Abstract: An umbrella stand assembly includes an auger that is insertable into a granular support surface. A plurality of pivots is each of the pivots is coupled to and extends laterally away from the auger. A plurality of paddles is each of the paddles is pivotally coupled to a respective one of the pivots. Each of the paddles is positionable in a deployed position has each of the paddles to rest on the granular support surface when the auger is driven into the granular support surface. In this way the auger is stabilized with respect to a vertical axis. A tube extends upwardly from the auger and insertably receives a pole of an umbrella. In this way the umbrella is positioned above the granular support surface for shade.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attraction (1) for amusement rides, such as a fairground attraction or an amusement park attraction, comprising a mast (10), a base frame (13), which is rotatably attached to the mast and which extends radially from the mast, means for rotating the base frame, a plurality of subframes (20), each comprising a stiff connecting arm to which a gondola with one or more passenger seats is attached. The subframes (20) are circumferentially distributed, each pivotably suspended by means of the connecting arm on the base frame (13), such that the subframes with gondolas swing upon rotation of the base frame under the influence of the centrifugal force. The attraction is further provided with control means for controlling the swing of the subframes with gondolas relative to the base frame, which control means are arranged to move the center of gravity of the subframe (20) relative to the base frame (13).

Abstract: The present invention provides a swing that is operable to promote attunement between a child and caretaker. The swing comprises two seats, one of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a caretaker, such as a parent, and another of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a child. The two seats are arranged so that the caretaker and the child can face one another and comfortably see each other's eyes. The two seats are also configured such that, during operation of the swing, both the caretaker and child share the experience of swinging. Thus, using the swing of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a caretaker and child may share the mutual enjoyment of the swinging action while maintaining eye contact with one another, resulting in attunement.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a rotatable play device that comprises a central support post, a hub rotatably mounted to an upper end of the central support post, and a plurality of arms attached to the hub, wherein a seat is suspended from the distal end of each of the plurality of arms. Rotation of the hub about the central support post causes the plurality of seats to rotate around the central support post in a substantially circular rotation path. In addition, each of the seats may be configured to swing in substantial alignment with the circular rotation path. Each of the seats may also be configured to have at least a partially restricted range of motion toward the central support post, away from the central support post, or both.

Abstract: A safety restraint anchor system may include, but is not limited to: a pole portion; a circumferential frame portion disposed about an axis of the pole; and at least one safety line anchor.

Abstract: A roundabout for performing acrobatic figures such as barrel roll comprises a main arm rotatable around a central axis A and having a longitudinal axis C, a second arm rotatable about an axis of rotation B perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C of the main arm, and a vehicle fixed on the second arm at a distance from the axis of rotation B of the second arm and having a longitudinal axis z directed radially towards the axis of rotation B. The vehicle is fixed to the second arm so that its position with respect to the second arm does not change during the operation of the roundabout.

Abstract: A ride combining two or more vertical rotation axes with vertical translation motion of passenger vehicles. The ride includes a primary turntable rotating about a central axis and includes one to three or more secondary turntables mounted on the primary turntable to rotate with the primary turntable. Each of the secondary turntables is driven to rotate about a secondary rotation axis (vertical axis passing through the center of the sub-turntable). Each of the sub-turntables includes a vertical translation motion assembly that rotates with the sub-turntable and also supports a plurality of passenger vehicles. The passenger vehicles are supported within this assembly so as to be able to rotate (via manual operation or in a controlled manner) about a vertical rotation axis passing through the body of the vehicle. The vertical translation motion assembly is configured to allow each passenger vehicle to be lifted vertically upward a distance above the sub-turntable.

Abstract: A supporting system for a mast, for example for a swing carousel, includes stabilizing vehicles which each include a chassis, sets of wheels for moving the stabilizing vehicle, coupling elements near one end of the chassis, and at least one stabilizing arm which is displaceable between an inoperative position in which the stabilizing arm is swung in and a swung-out position in which the stabilizing arm extends outwards with respect to the chassis. At their free ends, the stabilizing arms each have a support for stabilizing the stabilizing vehicle on the ground in the swung-out position of the stabilizing arm. A base is provided for the mast, which base includes complementary coupling elements situated opposite one another, one complementary coupling element of which is coupled to the coupling element of a stabilizing vehicle and the other complementary coupling element of which is coupled to the coupling element of another stabilizing vehicle.

Abstract: An elevated hand held merry go round provides a hand hold elevated a distance above a playing surface to which a user may grab and rotate through an unobstructed zone between the hand hold and the playing surface. In the preferred embodiment the hand hold may be tilted at an angle relative to the playing surface so the user may pump themselves to maintain the round momentum in a manner somewhat similar to an individual pumping themselves on a swing to maintain themselves swinging. Alternative embodiments lack the tilt may be made in various dimensions to accommodate various numbers of users and may have more than one set of locations for hand holds.

