Bigtoys, Inc.

Russell L Keeler

John Michael Underbrink

A playground apparatus (10) for children to slide across while hanging by their hands is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support structure (12, 16, and 20) holding multiple rails (18), preferably five, horizontally above the ground and above the heads of the children. The rails are generally parallel one to another and include gentle curves along their length. Handhold assemblies (22) are slidably coupled to each of the rails and include two grips (40) on each assembly for users' hands. The grips are disposed below the rails and the handhold assemblies include partitions (46) between the rails and the grips to protect the children's hands from the rails. The handhold assemblies include channels (44) in which the rails are received and allowed to slide. The channels are wider in their middle portions than at their ends to accommodate the curves in the rails. Platforms (26) are constructed at the ends of the support structure to provide a place for the children to stand when reaching the handhold assemblies.

Sliding-handgrip amusement apparatus

In accordance with the present invention, a playground carriage (10) is provided for moving people (100) from one play area to another. The playground carriage comprises a rotatable support pipe (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16). The support pipe extends between a first vertical column (18) and a second vertical column (20). A manually-operated crank (22) having a first end (24) and a second end (26) is also included. The manually-operated crank extends between the first vertical column and a third vertical column (48). The first end of the crank is coupled to the first end of the support pipe so that manually turning the crank rotates the support pipe. A carriage (28) for carrying people is mounted to the support pipe. The carriage is advanced along the support pipe by a carrier (30). The carrier comprises a set of wheels (31) oriented along an outer surface (34) of the support pipe so that the wheels follow a helical, thread-like path along the support pipe and, thus, propel the carrier along the support pipe. A plurality of handrails (36) extend downwardly from the carrier and attach to a platform (37) so that the platform is suspended below the carrier. A protective housing (88) encapsulates the carrier. A guide rail (43) is located immediately below the platform of the carriage and extends parallel to the support pipe between the first vertical column and the second vertical column. In addition, a guide (38) is attached to a lower surface (35) of the platform and engages the guide rail in order to prevent the carriage from swinging excessively as it moves along the support pipe.

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Olympia, WA, United States of America

Russell L Keeler