Abstract: A plurality of individual toys, at least a first one of which generates acoustic signals and at least a second one of which receives acoustic signals. When the second toy receives acoustic signals from the first toy, it responds, for example, by generating a sound and/or controlling its motion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the toys flock and/or form a procession of toys which follow a leader toy, for example a mother goose and a plurality of following and preferably quacking goslings.

Abstract: A method of forming a substrate for a sports surface of a sports pitch includes the steps of: a) Agglomerating plastics materials; b) Granulating the agglomerated plastics materials to form granules having a predetermined range of sizes; c) In situ coating the granules with a binding material so that they form a fluent material; d) Forming a layer of the fluent material on the site of the sports pitch; and e) Setting the laid material such that the granules adhere where they contact each other to form a voided water permeable structure.

Abstract: A motion simulation system includes actuators having a planetary gearbox engaged with and driven by a servomotor engaged with a crank. A connector rod has a proximal end engaged with the crank of each actuator, and a distal end engaged with a top plate configured to attach to a platform assembly. A control system is operable with each electric servo motor of each actuator for delivering control for providing a simulated motion to the top plate. Control data is sent to the servomotors using a msec data send and receive rate, with internal processing within the nano-second range. Such update rates coupled with a real time, dynamically responsive motion controller results in a desirably smooth and accurate simulator motion. The control system includes a washout filter for transforming input forces and rotational movements. One to six degrees of freedom systems having smooth performance with high payload capability are provided.

Abstract: An improved inverted motion base with left, right, and rear supports, a carriage to travel along a length of the rear support. The inverted motion base includes a first cable connected to the carriage and wound about a first drum to raise and lower the carriage, and left and right load carrying arms, each connected to a respective left and right ends of a transverse support member. The inverted motion base further includes a second cable connected to the right load carrying arm to raise and lower the right load carrying arm, and a third cable connected to the left load carrying arm to raise and lower the second end of the left load carrying arm. One or more rows of seats are positioned between and suspended from the right and left load carrying arms, each row of seats being parallel to the other row of seats.

Abstract: The present Invention provides a surfing device comprising at least one energy projecting means and at least one energy projecting structure for supporting and positioning the energy projecting means. The energy projecting structure positions the energy projecting means at one or more energy projecting positions. Energy is projected from the energy projecting means from positions to enable a person to surf at least partially solely via the projected energy. The present invention also provides a surface for a surfing device, either the device of the present Invention or another surfing device. The surface, is designed for a person to surf on either via the projected energy of the surfing device of the present Invention or by at least partially direct contact with the surface via fluid projected out of, over or upon it. The surface has an Impact absorption material.

Abstract: A suspended play structure includes a floor, a sidewall, and a roof that defines an inner space. The structure includes top and bottom ring structures that provide additional support to the play structure. The play structure can be suspended from a tree, a stand, a ceiling, or similar structure. The structure is collapsible for easy storage and can also include a removable cushion that can fit within an internal pocket. The structure can also include a removable string of LED lights within the inner space.

Abstract: A toy has one or more LED light sources positioned on the toy so the light source illuminates beyond the toy. A toy to be worn on the human finger comprises a body includes an anchoring portion for receiving or locating a finger or fingers. A finger puppet toy permits for at least one of a reading tool and a light source or an enhancement of other toys or writings. A LED or other light source is operated on the toy to interact with photo-luminescent ink and other inks. A photo-luminescent ink and other inks are pre-printed or included in a decoration on the surface of another item such as a book or other toy. The toy is a reading tool or a light source or an enhancement of other toys or writings. The LED light sources include a black light and may include other LED lights of other colors. The lights are connected to a circuit board and an integrated power source, which are connected to a switch encased on the toy.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a powered children's swing. In various embodiments, the swing includes a seat, swing frame, one or more swing arms, a first magnetic component, second magnetic component, swing motion sensor, and swing control circuit. The magnetic components are configured to generate a magnetic force that drives the seat along a swing path. The swing control circuit is configured to control the magnetic components based at least on input from the swing motion sensor and generate control signals causing the seat to swing with substantially constant amplitude as specified by a user.

Abstract: A cable driven elevator system having an elevator platform with an integral motion system is provided using one or multiple actuators. Each actuator includes a support plate attached to the elevator platform, a planetary gearbox engaged with and driven by an electric servo motor, and a drive shaft driven by the servo motor and engaged with a one crank. Connecting rods are connected between the crank and a frame. The frame supports a passenger platform. A control system is operable with each electric servo motor of each actuator for providing a simulated motion to the passenger platform including a heaving (vertical) motion such that the vertical downward acceleration experienced by persons riding the elevator exceeds 1 g, by way of example. The motion system is also capable of directly imparting vibrations to the elevator platform of up to at least 100 Hz without additional vibration generating equipment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a playground assembly includes a beam having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis that extends between the first end and the second end such that the beam is elongate along the longitudinal axis. The beam defines a length measured between the first end and the second end along the longitudinal axis, and a width measured in a direction perpendicular to the length, wherein the length is at least five times greater than the width and the beam is at a height above a ground level. The playground assembly also includes at least one flexible strip extending between the beam and the ground level.

