Abstract: Embodiments of an arch-based play system are disclosed. The system incorporates an arch assembly or a group of arch assemblies. Play elements are connected to the arch assembly or assemblies. The system is modular in nature such that there are a wide variety of different possible implementation configurations. The wide variety of possible implementation configurations corresponds to a wide variety of different play experiences.

Abstract: A retractable challenge course having a support beam (15); an overhead tracking member (120) secured with respect to the support beam (15); a vertical support member (125) pivotally connected via a pivot aperture (220) to the support beam (15), the vertical support member (125) extending downwardly from the support beam (15) to support an element (40) disposed below the support beam (15).

Abstract: An arch type play structure may be formed of a single large sheet of e.g. cardboard, which can be folded to flat form for storage, or which may be folded in such a way that parts of it form a box-like structure containing other parts of it. The arch may be decorated e.g. to represent a fireplace (5) or gate.

Abstract: Many playsets include one or more tower sections with one or more platform sections supported above the ground or a similar support surface with a support structure or framing. In certain embodiments, a curved wall portion defines one or more panel openings. Subpanels may optionally be mounted into the openings. A balcony floor protrudes outwards with a curved outer edge or face with an interior flat floor edge adjoining an edge of a polygonal platform section floor to enlarge the square footage of the floor area of the platform section.

Abstract: A playground roof system having the capability of being attached to different diameter support members is provided. The frame of the roof structure is roto-molded such that two different sized openings are provided at each corner of the frame, each opening in the same area, such that the roof is interchangeable in different playground systems. The roof system further includes openings formed in the frame such that a fastener can be threaded therein fastening the frame and support members together.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a covering system for athletic courses. A movable framework straddles the athletic course and serves as a support for a cover. Inside, lighting and climate may be controlled. Also, possibly as a training aid or to facilitate competitive events, a timing system and/or PA system may be incorporated. Among the possible athletic courses suitable for covering are running courses, in-line skating courses, cycling courses, etc. The invention also includes a method of operating an outdoor exercise course.

Abstract: A playset is operable to be erected on a site and includes a slide and an adjustable-height slide base. The slide base includes an adapter that attaches below the slide and at least one standoff that attaches below the adapter.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention discloses a method for animating an advertising device. The method comprising multiple steps such as providing a track system and a tower that is operatively coupled to the track. The tower can comprise one or more substantially transparent sections. The method further comprises providing a base support system that is operatively coupled to the tower. The base can be operatively coupled to a facade with one or more substantially non-transparent sections. The method further includes providing a vehicle system comprising a passenger-carrying vehicle that is operatively coupled to the track. Finally, the method includes animating the advertising device by transporting the vehicle between the substantially transparent section of the tower and the substantially non-transparent section of the facade. The vehicle movement can, for example, simulate fluid movement between the tower and the facade.

Abstract: A water amusement system may include a composite tree and an elevated structure. A composite tree may include a base having an artificial trunk portion. The base may be coupled to the surface. Living plants may be coupled to the base. Portions of the living plants may form branches of the composite tree. In some embodiments, the living plants are living trees. The system may include at least one structure coupled to the base. At least one of the structures may function to contain one or more persons above the surface. The water amusement system may include a water amusement ride coupled to the base. The water amusement ride may include an access point configured to allow participants to access the water amusement ride from the structure.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention discloses a method for animating an advertising device. The method comprising multiple steps such as providing a track system and a tower that is operatively coupled to the track. The tower can comprise one or more substantially transparent sections. The method further comprises providing a base support system that is operatively coupled to the tower. The base can be operatively coupled to a facade with one or more substantially non-transparent sections. The method further includes providing a vehicle system comprising a passenger-carrying vehicle that is operatively coupled to the track. Finally, the method includes animating the advertising device by transporting the vehicle between the substantially transparent section of the tower and the substantially non-transparent section of the facade. The vehicle movement can, for example, simulate fluid movement between the tower and the facade.

Abstract: A water play structure for children includes an elevated platform having an upper horizontal rail and vertical pickets between the rail and the platform free of any horizontal members so as to reduce the risk that children will climb across the railing and fall from the platform, the structure further including water features such as a canopy supported upon the elevated platform and dimensioned to provide a flow of water that falls downwardly across a portion of the platform.

