AMUSEMENT APPARATUS INCLUDING A MOVABLE PLAYING SURFACE

Abstract

An amusement apparatus having a primary support structure which receives and supports thereon a generally bowl shaped structure including an adjustable amusement surface defined within a periphery of the structure and for conducting user activities which employ a device interacting with the amusement surface; wherein, the amusement surface is arranged to communicate with an entry and an exit and is shaped to allow user travel across a plurality of meridians spanning from a centre to a periphery of said bowl and between 0-360 degrees and while the surface is moving.

Claims

1. A self-contained amusement apparatus having a primary support structure which receives and supports a movable amusement surface defined within a periphery of the structure and for allowing user activities which employ an interactive user device, wherein, the apparatus includes an entry and exit to said amusement surface; wherein the amusement surface is shaped to allow a user to travel along or across a plurality of meridians extending from a center of the amusement surface to the periphery of said structure during said movement.

2. A self-contained amusement apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the amusement surface is provided by a generally bowl shaped shell structure disposed within the primary support structure.

3. A self-contained amusement apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the amusement shell includes a generally concave surface and a convex surface.

4. A self-contained amusement apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the concave surface is an interior amusement surface.

5. A self-contained amusement apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the amusement surface is an interior concave surface created by inversion of the shell.

6. A self-contained amusement apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the bowl shaped shell is manufactured from materials selected from either concrete, heavy duty plastics, fiberglass or metals.

7. A self-contained amusement apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the concave bowl shaped shell is parabolic and allows a user to travel across any concave or convex meridian through 360 degrees.

8. A self-contained amusement apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the entry and exit are separate and may be located at any point along the periphery of the amusement surface.

9. A self-contained amusement apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the entry and exit are the same.

10. An amusement apparatus having a primary support structure which receives and supports thereon a generally bowl shaped structure including an adjustable amusement surface defined within a periphery of the structure and for conducting user activities which employ a device interacting with the amusement surface; wherein, the amusement surface is arranged to communicate with an entry and an exit and is shaped to allow user travel across a plurality of meridians spanning from a center to a periphery of said bowl and between 0-360 degrees and while the surface is moving.

11. An amusement apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the amusement device may comprise a user carriage such as a wheeled carriage, skate board, ski, wheel chair, roller blades.

12. An amusement apparatus according to claim 11 wherein and the amusement surface has a generally concave interior and a convex underside exterior.

13. An amusement apparatus according to claim 12 further comprising an adjustment mechanism associated with either the amusement surface bowl or the support structure allowing selective alteration to the attitude of the amusement playing surface.

14. An amusement apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the amusement surface incline can be increased or decreased as required.

15. An amusement apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the primary structure provides an internal space in which the bowl is located as either a separate component or integrated with the support structure.

16. An amusement apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the bowl structure is adjustable.

17. An amusement apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the mechanism is operable either mechanically or electrically/electronically.

18. An amusement apparatus comprising a primary structure, including an amusement surface; a support assembly which connects to the super structure and transmits load to a ground surface, the amusement surface including a sloping part which enables gravity assisted motion of a user operated carriage device, wherein the amusement apparatus is capable of attitude adjustment relative to the ground surface prior to or during use by a player.

19. An amusement apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the amusement surface has an upper peripheral extremity and a lower central region.

20. An amusement apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the amusement surface extends radially from the central region.

21. An amusement apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the amusement surface extends upwardly from a central region of the amusement surface to an upper peripheral extremity.

22. An amusement apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the amusement surface is substantially bowl shaped.

23. An amusement apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the primary structure comprises a space frame including a plurality of interconnected trusses.

24. An amusement apparatus according to claim 23 wherein some of the trusses are disposed radially relative to the central region of the amusement surface.

25. An amusement apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the support assembly includes a ground engaging base and at least one connection which connects to the super structure.

26. An amusement apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the connection's between the super structure and support assembly allow relative motion between the super structure and support assembly.

27. An amusement apparatus according to claim 26 wherein the relative motion includes selection of rocking about a pivot axis.

28. An amusement apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the rocking motion is allowed about axes disposed in at least X and Y directions.

29. An amusement apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the rocking allows tilting of the bowl in one of a plurality of radial directions relative to the central region of the amusement surface.

30. An amusement apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the bowl when viewed in plan has two straight sides and curved ends.

30. An amusement apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the support assembly includes at least one pivot and extending therefrom at least one strut which each engage the super structure.

31. An amusement apparatus according to claim 32 wherein the at least one struts are fixed at one end to the superstructure and at an opposite end to said pivot.

