Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
  • A63C19/00—Design or layout of playing courts, rinks, bowling greens or areas for water-skiing; Covers therefor
  • A63C19/10—Ice-skating or roller-skating rinks; Slopes or trails for skiing, ski-jumping or tobogganing
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
  • A63C19/00—Design or layout of playing courts, rinks, bowling greens or areas for water-skiing; Covers therefor
  • A63C19/06—Apparatus for setting-out or dividing courts
  • A63C19/08—Mechanical means for marking-out
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
  • A63B69/0093—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for surfing, i.e. without a sail; for skate or snow boarding
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
  • A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
  • A63C2203/12—Electrically powered or heated

Definitions

• the present invention relates to amusement apparatus and equipment and more particularly relates to the type of amusement apparatuses found in amusement parks, in public areas and the like.
• the invention further relates to an amusement apparatus which includes a conveyor which interacts with moving formations to create undulations in a playing surface thereby simulating ground contours, waves or rough terrains.
• the present invention further relates to improvements in amusement apparatuses which are used by skateboarders, roller skaters and the like and which simulate uneven ground to improve the realism of the amusement experience.
• the present invention further relates amusement devices have a movable activity surface for use by roller boarders, skaters and the like and which simulates on the surface undulations such as but not limited to standing waves to better simulate riding or skating over mild or abrupt contours..
• Amusement parks are increasing in popularity world wide and there is an on going need to continually improve the amusement experience.
• Many amusement parks concentrate on water sports while councils, public parks and the like provide fixed structures to enable the public to participate at little or no costs.
• Known amusement apparatuses include surfaces for skateboarding include stationary half and quarter pipes and concreted, undulating skateboard parks.
• Such parks include mounds, rails and quarter pipes which can be skated upon by skateboarders. To fully utilise half pipes, for example, skateboarders must walk to a top edge of the half pipe section to skate down its surface.
• a conveyor provides a moveable activity surface.
• the activity surface includes a superstructure having two or more spaced apart belt supports mounted to the structure and allowing the belt to extend between and move around the belt supports, such that a portion of the belt between two of the belt supports is slack.
• the apparatus also includes a drive motor for imparting movement to the belt.
• the present invention provides improvements in amusement apparatuses which are used by skateboarders, roller skaters and the like and which simulate uneven ground to improve the realism of the amusement experience.
• the present invention further provides an amusement apparatus which includes a conveyor which interacts with moving formations to create undulations in a playing surface thereby simulating ground contours, waves, rough terrains.
• the present invention further provides an amusement device having a movable activity surface for use by roller boarders, skaters and the like and which simulates on the surface undulations such as but not limited to standing waves to better simulate riding or skating over mild or abrupt contours.
• the present invention comprises; an amusement apparatus having a primary structure which receives and supports a first belt which spans in a longitudinal direction between supports and in a transverse direction; the belt having an upper surface and an underside surface; a sub structure having at least two spaced apart pulleys which accommodate a secondary belt having inner and outer surfaces and which in use, travels about said at least two pulleys; the inner surface of the secondary belt engaging the at least two spaced apart pulleys; the outer surface of the secondary belt having at least one outstanding formation which engages the underside surface of the primary belt during at least part of travel of the secondary belt about said at least two pulleys, thereby inducing in the primary belt a contour which substantially conforms to the shape of said at least one formation.
• the primary structure provides end anchorages for the primary belt and allows the belt to span longitudinally between the anchorages and transversely.
• the primary belt is arranged to allow for some flexibility between its longitudinal span. This allows the primary belt to undergo displacement induced by interaction with formations on the secondary belt.
• the outer surface of the secondary belt has evenly spaced apart wave shaped formations which engage the underside surface of the primary belt to induce displacement in the belt which simulates periodic wavefonns.
• One of the pulleys is a drive pulley and induces travel of the secondary belt about the pulleys.
