have lower portions sized and adapted to be nestably received within the sockets and upper portions forming a domical structure that projects above the base member when the cushion elements are received within the sockets.

Abstract: A contoured landing surface system and a method of making thereof are provided. The system matches landing surface or pit density to the force generated by an athlete's descending body to cushion the athlete's fall based on air displacement rather than foam characteristics. The system is designed to compensate for variables such a velocity, mass and surface area at the point of impact by utilizing a multi-layer structure, each layer having a plurality of patterned ridges thereon and a network of air channels therebetween. The ridges and air channels of adjacent layers extend perpendicular to the ridges and air channels of each other. Preferably, the landing surface is constructed using layers of foam having the same density.

Abstract: An exercise and stretching device has a line and a combination comprising a support positioned relative to the line to redirect the line from a first direction to a second direction. The line has a first location on one side of the support to secure a first human appendage and a second location on an other side of the support for manipulation by a different human appendage. A grip is positioned relative to the support to hold the line at a selected position relative to the support.

Abstract: Two resilient bands attached to anchors slidably mounted on two vertical support columns that are placed on opposite sides of a horizontal resilient surface, usually a trampoline. The resilient bands are connected to a participant and exert upon the participant a lateral restraining force which is proportional to the distance that the participant moves laterally from the center of the horizontal resilient surface. The anchors can be, in different embodiments, raised manually, with a motor, remotely, or automatically. Therefore, the resilient bands also exert upon the participant a vertical restraining force that is proportional to the distance the participant has moved vertically from the horizontal resilient surface.

Abstract: A tumbling strip including a plurality of panels, each panel having a channel defined along a centerline thereof. The plurality of panels are arranged such that the channels in each of a pair of adjacent panels are aligned with one another. A plurality of inserts are provided within the channels so that the tumbling strip has an increasing resistance to deformation as an amount of deformation of the tumbling strip increases. A fastening assembly selectively attaches adjacent panels in the plurality of panels to one another. An adjustable support assembly provides a variable amount of support for the tumbling strip so that the rebounding action of the tumbling strip can be varied depending on the amount of support provided by the adjustable support assembly.

Abstract: A landing mat for gymnasts is composed of a top layer serving as a primary cushion, a middle layer disposed under the top layer so as to stabilize the posture of the gymnasts going to land on their feet, and a bottom layer serving as a main cushion and secured to a lower surface of the middle layer. All the layers are made of plastics foams. The top layer is 10-30 mm thick and has a 25%-compression stiffness of 0.20-0.50 kgf/cm.sup.2 and a repelling elasticity of 40-60%. The middle layer is 15-50 mm thick and has a compression stiffness of 1.0-4.0 kgf/cm.sup.2. The bottom layer is 50-175 mm thick and has a compression stiffness of 0.040-0.060 kgf/cm.sup.2 and a repelling elasticity of 35-50%, such that the International Federation of Gymnasts' (FIG) standards going to be revised in 1995 are satisfied with respect to safety and posture stabilizability for the landing gymnasts.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising, an elongated sheet of flexible, resilient, cushioned material and a substantially ridgid support panel attached to the back side, which supports the head, neck and upper back of a user while performing an abdominal crunch. An attachment strap is provided, near the end of the device that recieves and supports the head, to temporarily affix a common dumbbell to the device so as to increase the resistance on the abdominal muscles. Through holes are provided on opposite sides of the head recieving end for additional gripping positions for those users who cannot or do not wish to engage the device by gripping along the perimeter edge.

Abstract: An adjustable-height free standing slide apparatus has an overall slide surface length that can be increased or decreased by changing the orientation of a single component. The slide apparatus includes a frame that supports a slide member. The frame also supports a block member that can be mounted to the frame in a first orientation in which a first surface on the block forms a substantially horizontal platform surface leading to the top of the slide and a second orientation in which a second surface on the block forms a slide exterior surface meeting substantially contiguously with the slide surface to extend the overall slide surface length.

Abstract: A flying ballet barre assembly is mounted across the width of a room and supported by a lifting system capable of moving the entire ballet barre vertically between a position of use near the floor and a storage position near the ceiling. Opposite ends of the ballet barre are equipped with a slide which cooperates with a slide groove in an upright support at each side which guides and supports the ballet barre while it is raised and lowered. The lifting system is powered by an electric motor which is controlled by a switch. The flying ballet barre assembly can be quickly lowered for use and then raised to the storage position so that the room in which it is mounted can be used for other purposes. A particular advantage is the lateral flexibility with the long ballet barre supported from cables which provides a dancer with an instantaneous reaction to an improper position which provides the feedback necessary to learning.

Abstract: A freestanding exercise and gymnastics training machine allows improved control and balance when doing ring exercises. The exercise and gymnastics training machine comprises a first block and tackle pulley system and a second block and tack system which together suspend a body harness from a freestanding support frame. Accordingly, a user of average strength wearing the body harness can utilize a mechanical advantage afforded by the block and tackle systems to lift and/or support his/her body weight to remain at least partially suspended from the freestanding support frame. While suspended or partially suspended, the user can perform various exercises to improve conditioning, to increase strength and/or to do gymnastics training. In some embodiments, the exercise machine further comprises a footrest attachment, a bench attachment, a pull-up bar attachment, and/or a parallel bar attachment.

Abstract: A plurality of interconnected suspension members have reinforced upper and lower edges and extend around the outer periphery of a hollow inflatable support. The upper portions of the suspension members are connected by springs to the outer edge of an elastic trampoline mat. The lower portions of the suspension members are connected by a plurality of rigid connector members to spaced points on an annular retaining member having opposite ends adjacent one another. A turnbuckle is connected to the ends of the retaining member for adjusting the distance between the ends to control the tension of the suspension members. A sleeve of cushioning material surrounds each of the springs, and an annular cover overlies all of the sleeves.

