William F. Mangels was an American inventor and manufacturer best known for his contributions to the amusement industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in the 1866, Mangels became a prominent figure in the creation of mechanical rides and attractions for amusement parks.

In addition to his work with roller coasters, Mangels invented various other amusement park rides, including merry-go-rounds, ferris wheels, and shooting galleries. He established the Mangels & Co. company, which manufactured these mechanical rides. Mangels’ designs were known for their innovation and quality, and his contributions helped shape the landscape of American amusement parks, particularly in the early days of Coney Island in New York, where many of his rides were featured.