Resilient Elastomeric Structure

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.

1 . A resilient elastomeric support structure for use in a ride comprising 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 being formed of polyurethane.  
     
     
         2 . A resilient elastomeric support structure according to  claim 1  in which the polyurethane contains an ultraviolet stabilising formulation.  
     
     
         3 . A resilient elastomeric support structure according to  claim 1  or  claim 2  in which the elastomeric body is formed as a one-piece moulding.  
     
     
         4 . A resilient elastomeric support structure according to any preceding claim in which the connection formation includes a securing region.  
     
     
         5 . A resilient elastomeric support structure according to  claim 4  in which the securing region includes a flange formed in the elastomeric body.  
     
     
         6 . A resilient elastomeric support structure according to  claim 4  or  claim 5  in which the securing region includes one or more securing formations that can interact with fasteners to secure the elastomeric structure to a supporting foundation or to a ride body, as the case may be.  
     
     
         7 . A resilient elastomeric support structure according to  claim 6  in which the securing formations includes holes, through each of which a fastener, such as a bolt, can be passed.  
     
     
         8 . A resilient elastomeric support structure according to any one of  claims 4  to  7  in which the securing region is disposed such that material of the elastomeric body is held substantially in compression by a fastener.  
     
     
         9 . A resilient elastomeric support structure according to  claim 8  in which the elastomeric structure includes a respective reinforcement member provided as part of each connection formation.  
     
     
         10 . A resilient elastomeric support structure according to  claim 9  in which a reinforcement member includes an annular element, typically of metal, that lies on or adjacent to a flange that is formed integrally with the elastomeric body, and which, in use, can hold the flange in compression.  
     
     
         11 . A resilient elastomeric support structure according to any preceding claim in which the elastomeric body is covered with a defensive cover of chain mail.  
     
     
         12 . A resilient elastomeric support structure according to any preceding claim formed integrally with a ride body.  
     
     
         13 . A resilient elastomeric support structure according to  claim 12  in which the elastomeric body and the ride body and the ride body are formed as a single moulding.  
     
     
         14 . An amusement ride comprising a ride body and one or more elastomeric structures, each in accordance with any preceding claim, upon which the ride body can be supported.  
     
     
         15 . An amusement ride according to  claim 14  that has a ride body that is supported on a single support structure such that it can rock laterally and/or bounce vertically.  
     
     
         16 . An amusement ride according  claim 15  that is supported upon two spaced supporting members.  
     
     
         17 . An amusement ride according to any one of  claims 14  to  16  that is configured such that a rider or riders can sit upon the ride body.  
     
     
         18 . An amusement ride according to any one of claims  14  to  17  in which the ride body and the elastomeric body are formed as a single moulding of polyurethane.  
     
     
         19 . An amusement ride according to any one of  claims 14  to  18  in which regions of the ride body with which a rider makes direct contact may be integrally skin foamed.  
     
     
         20 . An amusement ride according to  claim 19  in which the foamed regions are formed in one moulding with non-foamed regions.  
     
     
         21 . An amusement ride according to any one of  claims 14  to  20  having additional components formed as additional mouldings.  
     
     
         22 . An amusement ride according to  claim 21  in which the additional mouldings are of flexible or rigid material.  
     
     
         23 . An amusement ride according to  claim 21  or  claim 22  in which the additional components are co-moulded with the polyurethane moulding of the ride body to cover the additional components.  
     
     
         24 . An amusement ride according to any one of  claims 21  to  24  in which the polyurethane in the region of the additional components is integrally skin foamed.  
     
     
         25 . An amusement ride according to any one of claims  14  to  24  in which ride body is shaped include representations of animals, birds, plants, machinery such as cars or rockets  
     
     
         26 . An amusement ride according to  claim 25  in which the design of the ride body is anthropomorphised by the addition of features that resemble facial features.  
     
     
         27 . A resilient elastomeric support structure substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
     
     
         28 . An amusement ride substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.