Abstract: A braking system for slideway guided amusement vehicles providing both manual and automatic braking for the slideway guided amusement vehicles is provided. The braking system includes at least one brake handle, a first shaft fixed to the at least one brake handle, a first gear concentrically positioned on and free to spin independently of the first shaft, an actuator fixed to the first shaft for providing a linear motion to a stop pin, an inlet opening on the first gear for receiving the stop pin, a second gear coupled to the first gear, concentrically fixed on a second shaft for mounting spinnably and extending horizontally to a chassis of a vehicle, at least one friction member attached to the second shaft, a tensioning means, and a control unit adapted to remove the stop pin from the inlet opening via the actuator.

Abstract: A building system comprising a combination of precast or prefabricated structural elements to serve as skate parks, swimming pools, or community gathering places; and to provide refuge such as tornado shelters. Precast or pre-manufactured modular cells have an open bottom, a first and second side wall, a rear wall, and a functional top surface. The functional top surfaces of the modules include an inclined or curved surface. When combined, the top surfaces form useful areas such as a skate park, swimming pool, or amphitheater seating. Sleeves, keys, and other features facilitate the assembly of the modules. A cast slab may be poured after assembly; or the modules may be secured to a slab. Example modules include a Flat Ramp Block, a Circular Ramp Block, and a Circular Bowl Block, a stair block, and a ledge block.

Abstract: A method of operating a ride system to provide passengers a flying roller coaster experience. The ride system includes a train of vehicles, with each of the vehicles including seat assemblies that have a seat and seat back for receiving a passenger. The vehicles are supported by the track to roll along the track, and the ride path is adapted for gravity-based movement of the train of vehicles in at least portions of the ride path. The track includes a vertical segment, and the ride system includes a station including a platform assembly with horizontal platforms vertically spaced-apart to provide multi-level loading. The train is positioned on the vertical segment with each of the vehicles proximate to an end of one of the horizontal platforms. The seat backs are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the track to provide vertical loading and, then, vertical launching from the station.

Abstract: A ride system for giving passengers a flying roller coaster experience. The ride system includes a train of vehicles, with each of the vehicles including seat assemblies that each has a seat and seat back for receiving a passenger. The vehicles are supported by the track to roll along a length of the track, and the ride path is adapted for gravity-based movement of the train of vehicles in at least portions of the ride path. The track includes a vertical segment, and the ride system includes a station including a platform assembly with horizontal platforms vertically spaced-apart to provide multi-level loading. The train is positioned on the vertical segment with each of the vehicles proximate to an end of one of the horizontal platforms. The seat backs are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the track to provide vertical loading and, then, vertical launching from the station.

Abstract: A track set configured to be mounted to a wall by a plurality of wall mounts, the track set having: a tower: a first upper track section configured to receive toy vehicles from a top portion of the tower; a second lower track section, wherein the first upper track section is angularly positioned such that toy vehicles traveling along the first track section move towards a second lower track section, wherein the second lower track section is configured to direct the toy vehicles towards a bottom portion of a tower; a corkscrew rotationally secured to the tower; and a motor coupled to the corkscrew, wherein operation of the motor causes the corkscrew to rotate, wherein rotation of the corkscrew causes the toy vehicles to move from the bottom portion of the tower to the top portion of the tower.

Abstract: A ride system for giving passengers a flying roller coaster experience. The ride system includes a train of vehicles, with each of the vehicles including seat assemblies that each has a seat and seat back for receiving a passenger. The vehicles are supported by the track to roll along a length of the track, and the ride path is adapted for gravity-based movement of the train of vehicles in at least portions of the ride path. The track includes a vertical segment, and the ride system includes a station including a platform assembly with horizontal platforms vertically spaced-apart to provide multi-level loading. The train is positioned on the vertical segment with each of the vehicles proximate to an end of one of the horizontal platforms. The seat backs are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the track to provide vertical loading and, then, vertical launching from the station.

Abstract: A track set and a plurality of wall mounts is disclosed herein, each of the plurality of wall mounts having: a planar member; a mount member configured to be snap fittingly engaged into the planar member; wherein the mount member is configured to releasably engage a front surface of the planar member and wherein the front surface of planar member further comprises a ledge portion that is configured to engage a bottom portion of the mount member and a1 feature that is configured to engage an upper portion of the mount member. The track set having a first track segment configured to engage at least one of the plurality of wall mounts and direct an object in a first direction generally down the first track segment; and a U-turn device configured to receive the object from the first track segment and redirect the object it in a direction substantially opposite to the first direction down a second track segment.

