Abstract: A collaborative play toy generally includes a plurality of satellite assemblies capable of a first movement and a second movement, and a center assembly coupled to the plurality of satellite assemblies. The center assembly is configured to move in response to the first movement of a first satellite assembly and to create a second movement in a second satellite assembly.

Abstract: A collaborative play toy generally includes a plurality of satellite assemblies capable of a first movement and a second movement, and a center assembly coupled to the plurality of satellite assemblies. The center assembly is configured to move in response to the first movement of a first satellite assembly and to create a second movement in a second satellite assembly.

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 playground apparatus (10) for children to slide across while hanging by their hands is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support structure (12, 16, and 20) holding multiple rails (18), preferably five, horizontally above the ground and above the heads of the children. The rails are generally parallel one to another and include gentle curves along their length. Handhold assemblies (22) are slidably coupled to each of the rails and include two grips (40) on each assembly for users' hands. The grips are disposed below the rails and the handhold assemblies include partitions (46) between the rails and the grips to protect the children's hands from the rails. The handhold assemblies include channels (44) in which the rails are received and allowed to slide. The channels are wider in their middle portions than at their ends to accommodate the curves in the rails.

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 (22) having a first end (24) and a second end (26) is also included. The 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 (30).

Abstract: Disclosed is an expansible fastening device (10) for placement in a hole preformed in a base member for use in attaching a component part to the base using a conventional nut (24) and bolt (26). The fastening device includes a fastener body (12) having two body sections (28a, and 28b). The body sections when positioned together form a central cavity (30) within the fastener body which encloses and retains the nut and a wedge (14). Each longitudinal section includes a fin (16) which extends longitudinally and projects radially outward from the central region of each body section. Further, each body section includes primary and secondary teeth (18 and 20) which extend circumferentially about the outer surface of the sections. In operation the bolt is engaged with the nut and rotated, pushing the wedge from the fastening device. As the wedge is driven away from the nut, the teeth and fins are driven into the base member.