CA2181352C - Swing type amusement ride with pendulum damper - Google Patents

Abstract

The ride is capable of raising a rider to a height of ten meters or more above the ground, and then release the rider to swing. It includes a support structure (412), a support line (416b) secured to the support structure and to a rider.
A launch structure (426) is spaced from the support structure (412) and carries a launch line (424a, 424b) designed to be releasably at-tached to a rider attachment (524b), so as to lift a rider from the ground. When the launch line (424a) is released from the attachment which carries the rider, the rider swings downwardly.
A skysaucer embodiment (524a, 542b) features a conveying vehicle which holds multiple rid-ers and is stopped by wheels (330) on a raised loading platform. In a pendulum damper em-bodiment, a passenger car is supported by a moving pivot point, the horizontal force is re-sisted by a parallelogram assembly supporting a horizontal support platform.

Description

WO9S/19827 2 1 ~ 2 P~ s SWING TYPE AMUSEMENT RIDE WITH PENDULUM
DAMPER

6 Technical Field 7 This mvention is a swing type amusement ride which includes a suppon structure~
8 a launch structure. and a mechanism capable of raising a rider lo a position at least ten 9 meters above the ground, from which position the rider can swing away from the launch lo structure in a curved trajectory under the support structure. A sky saucer c ' " can i carry dozens of riders ! ~ 'y. The sky saucer pendulum hangs from a pendulum ' pivot. The sky saucer pendulum can be either damped or accelerated hy means of movin~
13 the pendulum pivot either in sync or out of sync with the pendulum.

Pn '~ ~ ' of the Related Art 6 Heretofore, there have been a va~iety of dif~'erent types of amusement rides and 17 apparatus for simulating the reduction of gravity to a rider. Some of these devices are 18 known to be disclosed in htch U.S. Patent 857.338; Ridgway U.S. Patent 2.779,596;
19 Ryan U.S. Patent 3,701,528; and Greenwood U.S. Patent 4,978,120.
F, ,' ~r~, there have been a variety of playground and backyard swings and 21 swing sets used by children and adults. These swings can vary in height from a small 22 swing standing about three meters high, to a large swing st~mding about five meters high.
23 A rider of such a swing normally takes a sitting position in a swing ~seat and starts its 24 pendulum motion from a position in which the swing is vertical, unless aided by a rurming 2s start, or by a person to help push and enhance the height of the swing arc. While the sitting 26 or standmg position on a swing seat is the norm. riders have heen know to lie on their 27 stomachs on top of a swing seat and swing in a prone position, but without being secured 28 to the swing.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO9~/19827 2 ~ ~3 1 ~ 5 2 PCTiUS95100965 Even the most skillfu3 and powertul swing rider on a laree swing will rarely exceed a ~ o'clock or l() o'clock position at a hei~ht of about seven meter.~ before eravil~
overtakes the centrifueal force ot the swin3~., and slack occurs in the swineo rope or chain.
4 Should a rider manaeoe to force the swine to make a 36(3 decre~ circuit, his or her heieh s would seldom exceed about en meters from the eoround.
6 The use of externa~ equipment to assist a swing rider to begin his or her ride irom 7 an elevated position is taught in Hoppes U.S. Patent 1~731rS32~; Pruessner U.S. Patent 8 1~918~559; and WaIker U.S. Patent 3~140~870. Each of these references disclose standard 9 playeround and backyard type swing systems which have adjacent stairs which a person may c3imb to start swincinc trom a position above the ~round, and therehy ohtain an immediate swing elevation and experience an initia3 speed which is hirher and faster than 12 starting to swing from the ground. But, even in these systems the initial heieoht ahove th~
13 rround which the rider ~ f ~ wou3d seldom be more than about one to four meters.
14 In some sv~ing sysoems, and especia31y those desi~ned for small children, and in l~ some amusement rides, blmgee jumping equipment, parachute equipment, hant ~lidin~
16 systems, and the like ' - for securinc a rider to the equipment is provided. But, 7 none of these systems provide a swing ride which irlitiates a swing release at a height of 8 more than ten meters above the ground. Tbe prior art swing technology has not heen 19 3~nown to operate at heights which a310w a rider to reach a height wbich is gn~ater than about seven to oen meters above the ground, or, otber than in a trapeze system, to swine 21 from a "launch" structure towards a "support" structure. It is noted that iù trapeze 22 systems, the swin~s are intentionally "high above the center ring", and never approach the 23 ground.
24 It is thus seen th~t nowhere in the prior art is there a swing type amusement ride 2s which includes, in: L ' ' a support structure having an upper portion which is 26 located ten meters (and as much as severa3 hundred meters or more) ahove the surface of 27 the eoround, a support line havine an upper end connected to the upper portion of the 28 support structure and a lower end to which is connected a system for securinc a rider to th~
29 support line. Further included is a launch structure which as an upper portion which is SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Wo gS/19827 2 1 ~ t ~ ~ 2 P~ 5 located ten meters ~and as much as several hundred meters more) or more ahove the 2 sur~ace of the ~round. The launch structure is spaced Irom the upp~r ponion ot th~
support structure, and which carries a laumch line which includes a launching mechanism 4 for releasable attacbment to the rider securmg m~rh~licm Further included is ;l s mechanism associated with the launch structure, but which is not powered by the rider~ for 6 raisrng a rider who has been secured to the system to a height of at least ten meters (and as 7 much as several hundred meters or more) above the groumd, from which height the rider 8 may hegrn his or her swing away from the launch structure towards the ground in a curved 9 trajectory to simulate the feeling of "body flight".
o Further novelty is taught hy a skysaucer vehicle -hv~ which can carry several 11 dozenriders! ~ ly. Fourparallelsupportlines~ y I~Ometerslong 12 secure the saucer to a support structure. The saucer is lilted with a launch line 13 C~ut~ , lOb~ meters to a launch structure then reieased, in much the same way as the 14 single rider . t - ' In preferred ~ hv ~ a second set of four parallel lines are 1~ used for ,1~ ;" -16 The solid saucer L t - ' has been nicknamed the Sky Saucer. Some Sky 17 Saucer plans call for saucers holding over sixty passengers. Stopping a saucer of this 8 weight hy only using rubber tires and brakes working on the limited braking runway of the 19 loading platform for the passengers would take many pendulum rcci~ iqnc Additionally, tires and brakes would wear out frequently. Finally smells from braking ' and 21 tires would be offensive. The present invention damps the pendulum motion of the huge 22 Sky Saucer from the pendulum's pivot point. No known prior art ever addressed a 23 problem of this nature.
24 D;~'G_ ~: of the Invention 2s It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a rider of the suhject 26 amusement ride with a sensation of "body flight", and an overall ~eelmg similar to that of 27 swooping along the ground in a hang glider. or of skydiving.
28 Another object of the present invention is to provide the thrills and excitement o~`
29 bungee jumping, but without the dangers related to the use of rubber or elastic cords, SUvSTlTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Wo 95/19827 2 1 ~ 1 3 ~ 2 r~l~u~ 5s without the possibility of failing to make harness ~ to the cord or ~support linc, and without subjecin~ the body of the rider to the type of stress horne hy a hun~e~

