ES2314504T3 - GAME DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

Game installation, comprising: a hollow game structure (2, 8, 30) that has a playing surface on which game users can play at least by sliding down, the playing surface (3, 9; 31) a transparent element with a vertical surface, an oblique surface or a stair-shaped surface, and being made of a transparent material; said playing surface being defined by the outer side of the transparent element; liquid jet ejection means (20, 21, 40) for expelling jets of a pressurized liquid against a surface that is the inner surface of the transparent element, the liquid jet ejection means being arranged at a higher position in the inside the hollow part of the game structure; and liquid supply means (15, 16, 46) to pressurize the collected liquid in a lower area inside the hollow part of the play structure and supply the pressurized liquid to the liquid jet ejection means, the playing surface of the game structure (2) being an oblique surface to allow game users to slide down the playing surface.

Description

Game device

Background of the invention Technical field

The present invention relates to installations of play in playgrounds of amusement parks, large warehouses, supermarkets or similar.

Description of the related technique

A commonly known game facility, which can be mounted in amusement parks or similar, is the called "water slide", and consists of a slide that It has a sliding surface through which the game user can slide down and it is equipped with a system of water pumping that causes water to circulate down through said sliding surface of the slide, so that the game user can slide down the sliding surface together with the circulating water. (Compare publication of Japanese unexamined patent application number 2000-167254A, US-B-6413165).

In said water slides, the resistance by friction between the game user and the sliding surface decreases when said game user slides down by a sliding surface through which water circulates, so that the Game user swipe speed increases, allowing this game user to enjoy the speed when going down the slide while immersed in the circulating water.

However, although the water slides conventional allow to obtain these effects, they present  the disadvantage that its general configuration is very voluminous, and it is virtually impossible to install them in children's areas interiors of department stores, supermarkets, etc., and other problem is that they can only be used during summer. Also, because the sliding speed can be very fast, they are suitable for children above a determined height, but not for preschoolers.

In the document US-B-6176027 discloses a cascade water supply system to improve the appearance aesthetics of a room.

Brief Summary of the Invention

In view of the situation described previously, an objective of the present invention is to make known a game facility that can be used safely by preschoolers and it can be mounted indoors. TO effects of obtaining the objectives of the present invention mentioned above, a game installation is disclosed according to claim 1.

First, in the present installation of set, a predetermined amount of liquid is supplied and is collected in the lower part of the hollow part of the structure of game. Then the collected liquid is pressurized by the liquid supply means and is supplied to the means of ejection of liquid jets, which expel liquid jets against the inner surface of the transparent element that It constitutes the playing surface. The ejected liquid decreases its speed along the inner surface of the element transparent, and it is possible to see from the outside, through said transparent element, how said liquid circulates towards down. The game user can play on the playing surface while watching the river-like circulation of the liquid to through the transparent element, and you can imagine that you are playing in a stream or in a waterfall that runs along a cliff, without come into contact directly with the liquid. In consecuense, It is possible to play not only in summer, but throughout the year.

In addition, the liquid circulates inside the hollow part of the game structure, so that there is no risk of leaks of said liquid to the outside, and it is possible mount the game facility in an indoor playground or similar without taking any special measures against leaks.

The game structure can be configured so that the playing surface is an oblique surface, and the game user can slide down that surface of game. This game structure configuration is corresponds to a slide, so that the game user can experience a sensation similar to that experienced on a slide of water through which said user slides down in a water stream. This configuration also allows its use Safely by preschoolers.

The playing structure may also be configured so that the playing surface is a vertical surface or an oblique surface, with a plurality of protrusions fixed to said playing surface. The bumps can mimic small logs or rocks, for example. If they have a trunk shape, they can be arranged so that they form a ladder, and if they are shaped like small rocks, they can be arranged so
irregular.

Therefore, the game user can experience a sensation similar to climbing rocks in a waterfall that runs along a precipice.

