Abstract: An amusement ride having at least one vehicle, which comprises one or more passenger compartments for accommodating passengers, and a pool, wherein the amusement ride is designed in such a way that at least one pendulum movement of the vehicle is possible, wherein the amusement ride is configured in such a way that the pool can be at least partially filled with a liquid and the vehicle comes into contact with the liquid of the pool in the course of the pendulum movement.

Abstract: A rebound and balance training device includes a frame, a footboard, and a plurality of resilient spring elements extending between and attached to the frame and the footboard to support the footboard above a supporting surface. A user standing on the footboard manually effects repeated vertical bouncing movement between upper and lower positions. The distance traveled by the footboard, the effort required to effect movement, and the stability thereof may be modified by selectively modifying the number, the length, the position, or the elasticity of the resilient elements. In one embodiment, a pair of footboards is employed to simulate skiing movements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an impact absorption and detection system, including: one or more deflectable arch springs, having at least one leg with proximal and distal ends; and one or more bases, each of the proximal and distal ends attached to a base. Some embodiments may include: a plurality of arch spring assemblies, including: a deflectable arch spring having at least one leg with proximal and distal ends; one or more bases, each of the proximal and distal ends attached to a base; at least one sensor attached to the arch spring assembly; wherein the plurality of arch spring assemblies is configured in a chainmail arrangement and a base of one arch spring assembly is connected with a base of another arch spring assembly; a processor electrically connected to the sensors attached to the plurality of arch spring assemblies; and a data store in communication with the processor.

Abstract: A trampoline provides higher performance and greater shock absorption capability by utilizing pairs of springs to connect the rebounding mat to the supporting frame. The springs in each pair are coupled to a common junction on the periphery of the rebounding mat. The upper spring in each pair is directly connected to the rebounding mat and the trampoline frame to initially to tension the mat in the equilibrium position. The lower spring in each pair is coupled to the frame and then to rebounding mat via a linkage arm such that it comes substantially under tension only as the corresponding upper spring is stretched. Depending on the level of impact force on the trampoline mat both springs extend, such that their combined stored energy propels the user upward on the return bounce. However, as each spring pair engages in stages the shock of the users initially landing is gradually absorbed.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device is disclosed. The exercise device can include a flexible substrate having a first end and a second end. At least one of the first end and the second end can be configured to move with respect to each other. The exercise device can also include a curved portion between the first end and the second end. The curved portion can be configured to flex upon application of a force to the flexible substrate.

Abstract: A starting block for swimming equipped with a single curved surface to facilitate track starts while reducing the trip hazard of such a surface. This allows for safer mounting from rear and side steps and removes undesirable gaps in the top surface of the starting block. A pliable embodiment of said curved surface can modify the distance of the curvature from the leading edge of the starting block to adapt to different swimmer needs. An apparatus to obtain said distance for a given swimmer from a meet management system to modify the pliable embodiment for quick change during time-constrained events such as meets.

Abstract: A leg strap with preferably horizontal handles attached at each end of each handle is used to aid in lifting a jumping player, especially for lineouts in Rugby Union. The handles are preferably made of elastic bands with contract to provide a tight fit on the leg of the jumper and when jumping allow for secure grasp by lifters. The simple, reusable, easy to use leg straps provide a level of effectiveness, comfort, convenience, and safety not provided by conventional methods. To use, leg straps are applied to one or more legs of a jumper. When the jumper jumps, one or more lifters grip the leg device. The lifters lift the jumper higher, support the jumper in the jump while the jumper attempts to intercept a ball, and safely lower the jumper.

Abstract: A trampoline arena system having a reduced non-reboundable area includes a mattress, an outer support element substantially surrounding and connected to an outer edge of the mattress, and an inner support element providing support to the mattress at a location interior from the outer edge of the mattress. The inner support element may be completely and contiguously surrounded by the mattress. The trampoline arena system may include first and second support members in a parallel spaced relationship, a first mattress joined to the first support member by a first plurality of springs such that at least one of the first mattress and the first plurality springs passes under the second support member, and a second mattress joined to the second support member by a second plurality of springs such that at least one of the second mattress and the second plurality of springs passes under the first support member.

Abstract: A twisting and leaping exercise apparatus includes a base, at least one fixed seat, one or more sets of upper and lower swinging arms, a pedal set, a connecting plate and an elastic module. If an exerciser applies a force onto the pedal set, the pedal set will press onto the elastic module, such that the restoring resilience of the elastic module allows the exerciser to have an up-and-down leaping exercise, and the exerciser can also turn the pedal set to left and right to achieve the function of a waist twisting exercise, so as to achieve an all-round exercise and a better exercise effect.