3 jumper, and without the n~tural fear of a "free iall" plunge associated with bun~e~

4 ~umping.
~s Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an amusemeM ride which 6 can be enjoyed by a plurality of riders who may enjoy the thnll oi riding together while 7 secured in tandem harnesses.
8 Yet a further object of the present invention is to furnish an amusement ride which g provides smooth, fast ~. ~. l1;.,~ excitementand thrills, while heing a fail sate ride, without the anxiety and trauma related to funding the nerve to jump from an elevated 11 plattorm in a "rree fall" plunge. such as that which is associated with bungee jumpin~ and sky divin~.
3 Another object of the present invention is to provide a high altitude amusement rid~
14 which has a low injury potential for its operators by allowmg the operators of the ride to remain on the groumd. as opposed to having to work aloft at high altitudes and at risk, as 6 with bungee jumping and sky diving operattons.
7 Another object of the present invention is to provide a swing type amusement ride 18 in which the rider swings back and forth in a pendulum like motion about twenty times or 19 more before terminating l:he ride.
Another object Or the skysaucer; ~ ' is to provide a means for safely 21 allowing many riders to enjoy the ride together. thus providing a more secure feeling to Z2 each rider than the single rider embodiment.
23 Another object of the skysaucer ride is to provide a faster and more elevated ride 24 than the single rider; ' - "
2s Yet another obje~t of the skysaucer ride is to allow more riders to be serviced in a 26 given time than the sing~e rider I.o~li ,-- thereby providing greater nevenue to the 27 operator.

