Abstract: RailPods are an alternative personal rapid transit system that operate on and utilize existing railroad infrastructure. RailPods are one to two passenger vehicles that travel on one rail of a traditional railroad track. RailPods provide on-demand transportation to cities and towns where rail exists or can be built.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gyroscope. Particularly, a ring-shaped rotary core in which magnetic bodies and nonmagnetic bodies are alternately arranged is provided to simplify the structure of the gyroscope and reduce the weight of the gyroscope. Also, due to reduced frictional resistance, noise can be minimized, and the speed at which the gyroscope rotates is markedly increased. As necessary, the gyroscope may be disposed within a sealed container to minimize a frictional loss and improve energy efficiency.

Abstract: Apparatus for unwinding flexible cables on seabeds, which comprises a support structure (2) for a reel (5) on which a flexible cable (6) is wound, provided with two shoulders (4) each advantageously formed by two counter-facing towers (19), between which a seat (20) is defined susceptible for slidably receiving a hub-carrying group (7).

Abstract: An anti-falling device contains: a support rod including a hanging seat and ratchet teeth; two locking jaws, and each locking jaw having a fixing mount, a controlling member, and a spring; the fixing mount having a fitting orifice, an arcuate orifice, a receiving orifice, and a clamping hook. The fitting orifice is fitted with the support rod, the arcuate orifice passes through the fixing mount, the receiving orifice passes through the fixing mount, two clamping hooks of the two locking jaws are clamped on two end portions of an extending plate of a H beam. The controlling member is connected with the fixing mount and swings between a locking position and an unlocking position. The controlling member has a lock bolt and two apertures, and the two inserting bolts are inserted into the two apertures and the receiving orifice so as to limit the controlling member at the locking position.

Abstract: Monorail vehicle that travels on a non-featured rail with substantial profile variation and controls roll attitude, lateral location, and loading through judicious placement of the vehicle's center of gravity without using springs or suspensions. The vehicle has a bogie for engaging the non-featured rail so the center of gravity has a lateral offset r1 from the rail centerline to produce a roll moment Nr determined by vehicle's mass and value of r1. The center of gravity also has a vertical offset r2. The bogie uses first and second assemblies for engaging the rail to produce a pair of surface normal reaction forces to thus control roll attitude and loading by the placement of the center of gravity, thereby enabling accurate alignment of the monorail vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for gravity-augmented preload of drive wheels in a monorail vehicle travelling along a guide rail bearing and contact surfaces that are non-parallel with the gravity vector. The vehicle has a structure defining a pivot location against the bearing surface, as well as first and second assemblies for engaging the rail on the bearing and contact surfaces, respectively. The vehicle is mounted so its center of gravity is at a rear longitudinal offset rrl from the pivot location and a vertical offset rvert from the guide rail. A force and moment balance thus created in a normal load on a drive wheel engaged with the bearing surface at the pivot location, where the load value exceeds a standard normal load generated by the mass of the monorail vehicle alone.

Abstract: A personal rapid transit (PRT) system that comprises a very economic triple rail topology for bi-directional urban personal transport. All the ramps are implemented always on the one side of the tracks for the sake of the narrow urban spaces accommodation. In order to achieve fast speed direction changes and a non compromised passenger security, the ramps are implemented as parallel lines to the corresponding tracks, and the vehicles do not use any wheel steering or electromagnetic heads. Instead, a landing wheel gear is implemented, and all the wheels are synchronized by speed before touching the rails. The vehicle's center of masses is constantly maintained to be found in most cases in one plain with the guideways. In case of emergencies, a special “anti-fall down” security system keeps the vehicle on the rails. The vehicles are capable of making all kind of turns by utilizing the highly compact Direction Change Connector.

Abstract: RailPods are an alternative personal rapid transit system that operate on and utilize existing railroad infrastructure. RailPods are one to two passenger vehicles that travel on one rail of a traditional railroad track. RailPods provide on-demand transportation to cities and towns where rail exists or can be built.

Abstract: The invention is a carriage traction vehicle for use with a monorail. The vehicle is self-propelled along the monorail by one or more motors engaging a fixed rack attached to the monorail. The carriage traction vehicle may include one or more of the following features: a cabin, a counterwheel assembly, a platform assembly, a leveling control system, a motor system, a tilt mechanism, and a safety assembly.

