US2559768A - Vertical and horizontal axes roundabout - Google Patents

Description

Juy E@ E953 n. F. HOWARD 2,559,768

VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL AXES ROUNDABOUT Arran/wf@ l. F. HOWARD VERTICAL-AND HORIZONTAL AXES ROUNDABOUT Filed April 3o, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 fm 'EHOWa-fd Z-mqm Mm July E0, 1%] i. F. HOWARD VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL AXES ROUNDABOUT Filed April 30.. 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 myn/role. [in 2 1 17am/afa? n.' F. HOWARD Judy M, 951

5 Shees-Sheet 4 j INVENToR. a FHm/a/fc Patented `uiy l0, 195i A VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL AXES ROUNDABOUT Ira F. Howard, Marco, Fla., assigner of one-third to Roy Rimes and one-third to Ira Howard',

both of MarcoI Fla.

Application April 30, 1948, Serial No. 24,357

19 Claims. l

My invention relates to amusement devices, and more particularly to a device adapted to be used by an amusement park. More particularly, my invention relates to an amusement device of the samegeneral character as that disclosed in my prior Patent No. 2,368,989, dated Feb ruary 6, 1945, whereinone or more means providing a seat is whirled about an axis.

' With the foregoing in view, it is an object of my invention to provide an improved amusement device of the class described.

A further object is to provide an improved amusement device wherein at least one substantially radially-directed arm is rotated about an axis, an auxiliary arm is hingedly connected to the first-named arm, and wherein driven means reciprocates said auxiliary arm as the same is whirled about with the first-named arm.

A further object is to provide in an amusement device such as that last described driven and auxiliary shafts universally coupled together and carried respectively by said arm and said auxiliary arm for rotation as said arms are whirledabout.

A further object is to provide an improved amusement device which includesV at least one driven shaft adapted to be rotated on its axis as it is whirled about a second and angularly-di'sposed axis, a pair of arms carried by said auxiliary shaft and extending substantially radially thereof, means for moving said arms relative to* each other on said auxiliary shaftl to and from an operative position wherein cars carried by said? arms are remotely disposed relative to each other, and a loading position wherein said arms and cars are juxtaposed.

A further object is to provide an improved amusement device which includes a driven shaft adapted to be rotated on its axis while being whirled about the second and angularly-disposed axis, at least one arm carried by said driven A amusement device such as that last described a seat carried by said car, means mounting said seat in said car for rotation about an axis angularly disposed relative to the pivotal axis of said car.

A further object is to provide an improved amusement device which includes a driven shaft adapted to be rotated about its axis-as it is whirled leastone arm carried by said driven shaft and; cxl

tending substantially radially thereof, a seat, means` providing a gimbal operatively coupling said seat to saidiarm, means associated with said seat and adapted to be operated by an occupant of said seat for locking the same against rotation about either or both axes ofV said gimbal.

Other objects and advantages reside inthe particular structure of the invention as a whole, the structures of the several elements comprising the same, combinations andsubcombinatio'ns of said elements, and will be readily understood by those skilled in the art upon reference to the attached drawings in connection with the following specification, wherein the invention is shown, de# scribed and claimed.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of apreferred embodiment of the amusement` device of the invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentaryelevation A Figure 6 is a transverse horizontal section takenv substantial-ly on the plane of' the line G-B of- Figure;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary transverse verticalsectional View taken substantially on theplane off the line T-T of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse` vertical sectional view taken substantially on theA plane of the line 8-8of ligurev 5; Y

Figure V9 is an end elevation looking from the right of Figure 2, but showing certain of theparts* in a diierent position, and with parts being omitted for clarity;

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic View showing a control system for aportion of the invention.

Referring specicall'y to the drawings', wherein like reference characters have been usedV throughout the several viewsv tov designate like parts, andL referring at lirst to Figures 1 and 2, Hl4 designates* generally any suitable supporting base for the* device accord-ing to' the invention, Suchbase Hl' includes a vertically-disposed pedestal Il whichV may be reinforced by suitable struts I2. The upper end of the pedestal II has fixed thereto a crown gear I3 which comprises upwardly-directed bevel teeth I4 and subjacent laterallydirected spur teeth I5. As best seen in Figure 2, the pedestal I has journaled therein a drive shaft I6 which is disposed vertically and is coaxial with the crown gear I3. The lower end of the shaft I6 is journaled in a suitable thrust bearing I1 fixed to the base II) and an intermediate portion of the shaft is journaled in a bearing l8 concentrically disposed within the crown gear I3. The shaft I6 has iixed thereon between the bearings I1 and I8 a suitable gear or the like i9 which is adapted to be operatively connected to any suitable source of power, not shown, whereby the shaft I6 may be rotated. The upper end of the shaft I6 extends vertically abovethe crown gear I3 and may be enlarged, as at 20, with the upper end formed to provide a clutch 2 I ,which receives the complementary clutch portion 22 of a core portion 23 of a main frame 24. Thus, the main frame 24 is rotatable with the drive shaft I6 as a unit, but may be readily disconnected therefrom for the purpose of storage and/or shipment.

