US3578326A

US3578326A - Air operated amusement device

Info

Publication number: US3578326A
Application number: US803005*A
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard L Brown
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1969-02-27
Filing date: 1969-02-27
Publication date: 1971-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 1988-05-11

Abstract

This invention relates to an amusement apparatus for use in amusement parks and like places in which a number of successive contestants may try their skill in the operation thereof. The air operated amusement device comprises a compressed air source adapted to direct an airstream through a specially mounted upright elongate nozzle to propel a lightweight spherical body located within an enclosure toward one or more elevated targets located therewithin. The amusement device is a preferred form further comprises a pair of manual-controls including a first control-lever adapted to control the airflow rate through the nozzle and including a second control-lever adapted to position the nozzle axis within a continuous plurality of conical loci of selectable slopes with a common apex surrounding a vertical datum axis whereby simultaneous manipulation of the two control levers permits tridirectional aerodynamic movement of the spherical ball toward the several targets including targets horizontally offset from the vertical datum axis.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventor Richard L, Brown 1812 Pelton Ave., Bellevue, Nebr. 68005 [21] AppLNo. 803,005 [22] Filed Feb. 27, 1969 [45] Patented Mayl1,l971

[54] AIR OPERATED AMUSEMENT DEVICE 24 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 273/101, 273/95,273/102.2 [51] 1nt.C1 ..A63b71/00 [50] FieldofSearch ..273/l.5,95, 95.3,101

[56] Reierenoes Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 921,366 5/1909 Conolly 273/95 1,278,674 9/1918 Joos 273/101(UX) 1,628,364 5/1927 Hiett 273/15 1,776,196 9/1930 Rochwarg.... 273/953 2,091,883 8/1937 Rochwarg.... 273/953 2,192,430 3/1940 Branner 273/1.5

Primary ExaminerRichard C. Pinkham Assistant ExaminerMarvin Siskind Attorney-George R. Nimmer ABSTRACT: This invention relates to an amusement apparatus for use in amusement parks and like places in which a number of successive contestants may try their skill in the operation thereof. The air operated amusement device comprises a compressed air source adapted to direct an airstream through a specially mounted upright elongate nozzle to propel a lightweight spherical body located within an enclosure toward one or more elevated targets located therewithin. The amusement device is a preferred form further comprises a pair of manual-controls including a first control-lever adapted to control the airflow rate through the nozzle and including a second control-lever adapted to position the nozzle axis within a continuous plurality of conical loci of selectable slopes with a common apex surrounding a vertical datum axis whereby simultaneous manipulation of the two control levers permits tridirectional aerodynamic movement of the spherical ball toward the several targets including targets horizontally offset from the vertical datum axis.

Patented May 11, 1971 """mun I I HHU 1 C ":f

INVEN TOR RICHARD L. BROWN A TTORNE Y AIR OPERATED AMUSEMENT DEVICE It is the general object of the present invention to provide an amusement apparatus suitable for use in amusement parks and like places wherein contestants might propel lightweight spherical bodies in several directions within a substantially cubical enclosure utilizing a stream of compressed air emerging upwardly from a nozzle located near the enclosure floor and impinging upon the spherical body causing said spherical body to be propelled toward target means located above the airstream nozzle.

It is another object of the present invention to motivate a relatively lightweight heavier-than-air spherical body within a cubical enclosure utilizing special laminar compressed airstreams whereby the well-known Bemoulli" aerodynamic effect might be employed to controllably propel the spherical body within a vertically-extending spatial zone and in which are located one or more targets that are adapted to be negotiated by the pneumatically propelled spherical body.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide twohanded control of the pneumatically propelled spherical body by the contestant whereby the amusement apparatus provides a challenge for the contestant's manual coordination and dexterity.

It is an additional object to provide an amusement apparatus that might be coin-initiated, that has a timed duration I of compressed airflow, that has a sequentially programmed set of strategically positioned targets, that has sensing means on the targets to sense the proximity thereto of the spherical ball, said sensing means being actuatably connected to a scorekeeping indicator, whereby said amusement apparatus pro vides a challenge to contestants of varying degrees of skill.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a laminar compressed airstream directed upwardly from a pivotal nozzle of fixed location whereby the spherical body might be made to negotiate targets located within a verticallyextending spatial zone having limited confines in the vertical direction and in both horizontal directions.

It is a further object to provide a challenging array of horizontally disposed hooplike targets for said pneumatically propelled spherical body within a vertically-extending spatial zone having limited confines in the vertical direction and in both horizontal directions.

