BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A known activity which involves catapulting participants upwardly to undergo a vertically oscillating ride is reverse bungie jumping or bungie catapulting. This activity involves attachment of a participant by means of a harness to the lower end of an elastic cord, the upper end of which is fixed to an elevated support such as a crane tower. With the participant releasably anchored to the ground, the elastic cord is stretched longitudinally in an appropriate fashion such as by way of a winching mechanism associated with the crane tower. Upon release, the participant is propelled upwardly under the influence of the tension in the elastic cord. The participant then oscillated vertically with progressively decreasing amplitude. When the damped oscillations have either decreased sufficiently or ceased, the elastic cord is lowered so as to return the participant to the ground.

A variation to this activity is an amusement ride in the form of a sling shot machine which incorporates a carrier structure which can safely accommodate one or more riders. The carrier structure accommodating the riders is connected to two elevated supports by way of two elastic cables (such as bungie cords) each connected at one end to the structure and having its other end supported by

the respective elevated support. A release mechanism is provided to releasably anchor the carrier structure at a launch site. A tensioning mechanism is operably coupled to the upper end of each elastic cable so that the elastic cable can be extended to assume a stretched condition whereupon upon release of the release mechanism the carrier structure accommodating the riders is propelled upwardly.

The upwardly moving carrier structure eventually stops and commences a descent under the influence of gravity. The descent of the carrier carrier is retarded by the elastic cords which again are cause to stretch to thereby stop the descent and begin to propel the support carrier upwardly again. This establishes a vertical oscillation which repeats but with progressively decreasing amplitude.

When the damped oscillations have decreased sufficiently or have stopped, the tensioning means is operated to lower the elastic cords and thereby return the carrier structure to the launch site. Once such amusement ride is disclosed in US Patent 5,421,783 (Kockelman) where it is referred to as a human sling shot machine.

While such amusement rides have proved to be commercially successful, there is a concern about the reliability of the elastic cords. The elastic cords are typically constructed of a multitude of rubber strands bound together in side by side relationship. The rubber can deteriorate as a result of heat generated during extension and retraction of the cords, as well as excessive twisting of the cords.

Consequently, the elastic cords are vulnerable to failure. In view of the unreliable nature of the elastic cords, it is necessary to regularly inspect and replace the cords. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process. There is also concern about the potential catastrophic effect of failure of one of the elastic cords.

It is against this background, and the limitations and problems associated therewith, that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an elongate elastic structure comprising a first elongate portion and a second elongate portion, the first elongate portion being resiliently extensible and the second elongate portion being substantially inextensible in comparison to the first elongate portion for limiting the extent to which the first elongate portion can extend, the second elongate portion being of a length which is greater than the length of the first elongate portion when the latter is in an unextended condition, the second elongate portion being attached to the first portion at intervals along the length thereof.

With this arrangement, the second elongate portion provides a safety line to somewhat maintain the integrity of the elongate elastic structure in the event of failure of the first portion. Typically, the second elongate portion would not be subjected to any significant loading until such time as the first elongate portion either assumes its fully extended condition or fails in its load bearing capacity.

The second elongate portion may be attached to the first elongate portion by any suitable means such as by binding it to the first elongate portion at the intervals along the length thereof. Conveniently, the second elongate portion is bound to the first elongate portion by way of elastic binding.

The first elongate portion may comprise an elastic cord structure. In one arrangement, the elastic cord structure may comprise an elastic cord. In another arrangement, the elastic cord structure may comprise at least two elastic cords bound together in side-by-side relation. The two elastic cords may be bound together by binding such as elastic binding.

The elastic cords may be bound together by the binding which is used to bind the second portion to the first portion.

Each elastic cord may comprise a multitude of strands or rubber or other elastic material. The strands of each elastic cord may be bound together by elastic binding.

The second portion may be positioned on the first portion when the latter is in an unextended condition to create loops in the second portion between said intervals, the loops providing surplus material to accommodate stretching of the first portion.

The elongate elastic structure may further comprise two spaced apart end portions between which the first portion extends.

Where the first portion comprises an elastic cord construction of a multitude of rubber strands, the rubber strands may wind back and forth between the two end portions. Conveniently, the end portions are in the form of spools or bobbins.

