WO2005044655A1

WO2005044655A1 - Spherical vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2005044655A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2004/000283
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard William Kirkland
Original assignee: Eventomotion Limited
Priority date: 2003-11-07
Filing date: 2004-11-08
Publication date: 2005-05-19

Abstract

The apparatus includes a cradling means (2) attached to an inner frame means (3), the inner frame means having a drive wheel means (6, 15) controllable by the passenger (5), and having stability wheels (25) mounted to the inner frame means, and such wheels, in use being movably associated with the inner wall of an outer spherical frame means (30) when the passenger activates a drive means (8, 17) to move the inner frame against the inner wall of the spherical frame means causing the spherical frame means to roll or rotate.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to devices and apparatus for providing amusement rides and the like. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an amusement ride comprising a frame for harnessing a passenger and a rollable outer spherical frame, and wherein the frame for harnessing a passenger is rotatably associated witl in the rollable outer spherical frame.

BACKGROUND ART

Known amusement devices for providing movement for a passenger in more than one plane and with rotational movement includes rides of a gyroscopic form. These types of rides generally comprise a user strapped to a seat whereby the seat is mounted between a first ring that is pivotably mounted with a gimbal means to a second ring and whereby both first and second rings rotate in different planes such that the occupant of the seat moves in a variety of rotational angles. Another form of ride involving rotational movement is on a Ferris wheel, whereby a passenger experiences movement in one vertical plane. However, such devices are limited in that the passenger does not actively control the speed of rotation nor the angle of rotation through the swing planes. Further, these device are essentially fixed in a set location.

Other amusement devices include a go kart or miniature vehicle that is generally steered in a forward direction, although in extreme cases they can be moved sideways. However, such movement is limited, and although go karts can slide sideways, they are generally moved in parallel with the ground surface, thus limiting the sensation of movement.

Another form of amusement device is an inflatable ball having an inner cavity to retain a person within. The ball is then simply rolled down an incline where it can roll and bounce. However, the extent of control of the ball is very limited and the person within is submitted to the natural laws of gravity and the terrain upon which the ball is rolling. It is a non-limiting object of the invention to provide an amusement apparatus that overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice, as in the case of the an alternative design of ball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first broad aspect of the invention there is provided an amusement apparatus including a passenger cradling means adapted to cradle a passenger, the cradling means being mounted or attached to an inner frame means, the inner frame means being provided with at least one drive wheel means mounted to the inner frame means and being movably associated with a free standing outer spherical frame means such that, in use, the drive wheel means is adapted to be operable by a said passenger to move the frame means within the spherical frame means to cause the spherical frame means to roll or rotate.

Preferably the passenger cradling means includes a seat and a seat belt means to restrain a said passenger in position. Desirably the apparatus further comprises a stability means attached to the inner frame means for operable association with the outer spherical frame.

Preferably the drive wheel means includes a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel axially mounted to the inner frame means such that the first drive wheel is aligned on one side of the cradling means and the second drive wheel is aligned on the other side of the cradling means, and wherein the first drive wheel and the second drive wheel are adapted to be driven by a motor means. Desirably the motor means includes a direct current motor powered by a battery means. Advantageously the first wheel means is driven by a first drive means and the second wheel means is driven by a second drive means, the first drive means and the second drive means is configured and arranged to be drivable in forward and reverse directions by a speed control means such that, in use, the first wheel and the second wheel can be independently driven.

Alternatively the first drive means and the second drive means are separately drivable in forward and reverse directions by a suitable direct current motor powered by a battery means. Desirably the first drive means is powered by a first battery means electrically connected to the first drive means and the second drive means is powered by a second battery means electrically connected to the second drive means.

Preferably the first battery means includes a plurality of battery cells configured and arranged to be enclosed in a first enclosure means, the first enclosure means being mounted to the inner frame means and forward of the passenger cradling means, and wherein the second battery means includes a set of batteries enclosed in a second enclosure means, the second enclosure means being mounted to the inner frame means on the other side of the passenger cradling means from the first enclosure means and forward of the passenger cradling means such as to provide a counterweight to the weight of a passenger when being restrained in the cradling means.

