Patent Publication Number: US-7722469-B2

Title: Amusement apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/381,565 filed on May 20, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,884,177, which is the national phase of PCT/IT03/00112, filed on Feb. 28, 2003, each of which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The subject of the present invention is an amusement apparatus in which a vehicle, provided with seats, follows a path in space which comprises a component due to oscillation about a centre of instantaneous rotation and a component due to rotation about an axis. 
   More particularly, the present invention relates to an amusement apparatus in which the above-mentioned vehicle follows a path defined by an oscillation relative to a fixed centre and by a rotation relative to an axis that is inclined in various ways in space. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In the field of amusement apparatus, there is a particular need to maintain compactness and to simplify transportation and installation, particularly for mobile structures. 
   There are known amusement apparatuses in which the oscillatory movement of a vehicle is brought about by means of a complex structure formed by lattice members which define the centre of oscillation of the vehicle and on which the vehicle is substantially suspended by means of at least one arm. A combination of an oscillatory motion and of a rotational motion about an axis extending through the centre of oscillation is obtained by setting in rotation the arm on which the vehicle is suspended. 
   As is known, amusement apparatuses as described above are particularly bulky and complex and are difficult to transport and to fit in restricted spaces, particularly because of the presence of the lattice structure on which the vehicle is suspended. 
   The object of the present invention is to devise and to provide an amusement apparatus which satisfies the above-mentioned need and which at the same time overcomes the disadvantages discussed above. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This object is achieved by means of an amusement apparatus of the type specified above, formed in accordance with claim  1 . 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Further characteristics and the advantages of the apparatus according to the invention will become clear from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof which is given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of an amusement apparatus according to the present invention, 
       FIG. 2  is a view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  from above, 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a different operative condition, 
       FIG. 5  is a view of a detail of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  from above, 
       FIG. 6  is a section taken on the line VI-VI through the detail of  FIG. 5 , 
       FIG. 7  is a section through the detail of  FIG. 5 , taken on the line VII-VII of  FIG. 6 , 
       FIG. 8  shows a portion of the detail of  FIG. 6  on an enlarged scale, 
       FIG. 9  shows a portion of a detail of  FIG. 7  on an enlarged scale, 
       FIG. 10  shows a detail of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  from above, 
       FIG. 11  is a partially-sectioned front view of the detail of  FIG. 10 , 
       FIG. 12  shows a portion of the detail of  FIG. 11  on an enlarged scale, 
       FIG. 13  is a front view of a detail of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , 
       FIG. 14  shows a portion of the detail of  FIG. 13  on an enlarged scale, 
       FIG. 15  shows the portion of  FIG. 14 , sectioned on the line XV-XV, 
       FIG. 16  shows the detail of  FIG. 13  from above, 
       FIG. 17  is a view of the enlarged portion of  FIG. 14  from above, taken on the arrow XVII, and 
       FIG. 18  is an enlarged side view of a detail of  FIG. 12 , according to one possible embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION 
   With reference to the above-mentioned drawings, an amusement apparatus according to the present invention is generally indicated  10 . A substantially horizontal support surface of the apparatus  1  is indicated P in the appended drawings. Any plane perpendicular to this surface will be referred to generally as a vertical plane. 
   A vehicle, indicated  12 , is suitable for accommodating a predetermined number of users or passengers, for example, in parallel rows of seats  14  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In further possible embodiments, the seats may be arranged differently, for example, in longitudinal rows relative to the extent of the vehicle  12 , or in a circle. 
   The vehicle  12  may be of an imaginative shape and comprises portions that can move in space along paths as described below. 
   A support structure, generally indicated  16 , is suitable for supporting the vehicle  12  and for defining, at least partially, a component of its path in space. 
   According to one possible embodiment, the support structure  16  is produced in a compact and foldable form which also defines the trailer on which the apparatus  10  is transported. 
   The support structure  16  or load-bearing structure for the vehicle is advantageously combined with the chassis of the trailer, simplifying both the movement and the assembly of the apparatus. 
     FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the support structure  16  in which there is a rear wall  18  suitable for creating the background scenery of the apparatus and a substantially horizontal surface  20  which constitutes an access platform disposed at the lowest level at which the vehicle  12  can be arranged. 
   The support structure  16  further comprises two rails  22  on which the vehicle  12  is supported. These rails have a shape such as to define a predetermined component of the path of the vehicle  12 . 
   The shape of the rails  22 , and hence of the component of the path defined thereby, follows a suitable curve which is selected in dependence on the sensation to be given to the passengers. 
   According to one possible embodiment, for example, that shown in the appended drawings, the rails  22  follow a curved path within a plane so that the component of the path of the vehicle is a curved component in that plane, for example, in a vertical plane. 
   According to one possible embodiment, the shape of the rails  22 , and hence of the component of the path of the vehicle defined thereby, corresponds to a concave portion of a circle. 