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: Embodiments of play systems having multiple curved structural members are disclosed. Play systems illustratively include a first quarter of an ellipse, a second quarter of an ellipse, a third quarter of an ellipse, and a fourth quarter of an ellipse. Each ellipse quarter has first and second ends. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth ellipse quarters are oriented approximately vertically relative to a surface such that the first ends of the ellipse quarters contact the surface and the second ends of the ellipse quarters are above the surface. The first ends of the ellipse quarters are optionally spaced further apart from each other than the second ends of the ellipse quarters.

Abstract: An auditorium (10), part of which is covered by a roof structure (20), the auditorium has a partitioning structure (22) which acts to partition off a section of the auditorium whereby a majority part of the partitioned section is covered by the roof structure.

Abstract: An interactive obstacle course characterized by a multitude of interlocking units which correspond to give the sections of the ceiling the capability to descend and ascend. In addition, the path of the obstacle course is able to be changed countless times to offer an ever-changing challenge.

Abstract: An interactive inflatable amusement structure in the form of an obstacle course or play area which incorporates audio and visual electronics at various locations within the obstacle course through the use of a plurality of transmitter/receivers in radio frequency communication with a central control unit for transmitting data such as elapsed time and points, the central control unit positioned at the egress to the inflatable structure proximate the start of the obstacle course or inflatable game, bounce, etc., and the transmitter/receivers positioned within pockets or the like formed at various locations on the inflatable obstacle course structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an educational and entertainment attraction that also provides a museum for horror, science fiction and fantasy movie artifacts. The attraction being centered on museum education of movie history in addition to also using visual and/or audio materials designed to frighten audiences. The attraction including at least one interior exhibit hall and at least one movie artifact positioned within the interior exhibit hall in conjunction with its source movie to frighten a person passing through the interior exhibit hall on a pathway.

Abstract: A construction kit for constructing a play structure. The play structure for providing children a place to play includes: a square-shaped, planar horizontal support member; plurality of legs; an octagonal-shaped, concave floor member; an octagonal-shaped, planar floor member; a plurality of vertical support members; a substantially convex ceiling member; two staircases; and a flag pole, removably coupleable to a top side of the ceiling member, and configured to hang a flag thereon.

Abstract: Blackjack tournaments are described which provide for rules and practices that facilitate counting of cards by players, such as dealing from a single deck of 52 cards down to the last card in the deck. The proprietor of the tournament limits its exposure to losses by forming a pool of prize money from entrance fees paid by players, sponsorship fees, a limited contribution to the pool of prize money, or combinations thereof. Players play with chips provided by the proprietor of the tournament. The tournament may be captured with one or more video cameras and broadcast over an entertainment network. The broadcast may feature card counting reports, commentary by experts, and a display of the sequence of cards to be dealt to the players and the dealer.

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. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game. Optionally, each play participant possesses a band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants.

Abstract: Usage status in a facility is comprehended so that service information such as user waiting times is quickly offered to users and others. This is configured to comprise detection units (antennas) detecting unique information of tickets carried by visitors in areas for keeping the visitors waiting, and a calculation unit (control PC, information management center) calculating visitor information representative of congestion status of the visitors in the areas.

Abstract: Many playsets include one or more tower sections with one or more platform sections supported above the ground or a similar support surface with a support structure or framing. In certain embodiments, a curved wall portion defines one or more panel openings. Subpanels may optionally be mounted into the openings. A balcony floor protrudes outwards with a curved outer edge or face with an interior flat floor edge adjoining an edge of a polygonal platform section floor to enlarge the square footage of the floor area of the platform section.

Abstract: A playground roofing system, for use in protecting sections of a playground system, is provided having a support structure and a molded frame structure. The frame structure is molded to appear as the soffits, fascia and gutters of a real roof, and includes an interior perimeter that has means to connect the frame structure to a molded roof section. The molded roof section is designed to provide a theme to the roof and is interchangeable such that different themes can be quickly effected by releasing and removing the first roof section and replacing it with a second, differently themed, roof section. The roofing system is designed to permit the attachment and removal of the roof section from within the interior perimeter of the frame so that an installer need not have to climb above the roof section to install the roof section.