The second portion may comprise webbing.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an assembly of elongate elastic structures according to the first aspect of the invention, the elongate elastic structures being connected one to another in end to end relation.

The elongate elastic structures in the assembly may be detachably connected one to another. This is advantageous in that it allows the elongate elastic structures to be individually replaceable.

The elongate elastic structures in the assembly may be constructed so as to have different elastic strengths according to the location that they are positioned within the assembly. This may be advantageous in circumstances where the assembly is used in an installation in which there is a tendency for wear to occur at different rates. In such circumstances, elongate elastic structures of more durable construction can be installed at locations where there is the tendency for higher wear.

The elongate elastic structures in the assembly may be connected one to another by connectors which link the end portions of adjacent elongate elastic together.

The connectors may take any suitable form, and conveniently may comprise a yoke structure extending between and connected to the end portions. In another arrangement, the connectors may comprise cables linking the end portions together.

A secondary connector may be associated with each connector, the secondary connector being provided to link the respective second elongate portions of two elongate elastic structures which are connected together so as to maintain the integrity of the assembly in the unlikely event of the failure of one of the connectors.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing an elongate elastic structure comprising the steps of: setting two end members at a spaced apart distance corresponding to an unstretched condition of the elongate elastic structure; winding a string of elastic material such as rubber back and forth around the spaced apart end members to form an elastic cord having strands; and attaching an elongate element to the elastic cord at intervals along the length thereof, the elongate element being substantially inextensible in comparison to the elastic cord and having a length greater than the length of the elastic cord when the latter is in an unextended condition.

The end members may comprise spools or bobbins.

Preferably, the elongate element is positioned on the unstretched elastic cord to create loops in the elongate element which provide surplus material to accommodate stretching of the elastic cord.

Preferably, the elongate element is attached to the elastic cord by elastic binding which is wrapped around both the elongate element and the elastic cord.

Preferably, the strands are also bound together by elastic binding.

The method may include the step of forming a further elastic cord and binding the two elastic cords together.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an amusement device which incorporates an elongate elastic structure or an assembly of such structure as set forth hereinbefore.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an amusement device comprising a launch site, means providing a plurality of support locations elevated above and horizontal offset from the launch site, a support structure for supporting one or more riders, a plurality of elongate resiliently extensible structures one end of each of which is connected to the support structure and the other end of each of which is connected to a respective one of the support locations, releasable anchoring means for releasably anchoring the support structure to the launch site, and tensioning means for resiliently extending the elongate elastic structures to increase the tension thereof, wherein the elongate resiliently extensible structures each comprise first and second elongate portions, first elongate portion being resiliently extensible and the second elongate portion being substantially inextensible in comparison to the first elongate portion for limiting the extent to which the first portion can extend, the second elongate portion being of a length which is greater than the length of the first elongate portion when the latter is in an unextended position, the second elongate portion being attached to the first elongate portion at intervals along the length thereof.

Each elongate resiliently extensible structure may comprise a single elongate elastic structure or an assembly of such elongate elastic structures.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided an amusement device comprising a launch site, means providing a plurality support locations elevated above and horizontally offset from the launch site, a support structure for supporting one or more riders, a plurality of elongate resiliently extensible

structures one end of each of which is connected to the support structure and the other end of each of which is connected to a respective one of the support locations, releasable anchoring means for releasably anchoring the support structure to the launch site, and tensioning means for resiliently extending the elongate resiliently extensible structures to increase the tension thereof, wherein the elongate resiliently extensible structures each comprise an elastic cord structure, each elastic cord structure comprising at least two resilient cords bound together in side-by-side relation.

According a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided an amusement device an amusement device comprising a launch site, means providing a plurality of support locations elevated above and horizontally offset from the launch site, a support structure for supporting one or more riders, a plurality of elongate resiliently extensible structures one end of each of which is connected to the support structure and the other end of each of which is connected to a respective one of the support locations, releasable anchoring means for releasably anchoring the support structure to the launch site, and tensioning means for resiliently extending the elongate resiliently extensible structures to increase the tension thereof, said one end of each elongate resiliently extensible structure being connected to the support structure through connection means which provides rotation freedom between the support structure and the elongate resiliently extensible structure about at least two perpendicular axes.

