Abstract: A playing surface assembly that defines at least a portion of a playing surface. The playing surface assembly has a backing, a plurality of reinforcement elements secured to and extending upwardly from the backing, and an infill material defining a top surface of the playing surface assembly. Each reinforcement element has a top end and a reveal distance corresponding to a vertical spacing between the top surface of the playing surface assembly and the top end of the reinforcement element. The reveal distance of each reinforcement element is less than 0.5 inches. In use, the reinforcement elements restrict lateral and vertical migration of the infill material, and the infill material is the primary source of performance characteristics of the playing surface assembly.

Abstract: An amusement park attraction effects system includes a dynamic display for viewing by a user traveling through an attraction, a display monitor to provide status data indicative of a status of the dynamic display, a location identification system to determine a location of the user, a thrust-vectoring flow effect generator to generate and direct a fluid flow toward any particular target location of a range of target locations, and an automation controller communicatively coupled to the display monitor, the location identification system, and the thrust-vectoring flow effect generator. The automation controller is configured to receive the status data, receive the location of the user, set a target location based on the location of the user, instruct the thrust-vectoring flow effect generator to direct the fluid flow based on the target location, and instruct the thrust-vectoring flow effect generator to control the fluid flow based on the status data.

Abstract: An acceleration section for a water slide, comprising: —a sliding trail in which a person can slide, —a pusher inside the sliding trail, the pusher being configured to accelerate the person inside the sliding trail, —an accelerator track outside of the sliding trail, —an accelerator car miming on the accelerator track and configured to be accelerated along the accelerator track, and —a coupling unit mechanically coupling the pusher and the accelerator car.

Abstract: A system for shielding a rider's back from a ride surface. The system includes a slide ride having an entrance and an exit and configured such that the riders back slides substantially parallel along a. slide ride surface when the rider slides from the entrance towards the exit. The system includes a plurality of shielding devices disposed relative to the slide ride such that the rider may put on one of the plurality of shielding devices prior to sliding on the slide ride, each of the plurality of shielding devices configured to be worn by the rider such that the shielding device covers the rider's back, and adapted to slide upon the slide ride surface to shield the rider's back from the slide ride surface when the rider slides from the entrance to the exit.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a rider comprising a vehicle adapted to support the rider wherein vehicle has a driven portion disposed along a bottom surface thereof and a track having a path sized to slidably receive the vehicle therein and a plurality of water jets disposed along the track along a path of travel of the driven portion. Each of the plurality of water jets is adapted to sequentially discharge a portion of water in a desired direction of travel of the vehicle therethrough when aligned with the driven portion such that the portion of water engages the driven portion.

Abstract: A playground slide has a pair of side rails, including a left side rail and a right side rail, and the pair of side rails is parallel to each other. A slide sheet has a slide sheet top surface, and the slide sheet top surface has a slide sheet left edge. The slide sheet top surface has a slide sheet right edge, and the slight sheet left edge is mounted to a bottom surface of the left side rail. The slide sheet right edge is mounted to a bottom surface of the right side rail. A pair of support rails, namely a left support rail and a right support rail, supports the slight sheet. The pair of support rails is parallel to each other, and the pair of support rails is mounted to a bottom surface of the slide sheet between the pair of side rails.

Abstract: This invention relates to gravity-driven car racing, specifically an improved ramp, such as used in the popular Pinewood Derby race, which is cycloid shaped. The present invention eliminates excessive centripetal force and related problems such as car oscillation caused by prior art ramps which are curved too much or curved in the wrong places. The present invention comprises a ramp shaped as a section of a cycloid curve with the ramp bottom tangent to the horizontal coasting run. It can be shown mathematically that such a curve will produce the least possible centripetal force and associated friction increase in the car wheels as it accelerates toward the coasting run. The present invention causes a ramp to assume the cycloid shape by applying appropriate bending forces to the underside of the ramp. In a preferred embodiment, a hinged brace automatically applies the key bending force as the main support legs are lowered.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for providing an indoor track to permit consumers to evaluate a rollable product such as a stroller on different surfaces such a asphalt, cobblestone, brick, grass, and the like. The track may include multiple sections with different compositions that provide different effects on the rollable product so that comparisons might be made between different products when pushed across the track.

Abstract: A water slide feature comprising a sliding surface concave about three axes. The waterslide feature is sized and adapted to carry one or more riders and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon on a non-predetermined path. The water slide feature has an entry sized and positioned to direct the one or more riders and/or ride vehicles along the sliding surface on a path which is at least partially upward.