It is also possible to arrange a plurality of liquid jet ejection means aligned with a predetermined separation between a higher position and a position lower inside the hollow part of the structure of game. In this way, it is possible to form a liquid flow without interruption along the entire inner face of the element transparent, which is especially effective in the case of use the ladder-shaped playing surface.

The game installation can also include lighting means to illuminate the interior of the hollow part of the game structure, going through the light that illuminates the inside of said hollow part the transparent element and being visible from the outside. In this way, the liquid stream illuminated is accentuated by such illumination, which, together with the lighting effect, it allows to obtain a installation with a playful environment.

As explained in detail above, in the present invention, the playing surface of The hollow play structure is made from an element transparent, and a pressurized liquid is ejected against the inner face of said transparent element, so that the game user can play on said game surface while observe a stream of liquid similar to a river or a waterfall that runs through the transparent element. In addition, the user of game may experience a feeling similar to playing in a river or in a waterfall that runs along a cliff without coming into contact directly with the liquid. Also, the use of the game does not is limited to summer, but it is possible to use it throughout the year, and the game installation can be mounted on an indoor or similar children's area.

Also, aligning a plurality of means of ejection of liquid jets with a predetermined separation between an upper position and a lower position inside of the hollow part of the game structure, it is possible to conform a fluid flow without interruption along the entire face inside of the transparent element. In addition, providing means of lighting to illuminate the interior of the hollow part of the play structure, the illuminated liquid stream is accentuated by said lighting, which, together with the effect of the lighting, allows to obtain an installation with an environment playful

From the following detailed description, in combination with the accompanying drawings, the objectives, previous features, aspects and advantages of this invention, as well as other additional elements, will result Obvious to those skilled in the art.

Brief description of the views of the drawings

Figure 1 is a side sectional view of a game installation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of the game installation of figure 1, taken in the direction of the arrow A;

Figure 3 is a rear view of the game installation of figure 1, taken in the direction of the arrow B;

Figure 4 is a side sectional view of a game installation according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a side sectional view of a game installation according to another additional embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a rear view of the game installation of figure 5, taken in the direction of the arrow C;

Figure 7 is a rear view of a game installation according to another embodiment of the present invention, taken in the same direction as figure 6;

Figure 8 is a side sectional view of a game installation according to another additional embodiment of the present invention; Y

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken in the direction of the arrows according to the D-D line of the figure 8.

Detailed description of the invention

The description will follow of preferred embodiments of the present invention, making Reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a view in side section of a game installation according to a embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a view front of the game installation of figure 1, taken in the direction of arrow A. Figure 3 is a rear view of the game installation of figure 1, taken in the direction of the arrow B.

As Figure 1 shows, the installation of Game 1 of the present example includes a first structure of game 2, a second game structure 8, a supply system of liquid 15, liquid jet ejection nozzles 20 and 21, and lighting lamps 22 and 23.

The first game structure 2 is equipped with an air-tight hollow structure formed by an element upper oblique 3 and a lower oblique element 4, an element bottom 5 and two side elements 6. The oblique element upper 3 and the lower oblique element 4 are arranged one over the other with a predetermined vertical separation, and both they have a substantially S-shaped side section. lower element 5 is fixed to the lower ends of the upper oblique element 3 and lower oblique element 4. The two lateral elements 6 are fixed to the two lateral ends of the upper oblique element 3 and the lower oblique element 4, respectively. Side protection elements 7 are arranged on each side of the upper element 3.

The second play structure 8 is provided with an air-tight hollow structure formed by an upper stair-shaped element 9, a lower element 10, a lower element 11 and two lateral elements 12. The lower element 10 is arranged obliquely. and at a predetermined distance below the upper element 9. The lower element 11 is fixed to the lower ends of the upper element 9 and the lower element 10. The two lateral elements 12 are fixed to the two lateral ends of the upper element 9 and the element lower 10, respectively. In addition, railings 13 are arranged on each side of the element
upper 9.