The feature whereby each elongate resiliently extendable structure is connected to the support structure through a connection means which provides rotation freedom about at least two perpendicular axis is particularly advantageous in that it assists in avoiding excessive twisting of the elongate resiliently extensible structures which could be detrimental to the their service life as a result of heat generated by the twisting action and wear generally.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention wi ! ! be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings inwhich: Figure 1 is schematic elevational view of an amusement device incorporating two elongate elastic structures according to a first embodiment, the amusement device being depicted in a condition when not in use; Figure 2 is a schematic elevational view of the amusement device in readiness for a rider to be catapulte vertically ; Figure 3 is view similar to Figure 2 showing the amusement device in operation; Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a support structure for supporting one or more riders; Figure 5 is a schematic elevational view showing a connection means for coupling each elastic cord structure to the support structure; Figure 6 is a side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a sectional side view showing the connection means in more detail; Figure 8 is a fragmentary view showing one end of the elastic cord structures;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary view showing a pulley and casing therefor at the upper end of a tower forming part of the amusement device, the pulley and casing being shown in a condition corresponding to Figure 1; Figure 10 is view similar Figure 9 with exception that the pulley and casing are shown in a condition corresponding to Figure 2; Figure 11 is also a view similar to Figure 9 with exception that the pulley assembly is shown in a condition corresponding to Figure 3; Figure 12 is a side view of an elongate resiliently extensible structure incorporated in an amusement device according to a second embodiment, wherein the elongate resiliently extensible structure comprises a plurality of elongate elastic structures connected one to another in end-to-end relationship ; Figure 13 is a fragmentary side view illustrating two of the elongate elastic structures in the assembly connected together by way of a connector; Figure 14 is a fragmentary plan view of an end of one of the elongate elastic structures and the connector therefor; Figure 15 is a fragmentary plan view showing two elongate elastic structures and the connector therebetween; Figure 16 is a fragmentary schematic view showing one of the elongate elastic structures in which elastic cords forming part thereof have failed; and Figure 17 is a fragmentary side view of an elongate resiliently extensible structure incorporated in an amusement device according to a third embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, the amusement device according to the first embodiment is a human sling shot machine. The amusement device comprises a pair of spaced apart towers 11 anchored to the ground 13. The towers 11 are of space frame construction and are supported by guy wires 15 in conventional fashion.

The towers 11 are positioned on opposed sides of a launch site 17 at which a support structure 19 for supporting one or more riders can be stationed. The support structure 19 comprises a frame structure 21 accommodating seating 23 and associated restraining means 25 for supporting riders. In this embodiment, the seating 33 comprises two seats 27 positioned in side-by-side relationship. A video camera 29 is mounted on the frame structure for recording the experience of riders.

A releasable anchoring means 31 is provided for releasably anchoring the support structure 19 at the launch site 13, as will be explained in more detail later. The releasable anchoring means 31 comprises a latch 32 which is releasably engagable with a catch on the frame structure 21. The releasable anchoring means 31 is operable by an operator of the ride at a location remote from the launch site.

An elongate resiliently extensible structure 35 in the form of an elastic elongate structure is positioned between the frame structure 21 and the upper end of each tower 11. One end of each elongate elastic structure 35 is coupled to the frame structure 21 through a connection means 37 which provides rotation freedom between the frame structure and the cord structure about three perpendicular axes. More particularly, the connection means 37 comprises a mounting plate 41 mounted on a stub shaft 42 supported for rotation about a first axis 43 substantially perpendicular to the plane of the mounting plate. The stub shaft 42 is rotatably supported in taper roller bearings 44 mounted in a housing 45 rigidly mounted on the frame structure 21. The mounting plate 41 carries a first pair of

spaced apart brackets 47 which are pivotally connected to a second pair of spaced apart brackets 49 by way of a hinge pin 51. The combination of the first pair of spaced apart brackets 47, the second pair of spaced apart brackets 49 and the hinge pin 51 provides a knuckle joint hinge assembly having a second axis 52 which is defined by the hinge pin and which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 43. The second of pair of spaced apart brackets 49 support a rotatable element in the form of a spool 53 to which the end of the elongate elastic structure 35 is attached. The spool 53 is connected the brackets 49 by way a pin 55 which provides a third axis 57 which is substantially perpendicular to the second axis 52. The connection means 37 therefore accommodated relative rotation between the frame structure 21 and the elongate elastic structure 35 about the three axes of rotation. With this arrangement, the frame structure 21 can twist and rotate relative to the elongate elastic structures 35 without imparting any significant twisting action to the cord structures. This is particularly beneficial as excessive twisting of the cord structures can lead to generation of heat which can be destructive to the integrity and service life of the elongate elastic structures 35.