SUE~TITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) wo 9S/19827 2 1 8 1 3 ~ 2 r~l~u~
Another object of the present mvention is to provide a pendulum dampinfc means usinc a ~yll-,LIull;~d pendulum pivot mechanism especially suited lor stoppinc larg~e 3 amusement park swin~ type rides.
4 Anotber object of the present invention is to maintain a level platform for the multiple suppon lines of the ride at the pendulum pivot, even during the damping process.6 '~he present invention provides a swing type amusement ride for raising one or 7 more riders from a position at or near a suppon surface aloft to a height of ten meters or 8 more, and then releasing the rider to swing in a curved ttajectory for thrill and excitement, 9 but with little or no stress placed on t~te body of the rider. 'rhe amusement ride includes a support structure extending upwardly at least eleven meters above the ground (and as much I l as several hundred meters ûr more). The suppon structure may he a static tower, a static 12 derrick. a static arch, a bridge, other static man-made structures, a crane, naturally 13 occurring geological formations, and t~te like.
14 One end of a rider suppOn line is secured to the upper ponion of the suppon1~ structure at a poimt which is at least eleven meters from the ground, while the second end 16 of the rider suppOn line is secured to a rider securing attachment, to which a rider can be 17 secured durittg tbe ride, and tben removed.
18 Disposed near the suppon structure is an uprif~oht launch structure having an upper 19 portion which is spaced from tbe upper ponion of the suppon structure. The launch structure may also be a static tower. a static derrick, a static arch, a bridge, other static 21 mam-made structures, a crane, naturally occurring foeological formations, man made 22 geological formations, and the like, which have an upper ponion which has a heifcht which 23 Kacbes or exceeds at least eleven meters from the ground (and as much as several hundred 24 meters or more). The upper ponion of the launch structure carries a launch line wbich has a free end wbich is capable of being lowered and of being raised to a height which reaches 26 or exceeds at least ten meters above the ground.
27 In the preferred; ' ~ ' . several riders are fastened to a solid saucer 28 structure. Four parallel suppon lines f . 'y 100 meters long secure the saucer to a 29 suppon structure. The saucer is lit`ted with a launch line u~ , 100 meters to a SUeSTlTUTE SHEET (RULE 26 WOg5/19827 ~.1 81 3i~2 1 "~
launch structure then releascd, in much the same way as the sin~le rider embodiment. In preterr~d Pn h~ imPntc a second ~set ot four parall~l lin~s are used t`or c~hili7~tif~n Tb-3 c~ ili7~inn lines are arrani~ed in a criss-cross tashion to prevent twisting and ~sway.
4 Alternatively, two s~ppon lines, or just a sini~lc suppon line could hc uscd. 1~ is preferred to use at least as m any ~ , lines as suppon lines since the ~
6 limes funcrion also as hackup satety lines for th~e unlikely event ot suppon line failure.
7 in prefened c.~ ' the suppon line is made of an aircraft~uality stainle~ss-8 steel cahle with salety in mind, and the ride does not depend on the use of ruhher and 9 elastic bun~ee cords~ As used herein, the "ground" may be an actual ground surface. or a 0 man made surface such as pavement, tarmac, a concrete pad and the like~ The height of thc structures or of the rider from the ground may be measured with respect to the actual 12 "~round", or to a depressioll below the structures, such as a river hed, ravinc, valley, or 13 the lilce As used herein, the portion of the suppon structure to which the suppon lin~ is 14 attached, and the portion of the launch structure from which the launch line is a~tached will always be considered to he the "upper ponion" of the structure~
16 '~he preferrcd ~ -- supports the Sky Saucer cahles from a horizontal platform.
7 The horizontal platform is supported from the uppermost I beam(s) of the ride support 18 tower by at least one pair of pivoùng p `- Al~ L- A~l suppon arms~ Pre~`erahly two pair of 19 pivoting p^~ , suppon anms are used to suppon the horizontal platform.
In order to stop the Sky Saucer at least one hydraulic cylinder is used lO move the 21 horiwntal platform in the same direction as the swin~ of the Sky Saucer. This causes tb 22 inenial movement of the Slcy Saucer to he reduced in proponion to the distance the 23 horizontal platform is moved a~vay from the central pendulum pivot point. Since th_ 24 horizontal platform is supported in a ~ then the horizontal platform tises a slight distance as it is pushed to either side. '~his rising action helps ~0 26 maintain a smooth ride. r,,-d~.ll-o-~, the p ~ lPlo~r~m ~ is selt centerini' 27 which facilitates centering the Sky Saucer on the passenger loading platform.
28 These and other o~jects of the ptesent invention will hecome apparent to tho~5e 29 skilled in the an from the iollowing detailed description, showing the ~ novel SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO g5/19827 2 1 8 ~ ~5 2 p~~ S ~ JGS
~,u~ u~L,u-" ~ l and elemens as herein described~ and more particularly defined by Ihe appended claims. it being~ understood that chan~s in th~ pr~ise PmhOr~im~n.c to th.
3 herein disclosed invention are meant to be included as comin~ within the scope of the 4 claims, except insofar as they may be precluded hy the prior art.
6 Brief D~s~ ,tion of Drawings 7 The ~ . ~ , drawings illustrate complete pre~`emed Pm~ - ' of the 8 present invention according to the best modes presently devised for the practical application g of the principles thereof, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a to-scale perspective view illustrahn~ the suhject invention usin~ a fixed l tower as a support structure with a skysaucer suspended from support lines and 12 ~hili7: 1ion lines and connected to a launch Ime.
13 FIG. 2 is a ~' isometric view illustrating the subject invention usin~ a 14 fixed tower as a support structure with a skysaucer suspended t`rom support lines and 15 ~ , lines and comnected to a launch line.
16 FIG. 3 is a side view of the skysaucer showing the orientation of the skysaucer at 17 various path locations.
18 FIG. 4 is a side view of the skysaucer elevated loading ~u.,v~,~ showin~ the 19 elevation means and the stoppin~ means.
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternate ' ' of a skysaucer having a rapid 21 loading and egress walkway.
22 FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a portion of the ri~ht side of the skysaucer of 23 FIG. 5.
24 FIG. 7 is a right side plan view of the skysaucer of F~G. 6 with the door removed.
2s FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the preferred, ~ ~ of the dampin~ mechanism 26 mounted on the prior art Sky Saucer ride of Fig. 1.
27 FIG. 9 is a side plan view of the preferred e ~ ' of the mechanism of FIG.
28 8.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Wo9Stl9827 ~ 3~2 .~.l/U..~_.. 355 FIG. 10 is a front plan YieW of the mechanism of FIG. ~1 mounted on the prior art 7 Sky Saucer rid~ of FIG.-l.
3 FIG. 11 is a side plan view of an altemate ~" .h,,. i;, . ,. . "
4 FIG. 12 is a side pl;tn view of yet another altemate ., ~ having a troll~y car s type engine ~o accélerate or deceleraoe the Sky Saucer.
6 FIG. 13 is a side plm view of yet another altemate C;lllllUdilll~ using dampin~
7 pistons.