Abstract: A demountable stage includes a substantially cylindrical central hub, which has a vertically extending central axis and is adapted to support a vertically extending pole, a plurality of radially outwardly extending support members mounted to the hub and a stage platform. The stage platform comprises a plurality of segments that are adapted to be supported on the support members.

Abstract: An extreme sports component having a support and at least a first member defining a maneuvering surface. The support and at least first member are operatively joined through at least one member on each of the support and at least first member that cooperate with each other so as to maintain the support and at least first member in a predetermined operative relationship. The support and at least first member are maintained in the predetermined operative relationship without requiring that any anchoring element be directed through the maneuvering surface.

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: Amusement ride device, comprising a track and at least one carriage, which carriage is moveable along the track in a transport direction. The carriage comprises a transport part which engages on the track, at least one platform that allows to support the feet of at least one passenger, and at least one passenger torso restraint engaging on the torso of the passenger for safely supporting the passenger. The transport part comprises one of the passenger torso restraint or the platform to support the passenger, while the other is connected by connecting means to the transport part. The connecting means are designed to allow the passenger to perform movements during the ride while being restrained by the torso restraint, wherein the torso restraint performs a movement with respect to the platform during said movements of the passenger.

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 floor system for simulating a natural environment, such as snow, is disclosed. The system includes a confinement member that holds an aggregate. The confinement member may be positioned between a pair of disturbing agent layers comprising meshes that contact the confinement member at a plurality of discrete points. Force applied to the floor system by a user walking across the system results in force being communicated to the confinement member through the disturbing agent layers through the plurality of discrete contact points. The force applied at each of the discrete contact points causes portions of the aggregate proximate to the contact points to shift, resulting in vibrations and sounds that simulate the sound and feel of walking on snow. Additional layers for support, durability, and comfort may also be included in the floor system.

Abstract: A slide assembly and method of assembling a slide assembly are disclosed for use in conjunction with a recreation structure. The slide assembly includes a pair of side rails with internal grooves along lengths thereof and a slide bed located between the side rails with side margins thereof received within the grooves of the side rails. The slide assembly also includes reinforcements extending between the side rails underneath the slide bed, with ends of each reinforcement received within a recess in each of the side rails. Fasteners, such as screws, selectively secure side margin portions of the slide bed and ends of each reinforcement to each of the side rails. The method of assembling a slide assembly includes inserting each side margin of a slide bed into grooves of the side rails and attaching the slide bed and side rails to a recreation structure.

Abstract: An improved skate rail having the dual-function of a flat surface and a round surface in one device. The skate rail allows the skateboard rider to easily choose either the flat surface or the round surface. A locking mechanism holds the skate rail securely in either position.

Abstract: A multi-purpose sports facility is provided with a common base structure comprising a plurality of areas, each of which constitutes a track, pitch or court for practicing a respective sports activity. The invention enables people to learn and practice sport, choosing from the activities most widely practiced the one that they prefer and is tracks, pitches or courts most suitable for their own physical and mental aptitudes.

Abstract: A synthetic ice surface system includes a plurality of sections of synthetic ice and a plurality of dowels. At least a portion of an outer periphery of each section of synthetic ice has one or more passages. Each of the dowels has a pair of opposing ends and one end of one or more of the dowels mates in one of the passages in one of the sections of synthetic ice. Another end of the one or more of the dowels mates in another one of the passages in another one of the sections of synthetic ice to secure the adjacent sections of synthetic ice together and form a substantially smooth ice surface. The sections of synthetic ice and the dowels are made of substantially the same material.

Abstract: An elongated roller which can be used with a balance board to provide exercising and recreational opportunities for consumers. The roller has a smooth outer surface and a curvature such that the transverse cross-sectional diameter changes smoothly lengthwise. The consumers have complete freedom to move the board relative to the roller and can enjoy a wide variety of movement.

Abstract: The present invention is an athlete training device and method useful in training athletes for track and field events including the high jump, pole vault, discus, long jump and shot put. The ramp may be adjusted to a number of discrete ramp angles with the use of either supports and stops or supports and channels.

Abstract: An elevated wood and concrete racetrack includes a wooden support surface having a plurality of floor boards laid flat to form at least one straightaway, and at least one banked curve, each floor board of the plurality having two lengthwise, substantially parallel, spaced apart sides. A concrete racetrack surface is overlayed on the wooden support surface, and a racetrack support frame has a plurality of vertical support posts anchored on suitable land and a plurality of support members connected thereto for supporting the wooden support surface above ground.