The first game structure 2 and the second play structure 8 are joined together by their top, so that its hollow parts are communicated, and said union is supported by a hollow support pillar 14. The nozzle of ejection of liquid jets 20 is arranged near the end upper inside the hollow part of the first structure 2, and the liquid jet ejection nozzle 21 it is arranged near the upper end inside the part hollow of the second play structure 8. The lower ends of the first game structure 2 and the second structure of game 8 are both in contact with the ground G located below. Also, the upper oblique element 3, the oblique element bottom 4, the bottom element 5 and the side elements 6 of the first game structure 2, as well as the upper element 9, the lower element 10, lower element 11 and the elements sides 12 of the second support structure 8 are made all of them from transparent elements, such as plates Acrylics

The liquid supply system 15 is formed by a pump 16, water inlet ducts 17 and 18 and a water supply conduit 19. Pump 16 is arranged at the bottom of the interior of the hollow part of the pillar of support 14. Crossing the lower oblique element 4 of the first play structure 2, one end of the water inlet conduit 17 is connected to the lower part of the interior of the hollow part of the first structure of game 2, and crossing the pillar of support 14, the other end of the water inlet conduit 17 is connected to the pump 16. Similarly, through the element bottom 10 of the second play structure 8, one end of the water inlet conduit 18 is connected to the lower zone in the interior of the hollow part of the second play structure 8, and crossing the support pillar 14, the other end of the conduit of water inlet 18 is connected to pump 16. One end of the water supply conduit 19, which is arranged inside of the hollow part of the support pillar 14, is connected to the pump 16, and the other end branches into two ducts, a conduit 19 'which is connected to the ejection nozzle of jets of liquid 20, and another conduit 19 '' that is connected to the liquid jet ejection nozzle 21.

As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the liquid jet ejection nozzles 20 and 21 are formed by tubes that are arranged according to the direction side of the first play structure 2 and the second play structure 8, and the jet ejection holes are practiced at a predetermined separation according to the direction longitudinal of said tubes. The liquid is ejected by jet from the jet ejection holes of the nozzle of ejection of liquid jets 20 towards the back surface of the upper oblique element 3, and from the ejection holes of jets of the liquid jets ejection nozzle 21 towards the rear surface of the upper element 9.

The lighting lamps 22 are fixed to the lower side of the lower oblique element 4 and, similarly, the lighting lamps 23 are fixed to the lower side of the lower element 10. Electric power is supplied to the lighting lamps 22 and 23 from a power source (no shown in the drawings) to light these lamps.

In game installation 1 according to the present example and configured as described above, it supplies a predetermined amount of liquid L (water, per example) which is collected in the lower areas of the hollow part of the first game structure 2 and the second structure of game 8.

Then the power is supplied electric to lighting lamps 22 and 23 and pump 16 is activated Therefore, the liquid L contained in the first game structure 2 and in the second game structure 8 is absorbed by pump 16 through the inlet ducts of water 17 and 18, is pressurized by said pump 16 and is supplied to through the supply line 19 towards the nozzles of ejection of liquid jets 20 and 21.

The liquid L supplied to the nozzle of ejection of liquid jets 20 is ejected from the jet ejection holes against the rear surface of the upper oblique element 3, and said jet ejected liquid L runs down along said rear surface of the upper oblique element 3, so that it is possible to observe from the exterior through the upper oblique element 3 how the low liquid by said upper oblique element 3.

Similarly, the liquid L supplied to the liquid jet ejection nozzle 21 is ejected in jet from the jet ejection holes against the rear surface of the upper element 9, and said liquid ejected by jet L runs down along said rear surface of the upper element 9, so that it is possible to observe from the outside through the upper element 9 how the liquid falls through said upper element 9.

Also, thanks to the lighting of the lamps 22, the interior of the hollow part of the first play structure 2 is illuminated through the lower oblique element 4, and the effect of the liquid that runs down the oblique element upper 3 is accentuated by such lighting, so that, Together with the lighting effect, it is possible to obtain An installation with a playful atmosphere.

