Roundabout Patents (Class 472/1)
  • Patent number: 11027207
    Abstract: The invention relates to an amusement ride having a base (1) to which is fastened at least one pivotable or rotatable support (2) for holding rows of seats (4) mounted in gondolas (3, 8) on the support, the gondolas (3, 8) being movable on the support (2) at least in the vertical direction in relation to the base, and the rows of seats (4) being rotatable or pivotable in the gondolas (3, 8) in at least two planes which are perpendicular to each other. According to the invention, the support (2) contains at least two gondolas (3, 8) which are formed by frames (5, 6, 7) which interlock in a Cardan suspension, as a result of which the rows of seats (4) are mounted by Cardan suspension in the gondolas (3, 8) and are movable in three planes which are perpendicular to one another. While one of the gondolas (8) can be loaded and unloaded in its starting position, other gondolas (3) fastened to the support can be operated in a predefined movement program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Inventors: Willy Walser, Roman Rothe
  • Patent number: 10486072
    Abstract: An amusement device attached to a flat bed surface of a flatbed truck. A subfloor is hingedly attached to one end of the flat bed. A mechanical assembly such as a telescoping hydraulic rod can be extended or retracted by an operator to change the angle of the subfloor. A plurality of flat panels unfold to form a circularly shaped main floor. The floor includes a central shaft that can be activated to cause the floor to rotate. People holding carriages are round in plan view and have castor support wheels cause the carriage to slide around on the circular shaped floor as the floor both rotates and is tilted at an angle. The centrifugal force of the rotation causes the carriages to be flung outwards where the are retained by a scalloped perimeter wall attached to the circular floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Mark Conrad Blumhagen
  • Patent number: 10357424
    Abstract: A device for sexual stimulation, preferably including: an interaction module; a power module; and a stimulation unit driver. The interaction module preferably includes a haptic stimulation unit enclosed by a first unitary housing and electrically coupled to a first electrical port. The power module preferably includes: an input mechanism; and a rechargeable battery enclosed by a second unitary housing and electrically coupled to a second electrical port. The first and second unitary housings are preferably configured to be removably mechanically coupled to each other by the first and second electrical ports, which are preferably configured to be removably electrically coupled to each other. When the first and second electrical ports are electrically coupled, the stimulation unit driver is preferably electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery, the haptic stimulation unit, and the input mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Crave Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Topolovac, Edwin Wood, Andrew Murphy, Tian Yi Chang, Kristrun Hjartar
  • Patent number: 9777995
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for generating, in an aircraft (1) in flight, a display indicative of the feasibility of a weapon carried on the aircraft (1) successfully engaging a determined target (5, T) and/or the feasibility of a weapon carried on the target (5, T) successfully engaging the aircraft (1). The method comprises: using a performance envelope of the weapon and performance envelope(s) for one or more different types of aircraft (1), determining a further performance envelope specifying the performance of the weapon when carried by any of the different aircraft (1) types; determining coefficients for a generic polynomial that fit the generic polynomial to the further performance envelope; uploading, to the aircraft (1), the generated coefficients; and, on the aircraft (1), reconstructing the further performance envelope and generating the feasibility display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS PLC
    Inventors: Bhadrayu Manherlal Ranat, Monadl Abd Al-Abbas Mansour Al-Ameri
  • Patent number: 8979660
    Abstract: A helicopter amusement apparatus, which enables hovering, climbing and descending, and flying back and forth in a play helicopter by force of muscles with excellent steering performance. The helicopter amusement apparatus is equipped with a hydraulic system, which enables positioning a balancing weight in a suitable location to obtain equilibrium according to the weight of the using pilot to enable lifting and driving the cockpit by means of a small force generated by a rotor activated by the power source of the pilot's feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Aba Science Play Ltd.
