Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
  • A63G1/00—Roundabouts
  • A63G1/28—Roundabouts with centrifugally-swingable suspended seats
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
  • A63G1/00—Roundabouts
  • A63G1/44—Roundabouts with turntables moved up and down

Definitions

• This invention relates to an amusement ride, and more particularly to an aerial amusement ride involving one or more riders being conveyed through the air.
• the invention also relates to a method of conducting an amusement ride.
• amusement rides involving a rider or riders being conveyed through the air in a manner somewhat simulating flight.
• the rides can be on a relatively small scale for use in playgrounds, or on a much larger scale for use in fair grounds and theme parks.
• Swings can range from the simple variety as commonly used in children's playgrounds to somewhat sophisticated structures requiring mechanisms for raising riders into a launch position from which they are released to swing through a curved trajectory. Whilst swings can provide an entertaining ride, they are generally rather limited in simulating flight, as typically riders only swing back and forth along a curved trajectory. Consequently, the rider achieves essentially the same ride each time.
• an aerial carousel Another ride involving conveyance of a rider through the air is an aerial carousel, where one or more riders are moved through a generally circular path.
• an aerial carousel involves a central column supporting a rotatable hub from which riders are suspended to be conveyed through a circular path about the column, thereby simulating flight.
• chains extend from the rotatable hub and have handles (typically configured as rings) attached to their free end so that they can be grasped by the riders.
• handles typically configured as rings
• the aerial carousels may incorporate rider carriers (such as harnesses or carriages), and also a drive system for driving the hub to cause the rider carriers to move through a circular path around the central column.
• rider carriers such as harnesses or carriages
• the ride offered by an aerial carousel is somewhat limited, as the riders merely move through a generally circular path, achieving essentially the same ride each time.
• an amusement ride comprising a tower, a hub structure supported on the tower for rotation with respect thereto and for displacement therealong, a first drive means for rotating the hub structure with respect to the tower, a second drive means for displacing the hub structure along the tower, and a rider carrier suspended from the hub structure to undergo motion in response to movement of the hub structure with respect to the tower.
• the rider carrier can undergo motion involving rotation around the tower and also displacement along the tower to provide a change in elevation during the ride.
• the change in elevation as the rider moves in a path around the tower can enhance the sensation experienced during the ride.
• the rider carrier is suspended from the hub structure by a flexible suspension link extending therebetween.
• the flexible suspension link may comprise at least one flexible line (such as a cable or chain), or a plurality of flexible lines operating in conjunction.
• the rider carrier may also be connected to the rotatable hub for swivelling movement with respect thereto.
• swivelling movement can provide a further aspect to the sensation experienced during the ride.
• the swivelling movement comprises rotation about an axis corresponding to the longitudinal extent of the flexible suspension link.
• the amusement ride is adapted to accommodate a plurality of riders at the same time.
• This may be achieved by the provision of a plurality of rider carriers connected to the rotatable hub in circumferentially spaced relation.
• the or each rider carrier may be of any appropriate form such as, for example, a harness structure to receive an support a rider or several riders, or a carriage (such as a chair or pod) in which one or more riders can be accommodated.
• a rider carrier which can accommodate several riders is advantageous in that there is any opportunity for riders to enjoy the thrill of riding together in a common carrier.
• the rider carrier may be adapted to rotate about an axis transverse to the longitudinal extent of the flexible suspension link.
• the rider carrier may comprise a capsule with seating for accommodating one or more riders.
• the rider carrier may be provided with a control device such as a vane or other control surface for imparting rotational motion about the rotational axis during movement of the rider carrier through the air.
• a control device such as a vane or other control surface for imparting rotational motion about the rotational axis during movement of the rider carrier through the air.
• the tower may be demountable to permit relocation as necessary.
• the tower may comprise a base and a column upstanding from the base.
• the base may be adapted to be releasably anchored to the ground.
• the column preferably comprises a plurality of column sections disposed in series and connected one to another. The column sections may be detachably connected together to facilitate demounting for relocation.
• the column may be of framework construction comprising a plurality of longitudinal elements.
• the longitudinal elements may be connected one to another by lateral elements providing bracing.
• the framework defining the column is of open construction to provide an open space within the column.
• the tower extends to a height of at least 30 metres.