Abstract: A gymnastic spotting belt apparatus for being buckled about the waist of a gymnast and for being clipped to a pair of spotting ropes. The belt apparatus includes at least four D-rings such that the belt apparatus may be used by either children or adults. Each of the D-rings includes a slot compartment having a height generally the same as the width of the belt to prevent the belt and D-rings from axially twisting relative to each other. The belt apparatus still further includes an elongate pad between the belt and the gymnast and running to each of the sides of the gymnast from the back of the gymnast for cushioning the belt relative to the gymnast and for supporting the back of the gymnast. The belt apparatus further includes a buckle which may be quickly tightened but which is resistant to unintended loosening or release.

Abstract: Gallows for rings, intended to be used in sport gymnastics, wherein the cross beam is more flexible than conventionally known models. The cross beam is hinged to the uprights of the gallows with a silentblock or rubber piece. The rings of the gallows are connected to the cross beam using rigid rods made of a composite material or other rigid material, with the rigid rods being connected at their tops by a self-locking trunnion provided with a universal joint and fixed to the rings by a short link of textile material. Also, the bottom of the uprights of the gallows are connected by a cable.

Abstract: A strap of leather, for extending along the palm of a user's hand, has a finger end and a wrist end, with the wrist end anchored to a pad secured around the wrist by a belt and held in place by hook and loop materials. The finger end of the strap has a dowel extending sideways at approximately the finger tip position. Beyond the dowel are a couple of holes through which the two middle fingers extend during use, with the distal end of the strap folded back over the dowel and the fingers extending through the holes. An elastic strip is attached to the palm face of the finger end of the strap and forms a pair of loops through which the fingers extend during use. The strip is attached to the finger end distally of the dowel and finger holes so that the fingers pass through the loops prior to being inserted in the holes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exercise device 10 including an elongated upright ladder section 14 which has at an upper end a body support section. There is a base 12 adapted to rest on a horizontal surface and support in a stable, vertical orientation the upright section. The body support section includes a seat rest support member 16 oriented substantially horizontally and adapted to be sat upon by a user and a second support member spaced from the seat rest support member and adapted to be gripped by the user with either legs or hands depending on the exercise being performed. A generally flat, planar, back support 84 has its upper end pivotally mounted to the seat rest support member 16 and a lower free end movable between a first position where the back support is generally vertical and a second position where the back support pivots and is at an acute angle with respect to the upright section 14.

Abstract: A gymnastic training device has a conventional training belt adapted to support a gymnast at the waist. A pair of elongated resilient supporting assemblies are attached to opposite sides of the training belt and are comprised of bungy cords which can be selectively added or removed with respect to the assemblies to adjust the resilient capabilities thereof. A pulley support means including a pair of laterally positioned pulleys and at least one elevated pulley are supported over the normal position of the training belt by either a self-standing frame or by a frame assembly attached to the ceiling of a building. A first cable has a center portion and opposite ends with the opposite ends being secured to each of the free ends of the elongated resilient supporting assemblies.

Abstract: An interlockable foam pad adapted with other interlockable foam pads to form foam pad structures, such as a three-dimensional structure or a foam pad exercise mat. The foam pad comprises a core foam layer of a polyethylene foam layer, the top and bottom foam layers having a higher density than the polyethylene foam in the core foam layer, and having a thickness considerably less than the thickness of the core foam layer. The foam pad includes at least along one side edge, and typically along a plurality of side edges, a plurality of alternatingly spaced apart uniform male and female sections, and which sections are adapted to interlock together with slight hand pressure with the male and female sections of an adjacent foam pad.

Abstract: A motorized gymnastic training apparatus has first and second planar support members and a central support member attached through the first planar support member into the second planar support member. The central support member has a wheel rotatably mounted on one end thereof. The central support member may have a central sleeve attached through the first support member with a sliding or telescoping member passing therethrough so that the wheel and the second planar support member can be adjusted relative to the first planar support member with a pin locking the sleeve to the telescoping central support member. An electric motor is positioned within the central support member and is coupled to the wheel through a belt and a pair of pulleys attached to the wheel shaft and to the electric motor shaft for rotating the wheel in a forward or backwards rotation responsive to the actuation of a switch.

Abstract: An aerial exercise assembly is provided which enables human users to achieve bounding, swinging and flipping exercise movements and comprises a set of swing members such as straps that extend downwardly from a support and which may be coupled to a single strap or rope for hoisting the user to a desired exercise position. A pair of elongate elastic members having multiple elastic strands establish elastic connection between the swing members and a pair of support straps. Extension of the elastic members is limited by safety cables to limit downward movement of the support straps to enhance the safety of the apparatus. Foot engaging elements, which may be loops or one or more foot boards, are provided at the lower ends of the support straps for stabilized engagement with the feet of the user. A pelvic harness is positionable about the pelvic region of the user and is provided with a pair of harness pivot straps that enable lateral positioning and 360.degree.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a comfort cushion adapted for use by a person standing for a prolonged period. The cushion causes increased leg muscle activity that results in increased movement of blood upward from the feet of the standing person. The cushion is composed of a wear layer which is resistant to abrasion from foot traffic and a base material which is substantially more compressible than the wear layer. The comfort cushion causes the foot to assume a slightly different angular relationship to the horizontal as compared with the conditions that exist when one is standing on a conventional flat floor. This, in turn, causes increased leg muscle activity.