Abstract: A round ride with suspended vehicles from ends of actuated support arms. The ride includes a drive assembly rotating a centrally located hub. The ride also includes a passenger vehicles including at least one input device such as a support arm actuator controller. For each of the passenger vehicles, a vehicle support assembly is provided that supports the passenger vehicle such that the vehicle rotates with the hub. The vehicle support assembly includes a rigid support arm pivotally coupled at a first end to the hub. The support assembly has an actuator that operates in response to signals from the input device to move the support arm through a range of vertical support angles. The support assembly includes a suspension arm connected at a first end for free pivoting about a second or the free end of the support aim and attached at its second end to the passenger vehicle.

Abstract: A swing ride for providing lateral movement to a plurality of passenger vehicles. The ride includes a center hub rotating about its axis. The ride includes, for each of the passenger vehicles, a vehicle support assembly attached to rotate with the hub. The vehicle support assembly includes a flexible support member attached at a first end to the hub and at a second end to one of the vehicles. The vehicle support assembly includes a fulcrum assembly defining a fulcrum or pivot point for the support member between the first and second ends such that the member has a flexible and variable-length flexible arm attached to the vehicle. The fulcrum assembly is selectively positionable to move the fulcrum point in response to user input at the vehicle such that the passenger interactively moves the fulcrum point and thus moves the vehicle laterally inward and outward relative to the spinning hub.

Abstract: An elevating billboard and control method thereof, which includes a hollow column, a billboard stent, and a windlass controlling a motor, forward relay and back relay, wherein a hollow cylinder is fixed with the billboard stent and rings the column so as to slide along the column up and down, a fixed pulley disposed on the top of the column, a free end of a guy cable of the windlass connecting with the hollow cylinder by the fixed pulley. By using the motor of the windlass and the fixed pulleys, the elevating billboard is easy to assemble, disassemble or maintain, and is capable of completing the up and down movement easily and quickly. And using the real-time monitor of the anemoscope, the elevating billboard completes the up and down movement easily and quickly by wind scale.

Abstract: A rotating hub ride configured to position passenger vehicles at different vehicle radii relative to the hub's axis of rotation. The ride includes curved support arms extending outward from the hub, with a first end coupled to the hub at a lower height than a second end of the arm. A vehicle is attached, via a mounting assembly, to each curved support arm to slide radially inward and outward on the arm in response to forces applied to the vehicle due to rotation of the hub, e.g., at two or more hub rotation rates. The arm or track defines a travel path for radial movement of the vehicle. When hub rotation is halted, the vehicle slides inward on the track to a load position corresponding to a minimum vehicle radius. At increasing hub speeds, the vehicle slides outward to position the vehicle in any of a number of vehicle radii.

Abstract: The manually pushed swing involves a vertical pole that is anchored into the ground via a concrete base, wherein a swing top mounts atop said pole and enables a plurality of swings seats and push handles to be connected thereon. The push handles enable a non-occupant to propel the plurality of swing seats around the pole via a bearing. The manually pushed swing is ideally suited for outdoor use.

Abstract: A method of controlling a child motion device includes the steps of determining data indicative of motion of the child motion device, and controlling an audio output of the child motion device in accordance with the data. In some cases, the controlling step includes the step of modulating the audio output in accordance with the data. For example, the modulating step may involve applying a modulation effect to an audio track available to the child motion device.

Abstract: A child motion device has a frame assembly configured to rest on a floor surface. The device also has a drive system that defines a generally vertical axis of rotation. An arm extends from part of the device and is cantilevered from the axis of rotation. The arm is supported above the floor surface and has a driven end coupled to and movable by the drive system and a distal end opposite the driven end. The drive system is configured to pivotally reciprocate the arm through a partial orbit around the axis of rotation. A child seat is supported on the distal end of the support arm.

Abstract: An elevated hand held merry go round provides a hand hold elevated a distance above a playing surface to which a user may grab and rotate through an unobstructed zone between the hand hold and the playing surface. In the preferred embodiment the hand hold may be tilted at an angle relative to the playing surface so the user may pump themselves to maintain the round momentum in a manner somewhat similar to an individual pumping themselves on a swing to maintain themselves swinging. Alternative embodiments lack the tilt may be made in various dimensions to accommodate various numbers of users and may have more than one set of locations for hand holds.

Abstract: An amusement ride (10) involving riders (17) being conveyed through the air. The amusement ride (10) comprises a tower (11) having a column (23), typically of a height of at least 30 meters. A hub structure (33) is supported on the column (23) for rotation with respect thereto and for displacement therealong. A first drive means (51) is provided for rotating the hub structure (33) with respect to the column (23). A second drive means (61) is provided for displacing the hub structure (33) along the column (23). Rider carriers (81) are suspended from the hub structure (33) to undergo motion in response to movement of the hub structure (33) with respect to the column (23), involving the riders (17) being conveyed along a path around the column (23), with the elevation of the riders changing during the ride through displacement of the hub structure (33) along the column (23). The amusement ride (10) is of a design which is conducive to construction on a large scale.

