Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation of International Application PCT/JP00/08644, with an international filing date of Dec. 6, 2000, published in Japanese (not in English) under PCT Article 21(2) and now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to game apparatuses accommodating grab articles within a holding section and configured for play at catching the grab articles by manipulating fetching means equipped with grasping hands. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     To date, apparatuses such as shown in FIG. 20 have been known as an example of the above-noted game apparatuses. As shown in the same drawing, the game apparatus  200  is composed of a casing-like body  201 , a plurality of grab articles  203  that are accommodated in a holding section  202  furnished in the body  201 , and fetching means  204  disposed above the grab articles  203  and within the holding section  202 . 
     Each fetching means  204  is composed of a grasping hand  205  installed to be open/closable and configured for clasping a grab article  203  when closed; a support rod  206  that supports the grasping hand  205 ; a (not-illustrated) drive means for shifting the support rod  206  and grasping hand  205  omnidirectionally in up-and-down, left-and-right and back-and-forth directions; means for controlling the operation of the (not-illustrated) drive means and the grasping hand  205 ; and actuation buttons  207  that input signals to the (not-illustrated) controlling means and actuate operations of the (not-illustrated) drive means and grasping hand  205 . 
     Further, a pitch-in port  208  is provided within the holding section  202 , and meanwhile a take-out port  209  is provided in the apparatus body  201  opening on an outside face thereof. The pitch-in port  208  and take-out port  209  are communicated with each other. 
     Further, the grab articles  203  are made up of spherical transparent capsules and character goods, for example, housed in the capsules. Here, in some cases character goods as the grab articles  203  are stowed as they are, unpackaged. 
     The game apparatus  200  becomes operable by means of the actuation buttons  207  when a player inserts coins for a prescribed charge; the(not-illustrated) controlling means receives signals from the actuation buttons  207  and controls operations of the (not-illustrated) drive means and grasping hand  205  to have the grasping hand  205  execute predetermined specific motions it is to execute. Specifically, when for example the actuation button  207  for shifting the grasping hand  205  in the left-and-right direction is pressed, the grasping hand  205  in the same direction is caused to reciprocate back and forth from a home position; and when the push button is released, the grasping hand  205  is halted. Next, when the actuation button  207  for causing the grasping hand  205  to shift in the back-and-forth direction is pressed, the grasping hand  205  in the same direction is caused to reciprocate from the halt position; and when the push button is released the grasping hand  205  is halted and subsequently made to execute an ensuing series of auto-drive operations (grasping motions).That is, after the grasping hand  205  is caused to drop it is actuated to close; in due course it is elevated and along the way is caused to reciprocate in the left-and-right and back-and-forth directions; and after it is shifted to above the pitch-in port  208 , the grasping hand  205  is actuated to open and in due course is returned to its home position. Here, the operations through the actuation buttons  207 , by which the grasping hand  205  is caused to reciprocate in the left-and-right and back-and-forth directions, are each limited to a single time. 
     Thus, in terms of the game apparatus  200 , by a player operating one time only the respective operation buttons  207  that shift the grasping hand  205  in the left-and-right and back-and-forth directions, after the grasping hand  205  is shifted to a position where it is judged that a capsule housing a desired character item can be grasped it is halted, and thereafter the grasping hand  205  executes the above-noted series of grasping operations in auto-drive. If the capsule is grasped by the grasping hand  205 , it is pitched into the pitch-in port  208 . Then the capsule that has been pitched into the pitch-in port  208  is transferred to the take-out port  209  communicates with the pitch-in port  208 , and the player may acquire the character item by taking out the capsule from the take-out port  209 . 
     In this way, by means of the game apparatus  200 , since a player is able mechanically to acquire desired character items by operating the fetching means  204  consisting of machinery, the player may satisfy curiosity regarding mechanical manipulations and enjoy an amusement brimming with appeal. Further, the fact that the operations for acquiring a character item are limited to a single time puts thrill into the game for the player to enjoy, and moreover lets recreational and material cravings to be able to get a character item be satisfied. 
     From another aspect, however, since the player him or herself is outside and merely operates the game apparatus  200 , a realistic feel is lacking in that an element that lets the player him or herself sense things bodily is absent. The present inventor arrived at the present invention as a result of concerted efforts to develop a game apparatus that in addition to the actions and effects that the foregoing game apparatus  200  provides—which are: 1) enabling satisfaction of curiosity regarding mechanical manipulations, 2) enabling enjoyment of an amusement brimming with appeal, 3) enabling enjoyment of a thrilling game, and 4) enabling recreational and material cravings to be satisfied—lets players themselves bodily sense a feeling of reality, still further enables satisfying curiosity regarding mechanical manipulations, and still further enables enjoying an amusement brimming with appeal. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Accordingly, an object of the present invention is a game apparatus that enables players themselves to bodily sense a feeling of reality and lively motion, that enables satisfying curiosity regarding mechanical manipulations still more, and that enables enjoying still more an amusement brimming with appeal. 