Abstract: A guide rail type vehicle of the present invention comprises a guide frame provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis perpendicular to the floor surface of a vehicle body; a plurality of guide wheels which forms gripping pairs aligned in the vehicle width direction so as to be able to grip a center guide rail, and which is arranged in the front-and-rear direction of the guide frame; equalizing links supporting two guide wheels, which are adjacent to each other in the front-and-rear direction, so as to be able to roll about a guide wheel shaft parallel to the rotation axis, and connecting the two guide wheels as a connected pair and being attached to the guide frame so as to be rotatable about a link shaft parallel to the rotation axis; and a steering link mechanism changing the steering angle of tires.

Abstract: Storage and retrieval machine with a chassis (9) for supporting a mast (10), comprising at least one carriage (1) including guide elements (2, 2?), at least one drive element (3) assigned to the carriage (1) and including a drive motor (5), and with at least one rail (4) assigned to the carriage (1), wherein at least a partial area, seen in the installation orientation, directly above the rail (4) is free of guide elements (2, 2?).

Abstract: Storage and retrieval machine with a mast (10), at least one chassis (1, 1?) for supporting the mast (10), at least one rail (4, 4?), on which the at least one chassis (1, 1?) can be moved back and forth, as well as at least one lift carriage (1?) vertically shiftable on the mast (10), wherein the mast (10) is formed of at least two supports (11, 11?) that are spaced from each other in the moving direction of the at least one chassis (1, 1?) and are connected to each other via at least one transversal bar (12, 12?) to obtain a mast profile, wherein the attachment of the at least one transversal bar (12, 12?) to the supports is resistant to bending.

Abstract: The invention is a carriage traction vehicle for use with a monorail. The vehicle is self-propelled along the monorail by one or more motors engaging a fixed rack attached to the monorail. The carriage traction vehicle may include one or more of the following features: a cabin, a counterwheel assembly, a platform assembly, a leveling control system, a motor system, a tilt mechanism, and a safety assembly.

Abstract: A railway truck is provided comprising first and second wheelsets, each wheelset comprising at least a left and a right wheel adjacent opposite ends of an axle. Each axle is supported for rotation about an axle axis by a respective bearing adjacent the left and right wheels. A first frame member extends between a bearing support adjacent the left wheel of the first wheelset and a bearing support adjacent the right wheel of the second wheelset. A second frame member extends between a bearing support adjacent the left wheel of the second wheelset and a bearing support adjacent the right wheel of the first wheelset. The first and second frame members are free to move without interference from each other to cause the truck to steer in response to a change in a rolling direction of either of the first and second wheelsets.

Abstract: The invention is a carriage traction vehicle for use with a monorail. The vehicle is self-propelled along the monorail by one or more motors engaging a fixed rack attached to the monorail.

Abstract: A universal cross belt sorter system (1) consisting of four major components: a monorail track (26), a drive car (20), multiple cross belt cars (24) and system controls. The drive cars (20) pull multiple cross belt cars (24) along the track (26). The cross belt cars (24) are typically loaded with material, which is then discharged into outlets. An outlet may be a chute, a bin, a conveyor, a truck, etc. Sortation systems are typically used to consolidate material according to selected parameters, such as zip code, customer order, to replenish a specific store and many other identifying information. The cross belt cars (24) are loaded with material at induction areas (3). The types or methods of inducting material onto the cross belt cars (24) range from manual to semi-automatic to fully automatic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bogie for a guide rail type vehicle running on a predetermined guideway. The bogie of the present invention includes an axle in which steerable running wheels are mounted, a guide frame arranged under the axle, a pair of first guide wheels provided rotatably in a vehicle body end-side part of the guide frame, a pair of second guide wheels provided rotatably in a vehicle body center-side part of the guide frame, a pair of tie rod arms that is attached to the axle and are formed so as to extend from the axle to the vehicle body center-side, and a pair of tie rods each connecting the guide frame to each of the pair of tie rod arms.

Abstract: A monorail bogie assembly for supporting at least one monorail car over a monorail track that has a running surface and two side surfaces. The monorail bogie assembly comprises a first monorail bogie for supporting a first monorail car. The first monorail bogie comprises at least one load-bearing wheel, two inboard guide wheels and two outboard guide wheels. The monorail bogie assembly further comprises a second monorail bogie for supporting a second monorail car. The second monorail bogie comprises at least one load-bearing wheel and two inboard guide wheels. The monorail bogie assembly further comprises a linking member for interconnecting the first monorail bogie and the second monorail bogie, such that when connected the second monorail bogie is absent any outboard guide wheels.

