GB2464555A

GB2464555A - Airflow recreation apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2464555A
Application number: GB0819455A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Anthony Price; Simon Charles Ward
Original assignee: AIRSPHERE Ltd
Current assignee: AIRSPHERE Ltd
Priority date: 2008-10-23
Filing date: 2008-10-23
Publication date: 2010-04-28
Also published as: GB0819455D0; WO2010046646A1

Abstract

A recreation apparatus 10 (110 figure 5 and 210 figure 6) includes an air flow creator 16 which in use creates an airflow in a lift zone 88 in a substantially upward direction. The apparatus also includes a person carrying structure 40 which is positionable within the airflow in the lift zone 88. The apparatus is arranged so that the airflow lifts and/or supports the person carrying structure in the lift zone. The person carrying structure may be substantially spherical.

Description

Recreation Apparatus The present invention relates to recreation apparatus.

Recently, there has been increasing interest in developing new recreation activities, particularly in the field of so-called extreme sports'. In a related field, leisure parks and facilities also seek to provide new experiences in the form of rides such as new variants of roller coasters.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided recreation apparatus, the apparatus including an air flow creator which in use creates an airflow in a lift zone in a substantially upward direction and a person carrying structure which is positionable within the airflow in the lift zone, the apparatus being arranged so that the airflow lifts and/or supports 1 5 the person carrying structure in the lift zone. S... * * . *. S *.* S

Possibly, the apparatus includes a wind tunnel. The wind tunnel may include a chamber wall or walls and a deck, which together define a chamber. Possibly, the chamber substantially forms the lift zone. The deck ** *. .* * 20 may be perforated to permit the passage of air therethrough. * ** * S S * **

The wind tunnel may include a diffuser for diffusing the airflow exiting from the chamber. The wind tunnel may include diffuser walls, which may define the diffuser. The diffuser walls may diverge outwardly away from the chamber.

Alternatively, the wind tunnel may include a housing, which may substantially enclose the airflow creator, and may include a deck, which may be perforated to permit the passage of air therethrough. The lift zone may be located above the deck. The apparatus may include a plurality of tethers, to retain the structure in the lift zone in use.

The air flow creator may comprise a fan, a propeller, a compressor or a pump. The airflow creator may include a. The wind tunnel may include ducting defining a duct, which may extend between the airflow creator and the lift zone.

The speed of the airflow in the lift zone may be between 50 mph and mph, and more possibly is between 80 mph and 130 mph.

The wind tunnel may include return ducting defining a return duct, which may extend between the diffuser and the airflow creator.

The person carrying structure may be spherical, and may include an outer skin and an inner skin. Possibly, the inner skin defines a transport chamber, in which, in use, a person is carried. The structure may include 1 5 supporfs, which may extend between the outer skin and the inner skin. The S...

space between the outer skin and the inner skin may be sealed, and may be * .** filled with air at an elevated pressure, which may be greater than atmospheric pressure. The elevated pressure may be between 1 and 3 psi S above atmospheric pressure.

***S** * 20 *:*::* The person carrying structure may be formed of a flexible materiaL and may be formed of a plastics material, and may be formed of a transparent or translucent material. The outer skin and/or the inner skin may be formed of a plurality of panels.

The person carrying structure may include a passage wall or walls defining a passage between the outer skin and the inner skin to permit access to the transport chamber.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing a recreation activity, the method including the steps of providing an air flow in a substantially upward direction and positioning a person carrying structure within the airflow, so that the airflow lifts and/or supports the person carrying structure.

Possibly, the method includes providing recreation apparatus as

described in any of the preceding statements.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig 1 is a sectional side schematic view of recreation apparatus in use; Fig 2 is a sectional side schematic view of a person carrying structure in use; *..S Fig 3 is a view from above of the person carrying structure; *.*S * * Fig 4 is a view from another side of the person carrying structure; Fig 5 is a sectional side schematic view of another recreation *:*::* apparatus in use; and Fig 6 is a sectional side schematic view of yet another recreation apparatus in use.

Referring to figure 1, recreation apparatus 10 includes a wind tunnel 12, the wind tunnel 12 including a chamber wall or walls 32 and a chamber deck 22 which together define a chamber 14. The chamber deck 22 is perforated to permit the passage of air. For example, the chamber deck 22 could be the form of a net, grating or mesh.