Abstract: Embodiments of an arch-based play system are disclosed. The system incorporates an arch assembly or a group of arch assemblies. Play elements are connected to the arch assembly or assemblies. The system is modular in nature such that there are a wide variety of different possible implementation configurations. The wide variety of possible implementation configurations corresponds to a wide variety of different play experiences.

Abstract: An inflatable device designed to provide safety information to a plurality of people. The inflatable device includes at least one meeting venue and at least one at least one physical activity feature. The meeting includes an inflatable structure.

Abstract: A retractable challenge course having a support beam (15); an overhead tracking member (120) secured with respect to the support beam (15); a vertical support member (125) pivotally connected via a pivot aperture (220) to the support beam (15), the vertical support member (125) extending downwardly from the support beam (15) to support an element (40) disposed below the support beam (15).

Abstract: An apparatus and method of traversing across elements of a challenge course by use of a tracking system that can continuously retain the harness cable that descends to the participant, as the moveable member moves in a substantially horizontal direction along the safety cables, or along the tracks of the moveable member exchange frame.

Abstract: Play facility that lets play participants experience visual stimulation, and with which a decorative effect can be attained. The play facility includes a frame, partition members attached to the frame and forming a play space, a gas-filled transparent tubular member that is arranged within the play space at the bottom of the facility, an air-filled air mat that is enclosed by the tubular member, a pressurizing device for filling the inside of the tubular member and the air mat with air to increase their internal pressures, an air-flow generation device for causing air within the tubular member to flow in one direction, and balloons accommodated within the tubular member and caused to flow and circulate within the tubular member by the airflow generated by the airflow generation device. Play participants can step onto the tubular member or the air-mat and feel their elasticity, and by seeing the balloons flowing and circulating inside the tubular member, they can experience visual stimulation.

Abstract: A challenge course (10) comprising a frame (20) having a substantially horizontally oriented track (120), a vertically oriented column (60) fixed to and extending downwardly from said substantially horizontally oriented track beam (30), said vertically oriented column (60) terminating in a bottom portion that is fixed to a substantially oriented foundation (40). The track (120) has a channel (150) therein in which a moveable member (360) slides. The track (120) has interchanges whereby the moveable member (360) can be moved in one of different directions. Descending downwardly from said moveable member (360) is a safety cable (350). The safety cable (350) extending downwardly to a safety harness (600). A further embodiment includes the challenge course (10) that can be deployed and re-deployed by hauling with a motor-vehicle. Further, a participant can be secured to the track (120) while still on the ground before ascending to the activity height.

Abstract: There is provided a facility management support apparatus which manages visitors in a facility area, the apparatus includes: a place information storage unit for storing the degree of crowdedness in each of the places in the facility area; a receiving unit for receiving, from a terminal, information which enables identification of the location of the terminal; an extraction unit for extracting one of the places to which one of the visitors should move on the basis of the degree of crowdedness and the location of the terminal; and a transmission unit for transmitting, to the terminal, information which enables identification of the place to which the visitor should move.

Abstract: A reconfigurable maze comprising a plurality of columns positioned on a plurality of corresponding hydraulic lifts. Each hydraulic lift is connected to a respective column for moving the column between a raised position and a lowered position. Columns in the lowered position form a floor of the maze while columns in the raised position form walls of the maze and define paths through the maze. The maze may be reconfigured by selectively raising and lowering the columns. The columns may be manually or automatically performed by a central processor. The maze can be used to play hide and seek and predator and prey games.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a playyard top rail includes a left rail and a right rail mounted to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the right rail. The playyard top rail further includes a rail lock associated with the left and right rails. The rail lock is configured to lock the right rail to the left rail upon movement of the left and right rails to an in-line erected position and movement of the rail lock in a first direction along the pivot axis to a rail-locking position. Once the rail lock is moved in an opposite second direction along the pivot axis to a rail-releasing position, the left and right rails are free to pivot relative to one another about the pivot axis to assume a side-by-side collapsed position. An extensible cord is coupled at one end to the left rail and at another end to the right rail and supported in the middle on a lock housing containing the rail lock to define a bowed fabric support overlying a portion of the left and right rails.