It is another object to provide a single airstream nozzle of fixed location for propelling the spherical body wherein the noule is pivotably movable in a continuum of conical loci of various slopes by virtue of a remotely positioned manualcontrol lever or handle; it is an ancillary object to provide a challenging relationship between the permissible slopes of nozzle loci and the position of horizontally offset targets to tax the skill of the contestant.

With the above and other objects and advantages in view, which will become more apparent as this description proceeds, the air-operated amusement device of the present invention comprises an enclosure having a floor and a vertical datum axis, a compressed air source adapted to deliver an airstream through an elongate upright laminar-type nozzle having a fixed location at the enclosure floor, said airstream nozzle being attached with respect to the enclosure floor at the enclosure vertical axis with universal joint means whereby the nozzle elongate axis is positionable within a continuous plurality of conical loci of selectable slopes surrounding said enclosure vertical axis, at least one and preferably a plurality of targets disposed within the enclosure above the noule and accessible to a pneumatically propelled lightweight spherical body, and remotely positioned control means for varying the rate of air delivered through the noule and for positioning the nozzle with respect to the enclosure vertical axis.

In the drawing wherein like characters refer to like parts in the several views and in which:

FIG. 1 is-a perspective view of the air-operated amusement device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional elevational view taken along line 22 of 7 FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional elevational view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1. a I

FIG. 4.is a detail elevational view of the airstream nozzle.

FIG. 5 is a detail elevational view of one type target and a sensing means therefor.

The air-operated amusement apparatus device A of the present invention comprises a lofty enclosure 10 uprightly surrounding a vertical central axis y, said enclosure 10 comprising a floor 12 having substantially horizontal peripheral confines surrounding vertical axis y and having a central opening 13 at axis y. The internal volume for enclosure 10 is definable mathematically as aXbXc on the basis of a vertical height b along vertical axis y, a transverse width a along horizontal transverse axis x, and a lateral depth c along horizontal lateral axis z; axes x, y, and z are conventionally mutually perpendicular and all intersect at a common point w as at an imaginary horizontal datum plane x-z disposed immediately above floor central opening 13. The upright portions of enclosure 10 are impervious to spherical ball 20 and preferably substantially air-impervious. The transversely-disposed upright forward side of enclosure 10 is transparent so that the interior of enclosure 10 is visible to a forwardly positioned contestant, and herein, said transversely-disposed upright forward side comprises rectangular glass front panel 14 having a transverse width 0 and extending vertically upwardly from the forward transverse peripheral edge of rectangular enclosure floor 12. Completing the upright portions of enclosure 10 are rectangular panels 15l7, each panel extending upwardly from a respective peripheral edge of rectangular floor 12, and including: rearward transverse panel 15 parallel to transverse axis x and front panel 14 and having transverse width a, first lateral transparent panel 16 parallel to lateral axis 1 and having lateral dimension 0, and second lateral transparent panel 17 parallel to lateral axis 2 and to first panel 16 and having lateral dimension c. Each of the four upright, panels l4l7 is substantially parallel to vertical central axis y and has a height dimension of substantially b including at the four upright corners for enclosure 10. Enclosure 10 comprises a horizontal roof 11, including an underlying honeycomb baffling layer 21, said roof being disposed at a height of substantially b above floor 12. Overlying roof 11 also includes air-exhaust ports 18 and light-bulb illumination means 19 for the enclosure interi- Disposed immediately below enclosure floor 12 is a cabinet C housing therewithin an air compressor 30 adapted to take ambient atmospheric-pressure air through cabinet inlet port 30A and into compressor intake 30B, to compress the air to a super-atmospheric level, and to deliver the super-atmospheric air through a delivery hose 32 and finally through upwardlyextending elongate nozzle 40. Air compressor 30 might take the conventional electrically motivated form and having a 2 horsepower input rating and a l horsepower output rating. Air compressor 30 includes a control valve with control-arm 33 whereby said control-arm 33 is adapted to control the compressed airstream volumetric flow rate through delivery tube 32 and nozzle 40. Compressor 30 has a second hose 31 to exhaust excessive air through the rear of cabinet C. The transverse upper side of cabinet C forwardly of enclosure 10 provides a transversely-disposed dashboard 35 for apparatus A and for mounting therealong manual-controls, herein as

elongate leverlike handles

39 and 49. First manual-control 39 is actuatably connected to a transverse extension of control valve 33 of air compressor 30 whereby the volumetric airflow rate through delivery hose 32 and ultimately through nozzle 40 might be controllably varied by one hand of the contestant. For example, as indicated in FIG. 3, the said actuatable connection between first manual-control 39 and control valve 33 comprises an elongate control-rod 36 disposed beneath the level of enclosure floor 12 within cabinet C, the forward portion of control-rod 36 being pivotably attached to a lower portion 37 of manual-control handle 39 beneath dashboard 35. First manual-control handle 39 is adapted to pivot laterally by 5 means of pivotal connection 38 to dashboard 35 through first gimbal 34 whereby lateral movement of handle 39 is adapted to vary the volumetric air flow rate through nozzle 40 from substantially zero to some finite operable rate such as about 50 cubic feet per minute.

