Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole attached to the upper, and an outsole. The midsole has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the footbed. The outsole has a ground-engaging surface, an inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface, and a wall extending from the ground-engaging surface and surrounding the outsole. The article of footwear also includes at least two casings each containing particulate matter and having a thickness extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the outsole. The at least two casings are arranged in a layered configuration and received within a cavity bounded by the wall of the outsole and between the bottom surface and the inner surface.

Abstract: A tensile force generating device includes: a base member; a guide pipe having a base end fixed to the base member and a free end, the guide pipe being provided with a first slot extending in a longitudinal direction; a tubular elastic member fitted over the guide pipe and having a base end supported by the base member on a side of the base end of the guide pipe; a flexible wire passed into the guide pipe from a side of the base end of the guide pipe; an end member slidably mounted on the guide pipe and supporting a free end of the elastic member; and a slider slidably received in the guide pipe, joined to a tip of the wire, and joined to the end member through the first slot.

Abstract: Wearable systems to partially support the weight of a human user engaged in task performance in a crouched position at or near ground level are presented herein. In one aspect, the wearable systems employ passive mechanisms and the configuration of the support mechanisms is changed by movements of the body of the human user while transitioning from a standing position to a crouched position, and vice-versa. In a further aspect, each passive lower body support assembly includes an auxiliary body support structure to enhance the support of the human user in a crouched position. In another further aspect, each auxiliary body support structure is deployed in coordination with the movement of the seat support structure that supports the human user. In some embodiments, one or more body support structures are constructed from an elastic material that conforms to the ground surface when loaded by the weight of the human user.

Abstract: The invention may be embodied in a physical therapy or health maintenance stretching system including a frame configured for engaging a treated leg of a user at or near the popliteal space of the treated leg to allow a knee of the treated leg to bend inwards in response to gravitational force affecting a lower portion of the treated leg. The frame may be further configured to allow a knee of the treated leg to bend inwards in response to a user force directly or indirectly applied to the lower portion of the treated leg.

Abstract: An athletic training device includes a wheeled frame, and a rotatable platform disposed on a top of the wheeled frame. The wheeled frame comprises an elongated frame body having a front end and a rear end, wherein a front wheel assembly is disposed at the front end of the frame body, and a rear wheel assembly is disposed at the rear end of the frame body. The rotatable platform is configured to support a user's foot during usage of the athletic training device, and may have a substantially planar upper surface portion for placement of the user's foot. The rotatable platform is mounted to the frame body by a pivoting mechanism so that the rotatable platform freely rotates upon the frame body.

Abstract: An improved wheel chock for use with wheeled vehicles, such as aircraft, that is both adjustable in size and that is configured for relatively easy transport, deployment and maneuverability by a single user is disclosed. The wheel chock preferably comprises a lifting end, a rolling end, at least one segment positioned between the lifting end and the rolling end, and a unique and adjustable wheel assembly. The adjustable wheel assembly may be at least partially housed in a pocket formed in the rolling end of the improved wheel chock. The wheel chock may further comprise a tether and an opening for removably attaching said wheel chock to a second wheel chock to prevent unwanted movement of a vehicle wheel in both forward and reverse directions.

Abstract: A wearable chair may include a foot frame configured to support a foot of a user; a shank link configured to rotatably connect to the foot frame; a connecting link provided in front of the shank link and configured to rotatably connect to the foot frame; a knee link configured to rotatably connect to each of the shank link and the connecting link; and a thigh link configured to extend from the knee link. The foot frame, the shank link, the connecting link, and the knee link constitute a four-bar linkage.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to a device for providing mobility assistance to a user. In one embodiment, a mobility system includes a support component including at least a waist device that is configured to secure the mobility system to the user at a waist area of the user. The mobility system includes a limb attached to the support component and extendable from the support component to a floor when the user is in a standing position. The limb is configured to support the user by providing a rigid structure between the floor and the user. The limb is configured to assist the user in transitioning from a seated position to the standing position by applying a substantially upward force to the user through the support component when transitioning to the standing position.

