Patent Application
20200330851
The present invention relates to amusement apparatus and equipment and more particularly relates to the type of amusement apparatuses found in amusement parks, in public areas and the like. The invention further relates to an amusement apparatus which includes a conveyor which interacts with moving formations to create undulations in a playing surface thereby simulating ground contours, waves or rough terrains. The present invention further relates to improvements in amusement apparatuses which are used by skateboarders, roller skaters and the like and which simulate uneven ground to improve the realism of the amusement experience. The present invention further relates amusement devices have a movable activity surface for use by roller boarders, skaters and the like and which simulates on the surface undulations such as but not limited to standing waves to better simulate riding or skating over mild or abrupt contours.
Amusement parks are increasing in popularity world wide and there is an on going need to continually improve the amusement experience. There are in existence a variety of theme and amusement parks which offer a wide range of apparatuses for amusements. Many amusement parks concentrate on water sports while councils, public parks and the like provide fixed structures to enable the public to participate at little or no costs. Known amusement apparatuses include surfaces for skateboarding include stationary half and quarter pipes and concreted, undulating skateboard parks. Such parks include mounds, rails and quarter pipes which can be skated upon by skateboarders. To fully utilise half pipes, for example, skateboarders must walk to a top edge of the half pipe section to skate down its surface. To stay moving on the curved half pipe surface, the skateboarder must apply downward weight thrusts onto their skateboard to accelerate down the pipe surface in order to make it up the other side of a half pipe.
One example of a moveable activity surface is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,423,864 which discloses a moveable activity surface designed specifically for downhill snow skiers and involves a taut, flat conveyor belt which moves about a hard board section, and is tilted to create a downhill surface. The skier can then ski down the belt, which moves against the direction of travel of the skier. The hard board section below the moving belt provides support for the belt when a skier uses the apparatus.
Another example of an amusement apparatus was described in the applicant's published application WO02094396 which discloses an amusement apparatus in which a conveyor provides a moveable activity surface. The activity surface includes a superstructure having two or more spaced apart belt supports mounted to the structure and allowing the belt to extend between and move around the belt supports, such that a portion of the belt between two of the belt supports is slack. The apparatus also includes a drive motor for imparting movement to the belt.
Whilst the prior art devices are useful for their purpose for which they are intended, there remains an ongoing need to constantly improve the nature and versatility of amusement devices and in particular to improve the versatility of amusement apparatuses which have a moving surface to simulate naturally induced forces during activity. There is a need to provide useful alternatives to the known art to allow participants wider choice of amusement.
The present invention provides improvements in amusement apparatuses which are used by skateboarders, roller skaters and the like and which simulate uneven ground to improve the realism of the amusement experience. The present invention further provides an amusement apparatus which includes a conveyor which interacts with moving formations to create undulations in a playing surface thereby simulating ground contours, waves, rough terrains. The present invention further provides an amusement device having a movable activity surface for use by roller boarders, skaters and the like and which simulates on the surface undulations such as but not limited to standing waves to better simulate riding or skating over mild or abrupt contours.
In its broadest form the present invention comprises;
an amusement apparatus having a primary structure which receives and supports a first belt which spans in a longitudinal direction between supports and in a transverse direction; the belt having an upper surface and an underside surface; a sub structure having at least two spaced apart pulleys which accommodate a secondary belt having inner and outer surfaces and which in use, travels about said at least two pulleys; the inner surface of the secondary belt engaging the at least two spaced apart pulleys; the outer surface of the secondary belt having at least one outstanding formation which engages the underside surface of the primary belt during at least part of travel of the secondary belt about said at least two pulleys, thereby inducing in the primary belt a contour which substantially conforms to the shape of said at least one formation.
According to a preferred embodiment, the primary structure provides end anchorages for the primary belt and allows the belt to span longitudinally between the anchorages and transversely. The primary belt is arranged to allow for some flexibility between its longitudinal span. This allows the primary belt to undergo displacement induced by interaction with formations on the secondary belt.
According to one embodiment, the outer surface of the secondary belt has evenly spaced apart wave shaped formations which engage the underside surface of the primary belt to induce displacement in the belt which simulates periodic waveforms. One of the pulleys is a drive pulley and induces travel of the secondary belt about the pulleys.
