AU744299B2 - Amusement ride - Case A - Google Patents

Description

OIL

I P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Fairmile Pty Ltd Actual Inventor Address for service is: WRAY ASSOCIATES 239 Adelaide Terrace Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: "Amusement Ride" (Case A) Details of Associated Provisional Application No(s): P06803 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 1 F- -2 -2- This invention relates to an amusement ride of a swing-type.

There are various proposals for swing-type amusement rides which are on a large scale. Several such proposals are discussed in US Patents 5,267,906 and 5,527,223.

Such amusement rides provide riders with the thrill of rapid swinging movement through the air. The swinging movement is, however, limited to a generally backand-forth swinging movement.

The present invention seeks to provide an amusement ride which can subject a rider to rotational motion additional in the back-and-forth swinging movement. It is believe that the rotational motion may enhance the thrill and excitement of the ride.

The invention -provides an amusement ride comprising a support structure, a rider support means for supporting one or more riders, a swing line suspended from the support structure and carrying the rider support means for swinging movement in a curved trajectory, and means providing for rotational motion of the or each rider relative to the swing line.

The rotational motion of the rider relative to the swing line may be a rotational ***swinging motion about a rotational axis. This rotational swinging motion may be back and forth about the rotational axis.

20 The rider support means may be connected to the swing line for pivotal movement relative thereto about a pivot axis generally parallel to the longitudinal extent of the swing line. Rotation of the rider support means about the pivot axis imparts some rotational motion to the rider.

The rider support means may also provide for rotational motion of the rider about a further axis.

-3- The two axes may be mutually perpendicular in which case the rider would be supported for swinging motion in any direction.

Means may be provided for selectively restraining rotation about one or both of the axes. In this way, the extent of swinging motion to which a rider is subjected can be controlled.

Means may be provided for inducing some rotational motion of the rider relative to the swing line as the rider support means swings back and forth along the curved trajectory. Such means may comprise one or more aerofoils on the rider support means. With this arrangement, aerodynamic reaction on the aerofoils as the rider support means swings back and forth may cause the rotational motion.

The rider support means may comprise a frame structure comprising an outer frame pivotally supported on the swing line for rotation about a first axis and an inner frame pivotally supported on the outer frame for rotation about a second axis.

The first axis is preferably parallel to the longitudinal extent of the swing line and the second axis is preferably perpendicular to the first axis. In this way, the frame structure provides a gimbal mount for supporting the rider on the swing line. With this arrangement, the or each rider may twist about the first axis and tumble about the second axis.

The rider may be carried on the frame structure in any suitable way.

**:Conveniently, seating is provided for the rider, the seating being mounted on the inner frame.

Preferably, the seating is arranged to accommodate a plurality of riders at any one time.

In other arrangements, the rider support means may comprise a seat structure or a harness structure for supporting one or more riders from the swing line.

A video camera may be attached to the rider support means for the purpose of recording the ride, if desired. Preferably, the video camera is positioned so as to have a fixed frame of reference with respect to the or each rider.

The swing line may be any suitable construction, either rigid or flexible.

However, it preferably comprises two cables suspended from the support structure.

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an amusement ride according to a first embodiment, with a rider support means being shown at a station at which riders can board or exit the rider support means; Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 with the exception that the rider support means is shown in an elevated condition ready for swinging 15 movement; Figure 3 is a side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 2 but also depicting the curved trajectory of the rider support means; Figure 4 is a schematic view of one form of rider support means; Figures 5 to 9 illustrate schematically in various stages of operation a return mechanism for returning the end of a launch line following completion of a ride in preparation for the next ride; "Figure 9 is a schematic view of a further form of rider support means; Figure 10 is a schematic view of a still further form of a rider support means; Figures 11 to 13 illustrate a further form of return mechanism; I Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of an amusement ride incorporating a still further arrangement for returning the end of the launch line in preparation for the next ride; and Figures 15 to 18 schematically illustrate the return arrangement shown in Figure 14.