Also, in the second game structure 8, the interior of the hollow part is illuminated through the element bottom 10 by lighting the lamps 23, and the effect of the liquid that runs down along the element upper 9 is accentuated by such lighting, so that, Together with the lighting effect, it is possible to obtain An installation with a playful atmosphere.

Thanks to the described configuration of the game installation, the game user can enjoy such installation as explained below.

First, the game user goes up by the upper stair-shaped element 9 of the second play structure 8, and when you get up you sit and slide down by the upper oblique element 3 of the first Game structure 2 in sitting position.

While sliding down, the user of the game can observe the flow of liquid in the form of river through of the upper element 9 and the upper oblique element 3, and can imagine yourself walking or sliding through a Stream or waterfall on bare rocks. Specifically For young children, such as preschoolers, this constitutes a new sensation not experienced until then, multiplying in this way the fun.

In addition, the liquid stream is generated in the interior of the hollow parts of the first game structure 2 and the second game structure 8, so that the user of the game will not get wet while playing, it is possible to play throughout the year, and not only in summer.

Also, in game installation 1 of In this example, there is no risk of liquid leaking outside, and it is possible to mount the game installation in a children's area inside or similar without taking any special action against leaks

The above description consists of a explanation of an embodiment of the present invention, but not constitutes a limitation of the different configurations that can be used in the present invention.

For example, in the previous example, the liquid jet ejection nozzles 20 and 21 are arranged near the upper end inside the part hollow of the first and second play structures 2 and 8, although this does not constitute a limitation, and it is also possible to extend the second branch 19 '' of the water supply duct of oblique way down, along the upper side of the lower element 10, and connect a plurality of nozzles of liquid jet ejection 21 with a predetermined separation at said water supply conduit 19 '', as can be seen in figure 4.

With this configuration, it is possible form a flow of liquid without interruption throughout the rear face of the upper element 9, which results especially effective in the case of using an upper element 9 shaped stairs.

The structure of the first and second play structures 2 and 8 can also be as shown in Figures 5 and 6, in which a modified example of the second game structure 8 shown in Figure 1 can be seen. it is a rear view of the game installation of figure 5, taken in the direction of the arrow
C.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the second play structure 30 shown in the figures is provided with a hollow structure air tight and formed by an oblique element upper 31, a lower oblique element 32, a lower element 33 and two lateral elements 34. The upper oblique element 31 and the lower oblique element 32 are arranged obliquely, in parallel and at a predetermined distance. Bottom element 33 is fixed to the lower ends of the oblique element upper 31 and lower oblique element 32. The two elements laterals 34 are fixed to the two lateral ends of the element upper oblique 31 and lower oblique element 32, respectively. In addition, a plurality of shaped protuberances of bar 35 (trunk-shaped) are fixed forming a ladder to the surface (playing surface) of the oblique element upper 31.

Therefore, the game user can scale while resting your hands and feet on the bumps shaped bar 35, and you may experience the sensation of climbing rocks by a waterfall that runs along a cliff.

Alternatively, it is also possible to set small rock-shaped bumps 36 according to a pattern irregular, as can be seen in figure 7, instead of use bar-shaped protrusions 35. Also in this case, the game user can scale while supporting his hands and feet on the bumps shaped like small rocks 36, and can experience the sensation of climbing rocks through a waterfall that runs along a cliff.

Also, there is no limitation specific to the shape of lighting lamps 22 and 23, and it is also possible that they are waterproof and arranged in the interior of the hollow part of the first and second play structures 2 and 8.

In addition, as can be seen in the figures 8 and 9, a configuration without the elements is also possible lower obliques 4, 32, the support pillar 14 and the conduit of water inlet 17, a jet ejection part being provided of liquid 40 instead of the jet ejection nozzles of liquid 20 and 21, a water supply conduit 46 instead of the water supply conduit 19 and a lower element 47 instead of the lower elements 5 and 33. It should be noted that Figure 8 it is a side sectional view showing an installation of game according to the present alternative embodiment of the present invention and that figure 9 is a sectional view taken in the direction of the arrows according to the D-D line of the figure 8.

