Abstract: A method for making and assembling a metal panel with laser cut decorative designs on a metal support structure, using electric-arc welding assembly to ensure all areas are coated during powder coating.

Abstract: A rotating user-propelled playground equipment assembly or whirl including an equipment support base, a spindle secured to the support base, a rotatable platform assembly supported at least in part by the support base. The rotatable platform assembly includes a hub assembly rotatable about the spindle. A pressure wheel is positioned to constantly rollingly engage the hub assembly. A compression spring urging mechanism is connected to the pressure wheel and urges the pressure wheel into rolling engagement with the hub assembly and thereby automatically retards the rotation of the rotatable platform assembly about the spindle.

Abstract: A rotating user-propelled playground equipment assembly or whirl including an equipment support base, a spindle secured to the support base, a rotatable platform assembly supported at least in part by the support base. The rotatable platform assembly includes a hub assembly rotatable about the spindle. A hydraulic brake is used to automatically retard the rotation of the rotatable platform assembly about the spindle. The hydraulic brake includes a drive gear secured to and rotatable with the hub assembly, a pump mechanism driven by the drive gear for slowing the rotation of the rotatable platform assembly, and a connecting mechanism for operatively connecting the drive gear and the hydraulic pump mechanism.

Abstract: A seat suitable for use with a recreational swing set generally comprising a body of flexible material, an insert embedded in the body of flexible material, the insert having a greater stiffness than the body of flexible material to impart a form and strength to the body of flexible material, at least one strand of flexible material embedded in the body of flexible material, and connectors disposed at end portions of the body of flexible material for connecting such end portions to a pair of depending members of a swing set.

Abstract: A method of making a seat for a recreational swing set. A band of flexible material is flexed along a length thereof into a bowed orientation. At least one strand of flexible material is positioned along the length of this bowed band, and the ends of the strand are secured to the bowed band. The bowed band with the strands secured thereto is then allowed to flex back to its normal unflexed condition, placing the strand in tension and causing it to lie along the length of the band. The band with the strand secured thereto is then embedded in a body of flexible material.

Abstract: A seat suitable for use with a recreational swing set generally comprising a body of flexible material, an insert embedded in the body of flexible material, the insert having a greater stiffness than the body of flexible material to impart a form and strength to the body of flexible material, at least one strand of flexible material embedded in the body of flexible material and fixed to the insert under tension, and device disposed at end portions of the body of flexible material for connecting such end portions to a pair of depending members of a swing set.

Abstract: A rocking seat for children's amusement generally consisting of a seat assembly mounted on a base assembly securable to a support surface. The base assembly includes a body of resilient rubber material and has an overhanging portion that enhances the rocking motion of the seat assembly when a child seated in the seat assembly rocks back and forth. The body further has upper and lower flanges and a web portion interconnecting the flanges providing for a 360.degree. rocking movement.

Abstract: A children's climber for parks and playgrounds generally consisting of a first arcuately shaped rail member having end portions supportable on the ground, a second arcuately-shaped rail member having end portions supportable on the ground, such rail members lying in intersecting planes, and a plurality of rungs interconnecting the rail members providing a helical climbing course.

Abstract: A playground slide for use on an incline, such as a hillside, comprising a plurality of modular bedway sections, each comprising a bedway floor and laterally spaced upstanding sidewalls two or more of which sections have diverse longitudinal curvatures, and universal connections on each section. These universal connections consist of a pair of flanges defined by an integral, longitudinal extension of the sidewalls beyond the terminal ends of the bedway floor for overlapping relation between adjacent sections which are fastened through aligned holes in the overlapping flanges thus permitting interconnection with other sections of similar or dissimilar longitudinal curvature, such that both the length and overall longitudinal curvature of said slide may be adapted to conform closely to the particular characteristics of the incline, based on the quantity, longitudinal curvature, and positional order of bedway sections utilized.