U.S. patent application number 10/053715 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-06 for amusement system.
This patent application is currently assigned to ORIENTAL SANGYO, LTD.. Invention is credited to Ochi, Yasushi.
Application Number | 20020068642 10/053715 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 17773258 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020068642 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ochi, Yasushi |
June 6, 2002 |
Amusement system
Abstract
An amusement system for infants is provided which gives a player
a special bodily sensation that cannot be experienced in daily
life. The amusement system comprises: a main body (10) including a
mattress (11) of a generally flat rectangular solid shape housed in
a frame (13), and pressing means (17) for externally pressing the
mattress (11); and an enclosure (20) surrounding the frame (13).
The mattress (11) comprises a bag (12) formed of a transparent
flexible urethane sheet, and a liquid component including
differently colored water and oil filled in the bag (12). The
pressing means (17) includes a driver (18) incorporating a
hydraulic cylinder, and a press plate (19) connected to a piston
rod of the hydraulic cylinder. The press plate (19) is pivoted by
the operation of the hydraulic cylinder to press a side face of the
mattress (11) from the outside toward the inside, whereby the upper
surface of the mattress (11) is waved.
Inventors: |
Ochi, Yasushi; (Osaka,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARMSTRONG,WESTERMAN & HATTORI, LLP
1725 K STREET, NW.
SUITE 1000
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Assignee: |
ORIENTAL SANGYO, LTD.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
17773258 |
Appl. No.: |
10/053715 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10053715 |
Jan 24, 2002 |
|
|
|
09417919 |
Oct 13, 1999 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
472/92 ;
472/134 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63G 31/007 20130101;
A63B 2225/62 20130101; A63B 26/003 20130101; A47C 27/085 20130101;
A63G 31/06 20130101; A63B 2208/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
472/92 ;
472/134 |
International
Class: |
A63J 003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 14, 1998 |
JP |
10-291774 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An amusement system comprising a mattress provided on a floor of
a playing space to allow a player to play thereon, the mattress
comprising a bag of a flexible sheet and fluid liquid filled in the
bag, wherein at least a top flexible sheet portion of the bag of
the mattress is transparent.
2. An amusement system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the liquid
includes a plurality of types of liquids which are immiscible with
each other and different in specific gravity.
3. An amusement system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the
plurality of types of liquids have different colors.
4. An amusement system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the bag of
the mattress is partitioned into a plurality of cells as viewed in
plan, and the liquid is filled in the respective cells, wherein at
least an adjacent pair of the cells respectively contain
differently colored liquids.
5. An amusement system comprising: an annular frame portion
comprised of an air-filled tubular bag of a flexible sheet; and a
mattress portion having upper and lower portions of a flexible
sheet, and an inner space defined by the upper and lower portions
and an inner circumference of the annular frame portion and filled
with fluid liquid, whereby a player can play on the mattress
portion.
6. An amusement system as set forth in claim 5, wherein the frame
portion comprises a plurality of annular air-filled tubular bags
vertically connected to one another as projecting upward above the
upper portion of the mattress portion.
7. An amusement system as set forth in claim 5, wherein at least
one of the upper and lower portions of the mattress portion
comprises a plurality of annular air-filled tubular bags
concentrically connected to one another.
8. An amusement system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the frame
portion comprises a plurality of annular air-filled tubular bags
vertically connected to one another as projecting upward above the
upper portion of the mattress portion.
9. An amusement system as set forth in any of claims 1 to 8,
further comprising pressing means for applying an external force to
the liquid.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an amusement system which
is mainly intended for infants and to be installed in an amusement
section in an amusement park, a department store or a
supermarket.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] As well known, various amusement systems are installed in
amusement parks and the like. For example, there are known
amusement systems which comprise a horizontal rotary shaft, arms
fixed to the shaft and a seat fixed to the arms, whereby the seat
is rotated or pivoted about the rotary shaft within a vertical
plane. With these systems, a player on the seat bodily senses the
gravity during ascent and the zero gravity during descent. That is,
the player can easily get a special bodily sensation that cannot be
experienced in daily life. These amusement systems have gained
great popularity among adolescents.
[0005] Roller coasters are also well known as amusement rides which
cause riders to feel speeds and thrills. In recent years, amusement
rides of an improved type have been proposed which are provided
with a loop portion and a sudden reverse portion for enhancement of
the feeling of speeds and thrills. These amusement systems which
also give riders a special bodily sensation that cannot be
experienced in daily life, have gained great popularity among
adolescents.
[0006] However, the aforesaid amusement systems have been developed
for adolescents who have a sufficient physical strength, and a
limited number of amusement systems have been developed for
infants.