Abstract: A hybrid motion ride and ride simulator vehicle is realized as an encapsulating and reusable simulation technology roller coaster car that visually encapsulates passengers of the car from the surrounding environment to the car during the normal operation of a roller coaster ride such that only interior components of the car are within the field of vision of passengers. Simultaneously, the roller coaster car's internal simulation technology uses a computer network system to produce video and audio outputs to passengers of the vehicle for presenting an internal simulated ride theme adventure environment, of system variability and reusability, to compliment the car's roller coaster ride motions. Embodiments of the current invention present varying car designs with integrated encapsulating and reusable ride simulator components that each meets the requirements of encapsulating and reusable simulation technology roller coaster car design of the current invention.

Abstract: A vehicle track including a soft porous material and a vehicle which rides on the track by skiing cm the soft porous material. The vehicle has a large ski surface that rides on the soft porous material, supporting the weight of the vehicle at high speeds. Air within the soft porous material supplies most of the lift needed to support the train, Only a small amount of the support is provided by the structure of the porous material itself when the vehicle is in motion. As a result, the friction between the soft porous material and the ski surface may also be exceedingly small. To increase the amount of lift provided by the soft porous material it can be contained within a channel having impermeable sides and bottom. If the ski surface is substantially the same width as the channel, the impermeable sides prevent the air from escaping on either side of die ski surface. Accordingly, the trapped air contributes to greatly enhanced lift force.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a waterslide comprising at least one twisted flume segment, wherein the twisted flume segment defines a first open end and a second opposing open end rotated and translated with respect to the first open end. The present disclosure further provides a twisted waterslide flume segment and method for assembling the twisted waterslide flume segment. The twisted waterslide flume segment includes a plurality of adjacently disposed twisted flume sections, the twisted flume sections defining a first open end and a second opposing open end rotated and translated with respect to the first open end.

Abstract: A waterslide bowl has a fixed rider path from entrance to exit. The bowl comprises a trough which is made of a plurality of sets of trough sections, attached together, in which the trough sections of a given set are the same and nest together side-by-side, permitting the rider surface of the bowl to be made from trough sections having a small number of different shapes. This reduces the number of molds that would otherwise be required to make the trough sections. The waterslide bowl may also have two or more separate troughs, nested together, whereby the bowl may be ridden in by multiple riders at the same time, each in his or her own trough.

Abstract: A waterslide amusement ride having in a portion thereof, a linear induction motor to efficiently and effectively affect the motion of a vehicle sliding on the ride. The linear induction motor comprises linear induction motor units embedded below a sliding surface, and a reaction plate mounted to the bottom of the vehicle. Depending on the configuration of the linear induction motor units and the reaction plate, the linear induction motor drive can be used to accelerate the vehicle, decelerate the vehicle, maintain the speed of the vehicle up an uphill section, or rotate the vehicle.

Abstract: A track and vehicle assembly for amusement park ride. The assembly includes a track with an arcuate contact surface and banked corners. A levitation circuit is placed along a length of the track with passive electric coils. The assembly includes a vehicle with a body for receiving passengers. The vehicle body includes a bottom surface that is adjacent to the contact surface of the track when the vehicle is positioned on the track. To utilize passive magnetic levitation, the vehicle includes arrays of permanent magnets positioned proximate to the bottom surface of the body. The magnet arrays are arranged, such as Halbach arrays, to produce a substantially one-sided magnetic flux distribution directed outward from the vehicle body. The vehicle is levitated above the track contact surface and allowed to move side-to-side by interaction of the permanent magnets and the coils when the vehicle travels above a minimum velocity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cost-effective rail system which can be driven upon by a board. Since the rail system can be easily assembled and disassembled again, the path can be very easily varied. The rail system is disposed in a sloping manner for this purpose. This can be done by constructing the rail system on a mountain slope, for example. By way of a specially designed board for this purpose, a so-called riding board on which a person can stand, the person can then ride down the slope. The riding board comprises a braking system.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is provided which allows the track to be bent without creasing. The track is provided with a plurality of rails and side ribs which strengthen the track against deformation even when the track is provided with loops for play or coiled for transport. Stiffener bars are releasably secured to the track to form and support loops. A connector pad and suction cup are provided to allow releasable securement of the track or window or similar flat surface.