The wind funnel 12 includes diffuser walls 38 which extend upwardly from the chamber walls 32 and diverge outwardly away from the chamber 14. The diffuser walls 38 define a diffuser 24.

The apparatus 10 includes an airflow creator in the form of a fan 16 for generating an airflow. The apparatus 10 includes ducting 18 defining a duct 20, which extends between the fan 16 and the chamber 14.

The wind tunnel 12 includes a doorway 26 to permit access to the chamber 14, which in this example, is located in one of the chamber walls 32.

The recreation apparatus 10 includes a person carrying structure 40 in the form of a sphere. Referring to figures 2, 3 and 4, the structure 40 includes an outer skin 42 and an inner skin 44, the inner skin 44 defining a transport chamber 70 in which, in use, a person can be carried. The structure 40 *..* : includes a plurality of supports 46 which extend between the outer skin 42 * **S and the inner skin 44 to hold the inner skin 44 in position relative to the outer skin 42. The supports 46 could be formed of a flexible material, and could be formed of a plastics material. A space 72 is defined between the inner skin * 20 44 and the outer skin 42, which is sealed. The structure 40 includes a plurality *:*::* of valves 52 located in the outer skin 42 which permit air to be introduced into the space 72. In one example, the space 72 is filled with air at a pressure which is elevated above atmospheric pressure. In one example, the elevated pressure is between 1 and 3 psi above atmospheric pressure.

The structure 40 is formed of a flexible plastics material, and each of the outer skin 42 and the inner skin 44 include a plurality of panels 66, 68 respectively. Each of the outer skin 42 and the inner skin 44 include a pair of oppositely located end caps 74, 76 respectively, each panel 66, 68 extending between the respective end caps 74, 76. A proportion or all of the panels 66, 68 could be formed of translucent or transparent material.

The structure 40 includes a passage wall or walls 48 which defines a passage 50 which extends between the outer skin 42 and the inner skin 44 to permit access to the transport chamber 70. The structure 40 includes a plurality of handles or loops 58 which are mounted to the inner skin 44 within the transport chamber 70. The structure 40 includes a plurality of handles or loops 54 which are mounted to the external surface of the outer skin 42.

In use, the structure 40 is initially positioned within the chamber 14 on the chamber deck 22 as indicated by the structure 40 shown in dotted lines in 1 0 figure 1. Iniflally, the fan 16 is not operating, so that there is substantially no airflow through the chamber 14, or the operation of the fan 16 is such that the airflow is insufficient to lift the structure 40 upwardly from the deck 22. A person 60 enters the transport chamber 70 through the passage 50 and takes hold of the handles or loops 58. The person's feet can be located in some of 1 5 the loops 58 if required. The fan 1 6 is then operated, sucking air into an inlet *S..

: 28 as indicated by arrow A in figure 1 and creating an airflow along the duct * .S* as indicated by arrow B and through the chamber 14. The airflow increases until it is sufficient to lift the structure 40, as indicated by arrow C in figure 1. In this example, the chamber 14 thus substantially defines a lifting ****** * 20 zone 88 in which, in use, the airflow lifts and/or supports the person carrying *** structure 40. * **

Operation of the fan 16 continues for a period of time in accordance with an amount of money paid by the person 60, during which time the structure 40 is supported by the airflow. Natural variations and irregularities in the airflow cause the structure 40 to move laterally and vertically, increasing the enjoyment of the experience for the person carried. Additionally, the airflow can be deliberately varied by altering the operation of the fan 16 to cause movement of the structure 40 within the airflow.

Airflow from the chamber 1 4 enters the diffuser 24, as shown by arrows D in figure 1, before exiting from the wind tunnel 1 2 into open air via the outlet 36. The diverging diffuser walls 38 result in an increasing sectional flow area, which results in a decreasing air flow velocity. Should the structure 40 for any reason either deliberately or accidentally be lifted into the diffuser 24, the flow velocity in the diffuser 24 will be insufficient to continue to lift the structure 40, and the structure 40 will fall back down into the chamber 14.