     In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention includes an holding section that holds and accommodates a plurality of objects in a fixed area, and a boarding portion on which a player boards, and is further provided with a ride apparatus in which the corresponding boarding portion is installed so as to move and rotate, and a fetching means that is attached to the corresponding ride apparatus and picks up one of the above-described objects from the above-described holding section by an operation made by the above-described player. 
     According to the invention, a player is able to enjoy himself as described below: That is, first, the player boards the boarding portion of a ride apparatus. Next, the ride apparatus moves or turns to an appropriate position automatically or by an operation made by the player. And, the player performs a game of picking up an object accommodated in an holding section by operating the fetching means attached to the ride apparatus. In such a game, the player is able to satisfy himself in regard to curiosity pertaining to mechanical operations, and enjoy himself in a game which is filled with interests. In addition, since the player can board the ride apparatus and move or turn thereon, the player can physically feel a sense of reality and enjoy the motions, and can satisfy himself in regard to the curiosity pertaining to the above-described mechanical operations. At the same time, he is able to enjoy a game that is filled with interests. If the above-described objects are decided to be premiums such as character goods in which players are keenly interested, the interest and material desire of the players for acquiring such character goods can be further satisfied. 
     The above-described ride apparatus may be composed of an operation portion that is used to move and rotate the above-described boarding portion, wherein the above-described boarding portion can be moved and turned by an operation of the player. Also, the above-described fetching means may be provided with a fetching portion for acquiring an object by picking it up, or may be provided with a hooking portion for acquiring an object by hooking it. Detailed examples of such a fetching portion may include a mechanism for directly grasping an object like a hand mechanism used for a robot, a mechanism for holding an object in a bucket such as a shovel mechanism that is used for a hydraulic power shovel or a bulldozer such as a civil engineering machine, a mechanism for adsorbing an object by an adsorbing means, or a mechanism for fetching an object by a dish-like or bucket-like container. Detailed examples of the hooking portion may include a hook mechanism, in which a hook-like curved member is movably provided, composed so as to pick up an object from the holding section by hooking it by means of the hook-like curved member, and a mechanism, in which a merely bar-like member is movably provided, composed so as to pick up an object from the holding section by hooking it by means of the bar-like member. 
     Also, the above-described ride apparatus may include various types of apparatuses, such as a vehicle moving by means of wheels, a ride apparatus, similar to a civil engineering machine, which can move by means of a caterpillar, a boat or an apparatus, composed so as to move by means of a swivel arm by which a seat on which a player sits is moved, which is similar to an apparatus installed in an amusement park. Further, the ride apparatus may be constructed so as to move along an appointed rail. Also, the ride apparatus moving along a rail may include a train, a ride apparatus similar to a monorail car, a boat moving along an appointed waterway, or other similar ride apparatuses. 
     In addition, if vibrating means are attached to the above-described fetching means, the degree of difficulty with respect to an action of picking up an object is increased by the fetching means, or the object that has been picked up may drop from the fetching means by vibration, wherein the degree of difficulty of the entire operation of the game is increased, and such a game will become more interesting to a player. Further, such vibrating means may employ a structure in which projections and recesses are provided in a runway of a ride apparatus, a structure in which the above-described fetching means is supported by resilient means, or a structure in which the fetching means itself is constructed so as to be likely to vibrate. 
     Further, the object that is picked up by the above-described fetching means may be discharged outside the playing area by providing a discharging means, or if the ride apparatus is provided with a collecting means, the object can be taken in the ride apparatus. If the discharging means is constructed so as to operate at random or in a fixed cycle, it becomes difficult to discharge the picked-up object outside the playing area, wherein the degree of difficulty of the game will be further increased so that the game becomes still more interesting. In addition, any type may be acceptable, if the above-described collecting means can receive the object picked up by the fetching means, by which the object can be taken in the ride apparatus. One of the examples is a mechanism that is provided with a collection port, which communicates with the inside of a ride apparatus, outside the ride apparatus, a mechanism that is composed so that an opening and closing door is provided in the ride apparatus and the above-described collecting port is formed by opening the door, or a mechanism that is composed so that a so-called fetching net secured so as to reciprocate between the inside and outside of the ride apparatus, and a structure similar thereto is disposed, and the picked-up object is collected by the fetching net. In addition, if the collecting port, opening and closing door, or fetching net is installed so as to move forward and backward, left or right at random or in a fixed cycle, it becomes more difficult for the above-described object to be collected in the ride apparatus, wherein the degree of difficulty is increased to cause the corresponding game to be made still more interesting. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an elevational section view depicting overall a game apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a plan view of the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged view illustrating a ride apparatus; 
     FIG. 4 is a lateral view taken along the arrow I direction in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a game apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a game apparatus according to still another preferred embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a game apparatus according to still another preferred embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the ride apparatus; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating still another embodiment of the ride apparatus; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating another preferred game apparatus; 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating still another preferred game apparatus; 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a fetching device thereof; 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating yet another preferred game apparatus; 
     FIGS. 14 through 17 are plan views illustrating other preferred game apparatuses; 
     FIG. 18 is an oblique view depicting a holding section in a different embodiment; 
     FIG. 19 is an elevational view depicting a holding section in a different embodiment; and 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional game apparatus. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Hereinafter, a description is given of detailed embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a elevational section view showing overall a game apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a ride apparatus; and FIG. 4 is a lateral view taken along the arrow I direction in FIG.  3 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a game apparatus  1  according to this embodiment includes a partitioning member  2  that sections and forms a fetch-play area  3 , an holding section  6 , which is disposed in the fetch-play area  3 , for accommodating and holding a plurality of grab articles  7 , a running rail  4 , one end of which is positioned in the fetch-play area  3 , posts  5 ,  5  that support both ends of the running rail  4 , a ride apparatus  10  that is hung from the running rail  4  and is composed so as to be movable in the lengthwise direction thereof, and a fetching device  25  attached to the ride apparatus  10 . 