Abstract: A vehicle for use in an amusement park ride to provide a flying corners effect. The vehicle includes a body and a guide slot or groove on the body. The guide slot is shaped for receiving and at least partially capturing or enclosing the track. The guide slot is defined in part by opposing first and second sidewalls that extend along a portion of the body. The guide slot is larger in width than the track such that the vehicle is able to move transversely or side-to-side a predefined distance such as in banked curves. Guides are provided on the sidewalls of the slot. The guides may be spaced apart from the edges when the vehicle is centered on the track and provide guidance after an amount of unrestrained lateral or transverse travel. Arms extend outward from the body to capture the track and prevent the vehicle from tipping.

Abstract: An amusement ride system and method are described. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may be generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be more involved in a water attraction. An amusement ride system may include system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water. The system may include one or more fluid jets. The fluid jets may function to produce a fluid stream having a predetermined velocity which is selectively greater, less than, or the same as a velocity of a participant at each of the fluid jet locations and are oriented tangentially with respect to the surface of the source of water so as to contact a participant and/or participant vehicle. An amusement ride system may include a system for controlling a participant flow rate through a multi path water amusement ride system.

Abstract: A water amusement system is described which includes a number of different water park rides. The water amusement system may include a water fountain system. The water fountain system includes a roof configured to turn in response to directing a stream of water at the roof. The water amusement system may include a water carousel. The water carousel is a carousel which is configured to float on a body of water. The water amusement system may include a musical fountain system. The musical fountain system is configured to spray water, play music and/or provide visual effects. The water amusement system may include a water powered Ferris wheel. The water amusement system may include a water powered bumper vehicle system. The water powered bumper vehicle system is configured such that the vehicles are preferably propelled by streams of water produced by water nozzles arranged about the water bumper vehicle system. The water system may include a boat ride system.

Abstract: A rider slides down an inlet slide to a low entrance opening of a separate exit slide. The exit slide has an inclined portion along which the rider decelerates from the entrance as he or she moves upward, followed by downward travel along a predetermined path of the separate exit slide from a high elevation, past the entrance, to a low elevation.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved water flume ride having one or more slide effects for presenting multiple random flume paths to riders. In one embodiment, a water flume comprises a primary flume portion, an uphill embankment culminating in a crest, and two or more adjoining secondary flume portions. The secondary flume portions provide mutually exclusive ride paths which are selected according to the particular kinetic energy and/or momentum possessed by a rider ascending toward the crest of the uphill embankment.

Abstract: A race track assembly that can be assembled from a flat folded configuration for use and disassembled to a flat folded configuration for storage. The race track assembly includes a plurality of track sections that can be positioned end-to-end to form a race track. Each track section consists of a main track and two sides that are foldable relative to the main track. A plurality of couplers are also included for coupling the track section together. The race track assembly also includes a plurality of cross braces positioned at spaced intervals along the length of the race track. Each of the cross braces is coupled to a track section in a manner to maintain the sides of the track section in a folded configuration. A plurality of risers are also included for supporting the race track in an inclined position. Each of the risers can be unfolded to a track supporting configuration and folded to a flat storage configuration.

Abstract: A downhill sliding course of sliding track for sliding objects and persons down a slope or a hill includes covering or cladding elements for covering the surface of the slope and a water source to moisten the elements with water. The sliding elements include pools located one below the other, wherein the pools are forming water filled micro-terraces (10). The micro-terraces (10) are formed by a sheet covering the slope in a water-tight manner and flexible ribs (2) are emerging from the sheet, furthermore each pool is bordered by the covering sheet (5) and the rib (2) and is closed by a flexible transverse sectioning rib joined to the covering sheet (5) and the flexible rib (2). With suitable accessories activities similar to skiing, sleighing and surfing can be performed on the sliding course. Accordingly, the invention includes also accessories that can be used to perform these activities. The invention provides individual appliances to implement the sliding course.

Abstract: A coaster having a first vertical segment connected to a parabolic segment that is connected to a second vertical segment. The carrier is raised up the first vertical segment by any means that is well known in the art. The carrier descends under the force of gravity and may either oscillate or be braked. Optionally, the track rolls about its longitudinal axis during the first vertical segment. The seats in the carrier are preferably in a tilted position so that when the carrier is vertical with the seats facing downward, the participants actually tilt forward past vertical.