The core 23 of the main frame is provided with a plurality of radially outwardly and downwardly-directed arms 28, the lower outer ends of which are formed to provide the upper portions of a conventional split journal 29 providing a substantially radially-directed bearing. Hangers 36 depend from the flanges of the journal 29 and the lower ends have fixed thereto. inner frame members 25 which extend substantially concentrically about the pedestal I I. The inner surfaces of the inner frame members 25 have fixed thereon suitable bearings 3I in which the stub shafts of planetary gears 32 are journaled. The planetary gears 32 have radially-directed spur teeth enmeshed with the teeth of the fixed spur gear I which comprises a sun gear. The flanges of the journals 29 likewise have secured thereto outwardly-directed horizontal frame members 21, the outer ends of which are connected in any suitable manner to outer horizontally-disposed frame members 26 which are concentrically disposed about the inner frame members 25 in outwardly and upwardly-spaced lrelation relative thereto. provided with a' plurality of radially-outwardlyand downwardly-directed struts 33, the outer ends of which are connected in any suitable manner to the adjacent ends of adjacent outer frame members 26 and form therewith the suitable journal or bearing 34 which is radially aligned with the previously described journal 29. Such journalsor bearings 29 and 34 rotatably mount driven shafts 35, the inner ends of which have bevel gears 36 fixed thereto in mesh with the bevel gear I4 of the crown gear I3. It is thus apparent that as the drive shaft I6 is rotated, the main frame 24 is rotated therewith and that the planetary. gears 32 are driven by the sun gear portion I5 of the crown gear, while the driven shafts 35 are rotated by the bevel teeth I4 of the crown gear.

Each bearing or journal 34 `is formed with a pairoflaterally outwardly-directed spaced ears 3` I`,-the.purpose of which will be described later. Likewise, each outer Vhorizontal frame member 2 '6 is provided in the region of each bearing 34 with any suitable means 38 for mounting a horizontally-disposed pintle 39 whereby to secure the laterally outwardly-directed less 4| of aux- The core 23 of the main frame 24 is' iliary frame 40 to the main frame 24. The legs 4I straddle the bearings 34 and may be cross-braced by suitable cross-braces 42 spanning such legs. Preferably, as shown, the cross-braces 42 are arched upwardly to clear the subjacent structure to be described presently. The auxiliary frame 40 includes the pair of laterally-spaced ears 43 between each pair of legs 4I which straddle the ears 31 of the main frame 24. A pintle 44 extends through the aligned ears 31 and 43 to hingedly connect the same together. In this connection, it should be noted that the pintles 44 and the related or associated pintles 39 are parallel and lie in a substantially horizontal plane normal to the axis of the shafts 35. The auxiliary frame40 also includes a plurality of collars 45, each of which has mounted a pair of laterally oppositely-directed brackets 46, each including a pair of longitudinally-spaced ears 41 mounting slide rods 48 therebetween. The outer ends of each pair of legs 4I are formed to provide tubular guides slidable on the slide rods 48. The structure thus described permits the auxiliary frame 40 to be reciprocated vertically on the pintles 44 and 39 by means to be described. Inasmuch as the pintles 39 and 44 are oifset, the slidable connection with legs 4I on the rods 48 is necessary to comprise a differential action, when the auxiliary frame 46 is swung upwardly and downwardly relative to the main frame 24.

The collar 45 is concentrically disposed about a tubular auxiliary frame arm 59 and is xed thereto to provide part of the auxiliary frame. The tube 58 has opposite ends exnding outwardly of both ends of the collar 45 and is enlarged, as at 55, to provide means mounting bearings 5I on the shaft 52. The inner end of the shaft 52 extends between the ears 43 and has xed thereon a bevel pinion 53. The bevel pinion 53 is operatively connected to the bevel pinion 56 fixed on the outer end of each shaft 35 aforesaid by an idler pinion 54 fixed or journaled on the spindle 44. Thus, the idler pinion 54 comprises in effect a universal joint providing a driving connection between the shafts 35 and the auxiliary shafts 52 for rotation of the latter with the former irrespective of the vertical position of the auxiliary frame 4U relative to the main frame 24.

The main frame 24 isprovided in the region of each bearing 34 with an upstanding mast 51 providing a bracket for a pulley 58. Likewise, there is provided an adjacent bracket 69 for a pulley 6I. with an upwardly-directed rigid lever arm 59 to which is connected a drag link-providing flexiframes are rotated about the drive shaft I6, the

crank means 63 and the drag link-providing member 62 are eifective to raise and lower the auxiliary frames 43 on their hinge connections with the main frame.

