EP0081518A1 - Improvements relating to rotational devices - Google Patents

Improvements relating to rotational devices

Info

Publication number
EP0081518A1
EP0081518A1 EP82901727A EP82901727A EP0081518A1 EP 0081518 A1 EP0081518 A1 EP 0081518A1 EP 82901727 A EP82901727 A EP 82901727A EP 82901727 A EP82901727 A EP 82901727A EP 0081518 A1 EP0081518 A1 EP 0081518A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
axis
rotation
rotational device
relative
rotate
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP82901727A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Richard Furneaux Kinnersly
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0081518A1 publication Critical patent/EP0081518A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
    • F16M11/2007—Undercarriages with or without wheels comprising means allowing pivoting adjustment
    • F16M11/2021—Undercarriages with or without wheels comprising means allowing pivoting adjustment around a horizontal axis
    • F16M11/2028—Undercarriages with or without wheels comprising means allowing pivoting adjustment around a horizontal axis for rolling, i.e. for creating a landscape-portrait rotation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
    • A63G27/00—Russian swings; Great wheels, e.g. Ferris wheels
    • A63G27/02—Russian swings; Great wheels, e.g. Ferris wheels with special movements of the seat-carriers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H35/00—Gearings or mechanisms with other special functional features
    • F16H35/08—Gearings or mechanisms with other special functional features for adjustment of members on moving parts from a stationary place
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/02—Heads
    • F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
    • F16M11/06—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
    • F16M11/10—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a horizontal axis
    • F16M11/105—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a horizontal axis the horizontal axis being the roll axis, e.g. for creating a landscape-portrait rotation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F11/00—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the complete information is permanently attached to a movable support which brings it to the display position
    • G09F11/02—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the complete information is permanently attached to a movable support which brings it to the display position the display elements being secured to rotating members, e.g. drums, spindles

