Abstract: The present invention comprises an inflatable balloon of sufficient volume and buoyancy to allow a human pilot to float above the ground and to glide over the ground within an enclosed area. The balloon incorporates several safety features that permit it to be used for recreation, including a prop-bike to enable the user to propel the balloon.

Abstract: A vocabulary teaching aid system generally includes a computer that is operably connected to a video monitor and one or more user-interactive peripherals, e.g., keyboard or mouse. The computer operates under direction of a program whose directions include providing an interactive screen presentation on the video monitor, providing for selection of a desired vocabulary word from the screen presentation through use of the user-interactive peripheral, and presenting an example of usage of the selected vocabulary word on the video monitor.

Abstract: A real-size simulated drag strip ride is presented which recreates the physical and visual sensations of a drag race. A pair of real-size dragsters are positioned along specified and controlled parallel linear tracks. The occupant is positioned inside the driver's compartment, with a full safety harness securing him in place in an adjustable seat. The invention includes audio sounds of ignition, “burn-out” and acceleration simulating a drag strip race, as well as simulated smoke from the “burn out” portion of the race preparation. Once the simulated light tower signals that the dragster is set to race, each driver of two, side-by-side vehicles pushes the acceleration pedal to accelerate the vehicle through an initial acceleration zone. The dragsters are propelled by use of a pneumatically powered piston attached to a cable located out of sight underneath the vehicle. The race is finished when the cars pass the finish line. Speeds and the winner are displayed on the starting line tower.

Abstract: The juggling torch has a torch body (1) with a wick (3) for fuel that is absorbed by the wick (3) and a fuel container (7) that is connected to the wick (3) via one or many channels (15).

Abstract: A seat recline mechanism for a child swing includes at least one latch, positioned on a side of a seat back of the swing, and first and second latch-receiving members, positioned on a hanger arm of the swing. The latch is configured to engage the first latch-receiving member to position the seat back in a first in-use position, and the latch is configured to engage the second latch-receiving member to position the seat back in a second in-use position in which the seat back is adjusted rearward relative to the first in-use position.

Abstract: A child swing includes a swing frame and a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame such that the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least two positions. The swing may further include a swing seat and at least one hanger arm rotationally coupled to the swing frame and supporting the swing seat. The at least two positions may include a lift position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged above the rotational axis, an open access position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged rearward of the rotational axis, an entertain position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged forward of the rotational axis, and a storage position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged forward and below the rotational axis.

Abstract: Amusement apparatus which permits unusual compactness and easy transportation comprises a vehicle for accommodating users, the vehicle being suitable for following a path in space which comprises a component due to oscillation about a center of instantaneous rotation and a component, due to rotation about an axis oriented variously in space. The vehicle is supported on a support structure comprising two rails the shape of which defines the shape of the component due to oscillation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device which has a cap having connection means of multiple geometries such that connection can be made with a variety of bottle openings and a valve to inhibit spillage through the cap.

Abstract: A novelty or entertainment device includes a housing in the form of a sea shell. A sound reproduction system is mounted to the housing so as to remain hidden from casual visual inspection thereof. A switch is mounted to the housing and is operatively connected to the sound reproduction system for activating same in response to a lifting of the housing to an ear of a user.

Abstract: An inflatable enclosure comprising: at least one inflating means for inflating said inflatable enclosure; at least one entrance/exit means for entering and exiting said inflatable enclosure; at least one air pressure regulator for maintaining the air pressure in said enclosure when said at least one entrance/exit means is in use, at least one inflatable rigidifying means; wherein at least one of said entrance/exit means and air pressure regulator is air actuated.

Abstract: A swing drive mechanism for a swing having a swing seat, at least one hanger arm supporting the swing seat, and a pivot shaft providing reciprocal motion to the swing seat via the at least one hanger arm is described. The drive mechanism may include a gear, an eccentric element coupled to the gear and a motor mechanism configured to drive the gear. The drive mechanism may also include a substantially elongated drive link having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end coupled to the gear via the eccentric element, and a spring coupled to, and configured to being driven by, the distal end of the drive link. The spring being configured to directly drive the pivot shaft in a reciprocal fashion. A swing drive assembly including a blade and pivot shaft is also described.

