BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to amusement apparatuses and equipment and more particularly relates to the type of large amusement apparatuses found in amusement parks, in public areas and the like. The invention further relates to an amusement apparatus which includes a movable curved user surface which is either concave or convex recess and which provides a playing surface for roller skaters, skate boarders, roller bladers, skiers, bike riders, wheel chair athletes, go carters or the like. The present invention further relates to a fun park amusement apparatus which provides contours through a plurality of meridians allowing a user to ride along and across the plurality of meridians. The invention further relates to fun park amusement apparatuses which provide a variety of contours along meridians which stretch from an elevated position to a lowest position and then to an elevated position thereby allowing a user to perform activity in a circular or parabolic path.

[0002] The present invention further relates to improvements in amusement apparatuses which are used by skateboarders, roller skaters, bikes, wheelchairs and the like and which simulate natural contours in a relatively small area to improve the realism of the amusement experience. The present invention further relates to an amusement device including a playing surface for use by roller boarders, skaters and the like, whose attitude is adjustable and which simulates on the surface, undulations such as but not limited to parabolic, concave or convex U shaped or circular paths to better simulate conditions found in a natural environment.

PRIOR ART

[0003] Amusement parks are increasing in popularity world wide and there is an ongoing need to continually improve the amusement experience. There are in existence a variety of theme and amusement parks which offer a wide range of apparatuses for amusements. Many amusement parks concentrate on water sports while councils provide in public parks and the like fixed structures to enable the public to participate at little or no costs. Known amusement apparatuses include surfaces for skateboarding include stationary half and quarter pipes and concreted, undulating skateboard parks. Such parks include mounds, rails and quarter pipes which can be skated upon by skateboarders. To fully utilise half pipes, for example, skateboarders must walk to a top edge of the half pipe section to skate down its surface. To stay moving on the curved half pipe surface, the skateboarder must apply downward weight thrusts onto their skateboard to accelerate down the pipe surface in order to make it up the other side of a hal f pipe.

[0004] Various amusement apparatuses have been described in the prior art including US 4423864 and WO02/094396 which are incorporated by reference herein. Those publications describe amusement apparatuses including moving conveyors. Other known amusement structures include permanent concrete structures which provide amusement surfaces and contours which increase versatility for a user but which do not provide a moving ( including rocking or tilting). It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

[0005] Whilst the prior art devices are useful for their purpose for which they are intended, there remains an ongoing need to constantly improve the nature and versatility of amusement devices and in particular to improve the versatility of amusement apparatuses which have a moving surface to make the apparatuses more user friendly and to enhance the rider/user experience by simulating naturally induced forces during activity. There is an ongoing need to provide useful alternatives to the known art to allow participants wider choice of amusement.

INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides improvements in amusement apparatuses which are used by skateboarders, roller skaters and the like and which provides an alternative experience for users. The present invention further provides an amusement apparatus which includes a superstructure which defines a generally preferably parabolic bowl including a surface on which a user is able to engage in activities such as skateboarding and roller skating. The surface is parabolic in the X and Y directions which geometry provides a plurality of mcridians/radials around the curved, preferably parabolic bowl thereby allowing the user to skate in virtually any radial direction relative to the centre of the bowl.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bowl attitude is adjustable to enable alterations in the user experience. In this regard the bowl may be set in a fixed position or it maybe moved during the user experience.

[0007| In its broadest form the present invention comprises; a self contained amusement apparatus having a primary support structure which receives and supports an amusement surface defined within a periphery of the structure and for conducting human activities which employ a wheeled skate board, wherein, the amusement surface is arranged to communicate with an entry and an exit and is shaped to allow travel across a plurality of meridians between a periphery of said bowl like structure; wherein the bowl like structure is adjustable to alter the user experience.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment the amusement surface is a bowl like structure which includes a generally concave interior surface and a convex exterior surface. Preferably the amusement /playing surface is concave but it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that a convex exterior surface in the nature of an inverted bowl is a feasible alternative to a concave playing surface. Preferably the concave bowl shape is parabolic and allows a user to skate across any concave or convex meridian through 360 degrees.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment there is provided an entry and an exit. The entry and exit can according to one embodiment be one and the same - i.e. players enter and exit from the same location. According to an alternative embodiment the entry and exit are separated and each may be located at any point along the periphery of the amusement surface.