Definitions

  • This invention is concerned with improvements relating to rotational devices, in particular for obtain ⁇ ing simultaneous movement of an object about two or more axes.
  • the object to be rotated may be an article to be displayed, such as a three dimensional model or a, or part of a, two dimen ⁇ sional representation such as a picture or an advertise ⁇ ment, the embodiment thereby affording a display device which may be used to display the article in a manner which achieves a high degree of visual impact.
  • the object to be rotated may be a person, the embodiment affording an amusement device of the kind as may be found in pleasure gardens and funfairs.
  • a rotational device comprising a first member mounted f.or rotation about a first axis, first drive means to rotate the first member about said first axis, a second member mounted on the first member for rotation relative thereto about a second axis, and second drive means to rotate the second member about said second axis.
  • said second axis extends transversely to said first axis, desirably at right angles thereto.
  • the device comprises a third member mounted on the second member for rotation relative thereto about a third axis, and third drive means to rotate the third member about said third axis.
  • the various members may be used as carrier means for respect ⁇ ive parts of a representation to be displayed, which may be a logo or an advertising picture.
  • a representation to be displayed which may be a logo or an advertising picture.
  • the rotational speeds of the various members are arranged in a manner such that the members return to
  • the lattermost member may serve as a mounting means for an object to be displayed, which may be a two-dimensional representation, or which may be three-dimensional object.
  • an object to be displayed which may be a two-dimensional representation, or which may be three-dimensional object.
  • Said various drive means may be individually opera ⁇ tive, for example each comprising an electric motor to rotate its associated member about its respective axis.
  • said first drive means may be individually powered, such as by an electric motor, and the other drive means may derive their motive means by virtue of operation of the first drive means to rotate the first member about said first axis.
  • at least the second drive means is also individually powered, to obtain differential rotational speeds and/or directions between the first and second members.
  • the members are arranged to rotate one within the confines of rotation of another, with the first member being outermost, and describing on rotation a volume within which the second member is wholly retained during its rotation.
  • the respective members are circular and are conveniently of annular section.
  • at least one of the members may be spherical or part-spherical in shape.
  • the members may be non-circular in form, and may be ovoid, angular (e.g. triangular) or of other shapes.
  • the members are as annularly and of successivel]?- reducing diameter, being mounted one within the other.
  • the drive means for the second member comprises a continuous drive, element mounted on the first member for movement relative thereto, and a driven element mounted on the second member for rotation there ⁇ with about said second axis, and which is co-operable with the drive element.
  • the drive element may be a circular rack or ring gear
  • the driven element may be a pinion co-operable therewith.
  • the drive element may be moved to rotate the driven element in consequence of rotation of the first member about said first axis, but may if desired be moved by separate driving means.
  • the drive means for the third member comprises a continuous drive element mounted on the second member for movement relative thereto, and a driven element mounted on the third member for rotation there ⁇ with about said third axis, and which is co-operable with the drive element mounted on the second member.
  • the second member may be afforded by a chamber, commonly referred to as a car, mounted on the first member for rotation therewith about the first axis, and for rotation relative thereto about said second axis.
  • the chamber may be afforded by a locomotion device travelling on the first member, said second drive means either being afforded by traction means on the locomotion device co- operable with the first member, or traction means on the first member and co-operable with the locomotion device.
  • an upright axis of the chamber may be constrained against full rotation about a horizontal axis, whereby a person within the chamber is not turned upside down.
  • the chamber may be mounted on the second member and may be positionally stationary relative to the second member, obtaining movement about the first and second axes in consequence of the movement of the first member about the first axis, and of the second - u -
  • a third member mounted on the second member for rotation relative thereto about a third axis, in either case an upright axis of the chamber being constrained against full rotation about a horizontal axis, whereby a person within the chamber is not turned upside down.
  • FIGURE 1 is a vertical sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention
  • FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1;
  • FIGURE 3 is as front elevation, illustrating the use of the device in displaying an advertising representa ⁇ tion.
  • FIGURES and 5 are schematic views of forms of the second embodiment of this invention.
  • the device which is the first embodiment of this invention is a display device, comprising first, second and third annular members 6, 8 and 10 respectively, of successively reducing dimension, such that the inner diameter of the first member is larger than the outer diameter of the second member, and the inner diameter of the second member is larger than the outer diameter of the third member.
  • Each of the three members are formed from tube, as shown in Figure 2, which may be of any desired cross- sectional shape, for example, being generally rectangular or circular.
  • ring gears 12 and Ik Mounted within the first and second annular members 6 and 8, for rotation relative thereto, are drive elements afforded by ring gears 12 and Ik . respectively.
  • the first annular member 6 is mounted on a vertical drive shaft 16, for rotation therewith about a first, vertical axis.
  • a second drive shaft 18 which extends through an aperture in the circumferentially outer surface of the annular member 6, having fixedly secured to the end portion thereof within the interior of the annular member a pinion 20.
  • a stub shaft 22 Secured to the circumferentially outer surface of the annular member 8, and extending into the interior of the annular member 6, is a stub shaft 22, which has fixedly secured to the end portion thereof within the interior of the annular member 6 a pinion 24, (see Figure 2).