• an amusement apparatus having a primary structure which receives and supports a first belt which spans in a longitudinal direction between supports and in a transverse direction; the primary belt having an upper surface and an underside surface; a sub structure having at least two spaced apart pulleys which accommodate a secondary belt having inner and outer surfaces and which in use, travels about said at least two pulleys; the inner surface of the secondary belt engaging the at least two spaced apart pulleys; the outer surface of the secondary belt having a plurality of outstanding wave formation which are arranged to sequentially engage the underside surface of the primary belt during travel of the secondary belt about said at least two pulleys; the wave formations thereby inducing in the primary belt a series of waves in the primary belt by inducing local displacement in the primary belt.
• [001 1] In its broadest from the present invention comprises:
• an amusement apparatus having a primary structure which receives and supports a first belt which spans in a longitudinal direction between supports and in a transverse direction; the primary belt having an upper surface and an underside surface; a secondary belt which travels about pulleys and having an underside surface which contacts the pulleys an upper surface which opposes the underside surface of the primary belt; the upper surface of the secondary belt having formations which contact the underside of the primary belt and induce corresponding formations in the primary belt by displacement of the primary belt as the secondary belt rotates.
• a drive pulley which drives the secondary belt and an idler pulley.
• the fonnations are sinusoidal, wave or dome shaped with the result that continuous waves are induced in the primary belt as the secondary belt rotates.
• the secondary belt moves relative to the primary belt
• a reference to the term formation can be taken to mean a projection out from a plane of the secondary belt and extending partly or fully across the width of the secondary belt and includes but is not limited to circular, dome, waveform or spherical shapes.
• a reference to a pulley can be taken to mean a wheel, roller or equivalent
• Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art amusement device .
• Figure 2 shows a long sectional view of the amusement apparatus of figure 1
• Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an amusement apparatus according to one preferred embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 4 shows a long sectional view of the apparatus of figure 3.
• Figure 5 shows a right side elevation view of the apparatus of figure 3.
• Figure 6 shows with corresponding numbering a top view of the apparatus of figure 3.
• Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an amusement apparatus according to an alternative embodiment.
• Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a skeletal structure for one formation.
• Figure 9 shows a side elevation view of the structural profile of the amusement apparatus of figure 7.
• a reference to a formation throughout the specification can be taken to be a reference to a solid or space frame structure which has a surface which interacts with an underside of an amusement surface provided by a belt or the like.
• a reference to a chain drive can be taken to include a reference to a belt drive or some other form of drive which allows the formations to travel in a loop or otherwise continuously.
• FIG. 1 there is shown a perspective view of a prior art amusement apparatus 1 comprising a ground engaging superstructure 2 which supports a moving belt 3.
• Belt 3 is fed over rollers (not shown) and is continuously rotated in the direction of arrow 5 when the power is turned on.
• Upper surface 4 of apparatus 1 is smooth and remains so during movement of belt 3.
• Figure 2 shows with corresponding numbering, a long sectional view of the amusement apparatus 1 of figure 1.
• Belt 3 is supported by an array of rollers 6 some of which are idler pulleys and at least one a drive pulley.
• Belt 3 moves continuously over the pulleys and has sufficient rigidity to itself provide support but sufficient flexibility such that it can bend around the rollers.
• the present invention provides an alternative to this arrangement and enhances the amusement experience by more closely simulating the natural environment and according to one embodiment to be described below, simulates wave motion on the upper surface of a primary moving belt. .
• FIG 3 shows a largely schematic perspective view of an amusement apparatus 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
• Apparatus 10 includes a support platfonn 1 1 which is ground mounted via support structure (not shown) .
• the support structure employed will be determined by the ground environment in which apparatus 10 is used. The structure would be designed to accommodate particular site conditions. It will be understood that the particular arrangement of the preferred embodiment in relation to surrounding ground level is non limiting, and in further embodiments the apparatus can be elevated or oriented at different heights or angles.
• the support structure is made from materials of sufficient strength for supporting the weight of the apparatus 10 including such features as sub frame, belts, rollers, drives.