Referring to Figures 1 to 9 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown an amusement ride 11 according to the first embodiment. The amusement ride 11 comprises a support structure 13 in the form of a tower and a launch structure also in the form of a tower. The support tower 13 and the launch tower 15 are spaced from one another.

The support structure 13 comprises two leg sections 17 and a bridge section 19 extending between the leg sections at the upper end thereof. The launch structure 15 is located centrally between, but spaced apart from, the two support legs 13.

The support structure 13 and the launch structure 15 are mounted on foundations 21 in the ground 22.

A swing line 23 is suspended from the bridge 19 of the support structure 13 so that it can swing through the space between the two leg sections 17. The swing line 23 comprises a pair of swing cables 25 each secured at its upper end to the bridge section 19 at anchor points 27. The two swing cables 25 extend inwardly towards each other in the downward direction and are connected to a rider support means 29 which is suspended from the two cables. With this arrangement, the rider support means 29 can swing freely on the support cables 25. The swing line 23 is of a length which is less than the spacing between the 25 support structure 13 and the launch structure The rider support means 29 is arranged to support one or more riders 30 of the amusement ride. In this embodiment, the rider support means 29 comprises a -6frame structure 31 carrying seating 33 and associated restraining means 34 for supporting the riders 30. The frame structure 31 will be described in more detail later.

The cables 25 are of a length so that the rider support means 29 is able to swing through the support structure 13 with the lowest point of its curved trajectory clear of the ground. The inwardly extending arrangement of the cables 25 serves to guide the support means 29 centrally through the support structure 13 thereby clearing the leg sections 17.

The riders 30 enter and leave the support means 29 from a station 33 adjacent the base of the support structure 13, as will be explained in more detail later.

Means 35 are provided for raising the rider support means 29 from the station 33 into an elevated condition from which it can be released to swing freely through a swing path having a curved trajectory as depicted by dotted line 37 in Figure 3 of the drawings.

The means 35 for raising the support means 29 into the elevated condition comprises a launch cable 41 supported by the launch structure 15. The launch cable 41 passes over a pulley 43 supported on the launch structure 15 and descends downwardly to a winch 45 located at ground level adjacent the base of the launch structure 15. The winch 45 operates to extend and retract the launch cable 41. The free end 47 of the launch cable 41 is adapted to be releasably coupled to rider the support means 29 by way of a quick release coupling 49. The coupling 49 also provides weight on the free end 47 of the launch cable. The quick release- coupling 49 may be operable by a rider 30 in the rider support means 29 or remotely by an operator controlling operation of the amusement ride.

The launch cable 41 is coupled to the support means 29 at station 33 at the commencement of the ride. The winch 45 is operated to wind in the launch cable 41 and thereby raise the rider support means 29 through the swing path 37 into .4 4 4.-At~~zC$i4S4..t -7the elevated condition shown in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings. When the launch cable 41 is detached from the rider support means 29 by operation of the quick release coupling 49, the rider support means 29 swings freely down in a curved trajectory along the swing path 37. The swinging action continues with a decreasing movement until it either ceases or is halted at station 33 where the riders 30 can exit the rider support means 29. The free end 47 of the launch cable 41 together with any associated part of the quick release coupling 49 is subsequently returned to station 33 at which it can be reattached to the rider support means. In this embodiment, the free end of the launch cable 41 is returned to station 33 under the control of a return mechanism 51, as shown in Figures 5 to 8 of the accompanying drawings. It will be noted that the return mechanism is not, however, illustrated in Figure 1 to 4 for the purpose of clarity.

The return mechanism 51 comprises a pulley 53 about which the launch cable 41 passes. The pulley 53 is suspended from a carriage 55 which can travel along a cable 57 suspended between the support structure 13 and the launch structure The carriage 55 includes a roller 59 which rides along a track provided by the cable 57. The suspended cable 57 is attached to an upstanding extension 61 on the bridge section 19 of the support structure 13 and an extension 62 on the launch structure 15, so as to not interfere with the swing line 23.