[0010] In another broad form the present invention comprises:

an amusement apparatus having a primary support structure which receives and supports thereon a generally bowl shaped structure including an amusement surface defined within a periphery of the structure and for conducting human activities which employ an amusement device; wherein, the amusement surface is arranged to communicate with an entry and an exit and is shaped to allow travel across a plurality of meridians spanning between a periphery of said bowl like structure and over 360 degrees.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment the amusement device comprises a wheeled skate board and the amusement surface is a generally concave interior surface and a convex underside exterior. According to one embodiment the amusement structure includes an adjustment mechanism associated with either the amusement surface bowl or the support structure or both, allowing selective alteration to the attitude of the playing surface which allows an increase or decrease in the angles of incline, of the playing surface.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the primary structure provides an internal space in which the bowl is located as either a separate component or integrated with the support structure. The primary structure is a space frame which retains the bowl structure.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the attitude of the bowl structure is adjustable by actuation of an actuating mechanism which is either hydraulically, mechanically or electrically operated.

[0014] Throughout the specification, a reference to a support structure can be taken as a reference to any form of structure be it space frame, truss, strut, concrete, steel timber or a combination of any of the aforesaid materials or the like whic is capable of supporting a playing or amusement surface. Throughout the specification a reference to a bowl or an amusement bowl can be taken to include a reference to a generally curved concave or convex structure made from any suitable material such as but not limited to metal, concrete, plastics, rubber, carbon fibre, timber and which is supported by the support structure and which provides an amusement surface suitable for such activities as, but not limited to, skate boarding, rollerblading and the like. A reference to an amusement or playing surface can be taken to be a reference to any surface on or in the amusement bowl capable of accommodating amusement equipment such as roller blades, skate boards and skates. A reference to the playing surface can be taken to include a reference to a curved surface ( including convex or concaved surfaces) on which a player operates a wheeled skating device. A reference to the term meridian can be taken to be a reference to a radial extending from a centre of a playing surface on a bowl to a periphery of the bowl at any location between 0-360 degrees. A user /player can travel along meridians or transverse to them.

[0015] The present invention provides an alternative to the known prior art and the shortcomings identified. The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying representations, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying illustrations, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the broad description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description will now be described in more detail according to a preferred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations wherein:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the amusement bowl according to one embodiment.

Figure 2 shows a front view of the amusement apparatus of figure 1. Figure 3 shows a front section view of the amusement apparatus. Figure 4 shows a ri ght side view of the amusement apparatus. Figure 5 shows a right side sectional view of the amusement apparatus. Figure 6 shows a top view of the amusement apparatus.

Figure 7 shows an aerial perspective view of an amusement park including a pair of amusement apparatuses.

Figure 8 shows a plan view of the amusement apparatuses of figure 7.

Figure 9 shows a first end elevation of the amusement apparatuses of figure 7.

Figure 10 shows a first side elevation view of the amusement apparatuses of figure 7.

Figure 11 shows a second side elevation view of the amusement apparatuses of figure 7; and

Figure 12 shows a second end elevation view of the amusement apparatuses of figure 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present invention will now be described in more detail according to a preferred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations. The examples referred to herein are illustrative and are not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the invention. While various embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be appreciated that these are capable of modification, and therefore the disclosures herein are not to be construed as limiting of the precise details set forth, but to avail such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the description.

[0018] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying illustrations and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated various including preferred embodiments of the invention. The present invention provides an alternative to this arrangement and enhances the amusement experience by providing an alternative to the equipment found in fun parks and amusement centres.