The auxiliary shaft 52 has mounted on the outer free end thereof a pair of arms 65 and 66 which extend radially of such shaft. Such arms 65 and 66 may be provided with a pair of radially-inWardly-directed struts 61, the inner ends of which Vare formed to providecollars 58 mount- Each auxiliary frame is provided ing' suitable bearings whereby such collars 68 are journaled on the tubular-arm 50 for rotation relative thereto. Each arm 66 is provided with. la hub 69 formed with a suitable bearing, whereby the arm 66 is freely rotatable on the shaft52. O n

the other hand, the arm 65 is provided with a arms in such operative position, the hub 1,8 O f the,

arm 65 is formed with a detent notch 'II which extends radially of the hub and is adapted to re-k load passengers onto the cars to be described later, which are carried by the arms 65 and 66, the arm 66 is positioned adjacent the ground with the arm 65 extending vertically upwardly relative thereto. The latch dog 'I2v is now retracted and the drive shaft I6 rotated a short distance, whereby to drive the auxiliary driven shaft 52 in a manner previously described. Such driving of the auxiliary shaft 52 rotates the arm 65 to the broken line position, Figure 9, where it is juxtaposed to the arm 66 and adjacent the ground. A spring '14 is carried by the arm 66 and loads the latch dog 12 for movement in a detentengaging' direction. Then, as the shaft 52 is again rotated, the arm 66 will remain pendent y substantially in the broken line position, Figure 9, but the arm 65 Will rotate with the shaft '52 until the detent II is opposite the latch dog 12, at which time the spring 'I4 will cause the latch dog to engage the detent and lock the'arms 65 and 66 in diametrically-opposite relation for rotation as a unit with the shaft 52.

"To retract the latch dog l2, a link 'I5 connects the same to one arm '16 of a bell crank 'Il pivoted on the arm 66. A handle 85 rearwardly of the arm 66 is provided to rotate the bell crank 'H in a clockwise direction to retract the latch dog 12. However, it is highly desirable to permit all of the arms 66 to be simultaneously unlatched from theirrelated arms 65 by a single attendant. For this reason, a second arm 181s provided on the bell crank Il and connected pivotally by a drag link 'i9 to an arm 86 Aof a second bell crank 8|. The second bell crank '8I is pivoted on a strut 6l extending from each arm 66 and includes a second arm 82 extending rearwardly thereof below the adjacent collar of the auxiliary frame 40. Such collar 45 has -pivoted thereon a third bell crank 86, one arm of which extends over a second arm 82 on thehbellcrank 8 I. A second spring 83 is operatively connected to the bell crank arm 82 and to the adjacent strut 67 whereby to load the parts inV a latch dog-engaging direction. The third bell crank` 86 is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on a collar 45 and includes a radially inwardly di-r the arm 81 of the bellcrank 86 upon rotary move.-

ment in a clockwise direction.

- Figures 2 and 10 illustrate the main control for allof the arms and 66, whereby they may be released simultaneously. To accomplish this.

end, the free end of the bell crank arm 88.161r

the third bell crank 86 is connected to a suitable flexible member 96 which extends over a suitable system of pulleys 89 for connection to each of the other latch dogs I2 in a manner now..to.be described. Thus, Figure 3 represents one. ofthe other arms of the auxiliary frames. pull is exerted on the flexible member 96, :the third bellcrank lever 88 of such .frame is elevated or rocked in a clockwise direction whereby the inner lever arm 88 is elevated to the broken line position. This depresses the. outer lever arm 8l and the associated lever arm 32 of the second bell crank 8|. This action raises theouter bell crank arm 88 of the latter andv like-V wise elevates a drag link |04 whichcorresponds to the drag link 'I9 except that it is connected to a bell crank lever |65 below the fulcrum 92 thereof. This connection causes the outwardly-directed bell crank arm 92 to be depressed, whereby the link 15 actuates the latch dog 'I2 in a detent-disengaging direction. Thus, it is only necessary for the operator of the device to stop the control arm of the auxiliary frame adjacent Athe attendant whereby he mayv simultaneously actuate the control handle and simultaneously unlock all of the arms 66 from their shafts 52. By providing the latches and actuating means therefor on the arms 66, there is no danger of their being positioned in any other than a pendent position when the def vice is stopped and the arms 66 unlocked. Thus,

lever linkage hook-up between the arms 66 andY their associated latches l2 is such that the actuation of such operating handle 85 radially inwardly toward the drive shaft I6 is elective to release all of the latches 'I2 simultaneously.

As best seen in Figure l0, an operative hookup from the control lever 5 to the latches l2 on the other auxiliary frame arms 40 is disclosed. As there shown, the flexible connector passes over a pulley 89 carried by the first auxiliary frame arm and extends laterally along the outer framemember 26 outwardly. of the same. Such wire v98 is connected by any suitable detachable connections v93 to a pair of wires or cables 94 and 96. The cable v94 is directed downwardly over a pulley 95 to a bell crank lever 86 carried by the second auxiliary frame arm 46. Such lever 86 is connected as aforesaid to a second bell crank lever 8| which in turn is connected .by4

` a drag link |84 to a `bell crank lever |05. The

other arm is connected by a drag link 1 5 to a latch A12. The second cable 96 extends over a pulley 91 toward the third auxiliary frame .arm4 48. Such cable 96 is connected by any suitable detachable connection 98 to a further pair of cables99 and ISI.

When av The cable 99 extends overa,y pulley |60 and is connected to the bell .cranksv 86, 8|., drag-.link |64, bell crank |65 andldrag.- 7.5 link 'a'.5..to .the third latch. .72.. The ableili extends around a pulley |02 to the fourth auxiiia-ry frame arm 4G and is connected to the latch 'I2 thereof by bing extended downwardly over a pulley |93 and operatively connected to the bell crank lever 3G, thence, through the bell crank lever 8|, drag link |04, bell crank lever and drag link l5 to the latch l2. A feature of'this arrangement is that it permits the auxiliary frames de to be reciprocated vertically as aforesaid, without breaking or slacking the exible connectors or cables 90, 94, S6, 93 and IIN. While the particular construction shown is operative at only a single'auxiliary frame arm, that which mounts the actuating lever it is contemplated that the invention very Well may include an arrangement whereby all of the latches l2 may be simultaneously released from any of the arms 66.