  • a stub shaft 26 Secured to the circu ferentially inner surface of the annular member 6, and extending through an aperture in the circumferentially outer surface of the annular member 8, is a stub shaft 26, which has fixedly secured to the end portion thereof within the interior of the annular member 8 a pinion 28.
  • a stub shaft 30 Secured to the circumferentially outer surface of the annular member 10, and extending into the interior of the annular member 8, is a stub shaft 30, which has fixedly secured to the end portion thereof within the interior of said annular member 8 a pinion 32.
  • a stub shaft 34 Secured to the circumferentially outer surface of the annular member 10 is a stub shaft 34, said shaft seating in a pivot bearing secured to the circumferen ⁇ tially inner surface of the annular member 8.
  • the drive shaft 16 provides a first, vertical axis about which the first annular member 6 is mounted for rotation, whilst the stub shafts 22 and 26 define a second axis about which the annular member 8 is mounted for rotation relative to the annular member 6.
  • the stub shafts 30 and 3 define a third axis, extending at right angles to the second axis, about which the third annular member is mounted for rotation relative to the second annular member.
  • the drive shaft 16 is rotated to rotate the annular member 6 about said first axis.
  • Such rotation of the second annular member effects a rolling action of the ring gear 14 about the pinion 28, which effects relative sliding movement between the ring gear 14 and the annular member 8.
  • Engagement of the pinion 32 with the rotating ring gear 14 effects rotation of the third annular member 10 about said third axis.
  • the drive shaft 16 constitutes driving means for the first annular member 6, whilst the driving means for the second annular member 8 is afforded by a driving element (pinion 20), a drive element (ring gear 12) and a driven element (pinion 24).
  • the drive means for the third annular member 10 is constituted by a driving element (pinion 28), a drive element (ring gear 14) and a driven element (pinion 32).
  • the pinion 20 is itself rotated by rotation cf the drive shaft 18, to produce a desired differential rotation.
  • the drive shaft 16 is rotated at 1 r.p.m.
  • the drive shaft 18 is rotated at 3 r.p.m.
  • the direction of rotation of either or both of the drive shafts 16 and 18 may from time to time be reversed, whereby the members oscillate through slightly less than 360°, or through 180° or through 90°.
  • the ratio of the various driving and driven pinions, together with the ring gears 12 and 14, may be of equal ratio, or may be of an unequal ratio to obtain desirable rates of relative rotation of the second and third annular members. Indeed, if desired, certain rings may be arranged to contra-rotate at the same or different speeds.
  • the number of annular elements is not limited to three, and if desired, the third annular member 10 may. be replaced by a sphere or hemisphere.
  • the scale of the device may range from (e.g.) 25cm for a small device for use in a shop window display, to 5Cm for use in the display of a company logo.
  • Figure 3 illustrates an example of the device in displaying an advertising representation.
  • the annular members, and hence the parts of the advertising representation are co-planar, which relative positions they adopt at intervals, whilst at times inbetween the different parts of the representation will be in different angular positions.
  • annular merce s may be driven by electric motors or pressure fluid (hydraulic or air) motors, and in these cases the motors would be situated at or adjacent the pivotal mounting points of the various members, with epycyclic reduction gears concentric with their major axes.
  • a display carriage on the faces of, or inside, the intermediate or innermost ring, whereby the object to be displayed travels circumferentially around such ring.
  • a carriage may be electrically powered, conveniently being retained in position by rails.
  • illumination means is utilised to illuminate the object to be displayed.
  • illuminating means may comprise illuminating elements forming part of the display, or mounted circumferentially around any part of any of the annular members.
  • the carriage may be illuminated in contrasting or varying colours.
  • the invention is applied to a locomotion device of the kind as may be found in pleasure gardens or funfairs.
  • a locomotion device 100 is mounted on or within the cuter annular member 6 - to convey persons around the said annular member whilst said annular member rotates about the first axis, such locomotion device thereby rotating with the first member about the first axis, and rotating relative to the first member about a second axis extending at right angles to the plane of the first member and passing through the centre thereof.
  • Such a locomotion device preferably comprises gravity-sensitive stabilising means to maintain the occupant or occupants substantially vertical, or at least to prevent the occupants from being _ o _
  • the locomotion device may comprise one or more cars, each car having one or more seats 102. for an occupant which is mounted on the car by a device such as a gimbal 103 . 104 such that, irrespective of the orientation of the car, the occupant remains substantially upright.
  • chambers 110 are mounted on or within the second annular member 8, and such chambers may be positionally stationary relative to the second member, obtaining movement about the first and second axes in consequence of the movement of the first member about the first axis and of the second member relative to the first member about the second axis.
  • such chambers may be afforded with stabilising means 103 » 104, whereby the chambers are moved about horizontal axes thereof relative to the second annular member 8, in a manner such as to maintain the occupants substantially upright.
  • a locomo ⁇ tion device is mounted on or within the second annular member, to travel therearound as the second member moves about said first and second axes.
  • chambers or locomotion devices may be mounted on the third annular member 10, as has been hereinabove described in relation to the mounting of such chambers or locomotion devices on the annular member 8.
  • Such locomotion devices may be rail-mounted, and may be electrically driven relative to the annular member upon which they are mounted, conveniently by the use of a rack secured to the walls of the annular member and driven pinions secured to the locomotion device, and viewing apertures or windows may be provided around the circumference of the annular members as may be appropriate.
  • Locomotion devices may be mounted on or within one or more of the annular members, and may be contra rotated
  • each other may be illuminated in contrasting and/or varying colours.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Displays For Variable Information Using Movable Means (AREA)