    Inventors: Gal Goldner, Iftah Geva
  • Publication number: 20150018106
    Abstract: Rotating inclusive play devices are provided. In certain embodiments, a rotating play device includes a stationary base, a rotatable portion, and a speed limiting device that connects the stationary base to the rotatable portion. The speed limiting device illustratively limits a rotational speed of the rotatable portion relative to the stationary base. The rotatable portion may have an elevated outer perimeter that includes recessed and raised portions. The speed limiting device may include a cranking mechanism and/or a piston mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas L. Keller, Thomas W. Felber
  • Patent number: 8870668
    Abstract: Rotating inclusive play devices are provided. In certain embodiments, a rotating play device includes a stationary base, a rotatable portion, and a speed limiting device that connects the stationary base to the rotatable portion. The speed limiting device illustratively limits a rotational speed of the rotatable portion relative to the stationary base. The rotatable portion may have an elevated outer perimeter that includes recessed and raised portions. The speed limiting device may include a cranking mechanism and/or a piston mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Landscape Structures Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Keller, Thomas W. Felber
  • Publication number: 20140295394
    Abstract: The disclosed device, system and methods relate to a spinning rotation and meditation device, having a rotating platform set at a nonzero angle from horizontal. Certain embodiments comprise a platform capable of rotation about a central hub which further comprises a plurality of legs, wherein the platform is set to rotate on a plane which is set at a non-zero angle from the horizon. Certain embodiments of the disclosed devices, systems and methods relate to the acquisition and practice of a centrifugal balance process, skill and ability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Weltha LLC
    Inventor: Craig Weltha
  • Publication number: 20130225303
    Abstract: A helicopter amusement apparatus, which enables hovering, climbing and descending, and flying back and forth in a play helicopter by force of muscles with excellent steering performance. The helicopter amusement apparatus is equipped with a hydraulic system, which enables positioning a balancing weight in a suitable location to obtain equilibrium according to the weight of the using pilot to enable lifting and driving the cockpit by means of a small force generated by a rotor activated by the power source of the pilot's feet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Gal Goldner, Iftah Geva
  • Patent number: 8038541
    Abstract: A motion-based system includes one or more passenger units, gimbaled about three axes, movably attached to arms or slots in a planar system extending radially from a central hub. The passenger units may be positioned along the arms any distance from the central hub thereby providing means for varying forces to be exerted thereon while maintaining a constant rotational speed. The mobile passenger units further provide means for loading and unloading subjects during operation of the system. The means includes passenger units being moved to the central hub location where they are disengaged from the rotating system and safely loaded and unloaded. Computers control the rotational speed of the system and the movements of the passenger units about at least three axes based on inputted or real-time data. The data can simulate real events, be arbitrarily developed or be based on real time events. The motion-based system has both training and amusement purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Jared Freeman Solomon
  • Patent number: 7744476
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a fairground attraction, including an arm which is mounted for rotation about a shaft in a bearing arranged in the top of the frame, on an end of which arm at least one people carrier is suspended, a device for rotatingly driving the arm, and a device for displacing the at least one people carrier in height direction in a rest position of the arm, which displacing device is arranged between the top supporting the bearing and the remaining part of the frame. In one embodiment of the present invention, the top can be pivotable relative to the remaining frame part, for instance about a lying axis which lies transversely of the rotation axis of the arm, and the displacing device can include a drive for causing pivoting of the top. The fairground attraction can further be provided with a device for blocking the displacing device during operation of the fairground attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: K.I.G. Heerenveen B.V.
    Inventor: Hette Knijpstra
  • Patent number: 7640862
    Abstract: A roller coaster includes a cab that is rotatable between position for loading and unloading of passenger(s) and a position for riding the roller coaster. The cab includes a sliding pad mechanism, which is slidable on station entry and/or exit cams to move the cab between the two positions. In the position for loading and unloading the passenger(s), the cab is arranged so that the passenger(s) are non-parallel to a track of the roller coaster, and in the position for riding, the cab is arranged so that the passenger(s) are substantially parallel to the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Antonio Zamperla S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Zamperla
  • Patent number: 7156054
    Abstract: An animal walker or conditioning system. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a horse walker or conditioner incorporating a direct drive hydraulic motor, the motor configured to provide a powered bearing surface to support and axially rotate a vertical shaft having laterally extending arms emanating therefrom, which arms can be utilized to direct a horse or other animal in a circular path about the vertical shaft. The unique design utilizes an off the shelf direct drive hydraulic motor and conventional power system, with the hydraulic power unit preferably situated away from the vertical shaft, and power and control lines running underground to the hydraulic motor supporting the vertical shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Rick York