Upwardly-extending elongate nozzle 40 has a circular upper open end 41 disposed beneath the upper surface of enclosure floor 12 and within floor central opening 13, and of course, also disposed below imaginary horizontal datum plane x-z. As is clearly shown in HQ 4, nozzle 40 has an elongate axis t and the interior circular cross-sectional configuration of nozzle 40 diverges exponentially radially from nozzle axis t progressively downwardly from upper open end 41; thus, compressed airstreams traveling upwardly through nozzle 40 are forced to converge whereby desireable laminar airstreams are emittable through nozzle upper end 41. There is a connector 48 between the lower end of nozzle 40 and air delivery hose 32.

Nozzle 40 is attached by universal joint means to enclosure floor 12 whereby nozzle elongate axis 1 is selectably positionable along the enclosure vertical axis y and also within a con tinuous plurality of conical loci of selectable slopes having a common lower apex e.g. at substantially point 45, surrounding said enclosure vertical axis y. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, there is a horizontal subfloor 35R as a rearward extension of dashboard 35 positioned immediately below enclosure floor 12, said subfloor 35R having a central opening in vertical registry below floor opening 13. A centrally-open third-gimbal 42 is positioned within the central opening of subfloor 35R and pivotably attached to subfloor 35R with lateral pivot pins 43 whereby third-gimbal 42 is free to pivot along transverse axis x. Nozzle 40 is provided with a surrounding tubular collar 44, said collar 44 being disposed within the central opening of third-gimbal 42 and pivotably attached to third-gimbal 42 with transverse pivot pins 45 whereby nozzle collar 44 is free to pivot along lateral axis z. Thus, the universal joint means for noule 40 herein comprises elements 42-45. 1

There are means to provide directional correlation between movement of second manual-control handle 49 and nozzle 46. For example, as is shown in FIG. 2, elongate second handle 49 is surrounded by second-gimbal 46 which is pivotably attached to dashboard 35 whereby second-gimbal 46 pivots in a transverse axis (forwardly parallel to x). A medial portion of second handle 49 is pivotably attached to second-gimbal 46 with a transverse pivot pin whereby second handle 49 is pivotal with respect to second-gimbal 46 along a lateral axis parallel to 1. Accordingly, the elements described in the preceeding two sentences provides a universal joint means between second manual-control 49 and dashboard 35. There is a substantially laterally extending elongate linkage bar or rod 47, the rearward end of which is attached to nozzle connector 48 and the forward end of which is attached to a lower portion of second handle 49 below dashboard 35. Thus, pivotal directional movement of second handle 49 horizontally along axes x and z causes similar pivotal directional movement of nozzle 40 at its fixed pivot point 45 i.e. the apex of the conical loci for nozzle axis t.

Lightweight spherical ball 20 is preferably hollow and provided of a resinous structural material to minimize the ball weight to a range of about to grams. The diameter of spherical ball 20 bears a ratio of 4 to 8, and preferably a ratio of 5 to 6, with respect to the diameter of nozzle upper end opening 41 whereby operable airflow rates emitted through nozzle upper end 41 will exert Bemoulli type aerodynamic levitating effects upon spherical ball 20. Moreover, the exterior surface of spherical ball 20 should be smoothly-textured to the touch, excessive surface roughness being inimical to the creation of the desired Bernoulli effect. The diameter of spherical ball 20 must be sufficiently large that when it rolls down enclosure'floor 12 toward central opening 13 it will loosely rest immediately above nozzle upper end 41, rather than wedging between nozzle 40 and floor 12 or falling downwardly into cabinet C. Ball diameters of 2 k3 inches are preferred within the aforesaid parameters.

There is at least one target e.g. 51-59, disposed within enclosure 10 above floor 12 and accessible to aerodynamically propellible spherical ball 20. Sensing means e.g. 80, might be employed in conjunction with the target to sense the proximity of the spherical ball 20 to the target. In this vane, the target sensing means might be electrically or otherwise actuatably connected to score keeping indicator 70 whereby the operator-contestant might be apprised to the number of times successful negotiation of a target by the spherical ball 20 has been attained. Many types of targets 'for ball 20 might be employed within the spirit of this invention. Moreover, the target means might employ one or more movable targets, or one or more stationary targets, so long as the at least one target is disposed within a vertically extending target spatial zone commencing vertically upwardly from a horizontal lower limit for the target zone that is at least 2-ball diameters above floor central opening 13.