• the tower has a height of about 60 metres, and possibly higher in certain applications.
• the hub structure may comprise a plurality of outriggers, one corresponding to each rider carrier, with the flexible suspension link from which each rider carrier is suspended being connected to a respective one of the outriggers.
• the connection between each suspension flexible link and the respective outrigger may comprise the swivel connection which permits swivelling movement of the rider carrier referred to previously.
• the hub structure is rotatably supported on a ring structure adapted for displacement along the tower while being fixed against rotation with respect to the tower.
• the first drive means may comprise a drive wheel and a motor for rotating the drive wheel, the drive wheel being in driving engagement with the hub structure, whereby rotation of the drive wheel causes rotation of the hub structure relative to the ring structure.
• the second drive means is preferably, operable for selectively causing the ring structure to undergo displacement with respect to the tower.
• the second drive means may comprise a cable and pulley system from which the ring structure is suspended, and a winch mechanism, the cable and pulley system comprising a pulley mounted on the tower above the uppermost extent of displacement of the ring structure and a cable having an end thereof connected to the ring structure, the cable extending upwardly from the ring structure, around the pulley and downwardly to be operable by the winch mechanism.
• the cable is preferably connected to a counter-weight, the counter weight being connected to the winch mechanism by way of a winch cable.
• the cable and pulley system comprises a plurality of cables and associated pulleys, each cable being connected at one end to the ring structure, extending upwardly over its respective pulley and downwardly to be operable by the winch mechanism.
• the counter-weight is accommodated within the open interior of the framework defining the column.
• the winch mechanism is also accommodated within the open interior of the framework defining the column.
• the winch mechanism is mounted on the base from which the column is supported.
• a braking mechanism is associated with the winch mechanism for retarding downward movement of the hub structure with respect to the column.
• the brake mechanism may comprise a disc brake provided on the winch mechanism.
• the design of the amusement ride according to the invention is conducive to construction on a very large scale.
• the tower may have a height in excess of 60 metres in certain applications.
• a method of conducting an amusement ride involving conveyance of a rider through the air, the method comprising moving the rider along a path around a generally upright axis and selectively displacing the rider vertically during movement around the axis.
• the method further comprises accommodating the rider in a rider carrier and then elevating the rider carrier to a position at which movement around the upright axis can commence.
• the method further comprises terminating the ride by ceasing movement of the rider about the upright axis and lowering the rider carrier to a location at which the rider can disembark therefrom.
• Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an amusement ride according to a first embodiment
• Figure 2 is a schematic fragmentary side view of the amusement ride, illustrating a support head moveably mounted on a tower;
• Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the support head
• Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating the support head mounted on the tower
• Figures 5a to 5d are schematic side elevational views illustrating the amusement device in various stages of operation
• Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of an amusement ride according to a second embodiment
• Figure 7 is a plan view of the amusement ride of Figure 6;
• Figure 8 is a schematic side elevational view of the amusement ride, with the support head shown in a lowered condition;
• Figure 9 is a plan view of the tower forming part of the amusement ride according to the second embodiment.
• Figure 10 is a fragmentary elevational view of the lower end of the tower
• Figure 11 is a fragmentary view illustrating a rider carrier and suspension link for an amusement ride according to a third embodiment.
• Figure 12 is a schematic view of a capsule defining the rider carrier shown in Figure 11.
• an aerial amusement ride 10 according to a first embodiment.
• the aerial amusement ride 10 involves conveyance of riders through the air in a manner somewhat simulating flight at an elevation sufficiently high to provide a thrilling sensation.
• the aerial amusement ride 10 comprises a tower 11 anchored to the ground 13.
• a support head 15 is mounted on the tower 13 and riders 17 are suspended from the support head 15 by way of flexible suspension links 19 for conveyance through the air about the tower.
• the riders 17 are conveyed along a path which extends around the tower 11 , with the elevation of the riders being selectively variable, as will be explained later.
• the tower 11 comprises a base 21 and a column 23 mounted on the base 21.
• the column 23 is of framework construction, comprising a plurality of longitudinal elements 25 connected one to another by lateral elements 26 which provide bracing, as best seen in Figure 4 of the drawings.
• Each longitudinal elements 25 is of rectangular cross-section and is oriented diagonally so that two adjacent faces 27, 28 thereof are outwardly facing, as best seen in Figure 4.