Abstract: An interactive target system includes a laser station and a plurality of light activated targets. The laser station includes a light emitting device operable to fire discreet beams of light at the targets. The laser station also includes an activity-associated charging apparatus having an activity device at which a participant performs an activity. A detector which monitors performance of the activity at the activity device. A controller is operatively connected to the light emitting device to limit the number of times the light emitting device can be activated. The controller reduces the number of times the light emitting device can be activated each time the device is activated. The controller also receives a signal from the detector, and, in response to the detector signal increments the number of times the light emitting device can be activated.

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: A method of interactive game play is provided wherein a seemingly magical wand toy is provided for enabling a trained user to electronically send and receive information to and from other wand toys, a master system and/or to actuate various play effects within a play environment. The toy wand or other seemingly magical object is configured to use a send/received radio frequency communications protocol which provides a basic foundation for a complex, interactive entertainment system to create a seemingly magical interactive play experience.

Abstract: An arrangement for a playground for children is embodied as a internally hollow object, preferably of synthetic material, which can have the shape of a mountain top with a circumferential edge (2) at the bottom, which rests on the ground. The object (1) is embodied with windows (3) and with one or more doorways (4), and the internal hollow space constitutes a playhouse. The upper surface of the object (1) is embodied with one or more chutes (6) and with a flight of steps (7). The object (1) is held solidly to the ground surface by a vertical mast (11), e.g. of steel, which is carried through a hole (12) in the top of the object (1) and secured in the ground in a foundation block (13), and at its upper end has a free height (h) above the top of the object (1). The mast (11) can be supplemented with other play ground equipment, such as a frame for a swing (18) and a rope (19) for a ropeway. The arrangement is simple of construction and consequently cheap to produce.

Abstract: A space pod and space saucer module assembly, for children's use and recreational enjoyment, is disclosed, which can be utilized solely or in interaction with another children's playhouse or structure. In preferred embodiments, a truncate or cross-sectionally accessible enclosure is provided having an elevated base support. The wall, floor and roof of the invention's enclosure have optionable, light-transmitting or see-through characteristics; and also provide an interior recreational play area inside the enclosure and optionable space-vehicle, simulating furnishings, such as control panel and seating. The assembly can be utilized with coupling members, for attachment to a neighboring structure, and for attachment to and additional support of its own guide support. A coupled or secured pathway or stairway structure is also provided in preferred embodiment for entrance to the play area of the invention's recreational-play enclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a driving simulator, particularly for simulating the movements of earthbound vehicles. To take into account the special features of the movements of earthbound vehicles, the proposed driving simulator has a carrier unit that has a rigid floor platform, on which a test vehicle can be mounted. The carrier unit also includes at least one projection surface and at least one projector, and at least three movement modules, each of which has a wheel that rolls on a floor surface. The wheel can be steered, relative to the axis extending perpendicular to the floor, via a first drive, and can be driven by a respectively associated second drive.

Abstract: Drums 56 wind and unwind cables 18 connected to a passenger carriage 14 of an amusement ride 12 in response to winding and unwinding of tethers 48 about an axle 46. The tethers 48 are connected to elastic members 44 that store energy, and a lock 32 is releasable to permit the carriage 14 to travel under the force of the stored energy. The drums 56 have a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the axle, thereby providing a mechanical advantage to launch and accelerate the carriage 14 to a high velocity and/or to provide a dampening effect on the motion of the carriage. Alternative embodiments include ramps with loops, corkscrew sections, and/or inclined sections for carrying the carriage, safety cables strung through attachment members connected to the tethers, and telescopic spring devices with concentric coil springs.

Abstract: A playground structure has a playhouse with a base and a platform. The base and platform are separated by a variety of vertical posts. The vertical posts are secured to the base by a plurality of supports that are positioned within pockets in the base. The vertical posts are secured to the platform by a plurality of supports positioned within pockets in the platform.

Abstract: An entertainment park, having a plurality of sectors of activity, with at least one attraction in each sector of activity incorporating thematic elements representing an aspect of a single story having continuity throughout the park. In conjunction with the attraction, park visitors act-out, in a fantasy setting, a portion of the storyline. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the attractions are based upon an adversarial theme of good vs. evil, which is acted out by park visitors in a realistic setting.

