The most recently publicized (in the July 7, 1998 issue of the Boulder Daily Camera) is Bill Kitchen's SkyCoaster, bought by Canadian Thrill Time Entertainment International for $12 million.

Bill's story is of particular interest. Four years ago Bill Kitchen operated a bungee jumping ride in Breckenridge, Colorado. Bill saw the lack of patent protection and the rising insurance costs as good reasons to quit the business. But Bill realized that a gap existed in the amusement ride offerings to thrill seeking riders. The old parachute jump and roller coaster just didn't cut it for many riders. Bill was a parachutist and perhaps somewhere around his 200th jump he invented (in mid air?) a new ride.

You can request a free copy of U.S. Patent No. 5,267,906 for the details of a giant tarzan swing called the Skycoaster^TM. The Skycoaster^TM lets you experience a 100 mph body flight thrill for $25. from heights ranging from 100 to 200 feet. Click here for a short video clip. (3.4 MB .avi) Over 100 sites are operating all over the world. 1997 had more than 3 million riders in America alone.

And it's all possible because of patent protection which keeps copycats at bay well into the next century. The firm provides all intellectual property needs to Sky Fun 1, Inc.: and all members of the firm must experience the ride to qualify for a work assignment! No feint hearts here. All kidding aside this is a great American success story for exporting novel ideas worldwide while maintaining a low overhead cost profile and relying on a team of outside experts including the firm.