  • Patent number: 7008361
    Abstract: Body exercisers, usable in a plurality of modifications, encouraging exercising on sports training devices through users' emotional stimulation and intended for group exercising, games and team contests. Prior art training devices and/or any modifications of prior art training devices are used as components of a whole training device assembly, comprising: supporting resilient elements; supporting structure including a number of radially arranged and rigidly interconnected cantilever beams; training devices, each mounted on one of said radially arranged cantilever beams; an indicator of team actions' efficiency, mounted on said rigid supporting structure, visualizing the team's work quality: the velocity and the amplitude of participants' movements, and the coordination of team members' actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventors: Moshe Levin, Julia Segal
  • Patent number: 6906254
    Abstract: A mobile has mobile elements made from a solar cell, a hollow beam and a motivator. The solar cell is mounted to a substrate and connected via wires through the hollow beam to the motivator. The hollow beam supports the substrate at one end and the motivator at the other. The motivator may be a small electric fan or valved gas jet. The substrate is a flat plastic panel, such as a CD-ROM disc, a lightweight plastic sheet, and printed circuit board. The mobile elements may be connected as in a traditional Calder mobile, or in an aligned vertical stack. As the solar panels receive sufficient light, power for the motivator is generated, causing the mobile elements to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: John Reed
  • Publication number: 20040259646
    Abstract: Nested toy figures are provided depicting the likeness of sports personalities or other celebrities. A method of manufacture is provided for forming the nested toy figures using moisture resistant material, pressed wood and resin, or injection molded plastic. Raised features such as arms, hands, collars, sports equipment or other features are secured to the exterior surfaces of the nested toy figures. Moisture resistant images are printed and applied to provide substantially identical images of faces or other individualistic features in mass production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Michael E. Clark, Tao Wang, Steve Minick, Stacy Weiland
  • Publication number: 20040198501
    Abstract: A resilient elastomeric support structure for use in a ride such as a playground rock and ride or a see-saw is disclosed. The support structure comprises an elastomeric body that includes a first connection formation for connection with a supporting foundation, a second connection formation for connection with a ride body, and a connection region interconnecting the first and second connection formations. The elastomeric structure is formed of polyurethane, preferably with an ultraviolet stabiliser, which has advantageous mechanical and elastic properties and which is durable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy David Robert Henderson
  • Publication number: 20040127298
    Abstract: A ride-on toy having an aesthetically pleasing shape so as to resemble a vehicle, an animal, a cartoon character, and the like, in which a small child to be seated is photographed. One end of a retractable arm is pivotally attached to the front of the ride-on toy. While at rest, the retractable arm is disposed within a vertical channel along the front of the toy. The retractable arm is adapted to be rotated away from the channel to an outwardly extended position. A camera mount is detachably connected to the opposite end of the retractable arm. With the retractable arm rotated to the outwardly extended position, a video camera is detachably connected to the camera mount for the purpose of photographing the child who is seated in the ride-on toy. The camera mount is adapted to be rotated relative to the retractable arm so as to correspondingly tilt the camera and thereby selectively adjust the alignment of the camera with the child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Paul F. Marsden
  • Patent number: 6742308
    Abstract: A swivel joint apparatus for supplying utilities to a rotating building rotatable about a central axis has an inner, fixed spindle for securing to a fixed base of the building to extend co-axially with a central axis of rotation of the building, and an outer casing rotatably mounted on the spindle for securing to the rotatable part of the building. The spindle has a series of spaced annular flanges defining a series of annular chambers and at least one ring seal mounted on the peripheral edge of each flange for rotatable sealing engagement with the outer casing so that the casing forms an outer wall of each of the annular chambers. A lower end wall of the spindle has a plurality of ports for connection to fixed utility lines in the base for fluid supply to and from the building, each port connected through the spindle to a respective annular chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventors: Albert E. Johnstone, III, Frank W. Radlitt
  • Publication number: 20040077415
    Abstract: A combination amusement ride including an elevated track, a first passenger carriage that rides along the track, and a second passenger carriage that swings from the track or a structure supporting the track. The first passenger carriage typically includes a frame that rides along the track and seat portion that is pivotally coupled to the frame. In addition, the at least one rapid-winding winch typically propels the first passenger carriage along the track. The rapid-winding winch typically includes a power unit, a toothed rack coupled to the power unit, a pinion gear having teeth engaged with the teeth of the toothed rack, an axel having a first diameter coupled to the pinion gear, a drum having a second diameter that is significantly greater then the first diameter coupled to the axel, and a cable wound around the drum and attached to a passenger carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Kleimeyer
  • Publication number: 20030199328
