Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: A system of interactive game play is provided wherein the gaming is carried out within a pool, water park or water attraction. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as waterproof wands, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find and use identified objects, clues or other information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting participants' advancement in the game. Each play participant may possess a unique RFID wand, band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.

Abstract: A method of competitive game play is provided utilizing a plurality of balls or other discrete play media. Balls may be tagged or otherwise identified with a differentiating color, size, weight, printed code or other identification/tracking means, as desired. The game is configured such that individual play participants or groups of play participants (e.g., boys vs. girls) can effectively compete with other players or groups of players within the same game based on interactions with various game inputs distributed throughout the game system. The game inputs advantageously enable players to selectively control or direct ball movement and/or other play media movement to various desired collection areas, scoring areas, targets and/or the like. Play participants competitively play and interact with the gaming system and/or with one another to achieve desired goals and/or produce desired effects.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a toy “wand” from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use the wand and/or complete one or more special effects, adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel.

Abstract: An interactive water attraction and system of game play is provided wherein the gaming is carried out within a pool, water park or water attraction. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game experience. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information and to use the objects, clues or information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game. Each play participant possesses a unique RFID band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.

Abstract: An improved water play structure, which integrates a single water supply network of conduit with a central support infrastructure, is provided. In one embodiment, a plurality of central pedestals are interconnected to water supply legs in a staircase manner in order to deliver a single water supply to a plurality of interactive water play elements. The size of the water play structure can be increased to accommodate additional play participants by adding decks to the structure. Interactive play modules consisting of water play elements and interactive play apparatuses can be easily interchanged, which facilitates servicing, simplifies design and manufacturing, and adds variety to a play participant's recreational experience. In addition, multiple water play structures can be interconnected to each other without the need for establishing separate water supply line connections.

Abstract: An interactive water attraction and system of game play is provided wherein the gaming is carried out within a pool, water park or water attraction. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game experience. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information and to use the objects, clues or information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game. Each play participant possesses a unique REID band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.

Abstract: An improved water play structure, which integrates a single water supply network of conduit with a central support infrastructure, is provided. In one embodiment, a plurality of central pedestals are interconnected to water supply legs in a staircase manner in order to deliver a single water supply to a plurality of interactive water play elements. The size of the water play structure can be increased to accommodate additional play participants by adding decks to the structure. Interactive play modules consisting of water play elements and interactive play apparatuses can be easily interchanged, which facilitates servicing, simplifies design and manufacturing, and adds variety to a play participant's recreational experience. In addition, multiple water play structures can be interconnected to each other without the need for establishing separate water supply line connections.

Abstract: A gaming system and method of game play is provided wherein the gaming is earned out within a themed physical play space comprising an existing or specially configured entertainment facility or play structure. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as colored balls, shaped objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game experience. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information and to use the objects, clues or information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game.

Abstract: An interactive soft-play structure and redemption game is provided. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game experience. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information and to use the objects, clues or information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game. Each play participant possesses a unique RFID band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.

Abstract: An improved water play structure, which integrates a single water supply network of conduit with a central support infrastructure, is provided. In one embodiment, a plurality of central pedestals are interconnected to water supply legs in a staircase manner in order to deliver a single water supply to a plurality of interactive water play elements. The size of the water play structure can be increased to accommodate additional play participants by adding decks to the structure. Interactive play modules consisting of water play elements and interactive play apparatuses can be easily interchanged, which facilitates servicing, simplifies design and manufacturing, and adds variety to a play participant's recreational experience. In addition, multiple water play structures can be interconnected to each other without the need for establishing separate water supply line connections.

Abstract: There is disclosed a wave pool consisting of a pool with a wave generator at the deep end, which creates waves that advance toward the shallow end. One or more interactive waterplay elements, such as water guns, pourspouts, or playsinks, are provided near the pool. Pool guests can operate these waterplay elements to selectively direct water or other play media at other guests, or into the pool itself.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: A multi-level play structure is provided for entertaining play participants. The play structure comprises multiple play levels at various elevations, including an upper play level, a lower play level, and one or more intermediate play levels. Multiple gravity induced rides and climbing structures connect two or more of the play levels. At least one of the intermediate play levels is connected to two or more other play levels by at least one gravity induced ride and at least one climbing structure, thereby allowing play participants to choose between two or more different paths to other play levels upon reaching the intermediate play level.