A preferable target means is shown in F168. 1, 2, and 5, and comprises nine identical stationary targets 51-59, each target comprising an annular ring having a substantially circular central opening disposed within a substantially horizontal plane. The diameter of the central opening for each annular target 51-59 is larger than the diameter of spherical ball 20 whereby ball 20 might be made to pass vertically therethrough to successfully negotiate same. A plurality of said horizontal annular targets might be fixedly attached to a stationary vertical support rod e.g. support rods 61-63 each attached to enclosure roof 11 and extending downwardly therefrom in substantially parallelism to vertical axis y. For example, first support rod 61 disposed vertically adjacently alongside the enclosure upright rearward comer provided by intersecting

panels

15 and 16 carries targets 51-53 at fixed vertical intervals therealong with the three target central openings being vertically aligned. Second support rod 62 disposed vertically adjacently alongside vertical axis y similarly carries targets 54- -56 with the target central openings being vertically aligned and concentric about vertical axis y. Third support rod 63 disposed adjacently alongside the enclosure upright forward comer provided by intersecting

panels

14 and 17 similarly carries targets 57-59 with the target central openings being vertically aligned. Thus, there are three vertical columns of annular targets including first column 51-53 and third column 57- -59, the member targets being vertically aligned laterallyand-transversely outwardly of vertical axis y, and including second column 54-56, the member targets being concentric about vertical axis y. Moreover, there is an uppermost row of three

coplanar targets

53, 56, and 59; an intermediate row of three

coplanar targets

52, 55, and 56; and a lowermost row of three

coplanar targets

51, 54, and 57, whereby the target spatial zone extends upwardly from the lowermost row to the uppermost row. The loftiest" target is defined herein as that having the greatest vertical distance from nozzle upper end 41 along vertical axis y, and accordingly, would be

coplanar targets

53, 56, and 59. The most remote target is defined herein as that having the greatest total distance from nozzle upper end 41, and accordingly, would be

targets

53 and 59.

Having described a typical array of annular targets in the preceeding paragraph, certain further parameters will now be explained, said parameters being based upon observed effects of Bemoulli"- airstreams through nozzle 40 upon ball 20 toward targets 51-59 within enclosure 10. ldeal Bernoulli" aerodynamic levitation of spherical ball 20 exists when nozzle axis 2 is perfectly vertical and lies along axis y. However, obliquely sloping positions for nozzle axis t progressively away from vertical axis y result in progressively greater horizontal airflow vectors along axes x and z, and a progressively lesser vertical airflow vector along axis y to the progressive detriment and ultimate loss of Bemoulli" levitation effects upon spherical ball 20. Because of the inimical effect of excessive horizontal airflow vectors upon ball levitation, the most remote target negotiable by spherical ball 20 is necessarily spaced less than 5 to 7-ball diameters in the horizontal direction from nozzle upper end 41 i.e. from reference point w. The loftiest target negotiable by a spherical ball 20 up wardly levitatable with laminar airflow is necessarily spaced less than about to l2-ball diameters in the vertical direction from nozzle upper end opening 41.

Laminar airstreams are essential to aerodynamically levitate spherical ball 20 according to the Bernoulli principle, and thus, turbulent airflow patterns within enclosure 10 must be minimized. Air turbulence is apt to be developed at the upper portions of enclosure 10 adjacent to the air-exhaust port(s) unless the upper extremity of the enclosure roof is screenlike or has some other uniform and populous distribution of air-exhaust ports. However, such excessively-open roofs do not provide a reasonably sound-proof apparatus, and for this reason substantially solid roofs 11 with air-exhaust ports 18 of minimal size are preferred, together with a honeycomb horizontal baffling layer 21 disposed immediately below ports 18 to ensure laminar airflow at the

loftiest targets

53, 56, and 59. The vertical distance between the lofticst targets and enclosure roof can be less than 4-ball diameters if the vertical distance between said lofties'. targets and baffling 21 exceeds Z-ball diameters.