Abstract

Un dispositif rotatif comprend un premier organe (6) monte de maniere rotative autour d'un premier axe, un premier organe d'entrainement (16) servant a faire tourner le premier organe (6) autour du premier axe, un deuxieme organe (8) monte sur le premier organe de maniere a tourner avec celui-ci autour du premier axe et a le faire tourner autour d'un deuxieme axe s'etendant transversalement par rapport a l'axe de rotation du premier organe. Dans un mode de realisation de la presente invention, le dispositif rotatif est destine a etre utilise en tant que presentoir, et comprend un troisieme organe (10) monte sur le deuxieme organe (8) de maniere a tourner par rapport a celui-ci autour d'un troisieme axe. Dans un deuxieme mode de realisation de la presente invention, le dispositif est destine a etre utilise en tant que dispositif d'amusement, et comprend des sieges (102), dont l'on empeche de preference la rotation complete autour d'un axe horizontal, de maniere a ne pas renverser une personne assise dans l'un des sieges. Les sieges peuvent etre montes sur un dispositif de locomotion (100) monte de maniere a se deplacer sur ou autour de l'un des organes, ou a l'interieur de compartiments stationnaires amenages dans le deuxieme organe.A rotary device comprises a first member (6) rotatably mounted around a first axis, a first drive member (16) for rotating the first member (6) about the first axis, a second member (8 ) mounts on the first member so as to rotate with it around the first axis and to rotate it around a second axis extending transversely to the axis of rotation of the first member. In one embodiment of the present invention, the rotary device is intended to be used as a display, and comprises a third member (10) mounted on the second member (8) so as to rotate relative to the latter around of a third axis. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the device is intended to be used as an amusement device, and includes seats (102), the complete rotation of which is preferably prevented from rotating about a horizontal axis. , so as not to overturn a person seated in one of the seats. The seats can be mounted on a locomotion device (100) mounted so as to move on or around one of the organs, or inside stationary compartments provided in the second organ.