Preferably the first speed control means and the second speed control means is a hand held actuating means adapted to be attached to either side of the cradling means in a position of easy reach by a said passenger.

Desirably the inner frame means is adapted to include a stability wheel means such that the stability wheel means, in use, will contact the inner wall of the outer spherical frame and stabilise the inner frame means when being moved relative to the outer spherical frame.

Advantageously the stability wheel means includes at least one pivotably mounted wheel extending from the inner frame means such that each wheel contacts the inner wall of the outer spherical frame, and wherein each wheel is pivotably mounted to a respective bracket, each said bracket being attached to the inner frame means with each said pivotably mounted wheel extending outwards of the inner frame means for rotational contact with the inner wall of the outer spherical frame means.

Desirably the stability wheel means includes eight stability wheels about the inner frame means adapted to allow the wheels to be configured and attached about the inner frame means in a spaced apart arrangement, each said stability wheel extending from the inner frame means, and wherein each wheel is pivotably mounted to a respective bracket, each said bracket being attached to the inner frame means with each said pivotably mounted wheel extending outwards of the inner frame means for rotational contact with the inner wall of the outer spherical frame means.

According to a second broad aspect of the invention there is provided an outer spherical frame means being adapted to have a substantially even convex inner wall and configured and arranged for use in retaining and allowing the free rotational movement of an inner frame means within the outer frame means and a passenger being associated with the inner frame means, the outer frame means having an access means for allowing a passenger access into and out of the outer frame means.

Preferably the outer spherical frame means is made of a plurality of interconnected panels forming a spherical shape adapted for rotational movement on a solid ground surface, at least one of the panels being provided with a plurality of apertures to allow the free flow of air therethrough.

Preferably the outer spherical frame means is made of twelve interconnected panels fonning a spherical shape, and wherein at least one of the panels is removably attachable for allowing a passenger access into and out of the outer frame means.

Desirably each of the interconnected panels is reinforced with a five star spoke arrangement having a centrally disposed node with five limbs spaced apart and extending outwardly to interconnect with respective corner points of each said panel, and wherein the area between each said limb is exposed to allow air to ventilate through the spherical frame means.

Preferably the area between each said limb in each said panel is provided with a honeycomb type section having a plurality of apertures through which air can freely flow for ventilation and visibility purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: Shows a left side perspective view of the inner frame arrangement without an outer spherical frame according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2: Shows a right side view of figure 1 ;

Figure 3: Shows a front view of figure 1 ;

Figure 4: Shows a plan view of figure 1 ;

Figure 5: Shows a schematic diagram of the drive means of the apparatus 1;

Figure 6: Shows a perspective view of the outer spherical frame with an access means;

Figure 7: Shows a perspective view of one of the panels of the outer spherical frame;

Figure 8: Shows a cross sectional view through Section A-A of figure 7;

Figure 9: Shows a pentagonal panel being interlocked into adjacent pentagonal panels using an interlocking extrusion; and

Figure 10: Shows a perspective view of a honeycomb panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DR WINGS

Referring to figures 1 to 5, an amusement apparatus, generally referred to as 1 in figure 1, shown without an outer sphere, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

The amusement apparatus 1 includes a passenger cradling means adapted to cradle a user or passenger. Preferably the passenger cradling means in the form of a seating means. The seating means is preferably in the form of a rigid seat 2 and being mounted or attached to the sub-frame 3 a of an inner frame means 3. The seat 2 is desirably adapted to suitably restrain a passenger 5 for purposes of withstanding various forces applied to the passenger during the amusement ride by use of a restraining means 4. In that respect it may preferably include a high back section for neck support and have a bucket type seat for firm and secure cradling of a passenger. The seat 2 may desirably be formed of a moulded plastics material and may preferably be formed of a polyethylene material with a one piece, seamless moulded construction. The construction may desirably be double walled and include suitable padding to provide a comfortable, impact absorbing ride.

It is envisaged that seats suitable for motor car racing may be particularly suitable for use in the present invention, although such seats may need to be adapted in some respects such as to accommodate the restraining means 4 and/or the attachment means to the sub-frame 3 a of the inner frame means 3.