A typical sensing means 84 on a target for sensing the desired type of proximity of spherical ball 20 to the target is represented in the FlG. 5 detail elevational view. The type of proximity sensing means 80 illustrated in FIG. 5 with reference to lowest annular target 54 of second support rod 62 to sense the vertical passage of spherical ball 20 through the central opening of annular target 54 might be duplicated for each of the remaining targets 5l53 and 55-59. Sensing means 80 comprises electrical switch 81 mounted on support rod 62 and electrically connected to scorekeeping indicator 70, said switch 81 including a laterally-extending actuationpin 82 for switch 81. Actuation-pin 82 has a slotted end to accommodate the lower end 86 of wand 85, there being spring means within the switch housing exerting a clockwise resilient force upon actuation-pin 82. Attached to support rod 62 above actuation-pin 82 and extending laterally forwardly thereof is stoppin 83, said stop-pin 83 providing a clockwise limit for wand 85. Wand 85 comprises a length of wire includ ing said lower end 86 attached to actuatiompin 82, and upper end 87, a 135 angular bend 38 at stop-pin B3, and a rightangle bend 89 medially between 88 and 87 whereby the said right-angle bend 89 extends transversely into the central opening of target 54. Thus, as spherical ball 20 moves vertically through the central opening of target 54, said proximal ball 20 .causes a momentary sensing movement of wand section 87- -89 toward support rod 62 and a momentary counterclockwise movement of actuation-pin 82 of electrical switch 81, said ball proximity being automatically indicated on score keeping means 70.

While the immediately preceeding paragraphs have described a representative combination of target means together with sensing means for levitating spherical ball 20 and a score keeping indicator means 70, a multitude of other specific combinations is possible. For example, six additional support rods analogous to 61-63, each support rod carrying a column of three annular targets analogous to 51-59, might be employed for a total of 27 targets arranged with nine targets in the uniplanar uppermost row, with another nine targets in the uniplanar intermediate row, and with the remaining tar gets in the uniplanar lowermost row. With this 27 targets embodiment, three columns of targets might be positioned along transverse axis x, with another three columns positioned along rearward panel including at both the enclosure rearward comers, and with the remaining three columns positioned along forward panel 14 including at both the enclosure forward corners. Each target might carry in addition a tiny light bulb illuminator, the individual illuminntors being remotely actuated according to a sequential program whereby the con testant is directed to negotiate the targets with spherical ball acmrding to said sequential actuation of the illurninators. So as to develop the contcstant's confidence in his ability to manipulate manual-

controls

39 and 49, the said sequential program could direct the contestant initially towards the easier targets e.g. targets 54-56, and ultimately towards the most difiicult targets e.g.

remote targets

53 and 59. To further tax the contestants skill, air compressor 30 might include a timer whereby the duration of airflow through nozzle 40 is limited to a few minutes whereby the contestant has but a limited time to negotiate the several ordered targets with spherical ball 20.

The air-operated amusement device A when embodying manualcontrols 39 and 49 offers a significant challenge to a contestants depth perception and his manual dexterity and coordination. First manualcontrol 39, herein actuatedby the contestants left hand, controls the volumetric airflow rate through nozzle upper end 41 to aerodynamically levitate spherical ball 20 by virtue of the Bernoulli" principle. When nozzle axis t lies upwardly along enclosure vertical axis y, targets 54-56 might be negotiated by spherical ball 20 simply by governing the airflow rate with first manual-control 39, and without the assistance of second manual-control 49. However, second manual-control 49 is needed to negotiate those targets spaced horizontally outwardly of axis y, by pivoting nozzle axis t about conical apex 45 so that horizontal air vectors are provided to direct spherical ball 20 towards those targets horizontally offset with respect to enclosure vertical axis y.

From the foregoing, the construction and operation of the air-operated amusement device will be readily understood and further explanation is believed to be unnecessary. However, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

lclaim:

1. An air-operated amusement device of the class wherein a compressed airstream is employed to motivate a lightweight spherical body, said air-operated amusement device apparatus comprising: I

A. An enclosure uprightly surrounding a vertical axis including a transversely-disposed upright transparent forward side, said enclosure also including a roof and a floor, said enclosure floor having peripheral confines completely surrounding the enclosure vertical axis and a floor central opening surrounding said vertical axis, the upper surface of said enclosure floor sloping downwardly from the floor peripheral confines toward the floor central opening whereby said spherical hotly when in contact with the floor upper surface will roll freely toward the floor central opening, the volume of said enclosure being substantially defined by a height along the vertical axis together with the respective lengths of two perpendicular horizontal axes including a transverse axis and a lateral axis intersecting with the vertical axis substantially at the enclosure floor, the upright portions of the enclosure providing an impervious barrier to said spherical body;

