Abstract: This amusement device includes a suspended flexible track attached to a support at one end, and a motor driven device slidingly mounted to the track in guided relation. A control system is provided which includes a pair of elongate clutch elements wrapped around the motor shaft in opposite directions, the elements being operatively connected to the support at one end and to a control bar at the other end which is manipulated to provide speed and direction control. The track system includes dual, lengthwise extending track elements connected to the support to permit rotational movement of the track and the motor driven unit in a plane transverse to the direction of travel. A flywheel is mounted to the motor shaft by means of a resilient connection to provide the device with controlled gyroscopic action.

Abstract: This method of covering a joint of two rope ends includes use of a joint cover constructed of plastic tubing, included heat shrinkable plastic tubing, with methods to form a conical wedge shaped cover. The joint cover functions to help provide a smooth movement of the joint around obstacles. Also included is the use of "selected area shrinkage.

Abstract: An amusement device having a housing which supports a rotatable member, such as a shaft. A power unit is supported by the housing for rotating the shaft. Track means is provided which includes one or more elongated, flexible track elements for selective frictional engagement with the shaft. Each track element comprises a cord which is wrapped about the shaft such that its opposite ends project in opposite directions therefrom. When tension is applied to the opposite ends of the cord, the cord will frictionally engage the shaft in clutching relation which tends to cause the housing to move in a direction which depends upon the direction of wrap of the cord on the shaft. When two cords are used, they are wrapped in reverse direction on the shaft so as to enable movement of the housing back and forth along the cords. The direction of movement along the cords will depend upon the direction of wrap of the cord having the greatest tension applied thereto.