As mentioned aforesaid, each of the arms E5 and 56 has mounted on the free end thereof a car including a seat for the carrying of passengers. Such cars and seats are best seen in Figures 2 and 5 to 9, inclusive. Each arm 65 and 66 may have formed on the free end thereof a mounting plate |83 to which is detachably connected by bolts or the like mounting plates |97. Such plates IST have xed thereto outwardlydirected stub shafts |38 which comprise one axis of a gimbal. Each stub shaft |88 has journaled thereon for free rotation about such shaft a car |03. As best seen in Figure 5, each car |09 includes a casing I|0 which includes a suitable bearing Hl in which the shaft |08 is journaled, a floor H2 and a top frame portion H3,V The floor H2 and top frame portion I |3 include respectively aligned stub shafts I|5 and ||4 comprising the axes for a seat H8. Thus, while the stub shaft |33 provides one axis for a gimbal, the aligned stub shafts H5 and IM provide the other axis for the gimbal. The stub shafts Ils and I|5 are journaled respectively in suitable bearings H6 and lil carried respectively by the seat Hl and the floor I |2' of the car. The seat IIS will be described more fully later, but it is to be understood now that the seat is intended to be sufliciently large to accommodate at least two persons. Moreover, means now to be described are provided whereby the occupant or occupants of the seat lIB may control the relative rotation of the seat H8 within the car |09 on the stub shafts ||5 and |I4, or the rotation of the car on the stub shaft |38 or both.

Referring now to Figures 5, 7 and 8, the seat ||8 includes a bench ||9 and a floor |20. A suitable safety bar |2I may be pivoted to the floor |20, as at |22, and may include an offset portion |23 adapted to extend over the laps of the passengers seated on the bench ||9 to cooperate with safety straps |24 to secure the passengers onto the bench ||9. A pedal |25 is pivoted to the floor |20 below the bench I|9 and is adapted. to be depressed by the foot of one of the occupants. The forward end of the pedal |25 is in the region of the shaft ||5 and is pivoted to a yoke |26, Figure 8, the legs of which straddle the shaft ||5 and extend slidably downwardly through the floor |23 of the seat. The lower ends of the legs of the yoke |26 are fired to a collar L21 which is slidable on the shaft I |5. An under surface of the collar |21 rests atop the forward free end of a lever |28, the rear end of which is fulcrumed to the floor I|2 of the car, as at |29. A drag link |30 is pivoted to the lever |28 between the fulcrum and the free end thereof and eX- tcnds upwardly below the 'stub shaft |08. In

8 practice, the drag link |30 comprises they url-l wardly and outwardly-directed arms of a yoke, the, bight of which is pivoted to the lever |28. The upper ends of the arms |30 are pivoted to the outer ends of lever extensions I3| of a brake. providing split ring |32. The split ring |32 eri--V circles a brake drum |34 xed to the stub shaft |08. The split ring |32 is supported by any suitfI able hanger |35 carried by the car |05. Springs |33 have their upper ends connected to the car |09r and their lower ends to the lever arms |3| whereby to load the latter in directions to spread the slit ring |32 and permit free relative rotationv ofthe car |09 on the stub shaft |538. However. it is obvious from an inspection of Figure 5 that depression of the pedal |25 will depress the lever |28 whereby the yoke arms |30 are operative to swing the arms |3I downwardly and causethe split ring |32 to tightly grip the brake drum |34 and lock the car |09 to the stub shaft |98 against` rotation thereon. As shown in Figure 9, .with the braking ring |32 released, the weight of the occupants of the seats will maintain the cars |09 in a horizontal position relative to the arms E5 and 66 as the latter rotate with the shaftsb;

' Thus, the occupants of the seats H8 remain upright at all times if they so desire. However, if the occupants wish to be turned upside down 'as the arms 65 and E5 rotate, it is only necessary to depress the pedal |25 and the cars will be locked to the shaft |33 and will remain so locked during rotation of the arms 66. the occupants may lock the cars in any position relative to the arms 65 and 3B which they desire. Likewisathe` occupants may restore the car to a horizontal position merely by releasing the pedal |25 to permit gravity to bring the car to a horizontal position.

