Abstract: A toy vehicle playset comprises a stunt loop apparatus. The stunt loop apparatus has a support, a partial loop portion coupled to the support, and an arcuate portion rotatably coupled to the support. The partial loop portion has an opening and the arcuate portion is configured to rotate between an inlet position and an outlet position within the opening. By rotating the arcuate portion from the inlet position to the outlet position, a continuous pathway is formed that allows a toy vehicle to sequentially travel along the arcuate portion in the inlet position, the partial loop portion, and then the arcuate portion in the outlet position.

Abstract: A magnetic block track provided as a set has track blocks provided as a set of track blocks selected from at least one of the following of the group of: basic blocks; straight road section blocks; and curved section blocks. The track blocks are generally planar with a top side, a bottom side, and a sidewall with a sidewall height that is less than a length of the track blocks. A pair of permanent magnets is mounted within sidewalls of the track blocks. The pair of permanent magnets are aligned to attract to each other. A first slot is formed on the track blocks starting at slot funnel formed on the sidewall. The first slot is formed between the pair of permanent magnets. A toy vehicle has a pair of protruding vehicle guides configured to engage the first slot.

Abstract: A toy vehicle track set is provided. The toy vehicle track set comprises a plurality of track segments. Each track segment of the plurality of track segments has a coupling portion and a plurality of lanes for toy vehicles to race along. The plurality of track segments may be collectively positioned in a racing configuration or a transport configuration. The track segments are coupled together to form a multi-lane raceway in the racing configuration. One or more track segments of the plurality of track segments are positioned to form a rectilinear transport structure in the transport configuration.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional high-speed track car toy comprises a track body and a toy car. Straight tracks, curved tracks, centripetal tracks and centrifugal tracks are assembled to form a 3-dimensional closed track. The track body stands on the ground fixedly through support rods and support seats. The track body is paved with a track along which the toy car runs. Components of the track body have fastener-containing groove structures to fix an iron axis onto the track. The toy car is placed on the track body. The track is equipped with an iron axis. The bottom of the toy car is equipped with magnets. Thereby, a sufficient attractive force is generated to overcome gravity of the toy car. Therefore, the toy car can run on the track disposed on a ceiling or a vertical wall. Thus, the user can enjoy more amusement from playing the present invention.

Abstract: A stationary track wheel ride is disclosed where a chain of rider carriages (gondolas) are driven around the stationary track. The rider carriages are rotationally mounted on axles on a support frame that allow the rider carriages to rotate around the axles so that the floor of the rider carriage remains approximately level with the ground while the rider carriage travels around the stationary track. A drive mechanism for the ride that simultaneously mounts the rider carriages to the track and provides the drive force is also include: a drive cable mechanism, motors attached to the track to drive the rider carriage train using drive wheels contacting some portion of the rider carriage. Motors attached to the rider carriage with drive wheels contacting the track. An emergency access assembly for fixed track rides and for Ferris wheel type rides is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provide a rail system for transporting spherical objects comprising: a first flexible rail; a second flexible rail; a flexible spine; and a connector attached to said first flexible rail, said second flexible rail, and said flexible spine. The connector allows for the track to be easily adjusted, while providing rigidity to hold the flexible rails and spline into position during use.

Abstract: A toy vehicle trackset utilizes a pair of closed track loops each having a lower end and a raised end. The raised ends of the loops are supported by a raised support having a spring-loaded dinosaur launcher within which a flying dinosaur is supported. A target is coupled to the launcher and positioned in alignment with a pair of launch ramps extending from each of the pathways through a center lap counter which is shaped to simulate a volcano. Within the lap counter, a diverter is supported to switch a moving toy vehicle from its normal loop path to the target directed ramp once the toy vehicle has completed a predetermined number of laps upon the loop by one player. A dual loop hand-operated toy vehicle booster is supported at the lower end return path of each of the loops. The child user is able to crank a hand crank to initiate a manual boost of a toy vehicle. Proper timing of the hand crank is essential to impart maximum boost to a toy vehicle and impart rapid vehicle movement.

Abstract: A ride in particular for amusement parks, comprising: a drive track, comprising a guide device (3) for guiding at least one vehicle (2) along said guide device (3) in a movement direction (v); at least one vehicle (2), comprising a normal vector (n), fixated relative to the vehicle (2) and oriented perpendicular to the movement direction (v); and a drive pattern (1), comprising at least a first track section (5, 6), comprising an incline/decline, and a second track section (8, 9), comprising an incline/decline, comprising a prefix, which is inverse to the prefix of the incline/decline of the first track section (6, 7), wherein the first track section (6, 7) and the second track section (8, 9) are connected amongst one another, forming at least a partial section of a loop, wherein the guide device (3) is configured, so that the normal vector (n) in the first track section (6, 7) is rotated from an orientation to the outside or to the inside with reference to the loop at the entry into the first track section (

Abstract: A toy vehicle is provided which allows the track to be bent without creasing. The track is provided with a plurality of rails and side ribs which strengthen the track against deformation even when the track is provided with loops for play or coiled for transport. Stiffener bars are releasably secured to the track to form and support loops. A connector pad and suction cup are provided to allow releasable securement of the track or window or similar flat surface.