     As shown in FIG.  3  and FIG. 4, the ride apparatus  10  is provided with a carriage device  21  that is engaged in and shifted along the running rail  4 , and a rider vehicle  11  that is hung from the carriage device  21  and supported via a supporting rod  20 , a rotating device  19 , a supporting rod  18 , a lateral frame  16 , and frames  15 . 
     The running rail  4  is made of a steel material whose cross section is I-shaped. The carriage device  21  is composed of two pairs of wheels  22 , which are provided at an appropriate interval in the lengthwise direction of the I-shaped steel material at both sides of the vertical portion between the upper and lower ridges of the running rail  4 , connection rods  23  that connect respective pairs of wheels  22 , and a connection frame  24  that connects the pairs of connection rods  23 . At least one of the wheels  22  is internally provided with a drive motor, wherein the drive motor drives and rotates the wheel  22 , and the carriage device  21  moves along the lengthwise direction of the running rail  4  as described above. Also, the embodiment is such that the drive motor is incorporated in the wheel  22 . However, the embodiment may be constructed so that a drive motor is provided outside, and the drive and rotation force is transmitted to the wheels  22  via gears and chains. 
     The supporting rods  20  and  18  are rotatably connected to each other via a rotating device  19 , and the upper end of the supporting rod  20  is fixed on the lower end face of the connection frame  24 . The rotating device  19  internally incorporates a drive motor, which causes the supporting rod  18  to rotate centering around the center axis thereof. The lateral frame  16  then is fixed at the lower end of the supporting rod  18 , and the channel-shaped frames  15  are respectively fixed at either end thereof. 
     The rider vehicle  11  is made of a hollow structure whose appearance is roughly elliptical and spherical, wherein a floor member  12  is disposed therein, and a seat  13  on which a player Y sits is fixed on the floor member  12 . Also, on its exterior the rider vehicle  11  is provided with a door  14 , through which the player Y enters and leaves. Further, the upper part of the rider vehicle  11  is made open in order to eliminate a coped-up feeling for a player Y boarded therein. Further, the end parts of connection members  17  extending at both side edges of the floor member  12  are fixed at the lower ends of the frames  15 , wherein the corresponding floor member  12  is supported by the frames  15 . It is necessary that the rider vehicle  11  has a transparent window at its front side. It is further preferable to make the front window at the feet of the player Y transparent. Here, the rider vehicle may be made completely open on its front end. 
     Thus, the ride apparatus  10  moves in the direction of the arrow along the running rail  4  by operations of the carriage device  21 , and reciprocates between the inside of the fetch-play area  3  and outside thereof, and the rider vehicle  11  et al. swivels and moves centering around the center of the supporting rod  18  by operations of the rotating device  19 . Further, such motions may be carried out by the player Y operating an operation lever  30 . For example, if the operation lever  30  is swung over frontward, the rider vehicle  11  is caused to move forward, and if the operation lever  30  is pulled toward the player Y, the rider vehicle  11  is caused to move backward. Also, by turning the operation lever  30  rightward centering around the axis, the rider vehicle  11  is caused to swivel in the same direction while, by turning it leftward, the rider vehicle  11  is caused to turn in the same direction. 
     One end of the fetching device  25  is supported by a bearing  29  disposed on the floor member  12 , which includes a rocking arm  26  that is rockable in the arrow direction, an air cylinder  27  hung from the other end of the rocking arm  26 , a grasping hand  28  fixed at the tip end of a piston rod  27   a  of the air cylinder  27 , and a (not-illustrated) drive motor that causes the rocking arm  26  to rock and move. The rocking arm  26  is provided so as to protrude outward from a slit-like opening  11   a  that is formed on the rider vehicle  11 , and is caused to rock along the vertical direction along the opening  11   a . Also, the grasping hand  28  is provided with one pair of grasping claws  28   a  that are brought near or parted away from each other to open and close, and the grasping hand  28  is caused to ascend and descend by operations of the air cylinder  27 . 