Abstract: A competition water slide play apparatus is provided having a pair of water slide riding surfaces that are essentially mirror images of each other. These riding surfaces pass through a competition zone wherein the riding surfaces are substantially parallel to each other and first and second competition platforms are positioned adjacent the riding surfaces. Control stations are disposed on each of the competition platforms. Each control station corresponds to an aiding or a hindering play effect whereby a non-riding play participant can aid or hinder the travel of riding participants through the competition zone. The control stations on a first competition platform control aiding play effects in a first riding surface and hindering effects in a second riding surface. Similarly, the control stations on a second competition platform control aiding effects in the second ride surface and hindering effects in the first ride surface.

Abstract: A participatory water slide play apparatus is disclosed upon which a ride participant can slide from an upper portion to a lower portion. Sensor/actuator devices are positioned on or adjacent the slide at locations intermediate the upper and lower portions thereof and are linked to associated play elements, such as water forming elements, noise making devices, scoring devices, and the like. While traveling down the slide, the ride participant is able to actuate one or more of the sensor/actuator devices to trigger one or more associated play elements and/or effects. Thus, aside from the enjoyment of the ride itself, ride participants can bring about desired effects and/or actively participate or interact with other ride participants located on or around the slide play structure in a fun and exciting manner.

Abstract: An interactive play system and method of interactive play is provided in which a plurality of interactive play elements are provided for creating various desired effects utilizing soft foam balls or other suitable play media. The interactive play system comprises a multi-level support structure on which the interactive play elements are disposed. These allow play participants to create desired play effects using a fun and familiar play media. Some of the play elements may be multi-order play elements in that they receive play media from a first effect to create yet another effect. Various play-participant-operated conveyers are provided throughout the structure for transporting play media from a source to the various interactive play elements.

Abstract: A projectile launcher is provided for propelling impact-safe foam projectiles. The projectile launcher includes a launch tube sized and configured to accommodate insertion of an impact-safe projectile with substantially little or no friction between the launch tube inner wall and the projectile. A nozzle is disposed adjacent one end of the launch tube. The nozzle is adapted to receive a flow of compressed air from a source and to discharge a stream of high-velocity air which impinges upon the projectile disposed within the launch tube. A play-participant-actuated valve is interposed between the nozzle and the source of compressed air to control the flow of air to the nozzle. The valve is adapted, when actuated, to place the nozzle in communication with the source of compressed air. Upon actuation of the valve the nozzle discharges a stream of high-velocity air which transfers momentum to the projectile, propelling it down the launch tube and into the air or at a selected target.

Abstract: An interactive play system and structure is provided in which a plurality of interactive play elements are provided for creating various desired effects utilizing soft foam balls or other suitable “dry” play media. In one embodiment the interactive play system comprises a multi-level support structure on which the interactive play elements are disposed. These allow play participants to create desired play effects using a fun and familiar dry play media. Some of the play elements may be multi-order play elements in that they receive play media from a first effect to create yet another effect. Various automated and/or play-participant-operated conveyers and play media collection and return mechanisms are provided throughout the structure for collecting and transporting play media from a source, such as a collection basin, to the various interactive play elements.

Abstract: A method of interactive play is provided for facilitating team-oriented or group interactive play to achieve a common desired effect. The method of play takes advantage of a number of play elements disposed at various locations and elevations throughout a play structure. Each play element is activated or operated by one or more play participants to complete one of several necessary steps in a chain of triggering events resulting in energy being transferred from one play element to the next. The overall completion of the chain of events results in a common desired result or effect, such as a domino-like cascade of various mechanisms, balls, water and/or the like. Play participants achieve the final goal through a collective team effort requiring the coordinated completion of several smaller objectives comprising each necessary step in the chain of triggering events.