Referring now to Figure 5 in connection with Figure 6, there is disclosed means actuated by the occupants of the seats H8 for locking such seats against rotation relative to the cars |05 on the stub shaftsl |4 and I I5. Thus, the stub shaft ||4 may be provided with a free inner end formed to provide a brake drum |35. The brake drum |36 is encircled by a split ring |31 providing a brake. The forward ends of the split ring` |371 are provided with oppositely outwardly-directed lever arms |38, the free ends of which are connected by springs |39 to a support |40 carried by each seat IIB. The springs |39 load the split ring |31 in a direction to spread the same and permit free rotation of the seat ||8 on the stub shaft |I4. The free ends of the lever arms |35 are likewise connected by yoke arms |4| rand the bight |42 of the yoke to an actuating lever |43 which is fulcrumed as at |44 in suitable brackets |45 carried by the seat H8. This structure is seen in Figure 9, as well as in Figure 6. The actuating handle |46 comprising the free lower end of the lever |43 is conveniently located in the car ||8 so that it may be readily grasped and controlled by an occupant. Thus, with the brake |31 released, the seat |8 is free to pivot and/or rotate on the stub shafts ||5 and ||4. However, then an occupant wishes to lock the seat to the car against rotation relative thereto, it is only neces vsary to rock the actuating lever |43 in a radially inwardly direction which will actuate the yoke arms |4| in a direction to cause the split ring |31 to grasp the brake drum |36 tightly whereby the seat |I8 is locked to the car |09. Obviously, release of the actuating lever |43 again permits free rotation of the seat in. the car.

As best seen in Figure 9, in conjunction` withy Figure 5, each car |09 is provided with a door opening |41' which is located oppositely to the stub shaft |08. Each seat ||8 is provided with a door |41 alignable with openings |41', and may be locked in a closed position by any suitable latch or lock |48. Preferably, the latch or lock |48 is located outwardly of the seat H8 and is adapted to be controlled by an operator of the entire device and not by the occupants. Also, the guard |2| includes a step-providing portion |49 which is locked in a guard-providing position by a latch |50 which is normally operable only by an attendant for the machine. With the door |41 open, the attendant unlatches the guard 42| and swings the same to the broken line position, Figure 5, where the portion |23 rests on the oor of the seat and is engaged by the latch |50 to retain the same in the step-providing position. With the foregoing arrangement, it is readily apparent that once the occupants of the seat I i8 are secured in place by the guard bar |2| and/or by the safety belts |26, they cannot get out of the car until released by the attendant. Thus, they vare protected against injury vwhen and if through panic they attempt to leave the seats l |8 before the device has ceased operation.

While I have shownand described what is now thought to be a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the same is susceptible of other forms and expressions. Consequently, I do not limit myself to the precise structure shown and described hereinabove except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

l. In an amusement device including a stationary vertical base, a vertical drive shaft journaled in said base, a horizontal main frame fixed to said drive shaft for rotation therewith, at least one driven shaft journaled in said frame substantially radially of said drive shaft and means for rotating said driven shaft aboutvits axis upon rotation of said drive shaft, the improvement comprising an auxiliary frame, means hngdly connecting said auxiliary frame to said main frame for swinging movement in vertical directions, an auxiliary shaft journaled in said auxiliary frame in end-to-end relation with said driven shaft, a universal joint operatively coupling said driven and auxiliary shafts together, a sun gear nxed to said base concentrically of said drive shaft, a planetary gear journaled on said main frame in mesh with said sun gear, crank means on said planetary gear, a verticallyextending lever arm fixed to said auxiliary frame, drag link-providing means operatively connecting said crank means and lever arm together whereby to swing said auxiliary frame vertically while said auxiliary shaft is rotating on its axis and being rotated about said axis of said drive shaft, and at least one car operatively connected to said auxiliary shaft for vertical swinging and rotation therewith.

y 2. In an amusement device including a stationary vertical base, a vertical drive shaft journaled in said base, a horizontal main frame fixed to said drive shaft for rotation therewith, at least one driven shaft journaled in said frame substantially radially of said drive shaft, and means for rotating said driven shaft about its axis upon rotation of said drive shaft, the improvement comprising a pair of arms mounted on said driven shaft and extending radially thereof, a car carried by each arm, means mounting one of said arms on said driven shaft for pivotal movement therearound relative to the other arm to and from an operative position diametrically opposite the other arm and a loading position adjacent the other arm, and means for moving said first-named arm relative to the other arm to and from said operative and loading positions.

3. In an amusement device including a stationary vertical base, a vertical drive shaft journaled in said base, a horizontal main frame fixed to said drive shaft for rotation therewith, at least one driven shaft journaled in said frame substantially radially of said driveshaft, and means for rotating said driven shaft about its axis upon rotation of said drive shaft, the improvement comprising a pair of arms mounted on said driven shaft and extending radially thereof, a car carried by each arm, one of said arms being fixed to said driven shaft, the other arm being freely rotatable on said driven shaft, means locking said last-named arm to said driven shaft in an operative position in diametrically opposite relation to said first-named arm, and means for releasing said other arm from said driven shaft for relative movement therearound to a loading position adjacent said first-named arm.

4. In an amusement device including a base, a substantially horizontal main frame journaled in said base on a substantially vertical axis, at least one laterally outwardly-directed driven shaft journaled in said main frame, and means for simultaneously rotating said driven shaft and main frame,` the improvement comprising an auxiliary shaft,v a universal joint operatively coupling said driven and auxiliary shafts together, means operative to swing said auxiliary shaft vertically while the same is rotating with said driven shaft, a pair of arms mounted on said auxiliary shaft and extending radially thereof, a car carried by each arm, means mounting one of said arms on said auxiliary shaft for pivoted movement therearound rela-tive to the other arm, and means for moving said first-named arm relative to the other arm to and from an operative position with said arms and cars diametrically oppositely disposed relative to said auxiliary shaft and a loading position with said arms and cars juxtaposed.