Abstract: A universal cross belt sorter system (1) consisting of four major components: a monorail track (26), a drive car (20), multiple cross belt cars (24) and system controls. The drive cars (20) pull multiple cross belt cars (24) along the track (26). The cross belt cars (24) are typically loaded with material, which is then discharged into outlets. An outlet may be a chute, a bin, a conveyor, a truck, etc. Sortation systems are typically used to consolidate material according to selected parameters, such as zip code, customer order, to replenish a specific store and many other identifying information. The cross belt cars (24) are loaded with material at induction areas (3). The types or methods of inducting material onto the cross belt cars (24) range from manual to semi-automatic to fully automatic.

Abstract: Storage and retrieval machine with a chassis (9) for supporting a mast (10), comprising at least one carriage (1) including guide elements (2, 2?), at least one drive element (3) assigned to the carriage (1) and including a drive motor (5), and with at least one rail (4) assigned to the carriage (1), wherein at least a partial area, seen in the installation orientation, directly above the rail (4) is free of guide elements (2, 2?).

Abstract: A monorail bogie assembly for supporting at least one monorail car over a monorail track that has a running surface and two side surfaces. The monorail bogie assembly comprises a first monorail bogie for supporting a first monorail car. The first monorail bogie comprises at least one load-bearing wheel, two inboard guide wheels and two outboard guide wheels. The monorail bogie assembly further comprises a second monorail bogie for supporting a second monorail car. The second monorail bogie comprises at least one load-bearing wheel and two inboard guide wheels. The monorail bogie assembly further comprises a linking member for interconnecting the first monorail bogie and the second monorail bogie, such that when connected the second monorail bogie is absent any outboard guide wheels.

Abstract: The invention is a carriage traction vehicle for use with a monorail. The vehicle is self-propelled along the monorail by one or more motors engaging a fixed rack attached to the monorail.

Abstract: A monorail bogie for supporting a monorail car travelling over a monorail track. The monorail bogie comprises a load-bearing wheel having an axis of rotation that is parallel to the running surface. The monorail bogie further comprises an inboard pair of guide wheels and an outboard pair of guide wheels. Each guide wheel of the inboard pair of guide wheels has an axis of rotation and each guide wheel of the outboard pair of guide wheels has an axis of rotation. The axes of rotation of the inboard pair of guide wheels and the axes of rotation of the outboard pair of guide wheels are offset in opposite directions in relation to the axis of rotation of the load bearing wheels. The monorail bogie further comprises at least one stabilizing wheel positioned co-axially with each one of the inboard pair of guide wheels.

Abstract: A universal cross belt sorter system (1) consisting of four major components: a monorail track (26), a drive car (20), multiple cross belt cars (24) and system controls. The drive cars (20) pull multiple cross belt cars (24) along the track (26). The cross belt cars (24) are typically loaded with material, which is then discharged into outlets. An outlet may be a chute, a bin, a conveyor, a truck, etc. Sortation systems are typically used to consolidate material according to selected pa-rameters, such as zip code, customer order, to replenish a specific store and many other identifying information. The cross belt cars (24) are loaded with material at induction areas (3). The types or methods of inducting material onto the cross belt cars (24) range from manual to semi-automatic to fully automatic.

Abstract: A transportation system including two spaced parallel guide ways on which tracks are mounted for receiving vehicles. At least one beam extends between the guide ways for absorbing torsional forces caused by the composite centers of gravity of the vehicles being offset from the tracks.

