Patent GB-437425-A (GB)
Title: Amusement apparatus
IPC: A63G7/00
Filed: 1935-05-03
Abstract: 437,425. Amusement apparatus. FAIRDOM, Ltd., and SCHMIDT, F. C. W., 62, Priory Gardens, Hanger Lane, Ealing, London. May 3, 1935, No. 13217. [Class 132 (i)] Amusement apparatus comprises an inner endless-rail track and a loading rail track diverging from and rejoining the endless track, means being provided for imparting oscillatory movements to the passenger carrying seats of the trains when traversing part of the tracks. As shown, a loading track 2, Fig. 1, is looped into a circular endless track 1. Trains, after being loaded at the platform 12, automatically operate a point 4 to pass on to the track 1 and after one circuit thereof again actuate the point 4 to permit of continuous movement around the track until an operator manually actuates a point 3 to direct the train back on to the loading track 2. The point 4 comprises rail elements pivoted at 15, Fig. 3, and is shown in the position for continuous rotation on the track 1. A projection on a train approaching along the loading track 2 rocks a lever 18, which through a link 21<a> reverses a pivotal element 20, one arm of which moves a slide 21 fixed to the point 4, to rock the latter to its other position where it is latched by projections 25, 26 locking with each other. The train now passes on to the track 1 and after one circuit thereof rocks a second lever 18 to throw the point back to the position shown, through links 23, 22. The point 3 is similar in construction to point 4 and is actuated by rocking a lever 13, Fig. 1, connected by cables 27 to pivotal link 28 which moves the point through a link 30. The tracks comprise battens 16, Fig. 10, mounted on sleepers, and running rails comprising metal strips 17 secured to battens 16. For conveying current to the cars, a conductor rail 56 is supported from brackets 58 secured to battens 16. Each train comprises motor elements 34, 35, Figs. 8, 9, and bogeys 36 between which underframes 41, 42 with footboards 54, are pivoted. The motor elements 34, 35 comprise electric motors 37, fed by brushes 61 engaging the conductor rail, controlled by a driver at 40 and geared to the track wheels. The passenger seats 44 are pivoted to an upper frame 45 vertically slidable relative to the underframe 41 and are raised when a roller 47 on an arm 46 rigid with the upper frame 45 engages a cam 55 located between the track rails. The seats 44 normally held horizontally are adapted to tilt backwardly when a lever 51 pivoted to the upper frame is rocked by a projection 52 on the track. The cam 55 located between guides 62 is normally in a lower inoperative position, shown in Fig. 14, resting on cams 68. To raise the cams into operative position the operator pulls a lever 72, Fig. 1, which through cables 71 rotates drums 70 rigid with the cam spindles 69 whereby the latter rotate cams 68 to lift the cam 55. Screens 5, 6, on which scenery is depicted enclose the track 1 and are supported by a structure 7, Fig. 2, rotated by an electric motor 9 in a direction opposite to that of a train to produce the illusion of speed. The motor 9 drives through a slipping clutch so that by rocking a lever 77 a brake is applied to the periphery 74 of the structure 7 to bring it to rest with apertures in the screen 6 in a position to allow passage of trains to and from the unloading station. A fixed screen 14 is also provided.