Abstract: A floor system (20) includes a plurality of cushioning devices (22) attached to a lower side (40) of a wood floor (32). Each cushioning device (22) includes a spring (46) that may be attached at each of its ends to first and second caps (48, 50). The spring (46) includes longitudinally aligned regions (58, 60) interposed between the caps (48, 50). The region (58) exhibits a lower spring rate (64) than a spring rate (66) of the other region 60. In response to an imposed force, the first region (58) of spring (46) first compresses. When the imposed force is great enough, due to a user's weight, the second region (60) of spring (46) will then compress.

Abstract: The present invention combines an articulated stilt with a rear-mounted leg support or brace behind the leg of the user. The articulating stilt has a foot operative to contact a surface to be traversed, a boot rest operative to support a human foot thereon extending in a longitudinal direction between a heel region and toe region and thereby defining a longitudinal axis, and at least two risers extending between the foot and boot rest coupled thereto through pivotal joints. The rear leg brace has an upper leg binding, and an extension coupling the upper leg binding to articulating stilt. According to further manifestations, the rear leg brace may be fixed or pivotal relative to the risers, and when pivotal, may be adjusted to user preferred angular orientations. The use of a rear-mounted brace eliminates undesirable torque during movement, enabling a more anatomically and bio-mechanically correct movement.

Abstract: A physical training system wherein power yoga asanas are executed on the resilient mat of a mini-trampoline rebounder, thereby increasing flexibility and balance via incorporation of a challenging and unstable foundational surface, and wherein posture intensity is selectively increased by utilization of on-board resistance cords, either for holding in an isometric contraction, or by performing repetitions.

Abstract: A floor system (20) includes a plurality of cushioning devices (22) attached to a lower side (40) of a wood floor (32). Each cushioning device (22) includes a spring (46) that may be attached at each of its ends to first and second caps (48, 50). The spring (46) includes longitudinally aligned regions (58, 60) interposed between the caps (48, 50). The region (58) exhibits a lower spring rate (64) than a spring rate (66) of the other region 60. In response to an imposed force, the first region (58) of spring (46) first compresses. When the imposed force is great enough, due to a user's weight, the second region (60) of spring (46) will then compress.

Abstract: An exercising system has a frame defining a space in which a user is positioned for performing a large number of different exercises. Frame members have holes within which flexible bars are positioned, spanning across the machine, for low-impact exercising using the bars. In a preferred embodiment the bar-supporting frame members, or some of them, are adjustable in position so as to provide a nearly unlimited number of positions for different users and for different exercises. A few of the many exercises facilitated by the system are described.

Abstract: The present invention is an athlete training device and method useful in training athletes for track and field events including the high jump, pole vault, discus, long jump and shot put. The ramp may be adjusted to a number of discrete ramp angles with the use of either supports and stops or supports and channels.

Abstract: A top for a starting platform at one end of a swimming pool has an upper surface, which is adapted to support both feet of a swimmer in a starting position, and a lower surface, at which the top is mountable so that the upper surface slants downwardly and frontwardly. Ribs on the upper surface slant downwardly and laterally and channels between the ribs slant similarly so as to drain water from the upper surface. Along each lateral edge, an upper trough and a lower trough facilitate grasping by one hand of such a swimmer. The upper trough receives water drained by some of the channels. The front edge is connected to each lateral edge by a unitary grip, which a swimmer in a different position can grasp with one hand.

Abstract: An impact and energy absorbing product for floors, walls, panels, crash mats and other flat surfaces. More particularly, the invention teaches the usage of coiled springs in conjunction with polymeric materials or metals such as titanium or steel, to help absorb and dissipate forces of humans and other objects coming in contact with said flat surfaces. Depending upon the exact environment in which the same are to be used, the coiled springs may be constructed of polymers or metals such as titanium or steel—lightweight, yet durable materials to accomplish the purposes of the invention. In the preferred mode of attachment, an insert is fitted to each end of each spring, with a flared insert then placed into a molded female slot upon a flat surface to hold the spring in place. Thus, a floor or wall surface may comprise a series of female slots such that multiple springs can easily slide therein.