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 play set for use with unpowered (e.g. {fraction (1/64)} scale) toy vehicles having non-steerable, free rotating wheels includes a closed loop track with a conveyor that raises such unpowered toy vehicles from a lower end to an upper, elevated end and a driven, tilting roadway that randomly directs toy vehicles from the upper level to either of two track branches. At least part of each track branch can be opened to release a toy vehicle from the track. A merge track section joins together a lower level end of each of the two track branches and leads to the lower end of the conveyor. The upper end of the conveyor and the tilting roadway are simultaneously supported by a single and driven by a single motor.

Abstract: A playstation includes a downhill slide and a water slide. The water slide includes a sliding surface and an entry end. The entry end of the water slide is configured to be positioned adjacent to the lower end of the downhill slide so that the sliding surface of the water slide and the sliding surface of the downhill slide form a continuous sliding surface. The water slide is adapted to hold a supply of water over substantially the entire sliding surface. Positioning a water supply over the entire sliding surface facilitates the water-sliding action as a child slides through the water slide. In one aspect of the invention, the water slide includes a drain that extends through the sliding surface of the slide. The drain permits easy replacement of unclean water with fresh water.

Abstract: Slide apparatus includes at least one trough and a switchback trough or a switchback connected to the trough. The switchback is oriented and configured for changing the direction of travel or a user or a passenger, such as a user seated in an inner tube, from a first direction into a second direction. Multiple troughs and switchback elements may be provided so as to maximize the length of time during which a user slides, yet without increasing water usage, energy requirements, and space requirements. A switchback element may be configured for reversing the direction of travel of the user from more than 0° to 180° or more. The switchback element may be configured for directing passengers in different directions along different paths, and yet, without a dividing wall therebetween, thanks to the configuration of the switchback elements.

Abstract: Passenger boats are mounted on an undercarriage assembly that includes rail-mounted centering wheels. The passenger boats are accelerated by linear induction drive motors mounted on a guide rail structure. Thrust is applied to the racing boats by magnetically conductive reaction plates that are attached to the undercarriage assembly and are movable through linear flux slots formed in the induction stators of the linear induction motors. The submerged guide track structure is arranged in various closed loop courses, including “Figure-Eight,” an hour-glass, serpentine and oval patterns, as well as parallel guide track structures that extend between a launch station and a return station. A dual “Figure-Eight” watercourse includes a simulated jump ramp and an underground tunnel arrangement. In the continuous loop guide structure, two or more boats are launched and separation is maintained by a safety block arrangement.

Abstract: An amusement ride comprises a wheeled, multiple-seat cart or vehicle that is adapted to descend an inclined track having an upwardly curved launching portion, in a manner to launch the vehicle temporarily airborne in a trajectory similar to that of a ski jumper. The descent angle and upwardly curved launching portion of the track are very similar to a ski jump track. The vehicle is rollingly tethered to a pair of guy wires positioned on either side of the track and at a level relative to the track launch area to permit the vehicle to be launched temporarily airborne and fall freely without interference or restriction by the tethers. As gravity causes the vehicle to free fall, the tethers become taut with the guy wires, catch the vehicle in free-fall, and glide the vehicle along a pre-determined descent down the guy wires toward twin laterally spaced poles or towers at the end of the ride, each pole or tower connected to a respective guy wire.

Abstract: A children's slide has an elongated trough supported in an inclined position. The trough includes side walls which not only help to guide children down the slide, but also define inclined raceways for toy cars or the like which children can race down the slide.

Abstract: A recreational apparatus has, on a trough-shaped runway, a car which is driven by an electric motor and which is supplied with electric power by way of a trolley from a contact wire. The front axle of the car is designed so as to be self-steering so that the car finds its way on the runway through an interaction of the speed-dependent centrifugal force and the gravitational force acting on said car due to the inclined position of the car.

Abstract: This invention concerns an inclined slide structure for placement onto an inclined surface or a set of stairs for amusement purposes. The inclined slide structure is comprised of a series of generally U-shaped intermediate inclined slide sections to be assembled in end-to-end relation, an uppermost U-shaped inclined slide section, a lowermost U-shaped inclined slide section, connectors for joining opposed ends of the U-shaped inclined slide sections in quick-connect and quick-disconnect end-to-end assembly together, a first U-shaped expandable connector section joining the uppermost U-shaped inclined slide section to an uppermost of the U-shaped intermediate inclined slide sections, and a second U-shaped expandable connector section joining the lowermost U-shaped inclined slide section to a lowermost of the U-shaped intermediate inclined slide sections.