In another broad from the present invention comprises:
an amusement apparatus having a primary structure which receives and supports a first belt which spans in a longitudinal direction between supports and in a transverse direction; the primary belt having an upper surface and an underside surface; a sub structure having at least two spaced apart pulleys which accommodate a secondary belt having inner and outer surfaces and which in use, travels about said at least two pulleys; the inner surface of the secondary belt engaging the at least two spaced apart pulleys; the outer surface of the secondary belt having a plurality of outstanding wave formation which are arranged to sequentially engage the underside surface of the primary belt during travel of the secondary belt about said at least two pulleys; the wave formations thereby inducing in the primary belt a series of waves in the primary belt by inducing local displacement in the primary belt.
In its broadest from the present invention comprises:
an amusement apparatus having a primary structure which receives and supports a first belt which spans in a longitudinal direction between supports and in a transverse direction; the primary belt having an upper surface and an underside surface; a secondary belt which travels about pulleys and having an underside surface which contacts the pulleys an upper surface which opposes the underside surface of the primary belt; the upper surface of the secondary belt having formations which contact the underside of the primary belt and induce corresponding formations in the primary belt by displacement of the primary belt as the secondary belt rotates.
According to a preferred embodiment, there is a drive pulley which drives the secondary belt and an idler pulley. Preferably the formations are sinusoidal, wave or dome shaped with the result that continuous waves are induced in the primary belt as the secondary belt rotates. The secondary belt moves relative to the primary belt
Throughout the specification a reference to the term formation can be taken to mean a projection out from a plane of the secondary belt and extending partly or fully across the width of the secondary belt and includes but is not limited to circular, dome, waveform or spherical shapes. A reference to a pulley can be taken to mean a wheel, roller or equivalent
Primary and secondary belts are manufactured from a rubberised resilient flexible material which is capable of local distortion to accommodate and react to engagement with the formations.
The present invention provides an alternative to the known prior art and the shortcomings identified. The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying representations, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying illustrations, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the broad description.
The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof such description will now be described in more detail according to a preferred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations wherein:
The present invention will now be described in more detail according to a preferred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations. The examples referred to herein are illustrative and are not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the invention. While various embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be appreciated that these are capable of modification, and therefore the disclosures herein are not to be construed as limiting of the precise details set forth, but to avail such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the description.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying illustrations and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated various including preferred embodiments of the invention. A reference to a formation throughout the specification can be taken to be a reference to a solid or space frame structure which has a surface which interacts with an underside of an amusement surface provided by a belt or the like. A reference to a chain drive can be taken to include a reference to a belt drive or some other form of drive which allows the formations to travel in a loop or otherwise continuously.
Referring to
The present invention provides an alternative to this arrangement and enhances the amusement experience by more closely simulating the natural environment and according to one embodiment to be described below, simulates wave motion on the upper surface of a primary moving belt.
According to a preferred embodiment, a primary structure provides end anchorages for the primary belt 12 and allows the belt to span longitudinally between the anchorages and transversely. The primary belt 12 is arranged to allow for some flexibility between its longitudinal span, which allows the primary belt to undergo displacement induced by interaction with formations on the secondary belt 23 as described below. Primary belt 12 remains fixed via its anchorages but has some slack or flexibility sufficient to allow local displacements. As shown belt 12 has a series of wave crests 17 and troughs 18 which form a standing wave profile in the belt 12.
Preferably the formations are sinusoidal, curved, wave or dome shaped with the result that continuous waves are induced in the primary belt 12 as the secondary belt 23 rotates. In operation, formations 25-37 move about pulley 22 in an anticlockwise direction. As a formation 30 approaches the 1 o'clock position on pulley 22 it engages an underside surface of belt 23. At the same time, formation 37 moves to the 10 o'clock position on pulley 21 as it leaves/separates from primary belt 12. Further rotation would locate formation 30 in the location for formation 29, and would put formation 25 at the position of formation 37 and so on. As formations 25-29 are urged in the direction of arrow 40, this induces corresponding wave formations, shown as wave shapes, in the primary belt 12.
As formations 25-37 engage belt 23, a potential friction is created. To overcome this and to ensure smooth sliding between the outer surfaces of the formations and the underside surface of the secondary belt 23 various available surfactants or industrial lubricants may be used to reduce or eliminate friction. The lubricant can be continually applied to the surface during use or they can be applied after finite periods of use of apparatus 10.