     A rocking motion of the rocking arm  26  is carried out by the player Y operating the operation lever  31 . For example, by shifting the operation lever  31  down and forward, the rocking arm  26  is caused to rock downward; by pulling the operation lever  31  toward the player Y, the rocking arm  26  is caused to rock upward. In addition, the grasping hand  28  can be elevated and lowered by a player Y operating an operation lever  32 , wherein for example, if the operation lever  32  is dropped down forward, the grasping hand  28  is lowered, and if the operation lever  32  is pulled to this side, the grasping hand  28  is elevated. Further, it is possible to open and close the grasping hand  28  by pressing an operation button (not illustrated) attached to the operation lever  32 , wherein if the operation button (not illustrated) is pressed once, the grasping hand  28  is closed, and if the operation button is pressed again, the grasping hand  28  is opened. 
     The partitioning member  2  may be made of any material as long as it can section and form the area  3 . However, it is further preferable that the partitioning member be composed of a transparent material such as an acrylic resin plate, since play in the fetch-play area  3  can be observed from the outside. Also, an opening portion  2   a  through which a ride apparatus  10  is let in and out is formed in the partitioning member  2  in a position that crosses the travelling path of the ride apparatus  10 , and when the ride apparatus  10  enters the fetch-play area  3 , the opening portion  2   a  is closed by the door  2   b,  and when the ride apparatus  10  comes out of the fetch-play area  3 , the door  2   b  may be opened by its action. 
     Also, if the holding section  6  is made of a transparent material, although it may be composed of any material, it is most preferable that grab articles  7  accommodated therein can be observed from without. In addition, the holding section  6  is devised so as to horizontally rotate centering around the center axis thereof by means of an appropriate driving means (not illustrated). Further, the grab articles  7  may be composed of various types of character goods housed in transparent capsulate spherical containers. Also, a discharge duct  8  consisting of a duct-like member, which causes the inside of the fetch-play area  3  to communicate with the outside of the fetch-play area  3  via the interior of the duct, is provided at the partitioning member  2 . Also, when the ride apparatus  10  is outside the fetch-play area  3  (that is, the home position), a steps  9  by which a player Y is able to board the ride apparatus  10  are provided in the vicinity of the home position. 
     As conditioned by the game apparatus  1 , according to the present embodiment furnished with the above-described configuration, the player Y is able to enjoy playing a game of acquiring an grab article  7  as described below. Here, the ride apparatus  10  is at the home position, and the position thereof in its horizontal swivel direction, and the positions of the rocking arm  26  and grasping hand  28  are determined as shown in FIG. 1 (the situation is referred to as an original position), wherein the grasping hand  28  is opened. 
     First, a player Y climbs up the steps  9  to board the rider vehicle  11 , and sits down on the seat  13 . Next, the player Y makes the ride apparatus  10  advance forward by operating the operation lever  30  and further advance into the fetch-play area  3 . Also, the holding section  6  is horizontally rotating in the fetch-play area  3  at an appropriate speed. 
     Next, the player Y makes the ride apparatus  10  advance, retreat or swivel horizontally by operating the operation lever  30 , and makes the rocking arm  26  rock vertically by operating the operation lever  31 . Then, the player Y moves the grasping hand  28  at a position where it is judged that a capsule in which an appointed grab article  7 , that is, desired character goods are accommodated can be grasped. After that, the player lowers the grasping hand  28  to a desired position by operating the operation lever  32 . And, in order to pick up a target capsule, the player Y presses the operation button (not illustrated) and closes the grasping hand  28  while watching the timing of the capsule swiveling in line with the rotating of the holding section  6 . 
     Subsequently, when the player picks up a capsule with the grasping hand  28  as hoped, the player Y moves the grasping hand  28  appropriately upward of the discharge duct  8  by operating the operation levers  30 ,  31  and  32 . After that, he opens the grasping hand  28  to input the grasped capsule into the discharge duct  8 , thereby discharging the object outside the fetch-play area  3 . 
     On the other hand, where the capsule could not be picked up by the grasping hand  28  or where he failed in inputting the capsule into the discharge duct  8 , game continuation will not be permitted in this example, wherein the player Y returns the ride apparatus  10 , rocking arm  26  and grasping hand  28  to their original positions after he opens the grasping hand  28 , and next returns the ride apparatus  10  to the home position. Thereafter, he gets off from the ride apparatus  10 . 
     Thus, according to the game apparatus  1  of the present embodiment, since a player Y is able to pick up desired character goods, by operating the fetching device  25  composed of the rocking arm  26 , air cylinder  27  grasping hand  28  and other mechanisms, the players Y satisfy his or curiosity regarding mechanical manipulations, and can enjoy a game brimming with appeal. Also, since the player Y can play the game shifting or horizontally swiveling in the fetch-play area  3  while onboard the ride apparatus  10 , the players Y themselves bodily sense a feeling of reality and lively motion attendant on the shifting and swiveling, such that curiosity regarding mechanical manipulations may be further satisfied, enabling the players Y to enjoy a game that is filled with interest. 