Description

Title: "Improvements relating to rotational devices"
This invention is concerned with improvements relating to rotational devices, in particular for obtain¬ ing simultaneous movement of an object about two or more axes.
In one embodiment of the invention the object to be rotated may be an article to be displayed, such as a three dimensional model or a, or part of a, two dimen¬ sional representation such as a picture or an advertise¬ ment, the embodiment thereby affording a display device which may be used to display the article in a manner which achieves a high degree of visual impact.
In another embodiment of the invention, the object to be rotated may be a person, the embodiment affording an amusement device of the kind as may be found in pleasure gardens and funfairs.
According to this invention there is provided a rotational device comprising a first member mounted f.or rotation about a first axis, first drive means to rotate the first member about said first axis, a second member mounted on the first member for rotation relative thereto about a second axis, and second drive means to rotate the second member about said second axis.
Preferably said second axis extends transversely to said first axis, desirably at right angles thereto.
Preferably the device comprises a third member mounted on the second member for rotation relative thereto about a third axis, and third drive means to rotate the third member about said third axis.
In the use of the invention as a display device, the various members may be used as carrier means for respect¬ ive parts of a representation to be displayed, which may be a logo or an advertising picture. For such usage, preferably the rotational speeds of the various members are arranged in a manner such that the members return to
OMPI - ~
relative positions _n whic. -he overa-l re . es tation ..s visible, at intervals.
Alternatively, the lattermost member may serve as a mounting means for an object to be displayed, which may be a two-dimensional representation, or which may be three-dimensional object. In such circumstances con¬ tinued rotation of the lattermost member about the various axes of rotation provides an eye-catching display of the object, and renders it visible from many angles over the period of operation of the device.
Said various drive means may be individually opera¬ tive, for example each comprising an electric motor to rotate its associated member about its respective axis. Alternatively, said first drive means may be individually powered, such as by an electric motor, and the other drive means may derive their motive means by virtue of operation of the first drive means to rotate the first member about said first axis. Preferably however at least the second drive means is also individually powered, to obtain differential rotational speeds and/or directions between the first and second members.
Preferably the members are arranged to rotate one within the confines of rotation of another, with the first member being outermost, and describing on rotation a volume within which the second member is wholly retained during its rotation.
Preferably, the respective members are circular and are conveniently of annular section. Thus, at least one of the members (particularly that which is innermost) may be spherical or part-spherical in shape.
It is however within the scope of this invention for the members to be non-circular in form, and may be ovoid, angular (e.g. triangular) or of other shapes.
Most conveniently however the members are as annularly and of successivel]?- reducing diameter, being mounted one within the other. Conveniently, the drive means for the second member comprises a continuous drive, element mounted on the first member for movement relative thereto, and a driven element mounted on the second member for rotation there¬ with about said second axis, and which is co-operable with the drive element. For example, the drive element may be a circular rack or ring gear, and the driven element may be a pinion co-operable therewith.
The drive element may be moved to rotate the driven element in consequence of rotation of the first member about said first axis, but may if desired be moved by separate driving means.
Preferably, the drive means for the third member comprises a continuous drive element mounted on the second member for movement relative thereto, and a driven element mounted on the third member for rotation there¬ with about said third axis, and which is co-operable with the drive element mounted on the second member.
.In the use of the invention as an'■amusement device, the second member may be afforded by a chamber, commonly referred to as a car, mounted on the first member for rotation therewith about the first axis, and for rotation relative thereto about said second axis. Thus the chamber may be afforded by a locomotion device travelling on the first member, said second drive means either being afforded by traction means on the locomotion device co- operable with the first member, or traction means on the first member and co-operable with the locomotion device. If desired, an upright axis of the chamber may be constrained against full rotation about a horizontal axis, whereby a person within the chamber is not turned upside down.
Alternatively, the chamber may be mounted on the second member and may be positionally stationary relative to the second member, obtaining movement about the first and second axes in consequence of the movement of the first member about the first axis, and of the second - u -
member : .1-tive to the irst a ^ the second a>is, (as above described) may be afforded by a third member mounted on the second member for rotation relative thereto about a third axis, in either case an upright axis of the chamber being constrained against full rotation about a horizontal axis, whereby a person within the chamber is not turned upside down.
The invention will become clear from the following description, to be read with reference to the accompany¬ ing drawings, of two embodiments of this invention which have been selected for the purposes of illustrating the invention by way of example. In the accompanying drawings:-
FIGURE 1 is a vertical sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention;
FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1;
FIGURE 3 is as front elevation, illustrating the use of the device in displaying an advertising representa¬ tion; and
FIGURES and 5 are schematic views of forms of the second embodiment of this invention.
The device which is the first embodiment of this invention is a display device, comprising first, second and third annular members 6, 8 and 10 respectively, of successively reducing dimension, such that the inner diameter of the first member is larger than the outer diameter of the second member, and the inner diameter of the second member is larger than the outer diameter of the third member.
Each of the three members are formed from tube, as shown in Figure 2, which may be of any desired cross- sectional shape, for example, being generally rectangular or circular.
Mounted within the first and second annular members 6 and 8, for rotation relative thereto, are drive elements afforded by ring gears 12 and Ik . respectively.
The first annular member 6 is mounted on a vertical drive shaft 16, for rotation therewith about a first, vertical axis. Mounted within the drive shaft 16, co-axially therewith, is a second drive shaft 18 which extends through an aperture in the circumferentially outer surface of the annular member 6, having fixedly secured to the end portion thereof within the interior of the annular member a pinion 20.
Secured to the circumferentially outer surface of the annular member 8, and extending into the interior of the annular member 6, is a stub shaft 22, which has fixedly secured to the end portion thereof within the interior of the annular member 6 a pinion 24, (see Figure 2). Secured to the circu ferentially inner surface of the annular member 6, and extending through an aperture in the circumferentially outer surface of the annular member 8, is a stub shaft 26, which has fixedly secured to the end portion thereof within the interior of the annular member 8 a pinion 28. *