Abstract: An elevated hand held merry go round provides a hand hold elevated a distance above a playing surface to which a user may grab and rotate through an unobstructed zone between the hand hold and the playing surface. In the preferred embodiment the hand hold may be tilted at an angle relative to the playing surface so the user may pump themselves to maintain the round momentum in a manner somewhat similar to an individual pumping themselves on a swing to maintain themselves swinging. Alternative embodiments lack the tilt may be made in various dimensions to accommodate various numbers of users and may have more than one set of locations for hand holds.

Abstract: A child motion device has a frame assembly configured to rest on a floor surface. The device also has a drive system and a cantilevered arm extending from part of the device. The arm is supported above the floor surface and has a driven end coupled to and movable by the drive system and a distal end opposite the driven end. The drive system is configured to pivotally move the arm through a partial orbit around a generally vertical axis of rotation. A child seat is supported on the distal end of the support arm.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a fairground attraction, including an arm which is mounted for rotation about a shaft in a bearing arranged in the top of the frame, on an end of which arm at least one people carrier is suspended, a device for rotatingly driving the arm, and a device for displacing the at least one people carrier in height direction in a rest position of the arm, which displacing device is arranged between the top supporting the bearing and the remaining part of the frame. In one embodiment of the present invention, the top can be pivotable relative to the remaining frame part, for instance about a lying axis which lies transversely of the rotation axis of the arm, and the displacing device can include a drive for causing pivoting of the top. The fairground attraction can further be provided with a device for blocking the displacing device during operation of the fairground attraction.

Abstract: A play facility (1) includes a rotation shaft (25) erected on a floor inside the play facility, the rotation shaft being rotatable (25) around its axis; a brush-like decorative object (33) attached to a circumferential periphery of the rotation shaft (25); and a driving means for rotating the rotation shaft (25) around its axis. A play participant can play while holding on to the rotation shaft (25) to which the decorative object (33) is attached.

Abstract: A playswing assembly apparatus comprising a spinning wheel having a central housing with a hub therewithin, and an elongated shaft arranged through the hub. The shaft is attached to a first and a second support arm. The first and second support arms may be adjustably connected to an overhead support to permit swinging of the spinning wheel to a to and fro swinging motion with respect to the overhead support. The hub includes a hand graspable spinning wheel rotatively supported therefrom to permit a simultaneous rotational motion to the player(s) during the to and fro swinging. A lower support may be coupled to the hub to allow further player support and yet further rotation of the player with respect to the spinning wheel and to the overhead support.

Abstract: A child's suspended merry-go-round preferably includes a vertical pole member, a seat member, tension members to attach the seat member to a bearing attached to the vertical pole member, back supports, and a hand wheel on the pole member. A child seated on the seat member suspended from the pole by flexible tension members connected to the pole may be rotated on the merry-go-round.

Abstract: A merry-go-round for playground use comprises a rotating shaft mounted to a support shaft. A frame structure including a spin ring and two seats are mounted to the rotating shaft. Seat belts are provided to strap riders (children) into the seats. The support shaft extends into the ground and incorporates an anchoring system which is encased in concrete. A safety barrier is positioned between the spin ring and the seats. The merry-go-round is operated by a person who manually propels the spin ring mounted to the rotating shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carousel with an upper rotating beam (2) arranged on a central mast (1). Carrier rods (3) carrying gondolas or seat carriers (4) are arranged in the circumference of the rotating beam, which may be swiveled outwards and inwards. According to the invention the carrier rods can by inducement of force be swiveled outwards and inwards at angles to the radial or circumferential direction of the rotating beam, which, particularly with the alternate swiveling of successive carrier rods (3) on the rotation, reduces the entire floor space for the carousel and increases the passenger frequency.

Abstract: A flying vehicle ride includes an upstanding tower and a plurality of flying vehicles suspended from the tower for rotation about a vertical axis. The flying vehicles each include a pair of wings that are movable under the control of the rider between a neutral position, a first lift generating position in which the wings generate outward lift, and a second lift generating position in which the wings generate inward lift. As such, manipulation of the wings during rotation of the vehicle about the tower generates lift that alters the path of travel of the vehicle, permitting the rider to move the vehicle higher or lower relative to the tower than would otherwise be possible.

Abstract: A self powered human centrifuge for simulating gravity and providing an aerobic workout as a countermeasure to the adverse physiological effects of prolonged spaceflight. A frame rotates about a stationary shaft located above the head of the rider. Power is provided by the rider via pedals and handles in a bicycle type apparatus. A plurality of gears may be selected using a derailleur and freewheel. A brake may be used to increase resistance and thus workout intensity. A cam and roller device at the foot crankset simulates impact loading of normal earth walking.