     Further, if the grab articles  7  preferably are made character goods in which the players Y are keenly interested, recreational and material cravings the players Y have for being able to get these can be satisfied, whereby further interest and curiosity with respect to a given game may be aroused in the players Y. Also, rotating the holding section  6  makes it difficult for the player Y to pick up a desired grab article  7 , resulting in stimulated desire to play the game. In addition, if projections and dents are provided on the travelling path of the carriage device  21 , the ride apparatus  10  is given vibrations when it travels on these projections and dents, and the vibrations are transmitted to the fetching device  25 , the degree of difficulty will be further increased with respect to the fetching or grasping operation, and the degree of difficulty of the entire game will be increased, wherein the grab article  7  grasped once may fall from the grasping hand  28  due to vibrations, and the player Y will be further interested in a given game. As means for providing such vibrations, such structures in that the fetching device  25  is supported by resilient members, and the fetching device  25  is composed so as to vibrate readily may be employed in addition thereto. Also, in this embodiment, since the number of times of operation to pick up an grab article  7  is limited to one, the player Y can excitedly enjoy a game. However, it is optional that playing a game can be repeatedly tried within a fixed duration of time. 
     If decorations  33  such as media and literature characters are attached onto the exterior of the rider vehicle  11  to hide the carriage device  21 , etc., the effect of the decorations can be increased. In addition, although the embodiment is constructed so that the grab article  7  grasped by the grasping hand  28  is discharged outside the fetch-play area  3  via the discharge duct  8 , a collection portion  34  having a collection port may be provided at the front of the rider vehicle  11  as shown in FIG. 3, and the picked up grab article  7  may be collected into the rider vehicle  11  through the collection portion  34 . Further, the collection portion  34  may be constructed so that the collection port is opened and closed. Also, the collection portion  34  is not limited to the structure shown in the drawing. The collection portion may be any optional type if it is able to receive the grab article  7  grasped by the grasping hand  28 , wherein, for example, such a structure may be employed in which a so-called fetching net that is provided so as to reciprocate between the inside of the ride apparatus  10  and the outside thereof, or a structure similar thereto may be disposed, and the grab article  7  is collected by the fetching net, etc. In addition, the discharge duct  8 , collection portion  34  or fetching net, etc., are provided so as to move forward and backward or leftward and rightward at random or at a fixed cycle, or the collection port of the collection portion  34  is opened and closed at random or at a fixed cycle, it will become difficult for the grab article  7  to be discharged outside the playing area  3 , or to be collected into the ride apparatus  10 , wherein the degree of difficulty of playing a game is increased, and interest in such a game will be deepened. 
     In the foregoing, a description was given of one embodiment of the invention. Needless to say, however, specific modes of the invention are not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, modes that are shown in FIG.  5  through FIG. 19 may be employed. 
     A game apparatus  40  according to a mode shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to a structure in which four sets of the game apparatus  1  consisting of the rider vehicle wherein four travelling rails  4  are disposed in the form of a cross in its plan view, a partitioning member  2  and an holding section  6  that horizontally rotates are disposed at the center of the cross, and rider vehicles  10  each provided with the fetching device  25  is hang from respective travelling rails  4 . A steps  9  and a discharge duct  8  are provided so as to correspond to the respective rider vehicles  10 . According to the game apparatus  40 , since a plurality of players Y are caused to play games in parallel at the same time, a competitive spirit is produced among the players Y, and they are able to play the game with still further interest. 
     A game apparatus  50  according to a mode shown in FIG. 6 is provided with a structure roughly equivalent to the apparatus  40 , in which four travelling rails  4  are disposed in the form of a cross in its plan view, and the center thereof is supported by a post  51  secured that is rotatably supported at the axial center, an holding section  6  is disposed coaxially with the post  51 , and rider vehicles  10  equipped with a fetching device  25  is hang from respective travelling rails  4 . Further, a steps  9  are disposed so as to correspond to the respective rider vehicles  10 . According to the game apparatus  50 , since the post  51  is driven and rotated, the travelling rails  4  and rider vehicles  10  swivels and moves centering around the post  51 . Thus, a game similar to that carried out by the game apparatus  10  is carried out in a state where the rider vehicles  10  swivel and move. Thus, according to the game apparatus  50 , as in the game apparatus  40 , since a plurality of players Y are caused to play in parallel at the same time, a competitive spirit is produced among the players Y, by which the game is made more interesting. Also, since a fetching game is carried out in a state where the ride apparatus  10  swivels and moves, the players Y can further physically feels a sense of reality and motions, and enjoy the game with still further interest. 
     Also, needless to say, in the game apparatuses  40  and  50 , four sets of rider vehicles  10 , etc., are provided. However, naturally, the number of sets is not limited to the four. 
     In addition, a game apparatus  60  according to a mode shown in FIG. 7 is provided with an holding section  61  that is formed like a casing and is provided with a number of grab articles  7  therein, a ride apparatus  62  in which a player Y boards, a cover member  64  secured on the holding section  61 , and a fetching device  63  for picking an grab article  7  in the holding section  61 . 
     The holding section  61  is provided with a frame  61   a  that is formed as a framework. The bottom of a space that is formed by the frame  61   a  is enclosed by a metallic plate, and the side is enclosed by a glass plate. Similarly, the cover  64  is also provided with a frame  64   a  that is formed as a framework, which is placed and fixed on the frame  61   a  of the holding section  61 , wherein the side of a space that is formed by the frame  64   a  is enclosed by a glass plate. Also, the upper side of a space that is formed by the frame  61   a  and the upper side of a space that is formed by the frame  64   a  are, respectively, made open. 