[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide an amusement system for infants which gives infant players
a special bodily sensation that cannot be experienced in daily
life.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention to
achieve the aforesaid object, there is provided an amusement
system, which comprises a mattress provided on a floor in a playing
space to allow a player to play thereon, the mattress comprising a
bag of a flexible sheet and fluid liquid filled in the bag. The bag
of the mattress is not necessarily required to be fully filled with
the fluid liquid, but some gas may be present therein. Needless to
say, the bag needs to be gas-tight for prevention of leakage of the
liquid filled therein. The flexible sheet which forms the bag may
be stretchable.
[0009] In the amusement system having the aforesaid construction,
the player walks around on the mattress constituted by the bag of
the flexible sheet filled with the fluid liquid and, at this time,
a portion of the mattress on which the player touches down is
substantially depressed and the other portion of the mattress is
substantially raised. Therefore, the player can get a walking
feeling different from that obtained when the player walks on the
ground.
[0010] When a plurality of players simultaneously walk around on
the mattress, the upper surface of the mattress is waved in an
unexpected way. Therefore, some players are raised on the mattress
by the waving motion of the mattress caused by the other players,
thereby feeling as if they were surfing. Thus, the players can get
a surfing feeling that cannot normally be experienced, without
wetting their bodies.
[0011] In the amusement system, at least a top flexible sheet
portion of the bag of the mattress may be transparent. Where some
air is present in the bag or floatable ornamental objects are
present in the liquid, the player can see the air (air bubbles) or
the ornamental objects moving around in the bag as the player moves
around on the mattress. Therefore, the amusement system can provide
visual amusement in addition to the aforesaid special walking
feeling and surfing feeling. Further, the liquid filled in the bag
may include a plurality of types of liquids which are immiscible
with each other and different in specific gravity. With this
arrangement, the player can see the interfaces between the liquids
intricately moving as the player moves around on the mattress.
Thus, the amusement system provides an additional visually amusing
effect. In this case, the plurality of types of liquids preferably
have different colors. With this arrangement, the player can see
distinct interfaces between the liquids. Thus, the amusement system
further provides an aesthetic effect.
[0012] In the amusement system, the bag of the mattress may be
partitioned into a plurality of cells as viewed in plan, and the
liquid may be filled in the respective cells. With this
arrangement, even if the plurality of players are localized in one
portion of the mattress, a moderate waving motion of the mattress
can be ensured without extreme depression in that portion and
extreme inflation in the other portion. However, if the bag is
partitioned into too many cells, the upper surface of the mattress
is less liable to be waved. Therefore, the number of cells in the
bag should properly be determined so that the moderate waving
motion of the mattress can be ensured, and the volume of the liquid
to be filled in each cell in the bag should be smaller than the
volume of the cell. Further, at least an adjacent pair of the cells
may contain differently colored liquids. Thus, an additional
aesthetic effect and visually amusing effect can be provided by
color combination.
[0013] The amusement system may further comprise a frame which
surrounds the mattress. With this arrangement, the strength and
shape retainability of the entire mattress can be improved.
However, the frame is not necessarily required to be provided
separately from the mattress, but may be integrally attached to the
side faces of the mattress.
[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an amusement system, which comprises: an annular
frame portion comprised of an air-filled tubular bag of a synthetic
resin sheet; and a mattress portion having upper and lower portions
of a flexible sheet, and an inner space defined by the upper and
lower portions and an inner circumference of the annular frame
portion and filled with fluid liquid, whereby a player can play on
the mattress portion.
[0015] At least one of the upper and lower portions of the mattress
portion may be comprised of a plurality of annular air-filled
tubular bags concentrically connected to one another. Further, the
frame portion may be comprised of a plurality of annular air-filled
tubular bags vertically connected to one another as projecting
upward above the upper portion of the mattress portion.
[0016] The amusement systems may further comprise pressing means
for applying an external force to the liquid. The pressing means is
manually or automatically operated to partially press the liquid,
so that the upper surface of the mattress can readily be waved.