20 A stop 63 is provided on the cable at a location above the station 33 so that the free end 47 of the launch cable 41 is ultimately delivered to the station 33 as the launch cable is unwound from the drum The carriage 55 is biased for movement along the suspended cable 57 in the .direction towards the stop 63 by a weight 65 connected to the carriage 55 by way of a cable and pulley system 66. The weight 65 is positioned adjacent one of the leg sections 17 of the support structure 13 so as to be offset from the centre of the support structure and thereby clear of the swing path 37. The cable and pulley system 66 comprises an attachment cable 67 one end of which is attached to the carriage 55 and the other end of which is attached to the weight 65. The -8attachment cable 67 passes around a series of pulleys 69 which accommodate the offset position of the weight The carriage 55 is drawn along the suspended cable 57 in the direction towards the launch structure 15 against the influence of the weight 65 as the launch cable 41 is retracted to raise the rider support means 29 into the elevated condition, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 shows the position of the launch cable 41 at the time of release of the rider support means 29 for the ride along the swing path. On completion of the ride, the launch cable 41 is progressively unwound from the drum 45, allowing the carriage 55 to progressively move along the suspended cable 57 under the influence of the weight 65, as shown in Figure 7. The carriage moves along the suspended cable 57 until it engages the stop 63, as shown in Figure 8. At this stage, the free end 47 of the launch cable 41 is above station 33 and continued unwinding of the launch cable 41 from the drum 45 lowers the free end of the launch cable 41 to the station, as shown in Figure 9.

A mobile structure 70 is provided from which riders can board and leave the rider support means 29. The mobile structure 70 comprises a mobile carriage guided for movement along a track (not shown) extending along the ground in the region between the support structure 13 and the launch structure 15. The mobile :carriage 75 has a platform 77, handrails 78 and a series of steps 79 leading to the platform. A drive means 81 is provided for moving the carriage 75 between a first position at the station 33 from which riders can board and leave the support means 29 and a second position clear of the station 33.

:The drive means 81 comprises an endless cable 83 which extends along the track and passes around two end rollers 87. One of the end rollers 87 is driven by any suitable means such as an electric motor. An operator is able to control movement of the mobile structure 70 between the first and second positions by way of the drive means.

As previously mentioned, in this embodiment the rider support means 29 comprises a frame structure 31 suspended from the swing cables 25. As best -9seen in Figure 4, the frame structure 31 is attached to the swing cables through a pivot joint 91 which allows the frame structure to rotate (twist) relative to the swing cables about a pivot axis 93 generally parallel to the longitudinal extent of the swing line 23.

The frame structure 31 comprises an outer frame 95 suspended from the pivot joint 91, and an inner frame 97 pivotally mounted on the outer frame 95 at pivots 99 for pivotal movement relative to the outer frame about a pivot axis 101 perpendicular to pivot axis 93. With this arrangement, the inner frame can tumble within the outer frame. The seating 33 for supporting the riders 30 is mounted on the inner frame 97. The restraining means 34 associated with the seating 33 comprises shoulder harnesses 1 07 of known kind for firmly restraining the riders in position in the seating. A benefit of this arrangement is that the riders are fitted into the harnesses after being seated in the seats. It also allows the riders to enter and be harnessed in preparation for the ride. Further, it allows the riders to be released from the harnesses and exit the ride promptly. In particular, each rider does not have to be tipped into a horizontal position in order to be attached to the swing line, as is the case with some prior art amusement rides.

The mutually perpendicular pivot axes 93 and 101 enable the riders 30 seated :within the seating 33 to swing freely in any direction within the rider support means 29 as the rider support means swings through its curved trajectory along swing path 37. This action subjects the riders to a twisting motion about axis 93 and a tumbling motion about axis 101. This swinging movement within the rider support means serves to enhance the thrill and sensation provided by the ride.