     A ride apparatus  62  comprises guide rails  62   b  that are, respectively, disposed inside a pair of parallel upper sides, each of which is opposed to each other on the frames  61   a , sliders  62   c  that are, respectively, engaged with the two guide rails  62   b  and move in the lengthwise directions, a cross beam  62   d  bridging over the two sliders  62   c,  a guide rail  62   e  secured at the cross beam  62   d,  a slider  62   f  that is engaged with the guide rail  62   e  and moves in the lengthwise direction thereof, a base rack (not illustrated) fixed on the slider  62   f,  a carriage  62   a  that is placed and fixed on the base rack (not illustrated) and is provided with a seat (not illustrated) on which players Y sit, and a driving means (not illustrated) by which the sliders  62   c  and  62   f  are moved. The driving means (not illustrated) is operated by a movement operating switch attached to the carriage  62   a,  wherein the carriage  62   a  is caused to move in the arrow A direction and the arrow B direction. The carriage  62   a  may be embodied in various modes. For example, those shown in FIG.  8  and FIG. 9 are employed in addition to the mode shown in FIG.  7 . 
     The fetching device  63  comprises a winding drum  63   a,  a chain  63   b  wound on the winding drum  63   a,  and a grasping hand  28  attached to the lower end part of the  63   b  and hang therefrom. The grasping hand  28  is devised so as to operate by compressed air that is supplied through a feeding pipe (not illustrated), and the supply of compressed air is controlled by a hand operation switch (not illustrated) secured on the carriage  62   a.  Further, the winding drum  63   a  is rotated by operations made by the players Y, wherein the chain  63   b  is wound and unwound in order to elevate and lower the grasping hand  28 . 
     According to the game apparatus  60 , the players Y board the carriage  62   a  and operate the above-described movement operating switch (not illustrated), wherein the carriages  62   a  are caused to move in the arrow A direction and arrow B direction simultaneously or individually. And, when the carriage  62   a  has been moved to a desired position, the players Y close the grasping hand  28  by operating the hand operation switch (not illustrated) after the grasping hand  28  that is opened is lowered by operating the winding drum  63   a.  At this time, if the relative position between the grasping hand  28  and the grab article  7  is appropriate, the grab article  7  can be grasped and picked up by the grasping hand  28  while if the position therebetween is not appropriate, the grab article  7  is not grasped or picked up by the grasping hand  28 . Subsequently, by the players Y operating the winding drum  63   a,  the grasping hand  28  is elevated by winding the chain  63   b,  wherein if an grab article  7  is grasped by the grasping hand  28 , the players Y can pick it up. 
     In addition, the winding drum  63   a  may be composed so that it is driven by an electric motor. Also, a disk-shaped fetching means  65  shown in FIG. 8 and a bucket-shaped fetching means  66  shown in FIG. 9 may be employed instead of the grasping hand  28 . 
     Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a discharge duct  67  that causes the inside of the holding section  61 , that is, the inside of the fetch-play area to communicate with the exterior thereof is provided in the glass plate of the holding section  61 . And, the grab article  7  that is grasped by the grasping hand  28  may be provided so that the grab article  7  can be taken out through the discharge duct  67 . Also, it is preferable that an openable and closable covering member  67   a  is provided at the open port at the take-out side of the discharge duct  67 . 
     In addition, a game apparatus  70  shown in FIG. 11 comprises an holding section  71  that is formed like a casing and accommodates a number of grab articles  7  therein, a ride apparatus  72  that is disposed in the holding section  71  and on which players Y board, and a fetching means  73  for picking up an grab article  7  in the holding section  71 . 
     The holding section  71  is provided with a frame  71   a  that is formed as a framework. The bottom of a space that is formed by the frame  71   a  is closed by the floor surface or a metallic plate, and the side thereof is closed by a glass plate. Also, the upper side of space that is formed by the frame  71   a  is made open. 
     The ride apparatus  72  comprises a supporting post  72   c  that is erected roughly at the center position in the holding section  71 , a rotary axis  72   d  that is rotatably supported in the supporting post  72   c,  a supporting arm  72   b,  one end of which is supported at the rotary axis  72   d,  and a carriage  72   a  that is supported at the other end of the supporting arm  72   b.  The rotary axis  72   d  is devised so as to turn by a rotation driving means (not illustrated) such as an electric motor. Also, the players Y are able to board the carriage  72   a  using steps  74  secured at the surrounding of the holding section  71 . 
     The fetching means  73  comprises, as shown in FIG. 12, a rod-like member  73   a,  a supporting post  73   e  that supports the rod-like member  73   a  via a linkage  73   d,  a winding drum  73   b  that is rotatably attached to the rod-like member  73   a,  a ring  73   i  secured at one end of the rod-like member  73   a,  a line  73   g  that is wound in the winding drum  73   b  via the ring  73   i,  an annular operating member  73   f  secured at the other end of the rod-like member  73   a,  and a hooking member  73   h  that is provided at the tip end of the line  73   g.  The linkage  73   d  causes the rod-like member  73   a  and supporting post  73   e  to rotate relatively and move relative to each other, for example, centering around the vertical axis and horizontal axis, wherein the players Y are able to move the end portion at the ring  73   i  side of the rod-like member  73   a  to any optional position in a three-dimensional space by moving the operation member  73   f . In addition, the winding drum  73   b  is provided with a handle  73   c,  wherein the players Y operate the handle  73   c  to turn the winding drum  73   b,  thereby causing the line  73   g  to be wound in the winding drum  73   b  or contrarily causing the line  73   g  to be unwound from the winding drum  73   b.    