After the period of time which has been paid for has elapsed, operation of the fan 16 is altered to decrease and/or stop the airflow through the chamber 14, so that the structure 40 descends to the chamber deck 22.

The person 60 can then disembark from the structure 40 via the passage 50.

Should any malfunction of the wind tunnel 12 occur so that the airflow ceases, the structure 40 will fall back down to the chamber deck 22. The pressurised air within the space 72 between the outer skin 42 and the inner skin 44 cushions the impact of the structure 40, so that there is no risk of injury to the person being carried. * * * ** S S...

***** In one example, the speed of the airflow in the chamber 14 could be between 50 mph and 200 mph, and could be between 80 mph and 130 mph.

S..... * 20

*::: In one example, the chamber 14 could have a width of at least 2.0 m and optimally could have a width of at least 2.4 m. The width of the chamber 14 could be greater than the width of the structure 40 by at least 0.6 m. The height of the chamber 14 could be at least 2 m, and optimally at Ieast4m.

Various other modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The wind tunnel 12 could be of any suitable shape and size. In one example, the wind tunnel could be provided without a diffuser. The airflow creator 16 could be of any suitable form. The airflow creator 16 could include a speed adjuster for adjusting the speed of the airflow. The speed adjuster could include a controller which adjusts the speed of operation of the airflow creator. In one example, the airflow creator could be in the form of a propeller including a plurality of propeller blades, and the speed adjuster could adjust the pitch of the blades.

The structure 40 could be of any suitable size and shape and could be constructed in any suitable way, and could be formed of any suitable material. For example, the structure 40 could be in the form of a flattened sphere, an ovoid or egg shape or a rugby ball. The structure 40 could be arranged to carry a single person or a plurality of people. The structure 40 could include one or more seat formations and/or one or more securing harnesses.

Figure 5 and 6 show other recreation apparatus 110, 210 respectively many features of which are the same or similar to those described above.

Only those features which are different will be described here for the sake of brevity. Features which are similar or the same have been given the same *..

: reference numerals. * S** * *

Referring to figure 5, recreation apparatus 110 includes a wind tunnel 112 which includes return ducting 30 defining a return duct 31 extending from ****�* * 20 the outlet 36 of the diffuser 24 to the inlet 28 of the fan 16. The wind tunnel 112 includes an air heater 56 which heats the airflow within the duct 20. This * S. wind tunnel is particularly suitable for installation in places with relatively inclement weather conditions. The airflow is recycled and can be heated for the comfort of users. The recycling of the airflow reduces operating costs. In contrast, the recreation apparatus 10 of the first embodiment is particularly suitable for installation in places with relatively warm and dry weather conditions, and could also be suitable for mobile recreation apparatus which is to be transported from location to location.

Referring to figure 6, recreation apparatus 210 includes a wind tunnel 212 which includes a housing 282 which substantially encloses an airflow creator 216 which includes a propeller 280. The housing 282 includes a deck 222 which is perforated to permit the passage of air fherethrough. In this apparatus, a lift zone 88 is defined above the deck 222, in the form of an upwardly moving column of air produced by the propeller 280, which is not bounded by sidewalls.

The apparatus 210 includes a plurality of tethers 278, to retain the structure 40 in the lift zone 88 in use. Optimally, the apparatus 210 includes three tethers 278. Each tether 278 includes a ground engaging tether support 284 and a tether line 286 extending from the tether support 284 to the structure 40.

In use, the structure 40 is initially at rest on the deck 222, and in this condition, a person to be carried embarks into the structure 40 in a similar manner to that described previously. The propeller 280 is operated to increase the airflow as shown by arrows B to lift the structure 40 upwardly from 1 5 the deck 222, and to support the structure 40 in the airflow during the duration 0** : of the "flight" or ride. At the end of the flight or ride, the airflow is reduced * .S0 and the structure 40 returns to the deck 222. ** S

0 In another example, the structure 40 could be lifted and supported in *0.5 * 20 the airflow without the tethers 278. * S. * S I * S.

The recreation apparatus of the invention could include any suitable combination of any of the features described in any of the embodiments above.