Abstract: A water slide includes a water distributor depressed within the slide surface near the upper end of the slide and one or more sets of water outlets to spread a small volume of water evenly accross the slide surface between two integral side walls. Water is drawn from a pool into which the lower end of the water slide projects and is pumped onto the slide surface through the water outlets using a conventional, inexpensive water pump, hoses and fittings. The dark color of the slide surface absorbs heat from the sun which is then transferred to the small volume of water flowing down the pitched slide surface. A support means and an access means are mounted to the water slide. The lower end of the slide has a steeper pitch, allowing the slide to be supported in various positions. The speed of descent can therefore be adjusted to accommodate various user needs.

Abstract: The subject matter of the disclosure is an amusement ride system having one or more passenger-carrying cars adapted for movement on an air flotation, rotating platform arranged at an angle to the horizontal plane. The cars are brought to the top side of the angled platform and allowed to free fall under gravity to the lower side of the platform. As the cars so descend, they bump into other cars and railings so that they experience random movement and rotation. Another embodiment utilizes roller ball devices instead of air flotation for providing free wheeling, random motion to the cars.

Abstract: A spiral slide includes interconnected bedway sections each of which are hollow and include as an integral part of the section body a sleeve telescopically engaging a ground-support post. Fasteners interconnect the end-to-end bedway sections and are disposed on the interior of these sections and are accessible through capped openings. Fasteners may be formed as an integral part of the end wall. A fastener recess may be formed on the bottom side of the bedway section by the bottom wall converging upwardly towards the top wall to form a connecting flange with the fastener recess being between the flange and the bottom wall.

Abstract: A playground slide includes a hollow vertical column consisting of substantially identical hollow hubs which register with each other to define the column. The topmost and lowermost hubs are urged toward each other by a resilient device, anchored to a base. The device is typically a spring, running internally of the vertical column. This compresses the vertical column, ensures stiffness, and allows for expansion and contraction. A helical slideway encircles the column, consisting of slide segments that are fastened to each other and to the various hubs.

Abstract: An externally propelled load transporting apparatus that transports a uniformly distributed, non-uniformly distributed, or shifting load upon a cushion of air by first directing pressurized air into at least two plenum chambers and then through at least one flexible perforated sheet, wherein each plenum is substantially, independently pressurized.

Abstract: An amusement ride down a ramp containing two air suspension flumes and a return conveyor belt system. The ramp is in a climate controlled transparent housing. There is ducting in the ramp for air conditioning, compressed air, and other possible fluid needs along the ramp and at its top portion. The upper half of the housing may be transparent. The cars have a transparent canopy and enclose room enough for three passengers. The ramp has modular sections supported by stanchions the height of which are hydraulically adjustable by automatic sensing devices; possibly using laser light or other types of electrical sensing apparatuses.

Abstract: For coasting down in a non-rail, channel-shaped roller slide having straight and curved sections, a vehicle comprises a chassis with unsteered wheels, each front wheel being mounted on a supporting member. The axle of each front wheel is arranged with caster behind a pivoting support of the supporting member extending normally thereto. The pivoting movement of the front wheel is limited by coacting stops arranged on the chassis and on the supporting member.

Abstract: Intermediate regions are provided between straight and circular-arc slide sections having a curved sliding surface in cross-section, the intermediate regions being clothoid-shaped in top view. In an intermediate region, which starts with a quarter-elliptic cross-section of the sliding surface at the outer side of the curve corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the straight slide section, the ratio between the major and the minor axes of the ellipse continuously changes towards the other end so that individual trajectories depending on the velocity of the vehicle form in top view a sheaf of clothoids having the same initial point. The individual structural elements of the slide are flanged at their ends, one flange, each, of two structural elements being adjustable in various directions and supported by a strut.

Abstract: A recreational mountain slide is basically a double-rail track down which a wheeled cart rolls. The rails are channels of substantially rectangular cross-section laid such that each provides a top, a bottom, and an inside vertical face, each such face being substantially flat, continuous, and unobstructed throughout the length of the track. The rails are mounted on supports which are adjustable and readily removable, being attached to the rails solely along their outer vertical faces. The front wheels of the cart are steerable by the rider. Each wheel is of constant diameter throughout its width and is wider than the rail on which it runs. The wheels are restrained from sliding laterally or jumping vertically off the track by members mounted on the cart in position to bear on the inside vertical face or the bottom face, respectively, of the adjacent rail. The cart also has brakes which can bear upwardly on the bottom face of the rail.