     Grab articles  7  are, respectively, packed in a sack, the opening of which is sealed by using a band  7   a  having a ring  7   b.  Further, the hooking member  73   h  consists of a three-pronged and hook-like member, wherein each hook is engageable with the rings  7   b  of the grab articles  7 . Also, a roof  76  supported by the supporting posts  75  are provided upward of the accommodation part  71 . 
     According to the game apparatus  70 , the rotary axis  72   d  is driven to rotate by a rotation driving member (not illustrated) after players Y board the carriage  72   a , whereby the carriage  72   a  rotates and moves on the horizontal plane centering around the rotary axis  72   d.  In this state, the players Y operate the handle  73   c  that is secured at the winding drum  73   b  and delivers the line  73   g  from the winding drum  73   b  to lower the hooking member  73   h.  Thereby, the hooking member  73   h  swivels and moves together with the carriage  72   a  while being brought into contact with an grab article  7  accommodated in the holding section  71 . And, a player Y controls the position of the hooking member  73   h  moving in such a state by moving the rod-like member  73   a,  and moves the hook of the hooking member  73   h  so that it is engaged with the ring  7   b  of an grab article  7 . By doing so, after the hook of the hooking member  73   h  is engaged with the ring  7   b  of the grab article  7 , the player Y winds the line  73   g  by operating the winding drum  73   b,  wherein the hooking member  73   h  is elevated and the player Y picks up the grab article  7  caught by the hooking member  73   h.    
     Also, the winding drum  73   a  may be constructed so that it is driven by an electric motor. Further, instead of the hooking member  73   h,  a grasping hand  28  shown in FIG. 7, a disk-like fetching means  65  shown in FIG. 8, and a bucket-like fetching means  66  shown in FIG. 9 may be used. 
     In addition, the basic construction of the game apparatus  70  shown in FIG. 11 may be applicable to a game apparatus  80  shown in FIG.  13 . The game apparatus  80  shown in FIG. 13 is constructed so that the holding section  71  is formed to be annular, a circular stage  81  is provided inside the holding section  71 , and a plurality of ride apparatuses  72  and fetching means  73  are provided on the stage  81 . The stage  81  horizontally turns in the arrow direction, and players Y can enjoy playing the above-described game on the ride apparatuses  72  that rotate along with the stage  81 . 
     A game apparatus  90 , according to a mode that is shown in FIG. 14, comprises a travelling rail  91  that is a track, which is formed like a loop, a plurality of sections of holding sections  92 , which are formed around the travelling rail  91 , and a plurality of ride vehicles  93  (three vehicles in the embodiment shown herein) that travel on and along the travelling rail  91 . The travelling rail  91  consists of two parallel rails that are used like a track of a train, and the ride vehicle  93  may have a structure similar to that of a truck, and a plurality of trucks are linearly coupled to each other by linkage rods  94 , wherein at least the top truck is provided with a drive device and the trucks are auto-driven to run. In addition, the travelling rails  91  may be composed of a single rail, and the ride vehicle  93  may be composed of a vehicle having a structure just like a monorail car. 
     Further, respective ride vehicles  93  are provided with a fetching means similar to the above-described fetching device  25 . Also, the holding sections  92  that are sectioned in a plurality are provided with objects. However, where the same objects are provided, it is not necessary to section the holding sections in a plurality as in the present embodiment. A platform  95  facilitates players Y getting on or off ride vehicles  93 . According to the game apparatus  90  of the present embodiment, since players Y board ride vehicles  93  and enjoy picking up objects while moving thereon, effects similar to those of the above-described game apparatus  1  can be brought about. Also, the embodiment shows an example in which a plurality of ride vehicles  93  are coupled to each other. However, respective ride vehicles  93  are not coupled to each other, and they may be constructed so that they run independently. 
     Further, a game apparatus  100  shown in FIG. 15 is a modification of the above-described game apparatus  90 , wherein a waterway  101  is formed instead of travelling rails  91 , and boats  102  are provided for the ride vehicles  93 , and they are constructed so that they are self-driven and advance in the waterway  101  or they advance by streams of the waterway  101 . Also, the respective boats  102  are provided with a fetching means that is similar to the above-described fetching device  25 . According to the game apparatus  100  of the embodiment, players Y board the boats  102  and enjoy picking up an object while moving, effects similar to those of the game apparatus  1  can be brought about. In addition, the boats  102  may be constructed so that they are linearly coupled to each other. 