32. An amusement apparatus according to claim 31 wherein the support assembly further comprises at least one telescopic hydraulic actuator which has an extending and retracting arm which when actuated induces adjustment of the attitude of the super structure.

33. An amusement apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the struts are disposed in a splayed relationship each terminating at one end at a pivot axis.

34. An amusement apparatus according to claim 33 wherein adjustment of the amusement surface is enabled by a computer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] 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:

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the amusement bowl according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the amusement apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows a front section view of the amusement apparatus.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows a right side view of the amusement apparatus.

[0022] FIG. 5 shows a right side sectional view of the amusement apparatus.

[0023] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the amusement apparatus.

[0024] FIG. 7 shows an aerial perspective view of an amusement park including a pair of amusement apparatuses.

[0025] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the amusement apparatuses of FIG. 7.

[0026] FIG. 9 shows a first end elevation of the amusement apparatuses of FIG. 7.

[0027] FIG. 10 shows a first side elevation view of the amusement apparatuses of FIG. 7.

[0028] FIG. 11 shows a second side elevation view of the amusement apparatuses of FIG. 7; and

[0029] FIG. 12 shows a second end elevation view of the amusement apparatuses of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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. The present invention provides an alternative to this arrangement and enhances the amusement experience by providing an alternative to the equipment found in fun parks and amusement centres.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a largely schematic perspective view of an amusement apparatus 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Apparatus 1 includes a primary support structure 2 which is preferably ground mounted and which receives and retains a bowl shaped generally convex amusement bowl 3. Amusement bowl 3 is shown as concave with the concavity 9 extending across all of the meridians about the periphery of the bowl surface 3. FIG. 1 shows meridians 4, 5, which are orthogonally disposed. A rider can travel radially and/or peripherally about surface 3. Surface 3 is preferably parabolic across meridians 4 and 5 and allows a user to accelerate and decelerate according to location selection. Alternatively the bowl 3 may be shaped more in the form of a shallow saucer. Included about periphery 10 are entry/exits 11 and 12 including entry and exit ramps 13 and 14 which facilitate ease of entry and exit at an elevation of periphery 10. In this arrangement a player descends from an entry platform 6 or 7 into the centre 8 of surface 3. Gravity urges the player from a decent to an ascent and then the player can continue to harness the gravitational forces to skate on the surface 3 indefinitely.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows with corresponding numbering for corresponding parts a front view of the amusement apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. Apparatus 1 includes a mounted support structure 2 defining periphery 10 which engages surface 15. Recessed in support structure 2 is bowl 3 having outside surface 16 of which is defined by convex shaped profile 17. Attached to bowl 3 is an attitude adjustment assembly 18 which comprises a space frame 19 which is anchored via pivots 20, 21 and 22. Assembly 18 further comprises actuating mechanism 23 which according to the embodiment shown comprises a telescopic strut 24 spanning between pivot connections 25 and 26. Strut 24 allows alteration of the attitude of bowl 3 to vary the attitude of playing surface 9. Although actuating mechanism can be pre-set to a particular attitude it will be appreciated that it can also be adapted to move bowl 3 during use to increase the challenge for the user.

[0034] FIG. 3 shows with corresponding numbering, a front sectional view of the amusement apparatus 1.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows a right side view of the amusement bowl 3. Attached to bowl 16 at an opposite end of adjustment assembly 18 is an opposite end actuating mechanism 30 which corresponds to adjustment assembly 23 and comprises a space frame 31 which is anchored via pivots 22 and 33. Actuating mechanism 30 includes telescopic strut 34 which spans between pivot connections 33 and a second pivot (obscured) corresponding to pivot 23 of actuating assembly 18. Strut 34 co operates with strut 24 to allow alteration of the attitude of bowl 3 to vary the attitude of playing surface 9. Struts 24 and 34 co-operate to allow pre-setting of the mechanism to a particular attitude and it will be appreciated that it can also be adapted to move bowl 3 during use to increase the challenge for the user.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows with corresponding numbering a right side sectional view of the amusement bowl 16. FIG. 6 shows with corresponding numbering a top view of the amusement bowl 16.

[0037] It will be appreciated that the support structure employed will be determined by the ground environment in which apparatus 1 is used. The structure would be designed to accommodate particular site conditions. It should be understood that the particular arrangement of the preferred embodiment in relation to surrounding environments is non-limiting, and in further embodiments the apparatus can be elevated or oriented at different attitudes and angles. For example, one or both of the ends of the concave bowl 3 can be raised and lowered either mechanically or electronically. The mechanical lowering and raising of one or both ends of the concave bowl 3 is according to a one embodiment, effected to allow continuous movement to provide a rider with a sense of systematic and cyclic perpetual motion. This action provides a rider with a downhill ride most or all of the time during use. A rider/user can in use, adjust to the rocking of the bowl 3 and by anticipating its travel use gravity to perpetuate and enhance the rider experience.