Abstract: A fairground ride 1 has a rail section 2 which is usually employed in conventional roller coasters. The rail section 2 defines a driving route for a vehicle 3, which is positively driven along the driving route. The vehicle 3 is configured as an inverted vehicle (“inverted coaster”), which means the rail section 2 is essentially arranged at the head of the passengers accommodated in the vehicle 3. The vehicle 3 has a car 4 with groups of wheels 5, which engage with the rail section 2. A seat pod 7 with the seats 8 is especially configured such that the lower limbs and feet of the passengers accommodated in the seats 8 are free to move. In accordance with the invention, the seat pod 7 with the seats 8 is arranged about a central rotation axis R rotatable relative to the car 4.

Abstract: A ride in particular for amusement parks, comprising: a drive track, comprising a guide device (3) for guiding at least one vehicle (2) along said guide device (3) in a movement direction (v); at least one vehicle (2), comprising a normal vector (n), fixated relative to the vehicle (2) and oriented perpendicular to the movement direction (v); and a drive pattern (1), comprising at least a first track section (5, 6), comprising an incline/decline, and a second track section (8, 9), comprising an incline/decline, comprising a prefix, which is inverse to the prefix of the incline/decline of the first track section (6, 7), wherein the first track section (6, 7) and the second track section (8, 9) are connected amongst one another, forming at least a partial section of a loop, wherein the guide device (3) is configured, so that the normal vector (n) in the first track section (6, 7) is rotated from an orientation to the outside or to the inside with reference to the loop at the entry into the first track section (

Abstract: A fun-ride more particularly for amusement parks, fairs and the like comprises at least one rail vehicle 1 and a guide lap for the vehicle 1. In a lateral projection a lap section 2 of the guide lap essentially constitutes a loop, the lap section 2 comprising a first uphill section 3 and a second downhill section 4 and the top ends of the sections are connected together. At least in the uphill section 3 the means 5 for engagement with the vehicle 1 is arranged. This means may for example be a holding brake or a coupling device. It is preferably operated when the vehicle 1 comes to a halt after a downward movement owing to the action of gravity on the vehicle 1.

Abstract: A winch system, typically used in a roller coaster system, includes a hydraulic pump, a variable speed motor connected to the hydraulic pump, a first pipe connected to the hydraulic pump; a second pipe connected to the hydraulic pump comprising a second pressurized fluid; an accumulator system connected the pipes; a motor connected to the accumulator system; and a winch drum connected to the motor.

Abstract: A play set for use with unpowered (e.g. {fraction (1/64)} scale) toy vehicles having non-steerable, free rotating wheels includes a closed loop track with a conveyor that raises such unpowered toy vehicles from a lower end to an upper, elevated end and a driven, tilting roadway that randomly directs toy vehicles from the upper level to either of two track branches. At least part of each track branch can be opened to release a toy vehicle from the track. A merge track section joins together a lower level end of each of the two track branches and leads to the lower end of the conveyor. The upper end of the conveyor and the tilting roadway are simultaneously supported by a single and driven by a single motor.

Abstract: A collision course including at least two vertically stacked looping track sections, each looping track section starts at a beginning area that connects to an upwardly extending curved section that peaks at an apex and then travels along a downwardly extending curved section. In order to stack the looping track sections vertically each looping track section is unsymmetrical. The downwardly extending curved sections feed into the beginning areas of the succeeding looping track section, and the downwardly extending curved section of the last (or third) looping track section feeds into the beginning area of the first looping track section. Each looping track section further intersects with another looping track section to define junctions. Gaps formed in each intersecting track section permit a vehicle to travel through the intersection unobstructively.

Abstract: The object of this invention is a launching system for cars running on a track in equipments for amusement parks, such as roller-coasters or the like, including a mechanical launching device where a falling counterweight moves a rope to pull a train of cars with the needed force, and wherein the counterweight is slowly lifted back up at the end of the launch, while the cars complete their track, thus only requiring some low-powered equipment. The system according to the invention is far cheaper to be produced than the known systems, and offers far lower operating costs.

Abstract: An amusement ride comprises a hollow launch tube having an inner surface and first and second ends, the first end being open; a passenger vehicle having an outer peripheral surface which forms a substantial seal with the inner surface of the launch tube so as to form a substantially sealed space inside said launch tube from said passenger vehicle to the second end of the launch tube; guidance means for guiding said passenger vehicle along a pre-determined path to exit the launch tube, said guidance means being self-rigid and extending through said open first end along said pre-determined path; and a pressurized gas source for introducing pressurized gas into the substantially sealed space inside said launch tube sufficient to launch the passenger vehicle along said guidance means and out of the launch tube.