g Best Mode Of Caritying Out Invention 0 Referring first to FIG. 1, the preferred ~-~ ' '' allows many riders to enjoy th~
l amusement ride together. This perspective view of the invention shows two; ~ " ,ly 12 suspended large .;un~, t~ (hereinafter referred to as skysaucers). The two skysauc~r.s 13 524a, 524b are operated separately, but may be i,yll~h.u~ . Each skysaucer 524a, 524h 14 z . ' about twenty people in this '~ '' Skysaucers 524a, 524h are 1~ ecjuipped with seat belts and padded bars for restraint. similar to those us~d in a roller 16 coaster amusement tide.
7 The skysaucer provides a more secure feeling to riders by including a solid1~ CUII ~ The higher speeds zmd increased elevation allow for en30yment even for 19 ~ i riders of the single rider ~ i o-i~ The ability to provide rides to many people makes the amusement ride attractive to amusement park owners and operators. It is 21 seen that all ' '' disclosed thus far fomm a spectr~-m of apparatus all capable of 22 providing the feelmg of free flight to each rider.
Z3 The skysaucers 524a, 524b æ constructed of fiberglzlss witb a steel structure. The 24 skysaucers 524a 524b irl this i ' " are round and rl~tJI U, ill.~t l~ eleven meters in diameter. The seais are arranged in two rows, forming concentric circles. Riders ~`ace th~
26 outward edge of the skysaucer. The inside circle of seats is elevated relative to the outsid~
27 row so tbat no riders' view will be obstructed. Lar~er or smaller skysaucers could he huilt 28 and different shapes could be employed.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO95119827 2 ~ 813~2 r~ ss An upright suppon structure 412 suppons the skysaucers In the r ~ O~
shown, the suppon structur~ 412 forrns an arch, and also includes an observation deck ~.
reached via am elevator 538 which crawls up the side of the suppon structure 2.
4 'rhe suppon structure 2 is approximately 41)() leet high trom th~ ~round to the tor ol the arch. The width of the arch at the ground level is a~ / 255 feet. The 6 loading platforrn 526 is d~ Iy twenty feet hi~h and includes stairs. lrhe 7 observation deck 8 is c~ , 300 feet above the loading plattorrn. Skysaucers 524a 8 and 524b are a~ 34 feet apan and are each ~r 1~, 25 feet in diameter.
9 The launch tower 426 is a~ ly 320 feet high, and is disposed a~ / 3()() feet from the suppon strucNre 412. The launch tower 426 includes two launch lines 424a l and 424b. Each respective launch line 424a and 424b is removahly attached to a skysaucer 12 524a and 524b at one end. amd attached at the other end to a winch (not shown) in~ide the 13 launch tower 426.
14 The skysaucer 524a is supponed frorn the suppon structure 2 by a set of four 1~ suppon lines 416a. Additionally four ~-~hili7~1ion lines 418a prevent sway and twisting of 16 skysaucer 524a, and also serve as backup safety lines m the unlikely event of a failure of 17 one of tbe support Imes 416a. The suppon lines 416a and the 5~ 7~-ion Iines 418a are 8 each made of atJtJl~ ~ 300 feet of aircraft quality stainless steel cable. An alternate 19 design choice would be to employ two suppon lines rather than lour, or only one suppon line, similar to the single rider; ' ' It is preferred that the number of C~ i71~ion 21 lines be at least e4ual to the number of suppon lines, since the ~ lines also act as 22 a safety backup in the unlikely event of a suppon line failure. The skysaucer 524b is 23 similarly supponed by suppon lines 416b and ~ lines 418b.
24 In operation of skysaucer 524a, riders embark from the loadmg platform 526. The 2~ launch line 424a is attached to the skysaucer 524a The operation of the ride is controlled 26 remotely by the ride operator. Once all riders are safely hamessed, the rider operator 27 initiates the ride by havin~ the laumch line 424a pull the skysaucer 524a upward to near the 28 top of the launch tower 426. 'rhe winch (not sbown) contained within the launch tower 29 426 effects the lifting of the skysaucer 524a. Once the skysaucer 524a reaches a point near SU5STiTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WOg51198~7 2 1 8 1 352 ~ t-s the torl of launch tower 426~ the ride operator brin~s the skysaucer 524a to a stop~
n--inr~ n~ an el~vated position. The ride operator then launches the skysaucer 524a 3 detaching~ the skysaucer 524a trom the launch line 424a via an electric solenoid release /no~
4 shown). The skysaucer 52~a, acting like a gigantic pendulum, then he~ins to swing~
assuming the pendulum arc shown by dotted line 452. reaching speeds as high as 1(~() 6 miles per hour. The ride continues for several minutes as the skysaucer 524a swin~s hacL;
7 and forth. The swing cycle height ~radually decn~ases due to air friction and brakes on the 8 braking platfonm 327 controlled by the ride operator. The swin~ cycle can a~so he stopped 9 using the pendulum damper mechanism described in FIGS. 8 through 13.
The skysaucer 524b operates similarly to the skysaucer 524a, employing the launch I l line 424b, and a separate winch (not shown). Further operation details are disclosed 1' helow.
13 Referring next to ~IG. 2 an altemate l. L ~ ' of the twin skysaucer ride in4 FIG. I is shown. This view differs from FIG. I in that only a sin~le skysaucer is shown, Is and the scale is different so that some ~ can be detailed. Riders sit in the 16 skysaucer 3, which is identical to that shown in the, ' '' of FIG 1.
17 An upright support structure 212 supports the skysaucer. The height of the 18 support structure is more rhan one-hundred meters which provides for a maximum velocity 19 of ~ r ~ ir~ tty kilomeoers per hour. Tbe launch strucwr~ 226 is a~ ly the same height as support st~ucture 212. Most mobile cranes are not 21 designed for the forces irlvolved in a sySoem this siæ, so a permanent structure is 2~ preferred 23 The skysaucer 3 comprises the four support lines 216 and the four ~
24 Itnes 218 which are each comprised of a~ I ' ' meters of aircra~`t-2~i quality stainless-soeel câble. An aloernaoe design choice might employ two support lines, or 2~i a single support line, witll at least one ' "' ' line.
z7 Eiach of the four skysaucer support lines 216 are substantially parallel. Tbe 28 distance dlO at the support line mechanism 232 is a~ .y fiioeen meters. Th~