The seat 2 can be attached to the sub-frame 3 a by any suitable attachment means and may include being strapped and or fastened using suitable bolts and screws as required, to the inner frame 3. A suitable passenger restraining or securing means is desirably in the form of a seat harness device 4 associated with the seat 2 and or the sub-frame 3 a and the frame means 3. The harness device 4 can be adapted to restrain and secure a passenger 5 in the seat 2, in use, during rotation of the frame means 3. The harness device 4 may include a number of straps that are centrally secured to the passenger 5 in a chest pad or otherwise and can have associated strap connecting means and clips.

The sub-fi-ame 3 a of the inner frame means 3 preferably includes a plurality of cross and tie members to form a rigid base for supporting the seat 2 and weight of the passenger 5, and for supporting the drive means, and oval or circular type frame means 3 about the seat 2 for mounting a plurality of stability wheels.

The inner frame means 3 is made of any suitable durable and resilient material or materials, and advantageously is made of resilient and lightweight materials including preferably tubular metal components, such as, for example, an alloy of metals, welded or attached to form a stable frame. Alternatively or additionally materials such as, for example, plastics materials, rubber compositions, ceramics, timber, nylon or combinations thereof may be incorporated with the inner frame means 3 and related components where suitable.

The inner frame means 3 includes movement means in the form of at least one drive wheel means mounted to the inner frame means 3. The drive wheel means is adapted to be operable by a said passenger to move and rotate the inner frame means 3 within and relative to an outer spherical frame means 30, the outer spherical frame means 30 being seen with reference to figure 5.

The drive wheel means preferably includes a first drive wheel 6 mounted to a shaft or axle 7 and being adapted to be driven by a motor means 8 preferably in the form of a direct current ("DC") bi-directional motor. The motor 8 is mounted to the sub-frame 3a in a suitable position. The motor 8 is provided with enough power and torque for moving and rotating the inner frame means 3 within and relative to the outer spherical frame means 30. The motor 8 preferably has an output of about 1/3 horsepower ("hp") although any suitably powered motor can be used. The gear ratio of the motor 8 providing power to the wheel 6 is any suitable ratio as required, and may be substantially about 24:1. The ratio may desirably be adjustable as required.

Referring more particularly to figure 5, the main electrical components of the apparatus 1 are further described.

The motor 8 is desirably powered by a 24 volt DC power supply fed via a suitable electrical cable 9 from a first battery means 10. The output of the battery means 10 is fed into a motor control means 23 configured and arranged to control the current flow, and hence power fed via cable 9a to the motor 8. The control means 23 includes any suitable digital and/or analogue controller for such operation as required by the invention, and may be adapted to receive any form of feedback signals, whether wired or wireless, from the passenger 5 or remotely, to operate the apparatus 1.

The first battery means 10 is preferably a set of battery cells sealed together and securely located in an enclosure means 11. The enclosure means 11 is desirably a solid casing or box wherein the first battery means 10 is secured within. The casing 11 is preferably fastened or mounted to a bracket 12. The bracket 12 is attached to the sub-frame 3a.

The passenger 5 is advantageously provided with a drive wheel speed control means, and the speed control means is preferably a hand operated toggle or joystick speed controller 13 adapted to be mountable adjacent a hand, and preferably the right hand, of the passenger 5 and electrically connected via cable 14 to the motor 8. The joystick speed controller 13 is effectively a potentiometer, although it will be appreciated that it can be any signalling device, providing digital or analogue feedback signals via cable 14 to the control means 23 configured and arranged to receive feedback signals, and control the speed of the motor 8.

The inner frame means 3 is optionally provided with an arm rest (not shown) to which the joystick controller 13 is mounted. The joystick controller 13 is suitably configured to allow a variety of forward and reverse speeds of the wheel 6 as desired by the passenger 5.