Abstract: An amusement device comprising a modularized pod, in which one or more riders sit and are restrained, and which spins under power about a horizontal axis according to the passenger's active control. The riders control the spinning of the pod, either forward or backward, by pressing buttons on the passenger's handgrips located inside the pod. The modularized pod may be used in conjunction with many different types of amusement devices, including, but not limited to roller coasters, carrousels, Ferris wheels, virtual reality units, centrifugal tumblers. The modularized pod may also be used in conjunction with flight and space training and simulation units.

Abstract: A method of controlling a dispensing system, having a robot that moves along a motion segment and applies a material to a workpiece, automatically determines a backup distance for the robot after an error has occurred during the dispensing of a first portion of the material. The backup distance is based on an operational speed of the robot. The robot is relocated to a backup position based on this backup distance to ensure that the robot reaches the operational speed at least by a time that the robot reaches a re-application position. The re-application position is at or near where the application of the first portion of the material ended. Therefore, gaps, overlaps, and puddles in the material on the workpiece are prevented.

Abstract: A kit is provided for assembling a closed-loop toy simulation of a roadway comprising at least four curved road segments and at least two straight road segments, each road segment having an upper non-skid surface and at least one marking on such surface that simulates roadway lane markings. A method is provided for constructing a closed-loop toy roadway of a desired shape and length. The method comprises positioning two road segments so they are in substantial longitudinal alignment, connecting the adjacent road segments together by engaging a plurality of loops on one segment with a plurality of hooks on an adjacent segment, and repeating such steps until the desired closed-loop play roadway has been configured. Also provided is a segment for constructing a closed-loop play roadway having a desired shape and length and having on its non-skid upper surface at least one marking that simulates a roadway marking.

Abstract: An amusement device comprising a modularized pod, in which one or more riders sit and are restrained, and which spins under power about a horizontal axis according to the passenger's active control. The riders control the spinning of the pod, either forward or backward, by pressing buttons on the passenger's handgrips located inside the pod. The modularized pod may be used in conjunction with many different types of amusement devices, including, but not limited to roller coasters, carrousels, Ferris wheels, virtual reality units, centrifugal tumblers. The modularized pod may also be used in conjunction with flight and space training and simulation units.

Abstract: A novel truss track assembly for use in transporting passenger vehicles provides two sets of tracks for supporting two passenger vehicles concurrently. The truss track assembly includes four running rails for mounting passenger vehicles and a central support rail. A series of frame elements are periodically secured to the running rails and the central support rail to support and maintain the parallel relationship of the running rails and the central support rail. The truss track assembly may be “split” into two individual truss track assemblies wherein the individual truss track assemblies each accommodate a passenger vehicle or a train of passenger vehicles. The present invention further provides a novel side-mount vehicle suitable for mounting of the present invention on the truss track assembly.

Abstract: An amusement device comprising a modularized pod, in which one or more riders sit and are restrained, and which spins under power about a horizontal axis according to the passenger's active control. The riders control the spinning of the pod, either forward or backward, by pressing buttons on the passenger's handgrips located inside the pod. The modularized pod may be used in conjunction with many different types of amusement devices, including, but not limited to roller coasters, carousels, Ferris wheels, virtual reality units, centrifugal tumblers. The modularized pod may also be used in conjunction with flight and space training and simulation units.

Abstract: An amusement device comprising a modularized pod, in which one or more riders sit and are restrained, and which spins under power about a horizontal axis according to the passenger's active control. The riders control the spinning of the pod, either forward or backward, by pressing buttons on the passenger's handgrips located inside the pod. The modularized pod may be used in conjunction with many different types of amusement devices, including, but not limited to roller coasters, carrousels, Ferris wheels, virtual reality units, centrifugal tumblers. The modularized pod may also be used in conjunction with flight and space training and simulation units.

Abstract: A novel truss track assembly for use in transporting passenger vehicles provides two sets of tracks for supporting two passenger vehicles concurrently. The truss track assembly includes four running rails for mounting passenger vehicles and a central support rail. A series of frame elements are periodically secured to the running rails and the central support rail to support and maintain the parallel relationship of the running rails and the central support rail. The truss track assembly may be "split" into two individual truss track assemblies wherein the individual truss track assemblies each accommodate a passenger vehicle or a train of passenger vehicles. The present invention further provides a novel side-mount vehicle suitable for mounting of the present invention on the truss track assembly.

Abstract: A roller coaster or amusement park ride. The roller coaster comprises a track system capable of any directional travel, including horizontal, vertical, angled, curved, curvilinear, and retrograde directions. A carriage in which passengers reside is rotatable about the track system, either by programming or by passenger activation, providing for additional freedom of movement. The roller coaster may have a track through a clear tube (e.g., surrounded by water) and multiple, independent rides supported by the same support structure, providing increased excitement for the passengers.