Abstract: Disclosed are an exercise ball as well as a system, method and computer program product for monitoring the use of the exercise ball by a user. An exemplary system comprises: a first data processing unit; an exercise ball comprising a shell and a monitoring unit operatively associated with the shell, said monitoring unit comprising at least one sensor for detecting a parameter representative of the movement of the exercise ball by the user, the first data processing unit being configured to determine and provide the user with data representative of the use of the exercise ball by the user based on parameters representative of the movement of the exercise ball by the user detected by said at least one sensor.

Abstract: A novel exercise and sporting apparatus with improved safety features is disclosed. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus comprises: a first resilient arched member having two opposite end zones, and being configured to securely engage with a foot receiving member; a second resilient arched member having two opposite end zones, and being configured to contact a ground surface; a connection element being configured to connect an end zone of the first resilient arched member with an end zone of the second resilient arched member, and a rotation-opposing assembly extending from the connection element toward a ground surface, the rotation-opposing assembly being configured to limit an amount of rotational motion of the apparatus.

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: A hopping play ball comprises a pair of elongated grips or handles adjacent to each other and extending radially outward from the surface of the ball. The ball may also comprise an array of mammillated protrusions on the lower surface, opposite the handles, to improve the stability during bouncing on a soft or elastic surface, such as a trampoline rebounding mat. In other embodiments, the ball has one or more water reservoirs in fluid communication with squirt nozzles disposed on either the surface of the ball or an outward facing portion of the handles. The squirt nozzles are activated by the player via the handle grips, and may pump or squirt water in response to each bounce or may be triggered independent of the players bouncing movement. The mammillated surface aids in preventing slippage of the balls during such types of wet play with multiple players.

Abstract: A novel exercise and sporting apparatus with improved safety features is disclosed. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus comprises: a first resilient arched member having two opposite end zones, and being configured to securely engage with a foot receiving member; a second resilient arched member having two opposite end zones, and being configured to contact a ground surface; a connection element being configured to connect an end zone of the first resilient arched member with an end zone of the second resilient arched member, and a rotation-opposing assembly extending from the connection element toward a ground surface, the rotation-opposing assembly being configured to limit an amount of rotational motion of the apparatus.

Abstract: An infant muscle training apparatus includes an apparatus base, an apparatus frame carried by the apparatus base and at least one assistance harness carried by the apparatus frame. The assistance harness has at least one resilient or elastic assistance band carried by the apparatus frame and a flexible, U-shaped arm strap carried by the assistance band.

Abstract: Trampolines are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a trampoline includes a first support member having a plurality of portions and a second support member having a plurality of portions. A first support member first portion is aligned with a second support member second portion wherein the area between the first support member first portion and the second member first portion is a first plane. A first support member second portion is aligned with a second support member second portion wherein the area between the first support member second portion and the second support member second portion is a second plane. A single piece of first material substantially covers the first plane and the second plane. The first plane intersects the second plane at an angle less than one hundred eighty degrees.

Abstract: Play gyms and methods of operating the same are disclosed. A disclosed example includes a floor mat dimensioned to be positioned within a play yard and/or a bassinet. It also includes a play gym to suspend an object above the mat when the mat is positioned in the play yard and/or the bassinet, and at least one connector to couple the play gym to the mat when the mat is removed from the play yard and/or the bassinet.

Abstract: An air management system that allows safe and convenient forms of interval training exercise to be performed on pneumatically elevating rebound exercise equipment. The system includes at least one air intake valve and bleed valve. By providing repeatable degrees of difficulty for both air intake and air release from the extendable air springs employed for the exercise, competitive athletes and their coaches can design, employ, repeat, and compare individualized medium- or high-intensity interval protocols for optimal cardiovascular training programs.

Abstract: A collapsible baby bouncer for portable travel comprising a seat having two leg holes in a seat pocket, at least three support legs that form a tripod, at least three springs that extend from the top end of a support leg to the seat, and structural arms for retaining the support legs in an operational configuration. The baby bouncer further includes at least one structural arm that can be collapsed to allow the baby bouncer to be formed into an elongated shape that can fit into a carry sleeve.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a pair of step-up apparatuses wearable on feet of a user. Each step-up apparatus is configurable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration to simulate a selected motion when the user wearing the pair of step-up apparatuses travels by foot. One of the step-up apparatuses moves towards the expanded configuration while the other step-up apparatus moves towards the compressed configuration.