Abstract: A pleasure vehicle which is to be used on a trough-shaped downhill track, includes a vehicle body and a leg support, extending frontwardly therefrom. A plurality of support elements support the vehicle on the downhill track for movement down the track. A plurality of brake shoes are mounted on the vehicle body, for simultaneous displacement by a single actuating lever into and out of braking positions, so that the support elements of the vehicle body are lifted off the downhill track, while the support elements of the leg support continue to guide the vehicle on the downhill track.

Abstract: A playground slide for use on an incline, such as a hillside, comprising a plurality of modular bedway sections, each comprising a bedway floor and laterally spaced upstanding sidewalls two or more of which sections have diverse longitudinal curvatures, and universal connections on each section. These universal connections consist of a pair of flanges defined by an integral, longitudinal extension of the sidewalls beyond the terminal ends of the bedway floor for overlapping relation between adjacent sections which are fastened through aligned holes in the overlapping flanges thus permitting interconnection with other sections of similar or dissimilar longitudinal curvature, such that both the length and overall longitudinal curvature of said slide may be adapted to conform closely to the particular characteristics of the incline, based on the quantity, longitudinal curvature, and positional order of bedway sections utilized.

Abstract: A sledding system having a track installed on a ski slope in the summer has U-shaped track sections with a flat bottom and substantially upright sides which serve to retain a driver controlled sled sliding on the track. Braking is provided by extendable side brakes which engage the upright sides.

Abstract: A guideway gravity vehicle combination designed for recreational use on hills and mountains consisting of a wheeled, stabilized vehicle riding on a monorail which extends from the top to the bottom of a downwardly inclined slope. The rider controls the vehicle speed through the use of powerful braking systems. Maximum speeds are regulated by automatic braking.

Abstract: A monorail mountain coaster for recreational transportation along an inclined path on a hill or mountain comprising a channel disposed on and spaced from the path, a chassis frame moveable along the channel, a coaster shell resiliently mounted on the chassis frame, riding wheels rotatably mounted on the chassis frame and engaged with the channel for movement of the frame along the channel, retainer wheels rotatably mounted to the frame disposed about and engaged with the channel to retain the frame on the channel and a brake pivotally mounted to the frame and engageable with the channel to stop the movement of the frame on the channel. The channel is suspended above the inclined path on, for example, the side of a hill, by suspension brackets which securely prevent the channel from moving. The frame with pivotally mounted shell is then allowed to roll along the channel on its wheels and provide entertaining and recreational transportation along the path.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in a slide support structure. The slide surface is comprised of a plurality of curved and straight segments, joined end to end to form the slide surface. The support includes a plurality of bearer support segments corresponding generally to the slide segments. The invention here relates to the spaced bearing connections between the two which allows for relative vertical and horizontal movements to align for and adjust for minor differences in the curvature of the related slide and support segments.

Abstract: A playground slide for use on an incline, such as a hillside, comprising a plurality of modular bedway sections, each comprising a bedway floor and laterally spaced upstanding sidewalls, two or more of which sections have diverse longitudinal curvatures, and universal connections on each section. These universal connections consist of a pair of flanges defined by an integral, longitudinal extension of the sidewalls beyond the terminal ends of the bedway floor for overlapping relation between adjacent sections which are fastened through aligned holes in the overlapping flanges thus permitting interconnection with other sections of similar or dissimilar longitudinal curvature, such that both the length and overall longitudinal curvature of said slide may be adapted to conform closely to the particular characteristics of the incline, based on the quantity, longitudinal curvature, and positional order of bedway sections utilized.

Abstract: A slide and sled combination designed for use on the side of a mountain in conjunction with the operation of ski lift, consists of a monorail extending the length of a mountain from the upper end near the top of a ski lift along a path containing curves, banked curves, and straight segments to the bottom of the mountain near the base of the ski lift. The monorail consists of, in cross-section, a tubular segment supported on a web. Sleds comprising shells are supported on and secured to the monorail by two sets of four wheels which engage the tubular segment. Each set of wheels are supported on bulkheads connected to the shell. A braking system controllable by an operator sitting in the shell includes brakes actuated by a lever that are adapted to engage the tubular segment at diametrically opposite points. Stabilizing wheels are provided on at least one of the bulkheads and are adapted to engage the web.

Abstract: An amusement device having a curved-loop, slide element causing the rider thereof to undergo a portion of his travel in the inverted position. The slide is tubular with a generally circular cross sectional wall, and at least the upper portion of the cross sectional wall may be transparent. The upper inlet end of the slide may have an air blower to assist in maintaining the speed of the user. Downstream of the loop is a decelleration section.