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO9~/19827 218 ! 352 r~l,u..,~l , distance dl I at the skysaucer 3 is d~lm~ dt~ly eight meters. Sway might othet~vise he 7 caused hy wind or uneven loadin~, and thus is undesirabl~
3 Tbe skysaucer ct~hili7~ n Imes 218 are in a cnss-cross cnnfi~l~ti~n The 4 c-~1,ili7~tion lines 218 prevent axial rotation of the skysaucer ahout the axis parallel to th~
s support lines. The ~ lines 218 also help eli~ninate sway and yaw, keeping the 6 path of the skysaucer in the plane di~ectly below the support-line mechanism 232. Path 7 deviance and axial rotation could otherwise result from wind or uneven passenger weight 8 disuibution during launch. Without tbe ct~hjl j7~tjon Imes 218 tbe support lines 216 would 9 havetohespreadveryfaraparttomaintainaconsistentpathofmotion. The~-l,;l;,-l;-,-lines 218 I'urther act as sa~ety backups in the unlikely event of a support line failure.
Referring next to FIG. 3 a side view of the skysaucer 3 of F~G. 2 in operauon is12 shown. Due to the large height of the support structure 212 tbis firure is not to scale.
13 The distance dl2 at the support line mechanism 232 is ~ , five meters.
14 Thedistancedl3attheskysaucer3isa~ S eightmeters. This.~
allows for tbe skysaucer 3 to be ulted at ~"", 'S~ forty-five degrees when in the 16 launch posiuon as shown. ~`t)nfiLPIlrinP distance dl2 eoual to distance dl3 would result in 17 negligible tilt of the skysaucer 3 at the launch position and throughout the operational patb.
18 I'nnfi ,P.-- inLP distance d l 2 smaller than distance d l 3 would result in a larrer tilt angle at the 19 launch position.
Referring next to FIG. 4 a side view of the elevated skysaucer loading platform 21 326 is shown. The operator controlled braking platform 327 is also shown. The loading n platform 326 and :~UII~ '- tP, base area 228 is elevated ~ seven meters.
23 Typically the skysaucer amusement ride exists inside an amusement park~ where ground 24 space is very valuable. Raising the loading area allows other iacilities to be located safely 2s underneath the flight path of the skysaucer 3. If the flight path were not raised, much 26 valuable ground space would be occupied by the flight path of the skysaucer, preventinr 27 the operation of ~mllcl~mPn~ facilities such as hot dog vendors.
28 The braking platform 327 is moved upward into position by means of hydraulic 29 li~'ts 328. During loading the braking plati'orm 327 imn ~-hili7f~c the skysaucer 3. Mobile Il SUESTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) wogs/ls827 ~ 1 8 1 352 ~ s loadin~ stairs 340 are moved into position for passenger loadinc and unloadinc. Oncc riders have loaded and are restrained securely. the loadinc Stlu~ ) are cl~ared ou~ ~ f th~
3 way and the hraking platfolm 327 lowers. The brakin~ platform ~7 lowers ahout three 1-~
4 five meters, leaving the sk~saucer, ' ~cl.
s The bra~ing platform 327 also contains within it a slowin~ means to slow and StOp 6 the skysaucer 3. T~he slow;ng means comprises brake-equipped rotatahle tires ~(). which 7 are spring-loaded with springs 332 so as to gently yet firmly contact the skysaucer 8 during subsequent passes above the braking platform 327. The hottom of the skysaucer ~
g has a smoothly curving surface such that tire contact occurs cradually rather than ahruptly.
Gradual contact and smoo~h slowing acuon is an impor~ant desicn criteria at one-hundred-11 fifty h~ometers per hour. The tire contact area of the skysaucer 3 has a rough suriace so as 2 to enhi~noe tire traction. In operation once the skysaucer 3 has pas~sed freely over the 13 landing platform several times, the bralcing platfor~n 327 is slowly raised to a heif~ht such 14 that the spring-loaded bral~e-equipped tires 330 contact the moving skysaucer 3 when i passes over the brakutg platform 327. The operator controls the hraking platform hei~h 16 and the braking force.
17 One of the tires 330 also is powered with an electric motor to realign the skysaucer 18 3 for proper loading onoe the skysaucer 3 has been stopped. RP:d is detected with 19 small switches or optional optical sensors which stop power to the motor once the skysaucer 324 is aligned correctly.
21 This mechanism is used im an altemative ~ ~ ~ ' because it would require 22 many oscillations to stop the ride, the rubber tires would wear out frequently and would 23 cause an offensive odor. The pendulum damper described in FIGS. 8 throuch 13, is used 24 in the preferred, .. I.~A;,.. , 2S A launch weight 223 and launch weight hne 217 are used, which serve to return the 26 detachable end of launch line 224 to the starting point for .~ ; to the skysaucer ~.
27 The skysaucer launch rel.ease 306 is activated remotely by the ride operator and employs an 28 electrically activated solenoid. Following the skysaucer launch, th~ launch wei~ht ~ and 1~
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) wo95/19827 2 1 8 1 3~2 ~ . 5~
the skysaucer 3 become physical~y separated. The solenoid release remains attached to 2 launch weiht 223.
3 Reierring next to FIGS. 5, 6, 7 a rapid lu.ldi.,g/, ' ' , ~mho/' of a 4 skysaucer vehicle is denoted as numeral 324(). Skysaucer 3240 has ~ I front and rear ends 3243, 3244, and left and right sides 3245, 3246 ~
6 The object of skysaucer 3240 is to load and unload sixty riders quickly. There 7 exists a plurality of parallel rows of walkways 3247 for each ten seats 3248. All the seats 8 3248 are identical. Doors 3242 allow riders to ftle into and out of walkways 3247 in a g rapid fashion. Once seated, the rider 3250 is secured by the body hrace 3249 which has a load position (UP, FIG. 17) and a lock position (DOWN, FIG. 17). The doors have an Il internal locking mechanism (not shown) which is actuated m a known manner prior to lift-12 off.
13 Not shown is the ride operator console, which includes controls for raising the 14 skysaucer (via lowering the braking platform and raising the attached launch line with the winch or activating the pendulum damper mechanism); launching the skysaucer (via16 activating the skysaucerlaunch release~; lowering the launch weight (via the winch, 17 possibly with the skysaucer attached); stopping the skysaucer (via r~ising the braking 18 platform and applying braking force followed by skysaucer positionin or by initiating the 19 pendulum damper mP~ cm) Safety controls also prevent operation during unsa~`e events, such as while the skysaucer is being loaded.
21 It is thus seen that, unlike the prior art, the present invention provides a swing typ~
22 amusement ride which includes, in ~ ' a support structure having an upper 23 portion which is located at least eleven meters (and ac much as several hundred meters or 24 more) above the surface of the ground, at least one support line having an upper end 2s connected to the upper portion of the support structure and a lower end to which is 26 connected a system for securing at least one rider support to the support line; a~s well as a 27 launch structure which has an upper portion which is located at least eleven meters (and as 28 much as several hundred meters or more) above the surface of the groumd, is spaced IrOm 29 the upper portion of the support structure, and which carries a launch line which includes a SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) W0 95~19827 2 1 8 1 ~ 5 ~ r~ l~U. 5. JGs launching mechanism for releasable attachment to the nder secunn~ mrrl ~r6cm and a mechanism associated with the launch structure. but which is not powered hy any rid~rs.