   In other embodiments, not shown, the rails may have a curved or undulating shape or other shapes suitable for creating particular sensations for the user of the vehicle. 
   According to one possible embodiment, for example, that shown in the drawings, the two rails  22  are arranged parallel to one another, defining a major axis, indicated O. According to one possible embodiment, each rail comprises a profiled section having, for example, an “I”-shaped cross-section which has a shape, along its major axis, suitable for producing the desired path component. As defined above, the profiled section may have an arcuate shape, for example, a sector of a circle, or other configurations suitable for creating a predetermined sensation for the user. 
   The movement of the vehicle  12  along the rails  22  defines a swinging movement of the vehicle along a curve which according to various possible embodiments, may have a fixed and/or a variable centre of instantaneous rotation. 
   Uprights and cross-members arranged appropriately beneath the two rails to support and reinforce the support structure  16  advantageously also define elements of the trailer of the vehicle  12 . 
   According to one possible embodiment, each rail  22  is formed in at least two portions which are articulated to one another in a manner such that one of the two portions, preferably the end portion, can pivot relative to the other, preferably about a horizontal axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the rails. In  FIGS. 4 and 11 , the two portions of a rail are indicated  22   a  and  22   b , respectively, and are shown in the folded position for making the support structure  16  compact. 
     FIG. 12  shows in detail the portion of the rails  22  in which the two portions  22   a  and  22   b  are articulated to one another. Means for positioning the two portions relative to one another are indicated  24  and are shown in  FIG. 12  in the configuration corresponding to the folded position of the rails  22 . 
   According to one possible embodiment, the relative positioning means  24  comprise a crank  26 , which is preferably foldable, and an oleodynamic cylinder  27  operatively interposed between the two portions  22   a  and  22   b .  FIG. 18  shows a detail of the cylinder and of the articulation between the two portions  22   a  and  22   b.    
   According to one possible embodiment, the support structure  16  is advantageously suitable for forming a transportation trailer ( FIG. 4 ) by folding of the rails  22  as shown in  FIG. 4  or  FIG. 11 . The support structure  16  preferably has wheels  28  for the support and towing of the structure. 
   According to one possible embodiment, for example, that shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the support structure  16  comprises first drive means  30  for causing the vehicle  12  to oscillate along the major axis of the rails  22 , producing a swinging motion of the vehicle along the path component defined by the rails. As shown, for example, in  FIG. 10 , the first drive means  30  are disposed between the two rails  22 , for example, on walls  32  also disposed between the two rails  22  and parallel thereto. 
   The first drive means  30  comprise a drive element  34  connected to cross-members of the support structure  16  and operatively connected to a driving wheel  36  mounted between the two walls  32 . The axis of rotation of the driving wheel  36  is arranged along a substantially horizontal axis perpendicular to the major axis of the rails  22  ( FIG. 10 ). 
   According to one possible embodiment, the rails  22  have sensor means suitable for reading the position of the vehicle relative to the support structure in order to reverse the direction of oscillation of the vehicle. 
   The driving wheel  36  interacts with a portion of the vehicle  12  which is preferably arranged between the two rails  22 . According to one possible embodiment, the base of the vehicle  12 , that is, the portion facing the support structure  16 , comprises a thrust track  38 . 
   According to one possible embodiment, the thrust track  38  is arcuate with a configuration similar to that of the rails  22 . 
   The thrust track  38  has a surface  40  for contact with the driving wheel  36 , preferably coinciding with a lower surface of the thrust track. According to one possible embodiment, the thrust track  38  is suitable for being arranged between the walls  32  of the support structure  16  when the vehicle is positioned on the rails  22 . 
   According to one possible embodiment, the thrust track  38  is formed by a hollow profiled section connected, by means of pins  42  and stirrups  44 , to a framework  46  disposed beneath the vehicle  12 . 
   According to one possible embodiment, the framework  46  of the vehicle  12  comprises elements  48  for its support on the rails  22  and elements  50  for its lateral restraint thereon. According to one embodiment, the support elements  48  comprise first wheels  52  which bear on the rails  22 , for example, on the upper flat end of the “I”-shaped profiled section. With respect to the framework  46 , the first wheels  52  are mounted for rotating about axes which are substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the rails  22 , that is, which are arranged transversely relative to the thrust tracks  38  and to the axis O of the component due to the oscillation of the vehicle on the rails  22 , and are arranged parallel to the horizontal support surface P of the apparatus  1 . 
   According to one embodiment, the lateral restraint elements  50  comprise second wheels  54  mounted for rotating about axes substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the rails  22  and arranged individually in substantially vertical planes relative to the horizontal support surface P. In the embodiment shown, the second wheels  54  are mounted so as to run on the inner walls of the rails  22 , for example, on the inner surfaces of the vertical walls of the “I”-shaped profiled sections. 