With this arrangement, even if only one player is present on the
mattress, the player can get the surfing feeling. The pressing
means is not necessarily required, because an equivalent waving
effect can be provided when a person outside the amusement system
directly presses the upper surface of the mattress by hands.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an amusement
system according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a mattress and a
frame of the amusement system;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating the amusement
system;
[0020] FIGS. 4A to 4C are schematic sectional views illustrating
the amusement system in use;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view illustrating a mattress
of an amusement system according to another embodiment of the
invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a horizontal sectional view illustrating a
mattress of an amusement system according to further another
embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIGS. 7A to 7D are schematic sectional views illustrating
modifications of pressing means of the amusement system;
[0024] FIGS. 8A and 8B are a perspective view and a schematic
sectional view, respectively, illustrating an amusement system
according to still another embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIGS. 9A and 9B are a perspective view and a schematic
sectional view, respectively, illustrating an amusement system
according to further another embodiment of the invention; and
[0026] FIGS. 10A to 10C are schematic sectional views illustrating
modifications of the amusement systems shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A
and 9B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be
described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3,
an amusement system 1 comprises: a main body 10 including a
mattress 11 of a generally flat rectangular solid shape, a frame 13
of an open top tray-like shape which houses the mattress 11, and
pressing means 17 for externally pressing the mattress 11; and an
enclosure 20 surrounding the frame 13 of the main body 10.
[0028] The mattress 11 comprises a bag 12 formed of a transparent
urethane sheet as a flexible sheet, and a liquid component
including substantially the same amounts of differently colored
water Lw and oil Lo filled in the bag 12 as shown in FIG. 4A. Some
air A is present as air bubbles scattered on a layer of the oil in
the bag 12.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the frame 13 includes four
transparent acryl side plates 14, 15 surrounding the mattress 11 of
the generally flat rectangular solid shape, and a transparent acryl
bottom plate 16 on which the mattress 11 is placed. One of the side
plates 14 has an opening 14a formed in the center thereof.
[0030] The pressing means 17 is provided adjacent the one side wall
14 formed with the opening 14a, and includes a driver 18
incorporating a hydraulic cylinder not shown, and a press plate 19
connected to a distal end of a piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder
extending through the opening 14a. The press plate 19 is held
between the one side plate 14 of the frame 13 and the mattress 11.
An upper edge of the press plate 19 is supported pivotally about an
upper edge of the side plate 14, so that the press plate 19 is
pivoted inwardly of the frame 13 by the operation of the hydraulic
cylinder, as indicated by a one-dot-and-dash line in FIG. 3, to
press a side face of the mattress 11 housed in the frame 13 from
the outside toward the inside. The driver 18 is controlled by
control means not shown so as to actuate the hydraulic cylinder at
predetermined time intervals.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the enclosure 20 is a looped bag
formed of a synthetic resin sheet such as a vinyl sheet and filled
with air for shape retention and cushioning, and is fitted around
the frame 13. The enclosure 20 extends upward to a certain height
above the upper edge of the frame 13, and the upper portion of the
enclosure 20 projects inwardly of the frame 13 to cover the upper
edge face of the rigid frame 13. Therefore, a player is prevented
from being brought into direct contact with the frame 13 when the
player inadvertently stumbles on the mattress 11.
[0032] In the amusement system 1 having the aforesaid construction,
the press plate 19 in contact with an interior surface of the frame
13 as shown in FIG. 4A is pivoted to press the side face of the
mattress 11 provided in the frame 13 as shown in FIG. 4B, whereby
the upper surface of the mattress 11 is waved to raise and sink the
player on the mattress 11. Thus, the player can get a feeling as if
he was surfing.
[0033] Where a plurality of players play on the mattress 11,
portions of the mattress on which the players touch down are
depressed and the other portion is raised as shown in FIG. 4C even
if the hydraulic cylinder of the pressing means 17 is not
operative. Therefore, the waving motion on the upper surface of the
mattress 11 is intricately changed by the plurality of players
moving around on the mattress 11, so that the amusement of the
surfing feeling can be enhanced.
[0034] When the upper surface of the mattress 11 is waved by the
pressing operation by means of the press plate 19 and by the
movement of the players, the two types of liquids, i.e., the
differently colored water Lw and oil Lo, are intricately moved in
the bag 12, and are commingled with each other to exhibit color
variations and an intricate movement in the interface therebetween.
Further, the air bubbles A present in the bag 12 move around
beneath the upper surface of the mattress 11. Since the bag 12 of
the mattress 11 is formed of the transparent urethane sheet, the
players playing on the mattress 11 can clearly see the behavior of
the interface, the color variations and the movement of the air
bubbles. Thus, the players can get the visual amusement as well as
the aforesaid surfing feeling.
[0035] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate other embodiments of the present
invention. Although the bag 12 of the mattress 11 is not
partitioned in the aforesaid embodiment, mattresses 11 shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 are different from the aforesaid embodiment in that
the bag 12 is partitioned into a plurality of cells. The other
components of amusement systems according to these embodiments are
the same as those according to the aforesaid embodiment and,
therefore, no explanation will be given thereto. The mattresses 11
which have such different constructions will hereinafter be
described.
