Abstract:
A resilient elastomeric support structure for use in a ride such as a playground rock and ride or a see-saw is disclosed. The support structure comprises an elastomeric body that includes a first connection formation for connection with a supporting foundation, a second connection formation for connection with a ride body, and a connection region interconnecting the first and second connection formations. The elastomeric structure is formed of polyurethane, preferably with an ultraviolet stabiliser, which has advantageous mechanical and elastic properties and which is durable.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is the national stage commencement under 35 U.S.C.  371  of international application number PCT/GB02/04050 filed 6 Sep. 2002, claiming priority to application number GB 0121655.5 filed 7 Sep. 2001. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to a resilient elastomeric structure. In particular, but not exclusively, it relates to a resilient elastomeric structure for use as a component of a playground toy or an amusement ride.  
           [0003]    In children&#39;s playgrounds, it is common to find rides that take the form of a ride body upon which a child can sit, the ride body being connected through a helical spring to a plate secured on the ground. This means that a child can sit upon the body and bounce or rock, causing the spring to flex. The resilient nature of the spring is such that it tends always to urge the ride body back to a neutral, upright position. To add interest to the ride, the ride body is typically shaped to resemble an animal, a motorcycle, or some other shape intended to please a child.  
           [0004]    These rides are popular with children, and are very safe, there being no instances known to the applicant of a child being harmed when playing on them, other than in the type of minor falls that will happen inevitably. However, the presence of a strong steel spring can give the ride an “engineered” appearance and the impression, even if incorrect, that the spring could injure a child, perhaps by trapping a hand or foot.  
           [0005]    It has been proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,590 to replace the spring in such a ride with a dome-shaped construction of natural and neoprene rubber, into which is moulded a steel support post, the body of the ride being carried on the support post. While such a ride may perform well when it is first manufactured, experience has shown that rubber will, over time, become brittle when exposed to the weather. When this happens, it looses its elastomeric properties, and may eventually become brittle. It is also possible that the supporting post will become loose or may even detach, this being highly undesirable and risky for a child using the ride.  
         SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
         [0006]    An aim of this invention is to provide a replacement for the spring in a playground ride or other amusement apparatus that does not suffer from the disadvantages of the arrangement shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,590.  
           [0007]    From a first aspect, this invention provides a resilient elastomeric support structure for use in a ride comprising an elastomeric body that includes a first connection formation for connection with a supporting foundation, a second connection formation for connection with a ride body, and a connection region interconnecting the first and second connection formations, the elastomeric structure being formed of polyurethane.  
           [0008]    It has been found that polyurethane exhibits particularly advantageous elastomeric properties while having greater durability and predictability of properties than can be obtained from rubber. These can be further enhanced by addition of an ultraviolet stabilising formulation. The resilient properties of polyurethane are exploited for some applications, such as bushes for use in vehicle suspension systems, where the main mode of deflection of the material is torsional. However, it has not recognised as being generally applicable in circumstances in which an elastomer is required. In particular, its use as a bulk material to be loaded as a strut, with a mode of deflection in compression and in flexion is not usual.  
           [0009]    In preferred embodiments, the elastomeric body may be formed as a one-piece moulding.  
           [0010]    A connection formation of preferred embodiments of the invention may include a securing region, such as a flange formed in the elastomeric body. The securing region typically includes one or more securing formations that can interact with fasteners to secure the elastomeric structure to a supporting foundation or to a ride body, as the case may be. For example, the securing formations may include holes, through each of which a fastener, such as a bolt, can be passed.  
           [0011]    It has been found that the resilient properties of polyurethane can present difficulties when a body of it is to be secured, for example by means of bolts. The material can deform to such an extent that the head of the bolt can be pulled through a hole made for the shaft of the bolt, in many cases, without causing any damage to the structure of the body. Most preferably, the securing region is disposed such that material of the elastomeric body is held substantially in compression by a fastener. This can help to resist undesirable distortion or tearing of the elastomeric material. Additionally, in preferred embodiments of this invention, the elastomeric structure includes a respective reinforcement member provided as part of each connection formation. For example, a reinforcement member may include an annular element, typically of metal, that lies on or adjacent to a flange that is formed integrally with the elastomeric body, and which, in use, can hold the flange in compression. For example, the annular element may be placed upon the flange or moulded within it.  
           [0012]    The elastomeric body may advantageously be covered with a defensive cover to protect it against damage or attack. A cover of chain mail has been found to be highly effective yet sufficiently flexible to move with the elastomeric body.  
