AU744301B2

AU744301B2 - Amusement ride (Case C)

Info

Publication number: AU744301B2
Application number: AU65965/98A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Allan William Holman; Laurence Ross Petrie
Original assignee: FAIRMILE Pty Ltd
Current assignee: FAIRMILE Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1997-05-14
Filing date: 1998-05-14
Publication date: 2002-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 2018-05-14
Also published as: AU6596598A

Description

P/00/0il 128/5/91 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 C) Details of Associated Provisional Application No(s): P06802 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 1 .~Wtt~ -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 employ a launch line for raising a rider from a boarding station into an elevated condition from which the rider swings down in a curved trajectory on a swing line upon release of the launch line.

On completion of the ride, it is necessary to return the launch line to its starting point in preparation for the next ride.

The present invention seeks to provide an arrangement for returning the launch line.

The present invention provides an amusement ride comprising a support structure, a launch structure spaced from the support structure, a swing line suspended from the support structure and adapted to carry a rider support means 15 for swinging movement in a curved trajectory, 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, means associated with the launch structure for raising and lowering the end of the launch line, and a return means for returning the end of the launch line to a station for attachment to the rider support means, said return means comprising a link line extending between the launch line at or near said end thereof and a mobile structure moveable between a first position at or adjacent oo said station and a second position clear of said station in the direction towards said launch structure.

-3- With this arrangement, the mobile structure conveys the link line to the first position and in doing so assists in returning the end of the launch line to the station.

Conveniently, the iink line comprises a cable.

The link cable can preferably extend and retract to accommodate changes in the relative position between the mobile structure and the free end of the launch line during return movement of the launch line.

A retraction means may be provided in association with the mobile structure for extending and retracting the link cable as necessary to vary the length thereof.

The retraction means may comprise a spring-loaded winding drum.

The mobile structure may also comprise a platform which riders can use to enter and leave the rider support means at said station when the mobile structure is in the first position.

When the mobile structure is in the second position, it is clear of the curved *15 trajectory of the rider support means and the riders undergoing swinging :movement.

The mobile structure may be moveable between the first and second positions by way of a drive means. The drive means may comprise an endless cable passing about two end rollers at least one of which is adapted to be driven, the mobile structure being drivingly connected to the endless cable.

The mobile structure may be guided for movement between the first and second position in any suitable way such as by tracks along which the mobile structure can travel.

The mobile structure may be controlled by an operator of the amusement ride.

-4- The operator may also control the rate at which the end of the launch line is lowered as it returns to said station so that it can be coordinated with movement of the mobile structure to the first position.

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of one specific embodiment 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 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; S. 15 Figure 4 is a schematic view of one form of rider support means; *•Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the amusement ride showing a return system for returning the end of the launch line in preparation for the next ride; Figures 6 to 10 schematically illustrate the return system shown in Figure 20 5 in various stages of operation.

Figure 11 is a schematic view of a further form of rider support means; and Figure 12 is a schematic view of a still further form of a rider support means.

Referring to the drawings the amusement ride 11 according to the embodiment 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 s0 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 The swing line 23 is of a length which is less than the spacing between the support structure 13 and the launch structure 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 frame 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 *,20 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.

-6- 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 the 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 a a**quick release coupling 49, the rider support means 29 swings freely down in a a. 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 by means of a return system which is shown in Figures 5 to 9 of the accompanying drawings. It will be noted that the return system 51 is not, however, illustrated in Figure 1 to 4 for the purpose of clarity.

-7- 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.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 10, in the return system 51, 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 a ride, the link cable 141 is in its retracted condition, as shown in Figure 6 of the drawings. As the rider support means 29 is raised to the 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 NIC -8position away from the rider support means and the riders 30. At the 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 7. 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 8. There is, of course, some back and forth swinging of the launch cable 41 and the link cable 141 in reaction to release of the 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 70 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 o *retraction mechanism as it guides the free end 47 of the launching cable 41 20 towards station 33.

As previously mentioned, in this embodiment the rider support means 29 comprises a frame structure 31 suspended from the swing cables 25. As best seen 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 c r -9within 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 107 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. It also 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.

OV 0 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 11 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.

*o°O 15 Referring now to Figure 12 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 ~which is attached to the swing cables 25 to permit rotation of the rider support 20 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 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.

From the foregoing, it is evident that the present invention provides a simple yet highly effective way of returning the free end of the launch line to a starting point following completion of a ride so that it can be coupled to a rider support means in preparation for the next ride.

t tt 7 -11 It will, of course, be appreciated that it is not necessary for the end of the launch line to be coupled directly to the rider support means. The coupling can be achieved indirectly through an extension line if desired.

It will also be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiment described.

Throughout this specification (including the claims if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or Icomprising", 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.

Claims

1. An amusement ride comprising a support structure, a launch structure spaced from the support structure, a swing line suspended from the support structure and adapted to carry a rider support means for swinging movement in a curved trajectory, 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, means associated with the launch structure for raising and lowering the end of the launch line, and a return means for returning the end of the launch line to a station for attachment to the rider support means, said return means comprising a link line extending between the launch line at or near said end thereof and a mobile structure moveable between a first position at or adjacent said station and a second position clear of said station in the direction towards *'.said launch structure.

2. An amusement ride according to claim 1 wherein the link line is adapted to *extend and retract to accommodate changes in the relative position between the mobile structure and the free end of the launch line during return movement of the launch line.

3. An amusement ride according to claim 2 wherein a retraction means is 20 associated with in the mobile structure for extending and retracting the link line.

4. An amusement ride according to claim 3 wherein the retraction means comprises a spring-loaded winding drum. An amusement ride according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mobile structure includes a platform by which riders can enter and leave the rider support means at said station when the mobile structure is in the first position.

13- 6. An amusement ride according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a drive means is provided for moving the mobile structure between the first and second position. 7. An amusement ride according to claim 6 wherein the drive means comprises an endless cable passing about two end rollers at least one of which is adapted to be driven, the mobile structure being drivingly connected to the endless cable. 8. An amusement ride according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mobile structure is guided for movement between the first and second position. 9. An amusement ride according to claim 6, 7 or 8 wherein operation of the drive means is controlled by an operator of the amusement ride. O.An amusement ride according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the link line comprises a cable. 11 .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 Vt 4 v4.,Y