• apparatus 10 includes a primary belt 12 terminating at either ends 13 and 14 in anchorages 15 and 16.
• a primary structure provides end anchorages for the primary belt 12 and allows the belt to span longitudinally between the anchorages and transversely.
• the primary belt 12 is arranged to allow for some flexibility between its longitudinal span, which allows the primary belt to undergo displacement induced by interaction with formations on the secondary belt 23 as described below.
• Primary belt 12 remains fixed via its anchorages but has some slack or flexibility sufficient to allow local displacements. As shown belt 12 has a series of wave crests 17 and troughs 18 which form a standing wave profile in the belt 12.
• Figure 4 shows with corresponding numbering a right side long sectional view of the apparatus 10 of figure 3.
• Beneath platform 11 is a conveyor assembly 20 including pulleys 21 and 22 about which secondary belt 23 travels.
• pulleys 21 and 22 can be a drive pulley or an idler pulley.
• both pulleys 21 and 22 can be drive pulleys.
• An anti-clockwise direction for the belt travel is preferred, but the conveyor assembly 20 can operate in the reverse (clockwise) direction.
• secondary belt 23 moves in the direction of arrow 24 about pulleys 21 and 22.
• Attached to secondary belt 23 are a plurality of formations 25-37 which are preferably evenly spaced along belt 23. Each formation shown is configured as a wave crest and which moves in unison with belt 23.
• the formations are sinusoidal, curved, wave or dome shaped with the result that continuous waves are induced in the primary belt 12 as the secondary belt 23 rotates.
• formations 25-37 move about pulley 22 in an anticlockwise direction.
• formation 30 approaches the 1 o'clock position on pulley 22 it engages an underside surface of belt 23.
• formation 37 moves to the 10 o'clock position on pulley 21 as it leaves/separates from primary belt 12. Further rotation would locate formation 30 in the location for formation 29, and would put formation 25 at the position of formation 37 and so on.
• formations 25-29 are urged in the direction of arrow 40, this induces corresponding wave formations, shown as wave shapes, in the primary belt 12.
• a selected drive pulley/roller provides sufficient force against the belt 23 in relation to the force applied/load on the belt by the engagement between formations 25 - 29 and underside of primary belt 12.
• multiple rive rollers /pulleys can be employed and are operable separately or together to impart a drive force against the belt 23.
• the drive roller/s are adapted with circumferentially protruding teeth at or near one end of the roller which in use engage with a row of holes located in an edge strip of the belt 23.
• the rotation of the dri ve roller can cause the teeth to locate in the holes and to engage with the belt 23 imparting movement.
• the belt 23 is keyed to the pulleys 21 and 22. Any number of spaced-apart belt support and drive rollers can be used to extend the length, attitude and orientation of the belt skating surface.
• Figure 5 shows with corresponding numbering a right side elevation view of the apparatus of figure 3.
• Figure 6 shows with corresponding numbering a top view of the apparatus of figure 3.
• Primary and secondary belts 12 and 23 are manufactured from a durable resilient flexible material which is capable of local distortion to accommodate and react to engagement with the formations 25-37. Rubberised compounds are preferred but other materials suitable for their purpose are contemplated which have low friction such as but not limited to artificial plastics.
• a user can skate along the surface 41 up and down the wave formations as the surface 41 advances in the direction of arrow 40.
• the users' movement is generated by navigating the crests 17 and troughs 18 which are regularly created as the formations 25 - 29 advance underneath the primary belt 12. This provides potentially a continuous ride for a user and a very different ride compared to that provided in the prior art.
• the surface of belt 12 can be of different shapes other than a concave depression or waveform.
• the surface may be randomly shaped, textured, for example ribbed to provide additional challenges to skaters or riders. Further features include induced vibrations partially or fully across the play area.
• the apparatus may be used by other participants such as grass skiers, snow boarders or skiers provided the activity surface is adapted to suit different sports equipment.
• FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an amusement apparatus 50 according to an alternative embodiment.