3 which is capable of raisin~ liders who have been properly secured to the system to a hei~h 4 of at least ten meters (and as much as several hundred meters or more) ahove the ~round~
from which height the rider may begin his or her swing away trom the ~aunch structure 6 towards the ground in a curved trajectory to simulate the feeling of "body fli~ht."
7 Referring next to FIG. 8 a side perspective view of the prior art Sky Saucer I is 8 shown. The following description will use the same numbers for prior an elements 9 hecause in the following d~scription only the damping mechanism elements differ. The 0 prior art ride elements are identical to one another throughout the remainder of the I I application.
12 Referring next to FICS. 9, 10 a front plan view of the preferred rm~ ~ of the 13 damping mechanism 10 which is used to stop the amUsemeM ride oscillation is shown.
14 The damping mechanism ~0 is fixed in the 1 ~, ' ' and lateral center of the support frame 8 of the prior art suppon structure 2 of FIG. 1.
16 The damping mechanism 10 consists of a horizontal platfomm 11 which is attached 17 the support frame 8 by two pairs of parallel arms 12,13,14,15.. Each parallel arm 18 12,13,14.15, is pivotally attached to both the support frame 8. and to each comer of the 19 horizontal platfomm 11.
A powered piston 21 is fixed diagonally from the support frame 8 to the horizontal 21 platfomm 11. ('~ ,ly, bebind piston 21 a second powered piston 20 is fixed 22 diagonally from the support frame 8 to the horizontal platform 11. The pistons 20, 21 are 23 coMected to a power source 24 by hydraulic lines ~5.
24 The powered pistons 20, 21 act to move the horizontal plafform 11 in a front to hack arc as denoted by arrow 27.
26 Referring to FIGS. 9, 10 support lines 22 and ~ -, lines 23 are fixed to each 27 comer of the horizontal platform 11 at their top end. The suppott lines '22 and 28 lines 23 are fixed to the solid saucer 3 at their bottom end as shown in E:IG. 1.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ~RULE 26) wogS/19827 21 81 ~ 5 2 r~ cs Referring next to FIG. 8 a side plan view ol the pne~erred Pmho~iimPnl of the dampin~
mechanism 1() mounted on the Sky Saucer of FIG. I is shown. The amusemen~ ride can 3 still he started as it was in the pnor art hy releasing the passenger ~-tlled solid saucer 3 aft~
4 it has heen elevated It~t~l~ 'y 100 meters. Th~ solid saucer 3 in concen with th~
support and 5-~hili7ation lines 4, 5 æts as giant pendulum in a harmonic system. The 6 saucer 3 will then swing in a pendulum arc denoted hy arrow 31.
7 Alterrlatively the amusement ride can now he staned by acuvaung the powened pistons 8 20, 21. The hydraulic pistons 20, 21 will first displace the horizontal platform 11 in on~
9 direction. The pistons 20. 21 will then act in concen to displace the horizontal platform in the opposite direction. The pistons will continue this front to back motion until the de~cired l preset arc amplitude is achieved and the solid saucer 3 is elevated rp~- 1y l(K) 1~ meters. Once the saucer has reached its desired elevation the pistons 2(), 21 will he turned 13 off. The solid saucer 3 of the amusement ride 100 wil~ be allowed to oscillate along th~
14 pendulumarc31 formostoftheride.
1~ Once the amusement ride has been started, it will naturally come to a stop unless 16 outside energy is fed into the system. The amusement ride I will come to halt due to the 17 energy it loses to friction in the system. For an amusement ride, however, the stopping 18 time must be quicker than the natural stopping time and within the ride operator's control.
19 The amusement ride I may be stopped by ~ the pistons 20, 21. Once th~
saucer 3 has been elevated ~ 100 meters, either by launch line or powered 21 pistons, it will travel along a pendulum arc denoted by arrow 31. By activating the pistons 22 20, 21, the horizontal platform 11 will be moved to position 30 denoted hy the dached 23 lines. Moving the horizontal platform 11 to position 30 drops the solid saucer 3 a small 24 dist nce. As a result the solid saucer 3 travels a long a lower pendulum arc denoted hy arrow 32. The lower pendulum arc 32 is out of sync with it's original pendulum arc 31.
26 T~tis greatly increases the energy lost out of the harmonic system, and the amusement ride 27 I comes quickly to a halt.
28 The am--CPmPr~ ride may be stopped hy usint hrakes 28, 29 shown in FIG. 9. Tb~
29 brakes 28, 29 increase the energy lost from the harmomc system through ~nction. The SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) W0 95119827 2 1 8 1 352 P._ll~l... ~ 5cs amusement ride 1 may also he stopped more quickly by using a n t~ml of pi~ston 2().
2 21 actiYation and brake 28, 2~ aclivation.
3 Reierriny next to FIG. 12 a side plan view of an altemaùve trolley ~ .u,~ ot th~
4 dampiny mechanism 50 is shown. The alternative trolley dampiny mechanism 5() consist~
of placmg rail 51 on the suppon frame 8 of tbe amusement ride 1. A trolley 52 with a 6 motor 53 is placed on the rail 51 of the support frame 8. The trolley wheels 54 are fitted 7 with brakes 55.
8 The amusement ride can be started as it wa~s in the prior art Sky Saucer ride shown in g FIG. 1 by elevating the solid saucer I with a launch line (not shown). The trolley 52 mus be braked to remain stationary during the ride initiation. The solid saucer 3 will then I l oscillate in a pendulum arc denoted by arrow 56.
12 The amusement ride can also be started by activatiny the trolley 52 ~so that it travel.s 13 back and forth along the rail 51 of tbe support frame 8. Once the solid saucer 3 has 4 reached an elevation of a~ 100 meters, the trolley 52 will be stopped. The froM to back motion of trolley 52 will result in the solid saucer 3 travelmg in a pendulum 16 arc denoted by arrow Sfi.
17 To stop the amusement ride 1, the brakes 55 can be released, and the trolley 52 will 1~ be pulled in tbe direcrion hat the solid saucer 3 is traveling. D~ of the trolley 52 19 causes the solid saucer 3 co lose elevation, and the solid saucer 3 will travel alony a lower pendulum arc denoted by arrow 57. The lower pendulum arc 57 is out of sync with the 21 original pendulum arc 56. As â result energy loss from the harmonic system is increased, 22 and the amusemeM ride I is more quickly brought to a halt.
23 Another mode of damping the pendulum is to accelerate the trolley 52 in the direction 24 of dhe pendulum swing. The pendulum oscillation will be damped with th~ same theory of operation as described ir~ FIG. 8. ALso, the trolley brakes 55 can he uæd to increase 26 frictional energy loss and more quickly stop amusement ride 1.
27 Referriny rlext to Fl G. I l another alternative ~ 1 - ' dampin~ mechani.sm 41) is 28 shown. Dampiny mechanism 4() comprises a rail car 41 with wheels 44, 43 that roll alon~
29 a track 47 which is mounted on suppûrt frame 8. At each end of the track 47 there ar~