The drive wheel means preferably includes a second drive wheel 15 mounted to a shaft or axle 16 and being adapted to be driven by a second motor means 17 preferably in the form of a direct current ("DC") bi-directional motor. The aspects of the second drive means are similar to the first drive means and therefore details will not be repeated. The axle 16 is preferably aligned in the same plane as axis 7 of the first wheel 6 as seen in figures 1 to 4. The motor 17 is mounted to the sub-frame 3 a in a suitable position, and is suitably adapted to drive the wheel 15. The motor 17 preferably provides enough power and torque for moving the inner frame means 3 relative to the outer frame means 30, and is desirably matched to the horsepower and output of the motor 8. The drive gear means and ratio of the motor 17 is similar to that of motor 8 providing power to the wheel 15 in any suitable ratio as required, and may be substantially about 24:1. The ratio may desirably be adjustable as required.

Referring more particularly with reference to figure 5, the motor 17 is desirably powered by a 24 volt DC power supply fed via a suitable electrical cable 22 from a second battery means 19. The output of the battery means 19 is fed into a motor control means 23 configured and arranged to control the current flow, and hence power fed via cable 22a, to the motor 17. The second battery means 19 is preferably a set of battery cells configured and arranged to supply 24 volts DC, and is sealed and securely located within an enclosure means 20. Desirably the battery cells are sealed in a casing, and the casing is secured within the battery enclosure means 20. The enclosure means 20 is preferably in the form of a box that is advantageously fastened or mounted to a bracket 21. The bracket 21 is suitably attached to the sub-frame 3 a.

It is seen with reference to figure 5 that the passenger 5 can control the operation of the motor 17 and hence the second drive wheel 15 by way of the hand operated toggle or joystick speed controller 13. As previously stated, the joystick speed controller 13 also provides a feedback signal to the control means 23 to also control the movement of the wheel 15. In operation, the joystick 13 can be configured to toggle in any desirable manner. In one method of operation the toggle can be tilted to the left side and forward, resulting in the control means 23 increasing power to the motor 17 which causes the right wheel 15 to rotate faster than the left wheel 6, and hence the inner frame 3 will move left relative to the spherical frame 30.

The wheels 6, 15 may comprise any suitable and durable type of wheel and in this non- limiting preferred embodiment the wheels 6, 15 are tyres made of a nylon material, and are pneumatic. Such tyres can provide good traction during rotation and provide a cushioning effect to reduce jarring during operation.

It is envisaged in an alternative embodiment of the invention that the motors 8, 17 and respective wheels 6, 15 may be configured to be controlled and connected to separate joysticks such that a left joystick controls the first, left wheel 6 and a right joystick controls the second, right wheel 15.

It is envisaged that the drive means will preferably be adapted with suitable bralce means to allow a passenger 5 to further control the operation of the apparatus 1. The bralce control means preferably includes an electromagnetic type bralce means integrated at a suitable location of the drive means such as with the motors 8, 17 or gearbox shaft (not shown) with a suitable bralce lever means being mounted adjacent the hand or foot of the passenger 5 for controlling the bralcing action. In an alternative embodiment of the invention it will be appreciated that the bralce means may include a calliper and disc pad arrangement or any known and suitable braking means. It is seen in particular to figures 1 to 4 that the first battery enclosure means 11 and the second enclosure means 20 are mounted in a position to provide a counterweight to the weight of a passenger 5 when in use. It is seen as advantageous to configure and arrange the components mounted to the inner frame means 3 in such a way as to provide a degree of equilibrium or balance of the inner frame means 3 and the passenger 5 over the drive wheels 6, 15.

The inner frame means 3 is adapted with an oval or circular type stability frame means 3b about the seat 2 and sub frame 3a for mounting at least one stability wheel 25, and more preferably a plurality of stability wheels 25. In this preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the invention it is seen that tliere are provided eight stability wheels 25 in a spaced apart arrangement whereby four wheels are mounted in a relatively high position on the inner frame means 3b and four stability wheels are mounted in a relatively low position on the inner frame means 3b. The frame means 3b is of a shape and size such that when the stability wheels 25 are moved against and in contact with the inner wall 31 of the outer spherical frame 30, the wheels 25 will freely roll and aid in the free rotational movement of the inner frame means 3 against the inner wall 31, and thus cause the outer spherical frame 30 to roll or rotate accordingly due to the forces being applied to it by the inner frame means 3.

