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.

Abstract: Playground apparatus including a plurality of conventional playground swings which are supported for oscillatory or reciprocating movement above a ground surface by swing support structure. The apparatus further includes a target object which may be an inflated or air-filled spherical ball pendulously supported above the ground surface. The swings may be disposed so that the normal paths of their travel converge toward the target object so that participants using the swing may attempt to contact the target object as a play activity. Alternative target objects and swing configurations are disclosed.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint for a swing for providing simultaneous swiveling and pivoting motion in any direction. The ball is preferably molded with an inner core and an outer shell of different colored materials. As material from the outer shell is worn away in normal wear, exposure of the inner core indicates visually the extent of wear which has taken place. A retainer member placed in load bearing relationship between a support bolt for the swing and the ball is intentionally made larger than the opening at the base of the socket to prevent the swing from dropping in case of breakage of the ball.