Abstract: A shower receptor includes a base having a floor surface configured for a user to stand on. The floor surface includes a first portion having a first coefficient of friction and a second portion having a second coefficient of friction. The first portion is an etched area of the floor surface that defines a surface texture having a depth. The second portion is an unetched area of the floor surface. The first coefficient of friction of the first portion has a first value when the first portion is wet and the second coefficient of friction of the second portion has a second value when the second portion is wet. The first value is higher than the second value.

Abstract: A walking training system, a harness, and an operation method capable of performing training effectively are provided. A walking training system according to an embodiment includes a harness attached to a trainee's trunk and a pulling unit configured to apply a pulling force to the harness, the harness includes a frame fixed to the trainee's trunk, an attaching member to which the pulling unit is attached, and a guide mechanism configured to enable a position of the frame relative to the attaching member to be variable in an up/down direction.

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: A treadmill includes a base frame and an one-way damping device. The one-way damping device includes a rotatable braking plate, an one-way clutch, and a resistance unit. The resistance unit is fixedly mounted to the base frame and abuts against the braking plate. The one-way clutch is sleeved on one of two rotating shafts of the base frame, is not engaged with the braking plate when the rotating shafts are rotated in a first rotational direction, and is engaged with the braking plate when the rotating shafts are rotated in a second rotational direction, which in turn drives the braking plate to co-rotate against a frictional force between the braking plate and the resistance unit.

Abstract: A diving board having a shell including a top surface with one or more pockets formed thereon. The pockets are recessed inwardly from the top surface of the shell and sized to receive a non-slip tread surface therein. The tread surface may be made from any of a variety of suitable materials, such as a composite material primarily comprising cork, and arranged such that the tread surface is substantially flush relative to the top surface of the shell when seated therein. An adhesive layer may be used to adhere the tread surface in the pocket of the shell.

Abstract: A trampoline comprises a mat, a frame, and a plurality of support rods connecting between the frame and the mat to hold the mat in tension above the frame, the support rods extending or bowing outwards from the frame and curving upwards from the frame towards the mat. Each of the support rods may have an associated shorter secondary support rod. The support rods may have a rectangular cross-section.

Abstract: An opening portion of a vent member is prevented from being blocked, and thus ventilation is reliably performed. A plurality of opening portions (40A, 40B) are formed in a single vent stringer (20), and thus even in a case where one of the opening portions (40A, 40B) is blocked, ventilation is secured by the other opening portion. At this time, since the opening portions (40A, 40B) are formed in surfaces different from each other in the vent stringer (20), a possibility that both the opening portions (40A, 40B) may be simultaneously blocked is less.

Abstract: A composite diving board which has a sandwich structure of an upper and lower composite laminate surrounding a central core. The laminates comprise a fibrous material comprising fibers of carbon, graphite, aramid, oriented high molecular weight polyethylene, oriented high molecular weight polypropylene, and/or boron. The core has a decrease in thickness along the longitudinal axis of the board from a fulcrum region toward the tip end of the board.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a plastic fiber article of manufacture having composite-like high strength characteristics. The article of manufacture can be in the form of a panel or board. The panel or board is constructed from low cost fiber materials, industrial grade or high thermoplastic, and other additives to protect the board or panel from ultraviolet light, fugii growth, excessive heat, fire, insect infestation, and/or weathering. The plastic fiber panel or board may be textured and colored to resemble natural wood such as cedar, walnut, or oak. The plastic fiber panel or board is stronger more durable and may be cheaper than natural wood alternative panels or boards.

Abstract: A boat including a frame and a diving board mounted to the frame. The diving board includes a base and a board coupled to the base at a pivot location. The board extends from the pivot location to a distal end. An axial spring is interconnected between the base and the board for cancelling out forces which are imparted by a user jumping on the board at the distal end.