Secured to the circumferentially outer surface of the annular member 10, and extending into the interior of the annular member 8, is a stub shaft 30, which has fixedly secured to the end portion thereof within the interior of said annular member 8 a pinion 32.
Secured to the circumferentially outer surface of the annular member 10 is a stub shaft 34, said shaft seating in a pivot bearing secured to the circumferen¬ tially inner surface of the annular member 8.
The drive shaft 16 provides a first, vertical axis about which the first annular member 6 is mounted for rotation, whilst the stub shafts 22 and 26 define a second axis about which the annular member 8 is mounted for rotation relative to the annular member 6. The stub shafts 30 and 3 define a third axis, extending at right angles to the second axis, about which the third annular member is mounted for rotation relative to the second annular member. In the operation of the device which is the f_.ι st embodiment of this invention, the drive shaft 16 is rotated to rotate the annular member 6 about said first axis. Were the pinion 20 stationary, such rotation of the first annular member would effect a rolling action of the ring gear 12 about the pinion 20, causing relative sliding movement between the ring gear 12 and the first annular member 6. Such movement of the ring gear 12 would in consequence cause rotation of the- second annular member about said second axis, by virtue of the engage¬ ment of the ring gear 12 with the pinion 24.
Such rotation of the second annular member effects a rolling action of the ring gear 14 about the pinion 28, which effects relative sliding movement between the ring gear 14 and the annular member 8. Engagement of the pinion 32 with the rotating ring gear 14 effects rotation of the third annular member 10 about said third axis.
Thus it will be appreciated that the drive shaft 16 constitutes driving means for the first annular member 6, whilst the driving means for the second annular member 8 is afforded by a driving element (pinion 20), a drive element (ring gear 12) and a driven element (pinion 24). Similarly, the drive means for the third annular member 10 is constituted by a driving element (pinion 28), a drive element (ring gear 14) and a driven element (pinion 32).
It will be appreciated that, by virtue of the rotation of the drive shaft 16 about said vertical axis, movement is effected:
(a) of the first annular member 6 about the first axis:
(b) of the second annular member 8 about the second axis: and
(c) of the third annular member 10 about the third axis.
Desirably however, the pinion 20 is itself rotated by rotation cf the drive shaft 18, to produce a desired differential rotation. In a typical example, the drive shaft 16 is rotated at 1 r.p.m., whilst the drive shaft 18 is rotated at 3 r.p.m. The direction of rotation of either or both of the drive shafts 16 and 18 may from time to time be reversed, whereby the members oscillate through slightly less than 360°, or through 180° or through 90°.
The ratio of the various driving and driven pinions, together with the ring gears 12 and 14, may be of equal ratio, or may be of an unequal ratio to obtain desirable rates of relative rotation of the second and third annular members. Indeed, if desired, certain rings may be arranged to contra-rotate at the same or different speeds.
The number of annular elements is not limited to three, and if desired, the third annular member 10 may. be replaced by a sphere or hemisphere.
Whilst the various axes about which the annular members are mounted for rotation are illustrated in the preferred embodiment as being mutually at right angles, this is not necessary and the members may be mounted for relative rotation in any other desired angular relation¬ ship.
It is envisaged that the scale of the device may range from (e.g.) 25cm for a small device for use in a shop window display, to 5Cm for use in the display of a company logo.
Figure 3 illustrates an example of the device in displaying an advertising representation. As shown, the annular members, and hence the parts of the advertising representation, are co-planar, which relative positions they adopt at intervals, whilst at times inbetween the different parts of the representation will be in different angular positions.
Whilst in the first embodiment the drive means for the second and third annular members are provided by ring gear and pinion arrangements, as alternative construc¬ tions chain and sprocket arrangements may be used.
• TREX - 0 -
In some cases the annular merce s may be driven by electric motors or pressure fluid (hydraulic or air) motors, and in these cases the motors would be situated at or adjacent the pivotal mounting points of the various members, with epycyclic reduction gears concentric with their major axes.
As an alternative to the device carrying the article to be displayed as described above, it would be possible to mount a display carriage on the faces of, or inside, the intermediate or innermost ring, whereby the object to be displayed travels circumferentially around such ring. Such a carriage may be electrically powered, conveniently being retained in position by rails.
Desirably in the application of the invention to a display device, illumination means is utilised to illuminate the object to be displayed. Such illuminating means may comprise illuminating elements forming part of the display, or mounted circumferentially around any part of any of the annular members. Where the object to be displayed is mounted in a movable carriage, the carriage may be illuminated in contrasting or varying colours.
In the second embodiment, the invention is applied to a locomotion device of the kind as may be found in pleasure gardens or funfairs.
In a first form of the second embodiment, part of which is illustrated in Figure 4. a locomotion device 100 is mounted on or within the cuter annular member 6 - to convey persons around the said annular member whilst said annular member rotates about the first axis, such locomotion device thereby rotating with the first member about the first axis, and rotating relative to the first member about a second axis extending at right angles to the plane of the first member and passing through the centre thereof. Such a locomotion device preferably comprises gravity-sensitive stabilising means to maintain the occupant or occupants substantially vertical, or at least to prevent the occupants from being _ o _
turned upside down. For example the locomotion device may comprise one or more cars, each car having one or more seats 102. for an occupant which is mounted on the car by a device such as a gimbal 103.104 such that, irrespective of the orientation of the car, the occupant remains substantially upright.
In a second form of the second embodiment, part of which is illustrated in Figure 5, chambers 110 are mounted on or within the second annular member 8, and such chambers may be positionally stationary relative to the second member, obtaining movement about the first and second axes in consequence of the movement of the first member about the first axis and of the second member relative to the first member about the second axis. As with the first form described above, such chambers may be afforded with stabilising means 103»104, whereby the chambers are moved about horizontal axes thereof relative to the second annular member 8, in a manner such as to maintain the occupants substantially upright.
In a third form of the second embodiment, a locomo¬ tion device is mounted on or within the second annular member, to travel therearound as the second member moves about said first and second axes.
If desired, chambers or locomotion devices may be mounted on the third annular member 10, as has been hereinabove described in relation to the mounting of such chambers or locomotion devices on the annular member 8.
Such locomotion devices may be rail-mounted, and may be electrically driven relative to the annular member upon which they are mounted, conveniently by the use of a rack secured to the walls of the annular member and driven pinions secured to the locomotion device, and viewing apertures or windows may be provided around the circumference of the annular members as may be appropriate.
Locomotion devices may be mounted on or within one or more of the annular members, and may be contra rotated
to each other, and may be illuminated in contrasting and/or varying colours.