B. At least one target means disposed within said enclosure within a vertically extending target zone;

C. A transversely-disposed dashboard positioned externally forwardly of the enclosure transparent forward side;

D. A compressed air source adapted to deliver a super atmospheric airstream through a control valve adapted to control the airstream volume rate deliverable ultimately through an upwardly-extending elongate nozzle permanently positioned within the enclosure floor central opening, the upper end opening of the airstream nozzle being positioned at the enclosure vertical axis below the floor upper surface and permanently positioned within the floor central opening, the upwardlyextending nozzle being attached with respect to the enclosure floor with a universal joint whereby the nozzle elongate axis is selectably positionable along it continuous plurality of conical loci of iielcctuhlv slopes surrounding iiuid eucloiturc vertical axis, and ii. Manual-controls positioned on the daiihlmard forwardly of the enclosure transparent front panel including a 7 manual-control actuatably connected to the control valve component of the compressed air source and a further manualcontrol actuatably connected to the airstream nozzle for controlling the slope of the nozzle elongate axis.

2. The air-operated amusement device of claim 1 wherein the at least one target means comprises an annular ring, said annular ring having a substantially circular central opening disposed within a substantially horizontal plane, the diameter of said .central opening exceeding the diameter of the movable spherical body.

3. The air-operated amusement device of claim 2 wherein the annular ring target is at a fixed location within the said enclosure.

4. The air-operated amusement device of claim 3 wherein the annular ring target includes sensing means extending horizontally into the target central opening to sense the passage of the movable spherical body vertically through the target central opening.

5. The air-operated amusement device of claim 4 wherein an annular ring target surrounds the enclosure vertical axis with the target centralopening being substantially concentric about the enclosure vertical axis.

6. The air-operated amusement device of claim 5 wherein there is at least one annular ring target having its central opening disposed wholly horizontally outwardly of the enclosure vertical axis.

7. The air-operated amusement device of claim 6 wherein there is a plurality of annular targets spaced along a vertical support rod with the targets central openings being vertically aligned. Y

8. The air-operated amusement device of claim 7 wherein there are at least two of said vertical support rods including a first support rod and a second support rod, the central openings of the targets carried by the second support rod each being concentric about the enclosure vertical axis, the central openings of the targets carried by the first support rod being vertically aligned horizontally outwardly of the enclosure vertical axis.

9. The air-operated amusement device of claim 8 wherein the uppermost target on the first support rod is the most remote target from the airstream nozzle upper end, the horizontal distance between the airstream nozzle upper end and the central opening of the said most remote target being less than about 5 diameters of the spherical ball, and the vertical distance between the airstream nozzle upper end and the most remote target central opening being less than about IOdiameters of the spherical ball. g

. 10. The air-operated amusement device of claim 9 wherein the vertically loftiest of said targets is spaced less than 10 diameters of the spherical ball vertically from the airstream nozzle upper end and less than 4 diameters below the enclosure roof.

11. The air-operated amusement device of claim 10 wherein the enclosure includes an air exhaust opening disposed above the loftiest target and wherein there is a multiperforate horizontal honeycomb-type air baffling positioned immediately below the enclosure roof and communicating with the air exhaust opening, said air baffling being disposed at a distance above the loftiest target for at least 2-ball diameters.

.12. The air-operated amusement device of claim 11 wherein the sensing means is electrically actuatably connected to a score keeping indicator means.

13. The air-operated amusement device of claim 4 wherein the sensing means is actuatably connected to a score keeping indicator means; and wherein there is a pair of manual-controls on the dashboard including a first manual-control actuatably connected to the control valve component of the compressed air source and a second manual-control connected to the airstream nozzle for controlling the slope thereof.

14. The air-operated amusement device of claim 1 wherein the compressed air source is adapted to deliver a volumetric the rate of airflow through the nozzle sufficient to aerodynamically upwardly propel an untethered spherical ball.

15. The air-operated amusement device of claim 14 wherein the compressed air source together with the control valve therefor and the actuatable connection between the first of a pair of manual-controls and the compressed air source control valve are all located below the enclosure floor.

16. The air-operated amusement device of claim 15 wherein there is a pair of manual-controls on the dashboard including a first manual-control and a second manual-control; wherein the first manual-control is an upright elongate handle pivotably attached to a first-gimbal on the transverselydisposed control panel; wherein the second manual-control is an elongate handle pivotably attached to a second-gimbal so that the said second manual-control handle is pivotal in the lateral or normal direction with respect to the second-gimbal, said second-gimbal being pivotably attached to the transversely-disposed control panel so that the said second-gimbal pivots in the transverse direction; wherein the airstream nozzle is pivotably attached to a third-gimbal disposed below the floor central opening so that the said airstream nozzle is pivotal in the lateral direction with respect to the third-gimbal, said third-gimbal being pivotably attached within a central opening of an underlying horizontal subfloor disposed immediately below the enclosure floor so that thesaid third-gimbal is pivotal in the transverse direction; and wherein there is a laterally elongate linkage bar attached between the second manual-control below its pivotal connection with the secondgimbal and the nozzle below the third-gimbal whereby there is a directional movement correlation in the transverse and lateral directions between the second manual-control and the airstream nozzle commencing at mutually vertical relationships for the nozzle and the second manual-control handle to permit said continuum of conical loci for the nozzle axis.