.,..*While not shown in the drawings, the frame structure 31 may be equipped with means for inducing swinging movement of the riders 30 about the two axes 93 and 101. Such means may, for example, comprise one or more aerofoils such as wings mounted on the frame structure 31. With this arrangement, aerodynamic reaction on the aerofoils as the rider support means 29 swings along swing path 37 causes the swinging motion about axes 93, 101. The aerofoils may have an adjustment mechanism for selectively adjusting the extent to which such swinging motion is caused. Such adjustment mechanism may comprise means for varying the angle of attack of the aerofoils. It will be appreciated, however, that other means may be provided for inducing swinging motion of the riders 30 about the two axes 93, 101 including an on-board mechanical mechanism.

Means (not shown) may also be provided for selectively locking the frame structure 31 against rotation about one or both of the two axes 91 and 101. This may be desirable in cases where the riders 30 wish to limit the extent of swinging motion to which they are subjected during the ride.

The inner frame 97 carries a video camera 109 by means of which the experience of the riders 30 may be recorded during the ride. The benefit of attaching the video camera to the inner frame 97 is that it is at a fixed reference point in relation to the riders as they experience the ride.

Figure 10 of the drawings shows another form of rider support means 29 which allows riders to enter and exit the ride in a prompt fashion. In this arrangement, the rider support means 29 comprises a seat structure 115 having anchor points 117 to which the swing cables 25 are attached. The seat structure 115 is **:equipped with rider restraining means in the form of safety harnesses 119 of known kind. The restraining means can be fitted to the riders after the are in the seated position. A video camera 121 is mounted on the seat structure 115 for recording the experience for the riders.

Referring now to Figure 11 there is shown another form of rider support means 29. In this arrangement, the rider support means 29 comprises a harness structure 122 which can support one or more riders 30, and in this case up to three riders. The harness structure 121 incorporates a pivot connection 123 4 which is attached to the swing cables 25 to permit rotation of the rider support means relative to the cables 25 about a pivot axis 125 generally parallel to the longitudinal extent of the support arm 23. With this arrangement, a video camera t t srr,9 -11 127 is mounted on a support arm 129 attached to the harness structure 121 so that it is at a fixed reference point in relation to the riders.

Referring now to Figures 12 to 14, there is shown an alternative arrangement for returning the free end of the launch cable 41 to station 33. In this embodiment, the return mechanism 131 is similar to the return mechanism 51, with the exception that gravity, instead of a weight, is used to bias the carriage 55 in the direction towards the stop 63. More particularly, the suspended cable 57 extending between the support structure 13 and the launch structure 15 is set at an inclination. sufficient for the carriage 55 to coast down the suspended cable towards the stop 63 under the influence of gravity as the launch cable is unwound from the winch Referring now to Figures 18 to 20, there is shown an alternative arrangement for returning the free end of the launch cable 41 to station 33. In this embodiment, the launch cable 41 is linked by way of a link cable 141 to the mobile structure 70. The link cable 141 has an end 143 which is fixed to the launch cable 41. The link cable. 141 is wound about a retraction mechanism 142 accommodated on or in the mobile structure 70. With this arrangement, the free end 47 of the launch cable 41 is linked to the mobile structure 70 and the link cable 141 is retracted by :the retraction mechanism 142 about which it is wound as the launch cable 41 is unwound from the winch 45. The link cable 141 is attached to the launch cable 41 inwardly from the free end 47 to provide clearance between the rider support means 29 and riders 30 supported thereby, and the link cable 141. At the commencement of a ride, the link cable 141 is in its retracted condition, as shown :in Figure 16 of the drawings. As the rider support means 29 is raised to the ease.* 25 elevated condition, the link cable 141 unwinds from the retraction mechanism 142 to accommodate upward movement of the rider support means 29 and the riders 30 supported thereon. As the rider support means 29 moves upwardly along the curved path 37, the mobile structure 70 is progressively moved away from station 33 in the direction towards the launch structure 15 so as to maintain the link cable 141 in a position away from the rider support means and the riders 30. At -12the stage where the rider support means 29 and the riders arrive at the elevated condition from where the swinging action commences, the mobile structure 70 is located in the second position clear of the station 33 and generally below the rider support means, as shown in Figure 17. Upon release of the rider support means 29 from the launch cable 41, the rider support means 29 swings freely along the curved trajectory of the swing path 37, and the free end 47 of the launch cable 41 remains linked to the mobile structure 70 by way of the link cable 141 as shown in Figure 18. There is, of course, some back and forth swinging of the launch cable 41 and the link cable 141 in reaction to release ofthe rider support means 29. At the completion of the ride, the mobile structure 70 is moved towards the first position at station 33 so that riders can exit from the rider support means by way of the platform 77 and steps 79. As the mobile structure returns towards station 33, the link cable 141 guides the free end 47 of the launch cable 41 towards the station as the launch cable 41 is unwound from the winch 45. The movement of the mobile structure 70 towards the station 33 and unwinding of the launch cable 41 from the winch 45 can be coordinated and controlled by the one operator. The link cable 141 progressively retracts under the influence of the retraction mechanism as it guides the free end 47 of the o launching cable 41 towards station 33.