Abstract: A top for a starting platform at one end of a swimming pool has an upper surface, which is adapted to support both feet of a swimmer in a starting position, and a lower surface, at which the top is mountable so that the upper surface slants downwardly and frontwardly. Ribs on the upper surface slant downwardly and laterally and channels between the ribs slant similarly so as to drain water from the upper surface. Along each lateral edge, an upper trough and a lower trough facilitate grasping by one hand of such a swimmer. The upper trough receives water drained by some of the channels. The front edge is connected to each lateral edge by a unitary grip, which a swimmer in a different position can grasp with one hand.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an exercise device wherein a user 12 exercises the abdominal muscles by throwing a ball 14 against a net system 20, 40, 42. The user 12 places his head 34 and back 32 on a pivotable platform 18 and his buttocks 30 and feet 56 on a stationary platfoin 22 which pivots about spring 36. The spring 36 provides lift assistance when the user 12 throws the ball 14 and shock dissipation when the user 12 catches the ball 14. Foot straps 28 are provided for securing the feet 26 of the user 12. The nets 20, 40, 42 are mounted on supports 48, 50 which are vertically adjustable using locking means 52. Nets 40, 42 also have pivot means 46 for folding for storage against central net 20.

Abstract: This invention is a slip resistant diving platform cover that can be easily installed or removed from a diving platform. The cover has a top mat laying in contact and covering a top plate of the diving platform, a front mat laying adjacent to a front plate of the diving platform, and a rear mat laying adjacent to a rear plate of the diving platform. These three mats are fastened to the diving platform by a U-shaped front clamp and a U-shaped rear clamp. Both clamps provide a screw means for engagement with the cover and the platform. The front clamp further provides a hinged leg bonded to an interior surface of the cover enabling permanent attachment thereto. The hinged leg preferably has a first portion that is attached to the top mat and a second portion which is attached to the front mat so that the front mat and the top mat may be rotated to an angle appropriate to conforming with the front and top plates of the platform.

Abstract: A reduced vertical impact exercise platform is provided having a frame structure which, at least in part, encloses a platform assembly comprised of a plurality of distinct layers including a durable, resilient outer contact layer; a resilient padding layer; a reinforcing stiffening layer; a plurality of resilient cushioning members and a foundation layer. An optional stretch cord assembly and harness assembly are also provided for use with the exercise platform.

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: An adjustable, recoiling aerobic exercise bench which reduces the generation and transmission of impaction forces on a user's joints while performing conventional and power step exercises includes a resilient platform slidingly disposed in left and right housings which function to support the platform above and relative to an exercise floor surface. Lateral platform recoiling assemblies are disposed between the platform ends and inside lateral walls of the housings and are adapted to generate lateral, resistive, restoring forces when the platform is moved downward during operation of the device. A vertical platform recoiling assembly which includes a plurality of rigid tubular spring retainers and telescoping springs, is mounted beneath the undersurface of the platform and is of sufficient length so as to make contact with the exercise floor surface to generate a vertical platform resistive restoring force when the platform is downwardly compressed.

Abstract: An adjustable, recoiling aerobic exercise bench (20) which reduces the generation and transmission of impaction forces on a user's joints while performing conventional and power step exercises including a resilient platform (22) slidingly disposed in a left and right housings (36 and 38) which function to support the platform (22) above and relative to an exercise floor surface (42); a lateral platform recoiling assemblies is disposed between the platform ends (24 and 26) and inside lateral walls of the housings (36, 38) and adapted to generate lateral, resistive, restoring forces when platform (22) is moved downward during operation of the device (20); vertical platform recoiling assemblies (62), which includes a plurality of rigid tubular spring retainers, telescoping springs (90) mounted the undersurface of the platform and of sufficient length so as to make contact with the exercise floor surface (42) to thereby generate a vertical platform resistive restoring force when platform (22) is downwardly compre

Abstract: A vaulting board including ramp framing with a pliable bed sheet within the interior confines of the framing and interconnected to the framing by resilient connector means.

Abstract: A vaulting device for use by a gymnast in vaulting comprising a top member connected to a base member, via a rigid control member and a movable pivot, with a plurality of resilient members positioned between the base member and the top member to bias the base member away from the top member. When the top member is compressed toward the base member, the control arm and the movable pivot combine with one another to cause the top member to move longitudinally relative to the base member during compression and expansion strokes of the vaulting device.

Abstract: An upper body exercise apparatus to assist an exerciser to do chin-ups and dips. The apparatus includes a frame having a base, a platform parallel to the base for the exerciser to stand on, chin-up handles and dip handles extending from the frame, a system to oscillate the platform vertically between a lower position and an upper position while maintaining the platform parallel to the base and while avoiding any angular displacement, a pneumatic cylinder for providing a force to the oscillating system which is opposite the weight of the exerciser, and a control and monitor whereby the force is controlled and the oscillation of the platform is monitored.