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2~) 2t813~2 wo gS/19827 P~ J.,,~0~ ~5 .~ . . " : blocks 45, 46. Blocks 45. 46 may he constructed of rubber or any other elastic ~u~ c~;bl~ material. The amusement nde is initiated as descrihed in FIG 1.
3 The rail car 41 will be pulled in the direction in which the solid saucer(not shown) is 4 travcling. This will cause the resulting penduium arc to become out of sync with thc 5 original pendulum arc and more quickly stop the saucer (not shown) as described in FIG.

6 2. Therailcar41willalsocollidewiththe 'i~' block.s45,46 stoppingthc 7 saucer oscillation more rapidly than without the ~' Sr` blocks. Brakes (not shown) 8 could also be added to the; ~, ' 9 Re~`erring next to FIG. 13 a side plan view of yet another alternate .tl~ ' 90 using damping pistons 92, 93 is shown. Once again a rail car 96 is placed on rails 91 Il which are mounted on the support Irame 8 of amusement ride 1. A damping piston 92, 93 12 is attached to each end of rail car 96. Thus, damping piston 92 is attached to rail car 96 at 13 one end and power source 95 on its opposing end. Damping piston 93 is also attached to 14 rail car 96 at one end and power source 94 on its oppûsing end.
The amusement ride I can be initiated as described in FIG. I or the pistons 92. 93 can 16 be activated to move the rail car 96 in a front to back motion. Once the amusement ride I is 17 initiated, the powered pistons 92. 93 are dc~L~_ ' The rail car 96 will be pulled along 8 ttle track 91 in the direction that the solid saucer (not shown) travels. The motion of the 19 rail car 96 will result in the lowering of the solid saucer. The swing arc of the solid saucer 20 will then become out of sync, draining energy out of the system as described in FIG. 12.
21 Additionally, the inactivated pistons 92, 93 will act to further damp the oscillation of the 22 amusement ride 1.
23 Although the present invention has been described with re~`erence to preferred 2~ ; ' " . numerous nno~lifir~-innc and vaJiations can be made and still the result will 25 come within the scope of the invention. No lirnitation with respect to the specific 26 l -,1.~-1;.. :~ disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.

SU~STITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims (39)

Claims The embodiments of the invention for which an exclusive privilege and property right is claimed are defined as follows.

1. An amusement ride for raising a conveyance holding riders from a static position at or near the ground to a height of at least ten meters, and releasing the conveyance to swing in a curved trajectory, the amusement ride comprising:
a support structure, said support structure extending at least eleven meters from the ground;
a conveyance support line assembly having a given length and a first end and a second end, said first end of said conveyance support line assembly attached to said upper portion of said support structure, said second end of said conveyance support line assembly attached to the conveyance, said conveyance support line assembly suspended from a normal position on said support structure vertically downward;
an upright launch structure extending upwardly from the ground and disposed from said support structure at a distance not greater than the length of said support line assembly; and a launch line having a first end and a second end, said first end of said launch line attached to means for raising and lowering said launch line on said launch structure, said second end releasably attached to said conveyance.

2. The amusement ride of claim 1 further comprising a movable loading structure.

3. The amusement ride of claim 2, wherein said conveyance further comprises an angular momentum and a horizontal vector of motion; and a pendulum damping apparatus having a moving pivot means for countering the horizontal vector of motion of the conveyance, thereby reducing the angular movement of said conveyance.

4. The amusement ride of claim 2 further comprising a braking means disposed in said movable loading structure, said movable loading structure functioning to bring said braking means into contact with said conveyance.

5. A pendulum damping apparatus comprising:
a pendulum having a mass and a swing arc;
a pendulum support line attached to the pendulum defining a radius of the swing arc;
a horizontal platform functioning to support the pendulum support line;
a pendulum support frame having a first and second horizontal end;
a pair of parallel pivoting; support arms depending from the pendulum support frame and pivotally affixed to each of the first and second horizontal ends of the pendulum support frame, thereby forming a parallelogram assembly among the pendulum support frame, the pair of pivoting parallel support arms, and the horizontal support platform; and a powered piston affixed to one horizontal end of the horizontal support platform, functioning to move the horizontal support platform, thereby lowering the pendulum mass out of sync with the pendulum swing arc, thus, damping the pendulum swing arc.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the pair of parallel pivoting support arms further comprise a braking means at a pivot point.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the pair of parallel pivoting support arms further comprise a braking means at a pivot point.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the powered piston further comprises a power means to move the horizontal support platform, thereby moving the pendulum mass in sync with the pendulum swing arc, thus, increasing an amplitude of the pendulum swing arc.

9. A pendulum damping apparatus comprising:
a pendulum having an angular movement;
a pendulum support line;
a horizontal pendulum support frame having a first and second horizontal end;
a damping vehicle having a wheel riding on the horizontal pendulum support frame, and having a support means for the pendulum support line; and said damping vehicle further comprising a damping means functioning to reduce the angular movement of the pendulum.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the damping means further comprises a brake or the wheel.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the damping means further comprises an end stop at the first and second horizontal end.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each end stop further comprises a damping piston connected to the damping vehicle.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the damping vehicle further comprises a power means to accelerate the damping vehicle.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the damping means further comprises a brake for a wheel.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein:
the damping vehicle further comprises a rail car having wheels adapted to rails; and the horizontal pendulum support frame further comprise rails.