Each connection means 37 incorporates a safety-mechanism 38 for preventing separation between the respective elongate elastic structure 35 and the support structure 19 in the unlikely event of failure of the connection between the stub shaft 42 and the housing 45 through the bearings 44. The safety mechanism 38 comprises a retaining mechanism 54 having a retaining flange 56 rigidly mounted on the outer end of the housing 45 and a retaining collar 58 rigidly mounted on the periphery of the mounting plate 41. The mounting collar 58 has a portion 59 which locates behind the retaining flange 56 and is normally spaced therefrom so as not to interfere with free rotation of the mounting plate 41. However, in the event of a failure or other problem which causes the stub shaft 42 to commence to withdraw from the housing 45, the portion 49 of the retaining collar 48 can engage against the retaining flange 56 to prevent further withdrawal. In this way, the respective elongate elastic structure 35 remains connected to the support

structure 19, so allowing the support structure to be safely returned to the launch site.

The two connection means 37 are on opposed sides of the frame structure 21 and are arranged so that the two first axes 43 are in alignment with each other and thereby coincident with an imaginary line extending between the two connection means 37. The imaginary line provides an axis about which the support structure 19 can rotate. This imaginary line is generally horizontal when the support structure 19 is at the launch site 13.

The other end of each elongate elastic structure 35 is pivotally connected to yoke 61 which is in turn pivotally connected to a cable 63. The yoke 61 has a fork portion between which a spool 67 is supported by way of pivot pin 69. A compression spring 71 is mounted on the end of the cable adjacent the yoke 61 to provide a stop which limits the extent to which the elastic cord structure 35 can be stretched, as will be explained later.

The cable 63 connects the elastic elongate structure 35 to the upper end of the respective tower 11 and enables the cord structure to be resiliently extended to increase the tension thereof. The cable 63 passes around pulley 75 supported at the upper end of the tower 11 and extends downwardly along side the tower to a winch 77. The cable 63 passes through guides (not shown) along the length of the tower as it travels to the winch 77. The winch 77 is operated by a drive motor (not shown) and incorporates a brake mechanism. A guide system (not shown) is also provided for guiding the cable 63 onto and from the winch. A limit stop is provided to limit the extent to which the cable 63 can be wound onto the winch 77, this extent corresponding to a condition where the cord structure 35 has been extended to its maximum allowable extent.

The winches 77 for the two cables 63 operate in unison and their operation is controlled by the operator of the ride from the control station.

Each pulley 75 is accommodated within a casing 90 which incorporates a retaining means 91 for retaining the respective cable 63 on the pulley. The retaining means 91 comprises a surface 92 positioned in close proximity to the periphery of the pulley so as to allow the cable to move freely but at the same time prevent the cable from leaving the pulley 75.

The casing 90 comprises a pair of spaced apart side walls 94, a top wall 96 and an end wall 98. The two side walls 94 define a gap therebetween in which the pulley 75 is accommodated. The inner faces of the top wall 96 and the end wall 98 provide the surface 92 for retaining the cable 63 on the pulley 75.

The casing 90 is pivotally mounted onto a beam 93 supported at the upper end of the tower 11. The axis about which the casing 90 is pivotally mounted onto the beam 93 corresponds to the axis about which the pulley 75 rotates. The casing 90 has a first opening 95 which is between the side walls 94 and through which the cable 63 extends to pass between the pulley 75 and the cord structure 35.

The first opening 95 is surrounded by flange 97 which provides a surface against which the spring 71 can abut when the elastic cord structure 35 is in its fully extended condition, as shown in Figures 9,10 and 11. This provides a further limit to the extent to which the elastic cord structure 35 can be extended, and so provided a safety feature.