Abstract: An amusement ride and fall apparatus includes a track having a discharge point below which there is a substantial drop. A passenger is propelled along the track to the discharge point and discharged therefrom with a horizontal component of motion. The passenger then free falls. An elastic tie having a second first end and free second end connected directly or indirectly to the passenger limits the free fall and, together with the horizontal component of motion imparted to the passenger, causes the passenger to swing and bounce for a period of time at the end of the free fall. At the end of the ride and fall the passenger is released safely. The invention therefore provides a trill similar to that of a bungee jump but with enhancements.

Abstract: An adjustable jump bar stand for skaters, skateboarders and the like includes an elongated post, a base for receiving a lower end segment of the post so that the post is supported vertically and an elongated jump bar having an end swivelly and adjustably connected to the post so that the jump bar extends out horizontally from the post at a variable elevation thereon and can swivel about the post. The jump bar provides an obstacle over which skaters can jump while being forgiving enough to avoid injury to the skaters.

Abstract: Amusement apparatus (10) which permits unusual compactness and easy transportation comprises a vehicle (12) for accommodating users, the vehicle being suitable for following a path in space which comprises a component due to oscillation about a centre of instantaneous rotation and a component due to rotation about an axis oriented variously in space. The vehicle (12) is supported on a support structure (16) comprising two rails (22) the shape of which defines the shape of the component due to oscillation of the vehicle (12).

Abstract: A safety ramp includes a bridge having two sloped side faces, a top plain face formed between the two sloped side faces and dovetailed protrusions formed on each of the sloped side faces. Two sloped pieces each has a hypotenuse, a plain face immediately adjacent to the hypotenuse to correspond to the top plain face of the bridge and an inclined face immediately adjacent to the plain face relative to the hypotenuse to correspond to one of the sloped side faces of the bridge. The inclined face is provided with a first step and a second step and has dovetailed slots defined in a side face between the two steps to correspond to the dovetailed protrusions so that the dovetailed protrusions of the bridge are able to be received in the corresponding dovetailed slots of the two sloped pieces to combine the two sloped pieces.

Abstract: Mechanized structures for the launch of cars in installations for amusement parks such as, for instance, roller coasters or similar attractions. This is a mechanical system so as to launch cars by exploiting the energy stored by a counterweight pivoting around an axis. The counterweight is integral with a beam which carries, on the other end, a pushing device which, when it has to give the push, leans against the rear of any car of the train and pushes it along a semicircular track of launch and then it leaves said car. During pushing phase the counterweight loses the stored energy and slows down till it stops while the cars accelerate towards the predetermined track. To allow the counterweight to store again potential energy, an electromechanical transmission with low power is sufficient; said transmission, in much longer time, brings back the counterweight to the highest point ready for a new launch at high acceleration which, differently, would need a much higher power.

Abstract: A slide for tobogganing or snow tubing has a mat, with a top layer (1) of felt-like material to hold water, and a bottom layer (2) of plastics material to protect the top layer (1) from dirt and leakage. Tubes (3) along the sides of the mat form banked side walls. A hose (4) with spaced outlets, sprays a compressed air/surfactant/water snow-like foam over the mat to produce a simulated snow surface (12).

Abstract: Ramp system including one or more individual ramp components. Each ramp component includes a board defining an active ramp surface and a frame including a pair of substantially identical side panels, each having at least one board supporting edge including notches, and a support structure extending between and engaging with the notches in the side panels to support the board. The support structure provide supports for the board between the side panels and includes a cross-piece support extending between aligned pairs of notches in the board supporting edges of the side panels and a cross-piece extending between each aligned pair of notches in the board supporting edges of the side panels over a respective cross-piece support.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing a track that is operative to hold a shielding panel. A front support and a rear support are positioned on respective sides of the track. A pivot member is disposed beneath the front support and the rear support. The pivot member includes a portion that extends upwardly, between respective sides of the front support and rear support, so as to be secured to the track. An elastic member is positioned between the track and the rear support. The elastic member is operative to bias the track and the shielding panel in an upright position. The elastic member is also compressible by the track when the shielding panel is subjected to a lateral force.

Abstract: Obstacle apparatus includes at least one ramp for launching a bicycle, skateboard or rollerblade rider into the air. The apparatus may also include a second similar ramp and a bridge for releasably connecting the elevated ends of the two ramps in-line so as to produce an in-line obstacle over which riders may roll. The apparatus may also include a grind rail which may be releasably attached to the elevated end of one or both of the ramps so that the ramp/rail assembly may be used by skateboarders and the like to perform various acrobatic feats. The apparatus components are rugged and reliable yet they can be made in quantity at minimum cost. Furthermore, because of their unique designs, they may be shipped and stored in a minimum amount of space.