Claims

CLAIMS :
1. A rotational device comprising a first member (6) mounted for rotation about a first axis, first drive means (116) to rotate the first member about said first axis, a second member (8,100) mounted on the first member for rotation relative thereto about a second axis, and second drive means (12,18,20,24; 106,108) to rotate the second member about said second axis.
2. A rotational device according to Claim 1 comprising a third member (10,100) mounted on the second member (8) for rotation relative thereto about a third axis, and third drive means (14,32; 106,108) to rotate the third member about said third axis.
3- A rotational device according to one of Claims 1 and 2 wherein said first drive means (16) is individually powered, and the second drive means derives motive means by virtue of operation of said first drive means to rotate the first member (6) about said first axis.
4. A rotational device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the drive means (12,18,20,24; 106,108) for the second member (8) comprises a continuous drive element (12) mounted on the first member (6) for movement relative thereto, and a driven element (24) mounted on the second member for rotation therewithabout said second axis, and which is co-operable with the drive element (12).
5. A rotational device according to Claim 4 wherein the drive element (12) is a circular rack or ring gear, and the driven element (24) is a pinion co-operable therewith, the drive element (12) being moved to rotate the driven element in consequence of rotation of the first member (6) about said first axis.
6. A rotational device according to any preceding claim appendant to Claim 2 wherein the drive means (14,32) for the third member comprises a continuous drive element (14) mounted on the second member for movement relative thereto, and a driven element (32) mounted on the third member for rotation therewith about said third axis, and which is co-operable with the drive element mounted on the second member.
7. A rotational device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the members (6,8,10) are arranged to rotate one within the confines of rotation of another, with the first member (6) being outermost, and describing on rotation an interior volume within which the second member (8) is wholly retained during its rotation.
8. A rotational device according to any one of the preceding claims for use as a display device, the various members (6,8,10) being used as carrier means for respect¬ ive parts of a representation to be displayed.
9. A rotational device according to Claim 8 wherein the rotational speeds of the various members (6,8,10) are arranged in a manner such that the members return to relative positions in which the overall representation is visible at intervals.
10. A rotational device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 for use as a display device, the innermost member (10) serving as a mounting means for the object to be displayed.
11. A rotational device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 for use as an amusement device, the second member being afforded by a chamber (11G), mounted on the first member (6) for rotation therewith about the first axis, and rotation relative thereto about said second axis.
12. A rotational device according to Claim 11 wherein the second member is afforded by a locomotive device (100) travelling on the first member (6), said second drive means either being afforded by traction means (106,108) on the locomotion device co-operable with the first member, or traction means on the first member and co-operable with the' locomotion device.
13- A rotational device according to one of Claims 11 and 12 wherein an upright axis of the chamber is constrained against full rotation about a horizontal axis, whereby a person within the chamber is not turned upside down.
14. A rotational device according to Claim 20 wherein the chamber (110) is mounted on the second member (8) and is positionally stationary relative to the second member, obtaining movement about the first and second axes in consequence of the movement of the first member (6) about the first axis, and of the second member (8) relative to the first member about the second axis.
15. A rotational device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, used as an amusement device, wherein the third member is afforded by a chamber (110) mounted on the second member (8) for rotation relative thereto about a third axis.
EP82901727A 1981-06-13 1982-06-14 Improvements relating to rotational devices Withdrawn EP0081518A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08118236A GB2107912A (en) 1981-06-13 1981-06-13 Rotational display or amusement device
GB8118236 1981-06-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0081518A1 true EP0081518A1 (en) 1983-06-22

