Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating enhanced articulation in a roller coaster car. The apparatus and method involve a single seat roller coaster car that has only back track wheel assemblies secured to its chassis. The front end of the chassis has a coupling arm fixedly secured at one arm end. The other arm end includes a rod end that is received within the chassis of a lead car, or another roller coaster car. This lead car, or this other roller “secondary” coaster car, has a receiver to which the rod end from the coupling arm of the roller coaster car is attached. This coupling configuration, in combination with the omission of any front track wheel assemblies on the roller coaster car, allows the roller coaster car to articulate through a solid angle in 360° in an x-y plane. The rod end/receiver coupling is located underneath the seat of either the lead car or another secondary roller coaster car, thereby forming a “coupling compartment”.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating enhanced articulation in a roller coaster car. The apparatus and method involve a single seat roller coaster car that has only back track wheel assemblies secured to its chassis. The front end of the chassis has a coupling arm fixedly secured at one arm end. The other arm end includes a rod end that is received within the chassis of a lead car, or another roller coaster car. This lead car, or this other roller “secondary” coaster car, has a receiver to which the rod end from the coupling arm of the roller coaster car is attached. This coupling configuration, in combination with the omission of any front track wheel assemblies on the roller coaster car, allows the roller coaster car to articulate through a solid angle in 360° in an x-y plane. The rod end/receiver coupling is located underneath the seat of either the lead car or another secondary roller coaster car, thereby forming a “coupling compartment”.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a releasable lockable lap bar assembly that optimizes the resistance against lap bar axle and lap bar connecting arm slippage. The invention involves the use of a plurality of splines on the end of the lap bar axle that is coupled within a stop sleeve in the distal end of the lap bar connecting arm. The stop sleeve also includes a plurality of splines aligned with an axis of the sleeve. The plurality of splines on the lap bar axle are aligned with a lap bar axis. When the splined end of the axle is inserted into the stop sleeve, the respective plurality of splines interdigitate to form a tight engagement of the lap bar axle and the connecting arm. Bolts in apertures of the stop sleeve can also be used to further prevent the lap bar axle from backing out of the sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a releasable lockable lap bar assembly that optimizes the resistance against lap bar axle and lap bar connecting arm slippage. The invention involves the use of a plurality of splines on the end of the lap bar axle that is coupled within a stop sleeve in the distal end of the lap bar connecting arm. The stop sleeve also includes a plurality of splines aligned with an axis of the sleeve. The plurality of splines on the lap bar axle are aligned with a lap bar axis. When the splined end of the axle is inserted into the stop sleeve, the respective plurality of splines interdigitate to form a tight engagement of the lap bar axle and the connecting arm. Bolts in apertures of the stop sleeve can also be used to further prevent the lap bar axle from backing out of the sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assisting the transfer of a physically-disabled person into or out of an amusement ride. The apparatus and method involve a base portion having an elevated seat and an associated extension. The base portion is mobile and can be positioned adjacent the amusement ride. The extension is then positioned within the amusement ride to provide a smooth platform that permits the passenger to slide from the elevated seat, down the extension and into an open seat in the amusement ride. The process is reversed to permit the passenger egress from the amusement ride. The base portion also includes at least one wheel assembly and feet upon which the base portion rests during use. When it is necessary to move the base portion, it is simply tilted onto the wheel assembly off of the feet for quick and easy transport. The elevated seat and extension are covered with a comfortable material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating enhanced articulation in a roller coaster car. The apparatus and method involve a single seat roller coaster car that has only back track wheel assemblies secured to its chassis. The front end of the chassis has a coupling arm fixedly secured at one arm end. The other arm end includes a rod end that is received within the chassis of a lead car, or another roller coaster car. This lead car, or this other roller “secondary” coaster car, has a receiver to which the rod end from the coupling arm of the roller coaster car is attached. This coupling configuration, in combination with the omission of any front track wheel assemblies on the roller coaster car, allows the roller coaster car to articulate through a solid angle in 360° in an x-y plane. The rod end/receiver coupling is located underneath the seat of either the lead car or another secondary roller coaster car, thereby forming a “coupling compartment”.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assisting the transfer of a physically-disabled person into or out of an amusement ride. The apparatus and method involve a base portion having an elevated seat and an associated extension. The base portion is mobile and can be positioned adjacent the amusement ride. The extension is then positioned within the amusement ride to provide a smooth platform that permits the passenger to slide from the elevated seat, down the extension and into an open seat in the amusement ride. The process is reversed to permit the passenger egress from the amusement ride. The base portion also includes at least one wheel assembly and feet upon which the base portion rests during use. When it is necessary to move the base portion, it is simply tilted onto the wheel assembly off of the feet for quick and easy transport. The elevated seat and extension are covered with a comfortable material.