Abstract: A land board for practicing surfing on land surfaces, such as grassy hills, which board is configured to withstand the rigors of surfing on land, and bindings for a land board, and a method of surfing on land with a land board. A land board device on which a user can slide or glide down land surfaces, such as a grassy steep hill, cliff or mountain, without the help of wheels.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for fabricating a skating ring. One such apparatus is a curved element for skating rings which includes a plurality of vertical sup5 ports which are adapted to any curve shape. The apparatus further includes a plurality of horizontally arranged ribs and abutting double-curved shell segments made of several plane-like wood layers which are glued to each other. By being fixed to the support elements and ribs, the shell segments form a skating surface to be ridden on by skaters or the like. The shell segments are pre-shaped as at least one of single- or double-curves such that they can be fixed essentially stress-free onto the support elements and ribs. One method of the present invention includes a method for manufacturing shell segments for curve elements for skating rings. The shell segments include a plurality of plane-like layers of wood.

Abstract: An elevated wooden racetrack includes a wooden racetrack surface having a plurality of floor boards laid flat to form at least one straightaway, and at least one banked curve, each floor board of the plurality having two lengthwise, substantially parallel, spaced apart sides. A racetrack support frame has a plurality of vertical support posts anchored on suitable land and a plurality of support members connected thereto for supporting the wooden racetrack surface above ground.

Abstract: A double wall scoop shaped residential slide with an integrally formed footing attached to the underside of the slide bed and varying slope slide bed. The slide is formed from a one piece rotational molded process. The slide surface and walls form a U-shaped scoop defining a semi-circular slide bed, allowing for increased safety and structural support. The scooped shape provides integrally formed side walls which prevent the user from falling off the slide during use. The built-in footing is advantageous because it lowers manufacturing costs while increases stability and safety of the slide.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for a racetrack for operating go-karts and similar motorized amusement vehicles thereon. The racetrack includes a wooden racetrack portion supported on a frame having a plurality of vertical support posts connected to a plurality of support members positioned underlying a wooden racetrack surface, thereby providing elevation above ground and structural support. The wooden racetrack surface includes a first and second outer periphery, and extends along a plurality of tiers elevated above ground level, forming a multi-level racetrack surface. In addition, the wooden racetrack surface includes a plurality of banked curves built from wooden slats positioned vertically on edge, each wooden slat abuttingly adjoining at least one other wooden slat of the plurality, bent into shape and positioned at a predetermined angle of inclination from an inside curve periphery to an outside curve periphery, thereby forming an especially smooth banked curve.

Abstract: Artificial ice skating rink assemblies that can used indoors or outdoors, in all seasons, that can be readily assembled with a reduced number of assembly parts and accessories being required, and it can be used with reduced maintenance demands. In one embodiment of this invention, there is an artificial ice skating rink consisting of a plurality of panel means for providing an ice skating surface, in which each panel means has an elongate channel disposed therein having longitudinal and transverse axes. Elongate spline means are provided for slideable insertion into a channel in a lateral direction along the transverse axis of that channel, and for slideable receipt of another channel of another panel means which is forced in a lateral direction into slideable engagement with the spline. In this way, separate panel means are retained together exclusively by the spline means against relative motion along the transverse axes of their respective channels.

Abstract: A molded plastic ramp is made in a one-step molding process. The ramp includes reinforced side and rear walls and a smooth radiused ramp surface. The ramp includes laterally extending side and rear supports that engage a ground surface and the forward portion of the ramp surface extends forward of the forward extent of the side supports.

Abstract: A connection for interconnecting adjacent playground slide sections in end-to-end relationship wherein slide sections formed of molded synthetic material will be accurately aligned and the fasteners holding the sections together are recessed and do not interfere with the sliding surfaces. The interconnection utilizes a projection received within a complementary recess in an overlapping manner to produce a smooth aligned sliding surface relationship between adjacent slide sections capable of producing a high strength fastener produced connection.

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: Motor vehicle track having a substantially "figure eight" configuration which includes a underpass and an overpass at different elevational levels at the intersection of the substantially "figure eight" configuration. Such a motor vehicle race track forms an enclosed loop which would be, preferably, be at least one half mile in length and three (3) miles or less in length and would accommodate motor vehicles having engines which generate in excess of 100 horsepower. Spectator seating would be provided around at least a portion, and perhaps the entire perimeter, of the motor vehicle race track and many spectators seats would permit spectators to view a substantial portion of motor vehicle race track.