Abstract: A rail system for transporting dual use vehicles includes a network of multiple non-interconnected rails where each rail comprises an extruded triangular shell and a support material. The rails are supported by a system of support structures where each support structure includes a base with a rail adjustment actuator for selectively adjusting the position of the supported rail. Each rail is sized to support a standardized dual use passenger vehicle adapted for roadway and rail travel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monorail frame for supporting a vehicle body on a monorail track. Typically, monorail tracks are defined by a top surface and two side surfaces. The monorail frame includes a first frame portion, a second frame portion and at least one link portion. The first frame portion is adapted to be positioned adjacent one side of the monorail track and the second frame portion is adapted to be positioned adjacent the other side of the monorail track. The link portion interconnects the first and second frame portions. Each of the first frame portion and the second frame portion includes an upper surface, a lower surface and at least one single continuous beam having an elongated longitudinally extending surface. At least one of the upper and lower surfaces of each of the first and second frame portions consists of the elongated longitudinally extending surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the rollers of a stairlift carriage, for ensuring that the carriage is firmly located on a stairlift rail, includes rollers for engaging one side of the stairlift rail, as well as rollers located on an opposite side of the rail, such that the stairlift rail is located between opposed sets of rollers. To achieve adjustment, the rollers on one side of the rail are located on a common member, which can be displaced toward and away from the stairlift rail.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a track-mounted robot is provided. The steering mechanism comprises guide wheels, which are fixed to yokes that pivot around secondary drive wheels. The pivot action of the yokes allows the guide wheels to maintain full contact with the track and steer as the robot traverses straight and curved portions of the track. Linkage components attach the yokes to a cam follower which follows a cam surface in the track in order to force the proper angle of steering for the guide wheels.

Abstract: A column guided and supported self-propelled vehicle which is rigid in its pitch and roll axes but flexible in its yaw axis. The vehicle thus forms a beam between a series of columns which support and guide the vehicle. The vehicle is propelled by a flexible rotating screw which rotates against lugs which are mounted on each column. The vehicle is supported in the pitch axis and constrained in the roll axis by rollers, which are mounted on each column. A retainer on each column prevents the vehicle from leaving the column. The length of the vehicle determines the spacing of the columns. The vehicle is flexible in the yaw axis so that it can negotiate a curved path of columns. The vehicle car body/structure is modular and contains a series of vertical hinges or flexures which are located between each module to allow the vehicle freedom only in the yaw axis.

Abstract: A track has an acceleration zone and an inertial running zone. The acceleration zone is to accelerate a car lifted by a lifting apparatus having a stationary power source through a steep down slope. The track is disposed approximately horizontal in the inertial running zone as the car proceeds mainly by inertial running. The car is provided with a seat as to oscillate corresponding to gravity and acceleration of the car. A control means to control the oscillation of the seat is provided. The seat oscillates corresponding to gravity and acceleration in lifting by the lifting apparatus and in the acceleration zone.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arcuate tilting mechanism for use with a vehicle having a passenger compartment and a carriage traveling on a track where the mechanism comprises an arcuate roller gear divider mounted on the underside of the passenger compartment. An outer carriage roller track is mounted on the upper side of the carriage, so that the arcuate roller gear divider and the outer carriage roller track are in juxtaposed arcuate relation. A first set of roller gears is provided which engage the arcuate roller gear divider and the outer carriage roller track so that when the vehicle enters a turn, the passenger compartment can be angled into the radius of the turn, where the carriage remains parallel to the track.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus conveys articles used for manufacturing semiconductor devices. The conveying apparatus has a conveying rail section that includes a first rail providing a first conveying route, a second rail providing a second conveying route, and an intermediate rail structure interconnecting the first and second rails. Respective vehicles are fitted to the first and second rails so as to convey articles as supported atop the first rail or as suspended from the second rail, respectively. The conveying apparatus can be readily installed in the bay of an automatic manufacturing system, e.g., of a type for processing wafers having a diameter of 300 mm. In this case, the conveying route of the articles is unified, and space is saved, as well.

Abstract: A guideway and support structure (50) for supporting an elevated guideway (52) for a railed-vehicle (54) include individual unassembled components sized for easy transport. The components may be prefabricated with known materials and methods and transported to an installation site to be assembled together. The support structure (50) is preferably cantilevered and sized to support one or two vehicle guideways (52). The support structure (50) may include a pile foundation (56) for improved support during seismic activity and to facilitate installation on existing streets and sidewalks without covering or interfering with underground plumbing or utilities. Preferably, multiple sections of the guideway (52) are rigidly secured together through expansion joints (51) to define a continuous guideway (53) such that loads on the guideway (53) are distributed over multiple columns (60).

Abstract: At one end in a running direction of a bogie, two guiding wheels are arranged, and at another end in the running direction of the bogie, two stabilizing wheels are arranged. The stabilizing wheels are positioned at a level lower than that of the guiding wheels. The stabilizing wheels function to guide the bogie along the monorail and prevent the bogie from falling off the track. With this arrangement, the total number of guiding wheels and stabilizing wheels can be reduced, and particularly, the number of the guiding wheels can be reduced. Accordingly, the bogie can be manufactured with a low cost. A traction link for connecting the bogie and the car body is arranged on one end of the bogie, and, accordingly the length of the bogie can be shortened.