           [0013]    In embodiments of the invention, the elastomeric body may be formed integrally with a ride body. For example, the elastomeric body and the ride body may be formed as a single moulding.  
           [0014]    From a second aspect, this invention provides an amusement ride comprising a ride body and one or more elastomeric structures, each embodying the first aspect of the invention, upon which the ride body can be supported.  
           [0015]    A first, and most usual type of amusement ride has a body that is supported on a single support structure such that it can rock laterally and/or bounce vertically (so-called “rock and ride”). Such a ride is most normally configured such that a rider or riders can sit upon the ride body.  
           [0016]    Alternatively, the ride body can be supported upon two spaced supporting members. This can allow a designer to control the axes about which the body can rock. In one configuration of such an embodiment, the ride body may be configured to allow one or more riders to stand upon it.  
           [0017]    In embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the ride body and the elastomeric body may conveniently be formed as a single moulding of polyurethane. This avoids the need to make and connect separate components for the elastomeric body and the ride body. Regions of the ride body with which a rider makes direct contact may be integrally skin foamed. This provides a soft, spongy and grippy surface in the foamed region. The foamed regions can be formed in one moulding with non-foamed regions, yet their surface appearance is similar to that of the regions that are not foamed. Alternatively, the elastomeric body can be formed from several mouldings interconnected, for example, by adhesives. It has been found that the mouldings can be interconnected by cyanoacrylate adhesive (particularly suitable in regions of comparatively low flexure) or by solvent welding, which allows for greater flexibility in the region of the joint.  
           [0018]    An amusement ride may have components formed as additional mouldings or rigid or flexible material. These may be co-moulded with the polyurethane moulding of the ride body. This has the effect of covering the additional components with a coating of polyurethane. Components of other materials can also be provided. For example, the ride body may be provided with components of metal. Such components can also be co-moulded with the polyurethane ride body so that they appear to be integral with the ride body. It may be particularly advantageous to foam the polyurethane in the region of the additional components to cushion and protect them.  
           [0019]    There is almost an unlimited range of shapes that can be selected by a designer for the ride body. These will typically be selected as to appeal to children of an age by which the ride is intended to be used. For example, they may include representations of animals, birds, plants, machinery such as cars or rockets, amongst many other possibilities. These designs may be anthropomorphised, for example by the addition of features that resemble facial features. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1 shows an amusement ride being a first embodiment of the invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 2 shows an elastomeric structure for use in the embodiment of FIG. 1;  
         [0022]    FIGS.  3  to  8  respectively show rides being second to seventh embodiments of the invention;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 9 shows the embodiment of FIG. 7 in use;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the invention showing means by which it may be fixed upon a supporting surface; and  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 11 shows an alternative fixing arrangement of the embodiment of FIG. 1. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0026]    Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0027]    With reference first to FIG. 1, an amusement ride embodying the second aspect of the invention comprises a ride body  10 , and a support structure  12 .  
         [0028]    The ride body  10  is formed as a moulding of hard plastic, shaped, in this embodiment, to resemble a motorcycle. The body  10  has a seat portion  14  upon which an individual (typically, a child) can sit. (Alternative embodiments may have space to carry more than one person.) The ride body can be substantially conventional in construction. Indeed, it may be a ride body primarily intended for use with a conventional steel coil spring support, in this embodiment, used instead with an elastomeric support in accordance with the invention.  
         [0029]    The support structure  12  is in constructed as an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. The support structure comprises an elastomeric body  20  that is formed as a one-piece moulding of polyurethane to which an ultraviolet stabilising formation has been added. The elastomeric body is rotationally symmetrical about an axis A that is vertical in normal use, and symmetrical about a middle plane B that is normal to the axis A.  
         [0030]    The elastomeric body has upper and lower regions  22  that are mirror images of one another, disposed about the middle plane B. A generally cylindrical trunk portion  24  interconnects the upper and lower regions  22 ; the trunk portion  24  being coaxial with the axis A, and having an axial bore  26 . The upper and lower regions  22  are of diameter greater than that of the trunk portion, and extend form it in a bell-like shape. Within each of the upper and lower end regions  22  a void  28  is formed, the size and shape of which is selected to confer required elastic properties upon the end region, and to reduce the amount of material required to mould the elastomeric body  20 .  