There is thus provided recreation apparatus which provides users with the experience of being transported on a column of air, while being securely located within a cushioned structure. The recreation apparatus thus has wide appeal, and is suitable for use by users with a broad range of ages and abilities.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon. * S * ** S * * * ** * * * S * **

S

*S**S* * S * *S

SI I * **

Claims

CLAIMS1. Recreation apparatus, the apparatus including an air flow creator which in use creates an airflow in a lift zone in a substantially upward direction and a person carrying structure which is positionable within the airflow in the lift zone, the apparatus being arranged so that the airflow lifts and/or supports the person carrying structure in the lift zone.
2. A recreation apparatus according to claim 1, in which the apparatus 1 0 includes a wind tunnel.
3. A recreation apparatus according to claim 2, in which the wind tunnel includes a chamber wall or walls and a deck, which together define a chamber.
4. A recreation apparatus according to claim 3, in which the chamber substantially forms the lift zone.
5. A recreation apparatus according to claims 3 or 4, in which the deck is perforated to permit the passage of air therethrough.
6. A recreation apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 6, in which the wind tunnel includes a diffuser for diffusing the airflow exiting from the chamber.
7. A recreation apparatus according to claim 6, in which the wind tunnel includes diffuser walls, which define the diffuser.
8. A recreation apparatus according to claim 7, in which the diffuser walls diverge outwardly away from the chamber.
9. A recreation apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 8, in which the wind tunnel includes a housing.
10. A recreation apparatus according to claim 9, in which the housing substantially encloses the airflow creator.
11. A recreation apparatus according to claims 9 or 10, in which the housing includes a deck.
12. A recreation apparatus according to claim 10, in which the deck is perforated to permit the passage of air therethrough.
1 3. A recreation apparatus according to claims 11 or 12, in which the lift zone is located above the deck.
14. A recreation apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in 1 5 which the apparatus includes a plurality of tethers, to retain the structure in the lift zone in use.
15. A recreation apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the air flow creator comprises a fan, a propeller, a compressor or a pump.
16. A recreation apparatus according to claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the wind tunnel includes ducting defining a duct, which extends between the airflow creator and the lift zone.
17. A recreation apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the speed of the airflow in the lift zone is between 50 mph and 200 mph.
18. A recreation apparatus according to claim 17, in which the speed of the airflow in the lift zone is between 80 mph and 130 mph.
19. A recreation apparatus according to claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the wind tunnel includes return ducting defining a return duct.
20. A recreation apparatus according to claim 19 when dependent on claim 6 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the return duct extends between the diffuser and the airflow creator.
21. A recreation apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the person carrying structure is spherical.
22. A recreation apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the person carrying structure includes an outer skin and an inner skin.

1 5
23. A recreation apparatus according to claim 22, in which the inner skin defines a transport chamber, in which, in use, a person is carried.
24. A recreation apparatus according to claims 22 or 23, in which the structure includes supports, which extend between the outer skin and the inner skin.
25. A recreation apparatus according to any of claims 22 to 24, in which the space between the outer skin and the inner skin is sealed.
26. A recreation apparatus according to claim 25, in which the space between the outer skin and the inner skin is filled with air at an elevated pressure.
27. A recreation apparatus according to claim 26, in which the space between the outer skin and the inner skin is filled with air at a pressure which is greater than atmospheric pressure. :i
28. A recreation apparatus according to claims 26 or 27, in which the elevated pressure is between 1 and 3 psi above atmospheric pressure.
29. A recreation apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the person carrying structure is formed of a flexible materiaL
30. A recreation apparatus according to claim 29, in which the person carrying structure is formed of a plastics material.
31. A recreation apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the person carrying structure is formed of a transparent or translucent material.
32. A recreation apparatus according to claim 22 or any claim dependent 1 5 thereon, in which the outer skin and/or the inner skin is formed of a plurality of panels.
33. A recreation apparatus according to claim 23 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the person carrying structure includes a passage wall or walls defining a passage between the outer skin and the inner skin to permit access to the transport chamber.34 A method of providing a recreation activity, the method including the steps of providing an air flow in a substantially upward direction and positioning a person carrying structure within the airflow, so that the airflow lifts and/or supports the person carrying structure.35. A method according to claim 34, in which the method includes providing recreation apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 33.36. A recreation apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.37. A method substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.38. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.