Abstract: The set of construction panels is a set of toy building panels including two basic types of construction panels. The first type of construction panel includes a first planar member having at least one side edge and at least one first engaging member protruding from the at least one side edge thereof. A plurality of first apertures are formed through the first planar member, such that the plurality of first apertures are arrayed as a regular rectangular grid. The second type of construction panel includes an elongated planar member having at least one side edge and at least one second engaging member protruding from the at least one side edge thereof. A linear row of second apertures are formed through the elongated planar member. The construction panels may be releasably connected together by releasable insertion of the engaging members of one panel into the apertures of another panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a rider comprising a vehicle adapted to support the rider wherein vehicle has a driven portion disposed along a bottom surface thereof and a track having a path sized to slidably receive the vehicle therein and a plurality of water jets disposed along the track along a path of travel of the driven portion. Each of the plurality of water jets is adapted to sequentially discharge a portion of water in a desired direction of travel of the vehicle therethrough when aligned with the driven portion such that the portion of water engages the driven portion.

Abstract: Rotating inclusive play devices are provided. In certain embodiments, a rotating play device includes a stationary base, a rotatable portion, and a speed limiting device that connects the stationary base to the rotatable portion. The speed limiting device illustratively limits a rotational speed of the rotatable portion relative to the stationary base. The rotatable portion may have an elevated outer perimeter that includes recessed and raised portions. The speed limiting device may include a cranking mechanism and/or a piston mechanism.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a repositioning mechanism adapted for use with a swing and configured to permit a child support to be secured a forward-facing position and one or more side-facing positions. In particular, the repositioning mechanism is configured to maintain the child support's center of gravity in the same lateral position in both the forward-facing and side-facing positions, as well as to effect longitudinal movement ensuring the child support remains longitudinally proximate to its point or points of support, such as a point of rotation.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing customer interest in articles of manufacture, including hand-held portable canopies, such as umbrellas and parasols. A set of actuating components are coupled to moveable elements of the article of manufacture, the moveable elements respond to operation of an user-controlled actuating mechanism.

Abstract: A trapdoor mechanism and method of providing a trapdoor mechanism for initiating descent into a slide ride is disclosed. Aspects of invention are directed to an trapdoor mechanism utilizes a folding and unfolding support structure so that the folding of the trap door provides a platform to stand on and the unfolding provides an opening into a slide. Embodiments of the trapdoor drop amusement mechanism utilize a downward and unfolding motion instead of rotary swing motion to remove the trap door from the ride path. A control device may be utilized to apply force to the trapdoor during its transit between the open position and closed position. This apparatus allows for less deck foot print area as no trap door swing thru or large shock absorber that is normally required to dissipate the large amount of energy stored in a heavy rotating trap.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymeric swords and sparring instruments having improved mechanical properties and methods of making such swords and sparring instruments. In one embodiment, a polyurethane sword comprises a handle portion and a blade portion. In this embodiment, the polyurethane sword also comprises a flexible support member having a handle support portion and a blade support portion. In this embodiment, the polyurethane sword also comprises a polyurethane outer layer configured to encase the flexible support member from the handle support portion to the blade support portion. The handle portion comprises the handle support portion and the polyurethane outer layer encasing the handle support portion. Moreover, the blade portion comprises the blade support portion and the polyurethane outer layer encasing the blade support portion. In addition, the polyurethane outer layer may be composed of a machine perfused polyurethane mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attraction (100) for amusement rides, such as a fairground attraction or an amusement park attraction. The attraction comprises two towers (101), each provided with a drivable arm (102) which is mounted rotatably on the tower. The attraction is provided with a number of gondolas (104), each with a number of seats (105), wherein each gondola is connected to the arms. According to the invention the attraction comprises at least one carrier arm (103) which extends between the arms (102) and each gondola (104) is connected to the carrier arm for rotation about at least one rotation axis (R1, R2) extending substantially transversely of the carrier arm.

Abstract: A play set with a mist device includes a mist frame unit supported through a framework of the play set. The mist frame unit has a hollow body and a flexible hose member mounted onto the framework, wherein a portion of the flexible hose member is constructed into a hose ring encircling a slide unit; a water inlet provided at a first end of the mist frame unit for connecting to a water source; and a plurality of mist producing units provided along the mist frame unit arranged for producing mist such that a preset mist surrounding area is defined within which the play set is located, therefore the mist can reach all play units of the play set, including the slide unit through the hose ring at an angle which is greater than 270°, thereby providing a cooling effect to the mist surrounding area.

Abstract: A versatile frame assembly includes a lower frame assembly and an upper frame assembly. The lower frame assembly includes a base assembly having primary rails and cross rails that are coupled together, an intermediate assembly having primary rails and cross rails that are coupled together and lower support risers coupled between the base assembly primary rails and the intermediate assembly primary rails. The upper frame assembly includes the intermediate frame assembly, an upper assembly having primary rails and cross rails that are coupled together and upper support risers coupled between the intermediate assembly primary rails and the upper assembly primary rails. A platform assembly including a launch platform, a landing platform and a safety pit positioned therebetween is disposed generally within the lower frame assembly. At least one obstacle assembly is disposed generally within the upper frame assembly over the safety pit.