[00191 Figure 1 shows a largely schematic perspective view of an amusement apparatus 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Apparatus 1 includes a primary support structure 2 which is preferably ground mounted and which receives and retains a bowl shaped generally convex amusement bowl 3. Amusement bowl 3 is shown as concave with the concavity 9 extending across all of the meridians about the periphery of the bowl surface 3. Figure 1 shows meridians 4, 5, which are orthogonally disposed. A rider can travel radially and/or peripherally about surface 3. Surface 3 is preferably parabolic across meridians 4 and 5 and allows a user to accelerate and decelerate according to location selection. Alternatively the bowl 3 may be shaped more in the form of a shallow saucer. Included about periphery 10 are entry/exits 1 1 and 12 including entry and exit ramps 13 and 14 which facilitate ease of entry and exit at an elevation of periphery 10. In this arrangement a player descends from an entry platform 6 or 7 into the centre 8 of surface 3. Gravity urges the player from a decent to an ascent and then the player can continue to harness the gravitational forces to skate on the surface 3 indefinitely.

[0020] Figure 2 shows with corresponding numbering for corresponding parts a front view of the amusement apparatus 1 of figure 1. Apparatus 1 includes a mounted support structure 2 defining periphery 10 which engages surface 15. Recessed in support structure 2 is bowl 3 having outside surface 16 of which is defined by convex shaped profile 17. Attached to bowl 3 is an attitude adjustment assembly 18 which comprises a space frame 19 which is anchored via pivots 20, 21 and 22. Assembly 18 further comprises actuating mechanism 23 which according to the embodiment shown comprises a telescopic strut 24 spanning between pivot connections 25 and 26. Strut 24 allows alteration of the attitude of bowl 3 to vary the attitude of playing surface 9. Although actuating mechanism can be pre-set to a particular attitude it will be appreciated that it can also be adapted to move bowl 3 during use to increase the challenge for the user. [0021] Figure 3 shows with corresponding numbering, a front sectional view of the amusement apparatus 1 .

[00221 Figure 4 shows a right side view of the amusement bowl 3. Attached to bowl 16 at an opposite end of adjustment assembly 18 is an opposite end actuating mechanism 30 which corresponds to adjustment assembly 23 and comprises a space frame 31 which is anchored via pivots 22 and 33. Actuating mechanism 30 includes telescopic strut 34 which spans between pivot connections 33 and a second pivot (obscured) corresponding to pivot 23 of actuating assembly 18. Strut 34 co operates with strut 24 to allow alteration of the attitude of bowl 3 to vary the attitude of playing surface 9. Struts 24 and 34 co- operate to allow pre-setting of the mechanism to a particular attitude and it will be appreciated that it can also be adapted to move bowl 3 during use to increase the challenge for the user.

[00231 Figure 5 shows with corresponding numbering a right side sectional view of the amusement bowl 16. Figure 6 shows with corresponding numbering a top view of the amusement bowl 16.

[0024] It will be appreciated that the support structure employed will be determined by the ground environment in which apparatus 1 is used. The structure would be designed to accommodate particular site conditions. It should be understood that the particular arrangement of the preferred embodiment in relation to surrounding environments is non- limiting, and in further embodiments the apparatus can be elevated or oriented at different attitudes and angles. For example, one or both of the ends of the concave bowl 3 can be raised and lowered either mechanically or electronically. The mechanical lowering and raising of one or both ends of the concave bowl 3 is according to a one embodiment, effected to allow continuous movement to provide a rider with a sense of systematic and cyclic perpetual motion. This action provides a rider with a downhill ride most or all of the time during use. A rider/user can in use, adjust to the rocking of the bowl 3 and by anticipating its travel use gravity to perpetuate and enhance the rider experience.

[0025] This can be done, according to one embodiment, by employing a hydraulic pump pack including hydraulic cylinder(s) attached to a programmable computer (PLC) controlled pump. This way both frequency and amplitude can be programmed according to particular class of user requirements. The PLC is controlled to lower and raise bowl 3 at defined amplitude and frequency. In an alternative embodiment, rather than use of a hydraulic system, a mechanical apparatus may be used such as but not limited to a drive wheel and adjustable pushrod is used to alter the attitude of the bowl 3. According to this embodiment, an oscillation frequency is created using a motor driven drive wheel's rotational speed which defines the frequency. In this case a hydraulic cylinder may be employed to adjust the amplitude of cyclic rocking.