Each stability wheel 25 may desirably be a castor wheel as commonly mounted to trolleys and hospital beds to allow for free movement in any direction against the inner wall 31. The wheel 25 is seen as being pivotably connected to a bracket 26. The bracket 26 is itself rotatably mounted with fastening bolts 27 to the inner frame means 3b. In operation it is seen that the bracket 26 may rotate or swivel as required, along with the wheel 25 rotating as required. No further explanation is required for describing this known design of castor wheel.

Referring now to figures 6 to 10, an outer spherical frame, generally referred to as 30, shown with an exploded view of an access or entrance means, is illustrated.

The outer spherical frame 30 is constructed to provide an even inner surface or wall 31, in use, for contact by the stability wheels 25 and the drive wheels 6, 15. In this embodiment the diameter of the inner wall 31 is substantially about 1.8 metres. The relatively smooth or even inner surface 31 is to allow the free rotational movement of an inner frame means 3 as preferably described with reference to any one of figure 1 to 4. It is envisaged that the outer spherical frame 30 is constructed of a plurality of interfitting or interconnected panels forming a spherical shape configured and arranged for rotational movement on a solid ground surface such as grass, artificial grass, concrete or otherwise. The spherical frame 30 includes at least one access means for allowing, in use, a passenger 5 to have access into and out of the inside cavity of the spherical frame 30. At least one panel can be provided with ventilation means.

In this embodiment the spherical frame 30 is constructed from twelve interfitting or interconnected panels, including two entrance panels 32 and ten pentagonal panels 33. The pentagonal panel 33 is more clearly shown in figures 7 to 9. The panels 32,33 are made of any suitable durable and resilient material, and in this embodiment are preferably made from a plastics material formed by a rotational moulding process.

The access means of the outer spherical frame 30 preferably includes two entrance panels 32 located on opposing sides of the spherical frame 30. Figure 6 shows one of the entrance panels 32 in an exploded view. It is seen that the entrance panels 32 are circular in form, and are adapted with a bayonet securing system such that five protruding lugs 36 are provided on each entrance panel 32, with five corresponding slots 37 provided in corresponding adjacent assembled pentagonal panels 33. Other entrance panel fastening systems may be alternatively incorporated in the spherical frame 30, although it is seen that the bayonet system is suitable for the purposes intended for the apparatus 1.

Preferably each of the panels 33 is reinforced in a five star arrangement according to the rotational moulding process to form a centrally disposed node 38 with five radiating limbs extending outwardly from the node 38 to interconnect with respective corners 39 of the panel 33. The triangular shaped areas between the limbs are formed for visability and ventilation purposes for the passenger 5.

The panels 33 are interconnected or interlocked using an extrusion 34 having an I shaped cross section as seen in figure 9 wherein the end portions are bulbous and the end portions are joined by a narrow waist therebetween. The interlocking extrusions 34 are preferably provided substantially along the whole edge in a groove 35 as provided in four of the five sides of the pentagonal shaped panel 33, and such extrusions 34 can be slide into place along the grooves 35. The extrusion 34 is made of any suitable resilient and durable material, and in this embodiment is advantageously made of a plastics material.

This interlocking system desirably has the advantage of allowing the spherical frame 30 to be disassembled and reassembled as required. This system is particularly useful for initial placement of the inner frame means 3 within the spherical frame 30, and further maintenance of the frame 3 and associated components.

According to an aspect of the invention, and with particular reference to figure 10, the panels 33 preferably include triangular shaped sections 40 fastened within each of the triangular shaped areas of the panel 33. The triangular shaped sections 40 are fastened by a clip system and held in place to aid the structural integrity of the spherical frame 30.

The sections 40 are advantageously provided with removably attachable honeycomb type sections 41 reinforced by a triangular shaped cross member 42. The cross member 42 provides added stability to the section 40. The hexagonal shaped honeycomb sections 41 are apertures through which air can move, and also allow a passenger 5 a certain degree of visibility through which any obstacles may be noted as required for navigational purposes or otherwise.