         [0031]    The axial bore  26  serves to control the elastomeric properties of the elastomeric body  20 . Increasing the diameter of the bore increases the flexibility of the body. Moreover, the bore  26  need not be of circular cross-section; that is to say, it may be of non-constant diameter. In this case, the flexibility of the body can be controlled such that its flexibility is different in different directions. The bore  26  may be omitted altogether to maximise the stiffness of the body  20 .  
         [0032]    In an alternative configuration, a tension element, such as a metal tube or a bolt, can pass through the bore to connect upper and lower regions of the support structure. This can limit movement of the support structure and/or strengthen it. Such a tension element will normally be mounted at its lower end to permit some pivotal movement.  
         [0033]    Note also that the elastomeric body need not be of circular diameter. Again, this can be used to control the stiffness of the elastomeric body in different directions.  
         [0034]    Each of the end regions  22  carries a flange  30  extending around its periphery, and projecting radially. The flange  30  of the lower and upper end regions is part, respectively, of a first and second connection region of the support structure. The flange has a plurality of holes  32  formed though it, the holes  32  being parallel to the axis A and spaced regularly about the flange  30 . These holes  32  act as securing formations, each for receiving a fastener, as will be described below.  
         [0035]    Each connection region further includes a reinforcement member. The reinforcement member in this embodiment is an annular metal ring  42  that lies in contact with the flange  30 . The ring  42  has a mean diameter substantially the same as that of the flange  30  and has through holes  44  that align with the holes  32  in the flange  30 .  
         [0036]    The first connection region serves to anchor the support structure  12  to a foundation, in this case, a concrete base  46 . To this end, the first connection region comprises an anchor plate  50  that is secured within the base  46 . The anchor plate  50  has a plurality of tapped holes  52  that are positioned to correspond with the holes in the flange  30  and the ring  42 . The support structure  12  is connected to the anchor plate  50  by bolts  54  that pass through the holes  44  in the ring  42  and the holes  32  in the flange  30  to be threaded into the tapped holes  52  in the anchor plate  50 . A tubular spacer (not shown) may be provided surrounding the bolt to limit the extent to which the bolts  54  can be driven into the concrete base  46 . The length of the spacer can be selected such that the flange  30  is securely fastened but the material of the flange cannot be compressed excessively. The spacer may be implemented as part of the ring  42 , within the flange  30  or as separate components.  
         [0037]    Alternatively, the ring can be omitted, and each bolt may be surrounded by a spacer  60  component as shown in FIG. 11. The spacer component comprises a metal tube that passes through the holes  44  in the flange  39 . Secured to (or separate from) an upper end of the tube is a washer. The shaft of the bolt  54  passes through the tube into the base  46 . The head of the bolt bears against the washer to clamp the flange to the base  46 . The length of the tube may be substantially equal to the thickness of the flange  30 , or it may be shorter to apply a clamping force to the flange while preventing excessive distortion of the flange.  
         [0038]    The second connection region is similarly constructed, except that the anchor plate  50 ′ is, in this case, moulded within the ride body  10 . The ride body  10  is secured to the support structure  12  by bolts  54 ′ that pass through the corresponding ring  42 ′ and flange  30 ′.  
         [0039]    When a child sits on the seat portion  14 , his or her weight causes the elastomeric body  20  of the support structure  12  to compress resiliently, the trunk portion  24  acting as a springy compressive strut, allowing the child to bounce up and down. When the child rocks side-to-side, or forwards and backwards, the trunk portion  24  flexes resiliently, for example, by up to as much as 125 always tending to restore itself to a straight configuration. Therefore, from the point of view of the child, the support structure has much the same properties as a metal spring. However, the external appearance of the support structure  12  is almost smooth, and has no formation or structure that might actually present a risk or even give the impression of presenting a risk to a child.  
         [0040]    As an enhancement to this embodiment, it is possible to cover the elastomeric body with a protective cover. One particularly advantageous type of cover is formed of a metal mesh, having an appearance much like chain mail. This can provide a very strong cover that is resistant to damage and malicious attack, yet which is sufficiently flexible to accommodate movement of the elastomeric body  20 .  
         [0041]    In further embodiments of the invention, the use of polyurethane can be extended to the ride body  10 .  
         [0042]    In the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, the rides are formed, respectively, to resemble an anthropomorphised toadstool and drinking cup. The ride bodies  310 ,  410  are constituted by portions formed to resemble a toadstool cap and a teacup. In each case, the ride body is supported on an elastomeric body  320 ,  420  that operates and is constructed in accordance with the principled described above, but which has an outer surface decorated to provide an appearance that fits in with the design of the ride as a whole. So, in the case of the embodiment of FIG. 3, the elastomeric body  320  is naturally formed to resemble a toadstool stem. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, as will be seen, the shape of the elastomeric body  410  is more fanciful.  