Abstract: A toy monorail system supports a shuttle craft chassis with a figurine attached. An electric motor picks up power from wire contacts for propelling the chassis along the monorail track. The shuttle craft is readily placed on and lifted from the monorail track. Stable positioning of the shuttle craft chassis is assured by a pair of guidebars and guide wheels extended from the body of the chassis against the rear side of the monorail. The track is supported by four one-piece bracing arms. The bracing arms slide into positioning recesses of a two-piece central mounting clamp which is supported alternately by a base or other support member.

Abstract: To provide a compact stiff structure for a roller coaster, main bearing posts (3) are coupled at one end to support elements (1, 35) and at other ends to a closed path track (4) on which passenger cars can move. The track is formed of successive sections which present a spatial figure of varying curvature. These sections form, selectively, passenger loading and unloading sections (22, 23, 24); a hoisting section (8), a descending section (10), in the direction of the travel of the car, downstream of a peak point (9), spiral, S-shaped, and turn sections (20, 21, 50, 51, 52) and, further, a closed loop (17) arranged in, essentially, a vertical plane. The peak (18) of the loop (17) is located below peaks (9, 15) of ascending and descending sections, and the track sections above the loop are coupled to the loop by additional stiff posts (19).

Abstract: A roller coaster or gravity motive toy is disclosed herein having a tortuous elevated track layout and toy vehicle system including adjustable support stanchions for the track attached thereto by a universal joint. The vehicle includes rollers movably supporting the vehicle on the track with pivotal roller guide and lateral securement elements to detachably couple the vehicle to the track. An articulated figure or caricature is carried in the vehicle having pivotal extremities adapted for centrifugal actuation during travel of the vehicle. A motorized lift is operably carried on the track selectively engaging with a vehicle lifting the vehicle to an elevated starting position for gravity operation.

Abstract: An interrupted inverted jump loop for an electric toy vehicle track, including a first generally arcuate slotted track for launching an electric toy vehicle into the air to carry out an upside-down free-flying jump and a second generally arcuate slotted track spaced from and suitably aligned with the first slotted track for catching the electric toy vehicle after it is traversed through the air. A portion of the first slotted track is electrically powerless for allowing the electric toy vehicle to freely launch towards the second slotted track.

Abstract: A track system for a passenger-accommodating vehicle as a part of a rollercoaster comprising tracks which form an acceleration stretch, a rollover stretch consisting of several sections in which the vehicle is rotated around its lateral axis, two helical stretches in which the vehicle is rotated around its longitudinal axis, and a coasting stretch. The individual sections of the rollover stretches and the two helical stretches are arranged such that the form of the digit "Eight" results in a vertical projection of the track system.

Abstract: A track arrangement for toy vehicles with arcuately curved jump-off and jump-on ramps between which a toy vehicle can carry out a free-flying jump. The ramp tracks each have an arc between 90.degree. and 180.degree., and the ramps are offset transversely to the track elongation by at least one track width. The ramps are oriented so that the tracks of the jump-on ramp is located on an extension of the trajectory of the toy vehicle, which is determined by the jump-off ramp.

Abstract: An amusement device having a toy wheeled vehicle and a trackway on which the vehicle moves. In the preferred embodiment, the wheeled vehicle has freely mounted wheels for rotation, and an upwardly extending rod which engages a lift mechanism flange. The lift mechanism raises the vehicle to a height at which gravitational force then imparts movement to the vehicle around a continuous trackway. The vehicle remains positioned on the trackway due to a trackway rail positioned between the freely mounted wheels of the vehicle. The trackway includes four different track sections which impart different movements to the vehicle as the vehicle moves along the trackway. In one track section, for example, the trackway imparts a loop-to-loop movement to the vehicle.

Abstract: A toy racing set including at least one powered vehicle, a length of flexible track, and a carrying case. The carrying case folds out to form a track upon which the vehicle may run. The case may also be used when closed with the flexible track to provide a loop-the-loop track for a powered vehicle.

Abstract: A roller-coaster track includes a vertical loop and terminates in two steep rises, with a loading and unloading station disposed along a horizontal stretch of track between the loop and the lower of the two rises. An endless belt underneath that horizontal stretch entrains a carriage which, when moving along an upper run of that belt, accelerates a passenger train at the station from standstill to a velocity sufficient to let that train pass through the loop in one direction, ascend the higher rise, descend that rise and pass once more through the loop in the opposite direction before ascending and descending the lower rise, eventually coming to rest at the station. The accelerating force is derived, at the start of the ride, from stored potential or kinetic energy such as that of a weight dropping inside a guide tube or a flywheel intermittently coupled with the belt.