17. The airoperated amusement device of claim 16 wherein the at least one target comprises an annular ring disposed at a fixed location within the said enclosure, said annular ring hav ing a substantially circular central opening disposed within a substantially horizontal plane, the diameter of the said central opening exceeding the diameter of the movable spherical body, the annular ring target including sensing means extending into the target central opening to sense the vertical passage of the movable spherical body through the target central opening, said sensing means being operatively electrically connected to a score keeping indicator means.

18. The air-operated amusement device of claim 17 wherein airstream nozzle interior diverges exponentially downwardly along the nozzle axis whereby a compressed airstream moving upwardly along the nozzle axis delivers a laminar airstream from the nozzle upper open end when the nozzle upper end opening is circular with a diameter of about one-half inch and when the airflow through the nozzle is less than l0 psi. at a rate less that cubic feet per minute.

19. The air-operated amusement device of claim 18 wherein the spherical ball is hollow and provided of a resinous structural material whereby the ball weight is within the range of about 5-20 grams, said resinous ball having a smoothly textured exterior surface; and wherein the ball diameter bears a ratio of 5 to 6 with respect to the diameter of the nozzle central circular upper end opening.

20. The air-operated amusement device of claim 14 wherein the airstream nozzle is adapted to deliver a laminar airstream when the airflow through the nozzle is less than 10 p.s.i. at a rate less than 100 cubic feet per minute.

21. The air-operated amusement device of claim 20 wherein the airstream nozzle internal cross section diverges exponentially downwardly progressively along the nozzle axis whereby the airstream moving upwardly therealong converges toward the nozzle upper end opening.

22. The air-operated amusement device of claim 21 wherein the upper end opening of the airstream nozzle is substantially circular; wherein the spherical ball diameter bears a ratio of 4- -8 with respect to the diameter of the nozzle central opening;

the airstream nozzle internal cross section diverges exponentially downwardly along the nozzle axis whereby the airstream moving upwardly therealong converges toward a circular open upper end for the nozzle; and wherein there is at least one aerodynamically upwardly propellable spherical ball disposed within said enclosure, the ball diameter bearing a ratio of 4 to 8 with respect to the diameter of the nozzle upper end openmg.

Claims

1. An air-operated amusement device of the class wherein a compressed airstream is employed to motivate a lightweight spherical body, said air-operated amusement device apparatus comprising: A. An enclosure uprightly surrounding a vertical axis including a transversely-disposed upright transparent forward side, said enclosure also including a roof and a floor, said enclosure floor having peripheral confines completely surrounding the enclosure vertical axis and a floor central opening surrounding said vertical axis, the upper surface of said enclosure floor sloping downwardly from the floor peripheral confines toward the floor central opening whereby said spherical body when in contact with the floor upper surface will roll freely toward the floor central opening, the volume of said enclosure being substantially defined by a height along the vertical axis together with the respective lengths of two perpendicular horizontal axes including a transverse axis and a lateral axis intersecting with the vertical axis substantially at the enclosure floor, the upright portions of the enclosure providing an impervious barrier to said spherical body; B. At least one target means disposed within said enclosure within a vertically extending target zone; C. A transversely-disposed dashboard positioned externally forwardly of the enclosure transparent forward side; D. A compressed air source adapted to deliver a super atmospheric airstream through a control valve adapted to control the airstream volume rate deliverable ultimately through an upwardly-extending elongate nozzle permanently positioned within the enclosure floor central opening, the upper end opening of the airstream nozzle being positioned at the enclosure vertical axis below the floor upper surface and permanently positioned within the floor central opening, the upwardly-extending nozzle being attached with respect to the enclosure floor with a universal joint whereby the nozzle elongate axis is selectably positionable along a continuous plurality of conical loci of selectable slopes surrounding said enclosure vertical axis; and E. Manual-controls positioned on the dashboard forwardly of the enclosure transparent front panel including a manual-control actuatably connected to the control valve component of the compressed air source and a further manual-control actuatably connected to the airstream nozzle for controlling the slope of the nozzle elongate axis.