A selected drive pulley/roller provides sufficient force against the belt 23 in relation to the force applied/load on the belt by the engagement between formations 25-29 and underside of primary belt 12. In an alternative embodiment, multiple rive rollers/pulleys can be employed and are operable separately or together to impart a drive force against the belt 23. In another embodiment, the drive roller/s are adapted with circumferentially protruding teeth at or near one end of the roller which in use engage with a row of holes located in an edge strip of the belt 23. In such an embodiment, the rotation of the drive roller can cause the teeth to locate in the holes and to engage with the belt 23 imparting movement. In this case the belt 23 is keyed to the pulleys 21 and 22. Any number of spaced-apart belt support and drive rollers can be used to extend the length, attitude and orientation of the belt skating surface.
Primary and secondary belts 12 and 23 are manufactured from a durable resilient flexible material which is capable of local distortion to accommodate and react to engagement with the formations 25-37. Rubberised compounds are preferred but other materials suitable for their purpose are contemplated which have low friction such as but not limited to artificial plastics.
In use, a user can skate along the surface 41 up and down the wave formations as the surface 41 advances in the direction of arrow 40. The users' movement is generated by navigating the crests 17 and troughs 18 which are regularly created as the formations 25-29 advance underneath the primary belt 12. This provides potentially a continuous ride for a user and a very different ride compared to that provided in the prior art.
This also provides the user with a simulation of surfing down the face of wave repeated waves. The speed of movement of the belt 23 can be varied to alter the riders skill and experience within the context of expected wave motions. The effort that is required to generate movement is removed so the user can have a continuous experience for as long as required. Other features which may be provided include an entry and exit which may include an on and off ramp so that the user can avoid collision with other users.
The surface of belt 12 can be of different shapes other than a concave depression or waveform. For example, the surface may be randomly shaped, textured, for example ribbed to provide additional challenges to skaters or riders. Further features include induced vibrations partially or fully across the play area. The apparatus may be used by other participants such as grass skiers, snow boarders or skiers provided the activity surface is adapted to suit different sports equipment.
It will be understood that the particular arrangement of the preferred embodiment in relation to surrounding ground level is non limiting, and in further embodiments the apparatus can be elevated or oriented at different heights or angles. The support structure is made from materials of sufficient strength for supporting the weight of the apparatus 50 including such features as sub frame, belts, rollers, drives. Each support frame is arranged with a spacing determined by the size of the structure but typically a frame to frame spacing would be in the order of 5 meters. The frames are typically portal frames and mounted thereon are purlins 60 which are laid along the structure.
Purlins 60 are typically spaced at 500 mm centers and may according to one embodiment, be lapped over internal beams and covered with at least one layer of plywood. The purlins form a platform 72 along which the formations 61 travel. At end 62 of apparatus 50 is a bay structure 63 defining a space 64 formed by spaced apart portal frames 65 and 66 which are mutually braced by an array of struts 77. Frame 65 is preferably higher than frame 66. Attached to transverse member 68 of frame 65 is a pivotally attached, preferably metallic frame 69 having a free end 70 engaging platform 72. In use, formations 61 move along platform 72 in the direction of arrow 73. In that view shown in
As the formations advance, formation 74 will adopt the position of formation 76 once it passes via frame 69 which displaces under the action of formation 74 and once formation 74 has passed through space 64, free end 70 engages platform 72. This process is repeated continuously with each formation successively travelling in a full loop about platform 72. The formations are connected to and driven by a drive chain whose tension is adjustable. A conveyor belt overlays formations 61 (not shown for clarity) and as formations 61 travel along platform 72 they induce waveforms into the conveyor, simulating moving waves.
A rider skating on the platform ‘rides” the moving wave until the end of travel of the wave along the platform 72 or can elect to ride a following wave. Portal frame 52 co-operates with frame 80 to define an internal space 81. A cover frame 82 is supported on tracks on both sides of platform 72. Frame 82 is spring loaded to return to is rest position after each formation 61 has exited platform 72 and returns underneath the platform. Formation 83 is shown located just prior to entry into space 81 via frame 82 and eventually adopts the position of formation 84. From there it undergoes a full revolution and the process is repeated. The number of formations may be increased or decreased according to requirements.
According to a preferred embodiment, belt 87 spans longitudinally between the ends 88 and 89 and transversely. The primary belt 87 is arranged to allow for some flexibility between its longitudinal span, which allows the belt to undergo local displacements induced by interaction with formations 61 on the chain drive 90. As shown belt 87 has a series of wave crests 91 and troughs 92 which form a standing wave profile in the belt 87.