The casing 90 has a second opening 98 which is between the side walls 94 and through which the cable 63 extends to pass along the tower 11. The second opening 98 is of a size which allows the casing to pivot angularly as shown in Figures 9 and 10 during operation of the amusement device without interfering with the cable.

The angular movement of the casing 90 during operation of the amusement device allows the casing to maintain its orientation in relation to a portion of the cable 63 extending between the pulley 75 and the cord structure 35 during operation of the device.

Each elongate elastic structure 35 comprises a first elongate portion 100 in the form of an elastic cord structure comprising two elastic cords 101,102 positioned in side-by-side relationship and bound together by elastic binding 103. Each elastic cord 101,102 comprises a multitude of strands of rubber also bound together by elastic binding 104.

The elongate elastic structure 35 is constructed by setting the spools 53 and 67 at a spaced apart distance corresponding to the unstretched length of the cord structure and then a string of the rubber around the spaced apart spools to form the two elastic 101,102. The string which has been wound back and forth about the spools forms a multitude of strands in each cord 101,102. The strands in each cord are then bound together by the elastic binding 104, and thereafter the two cords 101,102 are bound together by the binding 103 to complete the cord structure.

Each elongate elastic structure 35 further comprises a second elongate portion in the form of a safety line 107. The safety line 107 comprises an elongate substantially inextensible element in the form of a length of webbing 109 secured at regular intervals along the length of the cord structure by the elastic binding 103. The webbing 109 has a length corresponding to the maximum allowable stretched length of the elastic cord 101,102 and is positioned on the unstretched cord structure to create loops 111 which provide surplus material to accommodate stretching of the elastic cord. In the event of failure of one or both of the elastic cords 101,102, the safety line 107 will support the weight of the support structure 19 and any riders therein. The end sections 110 of the webbing 109 are secured to the end sections 111 of the elastic cord structure 35.

This is achieved in this embodiment by turning the end sections 110 of the webbing 109 around the respective spoil 53,67 and retaining them by the binding 103, as best seen in Figure 8.

The frame structure 21 is provided with aerofoils 115 which are so positioned as to cause the support structure 19, to undergo additional motion during the vertical

oscillating movement. The aerofoils 115 may, for example, cause the support structure 19, to twist sideways or tumble as it moves. The aerofoils 115 may incorporate means for adjusting the extent to which they have an influence on the support structure 19. Additionally, there may be means for rendering the aerofoils 115 inoperative if desired. The aerofoils 115 may be controlled in such fashion during the ride either remotely by the operator or through a control device such as a lever operated by the riders.

Furthermore, the stability of the support structure 19, during oscillatory motion may be such that it is sensitive to the position of the riders therein. with such an arrangement, the riders may be able to control, or at least induce, twisting and tumbling motion in the osciilating support structure 19 by shifting their bodyweight within the support structure.

In operation, riders enter the support structure 19 when it is anchored at the launch site 13, as shown in Figure 9. When the riders are securely harnessed into the support structure 19, the winches 77 are operated to wind the cables 63 onto the winches and commence to tension the elastic cord structures 35. The elastic cord structures 35 move from the condition shown in Figure 8 into the condition shown in Figure 10 at which they are fully tensioned. The operator then operates the releasable anchoring mechanism 31 to allow the support structure 19 to be propelled vertically under the influence of the energy in the stretched elastic cord structures 35. The upwardly moving support structure 19 eventually stops and commences a descent under the influence of gravity. The descent of the support structure 19 is retarded by the elastic cord structures 35 which again are caused to stretch to thereby eventually stop the descent and begin to propel the support structure upwardly again. This establishes a vertical oscillation which repeats but with progressively decreasing amplitude owing to energy loses in the elastic cord structure and air resistance.

When the vertical oscillatory motion has decrease sufficiently or stopped, the winches 77 are activate to lower the support structure 19 to the launch site 13 at

which riders can leave the support structure. The amusement device can then be prepared for the next ride.

The rotation freedom between the support structure 19 and the elastic cord structures 35 during the vertical oscillatory motion allows the support structure to rotate during the ride. This can enhance the thrill and sensation of the ride without having a detrimental effect on the elastic cord structures.