5. In an amusement device including a base. a substantially horizontal main frame journaled in said base on a substantially vertical axis, at least one laterally outwardly-directed driven shaft journaled in said main frame, and means for simultaneously rotating said driven shaft and. main frame, the improvement comprising an auxiliary shaft, a universal joint operatively coupling said driven and auxiliary shafts together, means operative to swing said auxiliary shaft vertically while the same is rotating with said driven shaft, apair of arms mounted on said auxiliary shaft and extending radially thereof, said arms each including a free outer end,- a car carried by each of said free outer ends, one of said arms being fixed to said auxiliary shaft, means mounting the other arm on said auxiliary shaft for free rotation relative thereto, alatch locking said last-named arm to said first-named arm for rotation therewith with said cars thereof located remotely of leach other in operative positions, and means for unlatching said latch to permit relative movement of said arms and cars to and fromsaid operative positions and loading positions with said arms and cars juxtaposed.

6. In an amusement device including va base, a,

Substantially horizontal main frame journaled inv said base on a substantially vertical axis, at least one laterally outwardly-directed driven shaft journaled in said main frame, and means for simultaneously rotating said driven shaft and main frame, the improvement comprising an auxiliary shaft, a universal joint operatively coupling said driven and auxiliary shafts together, means operative to swing said auxiliary shaft vertically while the same is rotating with said driven shaft, a pair of arms mounted on said auxiliary shaft and extending radially thereof, said arms each including a free outer end, a car carried by each free outer end, pivot-providing means coupling said free outer ends to said cars for free pivotal movement of said cars about axes angularly disposed to said arms, means for selectively locking said arms to said cars to prevent pivotal movement of the latter, one of said arms being fixed to said auxiliary shaft, means mounting the other arm on said auxiliary shaft for free rotation relative thereto, a latch locking said last-named armk to said first-named arm for rotation therewith with said cars thereof located remotely of each other in operative positions, and means for unlatching said latch to permit relative movement of said arms and cars to and from said operativ'e'positions and loading positionswith said arms and cars juxtaposed.

'7. In an amusement device including a base,l a substantially horizontal main frame journaled in said base n a substantially vertical axis, atV least one laterally `outvvardly-directed driven shaft journaled in said main frame, and means for simultaneously rotating Vsaid driven shaft and main frame, the limprovement comprising an auxiliary shaft, a universaljoint operatively coupling said driven and auxiliary shafts together, means operative to swing said auxiliary shaft vertically while-the same is rotating with said driven shaft, a pair of arms mounted on said auxiliary shaft and extending radially thereof, said arms each including a free outer end, a car carried by each free outer end, pivot-providing means coupling said free outer ends to said cars for free pivotal movement of said cars about axes angularly disposed to said arms, means for selectively locking said arms to said cars to prevent pivotal movement of the latter, a seat in each car, means mounting each seat in each car for free rotation about axes angularly disposed rela-V tive to the axes of said pivot-providing means,y

meansy for selectively Vlocking said cars and seats together to prevent rotation of said seats in said cars, one of said arms being fixed to said auxiliary shaft, means mounting the other arm on said auxiliary shaft for free rotation relative thereto, a-latch locking said last-named arm to said first-named arm forrotation therewith with said cars thereof located remotely of each other in operative positions, and means for unlatching said latch to permit relative movement of said arms and cars to and from said operative positions and loading positions with said arms and cars juxtaposed.

In an amusement device including a base, a substantially horizontal main frame journaled in said base on a substantially vertical axis, at least one laterally outwardly-directed driven shaft journaled in said main frame, and means for simultaneously rotating said driven shaft and main frame, the improvement comprising an auxiliary shaft, a universal joint operatively coupling said driven and auxiliary shafts together, means operative to swing-said auxiliary shaft vertically While the same is rotating with said driven shaft, a pair of arms mounted on said auxiliary shaft and extending radially thereof, a car carried by each arm, means mounting said cars on said arms for free rotation about axes laterally disposed relative to said arms, and means for selectively locking said arms to said cars to prevent rotation of the latter relative to said arms.

9. In an amusement device including a base, a substantially horizontal main frame journaled in said base on a substantially vertical axis, at least one laterally outwardly-directed driven shaft journaled in said main frame, and means for simultaneously rotating said driven shaft and main frame, the improvement comprising an auxiliary shaft, a universal joint operatively coupling said driven and auxiliary shafts to-I gether, means operative to swing said auxiliary shaft vertically while the same is rotating with said driven shaft, a pair of arms mounted on said auxiliary shaft and extending radially thereof, said arms each including a free end, a car carried by each free outer end, pivot-providing means coupling said free outer ends to said cars for free pivotal movement of said cars about axes angularly disposed to said arms, means for selectively locking said arms to said cars to prevent pivotal' movement of the latter, a seat in each car, means mounting each seat in each car for `free" rotation about axes angularly disposed relative to the axes of said pivot-providing means, and means for selectively locking said cars and seats together to prevent rotation of said seats 'in said cars.