From the foregoing, it is evident that the present invention provides a simple yet highly effective way of enhancing the thrill and excitement of a swing-type amusement ride by subjecting the or each rider to additional swinging movement.

It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope o of the various embodiments described.

fee* Throughout this specification (including the claims if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or .ooo•* "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

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Claims (7)

13- The Claims defining the invention are as follows:- 1 An amusement ride comprising a support structure, a rider support means for supporting one or more riders, a swing line suspended from the support structure and carrying the rider support means for swinging movement in a curved trajectory, and means providing for rotational motion of the or each rider relative to the swing line. 2. An amusement ride according to claim 1 wherein rotational motion of the rider relative to the swing line comprises a rotational swinging motion about a rotational axis. 3. An amusement ride according to claim 2 wherein the rotational swinging motion is back and forth about the rotational axis. 4. An amusement ride according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the rider support means is connected to the swing line for pivotal movement relative thereto *about a pivot axis generally parallel to the longitudinal extent of the swing line. 5. An amusement ride according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rider support means is adapted to provide for further rotational motion of the or each rider about a further axis. 6. An amusement rider according to claim 5 wherein said rotational axis and said further axis are mutually perpendicular. 7. An amusement ride according to claim 5 or 6 further comprising restraining means for selectively restraining rotation about one or both of said axes. 8. An amusement ride according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising means for inducing rotational motion to the or each rider relative to the swing line as the rider support means swings back and forth along the curved trajectory. -14- 9. An amusement ride according to claim 8 wherein said means comprises at least one aerofoil on the rider support means. amusement rider according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rider support means comprises a frame structure comprising an outer frame pivotally supported on the swing line for rotation about a first axis and an inner frame pivotally supported on the outer frame for rotation about a second axis. 11.An amusement ride according to claim 10 wherein said first axis is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the swing line and said second axis is substantially perpendicular to said first axis. 12.An amusement ride according to claim 10 or 11 wherein said first axis defines said rotational axis. 13.An amusement ride according to claim 10, 11 or 12 wherein the frame structure carries seating for the or each rider, the seating being mounted on 0. the inner frame.

14.An amusement ride according to claim 13 wherein the seating is arranged to **accommodate a plurality of riders at any one time. amusement ride according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the rider :support means comprises a seat structure for supporting one or more riders ~from the swing line.

16.An amusement ride according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the rider support means comprises harness structure for supporting one or more riders from the swing line.

17.An amusement ride according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a video camera is attached to the rider support means for the purpose of recording the ride. Y~ i

18.An amusement ride according to claim 17 wherein the video camera is positioned to have a fixed frame of reference with respect to the or each rider. 1 9.An amusement ride according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the swing line comprises two cables suspended from the support structure.

20.An amusement ride according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a launch structure spaced from the support structure, means for raising the rider support means into an elevated condition, said means for raising the rider support means comprising a launch line having an end releasably attachable to the rider support means, and means associated with the launch structure for raising and lowering the end of the launch line. 21 .An amusement ride according to claim 20 further comprising a return mechanism for returning the end of the launch line to a station for attachment to the rider support means.

1522.An amusement ride substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. *.**Dated this Fourteenth day of May 1998. Fairmile Pty Ltd Applicant ~.Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant