US1837055A - Amusement device - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 15, 1931. L. H. M DANlEL 1,337,055

AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed May 28, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR Dec. 15, 1931. L. HIMCDANIEL 1,837,055

AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed May 28, 1929 a Sheets-Sheet 2 I I I I I I I l I I I I I I I I I l I I l I l I I I I tl I INVENTOR n ATTORNEY Dec. 15, 1931. L. H. M DANIEL AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed May 28, 1929 3 sheets sheet 3 INVENTOR M WWN l atented Dec. 15, 1931 UNITE stares PATENT OFFICE LEROY H. McDANIE-L, OF WEST HAVEN, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, F ONE-HALF T0 JOSEPH I. SHR-EBNIK, OF NEW HAVE-N, CONNECTICUT AMUSEMENT DEVICE Application filed May 28,

3; be propelled by a blast of air, which may be guided upon any supporting surface, the vehicles being capable of independent control and the entire device being capable of use outdoors or indoors, without any disturbing 53 factor in the utilization of an artificial draft of propelling of air as that which may be formed by cross currents of outside wind or eddy currents in creating a draft or blast of air in a partially or completely enclosed chamber. It is contemplated by my invention to provide some continuous area in the nature of a track capable of supporting freely and independently guided air propelled vehicles in the nature of sail boats wherein the cycle about the continuous area or track includes propulsion by an artificial draft of air of a character wherein the sail boats are free from any outside disturbing influences, and an additional propulsion in combination with the first character influence including a gravitational impulse whereby the cycle comprises a mecnanical propulsion by a stream of air and 'itation al impulse to return the vehicle to the initial starting place where it I may be again acted upon and come under the influence of the artificial draft or blast of air.

it is a still further object of my invention to provide an amusement device including a supporting area or surface where independently operable and individually controlled vehicles in the nature of sail boats may be guided and Eubmitted to propulsion by an artificial draft of air, the supporting surface comprising a continuous track, over a portion of which the vehicles are solely under the in- 1929. Serial No. 366,701.

fluence of the artificial draft of air and free from disturbing influences, and another portion over which the vehicles return to the first point of the cycle, preferably including as propelling means an inclination of the track effected to permit gravity to propel the vehicles to a point on the track of the amuse ment device where propulsion is obtained by the artificial draft of air.

' Still further objects of my invention reside in the provision of an amusement device wherein diversion is obtained from rapid propulsion of a vehicle, accompanied by the thrill obtained in moving through a draft or blast of air and the ability to independently control and guide a vessel under these conditions. It is contemplated by my invention to providean amusement device including vehicles which are air propelled and which may be continuously operated independent of outside influences or mechanical defects due to the form of eddy currents characterized by combining with mechanical means for impelling the vessels in the nature of an artificial draft of air, other means of moving the vehicles to return the vehicles to the initial point, such by associating therewith a construction, permitting the force of gravity to propel a vehicle after it has been operated by an artificial draft of air, in order to return the vehicle to the zone influenced by the draft of air. Such construction as is obtained in in clining a supporting surface or area is illustrative of one form of construction contemplated by me.

To attain these objects and such further object as may appear herein or be hereinafter pointed out, I make reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating my device;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the same;

Figure 3 is a section taken on the line 33 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a section taken on the line 4-4 ofFigure 2;

Figure 5 is a section taken on the line 55 of Figure 2;

0 feet.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a sailboat vehicle, as may be used with my device.

Making reference to the drawings, it will be observed that in the preferred form of my invention, the device comprises a suitable supporting structure 10 which may be erected upon any plot, supporting a general floor 11 which may be reached by stairs 12. This supporting area, for convenience, has an enclosing fence 13 and a track 1%, provided with defining curves 15. The track 14 is so made in order that it may pro-vide a continuous surface upon which vehicles may be moved. The size of the vehicles is large enough to hold one or more persons and the track is correspondingly enlarged to preferably give free and independent movement along the track, for purposes which w'll appear more clearly as this description proceeds. The track M is preferably constructed so that its supporting area 15 defines substantially four different inclined surfaces, with a single point which is substantially the lowest point. In the embodiment as illustrated, the point 16 of the track is substantially the lowest point of the supporting area 15 referred to and from this point the track inclines upwardly to the highest point at 17, preferably at an incline corresponding to about one foot in sixteen This is as more clearly shown in Figure 3. From this point, the track slopes downwardly in the direction of the point 18, preferably at a similar pitch and from 18 the track slopes further downwardly to the point 19. From the point 19 the track leads to the first point of reference 16, either at an incline thereto, level therewith or on a slight elevation, depending upon conditions as will appear as this description proceeds.

Associated with the track, preferably adjacent-the point 16, I provide a blower 20, which may be a fan of the sirocco type and which preferably extends peripherally to the track between the points 16 and 17, with a nozzle opening 21 whereby a draft of air having a sufficiently strong impelling force is obtained. Over the area of the track, between the points 16 and 17 and 16 and 19, 1 provide an enclosure in the nature of a tunnel 22, of general L-shaped construction, the blower being located at the elbow of the tunnel, entering the tunnel through an orifice 23 from the shed 24 in which the blower is mounted.

The tunnel 22 has the branch 25 disposed over the track between the points 16 and 19 and the branch 26 disposedbetween thepoints 16 and 17, and with entrances 27 and 28,, respectively. The entrance 27 is formed with angularly inclined walls 29 and 29, thereby forming a constricted passage at 30. The cross section of the tunnel is such that by forming the roof thereof level, it will form with the surface of the track between the points 16 and 17 a gradually increasing cross sectional area as it approaches the point 16 and a gradually decreasing cross sectional area as it approaches the exit 28 of the tunnel.

By the construction as described, I prefer to provide vehicles in the nature of sail boats 81, as shown in Figure 6, preferably provider with a square rig sail 32, and a set of three wheels, the front ones of which 33, 33 are mounted for free rotation upon an axle, and having laterally bufieting casters 33, mounted on the sides of the boat. The rear wheel 84 is controlled through vertical shaft 35 by a tiller 36 whereby a person positioned u on the seat 37 may guide the same by operating the tiller. Vehicles of the character described may be provided in any number desired within limits of the track, which is of a width such as will permit these vehicles to freely pass each other at points along the track and also to permit relatively free movement along the width of the tracl: by an operator.

Adjacent the entrance 12, for a portion of the track, a platform 38 is provided and in front of this the track is offset at 39 to provide a gate 40 and braking mechanism 11. The gate is preferably one which may extend along the width of the track by pivotal movement so that as in the position shown in Fig ures 1 and 2, it will guide a vehicle between the braking device 11 and the platform 38. In operation. as will now be described, the gate s0 is moved to the dotted line shown in Figure 2.

To commence a trip. the blower 20 is put into operation and this blower has a draft of air which is calculated to operate upon the sail 32, the sail being of a size which will not only carry the vessel 32 but the vessel when loaded with one or more persons. Such vessel so led from the loading platform 38, is released by unbuckling the braking mechanism 11, which has been bent by the eccentric cam 42 so that it may be moved to the dotted line. From this position. due to the inclination of the track between the points 18 and 19, the vehicle will gravitate towards the point 19, adjacent the entrance 27 of the tunnel. At this point there will be an intake of air due to the suction created by the air moving from the blower 20 out through the tunnel and opening 28. This suction effect is augmented by the Venturi effect obtained by the inclined walls 29 and 29'.

This suction will act upon the sail of the sailboat and draw it into the passage through the entrance 2?, towards the nozzle 21 of the blower. It will be observed, however, that if the track between the points 19 and 16 is inclined toward the point 16, this action of the suction will be accentuated. The track between the point 19 and 16 may, however, be level and still obtain sufiicient movement or it may be slightly lifted towards the point 16,

in which event the movement will be retarded until the sail boat reaches a point adjacent the blower, when it will catch the full blast from the nozzle 21. When it reaches a point adjacent the nozzle 21, the passenger may then, by the aid of the tiller, guide the sailboat through the tunnel 22 by the impelling force against the sail and the movement of the stream of air through the tunnel. For purposes previously indicated, the roof of the tunnel 22 is so constructed to provide a reduced cross sectional area adjacent the opening 28 whereby the velocity of the stream of air is not substantially diminished at a point more distant from the blower 21.

A sailboat so impelled or blown, reaches the highest point 17 with considerable speed and the operator of the sailboat may then guide or sail the same on the track between the points 17 and 18, the momentum of the boat being augmented by gravity as the track is inclined downwardly, as previously described, between the points 17 and 18. The operator of the sail boat may steer the same along the width of the track, as desired, especially where there may be other sail boats which have emerged from the tunnel at the same time. The cycle is completed by gliding or rolling on the track between the points 18 and 19, the gate i0 having been moved to the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 2. Trips around the track include passages through the tunnel, the boat being drawn thereto and moved therethrough and then the trip across the unenclosed portion of the track, by reason of the momentum previously derived in the tunnel and because of the inclination of the track towards the entrance to the tunnel.

In this manner it will be observed that an amusement device is provided in which the thrill of rapid movement, especially through a tunnel, is obtained, at the same time assuring that the driving force is of the maximum, efliciency and free from any disturbing element, such as outside winds or eddy currents. The vehicles such as may be mounted upon the track may be readily controlled in that at the end of each trip, they will all be directed through some controlling passage, such as a gate, for purposes of facilitating loading or unloading of the vehicles, thereby providing a device which requires a minimum number of attendants.