Abstract: An inflatable play structure comprises at least one inflatable house defining a cavity for accommodating a child and an inflatable tunnel detachably attached to the house. The house includes two side walls and front and rear walls connected together to form a continuous wall, and support tubes placed at each corner of the two side walls and front and rear walls. The house has a first access opening and a first one flap extending from a lower portion of the wall having a pair of hook and loop fasteners. The inflatable tunnel has two arched tubes erected from and affixed to a bottom wall defining a first opening and a second opening. The tunnel includes at least one open window and a second flap extending along the bottom wall and having a pair of hook and loop fasteners aligned with corresponding hook and loop fasteners of the house.

Abstract: An amusement device, such as a sling-shot machine, for successively propelling and retarding a rider to cause the rider to undergo a vertically oscillatory motion. The amusement device comprises cables (31, 32) one end of each of which is connected to a carrier (19) for supporting one or more riders. A releasable anchoring means is provided for releasably anchoring the carrier (19) at a launch site (17). An elastic structure (71) has opposed ends between which the elastic structure can undergo extension and contraction. One end of the elastic structure (71) is connected to a first support means (57). Each cable (31, 32) passes around a support tower (11) and has a section thereof winding back and forth between first and second guide means (83, 85). The first guide means (83) is connected to the other end of the elastic structure (71) and the second guide means (85) is connected to a second support means (47).

Abstract: An amusement system is provided which gives children an opportunity to acquire a formative artistic sense in a simple and clean manner without soiling their bodies and clothes. The amusement system includes: a playing space (A) defined by a floor (10) and partition plates (20) projecting upright on the floor (10); a plastic member (30a) provided over the floor (10) in the playing space (A); and a plurality of plastic members (30b) stacked one on another in tiers along interior surfaces of the partition plates (20) to a height that players can reach. The plastic members (30a, 30b) are each obtained by filling a gel material as a plastic material (32) into a container bag (31) of a flexible urethane sheet to about one half the volume of the container bag (31), then removing residual air from the container bag (31) by suction and sealing the container bag (31).

Abstract: A play structure having a header connecting the tops of two side supports such that the side supports are spaced to define a pathway. Streamers hang from the header into the pathway and textured protrusions attached to the side supports extend into the pathway. The streamers may be bead chain, plastic strips, or the like. The textured protrusions may be spheres, feathers, fibrous bristles, or the like.

Abstract: An amusement ride is provided which includes a base, stationary elements mounted on said base, assemblies that are movable relative to said stationary elements, cabins that are fastened on said moving assemblies, and units for passengers loading, unloading and servicing that are mounted on said base. At least one of said cabins is designed as a restaurant and/or a bar, and said servicing units contain blocks for food preparation and/or storage. The amusement ride can be designed as a panoramic wheel or any other amusement device equipped with cabins that move under the action of forces applied.

Abstract: An inflatable recreational device forms a climbing structure upon which users can climb and play. The device may take the form of a representation of a mountain having bulges and indentations which serve as hand and foot holds and various handles which also act as hand and foot holds. Users can climb up and down on the device or after climbing up can slide or jump down from the device. The device can be used in water or on a surface such as the ground. The device is a generally hollow container, bag, or bladder which is inflated. Straps are secured inside the device to extend at various angles between the base, sides, and top to shape and contour the device and change the natural rounded balloon shape the device would normally take upon inflation without the various interior straps.

Abstract: An amusement device, such as a sling-shot machine, for successively propelling and retarding a rider to cause the rider to undergo a vertically oscillatory motion. The amusement device comprises cables (31, 32) one end of each of which is connected to a carrier (19) for supporting one or more riders. A releasable anchoring means is provided for releasably anchoring the carrier (19) at a launch site (17). An elastic structure (71) has opposed ends between which the elastic structure can undergo extension and contraction. One end of the elastic structure (71) is connected to a first support means (57). Each cable (31, 32) passes around a support tower (11) and has a section thereof winding back and forth between first and second guide means (83, 85). The first guide means (83) is connected to the other end of the elastic structure (71) and the second guide means (85) is connected to a second support means (47).

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 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.