2. The air-operated amusemeNt device of claim 1 wherein the at least one target means comprises an annular ring, said annular ring having a substantially circular central opening disposed within a substantially horizontal plane, the diameter of said central opening exceeding the diameter of the movable spherical body.

5. The air-operated amusement device of claim 4 wherein an annular ring target surrounds the enclosure vertical axis with the target central opening being substantially concentric about the enclosure vertical axis.

7. The air-operated amusement device of claim 6 wherein there is a plurality of annular targets spaced along a vertical support rod with the targets central openings being vertically aligned.

9. The air-operated amusement device of claim 8 wherein the uppermost target on the first support rod is the most remote target from the airstream nozzle upper end, the horizontal distance between the airstream nozzle upper end and the central opening of the said most remote target being less than about 5 diameters of the spherical ball, and the vertical distance between the airstream nozzle upper end and the most remote target central opening being less than about 10diameters of the spherical ball.

10. The air-operated amusement device of claim 9 wherein the vertically loftiest of said targets is spaced less than 10 diameters of the spherical ball vertically from the airstream nozzle upper end and less than 4 diameters below the enclosure roof.

12. The air-operated amusement device of claim 11 wherein the sensing means is electrically actuatably connected to a score keeping indicator means.

14. The air-operated amusement device of claim 1 wherein the compressed air source is adapted to deliver a volumetric rate of airflow through the nozzle sufficient to aerodynamically upwardly propel an untethered spherical ball.

16. THe air-operated amusement device of claim 15 wherein there is a pair of manual-controls on the dashboard including a first manual-control and a second manual-control; wherein the first manual-control is an upright elongate handle pivotably attached to a first-gimbal on the transversely-disposed control panel; wherein the second manual-control is an elongate handle pivotably attached to a second-gimbal so that the said second manual-control handle is pivotal in the lateral or normal direction with respect to the second-gimbal, said second-gimbal being pivotably attached to the transversely-disposed control panel so that the said second-gimbal pivots in the transverse direction; wherein the airstream nozzle is pivotably attached to a third-gimbal disposed below the floor central opening so that the said airstream nozzle is pivotal in the lateral direction with respect to the third-gimbal, said third-gimbal being pivotably attached within a central opening of an underlying horizontal subfloor disposed immediately below the enclosure floor so that the said third-gimbal is pivotal in the transverse direction; and wherein there is a laterally elongate linkage bar attached between the second manual-control below its pivotal connection with the second-gimbal and the nozzle below the third-gimbal whereby there is a directional movement correlation in the transverse and lateral directions between the second manual-control and the airstream nozzle commencing at mutually vertical relationships for the nozzle and the second manual-control handle to permit said continuum of conical loci for the nozzle axis.

17. The air-operated amusement device of claim 16 wherein the at least one target comprises an annular ring disposed at a fixed location within the said enclosure, said annular ring having a substantially circular central opening disposed within a substantially horizontal plane, the diameter of the said central opening exceeding the diameter of the movable spherical body, the annular ring target including sensing means extending into the target central opening to sense the vertical passage of the movable spherical body through the target central opening, said sensing means being operatively electrically connected to a score keeping indicator means.

18. The air-operated amusement device of claim 17 wherein the airstream nozzle interior diverges exponentially downwardly along the nozzle axis whereby a compressed airstream moving upwardly along the nozzle axis delivers a laminar airstream from the nozzle upper open end when the nozzle upper end opening is circular with a diameter of about one-half inch and when the airflow through the nozzle is less than 10 p.s.i. at a rate less that 100 cubic feet per minute.

22. The air-operated amusement device of claim 21 wherein the upper end opening of the airstream nozzle is substantially circular; wherein the spherical ball diameter bears a ratio of 4-8 with respect to the diameter of the nozzle central opening; and wherein the conical loci for the nozzle axis have a substantially fixed lower apex.

23. The Air-operated amusement device of claim 22 wherein the spherical ball is hollow and provided of a resinous structural material whereby the ball weight is within the range of about 5 to 20 grams, said resinous ball having a smoothly textured exterior surface; and wherein the ball diameter bears a ratio of 5 to 6 with respect to the diameter of the nozzle upper end opening.

24. The air-operated amusement device of claim 1 wherein the airstream nozzle internal cross section diverges exponentially downwardly along the nozzle axis whereby the airstream moving upwardly therealong converges toward a circular open upper end for the nozzle; and wherein there is at least one aerodynamically upwardly propellable spherical ball disposed within said enclosure, the ball diameter bearing a ratio of 4 to 8 with respect to the diameter of the nozzle upper end opening.