GB891379A - Improvements in safety locking means for amusement ride cars - Google Patents

Abstract

891,379. Amusement apparatus. BARTLETT, M. Aug. 26, 1960, No. 29516/60. Class 132(1) [Also in Group XXV] In an amusement ride car, a safety closure is releasably locked in closed position by a first locking member mounted on the car and a second locking member is moved, at a predetermined speed of the car, by centrifugal force to lock the safety closure in closed position. As shown, a roundabout comprises a circular track with spaced raised parts over which car 1 on the end of an arm 2 passes as it proceeds round the track supported on a sprung undercarriage wheel 3. A tubular member 7 pivoted to the inner side of car 1 forms with a parallel member 8 a safety bar device biased to its open position by a spring 9. On the outer side 11 of car 1 is a device 12 consisting of a guide 13 with an open-ended recess 14 to receive a fixed bushing 15 on the end of member 7. A latch plate 16 pivoted adajcent guide 13 has a spring biased nose 18 which is deflected by bushing 15 as it enters the latch and returns to hold the bushing being manually releasable by means of handle 19. Premature release of the latch is prevented by a plate 20, with a circular aperture 21, secured externally of guide plate 13, and a rod 25 sliding in bushing 15 with a nose 26 which engages aperture 21. Rod 25 slides in bearings 24 in a liner 22 secured in rod 7, its movement being limited between a position where a plate 27 on its inner end engages the end of liner 22 and its outer end 26 projects and an inner position with a ring 28 on the rod engaging a ring 29 on the liner where end 26 is within the liner 22. Rod 25 slides outwards so that end 26 engages aperture 21 under the influence of centrifugal force and returns under the influence of gravity or some other restoring force when the centrifugal force is reduced.