   According to one possible embodiment, the vehicle  12  comprises a carriage  56  mounted on the framework  46  in a manner such that the carriage and the upper portion of the vehicle can rotate about an axis R-R. 
   During the oscillatory or swinging motion of the vehicle  12  on the rails  22 , the axis R-R can be oriented in space in various ways. According to a possible non-limiting embodiment shown in the drawings, the axis R-R may be perpendicular to the oscillation or swing axis O and disposed in a vertical plane with respect to the horizontal surface P. According to another possible embodiment, the axis R-R may correspond substantially to the axis of the radius of curvature of the rails  22 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 13 , the carriage  56  is mounted beneath a surface  58  for supporting the seats  14  for the users of the apparatus  1 . 
   Second drive means, indicated  60 , are suitable for setting the carriage  56 , and hence the support surface  58 , in rotation about the axis R-R. 
   According to one possible embodiment, the second drive means  60  comprise two drive elements  62  mounted on plates  64  articulated to the support surface  58  on opposite sides of the rotation axis R-R. Respective thrust elements  66  are operatively interposed between the plates  64  and the support surface  58 . Each drive element  62  is connected to a drive wheel  68 . Both of the drive wheels  68  cooperate with the inner surface of a circular ring gear  70  fixed firmly to the framework  46 , as a result of the thrust exerted by the thrust elements  66 . 
   With reference to the above-mentioned drawings, the amusement apparatus  10  operates as follows. 
   The first drive means  30  bring about the swinging or oscillation of the vehicle along the axis O on the rails  22 . The shape of the rails defines the shape of the “swinging” component of the path of the vehicle. If rails shaped as sectors of circles are provided, the vehicle oscillates about a substantially fixed centre corresponding to the centre of the circle along which the rails extend, whilst the vehicle is supported on the rails. 
   If rails of other shapes are provided, the “swinging” component of the motion of the vehicle will follow the shape of the rails, which depends on the sensation to be given to the passengers. 
   “Swinging motion” or “swinging component” therefore means the motion of the vehicle along the rails  22  which is brought about by the first drive means, both in one direction and in the other direction. Sensor means identify the reaching of the ends of the path of swinging in order to reverse the drive of the first drive means and thus to reverse the direction of travel of the vehicle on the rails. 
   During the swinging motion, a portion of the vehicle corresponding to the carriage  56  and to the support surface  58  on which the users are located is set in rotation by the second drive means  60 , producing a combination of a swinging motion along a path defined by the shape of the rails and a rotational motion about an axis R-R. 
   In particular, the carriage and the support surface  58  rotate about an axis R-R which can be oriented in various ways in space. 
   According to one possible embodiment, the first and second drive means are not synchronized with one another, so that the position of the carriage  56  and of the support surface  58  in space does not recur when the framework  46  is in a predetermined position. 
   It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the provision of an amusement apparatus according to the present invention satisfies the above-mentioned need for compactness. 
   Moreover, the amusement apparatus according to the invention facilitates both transportation and assembly, avoiding complex lattice structures and combining the load-bearing structure of the apparatus and the framework of the transportation trailer. 
   Since the vehicle is supported on the rails, the shape of the rails define the shape of the swinging or oscillation component of the vehicle&#39;s path. Moreover, the rotational component can be performed about an axis R-R that is oriented in various ways in space. 
   The advantageous combination of a swinging motion performed on rails and of a rotational motion about an axis R-R that is oriented in various ways in space permits more versatile design of the possible final paths that can be achieved, in accordance with users&#39; ever more varied requirements. In fact, the present invention enables the two components of the motion to be rendered structurally and functionally independent. 
   A further advantage of the amusement apparatus according to the invention lies in its unusual structural simplicity which enables it to be produced at a very low cost. 
   Naturally, variations and/or additions may be provided for the embodiment described and illustrated above. 
   For example, the shape and number of rails may vary from that shown in the drawings, for example, by the provision of a single rail or of a larger number of rails. The configurations of the first and second drive means may differ from those described and illustrated. 
   The shape of the rails may, for example, be arcuate, undulating, or in any case arranged according to the motion to be produced and the consequent sensation to be given the passengers. The axis of rotation R-R may also be oriented in various ways in space. Amongst the possible but non-limiting examples, the axis of rotation R-R may extend through the centre of instantaneous rotation of the path of the swinging motion, or may be oriented differently relative thereto. 
   Moreover, the second drive means may be constructed in a manner such as to produce either a monodirectional or a bi-directional rotational component of the motion. 
   The rows of seats may be positioned variously in longitudinal, transverse, or circular rows. 
   In order to satisfy contingent and specific requirements, a person skilled in the art may apply to the above-described preferred embodiment of the apparatus many modifications, adaptations, and replacements of elements with other functionally equivalent elements without, however, departing from the scope of the appended claims.