10. In an amusement device including a base, a substantially horizontal main frame journaled in said base on a substantially vertical axis, at least one laterally outwardly-directed driven shaft journaledin said main frame, and means for simultaneously rotating said driven shaft and main frame, the improvement comprising an auxiliary shaft, a universal joint operatively coupling said driven and auxiliary shafts together, means operative to swing said auxiliary shaft vertically While the same is rotating with said driven shaft, a pair of arms mounted on said auxiliary shaft and extending radially thereof, said arms each including a free outer end, a car carried by each free outer end, pivot-providing means coupling said free outer ends to said cars for free pivotal movement of said cars about axes angularly disposed to said arms, and means for selectively locking said arms to said cars to prevent pivotal movement of the latter.

1l. In an amusement device including a sta,- tionary vertical base, a vertical drive shaft jour-jl naled in said base, a horizontal main frame vfixed to said drive shaft for rotation therewith, at least one driven shaft journaled in said frame substantially radially of said drive shaft and means for rotating said driven shaft about its axis upon rotation of said drive shaft, the improvement comprising an auxiliary frame, means hingedly connecting said auxiliary frame to said main frame for swinging movement in vertical directions, an auxiliary shaft journaled in said auxiliary frame in end-to-end relation with said driven shaft, a universal joint operatively coupling said driven and auxiliary shafts together, a sun gear fixed to said base concentrically of said drive shaft, a planetary gear journaled on said main frame in mesh with said sun gear, crank means on said planetary gear, drag link-provf ing means including opposite ends," means' op` eratively connecting said opposite ends of said drag link-providing means to said crank means and auxiliary frame respectively whereby to swing said auxiliary frame vertically while said auxiliary shaft is rotating on its axis and being rotated about said axis of said drive shaft, and at least one car operatively connected to said auxiliary shaft for vertical swinging and rotation therewith.

12. In an amusement device including a stationary vertical base, a vertical drive shaft `inurnaled in said base, a horizontal main fra-me xed to said drive shaft for rotation therewith, at least one driven shaft gournaled in said frame substantially radially of said drive shaft and means for rotating said driven shaft about its axis upon rotation of said drive shaft, a sun gear fixed to said base concentrically of said vertical axis, a planetary gear journaled on said main frame and inmesh with said sun gear so as to be rotated thereby relative to said main frame upon rotation of the latter, crank means on said planetary gear, drag link-providing means operatively connecting said crank means and said auxiliary frame for swinging the latter vertically while the same is rotating with said driven shaft, a pair of arms mounted on said auxiliary shaft and extending radially thereof, said arms each including a free outer end, a car carried by each of said free outer ends, one of said arms being fixed to said auxiliary shaft, means mounting the other arm on said auxiliary shaft for free rotation relative thereto, a latch locking said last-named arm to said first-named arm for rotation therewith with said cars thereof located remotely of each other in operative positions, and means for unla'tching said latch to permit relative movement of said arms and cars to and from said operative positions and loading positions with said arms and cars juxtaposed.

- 13. In an amusement device including a base, a substantially horizontal main frame vjournaled in said base on a substantially vertical axis, at least one laterally outwardly-directed driven shaft journaled in said main frame, and means for simultaneously rotating said driven shaft and main frame, the improvement comprising an auxiliary shaft, a universal joint operatively coupling said driven and auxiliary shafts together, a sun gear fixed to said base concentrically on said vertical axis, a planetary gear journaled in said main frame and enmeshed with said sun gear for rotation thereby, crank means on said planetary gear, drag link-providing means operatively connecting said crank means to said auxiliary frame for swinging the latter vertically while the same is rotating with said driven shaft, a pair of arms mounted on said auxiliary shaft and extending radially thereof, said arms each including a free outer end, a car carried by each free outer end, pivot-providing means coupling said free outer ends to said cars for free pivotal movement of said cars about axes angularly disposed to said arms, means for selectively locking said arms to said cars to prevent pivotal movement of the latter, one of said arms being fixed to said auxiliary shaft, means mounting the other arm on said auxiliary shaft for free rotation relative thereto, a latch locking said last-named arm to said first-named arm for rotation therewith with said arms thereof located remotely of each other in operative positions, and means for unlatching said latch to permit relative movement of said arms and cars to and from said 14 operative positions and loading positions with said arms and cars juxtaposed.

14. In an amusement device including a base,

for simultaneously rotating said driven shaft and main frame, the improvement comprising an auxiliary shaft, a universal joint operatively coupling said driven and auxiliary shafts. together, a sun gear fixed to said base concentrically of said vertical axis thereof, a planetary gear journaled in said main frame in meshing engagement with said sun gear for rotation thereby, crank means on said planetary gear, drag link-providing means operatively connecting said crank means to said auxiliary shaft for swinging the latter vertically while the same is rotating with said driven shaft, a pair of arms carried by said auxiliary shaft and extending radially thereof, said arms each including a free outer end, a car carried by each free outer end, pivot-providing means coupling said free outer ends to said cars for free pivotal movement of said cars about axesA angularly disposed to said arms, means for selectively locking said arms to said cars to prevent pivotal movement of the latter', a seat in each car, means mounting each seat in each car for free rotation about axes angularly disposed relative to the axes of said pivot-providing means, means for selectively locking said cars and seats together to prevent rotation of said seats in said cars, one of said arms being fixed to said auxiliary shaft, means mounting the other arm. on said auxiliary shaft for free rotation relative thereto, a latch locking said last-named arm to said first-named arm for rotation therewith with said cars thereof located remotely of each other in operative positions, and means for unlatching said latch to permit relative movement of said arms and cars to and from said operative positions and loading positions with said arms and cars juxtaposed.