The device further offers maximum free dom from error to the unskilled in controlling the sails, for purposes of tacking and other means of varying the direction of movement of the vehicle, at the same, within limits giving independence of movement in steer" ing the vehicle upon the track, particularly in reference to other vehiclessimilarly guided upon the track.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. An amusement device comprising in combination with a supporting area arranged to support a vehicle capable of being moved by a stream of air, of artificial means for forming a stream of air capable of propelling such vehicle within certain limits of said area, said supporting area being formed inclined beyond such limits to move the ve hicle in a direction away from that initially given to it by the stream of air.

2. An amusement device comprising in combination with a supporting area arranged to support a vehicle capable of being moved by a stream of air, of artificial means for forming a stream of air capable of propelling such vehicle within certain limits of said area, said supporting area including inclined portions formed to gravitationally return said vehicle adjacent the air stream forming means.

3. An amusement device comprising in combination with a supporting area arranged to support a vehicle capable of being moved by a stream of air, of artificial means for forming a stream of air capable of propelling such vehicle within certain limits of said area, said supporting area including guiding portions formed to gravitationally return said vehicle in the line of the stream of air.

4. An amusement device comprising in combination with a supporting area arranged to support a vehicle in the nature of a sail boat and capable of being propelled by a stream of air, said vehicle being capable of being independently controlled, of a blower for forming a stream of air capable of propelling such vehicle within certain limits of said area, said area having guides outlining a path returning to a point adjacent the blower.

5. An amusement device comprising in combination with a track arranged to support a vehicle in the nature of a sailboat, capable of being moved by a stream of air, of a tunnel covering a portion of said track, air impelling means for forming a stream of air through said tunnel, the supporting area within said tunnel being inclined whereby the vehicle will be propelled through said tunnel by the stream of air, said track being inclined away from the tunnel whereby the vehicle may be gravitationally moved beyond said tunnel.

6. An amusement device comprising in combination with a track arranged to support a vehicle in the nature of a sailboat, capable of being moved by a stream of air, of a tunnel covering a portion of said track, a blower for forming a stream of air through said tunnel, an entrance connecting said track with said tunnel, the exit and the entrance to said tunnel, respectively, lying substantially adjacent the uppermost and lowermost areas of an inclined surface to gravitationally return the vehicle from the exit of said tunnel to the entrance thereof.

7. An amusement device comprising in combination with a supporting area in the nature of a continuous track arranged to support a vehicle including a sail capable of be ing propelled by a stream of air, said track being formed with a portion thereof upwardly inclined, air stream confining walls over said por ion of said track, a blower capable of propelling said vehicle up said inclined portion, the remainder of said track being formed with a supporting surface inclined to return said vehicle adjacent said blower.

8. An amusement device comprising in combination with a supporting area in the nature of a continuous track arranged to support a vehicle including a sail capable of being propelled by a stream of air, said track being formed with a portion thereof upwardly inclined, air stream confining walls over said portion of said track, a blower capable of propelling said vehicle up said inclined portion, the remainder of said track including a portion thereof formed inclined downwardly to gravitationaly return the vehicle to a position where it may be again propelled upwardly on the first mentioned portion of said track.

9. An amusement device comprising in combination with a supporting area in the nature of a continuous track arranged to support a vehicle including sails capable of being propelled by a stream of air, said track being formed with a portion thereof upwardly inclined, air stream confining walls over said portion of said track, ablower capable of propelling said vehicle up said inclined portion, the remainder of said track including a portion thereof formed with supporting surfaces permitting gravity to augment the movement of said vehicle in a direction returning the same towards the blower, where by said vehicle may then be further propelled by said blower.

10. An amusement device comprising in combination with a supporting surface in the nature of a continuous track arranged to support a vehicle capable of being propelled by a stream of air, blower capable of propelling said vehicle over a portion of said track, said track including other portions outside the area under the influence of said blower, said last named track portion cooperating with said vehicle to augment its speed of movement.

11. An amusement device comprising in combination with a supporting surface in the nature of a continuous track arranged to support a vehicle capable of being propelled by a stream of air, a blower capable of propelling said vehicle over a portion of said track, said track including other portions formed at an incline to permit gravity to augment the movement of said vehicle outside the area under the influence of said blower.

12. An amusement device comprising in combination, a supporting area for vehicles having a sail for propulsion, a blower for actuating said sail over limited sections of said area, a tunnel formed over said sections, said tunnel having a suction intake for said vehicles and an exit with the portions of the tunnel therebetween formed to compensate for the loss of velocity of the air stream formed by said blower through said tunnel, said supporting area being formed to guide said vehicles from said exit to said intake.

In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name this 25th day of May, 1929.

LEROY H. MoDANIEL.

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