[0036] In the mattress 11 shown in FIG. 5, the bag 12 is
partitioned into three cells by two diaphragms 12a fusion-bonded
onto the interior surface of the bag 12, and differently colored
liquids are filled in the respective cells. Where the bag 12 is
partitioned simply by the diaphragms, however, it is difficult to
transfer the pressure caused by partially pressing the mattress 11
by means of the press plate 19 to an adjacent cell, so that the
waving motion on the upper surface of the mattress 11 may be
mitigated. Therefore, the two diaphragms 12a are slacked in central
portions thereof.
[0037] In the mattress 11 shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of small
bags 12b each formed of a transparent urethane sheet are provided
in the bag 12 to form six cells in the bag 12, and differently
colored liquids are filled in the respective small bags 12b. In
this case, the urethane sheet forming the small bags 12b has a
smaller thickness and a greater flexibility than the urethane sheet
forming the outer bag 12, and the volume of the colored liquid
filled in each small bag 12b is smaller than the volume of the
small bag 12 in order to cause a sufficient waving motion in the
entire mattress 11.
[0038] In the amusement system having either of the mattresses 11
having the aforesaid constructions, the upper surface of the
mattress 11 is waved by pressing the side face of the mattress 11
by means of the press plate 19 or by the player moving around on
the mattress 11, so that the player can get the surfing feeling. In
addition, the player can get visual amusement because the various
colors of the liquids filled in the respective cells can
simultaneously be seen through the transparent urethane sheet of
the mattress 11.
[0039] Although the amusement systems according to the aforesaid
embodiments are each constructed such that the side face of the
mattress 11 is pressed from one side thereof, the method of
pressing the mattress 11 is not limited thereto. For example, as
shown in FIG. 7A, the mattress 11 may be pressed upward from the
bottom face thereof. Alternatively, a lower corner portion of the
mattress 11 may be pressed upward, or an upper peripheral portion
of the mattress 11 may be pressed downward. Where the mattress 11
is laterally pressed, the mattress 11 may be pressed not only from
one side thereof, but also from laterally opposite sides thereof
simultaneously or alternately in a time staggered manner.
[0040] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, balloon-like bags
19a of an elastic material may be provided between the mattress 11
and the side plates 14, 15 of the frame 13 and between the mattress
11 and the bottom plate 16 of the frame 13, so that the pressing of
the mattress 11 is achieved by supplying air into the bags 19a by
air feeding means such as a compressor to inflate the bags 19a. As
shown in FIG. 7C, a plate 19b may be attached to the bottom plate
16, so that the pressing of the mattress 11 is achieved by pivoting
the plate 19b upward by means of a hydraulic cylinder or the like.
As shown in FIG. 7D, a press plate 19c may be provided on an upper
peripheral surface of the mattress 11, so that the pressing of the
mattress 11 is achieved by depressing the press plate 19c by means
of a hydraulic cylinder or the like. It is preferred that a portion
of the mattress 11 other than the upper surface, e.g., the side
face or the bottom face of the mattress 11, is pressed, because the
player plays on the upper surface of the mattress 11.
[0041] The mattress 11 is automatically pressed by the pressing
means in the aforesaid embodiments, but may manually be pressed.
The pressing means is not necessarily required, because the upper
surface of the mattress 11 can be waved by directly pressing the
upper surface of the mattress 11 with hands by a person other than
the player.
[0042] Further, the bag 12 of the mattress 11 is not necessarily
required to be formed of a transparent material but, as described
above, the use of the transparent material makes it possible to
give the visual amusement to the player. The mattress 11 does not
necessarily have a generally square plan shape as shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, but may have rectangular, circular, oval or any other plan
shape.
[0043] Where the bag 12 of the mattress 11 is formed of a
transparent material, it is sufficient if at least the top portion
of the mattress 11 is transparent. If the side and bottom portions
of the mattress 11 are also formed of a transparent material or a
material pervious to light, the aesthetic effect can be enhanced by
lighting the mattress 11 from the lateral and under sides
thereof.
[0044] In the aforesaid embodiments, liquids such as water and oil
are filled in the bag 12 of the mattress 11. Where the top portion
of the mattress 11 is transparent, the visually amusing effect can
be enhanced not only by coloring the liquids but also by putting
floatable ornamental objects such as balls, colored cellophane
pieces and colored particles in the liquids filled in the bag
12.
[0045] Where the bag 12 of the mattress 11 is partitioned into the
plurality of cells as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the presence of the
diaphragms 12a or the small bags 12b prevents the upper surface of
the mattress 11 from extremely sinking even if the plurality of
players are localized in one portion of the upper surface of the
mattress 11. Thus, the moderate waving motion can be ensured.