Abstract: A hopping play ball comprises a pair of elongated grips or handles adjacent to each other and extending radially outward from the surface of the ball. The ball may also comprise an array of mammillated protrusions on the lower surface, opposite the handles, to improve the stability during bouncing on a soft or elastic surface, such as a trampoline rebounding mat. In other embodiments, the ball has one or more water reservoirs in fluid communication with squirt nozzles disposed on either the surface of the ball or an outward facing portion of the handles. The squirt nozzles are activated by the player via the handle grips, and may pump or squirt water in response to each bounce or may be triggered independent of the players bouncing movement. The mammillated surface aids in preventing slippage of the balls during such types of wet play with multiple players.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bouncing apparatus adjustable between a pogo stick configuration and a stilt configuration. The bouncing apparatus has a first frame member and a second frame member removably coupled to the first frame member. Both the first frame member and the second frame member include a body, a piston moveable with respect to the body, and a first biasing member extending between the piston and the body.

Abstract: A trampoline has a trampoline bed with a bounding surface, and a trampoline bed bounding surface. A trampoline frame holds the bounding surface substantially horizontally to provide an area for a user. A balloon coupler is attached to the trampoline. A bounce module is mounted underneath the trampoline bed bounding surface. The bounce module is placed to receive motion from a user. The user activates a mode of the bounce module during jumping. A conduit hose is attached to the balloon coupler. A one-way valve is configured to regulate flow only to the balloon, and blocking any flow away from the balloon. A pump may pump water or air to the balloon. A balloon is attached to the balloon coupler so that the balloon is in fluid communication with the conduit hose.

Abstract: An exercise step with air-cushioning legs. The exercise step (1) includes a plate-shaped panel (10), and air-cushioning legs (30). Each of the air-cushioning legs is provided under the panel to support the panel, and absorbs a load applied to the panel by air cushioning effect. The exercise step has a high air cushioning effect, thus protecting a user's knees from injury, allowing the user to exercise in comfort and safety, and minimizing noise generated during a cushioning operation. Further, the exercise step prevents the panel from being deformed due to a load applied to the panel.

Abstract: An air management system that allows safe and convenient forms of interval training exercise to be performed on pneumatically elevating rebound exercise equipment. The system includes at least one air intake valve and bleed valve. By providing repeatable degrees of difficulty for both air intake and air release from the extendable air springs employed for the exercise, competitive athletes and their coaches can design, employ, repeat, and compare individualized medium- or high-intensity interval protocols for optimal cardiovascular training programs.

Abstract: A combination scooter and pogo stick apparatus comprising a set of handlebars connected to a set of side bars serving as a frame; a spring coil located towards the bottom of the frame; a scooter board having a bottom surface with at least two wheels, the scooter board being arranged at the bottom of the frame; a set of footrests located at the bottom of the frame; a rotational member that controls the positioning of a bottom stubbed portion, the bottom stubbed portion positioned at the bottom-most portion of the frame; and a holding member that latches the scooter board in a vertical position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a support frame, a resilient member, a seat, and a retainer. The resilient member has a first end portion configured to be coupled to the support frame and a second end portion, opposite from the first end portion. The seat is configured to be coupled to the second end portion such that the seat is suspended from the support frame by the resilient member. At least one of the first end portion and the second end portion includes multiple sleeves, each defining an opening therein. A portion of the retainer is configured to be disposed within a first one of the sleeves and coupled to at least one of the seat and the support frame such that a position of the seat relative to the support frame is adjustable by disposing the portion of the retainer within a second one of the sleeves.

Abstract: An adjustable spring device for walking and running is attached to user's footwear creating comfortable conditions during the locomotion. In an embodiment, it includes: an upper lever and lower lever locating one above the other, wherein at least one of the levers is made of elastic material, and a support mechanism having a joint shaft that allows the levers to be pivoting. The device includes a first flexible link connecting the front ends of the levers, and a second flexible link connecting the rear ends of the levers. The links can be adjusted to a certain constant length before the deployment of the device. For creating optimal energy exchange conditions between the device and user, and reducing the shock loads on the user's leg joints and spine, the device can be adapted by shifting the support mechanism between the levers and by adjusting the flexible links between the lever ends.