15. In an amusement device including a base, a substantially horizontal main frame journaled in said base on a substantially vertical axis, at least one laterally outwardly-directed driven shaft journaled in said main frame, and means for simultaneously rotating said driven shaft and main frame, the improvement comprising an auxiliary shaft, a universal joint operatively copling said driven and auxiliary shafts together, a sun gear fixed to said base concentricallyo'f said vertical axis thereof, a planetary gear journaled in said main frame in meshing engagement with said sun gear for rotation thereby, crank means on said planetary gear, drag linkproviding means operatively connecting said crank means to said auxiliary shaft for swinging the latter vertically while the same is rotating with said driven shaft, a pair of arms carried by said auxiliary shaft and extending radially thereof, said arms each including a free outer end, a car carried by each free outer end, pivot-providing means coupling said free outer ends to said cars for free pivotal movement of said cars about axes angularly disposed to said arms, means for selectively locking said arms to said cars to prevent pivotal movement of the latter, a seat in each car, means mounting each seat in each car for free rotation about axes angularly disposed relative to the axes of said pivot-providing means, and means for selectively locking said cars and seats together to prevent rotation of said seats in said cars.

16. In an amusement device including a base, a substantially horizontal main frame journaled in said base on a substantially vertical axis, at least one laterally outwardly-directed driven shaft journaled in said main frame, and means for simultaneously rotating said driven shaft and main frame, the improvement comprising an auxiliary shaft, a universal joint operatively coupling said driven and auxiliary shafts together, a sun gear xed to said base concentrically of said vertical axis thereof, While the same is rotating with said driven shaft, a pair of arms carried by said auxiliary shaft and extending radially thereof, a planetary gear journaled in said main frame in meshing engagement with said sun gear for rotation thereby, crank means on said planetary gear, drag link-providing means operatively connecting said crank means to said auxiliary shaft for swinging the latter vertically, said arms each including a free outer end, a car carried by each free outer end, pivot-providing means coupling said free outer ends to said cars for free pivotal movement of said cars about axes angularly disposed to said arms, and means for selectively locking said arms to said cars to prevent pivotal movement of the latter.

17, In an amusement device including a stationary vertical base, a vertical drive shaft journaled in said base, a horizontal main frame iixed to said drive shaft for rotation therewith, at least one driven shaft journaled in said frame substantially radially of said drive shaft, and means for rotating said driven shaft about its axis upon rotation of said drive shaft, the improvement comprising a pair of arms mounted on said driven shaft and extending radially thereof, a car carried by each arm, one of said arms being xed to said driven shaft, the other arm being freely rotatable on said driven shaft, latch means locking said last-named arm to said driven shaft for rotation therewithwith the cars of said arms remote from each other in operative positions, means for unlatching said latch means to permit relative Amovement of said arms to and from said operative positions and pendant positions wherein said cars are juxtaposed in loading positions.

18. In an amusement device including a base, a substantially horizontal main frame journaled in said base on a substantially vertical axis, at least one laterally outwardly-directed driven shaft journaled in said main frame, and means for simultaneously rotating said driven shaft and main frame, the improvement comprising an auxiliary shaft, a universal joint operatively cou,- pling said driven and auxiliary shafts together, means operative to swing said auxiliary shaft vertically while the same is rotating with said driven shaft, a pair of arms mounted on said auxiliary shaft and extending radially thereof, said arms each including a free outer end, a car carried by each of said free outer ends, one of said arms being fixed to said auxiliary shaft, means mounting the other arm on said auxiliary shaft for free rotation relative thereto, means locking said last-named arm to said auxiliary shaft in an operative position in remotely disposed relation to said first-named arm, and means for releasing said other arm from said auxiliary shaft for relative movement there'- around to a loading position adjacent said rst-y named arm.

19. In an amusement device including a staltionary vertical base, a vertical drive shaft journaled in said base, a horizontal main frame fixed to said drive shaft for rotation therewith, at least one driven shaft journaled in said frame substantially radially of said drive shaft, and means for rotating said driven shaft about its axis upon rotation of said drive shaft, the improvement comprising a pair of arms mounted on said driven shaft and extending radially thereof, a car carried by each arm, one of said arms being fixed to said driven shaft, the other arm being freely rotatable on said driven shaft, means locke ing said last-named arm to said driven shaft in an operative position in remotely disposed relation to said first-named arm, and means for releasing said other arm from said driven shaft for relative movement therearound to a loading position adjacent said first-named arm.

IRA F. HOWARD.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 420,758 Allchin Feb. 4, 1890 1,346,576 Welch July 13, 1920 1,640,038 Johnson Aug. 23, 1927 2,113,131 Eyerly Apr. 5, 1938 2,158,073 Keith et al. May 16, 1939 2,203,971 Shepherd June 11, 1940 2,239,506 Neal Apr. 22, 1941 2,282,763 Kennedy May 12, 1942 2,357,481 Mallon Sept. 5, 1944 2,368,989 Howard Feb. 6, 1945

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