Abstract: An amusement ride and fall apparatus includes a track having a discharge point below which there is a substantial drop. A passenger is propelled along the track to the discharge point and discharged therefrom with a horizontal component of motion. The passenger then free falls. An elastic tie having a second first end and free second end connected directly or indirectly to the passenger limits the free fall and, together with the horizontal component of motion imparted to the passenger, causes the passenger to swing and bounce for a period of time at the end of the free fall. At the end of the ride and fall the passenger is released safely. The invention therefore provides a trill similar to that of a bungee jump but with enhancements.

Abstract: A recreational ramp suitable for use with wheeled vehicles, including a support structure and a molded concrete layer mounted on the support structure. The layer includes a sloping region that extends from a ground level to an above-ground level. Also, a process for the fabrication of a molded concrete layer for such a recreational ramp. The process includes preparing a mold from complementary parts, closing the parts onto one another, thus defining an interior space representative of a concrete layer, pouring concrete mixture into the mold; allowing the concrete to settle and separating the complementary parts of the mold to expose the molded concrete layer. Embodiments of the invention offer the advantages of conventional concrete, i.e., a smooth, quiet and durable surface for riding, while the ramp as a whole remains lightweight and less bulky as compared with conventional concrete ramps. A particularly advantageous embodiment uses self-leveling concrete.

Abstract: An amusement device, including a frame made from four support legs which, running obliquely upwards toward one another, at their top end support a rotary member, an arm, one end of which is secured to the rotary member and which can be pivoted between the support legs, and a receiving device for people, which is suspended from the other end of the arm. The support legs, at their bottom end, are secured to a trailer by means of hinges, the hinge axis of which is oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the trailer, and the axis of rotation of the rotary member is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the trailer.

Abstract: A swing apparatus comprises a support stand, a swing supported with respect to the support stand to oscillate back and forth along a swing arc about a pivot axis, and a drive assembly that operates to oscillate the swing. Various components of the drive assembly are coupled to the swing to oscillate therewith about the pivot axis. The drive assembly has a drive member that periodically engages a portion of the support stand resulting in a force being imparted on the swing to move the swing.

Abstract: A first embodiment of carousel device provides a bouncer which cannot be tipped over accidentally. Further, a oscillating circuit enables a battery-operated motor to gently oscillate the bouncer through an 80° arc. A pair of retractable rockers are provided on the bottom of the stationary base to afford the baby additional motion while bouncing. A second embodiment provides a straddlable vehicle which a youngster can peddle, a sound circuit being activated by the pedaling as inducement to continue exercising.

Abstract: A particulate matter propulsion apparatus (10) for propelling confetti (94) or similar from a greeting card (12). The propulsion device includes a particulate matter receptacle (14) attached to a supporting means (16), the supporting means (16) being store energy such that when the card (12) is opened the particulate matter (94) is propelled from the card (12).

Abstract: An ice rink defines a predetermined shape and includes a source of black and/or white light for illuminating the surface of the rink. In one form, the rink includes a plurality of rectangular synthetic panels and a plurality of adjusting elements for forcing the panels tightly together and for compensating for changes in temperature. The panels also include a plurality of grooves and a plurality of metal splines which are dimensioned to fit into the grooves of adjacent panels to provide a smooth skating surface.

Abstract: A water recreational apparatus, such as a portable spa, hot tub, above ground pool, a recirculating bath tub has a water recirculation system wherein water from the basin of the apparatus is recycled through a pump in water jets disposed in the side walls of the basin. At least one water input valve for controlling the flow of water into one or more of the water jets is controllable by a remote controllable motor. A control panel for controlling the remote controllable motor is disposed proximate to at least one of the seat locations within the water basin.

Abstract: A suspension swing including a seat and a recline mechanism is disclosed. The angle of inclination of the seat can be adjusted using the recline mechanism. In one embodiment, the recline mechanism includes a movable member that is coupled to the seat for movement relative thereto.