Abstract: A pogo stick or like device is provided and includes at least one illuminatable or illumination means. The pogo stick may have a frame including a tubular member. The tubular member may extend substantially longitudinally, may be located substantially co-axially with a central axis of the pogo stick, and may include a structural member. The pogo stick may have a pair of handles extending from the frame and may have platform means. The illuminatable or illumination means may include at least one vertically extending member, and beneficially a pair of illumination means, each including a vertically extending member located on either side of the tubular 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 hopping play ball has one or more water reservoirs in fluid communication with one or more squirt nozzles. The squirt nozzles are activated by a user.

Abstract: A hopping play ball has one or more water reservoirs in fluid communication with one or more squirt nozzles. The squirt nozzles are activated by a user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tumbler apparatus comprises a metal roller padded with foam, a frame to give support and height to the roller and elastic bands connected at opposite ends of the roller to connect the roller to the frame. The elastic bands connect to support hooks on the frame risers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pogo stick structure, more particularly, a pogo stick comprising a housing unit, foot support plate, piston, spring mechanism, and handlebars. The external portion of the housing unit includes a plurality of LED lights that light in accordance with the piston impinging the ground. LED lights displayed on the housing may be of different colors and may be arranged in a multitude of ways. Furthermore, the displayed LED lights may light in different patterns and at different times as a result of an electronic processing unit. A foam layer may cover the housing and protect the lights from accidental damage. The foam layer and lights may also be used with other entertainment devices such as stick horses.

Abstract: A hopping play ball has one or more water reservoirs in fluid communication with one or more squirt nozzles. The squirt nozzles are activated by a user.

Abstract: An exercising apparatus includes a movable unit on which a user straddles and a driving unit for driving the movable unit. The driving unit changes a state of the movable unit to provide the user with an exercising load. A storage part stores corresponding relationships between the states of the movable unit and the messages, and a state detector detects the state of the movable unit at approximately the same timing as the output timing determined by an output timing determination part. A message output part outputs messages corresponding to the user's postures repeatedly during a period of providing the user with an exercising load. The message output part extracts the message corresponding to the state of the movable unit detected by the state detector from the storage part and outputs the extracted message at the output timing determined by the output timing determination part.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a support frame, a resilient member, a seat, and a retainer. The resilient member has a first end portion configured to be coupled to the support frame and a second end portion, opposite from the first end portion. The seat is configured to be coupled to the second end portion such that the seat is suspended from the support frame by the resilient member. At least one of the first end portion and the second end portion includes multiple sleeves, each defining an opening therein. A portion of the retainer is configured to be disposed within a first one of the sleeves and coupled to at least one of the seat and the support frame such that a position of the seat relative to the support frame is adjustable by disposing the portion of the retainer within a second one of the sleeves.

Abstract: An exercise for step aerobics, games, and proprioceptive input training. The device features a rigid platform supported by a resilient inflated tubular sidewall. The sidewall may be of a single tube or a plurality of tubular members engaged on top of each other. Inflation pressure of said sidewall provides an adjustment of the resilience thereby adjusting instability of the platform in the horizontal and vertical directions. Instability in the vertical direction provides a cushioning to users in a step aerobics exercise while instability in both direction provides a manner for a user moving or exercising on the platform to obtain proprioceptive input training.

Abstract: A scalable high-performance bouncing apparatus provides convenient access to untensioned internally semi-mounted springs/tension elements. A holster retains the inoperative semi-mounted elements and avoids contact or friction with fully engaged tension elements. Adjustable connection elements permit compensation for lengthening of spring elements due to creep or elongation set. The connection elements include collars that compress the tension elements, and may be connected to the springs/tension elements by first stretching the elements beyond their working elongation and then placing the collars onto the stretched portions.