The honeycomb sections 41 are formed of polycarbonate by an injection moulding process. Desirably the sections 41 are clear or transparent to increase visibility through the sections 41.

In operation, a passenger 5 enters through the removably attachable access panel 32 and is restrained in the seat 2 with the harness 4 secured. The passenger 5 can men operate the joystick 13 to control and drive each wheel 6, 15, and to an extent control movement of the inner frame means 3 and hence movement of the outer spherical frame 30. It will be appreciated that other forces such as gravity can impact on the movement of the spherical frame 30, particularly if the apparatus 1 is used on an inclines ground surface.

The amount of power applied to each wheel 6, 15 will determine the forces applied by the inner frame means 3 on the outer spherical frame 30. For example, if a passenger 5 applies power to both drive wheels 6, 15 equally the wheels 6, 15 will climb up the face of the inner wall 31 of the spherical frame 30 until the frame 3 starts rotating about the central point. If power is continuously applied, the frame means 3 will continue rotating until the weight of the frame 3 forces the spherical frame 30 to roll forward, thus creating a forward momentum. If further power is applied to move the drive wheels 6, 15 forward, rotational momentum will increase and the spherical frame 30 will rotate forward at a greater velocity until power is reduced, at which situation frictional forces can act to reduce the speed of rotation of the spherical frame 30.

Once the spherical frame 30 is in motion the inner frame 3 can maintain a substantially upright position with the stability wheels 25 assisting the inner frame 3 to maintain an centrally disposed orientation.

If power to the wheels 6, 15 is applied unequally the inner frame 3 will turn relative to the direction of travel of the spherical frame 30 causing a braking force that will cause the frame 3 to "lock" against the direction of travel due to the axis of the wheels 6, 15 being on a different plane to the direction of travel of the spherical frame 30. At this point the inertia of the sphere 30 will cause the frame means 3 to rotate with the spherical frame 30 in the same direction of travel until such time as the forward momentum of the frame means 3 and rotational force of the wheels 6, 15, has overcome the inertia of the sphere's rotational force causing the spherical frame 30 to change direction relative to the action of the wheels 6, 15.

It is considered that the degree of rotation of the frame means 3 within the spherical frame 30 at the time of the direction change will depend on the rotational speed of the spherical frame 30 at this time. This degree of rotation may be partial or may be complete and may be influenced by the weight of the passenger 5 and the weight of the frame means 3 being greater than the weight of the spherical frame 30.

It is envisaged that to an extent the movement of the frame means 3 and the rotation of the spherical frame 30 can be contiOlled and steerable to an extent by a passenger operating the independent driving force on the driving wheels 6, 15. It will be appreciated that materials used for components of the invention include any suitable durable and resilient materials, for example only but not limited to, timber, metals and associated alloys, plastics materials, fabrics, rubber, glass or any combination thereof.

Wherein the aforegoing reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the principles taught herein.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent for those skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated. Thus, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations or modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. An amusement apparatus, the apparatus including a passenger cradling means adapted to cradle a passenger, the cradling means being mounted or attached to an inner frame means, the inner frame means being provided with at least one drive wheel means mounted to the inner frame means and being movably associated with a free standing outer spherical frame means such that, in use, the drive wheel means is adapted to be operable by a said passenger to move the frame means within the spherical frame means to cause the spherical frame means to roll or rotate.

2. An amusement apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the passenger cradling means includes a seat and a seat belt means to restrain a said passenger in position.

3. An amusement apparatus according to either claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising stability means attached to the inner frame means for operable association with the outer spherical frame.

4. An amusement apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the drive wheel means includes a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel axially mounted to the inner frame means such that the first drive wheel is aligned on one side of the cradling means and the second drive wheel is aligned on the other side of the cradling means, and wherein the first drive wheel and the second drive wheel are adapted to be driven by a motor means.

5. An amusement apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the motor means includes a direct current motor powered by a battery means.