[0026] The support structure is made from materials of sufficient strength for supporting the design weight of the amusement bowl 3 including such features as sub frame, actuators, drives.

[0027] Rubberised compounds selected for the playing surface /surfaces are preferred but other materials suitable for their purpose are contemplated such as but not limited to artificial plastics.

[0028] In use, a user can skate along the surface 9 up and down the meridians inherent in the parabolic structure such as meridians 4 and 5. The users' movement is generated by gravity but may be enhanced by movement of the bowl 3. A user can ride continuously across meridians, around the periphery of bowl 3 and from end to end. Other features which may be provided include an entry and exit which includes on and off ramps so that users can avoid collision with other users entering the apparatus 1. The apparatus may be appropriately sized and used by other participants to suit such as grass skiers, bicycles, in line skaters, wheel chairs, go carts (unpowered), snow boarders or skiers provided the activity surface is adapted to suit different sports equipment. Depending upon the activity, the playing surface can be selected to accommodate the riding equipment.

[0029] Figure 7 shows an aerial perspective view of an amusement park 40 including a pair of amusement apparatuses 41 and 42. Amusement park 40 is set on ground surface 43 and comprises a primary structure 44 defining a periphery of sides 45. 46. 47 and 48 formed by trusses or like structure. Primary structure 44 includes and supports a platform 49 which is accessed by separate stair sets 50 and 65. Platform 49 is abbreviated to form recesses 51 and 52 into which amusement apparatuses 41 and 42 are placed. Recess 51 is defined by a barrier safety fence 53 and recess 52 is defined by barrier fence 54. Sufficient clearance is provided to enable amusement apparatuses 41 and 42 to freely move within respective recesses 51 and 52. Amusement apparatus 41 is according to the embodiment shown in figure 7 an elongated structure having substantially parabolic ends when viewed in plan ( see Figure 8). Similarly for Apparatus 42. Apparatus 41 includes a boundary barrier 55, which is abbreviated to form entry/exit 56 which allows users/players to enter and exit via platform 49. Apparatus 41 has a sloped playing surface 57 which is arranged as a rink allowing users to travel around and around centre wall 58 which defines well 59. Apparatus 41 can be tilted about X and Y axes 70, 71 (see figure 8) continuously or tilted to a set position. Both the speed and attitude of the tilting can be adjusted as required. This may be performed manually or in response to player activity using, for example, a programmable logic computer. Apparatus 42 includes a boundary barrier 60, which is abbreviated to form entry/exit 61 which allows users/players to enter and exit via platform 49. Apparatus 42 has a sloped playing surface 62 which is arranged as a skating rink allowing users to travel around and around centre wall 63 which defines well 64. Apparatus 42 can also be tilted about X and Y axes ( see figure 8) continuously or tilted to a set position. In an alternative embodiment wells 59 and 64 may be eliminated and replaced with a continuation of the playing surface. The ability to tilt the apparatuses by the mechanisms previously described, allow a user to capitalise on the randomly or deliberately created gravitational effects to accelerate or decelerate depending upon the selection of the attitude of the apparatuses 41 and 42.

[0030] Figure 8 shows with corresponding numbering a plan view of the amusement apparatuses 41 and 42 of figure 7. From this view tilting apparatus 73 associated with apparatus 41 can be seen through well 59. Likewise tilting apparatus 72 can be seen through well 64. The tilting apparatuses operate in a similar manner to that described earlier. Figure 9 shows with corresponding numbering a first end elevation of the amusement apparatuses of figure 7. Figure 10 shows with corresponding numbering a first side elevation view of the amusement apparatuses of figure 7. Figure 11 shows with corresponding numbering a second side elevation view of the amusement apparatuses of figure 7; and Figure 12 shows with corresponding numbering a second end elevation view of the amusement apparatuses of figure 7.

[00311 It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modification may be made to the invention broadly described herein without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention.