Abstract: The invention relates to a playground equipment comprising a platform for a user to sit or stand on and mounted to the ground via a first shaft and a second shaft. The shafts are connected to each other at an angle and coupled in a gear transmission system. Because of the gearing between the shafts a first rotational speed of the first shaft yields a second rotational speed of the second shaft different from the first rotational speed. The gear transmission system may comprise an epicyclic gear train such as a planetary gear system. The gear transmission system may yield a gear ratio in the range of 1.5-10 such as in the range of 3-7.

Abstract: Rotating inclusive play devices are provided. In certain embodiments, a rotating play device includes a stationary base, a rotatable portion, and a speed limiting device that connects the stationary base to the rotatable portion. The speed limiting device illustratively limits a rotational speed of the rotatable portion relative to the stationary base. The rotatable portion may have an elevated outer perimeter that includes recessed and raised portions. The speed limiting device may include a cranking mechanism and/or a piston mechanism.

Abstract: An angled rotating play device is provided as a cantileveredly merry-go-round supported above the ground from below. A foot platform provides a location for one or more riders feet along a first rotation axis and is angled at an acute angle relative to a vertical axis. The vertical axis may also provide a second rotation axis. At least one of a plurality of supports connect to at least one hand hold above the foot platform whereby the hand hold and/or covers over the hand hold provide a maximum elevation of the device and may help users to shift their weight to self drive the device from the device.

Abstract: An elevated hand held merry go round provides a hand hold elevated a distance above a playing surface to which a user may grab and rotate through an unobstructed zone between the hand hold and the playing surface. In the preferred embodiment the hand hold may be tilted at an angle relative to the playing surface so the user may pump themselves to maintain the round momentum in a manner somewhat similar to an individual pumping themselves on a swing to maintain themselves swinging. Alternative embodiments lack the tilt may be made in various dimensions to accommodate various numbers of users and may have more than one set of locations for hand holds.

Abstract: An elevated hand held merry go round provides a hand hold elevated a distance above a playing surface to which a user may grab and rotate through an unobstructed zone between the hand hold and the playing surface. In the preferred embodiment the hand hold may be tilted at an angle relative to the playing surface so the user may pump themselves to maintain the round momentum in a manner somewhat similar to an individual pumping themselves on a swing to maintain themselves swinging. Alternative embodiments lack the tilt may be made in various dimensions to accommodate various numbers of users and may have more than one set of locations for hand holds.

Abstract: An elevated hand held merry go round provides a hand hold elevated a distance above a playing surface to which a user may grab and rotate through an unobstructed zone between the hand hold and the playing surface. In the preferred embodiment the hand hold may be tilted at an angle relative to the playing surface so the user may pump themselves to maintain the round momentum in a manner somewhat similar to an individual pumping themselves on a swing to maintain themselves swinging. Alternative embodiments lack the tilt may be made in various dimensions to accommodate various numbers of users and may have more than one set of locations for hand holds.

Abstract: An amusement system has first and second paths extending through an amusement attraction. Vehicles moving along the paths have simulated weapons. Riders in the vehicles shoot at targets along the paths or on the vehicles. If sufficient points are accumulated, by hitting targets, or other events occur, the riders in the first vehicle can cause the movement of the second vehicle to change, for example, causing the second vehicle to spin, or to slow down.

Abstract: A reversing Gravity Fed Orbital Ride "GFOR" (10) produces a repeating, descending and ascending orbital rotation, influenced by the tug of gravity. A plurality of variably inclining and declining paths, defined in a central column (12). A passenger carriage (14) supports seats (48) and guides (22), that interlock with the closed loop paths. Passengers are elevated to an Event Horizon (42) by rotating column (12), while simultaneously inhibiting the rotation of carriage (14). Passengers are driven along a descending orbital course, after reaching the Event Horizon. Thus, passengers can experience an intense centrifugal G-Force sensation and/or weightlessness. When maximum rotational velocity is obtained, a reverse in the vertical direction sends the passengers in an orbital ascent, that slows to a brief stop, reverses it's rotational direction and begins another descent. This repeats until built momentum is spent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for performing high intensity exercises wherein the user sits in and is encircled in a padded chair mounted at an acute angle on a base member and, further, having a padded area encircling the thigh and knee area of the user, the chair being free to rotate relative to the base member and wherein the user applies pressure to various parts of the chair to limit rotation while the user performs his or her exercise routine, with a resultant high intensity workout for all of the users major muscle groups, in addition to obtaining an aerobic result.

Abstract: A thrill-ride apparatus having as a basic concept the revolving of a rider station, whose support provides that the path of the ride will be along an inclined plane. The rider station is fixed to a support arm; and there is no counterbalance as to the weight of the support arm, rider's station, and the rider. The path of the rider is thus such that he must incrementally achieve not only the revolution with respect to the ground and the axis of the support structure, but by such oscillating incremental efforts achieve a raise from "bottom dead center" to "top dead center" as supported by the base of the apparatus.