     A game apparatus  110  according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 comprises an holding section  111  that is formed to be C-shaped in its plan view, and a self-driven ride vehicle  112  which is provided with the above-described fetching device  25 . The ride vehicle  112  may be of any type that can freely travel, for example, a vehicle like an automobile that can move by means of wheels, a vehicle like a civil engineering machine that moves by means of caterpillars. According to the game apparatus  110 , a player Y boards a ride vehicle  112  and steers to drive a ride vehicle  112 , wherein the player Y drives the ride vehicle  112  to advance through the cut-open section  113  of the holding section  111  into the inside area and enjoys picking up an object as described above. Thus, according to the game apparatus  110 , since the player Y boards a ride vehicle that freely travels and enjoys the above-described fetching game, the player Y can physically feels a sense of reality and motions, and satisfy himself in regard to curiosity pertaining to operations of the fetching device  25 , wherein the players Y enjoy a game that is filled with interests. Also, in this case, the ride vehicles  112  may be provided so as to freely rotate around the vertical axis. In addition, the holding section  111  may be constructed so that it is formed to be circular in its plan view as shown in FIG.  17  and the ride vehicles  112  travel around the holding section  111 . 
     Still further, in the example that is shown in FIG.  16  and FIG. 17, such a construction may be employed, in which the ride vehicles  112  are disposed and fixed around the holding section  111 , and are provided so as to rotate around the vertical axis, and the fetching device  25  is provided so as to move above the holding section  111 . Further, if the ride vehicles  112  are supported by a swivel arm and the swivel arm is turned, the ride vehicles  112  may be movable above the holding section  111 . Also, in this case, the ride vehicles  112  may be of such a type that cannot be auto-driven. 
     Still further, the fetching device  25 ,  63  and  73  that are shown in FIG.  1  through FIG. 17 are not limited to the above-described configurations. They may be constructed so that they are provided with a so-called magic hand, rake-like hand, a mechanism for holding an object in a bucket as in a shovel mechanism used for a civil engineering machine such as a hydraulic power shovel, bulldozer, etc., a mechanism for adsorbing an object by a suction device, etc. The above-described holding sections  6 ,  61 ,  71 ,  92  and  111  are constructed like a vessel having an appointed accommodation capacity. However, instead of the holding sections, such a structure may be employed as an holding section  115 , in which, as shown in FIG. 18, a plurality of supporting bars  117  are provided so as to protrude from the side of the supporting body  116 , and grab articles  7  are hung from respective supporting bars  117  via engagement hooks  118 , and as shown in FIG. 19, such a structure may be also employed as an holding section  120 , in which grab articles  7  are hung from a supporting member  121  supported on the ceiling, etc., via engagement hooks  118 . 
     Where such an holding section  115  or  120  is used, the above-described fetching device  25  is composed of a mechanism having a hook  119 , the hook  119  is engaged with the engagement hook  118 , and the grab article  7  is taken out and picked up a supporting bar  117 , and the fetching device  25  is composed of a mechanism having a magic hand, wherein the grab article  7  is grasped by the magic hand, taken out and picked up from the supporting member  121 . 
     As described above, various types of structures may be employed for the above-described holding sections  6 ,  61 ,  71 ,  92  and  111 , and the fetching device  25 . Therefore, these various types of holding sections are disposed in a fetch-play area, and various types of fetching means are provided in a ride apparatus, wherein the fetching means may be separately used on the basis of the types of holding sections. Also, grab articles  7  of different patterns may be, respectively, accommodated in the above-described holding sections  92  and  111  that are sectioned in a plurality, and the patterns of accommodation may be made different from each other. 
     For example, as regards the patterns of objects, there are various types, for example, a type in which premiums such as character goods, medals, coins, lottery tickets, cards, etc., are accommodated in a capsule, balloon, and bag-like container, a type in which they are not accommodated such as a container, and a type in which the shapes of containers are made different from each other and are provided in a mixed state. Further, in connection to the accommodation patterns in the holding sections, there are various modes, for example, a mode in which objects are accommodated as they are, a mode in which objects accommodated in an holding section are caused to flow due to air streams, a mode in which the holding sections  92  and  111  are filled with water, on or in which objects are floated or sunk, and in this case, the objects may be living things such as marine animals. 
     Also, components in the respective embodiments may be appropriately combined in these embodiments. For example, the discharge duct  8  that is shown in FIG. 1, FIG.  2  and FIG. 5, and the discharge duct  67  that is shown in FIG. 10 may be provided in the holding sections  6 ,  61 ,  71 ,  92  and  111  in other embodiments. Similarly, the collection portion  34  that is shown in FIG. 3 may be provided in ride apparatuses  10 ,  62 ,  72 ,  93   102 , and  112  in other embodiments. In addition, the roof  76  that is shown in FIG.  11  and FIG. 13 may be provided in other embodiments, and the entire space in which the above-described fetch-play area may be constructed so that it is enclosed by a transparent covering member. 
     As described above, a game apparatus according to the present invention is suitable for a game apparatus with which a player himself can physically feel a sense of reality and motion, satisfy himself in regard to curiosity pertaining to mechanical operations, and enjoy himself in a game which is filled with interest.

Technology Category: a