Abstract: Sheet wave generators have recently been hailed as the new generation of simulated wave generating water rides. The present invention relates to a sheet wave generator with a riding surface appended to a single container of water, i.e., a swimming pool, wave pool, or any existing or new water facility. Because the riding surface of the present invention is contained along its outer periphery, the water ride can be compact so that is suitable for placement in a relatively small area of land. The ride surface itself has an inclined surface, a transition turn area, and a downward declining surface which feeds back into the pool. This butterfly configuration is relatively compact, and can be situated such that the flow of water comes from and returns to the pool area. In one embodiment, the invention also has a unique nozzle outlet area which is at or slightly below the elevation of the water surface in the pool, so that riders may skim over the nozzle area and onto the riding surface directly from the pool area.

Abstract: A molded, two-surface, reversible slide, includes first and second elongated sliding surfaces. Each of the sliding surfaces has a bottom portion defining a generally, concave cross-sectional shape, and is elongated in a direction transverse to the concave cross-section. Each surface has a pair of side walls extending from its respective bottom portion. The reversible configuration is effected by first and second sliding surfaces which are in a back-to-back relation with one another. The side walls of the first surface are formed contiguous with a respective one of the side walls of the second sliding surface, defining first and second outer walls. The slide may be used as part of a slide system which includes a slide support structure and one or more slides.

Abstract: A skiing slope is specialized for artificial skis. The slope is formed by longitudinally and laterally laying and connecting mats (1). Each mat has a predetermined area on a slanted surface (17). Each of the mats (1) has a plurality of retainer projections (2) on its rear side. At least one connector member (4) has side walls which engage with circumferential surfaces of the retainer projections (2) in a convex/concave manner. The connector member (4) is disposed between the retainer projections (2) of the mats (1). The connector member (4) is coupled with a hard longitudinal member (3) provided in the longitudinal direction of the slanted surface (17). The connector member (4) is coupled with the mats (1) under the condition that the circumferential surfaces of the retainer projections (2) and the side walls of the connector member (4) are engaged with each other in the convex/concave manner between the retainer projections (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a water slide which includes a device for reducing the impact felt by riders or users when they contact the slower-moving water at the bottom of an incline. Such slower moving water can be particularly injurious to a user who is traveling at relatively high speed (e.g., down a particularly long or steep slope). The device for reducing impact is a section of slide of predetermined length which includes air injection nozzles for reducing the apparent density and viscosity and increasing compressibility of the water to enable the user to slow down more gradually by transitioning from reduced density water to normal density water.

Abstract: A surface element used for forming a gliding surface includes a frame unit provided with at least one attachment element and a joining point, attachment element connecting the frame to a base, a gliding unit formed of a plurality of flexible gliding elements connected to the joining point of the frame unit, and a support unit forming a supporting surface and connected to the frame unit, wherein when a plurality of successive surface elements are arranged in the longitudinal direction to form the gliding surface, the supporting unit of the next surface element supports the gliding unit of at least one preceding surface element.

Abstract: A system for detecting trace concentrations of an analyte in air includes a preconcentrator for the analyte and an analyte detector. The preconcentrator includes an elongated tubular container comprising a wettable material. The wettable material is continuously wetted with an analyte-sorbing liquid which flows from one part of the container to a lower end. Sampled air flows through the container in contact with the wetted material with a swirling motion which results in efficient transfer of analyte vapors or aerosol particles to the sorbing liquid and preconcentration of traces of analyte in the liquid. The preconcentrated traces of analyte may be either detected within the container or removed therefrom for injection into a separate detection means or for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A water jump course comprises a jump slope, a boat and a water tank. The boat has front wheels and rear wheels with different gauges. In the lift-off zone of the jump slope, the rolling surface for the rear wheels is curved less markedly upwards than the rolling surface for the front wheels. Alternatively, the wheels may be of the same gauge and the rolling surface for the wheels at the jump slope lower end is movable in the vertical direction. An air cushion may also be provided in the landing area of the boat.

Abstract: An automatic ball return for practicing golf putting includes a ramp that receives the putted ball, converts the energy of the rolling ball into vertical movement up the ramp, and then through gravity, rolls the ball back down the ramp towards the user. Two legs attached to the ramp are interlocked when the device is in use to provide the proper contour to the ramp, and disengage so the legs and ramp lie flat when the device is to be stored or transported. The ramp includes a target on each end, and the device may be positioned with either leg along the ground allowing either target to be used.

Abstract: A molded plastic ramp is made in a one-step molding process. The ramp includes reinforced side and rear walls and a smooth radiused ramp surface. The ramp includes laterally extending side and rear supports that engage a ground surface and the forward portion of the ramp surface extends forward of the forward extent of the side supports.