Abstract: A transport system of the dual-mode type which comprises dual-mode vehicles (1) and a monorail (2), whereby said dual-mode vehicles can run both on an ordinary roadway (10) and as rail vehicles on the monorail (2). The monorail has a substantially triangular cross-sectional profile (7) with one apex of the triangle facing upwards, and the vehicles (1) each have a downwards-facing, through-going indentation (6) in the longitudinal direction with a cross-sectional profile which corresponds substantially to the cross-sectional profile (7) of the monorail (2). Each vehicle has driving wheels (8) for running on a roadway (10) and drive- and support wheels for running on the monorail (2). The vehicle has at least two drive-wheels (13a, 13b) are placed with their axes of rotation (20a, 20b) substantially vertical, and such that at least one drive-wheel (13a, 13b) for running on the monorail is placed on each side of a substantially vertical surface of the monorail (2).

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention described here is the saddlebag form factor. It is very strong & stable and can be applied to the ALWEG monorail car configuration producing improved stability, safety and load carrying capacities. The essence's of my new car design is that the payload being transported is placed well below the top surface of the rail beam. This place's the center of gravity far below the balance plane that is formed at the interface of the wheels and the top flat surface of the monorail beam.

Abstract: A passive discharge mechanism for discharging articles from a trolley at selected locations is disclosed. The trolley may be equipped with on-board intelligence for communicating with an external controller, monitoring the trolley's location, and signaling actuation of a moveable member for engaging the passive discharge mechanism as the trolley reaches a selected destination for an article conveyed by the trolley. In one aspect the passive discharge mechanism comprises a transverse conveyor; in another aspect the passive discharge mechanism includes a tilt-type tray. A trolley for conveying articles along a monorail having arcuate portions includes a rigid frame having a longitudinal axis and opposed ends is also disclosed.

Abstract: A friction drive system trolley conveyor includes a conveyor rail having a circular cross-section, laid along a conveyor line, multiple J-shaped rail suspension members that bear the undersides of the rail at intervals in the longitudinal direction, multiple, inverted J-shaped hook members that move along the rail, engaging the upper side of the rail, a driven bar hung between hook members for suspending a conveyed article, and a friction drive embracing the driven bar on both sides to effect conveying movement. The friction drive system trolley conveyor is able to convey heavy articles in a stable manner with minimum noise and without roll, is easily constructed, installed and maintained.

Abstract: A trolley car for conveying articles along a monorail having arcuate portions includes a rigid frame having a longitudinal axis and opposed ends.

Abstract: One end of a running direction of a bogie, two guiding wheels are arranged, another end of the running direction of the bogie, two stabilizing wheels are arranged. The stabilizing wheel is positioned in a lower portion of the guiding wheel. The stabilizing wheel has a function for guiding the bogie along to the monorail and a function for presenting a falling of the bogie. A total number of the guiding wheels and the stabilizing wheels can be lessened, in particularly a number of the guiding wheels can be lessened, and accordingly the bogie can be manufactured with a low cost. A traction link for connecting the bogie and the car body is arranged on one end of the bogie, and accordingly a length of the bogie can be shortened.

Abstract: An autonomous transport system is disclosed, formed by four main subsystems: a channel subsystem; a vehicle subsystem; a wheel guide subsystem and central control station subsystem. The system is designed for the transportation of people or goods, to be used in tall buildings and in small and large scale urban environments. It comprises unitary vehicles that may move in different directions: horizontal, steeply sloped and also vertical tracks, thanks to novel traction wheel assemblies that roll on carefully designed wheel tracks. The system's cabin maintains the horizontal level/position regardless of the changes of track direction or slanting thanks to pendulum based automatic level control and may rotate up to 180° under normal conditions and even a full 360° turn respect to the wheel assembly in space restricted positions. The cabin is mounted on a cantilever, thereby displacing its center of gravity respect of the wheel guides.