    Abstract: A non-motorized object hanger for use with a swing having a seat hanger tube supported from a hub and a seat coupled to the seat hanger tube. The object hanger comprises a support member coupled to one of the seat hanger tube and seat. A hanger is coupled to the support member. A decorative object is coupled to the hanger, wherein motion is imparted to the support member by the motion of the swing. Another embodiment provides the support member is offset from the access of the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Steve Wood, Dennis Stauffer, Jesslyn E. Tankel
  • Publication number: 20030162595
    Abstract: A system provides physical stimulation of the senses of a person according to a script, which may be text alone or text accompanied by audio and video content. The system includes a storage medium having at least the script stored thereon in a text format that can be interpreted electronically. A database having entries that relate at least text words indicating a physical sensation to specific sense codes. These sense codes represents stimulation of one or more physical senses related to the mechanisms on intent of the text. A media player is used for reading out signals representing the script from the storage medium in a predetermined sequential order; and system software compares the signals representing the text being read out by the player with the entries in the database, and generating at least one of the specific sense codes when there is a match.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: RAZZ SERBANESCU
    Inventor: Razz Serbanescu
  • Publication number: 20020077187
    Abstract: A waterslide bowl element has a bottom wall configured to form a throat around a rider exit opening in the bottom of the bowl. The bowl holds an annular ring of water around the throat that slows down and conducts the rider to the exit opening and a flume in which the waterslide ride continues. The waterslide bowl may be used by riders on inner tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Alexander Stuart, David J. Cuttell
  • Patent number: 5792419
    Abstract: A disinfestation treatment chamber for treating fruit, flower and vegetable commodities subject to infestation by quarantine pests. The commodities are disinfested so as to meet quarantine restrictions without adversely affecting the quality of the commodity. The commodity is heated inside of the chamber in hot air having a relative humidity of 30-85% until the temperature of the commodity exceeds the thermal death point temperature of the target pest but is not so high as to adversely affect the quality of the commodity. The temperature of the commodity is held at this temperature until the pest is killed. The commodity is loaded into the treatment chamber in bins onto a low friction conveyor track system which transports the bins from one end of the chamber to the other. The commodities are treated while they are inside of the treatment chamber. After treatment of the commodities, the bins are unloaded using the low friction conveyor track system out of the opposite end of the treatment chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: University of Hawaii
    Inventors: Michael Ronald Williamson, Paul Martin Winkleman
  • Patent number: 5558581
    Abstract: A fairground device has a base disc driven for rotation about a central axis, seat supports carried by the base disc in a spaced relation relative to the central axis for rotation of the seat supports about a second axis, and seats mounted eccentrically relative to a corresponding second axis. In the improvement, the seats are mounted on the seat supports for rotation about a third axis extending substantially transversely to the second axis. The base disc has a plurality of longitudinally extending radial arms pivotally connected to a central hub for pivoting the radial arms about an axis extending transversely to the longitudinally extending radial arms and for carrying the seat supports. A positioning device sets the pivotable position of the radial arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Knijpstra Konstruktie B.V.
    Inventor: Hette Knijpstra
  • Patent number: 5395290
    Abstract: A fairground device having a plurality of seats, a base disc driven for rotation about a central axis and at least one seat support mounted in spaced relation relative to the central axis for rotation about a second axis. Each of the seat supports carry at least one seat mounted eccentrically relative to the corresponding second axis. The seats are mounted on the seat supports for rotation about at least one, third axis which extends substantially transversely to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Knijpstra Konstruktie B.V.
    Inventor: Hette Knijpstra
  • Patent number: 5366375
    Abstract: A motion simulator comprising a base support connected to a motion platform by hinged legs. The motion simulator is provided with an actuator for moving the motion platform relative to the base support. Preferably, each leg is defined by a lower leg portion and an upper leg portion with a separate actuator connecting the leg portions for providing actuating legs that also stabilize movement of the motion platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: John F. Sarnicola
  • Patent number: 5127657
    Abstract: The present invention provides an amusement system having a play zone consisting, in combination, of a plurality of game stages and including a travel path extending through the respective game stages; at least one carrier for receiving a player or players thereon and for moving along the travel path while causing the player or players to play a game at each of the game stages; a score processor for processing the score of the player or the scores of the players; and a representing device for representing the game in each of the game stages, the representing device providing a multi-story game by changing the game presentation mode at a game stage through which the carrier is moving or will move, depending on the total carrier score won by the player or players on the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignees: Namco Ltd., Togo Japan, Inc., N & T Co., Ltd., Akatsukikougei Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mamoru Ikezawa, Keiji Mochino