16. A pendulum damping apparatus comprising:
a pendulum having a support line affixed to a moving pivot means;
said moving pivot means further comprising a horizontal vector of motion; and a damping means functioning to counter the horizontal vector of motion, thereby reducing the angular movement of the pendulum.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said horizontal vector of motion is caused by an angular movement of the pendulum.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said damping means further comprises a damping piston fixed to said moving pivot.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said moving pivot means further comprises a wheel and said damping means further comprises a brake for the wheel.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein:
said pendulum further comprises a pendulum support frame;
said moving pivot means being supported by said pendulum support frame further comprises a vehicle; and said damping means further comprises a power means functioning to accelerate the vehicle in the direction of the angular movement of the pendulum, thereby reducing the angular movement of the pendulum.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said damping means further comprises a powered piston, and said horizontal vector of motion is initiated by said powered piston.

22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein:
said moving pivot means further comprises a motorized vehicle; and said horizontal vector of motion is caused by activation of said motorized vehicle.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said damping means further comprises a brake for said motorized vehicle.

24. An amusement ride for raising a conveyance holding a plurality of riders from a static position at or near the ground to a height of at least ten meters, and releasing the conveyance to swing in a curved trajectory, the amusement ride comprising:

a support structure, said. support structure extending at least eleven meters from the ground;
a conveyance support line assembly having a given length and a first end and a second end, said first end of raid conveyance support line assembly attached to said upper portion of said support structure, said second end of said conveyance support line assembly attached to the conveyance, said conveyance support line assembly suspended from a normal position on said support structure vertically downward;
and an upright launch structure extending upwardly from the ground and disposed from said support structure; at a distance not greater than the length of said support line assembly;
a launch line having a first end and a second end, said first end of said launch line attached to means for raising and lowering said launch line on said launch structure, said second end releasably attached to said conveyance;
said conveyance further comprises a plurality of access rows serving a plurality of seats, thereby enabling a rapid ongress and egress of riders;
a loading structure functioning to enable the plurality of riders to embark/disembark from the conveyance; and braking means for stopping said conveyance from swinging.

25. The amusement ride of claim 24, further comprising lockable doors for each access row.

26. The amusement ride of claim 24, further comprising retractable locking means for securing a rider during flight of the conveyance.

27. The amusement ride of claim 24, wherein said braking means further comprises wheels on the loading structure brushing against the conveyance.

28. The amusement ride of claim 24, wherein said braking means further comprises a pendulum damping apparatus functioning to control a speed of oscillation of the conveyance.

29. An amusement ride for raising a conveyance holding riders from a static position at or near the ground to a height of at least ten meters, and releasing the conveyance to swing in a curved trajectory, the amusement ride comprising;
an upright support structure, said support structure extending at least eleven meters from the ground;
a conveyance support line assembly having a given length and first ends and second ends, said first ends of said conveyance support line assembly attached to said upper portion of said support structure, said second ends of said conveyance support line assembly attached to the conveyance, said conveyance, said conveyance, said conveyance support line assembly suspended from a normal position on said support structure vertically downward; and an upright launch structure extending upwardly from the ground and disposed from said support structure at a distance not greater than the length of said support line assembly.

30. The amusement ride of claim 29, further comprising a launch line having a first end and a second end, said first end of said launch line attached to means for raising and lowering said launch line on said launch structure, said end releasably attached to said conveyance.

31. The amusement ride; of claim 29, further comprising a movable loading structure functioning to enable the riders to embark/disembark from the conveyance.

32. The amusement ride; of claim 31, wherein said movable loading structure further comprises braking means, and moves downward during the ride, and upward for braking the motion of the conveyance.

33. The amusement ride of claims 32, wherein the launch line further comprises a launch weight line having a first and a second end and a launch weight functioning to enable the return of the second end of the launch line to the ground after the riders disembark, said launch weight attached to said second end of said launch line, said first end of said launch weight line attached to said upper portion of said support structure, said second end of said lunch weight line attached to said upper portion of said support structure, said second end of said launch weight line attached to said second end of said launch line.

34. The amusement ride of claim 30, wherein said conveyance further comprises a plurality of access rows serving a plurality of seats, thereby enabling the rapid ongress and egress of the riders.

35. The amusement ride of claim 34, wherein the plurality of seats each has a retractable locking means functioning to secure the rider during flight.

36. The amusement ride of claim 34, further comprising lockable doors for each access row.

37. The amusement ride of claim 36, further comprising a pendulum damping apparatus functioning to control a speed of oscillation of the ride.

38. The amusement ride of claim 37, wherein said conveyance further comprises a horizonal vector of motion; and said pendulum damping apparatus further comprising said conveyance a moving pivot means for countering the horizonal vector of motion of the conveyance, thereby reducing the angular movement of said conveyance.

39. An amusement ride for raising at least one rider from the ground to a height of at least ten meters and releasing the rider to swing in a curved trajectory, the amusement ride comprising:
a support structure, said support structure extending upwardly to a height of at least eleven meters above the ground;
a rider support line having a first end and a second end, said first end of said support line being attached to the support structure, said support line being pivotally suspended in a normal position vertically downward from said support structure;
means for attaching said second end of said support line to a rider carried by said second end of said support line;
a launch structure; said launch structure extending upwardly to a height of at least eleven meters above the ground, said launch structure spaced from said support structure;
means for raising a rider at least ten meters above the ground from the lowest trajectory point, said means for raising a rider being associated with said launch structure; whereby, when the rider leaves said raising means the rider will swing freely on said support line;

said means for raising the rider further comprising a launch line having a first end and a second end, said first end of said launch line being attached to said launch structure, and there is provided means for attaching said second end of said launch line to the rider;
means for releasing the rider from said launch line are provided intermediate said means for attaching said second end of said launch line to the rider and said means for attaching said second end of said support line to the rider;
mechanical means for raising and lowering said launch line on said launch structure;
said means for attaching said second end of said launch line to the rider further comprising a launch weight line having a launch weight; and said launch weight line having a first end attached to said support structure and a second end attached to said second end of said launch line, functioning to provide a controlled lowering of the second end of the launch line to the lowest trajectory point.