GB2244932A

GB2244932A - Battery powered childrens ride

Info

Publication number: GB2244932A
Application number: GB9013247A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael George Marston
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-06-13
Filing date: 1990-06-13
Publication date: 1991-12-18
Also published as: GB9013247D0

Abstract

A coin or push button operated ride(s) of the type that when placed on the floor or pavement will not move. However a toy, affixed to the none moving base, will be set in motion when a coin or push button switch operates the mechanism; so giving a child a ride. The sole source of power for the entire ride, including the motion of the toy, is derived from a special cyclic battery or batteries of a size equal or above the ride's requirements. This method of power produces an electrically safe ride(s) relative to mains electric powered ride(s). Being battery powered also allows for much greater versatility in location - not needing to be by a mains socket outlet when in use. <IMAGE>

Description

BATTERY POWERED CHILDRENS RIDE This invention relates to a battery powered children's ride.

'Ride' being the collective term used for the entire machine, visual effects and attachments. Its sole purpose being to amuse, delight and entertain a child or children by allowing them to ride in or on the toy or toys as provided.

Whilst also being of commercial benefit.

Children's rides fall basically into two categories; excluded from my exposition are the larger fairground/amusement park rides.

Category One. Is where a motor drives wheels; so propelling the entire machine, within the confines of an enclosure or on a track or other suitable surface. Note: as my invention does not apply to this category of rides, I will make no further reference to same during the remainder of this patent request.

Category Two. Is where a motor driven mechanism propels a toy or toys' - in a rocking, turning, up and down or other suitable motion - with respect to the base which remains stationary upon the ground, floor or other such support.

The base is the means of support for the mechanism, toy or toys' and mounting(s), and all other associated components that comprise a ride. The base may be raised off the floor by legs, feet or wheels; the wheels are used to manually resite the ride when necessary. Toys, bases and base covers are varied in size, shape and diversity. Coin operated rides can be found in or outside shops and supermarkets and in shopping centres, hospitals, nurseries, etc: push button operated rides are more likely to be owned by private individuals, - these are the minority. All the existing rides are powered by a mains electrical supply. This is by way of armoured or standard mains cable plugged into a standard or external socket. The mains voltage may be reduced within the ride by a transformer or other form of potential divider.Supplying mains electricity to childrens rides creates potential hazards; worn cables and fittings, poor earthing, and wiring defects can cause accidents.

According to the present invention there is provided a 12 volt, 24 ampere hour battery as the sole source of power for the ride. This will enable normal use without prejudicing quality or performance. At the end of each day or such time as determined, the operating circuit will be disengaged and charging circuit engaged. A charging unit plugged into the circuit will charge the battery. The advantages of a battery system are: 1. The ride is electrically much safer.

2. The versatility of the ride is such that it can be used at fetes, garden parties, festivals, etc; where it is unlikely mains electrical supplies being available.

3. The advantage of not having mains cables trailing through doorways or windows or across floors, must reduce potential danger.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: FIGURE 1 shows in perspective, a ride which comprises of a mounted toy situated above a base with base over in place.

FIGURE 2 illustrates a mechanism within the base; the toy and base cover having been removed.

FIGURE 3 illustrates the whole of the invention; the essence of which is a battery and battery charger.

Referring to the drawing, when a coin passes through the coin mechanism 10 the timer is activated. The battery 12 supplies 12 volts D.C., to the timer through switches 13 and 14 and to the power relay output 15. Activating the timer 11 also activates the power relay 15 closing the output contacts allowing current through the motor 16. The motor 16 operates giving motion to the remainder of the mechanism 17 hence to the toy 18. After a preset time, the timer 11 cuts supply to the relay 15 and all motion stops. Switch 14 can be operated to allow the charger 19 to recharge the battery 12.

An alternative to a coin activated ride, is a push button activated ride. The battery 12 supplies 12 volts D.C., to a push button 20 which has normally open contacts. The push button can be so positioned to allow the rider access to it.

Voltage, from the push button switch 20 when pressed (closing the contacts), will operate the power relay 15 closing the output contacts allowing current through the motor 16. The motor 16 operates giving motion to the remainder of the mechanism 17 hence to the toy 18. The ride will continue to operate whilst push button switch 20 remains pressed. Switch 14 can be operated to allow the battery 12 to be recharged by the battery charger 19, when the latter is plugged into the mains electrical supply.

Claims

1. A coin or push-button operated children's ride of the static based moving toy type. Where bases' and toys are of many varied sizes, shapes, colours and forms. All or each powered by a battery or batteries with sufficient rated capacity; that become the sole source of electrical power to enable each ride to fulfil its purpose. Ride use will partially discharge the battery. At the end of each day or opening hours, the ride will be moved adjacent to a mains electrical outlet. A charging unit when plugged into the ride and mains socket, will recharge the battery.

2. A battery powered children's ride(s) as claimed in claim 1, where a 12 volt 24 ampere hour battery, or batteries with differing voltage outputs and rated capacities, become the sole source of electrical power for each ride.

3. A battery powered childrens ride(s) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 where the type of battery preferred is none hazardous with immobilized gel electrolyte and good cyclic capability. With a further advantage of being maintenancefree and sealed- for- life. Not withstanding the use in the ride(s) of a battery or batteries, where development makes them more suitable.

4. A battery powered childrens ride(s) as claimed in claims 1 where the battery charger is of the type that utilise the proven linear control technique and high quality reactance transformers, which feature in the limiting of peak currents. Voltage regulation is achieved by SCR switching, ensuring a constant power output despite varying input load conditions. Not withstanding the use in the ride(s) of a battery charger where development or reliability makes it more suitable.