[0038] This can be done, according to one embodiment, by employing a hydraulic pump pack including hydraulic cylinder(s) attached to a programmable computer (PLC) controlled pump. This way both frequency and amplitude can be programmed according to particular class of user requirements. The PLC is controlled to lower and raise bowl 3 at defined amplitude and frequency. In an alternative embodiment, rather than use of a hydraulic system, a mechanical apparatus may be used such as but not limited to a drive wheel and adjustable pushrod is used to alter the attitude of the bowl 3. According to this embodiment, an oscillation frequency is created using a motor driven drive wheel's rotational speed which defines the frequency. In this case a hydraulic cylinder may be employed to adjust the amplitude of cyclic rocking.

[0039] The support structure is made from materials of sufficient strength for supporting the design weight of the amusement bowl 3 including such features as sub frame, actuators, drives.

[0040] Rubberised compounds selected for the playing surface/surfaces are preferred but other materials suitable for their purpose are contemplated such as but not limited to artificial plastics.

[0041] In use, a user can skate along the surface 9 up and down the meridians inherent in the parabolic structure such as meridians 4 and 5. The users' movement is generated by gravity but may be enhanced by movement of the bowl 3. A user can ride continuously across meridians, around the periphery of bowl 3 and from end to end. Other features which may be provided include an entry and exit which includes on and off ramps so that users can avoid collision with other users entering the apparatus 1. The apparatus may be appropriately sized and used by other participants to suit such as grass skiers, bicycles, in line skaters, wheel chairs, go carts (unpowered), snow boarders or skiers provided the activity surface is adapted to suit different sports equipment. Depending upon the activity, the playing surface can be selected to accommodate the riding equipment.

[0042] FIG. 7 shows an aerial perspective view of an amusement park 40 including a pair of amusement apparatuses 41 and 42. Amusement park 40 is set on ground surface 43 and comprises a primary structure 44 defining a periphery of sides 45. 46. 47 and 48 formed by trusses or like structure. Primary structure 44 includes and supports a platform 49 which is accessed by separate stair sets 50 and 65. Platform 49 is abbreviated to form recesses 51 and 52 into which amusement apparatuses 41 and 42 are placed. Recess 51 is defined by a barrier safety fence 53 and recess 52 is defined by barrier fence 54. Sufficient clearance is provided to enable amusement apparatuses 41 and 42 to freely move within respective recesses 51 and 52. Amusement apparatus 41 is according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 an elongated structure having substantially parabolic ends when viewed in plan (see FIG. 8). Similarly for Apparatus 42. Apparatus 41 includes a boundary barrier 55, which is abbreviated to form entry/exit 56 which allows users/players to enter and exit via platform 49. Apparatus 41 has a sloped playing surface 57 which is arranged as a rink allowing users to travel around and around centre wall 58 which defines well 59. Apparatus 41 can be tilted about X and Y axes 70, 71 (see FIG. 8) continuously or tilted to a set position. Both the speed and attitude of the tilting can be adjusted as required. This may be performed manually or in response to player activity using, for example, a programmable logic computer. Apparatus 42 includes a boundary barrier 60, which is abbreviated to form entry/exit 61 which allows users/players to enter and exit via platform 49. Apparatus 42 has a sloped playing surface 62 which is arranged as a skating rink allowing users to travel around and around centre wall 63 which defines well 64. Apparatus 42 can also be tilted about X and Y axes (see FIG. 8) continuously or tilted to a set position. In an alternative embodiment wells 59 and 64 may be eliminated and replaced with a continuation of the playing surface. The ability to tilt the apparatuses by the mechanisms previously described, allow a user to capitalise on the randomly or deliberately created gravitational effects to accelerate or decelerate depending upon the selection of the attitude of the apparatuses 41 and 42.

[0043] FIG. 8 shows with corresponding numbering a plan view of the amusement apparatuses 41 and 42 of FIG. 7. From this view tilting apparatus 73 associated with apparatus 41 can be seen through well 59. Likewise tilting apparatus 72 can be seen through well 64. The tilting apparatuses operate in a similar manner to that described earlier. FIG. 9 shows with corresponding numbering a first end elevation of the amusement apparatuses of FIG. 7. FIG. 10 shows with corresponding numbering a first side elevation view of the amusement apparatuses of FIG. 7. FIG. 11 shows with corresponding numbering a second side elevation view of the amusement apparatuses of FIG. 7; and FIG. 12 shows with corresponding numbering a second end elevation view of the amusement apparatuses of FIG. 7.

[0044] 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.