The first game structure 2 and the second play structure 30 are configured so that the elements upper obliques 3 and 31, side elements 6 and 34 and the lower element 47 form a hollow and sealed space connected inside, collecting a predetermined amount of liquid L in its lower part. In addition, lighting lamps 22 and 23 are supported by side elements 6 and 34, which are covered by means of coverage adequately.

The ejection part of liquid jets 40 it is arranged near the part that joins the first structure of Game 2 and the second game structure 30 with each other. The part of ejection of liquid jets 40 is formed by a first L 41-shaped jet ejection element, one second L 42-shaped jet ejection element and an element of separation 43. The first ejection element of shaped jets of L 41 is fixed to the lower face of the upper oblique element 3, and is supported between the two lateral elements 34. The second jet ejection element 42 is fixed to the face lower of the upper oblique element 31, is supported between the two side elements 6, and one of its ends is connected to one end of the first jet ejection element 41. The separation element 43 is disposed between the lower face of the ends at which the upper oblique elements 3 and 31 are join together and the upper face of the ends of the elements of ejection of jets 41 and 42. The separation element 43 separates the space formed by the jet ejection elements 41 and 42, oblique elements 3 and 31 and lateral elements 6 and 34 in two spaces (a first space 44 and a second space Four. Five).

On the other sides of the ejection elements 41 and 42 are shaped slit-shaped cuts 41a and 42a, along the width direction of the structures of set 2 and 30. In addition, one end of the water supply conduit 46 is connected to the pump 16, and the other end of said conduit Water supply 46 branches in two ducts 46 'and 46' '. The front end of a conduit 46 'is connected through the first jet ejection element 41 to the first space 44, and the front end of the other conduit 46 '' is connected through from the second jet ejection element 42 to the second space Four. Five.

With this jet ejection part of liquid 40, liquid L is supplied from pump 16 through of the water supply conduit 46 into the spaces 44 and 45, and when the pressure of the liquid L in said spaces 44 and 45 increases, said liquid L is ejected in jets by cuts 41a and 42a of the jet ejection elements of liquid 41 and 42 against the rear faces of the elements upper obliques 3 and 31.

Consequently, with the present configuration of the game installation it is also possible to obtain the effects described above. In addition, because they are not used the lower oblique elements 4 and 32, the support pillar 14 or the water supply conduit 17, it is possible to simplify the installation configuration.

Therefore, the game installation according to the The present invention can be used safely by Preschools, and can be mounted indoors without large difficulties.

To illustrate the present invention, Selected specific embodiments. However, from the above description will be evident to experts in the matter make various changes and modifications without departing of the scope of the invention, defined in the claims attached. Also, the previous description of the embodiments according to the present invention is shown only for purposes illustrative, and not as a limitation of said invention, defined in the following claims and their equivalents.

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References mentioned in the description

The list of references mentioned by the Applicant is only included for the convenience of the reader. It is not part of the European patent document. Although references have been collected carefully, no it is possible to exclude errors or omissions, and the EPO renounces all Responsibility in this regard.

Patent documents mentioned in the description

JP 2000167254 A

US 6413165 B

US 6176027 B

Claims (1)

1. Game installation, comprising:

a structure hollow game (2, 8, 30) that has a playing surface in the that game users can play at least by sliding towards below, the playing surface (3, 9; 31) being an element transparent with a vertical surface, an oblique surface or a stair-shaped surface, and being made of a transparent material; said playing surface being defined on the outer side of the transparent element;

means of ejection of liquid jets (20, 21, 40) to expel jets of a liquid under pressure against a surface that is the surface inside the transparent element, the means of ejection of liquid jets in a superior position in the inside the hollow part of the game structure; Y

means of liquid supply (15, 16, 46) to pressurize the liquid collected in a lower area inside the hollow part of the play structure and supply the pressurized liquid to the liquid jet ejection means, the surface being game structure game (2) an oblique surface for allow game users to slide down the playing surface