Abstract: A device for guiding a carrier roller (3, 4, 5, 6) on a vehicle part, this roller running about a shaft (16) on a predetermined track such as a rail, comprising, integrated into the said vehicle part, such as the chassis of a rail vehicle:

Abstract: A travelling mechanism for travelling rail having flange parts and web parts. The mechanism including rest running wheels located opposite to each other which can rest on the flange parts. The flange sides of the rail guide rollers are arranged parallel to web rest in front of and behind each running wheel on both sides. The guide rollers, like the running wheels, are rotatably mounted in lateral bars connected below the travelling rail. The lateral bars are spaced from each other and connected to each other by a connecting traverse. To create a travelling mechanism that is adjustable, whereby the running wheels always run relatively close to the web, the travelling mechanism be adjustable to different flange widths by the use of connecting traverses of different lengths. The spacing between the axes of the guide rollers is variable independently of the running.

Abstract: A camera track system comprising a track (100), a camera mounted on a movable truck (102) driven by drive means (104), control means (110) for controlling movement of the truck (102) along the track (100), in which commands between the control means (110) and the truck (102) are effected by means of a flexible link (136) contained within the track (100), allowing remote control of the truck (102). The control means (110) may comprise separate controls for the camera, operated by the hands of the operator, and for the truck, operated by the feet of the operator.

Abstract: A traveling mechanism for a lifting device, especially for a lifting device having a laterally cantilevering boom, is movable on rails with at least two running wheels. A connection element for attaching a load to said traveling mechanism is supported in the rail by the running wheels which are arranged on both sides of the connection element. The connection element has, at the region projecting down out of the rail, at least one running roller which is freely rotatable about a horizontal axis and rolls on a horizontal outer running surface of the rail. To effectively divert horizontal forces and uniformly distribute the vertical forces to the running wheels, running wheel axles are rigidly connected with a running wheel carrier, and the running wheel carrier and connection element are swivelably connected by a universal type joint. In addition, at least one support roller is rotatably mounted at the connection element in the interior of the rail.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a playground carriage (10) is provided for moving people (100) from one play area to another. The playground carriage comprises a rotatable support pipe (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16). The support pipe extends between a first vertical column (18) and a second vertical column (20). A manually-operated crank extends between the first vertical column and a third vertical column (48). The first end of the crank is coupled to the first end of the support pipe so that manually turning the crank rotates the support pipe. A carriage (28) for carrying people is mounted to the support pipe. The carriage is advanced along the support pipe by a carrier assembly (102). The carrier assembly comprises a carrier (30) which propels the carriage and a brake (104) which is capable of bringing the carriage to a stop.

Abstract: A lightweight, remote-controlled, self-propelled equipment support and transport system is stabilized against unwanted angular deviation in each of three perpendicular axes and adapted for motion at high speed along a simple tubular monorail. The system can be quickly and efficiently ground-mounted on stands, suspended horizontally from brackets or from a variety of overhead supports, or vertically mounted alongside a mast or wall. The system includes an elongated drive car running on and partly surrounding a rail, and an equipment support associated with the drive car and configured so that the supported equipment is transversely and longitudinally spaced and balanced about a point just below the center of the rail. The equipment support is mounted in angular isolation relative to the drive car by a system of damped pivots about pitch and yaw axes.

Abstract: A model monorail system having at least one engine and at least one car coupled thereto, both being configured to move along a single upper rail member that is supported in an elevated position by a plurality of upright rail supports. In the preferred embodiment, each monorail engine assembly comprises one front wheel subassembly with a rotatable front wheel, one wheel subassembly with counter-rotating drive wheels, two weighted electrical pick-up subassemblies which are also pivotal, pivotal wheel-coupler assemblies attached to each end of each car assembly, as well as a plurality of safety arm subassemblies and a plurality of roller arm subassemblies, which together surround the upper surface, both side surfaces, and the bottom surface of the upper rail member to securely maintain the engine assemblies and coupled car assemblies in position on top of the upper rail member at all times during use.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a playground carriage (10) is provided for moving people (100) from one play area to another. The playground carriage comprises a rotatable support pipe (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16). The support pipe extends between a first vertical column (18) and a second vertical column (20). A manually-operated crank extends between the first vertical column and a third vertical column (48). The first end of the crank is coupled to the first end of the support pipe so that manually turning the crank rotates the support pipe. A carriage (28) for carrying people is mounted to the support pipe. The carriage is advanced along the support pipe by a carrier assembly (102). The carrier assembly comprises a carrier (30) which propels the carriage and a brake (104) which is capable of bringing the carriage to a stop.