[0046] Although a single color liquid is filled in each of the
cells defined by the diaphragms 12a or the small bags 12b in the
mattress 11 shown in FIG. 5 or 6, plural types of liquids, e.g.,
water and oil, which are immiscible with each other and different
in specific gravity may be filled in each of the cells as in the
first embodiment.
[0047] In the aforesaid embodiments, the frame 13 surrounding the
mattress 11 is formed of the acryl plates, but the construction of
the frame 13 is not limited thereto. For example, the frame 13 may
be formed by connecting opposite ends of an elongated web such as
of a non-stretchable thick fabric, a vinyl chloride sheet or a net
to form a loop, in which the mattress 11 is fitted. In this case,
upper and lower edge portions of the web constituting the frame are
folded outward or inward, so that the upper and lower edges of the
web frame are rounded. Thus, the strength of the web frame is
enhanced and the mattress 11 is less liable to be damaged in
contact with the frame when the upper surface of the mattress 11 is
waved. This arrangement improves the safety of the players, and
provides various effects. Further, the strength of the frame can be
enhanced by fitting reinforcement wires along the upper and lower
edges of the web, and folding the upper and lower edge portions
along the wires.
[0048] The frame and the mattress are not necessarily separate
members as in the aforesaid embodiments. For example, a mattress
portion 11a may be formed integrally with a frame portion 13a in
such a manner that the frame portion 13a is produced by filling an
annular tubular bag of a synthetic resin sheet with air and top and
bottom openings of the frame portion 13a are closed with flexible
sheets such as of urethane, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In this
case, it is important to fill a smaller volume of liquid into the
mattress portion 11a and to provide some slack between the frame
portion 13a and the flexible sheet closing the top opening of the
frame portion 13a in order to cause the moderate waving motion on
the upper surface of the mattress portion 11a.
[0049] Further, a balloon-like bag 19a of an elastic material may
be provided in the mattress portion 11a. With this arrangement, the
liquid filled in the mattress portion 11a can be pressed by
supplying air into the bag 19a by air feeding means such as a
compressor to inflate the bag 19a. Thus, the upper surface of the
mattress portion 11a can be waved.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, an air mat a obtained by
connecting a plurality of air-filled tubular bags may be employed
instead of the urethane sheet to form the top surface of the
mattress portion 11a. This improves the strength of the mattress
portion 11a and the players' footing stability.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C, the frame portion 13a
may be formed by vertically connecting a plurality of annular
air-filled tubular bags. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B,
the mattress portion 11a may be integrated with the frame portion
13a in such a state that the mattress portion 11a sinks within the
frame portion 13a. In this case, the frame portion 13a per se has
the same function as the enclosure 20, obviating the need for the
provision of the enclosure 20.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, an air mat b obtained by
connecting a plurality of air-filled tubular bags may be employed
instead of the urethane sheet to form the bottom surface of the
mattress portion 11a. This imparts the mattress portion 11a with a
cushioning property.
[0053] Further, the shape retainability of the entire mattress 11
may be enhanced by forming the side walls of the mattress 11 from a
reinforced rubber or a plastics material. In this case, the frame
is not necessarily required.
[0054] Although the frame 13 has the bottom plate 16 on which the
mattress 11 is placed in the aforesaid embodiments, the bottom
plate 16 is not necessarily required. The mattress 11 may be placed
directly on a floor. A cushioning material having a substantial
thickness may be provided on the bottom plate 16 or the floor, on
which the mattress 11 is placed. With this arrangement, the players
are less susceptible to shocks thanks to the presence of the
cushioning material even if the upper surface of the mattress 11 is
depressed to a greater extent.
[0055] Although the bag 12 of the mattress 11 filled with the
liquids is sealed in the aforesaid embodiments, a pipe may be
connected to the bag 12 as projecting upward to a certain height so
that the inside of the bag 12 is open to the atmosphere. When the
mattress 11 is pressed by the pressing means 17 or the like, a
certain volume of the liquids pushed aside by the pressing of the
mattress is expelled from the bag 12 into the pipe to cause the
waving motion on the upper surface of the mattress 11.
[0056] Further, heating means such as an electric heater is
preferably provided on the bottom face or side face of the mattress
11 so that the entire mattress 11 can be heated to be maintained at
a moderate temperature, because the temperature of the mattress 11
may be reduced in winter.
[0057] Although the mattress 11 housed in the frame 13 is enclosed
simply by the enclosure 20 in the aforesaid embodiments, the entire
system is preferably surrounded with a net or the like to prevent
the players from jumping out of the mattress 11.
* * * * *