• Apparatus 50 includes a support platform 51 which is ground mounted via an array of support frames 52 each comprising a transverse member 53 and support legs 54 and 55 depending therefrom.
• support frames 56, 57, 58, 59 will be of similar structure to frame 52.
• the engineering details of frame assemblies 52, 55-59 can be design adjusted according to particular strength requirements of the particular amusement apparatus and its physical size.
• the support frame assemblies may be adjusted to suit the ground environment in which apparatus 50 is used. The structure would be designed to accommodate particular site conditions.
• the support structure is made from materials of sufficient strength for supporting the weight of the apparatus 50 including such features as sub frame, belts, rollers, drives.
• Each support frame is arranged with a spacing determined by the size of the structure but typically a frame to frame spacing would be in the order of 5 meters.
• the frames are typically portal frames and mounted thereon are purlins 60 which are laid along the structure.
• Purlins 60 are typically spaced at 500 mm centers and may according to one embodiment, be lapped over internal beams and covered with at least one layer of plywood.
• the purlins form a platform 72 along which the formations 61 travel.
• a bay structure 63 defining a space 64 formed by spaced apart portal frames 65 and 66 which are mutually braced by an array of struts 77.
• Frame 65 is preferably higher than frame 66.
• Attached to transverse member 68 of frame 65 is a pivotally attached, preferably metallic frame 69 having a free end 70 engaging platform 72.
• formations 61 move along platform 72 in the direction of arrow 73. In that view shown in figure 8, formation 74 is underneath platform 72.
• formation 74 will adopt the position of formation 76 once it passes via frame 69 which displaces under the action of formation 74 and once formation 74 has passed through space 64, free end 70 engages platform 72. This process is repeated continuously with each formation successively travelling in a full loop about platform 72.
• the formations are connected to and driven by a drive chain whose tension is adjustable.
• a conveyor belt overlays formations 61 (not shown for clarity) and as formations 61 travel along platform 72 they induce waveforms into the conveyor, simulating moving waves.
• a rider skating on the platform 'rides" the moving wave until the end of travel of the wave along the platform 72 or can elect to ride a following wave.
• Portal frame 52 co- operates with frame 80 to define an internal space 81.
• a cover frame 82 is supported on tracks on both sides of platform 72.
• Frame 82 is spring loaded to return to is rest position after each formation 61 has exited platform 72 and returns underneath the platform.
• Formation 83 is shown located just prior to entry into space 81 via frame 82 and eventually adopts the position of formation 84. From there it undergoes a full revolution and the process is repeated. The number of formations may be increased or decreased according to requirements.
• Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a skeletal structure for one formation 90.
• Formation 90 comprises a space frame with a wave or wave like contour viewed in profile. It will be appreciated that the profile shape of the formation may vary to adjust in wavelength and/or amplitude. It is contemplated that more gentle low profile formations maybe employed for a gentler wave or
• Figure 9 shows with corresponding numbering a side elevation view of the structural profile of the amusement apparatus 50 of figure 7. From this view it can be seen that space 64 includes a tail shaft/pulley 85 which receives a chain drive 99 on which formations 61 are mounted. A corresponding shaft/pulley 86 is mounted in space 81 and allows the continuous feed of formations 61. Apparatus 50 includes a conveyor belt 87 which is fixed at end 88 and opposite end 89. Belt 87 is sufficiently flexible to allow formations 61 to displace the conveyor to enable simulation of a standing wave.
• belt 87 spans longitudinally between the ends 88 and 89 and transversely.
• the primary belt 87 is arranged to allow for some flexibility between its longitudinal span, which allows the belt to undergo local displacements induced by interaction with formations 61 on the chain drive 90.
• belt 87 has a series of wave crests 91 and troughs 92 which form a standing wave profile in the belt 87.
• either of pulleys 85 and 86 can be a drive pulley or an idler pulley.
• both pulleys 85 and 86 can be drive pulleys.