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 hybrid diving board is disclosed. The hybrid diving board may include a primary diving board having a flat skid-resistant top surface and a bottom surface extending between a first end and a second end, wherein the board first end is configured for attachment to a diving stand and the board second end is a free end. A flex spring and/or a torsional control spring may also be provided that has a first end and a second end wherein the spring is adjacent to a surface of the diving board. The flex spring first end may be configured for attachment to the diving stand or to the diving board at a location proximate the board first end. The hybrid diving board may have a spring constant and/or average modulus of elasticity that is higher than a corresponding spring constant or modulus of elasticity of the primary diving board.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an inclined exercise device suitable for use for users seeking to exercise the core and leg muscles on a device that may closely mimic the actions of an alpine skier. The inclined exercise device relates to a platform disposed atop a rebounding component. The dual inclined exercise device more specifically relates to a first and a second platform set at opposing angles to each other and atop a first and second compressible element. Further, a base with various adjustable mechanisms is disclosed, providing further versatility and personalization of the claimed invention. For example an adjusting member for adjusting the forward tilt of the claimed invention is described. Other features such as a restraining element and a hinge of the claimed invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite diving board comprising a composite laminate of fibers in a matrix.

Abstract: A training apparatus for use by flyers in a cheerleading squad includes a stable base assembly, a balancing assembly, and a fixed or adjustable column located between the stable base assembly and the balancing assembly. The balancing assembly includes a deflectably resilient member and a standing surface that promotes proper alignment and mimics the feel that a flyer experiences when being supported by a base cheerleader. The deflectably resilient member provides two degrees of freedom of movement to the standing surface when the standing surface is under an external load. The standing surface preferably provides about the same standing area that typically provided by a base cheerleader. The column may be a fluid-activated cylinder that moves between a first and second vertical position and simulates a flyer being raised by the base.

Abstract: A composite diving board comprising a composite laminate of fibers in a matrix.

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: A composite diving board comprising a composite laminate of fibers in a matrix.

Abstract: An apparatus to aid in diving techniques, comprising a base assembly having first and second frame arms and first and second transversal supports. The first and second frame arms are perpendicularly disposed to the first and second transversal supports. The first transversal support comprises a first L-bracket and the second transversal support comprises a second L-bracket. A slide assembly comprises first and second lateral sides and first and second ends. The slide assembly is hingedly mounted onto the base assembly by at least one hinge. Elevation means elevate the first end to place the slide assembly from an approximately horizontal position to an angled position.

Abstract: An exercise station is provided and includes a horizontally disposed base architecture and a pair of springboards mounted in parallel at one end of each of the springboards to a mounting location on the architecture. The ends of the springboards opposite the mounted ends are free ends that may be displaced from their at rest positions by applied force during exercise causing bowing of the springboards and resistance to the force applied.

Abstract: A diving board lift assembly for lifting a diving board from a substantially horizontal diving position to a substantially upright position is provided. The diving board having a diving end and a hinged end with the hinged end hingedly connected to a diving board support member. In accordance with the present invention, a lifting mechanism is provided to lift the diving end of the diving board to the substantially upright position.

Abstract: A ball game system for training and/or play comprising one or more playing areas suitably large to accommodate running and jumping players, each playing area including adjacent surface areas forming a court and having distinctly different properties, such as a first surface suitable for bouncing a ball and a second surface comprised of a deformable elastic material. The system includes an automatic ball feeder and sensors for monitoring the positions and trajectories of one or more players and/or balls on the court. Options include visual displays and/or audio outputs reflective of player performance, and payment-driven operation of the system components, including a means for adjusting the degree of rebound provided by the deformable elastic surface(s).

Abstract: A ball game system for training and/or play comprising a one or more playing areas suitably large to accommodate running and jumping players, each playing area including adjacent surface areas forming a court and having distinctly different properties, such as a first surface suitable for bouncing a ball and a second surface comprised of a deformable elastic material. The system includes an automatic ball feeder and sensors for monitoring the positions and trajectories of one or more players and/or balls on the court. Options include visual displays and/or audio outputs reflective of player performance, and payment-driven operation of the system components, including a means for adjusting the degree of rebound provided by the deformable elastic surface(s).

Abstract: A gymnastics springboard with adjustable elasticity comprising a top board coated with a coating subdivided into two distinct zones enabling the impact zone to be demarcated visually, which presents a homogeneous and flexible structure with a hardness able to be adjusted by means of: a curved intermediate plate articulated on the frame at its bottom end by a hinge and bearing by rolling means at its top end under the middle of the impact zone of the board, an adjustable support bar cooperating with the curved intermediate plate between two longitudinal positions by maneuvering actuating member, said bar being guided by rails in the hole of the frame, and a system for quick addition or removal of springs positioned underneath the frame by a combined compression and rotation movement through the oblong holes.