Family

ID=10522487

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP82901727A Withdrawn EP0081518A1 (en) 1981-06-13 1982-06-14 Improvements relating to rotational devices

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0081518A1 (en)
GB (2) GB2107912A (en)
WO (1) WO1982004469A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2538878B1 (en) * 1983-01-03 1986-05-30 Production Creation Audiovisue DEVICE FOR ORIENTING A CAMERA
NL1010225C1 (en) * 1998-10-01 2000-04-04 Geurts Lambertus H J Entertainment equipment.
HK1097695A2 (en) * 2006-11-29 2007-06-29 Eddie Yeung Lun Rotary display device
JP2012176331A (en) * 2009-06-27 2012-09-13 Nagao System:Kk Three-dimensional rotating mechanism, and ball mill and kneading apparatus with the same
CN109946652B (en) * 2019-03-28 2023-04-25 石家庄硕华电子科技有限公司 Multidirectional lodging device for vehicle-mounted radar

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE182192C (en) *
GB191219198A (en) * 1912-08-22 1913-04-24 James Henry Parker Improvements in or relating to Shirts and the like.
DE434070C (en) * 1925-06-23 1926-09-20 Adolf Morawsky Carousel with an axis that can be adjusted vertically, horizontally and at any angle from 0 to 90 degrees
FR677712A (en) * 1929-07-02 1930-03-13 Fairground attraction
FR825912A (en) * 1936-08-29 1938-03-17 Askania Werke Ag Advanced support head for tripods of photographic or cinematographic cameras
US2328852A (en) * 1941-09-26 1943-09-07 Solomon W Shepherd Amusement ride apparatus
US2389826A (en) * 1943-11-17 1945-11-27 Edward A Stalker Torque converter
US2437000A (en) * 1946-08-13 1948-03-02 Joy Toys Inc Toy ferris wheel
US2864615A (en) * 1957-02-07 1958-12-16 Castille Michel Rene Disc-type merry-go-round
US2934341A (en) * 1957-03-29 1960-04-26 Solomon W Shepherd Passenger amusement ride
US3287981A (en) * 1964-05-20 1966-11-29 Wolfe John Sohn Generation of rotations about a fixed point with symmetric and near symmetric distribution of tangential velocity components and rotary components
DE2627554A1 (en) * 1976-06-19 1977-12-22 Edmund Opitz Machine for generating Lissajous figures - uses sphere rotating simultaneously about horizontal and vertical axes to reflect light spot

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO8204469A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1982004469A1 (en) 1982-12-23
GB2107912A (en) 1983-05-05
GB8303860D0 (en) 1983-03-16
GB2112196A (en) 1983-07-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4268030A (en) Inflatable action toy
EP1942046A2 (en) Drive type of spherical roller
US4953315A (en) Display device for vehicles
EP0081518A1 (en) Improvements relating to rotational devices
US20210370194A1 (en) Apparatus integrating a zoetrope into an inflatable ball or symmetrical transparent object
JPS60248401A (en) Rotary body having indication parts
US1254983A (en) Window-display device.
US1042456A (en) Globe.
KR100933505B1 (en) Solar System Driving Model
CN2450732Y (en) Earth and moon running demonstrator
US1078008A (en) Kaleidoscope.
US1612362A (en) Display device
JPS62128833A (en) Steering mechanism for omnidirectional mobile car
US892070A (en) Amusement device.
US4071968A (en) Hexagonally shaped rotating display with tetrahedral elements
EP0686295B1 (en) Drive assemblies
CN201159439Y (en) Rotation type bright light
KR100413955B1 (en) Sign board
JPH08191933A (en) Pattern display device for pachinko machine
US1006480A (en) Automatic advertising device.
JPH07219426A (en) Spherical display device
CN209591311U (en) Road-directing device based on visual angle effect
US771617A (en) Advertising-vehicle.
FR2470917A1 (en) INSTRUMENT HOLDER
US10668398B2 (en) Curiosity revealing or animating a shaped cavity

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR GB LI LU NL SE

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 19830810