In the event of a failure in one of the elastic cords 101,102 in each elongate elastic structure 35, the other cord can sustain the load thereon until such time as the failure is detected and repaire. In the event of failure of both of the cords 101,102, the safety line 107 is able to sustain the weight of the support structure 19 and any riders therein. Upon failure of both cords 101,102 at a stage when the support structure 19 is in the air, the safety line 107 may progressively slide through the binding 103 which attaches it to the two cords 101,102 until such time as the loops 111 straightened (as shown in Figure 16), whereupon the safety line then fully supports the loading. The failure is depicted in Figure 16 by reference numeral 126. The action of the safety line 107 progressively sliding through the binding 103 in the elongate elastic structure 35 in which the failure 126 has occurred allows the support structure 19 to descend in a controlled manner to the stage where the safety line supports the entire load. The support structure 19 can then be lowered to the ground by operation of the winches 77.

Refer now to Figures 12 to 16 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown an elongate resiliently extensible structure 35 for use in an amusement ride according to a second embo. diment. In this embodiment, the elongate resiliently extensible structure 35 is constructed in sections comprising a plurality of elongate elastic structures 120 each of a construction similar to that of the elongate elastic structures incorporated in the amusement device of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the elongate elastic structures 120 are assemble in series in an in end-to-end relationship and connected one to another by connectors 125. Each elongate elastic structure 120 comprises a

elastic cord structure having two elastic cords 121,122, and a safety line provided by an element 123 which is substantially inextensible in comparison to the elastic cords. The two elastic cords 121,122 have separate spools 131,132 at the ends thereof onto which they are wound. The connector 125 has a yoke 133 at each end thereof in which the respective spools 131,132 are positioned in side-by-side relation and secured therein by way of a retaining bolt 135.

The elongate inextensible element 123 is secured at each end by tying around the respective spool 131,132, as best seen in Figure 14.

A supplementary connector 139 extends between each two elongate elastic structures 120 for safety purposes should the connector 125 fail. In this embodiment, the supplementary connector 139 comprises a cable extending between the respective retaining bolts 135.

There are particular advantages in forming the elongate resiliently extensible structure 35 as an assembly of individual sections each comprising one of the elongate elastic structures 120. One advantage is that the sections are individually replaceable. Another advantage is that the assembly can be constructed with sections of various strengths and durability, according to requirements. For instance, it is likely that those sections towards the two ends of the assembly would be more vulnerable to wear and damage than the intermediate sections. The arrangement allows sections of more durable construction to be positioned at areas where there is tendency for wear and damage. A still further benefit is that in the event of failure of one of the elastic cord structures, only the safety line 123 corresponding to that section would be required to support the loading. Furthermore, only that safety line 123 would extend from the looped condition to the fully extended condition, so limiting the extent to which the support structure 19 accommodating the riders would descend following the failure.

In the embodiments which have been described previously, each elongate elastic structure comprise a elastic cord structure formed from two elastic cords

positioned in side-by-side relationship. It should, however, be appreciated that the elastic cord structure can be constructed from a single elastic cord or indeed from more than two elastic cords. In Figure 17 of the drawings there is shown an elongate resiliently extensible structure 140 comprising an elastic cord structure 141 and a safety line 143. The elastic cord structure 141 comprises a single elastic cord 145. The single elastic cord 145 is made up of a multitude of strands of rubber (as was the case in the earlier embodiments), and is constructed in a similar fashion to elastic cord structures described in relation to the earlier embodiments.

From the foregoing, it is evident that the construction of the elongate elastic structures described and illustrated in the various embodiments provide a simple yet highly effective arrangement for ensuring the safety of operation of amusement devices incorporating such elongate elastic structures.

It should also be understood that the elongate elastic structures according to the invention may be used with amusement devices other than the human sling shot machines described in relation to the embodiments. For example, the elongate elastic structures may be used in bungie jumping and reverse bungie jumping operations.

It should also be appreciated that an elongate elastic structure according to the embodiment may be used in various fields other than in amusement devices.

Finally, throughout this specification (including the claims) unless the context requires otherwise, the word"comprise", or variations such as"comprises"or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.