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: A platform (1) for diving to replace dangerous diving boards is supported by a first-side wall (2), a second-side wall (3), a rear wall (4) and a brace. The brace can include a pillar (6) or a first angled brace (11) in combination with a second angled brace (12). The rear wall can include steps (13). Poolside-structure support can include poolside-ladder rails (5) for lateral support of the platform or poolside surfaces without poolside ladders or without poolside ladders that are suitable. Optionally heavy-weight and light-weight embodiments and their manufacture with a wide range of sizes are described.

Abstract: A veneer lathe that can provide a veneer produced by cutting out a log, which is substantially free from surface scratches, and thus can be used as a surface sheet for plywood. A roller bar drives a log while pushing its peripheral surface on the upstream side of a knife fixed to a knife carriage for cutting the rotating log in a log rotating direction. The roller bar 3 has a large number of grooves defined in a peripheral surface thereof. The shape of the grooves 5a in a section crossing the shaft centerline of the roller bar 3 is set so that an angle between a tangent at a corner portion 3e constituted by a line 3d of an outer periphery of the roller bar 3 and a line 3b extending outward from an upstream side face of the grooves 5a is 130 to 160 degrees.

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: 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: A trampoline which incorporates a flexible mat supported above a support frame by a number of spaced flexible rods; each rod is secured at one end to the mat and at the other end to the support frame.

Abstract: Exercise board comprising a generally rectangular platform having a laminated structure with a horizontally extending substantially rigid substrate and a pad of resilient material on the upper side of the substrate, and bars of resilient spring material extending along opposing side margins of the platform and permitting the platform to flex with a resilient action in response to the weight of a person who is exercising thereon. In some embodiments, the bars are arched and impart an upwardly convex contour to the platform. In others, the bars are eliminated, and the platform is fabricated of a fiber reinforced plastic and formed with an upwardly convex contour or arch.

Abstract: A resilient platform exercise device includes a trampoline having a peripheral frame with a platform secured to the frame by a plurality of spaced springs for resiliently mounting the platform. An upstanding pole assembly is mounted directly to the frame juxtaposed the platform. The pole assembly terminates in two spaced handles on opposite sides of the platform in alignment with each other. Each of the handles is pivotally mounted and is movable in opposition to resistance located at the pivotal mount.

Abstract: The device according to this invention combines two popular exercises which are rebounding, in which a user uses a trampoline or a spring board and boxing in which a user uses a punching bag and/or speed bag. In addition, the invention is drawn to a method of exercising comprising using the inventive device that comprises a combination of a rebounder and punching bag.

Abstract: A surfboard simulator device for training users in the sport of surfing, the device including a stable base platform and an elevated surfboard unit that is interconnected to the base platform by a spring assembly that provides limited articulation to the surfboard unit to allow fore and aft pitch and side-to-side roll with a bias providing greater side-to-side roll than fore and aft pitch.

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 diving board lift assembly for lifting a diving board from a substantially horizontal diving position to a substantially upright position is provided. The diving board having a diving end and a hinged end with the hinged end hingedly connected to a diving board support member. In accordance with the present invention, a lifting mechanism is provided to lift the diving end of the diving board to the substantially upright position.

Abstract: Resilient exercise board comprising a generally planar platform having a laminated structure comprising a substantially rigid substrate and a pad of resilient material on one side of the substrate, and a plurality of resilient feet on the side of the substrate opposite the pad for supporting the platform in a predetermined position relative to a supporting surface. The resilient feet have upper sections affixed to the substrate and lower sections which can be swung between positions beside and beneath the upper sections to adjust the height of the feet and thereby position the platform in different planes relative to the supporting surface. The resilient pad is covered by a flexible cover having a skid resistant upper surface. In one embodiment, the platform has resilient reinforcing elements on the under side of the substrate.

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: The invention relates to a sports mat, especially a judo mat, of an elastic foam-like material (4) and possibly a sheath (7). According to the invention, the elastic foam-like material (4) is arranged on a stiff approximately circular plate (3) which has a central projection (5) on the underside and is fitted so as to "float" on a yielding foam (6).