6. An amusement apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the first wheel means is driven by a first drive means and the second wheel means is driven by a second drive means, the first drive means and the second drive means is configured and arranged to be drivable in forward and reverse directions by a speed control means such that, in use, the first wheel and the second wheel can be independently driven.

7. An amusement apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the first drive means and the second drive means are separately drivable in forward and reverse directions by a suitable direct current motor powered by a battery means.

8. An amusement apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the first drive means is powered by a first battery means electrically connected to the first drive means and the second drive means is powered by a second battery means electrically connected to the second drive means.

9. An amusement apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the first battery means includes a plurality of battery cells configured and arranged to be enclosed in a first enclosure means, the first enclosure means being mounted to the inner frame means and forward of the passenger cradling means, and wherein the second battery means includes a set of batteries enclosed in a second enclosure means, the second enclosure means being mounted to the inner frame means on the other side of the passenger cradling means from the first enclosure means and forward of the passenger cradling means such as to provide a counterweight to the weight of a passenger when being restrained in the cradling means.

10. An amusement apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the first speed control means and the second speed control means is a hand held actuating means adapted to be attached to either side of the cradling means in a position of easy reach by a said passenger.

11. An amusement apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the inner frame means is adapted to include a stability wheel means such that the stability wheel means, in use, will contact the inner wall of the outer spherical frame and stabilise the inner frame means when being moved relative to the outer spherical frame.

12. An amusement apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the stability wheel means includes at least one pivotably mounted wheel extending from the inner frame means such that each wheel contacts the inner wall of the outer spherical frame, and wherein each wheel is pivotably mounted to a respective bracket, each said bracket being attached to the inner frame means with each said pivotably mounted wheel extending outwards of the inner frame means for rotational contact with the inner wall of the outer spherical frame means.

13. An amusement apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the stability wheel means includes eight stability wheels about the inner frame means adapted to allow the wheels to be configured and attached about the inner frame means in a spaced apart arrangement, each said stability wheel extending from the inner frame means, and wherein each wheel is pivotably mounted to a respective bracket, each said bracket being attached to the inner frame means with each said pivotably mounted wheel extending outwards of the inner frame means for rotational contact with the inner wall of the outer spherical frame means.

14. An amusement apparatus, the apparatus including an outer spherical frame means being adapted to have a substantially even convex inner wail and configured and arranged for use in retaining and allowing the free rotational movement of an inner frame means within the outer frame means and a passenger being associated with the inner frame means, the outer frame means having an access means for allowing a passenger access into and out of the outer frame means.

15. An amusement apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the outer spherical frame means is made of a plurality of interconnected panels forming a spherical shape adapted for rotational movement on a solid ground surface, at least one of the panels being provided with a plurality of apertures to allow the free flow of air therethrough.

16. An amusement apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the outer spherical frame means is made of twelve interconnected panels forming a spherical shape, and wherein at least one of the panels is removably attachable for allowing a passenger access into and out of the outer frame means.

17. An amusement apparatus according to claim 14 wherein each of the interconnected panels is reinforced with a five star spoke arrangement having a centrally disposed node with five limbs spaced apart and extending outwardly to interconnect with respective comer points of each said panel, and wherein the area between each said limb is exposed to allow air to ventilate through the spherical frame means.

18. An amusement apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the area between each said limb in each said panel is provided with a honeycomb type section having a plurality of apertures through which air can freely flow for ventilation and visibility purposes.

19. An amusement apparatus, the apparatus including a passenger cradling means adapted to cradle a passenger, the cradling means being mounted or attached to an inner frame means, the inner frame means being provided with at least one drive wheel means mounted to the inner frame means and being movably associated within an outer spherical frame means such that, in use, the drive wheel means is adapted to be operable by a said passenger to move the frame means within the spherical frame means to cause the spherical frame means to roll or rotate, and including the outer spherical frame means adapted with a substantially even convex inner wall and being configured and arranged for use in retaining and allowing the free rotational movement of the inner frame means within the outer frame means and a passenger being associated with the inner frame means, the outer spherical frame means having an access means for allowing a said passenger access into and out of the outer frame means.

20. An amusement apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.