• Clockwise direction for the chain 99 travel is preferred, but the conveyor assembly 50 can operate in the reverse (anti clockwise) direction.
• Attached to chain 99 are a plurality of formations 74, 76, 61 83, 84, 93-97 which are preferably evenly spaced along belt chain 99. Each formation shown is configured as a wave crest and which moves in unison with chain 90.
• the formations are sinusoidal, curved, wave or dome shaped with the result that continuous waves are induced in the primary belt 87 as the chain drive 99 rotates.
• the drive system including the chain drive to which are fixed the formations.
• Other drive systems include a belt which drives a conveyor which supports the formations not directly attached to the belt.
• the drive system may be disconnected from the formations such that the formations can be independent of the drive system or selectively engaged with the drive system when cyclic rotation of the formations is required in use.
• a gearing system can be employed with a clutch to disengage or engage the formations
• multiple rive rollers /pulleys can be employed and are operable separately or together to impart a drive force against the belt 87.
• the drive pulleys/rollers/cogs 85 and 86 are adapted with circumferentially protruding teeth at or near one end of the roller which in use engage with a row of holes located in an edge strip of the belt 87.
• the rotation of the drive pulley roller can cause the teeth to locate in the holes and to engage with the belt 87 imparting movement.
• the belt 87 is keyed to the pulleys 85 and 86. Any number of spaced-apart belt support and drive rollers can be used to extend the length, attitude and orientation of the belt skating surface.
• the invention in general terms contemplates a rolling wave amusement device for the use of participants riding upon a wheeled apparatus.
• a flex ible surface material overlies an underlying deck, in which moving profiled shapes driven directly or indirectly by a chain, belt drive or the like which urge the formations continuously along the deck.
• the surface material is preferably fixed and has sufficient slackness to allows movement up and down.
• the surface material is of a calculated length to always be taut and never presenting a rippled surface that could be hazardous to the participant.
• the surface material is anchored at either end so as to not allow any travel in either the X or Y directions.
• the vertical movement in the third direction is imparted by a moving shape that runs in a direction parallel to and beneath the surface material.
• the shape may be simply an elevated roller, allowing the surface material to drape off either side or a more complex shape for example a full wave shape.
• the moving shape is propelled along beneath the surface material creating the effect of a moving wave by inducing rise and fall in the surface material.
• the moving shape or roller may be connected in series to other shapes that may be of the same or of differing sizes.
• the moving formations may be connected to a continuous chain or other material that is able to be driven continuously by a rotating drive system either at one end or both ends.
• the moving shape can be a permanent fixed shape or a shape that is made mechanically by elevating and lowering sections of the moving formations.
• the moving shapes are supported by a base structure that allows the surface material to be supported between the moving shapes.
• the moving shapes are moved beneath and parallel to the surface material by drive wheels at either end of a shaft and on either end of the apparatus driving a continuous chain or other connecting material .
• the driving chain is continuous around the drive rollers.
• the chains supporting the formations is continuously pulled.
• the formations travel about the rollers which may be made to mechanically rise as propelled beneath the surface material to reduce the overall height of the machine.
• the rollers could be made to rise and lower independently as they circulate around the apparatus, rising as they come from the underneath portion of the apparatus and retracting prior to them re-entering the underneath section of the apparatus.
• Participants on the amusement apparatus can enter on one end of the apparatus and be propelled to the other end where they alight. Ramps at either end are designed to manage the safe entry and exit to the apparatus of the patrons.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Architecture (AREA)
• Civil Engineering (AREA)
• Structural Engineering (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Escalators And Moving Walkways (AREA)

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• 2017
  • 2017-05-06 AU AU2017259101A patent/AU2017259101A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2017-05-06 EP EP17792278.8A patent/EP3452186A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2017-05-06 CA CA3023197A patent/CA3023197A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2017-05-06 US US16/099,367 patent/US20200330851A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2017-05-06 WO PCT/AU2017/000100 patent/WO2017190179A1/en unknown

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