Abstract: An improved clamping fixture for bouncing apparatus to clamp two ends of a resilient stem of a bouncing apparatus includes two coupling members and two anchor members. The two coupling members are made from plastics and have respectively a first latch member and a second latch member to form a clamping space, and anchor bosses on two outer sides pivotally engageable with the anchor members. The two coupling members have coupling forces to clamp the two ends of the resilient stem, and the two anchor members are coupled on the upper end and lower end of the bouncing apparatus. The resilient stem can be positioned securely at two ends of the bouncing apparatus to facilitate bouncing operation without being scraped, damaged or fractured. Durability is greater.

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: Disclosed is a twist exercise machine for waist and leg exercise. The twist exercise machine composed of base, rotation panel and rotation axis, once the user goes up on the machine and steps on it, the rotation panel receives the force of the weight and the opposing force of spring or compressed air, moving the panel upwards or downwards, and coupled with the vertical movement of the rotation panel, it allow at least 1 unit of 4 step left-right rotation cycle methods as the following: once the rotation panel moves down it rotates left (downwards-left rotation step), when it moves up it rotates right (upwards-right rotation step), when it moves down it rotates right (downwards-right rotation step), and when it moves up it rotates left (upwards-left rotation step), forming a complete cycle of 4 steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a health shoe having an arc type stretching body to be formed apart from a front end and a rear end of a shoe sole with a predetermined distance apart, which is capable of doing stretching exercises at the stable status because 5 the arc type stretching body is supported by the front end or the rear end in contact with the ground when doing exercises in forward flexion or backward extension postures.

Abstract: An efficient and economical dressage training device and method that teaches dressage riders proper hip and elbow flexion and extension instinctively establishing muscle memory patterns in the rider.

Abstract: An ambulatory assistance device is provided, having a base that supports an individual in a generally upright position. A forward support frame is provided for engagement between the individual's upper extremities and the operating surface. Forward ambulation may be achieved by shifting the individual's mass toward one side of the device and then pulling on the support frame to pivot the opposite side of the device in a generally forward direction. Repeating the process in a mirror fashion moves the other side of the individual and the device in a generally forward direction. Optional platforms and foot restraints are provided for positioning and securing the individual on the base. Various base configurations are provided to adjust the performance of the device according to conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pogo stick structure, more particularly, a pogo stick comprising a housing unit, foot support plate, piston, spring mechanism, and handlebars. The external portion of the housing unit includes a plurality of LED lights that light in accordance with the piston impinging the ground. LED lights displayed on the housing may be of different colors and may be arranged in a multitude of ways. Furthermore, the displayed LED lights may light in different patterns and at different times as a result of an electronic processing unit. A foam layer may cover the housing and protect the lights from accidental damage. The foam layer and lights may also be used with other entertainment devices such as stick horses.

Abstract: A rocking type exercising apparatus includes a movable unit on which a user rides and a driving unit for causing the movable unit to perform a rocking motion. The driving unit includes a motor having power supply terminals a speed reduction means for reducing a rotational speed of the motor and a brake circuit for electrically short-circuiting the power supply terminals of the motor when the motor is stopped.

Abstract: A balancing device has a base and an inflatable flexible portion wherein the center of the inflatable portion is higher than the edges. The device is used by placing the base on the floor and standing and moving on the bladder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pogo stick structure, more particularly, a pogo stick comprising a housing unit, foot support plate, piston, spring mechanism, and handlebars. The external portion of the housing unit includes a plurality of LED lights that light in accordance with the piston impinging the ground. LED lights displayed on the housing may be of different colors and may be arranged in a multitude of ways. Furthermore, the displayed LED lights may light in different patterns and at different times as a result of an electronic processing unit. A foam layer may cover the housing and protect the lights from accidental damage. The foam layer and lights may also be used with other entertainment devices such as stick horses.

Abstract: A hopping play ball has one or more water reservoirs in fluid communication with one or more squirt nozzles. The squirt nozzles are activated by a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pogo stick structure, more particularly, a pogo stick comprising a housing unit, foot support plate, piston, spring mechanism, and handlebars. The external portion of the housing unit includes a plurality of LED lights that light in accordance with the piston impinging the ground. LED lights displayed on the housing may be of different colors and may be arranged in a multitude of ways. Furthermore, the displayed LED lights may light in different patterns and at different times as a result of an electronic processing unit. A foam layer may cover the housing and protect the lights from accidental damage.