Preferably, either of pulleys 85 and 86 can be a drive pulley or an idler pulley. Alternatively both pulleys 85 and 86 can be drive pulleys. Clockwise direction for the chain 99 travel is preferred, but the conveyor assembly 50 can operate in the reverse (anti clockwise) direction. Attached to chain 99 are a plurality of formations 74, 76, 6183, 84, 93-97 which are preferably evenly spaced along belt chain 99. Each formation shown is configured as a wave crest and which moves in unison with chain 90.
Preferably the formations are sinusoidal, curved, wave or dome shaped with the result that continuous waves are induced in the primary belt 87 as the chain drive 99 rotates. A variety of arrangements are contemplated for the drive system including the chain drive to which are fixed the formations. Other drive systems include a belt which drives a conveyor which supports the formations not directly attached to the belt. Thus the drive system may be disconnected from the formations such that the formations can be independent of the drive system or selectively engaged with the drive system when cyclic rotation of the formations is required in use. In this case a gearing system can be employed with a clutch to disengage or engage the formations
As formations 74, 76, 6183, 84, 93-97 successively engage belt 87, a potential friction is created. To overcome this and to ensure smooth sliding between the outer surfaces of the formations and the underside surface of the belt 87 various available surfactants or industrial lubricants may be used to reduce or eliminate friction. The lubricant can be continually applied to the surface during use or they can be applied after finite periods of use of apparatus 50.
In an alternative embodiment, multiple rive rollers/pulleys can be employed and are operable separately or together to impart a drive force against the belt 87. In another embodiment, the drive pulleys/rollers/cogs 85 and 86 are adapted with circumferentially protruding teeth at or near one end of the roller which in use engage with a row of holes located in an edge strip of the belt 87. In such an embodiment, the rotation of the drive pulley roller can cause the teeth to locate in the holes and to engage with the belt 87 imparting movement. In this case the belt 87 is keyed to the pulleys 85 and 86. Any number of spaced-apart belt support and drive rollers can be used to extend the length, attitude and orientation of the belt skating surface.
Various embodiments are contemplated beyond those described in detail herein. The invention in general terms contemplates a rolling wave amusement device for the use of participants riding upon a wheeled apparatus. A flexible surface material overlies an underlying deck, in which moving profiled shapes driven directly or indirectly by a chain, belt drive or the like which urge the formations continuously along the deck. The surface material is preferably fixed and has sufficient slackness to allows movement up and down. The surface material is of a calculated length to always be taut and never presenting a rippled surface that could be hazardous to the participant. The surface material is anchored at either end so as to not allow any travel in either the X or Y directions.
The vertical movement in the third direction is imparted by a moving shape that runs in a direction parallel to and beneath the surface material. The shape may be simply an elevated roller, allowing the surface material to drape off either side or a more complex shape for example a full wave shape. The moving shape is propelled along beneath the surface material creating the effect of a moving wave by inducing rise and fall in the surface material. The moving shape or roller may be connected in series to other shapes that may be of the same or of differing sizes.
The moving formations may be connected to a continuous chain or other material that is able to be driven continuously by a rotating drive system either at one end or both ends. The moving shape can be a permanent fixed shape or a shape that is made mechanically by elevating and lowering sections of the moving formations. The moving shapes are supported by a base structure that allows the surface material to be supported between the moving shapes. The moving shapes are moved beneath and parallel to the surface material by drive wheels at either end of a shaft and on either end of the apparatus driving a continuous chain or other connecting material. The driving chain is continuous around the drive rollers.
By rotating in one direction, the chains supporting the formations is continuously pulled. The formations travel about the rollers which may be made to mechanically rise as propelled beneath the surface material to reduce the overall height of the machine. The rollers could be made to rise and lower independently as they circulate around the apparatus, rising as they come from the underneath portion of the apparatus and retracting prior to them re-entering the underneath section of the apparatus. Participants on the amusement apparatus can enter on one end of the apparatus and be propelled to the other end where they alight. Ramps at either end are designed to manage the safe entry and exit to the apparatus of the patrons.
It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.
It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modification may be made to the invention broadly described herein without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016901658 | May 2016 | AU | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AU2017/000100 | 5/6/2017 | WO | 00 |