         [0043]    Both of these embodiments can conveniently be formed from a single moulding of polyurethane to make up both the ride body and the elastomeric body. In the region of the ride body  310 ,  410 , the polyurethane may be integrally skin foamed or solid, as required.  
         [0044]    As can be seen in cross-section in FIG. 10, the ride body  310  is secured to a foundation, such as a concrete base  346 , at a flange portion  330  by a metal ring  344  and bolts  354 .  
         [0045]    The embodiment of FIG. 5 also has a ride body  510  and an elastomeric body. In this case, the ride body  510  is shaped to resemble an anthropomorphised rocket, with the elastomeric body being constituted by a portion that represents the rocket&#39;s exhaust. The ride body  10  is formed with an elongate cylindrical portion that has an axis at approximately 45° to the horizontal. The elastomeric body  520  connects a lower end portion of cylindrical portion to a base flange  530  secured to a support surface, such as the ground. Between the base flange  530  and the ride body  510 , the elastomeric body has a curved section that acts in flexion as a spring, whereby the ride body can move in a vertical plane, above and below its natural 45° position and side-to-side as the rider shifts his or her body weight.  
         [0046]    A metal loop  512  is moulded into the ride body  510  to form a loop that projects from the cylindrical portion. The metal loop  512  is covered by foamed polyurethane during the moulding process. A seat position  514  is defined upon the cylindrical portion of the ride body  510  to provide a safe and comfortable grip. A child sitting upon the seat portion can cause the ride body  510  to bounce in a vertical plane as permitted by flexure of the resilient body.  
         [0047]    The embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7 are constructed upon principles similar to those of FIG. 5 in that the elastomeric body operates primarily in flexion. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the ride body  610  is shaped to resemble a swan and the elastomeric body  620  is shaped to resemble the swan&#39;s legs. A seat portion  614  is formed by the swan&#39;s wings. The portion of the body the corresponds to the swan&#39;s wing may be elastomeric or substantially rigid. In FIG. 7, the ride body  710  is shaped as the body of a dolphin, and the elastomeric body  710  is its tail. Fins  716  of the dolphin serve as a grip and footrests around a seat portion  714  on the dolphin&#39;s back. Both of these embodiments are formed with the elastomeric body and the ride body as polyurethane mouldings, optionally being integrally foamed in regions of the body portion. Components may be moulded separately. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the swan&#39;s wings may be separate mouldings, and in FIG. 7, the dolphin&#39;s fins may be separate mouldings. These components can be co-moulded with the polyurethane or be of another plastic material. The rigidity of components such as the wings and fins in the above embodiment can be selected for a particular effect. They may be rigid to provide a firm grip, or may be flexible to add to the challenge of the ride. The embodiment of FIG. 7 is shown in use in FIG. 9.  
         [0048]    The embodiment of FIG. 8 provides a ride that can be used by several children at once. In this embodiment, the ride body  810  comprises a core with four radially projecting arms  816 , shaped to resemble the branches of a tree. Each of the arms  816  carries a polyurethane covered metal loop  812  to serve as a grip. A seat portion  814  is formed on each arm so that four children can be carried on the ride body  810 . The elastomeric body  820  is formed by the generally vertical trunk of the tree. Therefore, the children can cause the ride body  810  to rock from side to side, causing the elastomeric body  820  to flex along its length.  
         [0049]    In each case, the cross-sectional area of the elastomeric body varies along its length, having a greater area close to the ride body and to the portion at which it is connected to the ground, and an intermediate region of lesser cross-section. This allows a designer to select the amount of flexibility and the effective spring rate of the elastomeric body. It has been found that it is not essential to make the outer surface of the elastomeric body smooth in order to achieve the desired spring characteristics. Several different colours of material can be moulded together or other aesthetic elements such as metallic glitter can be added to the mould to enhance the appearance of the ride. Therefore, it is possible to incorporate decoration and components of the aesthetic design of the ride into the outer surface of the elastomeric body as part of the moulding process.  
         [0050]    Embodiments of the invention can be applied to replace a steel spring in many examples of “rock-and-ride” or “seesaw” rides, in a ride specifically designed for use with the invention, or to substitute a steel spring in an existing ride.