• the column 23 in this embodiment comprises a plurality of column sections disposed in series one upon another, with adjacent sections being detachably connected together. With this arrangement, the height of the column, which is a matter of design choice, can be established by using an appropriate number of column sections. Additionally, the arrangement facilitates erection of the column 23, as it is merely necessary to fit one column section upon another, typically with the assistance of a crane or other suitable load lifting apparatus.
• the support head 15 comprises an inner ring structure 31 adapted for displacement along the column 23 while being fixed against rotation with respect thereto, and an outer hub structure 33 rotatably supported on the inner ring structure 31.
• the inner ring structure 31 is mounted on the column 23 for guided rolling movement therealong.
• the inner ring structure 31 comprises a peripheral frame 35 of generally circular construction extending around the column 23.
• a plurality of sets of rollers 37 are mounted on the frame 35 in two groups spaced one with respect to the other in the longitudinal direction of the column 23.
• the roller sets 37 in each group are circumferentially spaced around the column 23, with each roller set 37 corresponding to one of the longitudinal elements 25 of the column 23.
• Each roller set 37 comprises two rollers 39 positioned for rolling engagement against respective outer adjacent faces 27, 28 of the corresponding longitudinal element 25, as best seen in Figure 4. This is achieved by supporting the rollers 39 in each set with their axis of rotation substantially at 90 degrees with respect to each other.
• the respective longitudinal element 25 defines a track and the faces 27, 28 define two track surfaces, with each roller 39 in the roller set 37 engaging a respective one of the track surfaces.
• the orientation of the two rollers 39 in each roller set 37 and also the track surfaces, ensures that the ring structure 31 is supported for guided rolling movement along the column 23 while being restrained against rotation around the column.
• the hub structure 33 comprises a hub frame 41 of generally circular construction rotatably mounted on the ring structure 31 , and a plurality of outriggers 43 extending from the hub frame 41.
• a canopy covers the hub structure 33.
• the canopy 45 is shown partly cut-away in Figures 2 and 3.
• a first drive means 51 is provided for rotating the hub structure 33 with respect to the ring structure 31 , thereby rotating the hub structure 33 with respect to the column 23.
• the drive means 51 comprises an electric motor 53 and a drive wheel 55 drivingly connected to the motor 53.
• the electric motor 53 is supported on the inner ring structure 31 and the drive wheel 55 is in driving engagement with a drive ring 57 mounted on the hub frame 41.
• the drive wheel 55 comprises a rubber wheel which is adapted to frictionally engage the drive ring 57, whereby rotational torque applied to the drive wheel 55 is transmitted to the hub structure 33 through frictional engagement between the drive wheel 55 and the drive ring 57 mounted on the hub frame 41.
• a second drive means 61 is provided for displacing the support head 15, and thus the hub structure 33 forming part thereof, along the column 23.
• the second drive means 61 comprises a cable and pulley system 63 from which the support head 15 is suspended, together with a counter-weight 65 and a winch mechanism 67.
• the cable and pulley system 63 comprises a plurality of cables 71 (there being four such cables in this embodiment). One end of each cable 71 is attached to the ring structure 31 of the support head 15 and the other end of each cable is connected to the counter-weight 65. Each cable 71 passes over a respective pulley 73 mounted on the column 23 at a location above the uppermost extent of displacement of the support head 15. From the connection to the support head 15, each cable 71 passes upwardly to be routed around its respective pulley 73 and then extends downwardly to the counter-weight 65.
• the counter-weight 65 is connected to the winch mechanism 67 by way of a winch cable 75.
• the winch mechanism 67 incorporates a winch drum 68 about which the winch cable 75 can be wound and unwound.
• the counter-weight 65 is selected such that the support head 15 can travel downwardly under the influence of gravity, with its weight partly being compensated by the counter-weight 65.
• the rate of decent of the support means 15 on the column 23 is controlled by the rate at which the winch cable 75 is unwound from the winch mechanism 67.
• the winch mechanism 67 incorporates a disc brake (not shown) operation of which can regulate the rate at which the winch cable 75 is unwound.
• the counter-weight 65 is accommodated within the open space 29 within the framework defining the column 23. This provides for compactness of construction and also allows the longitudinal elements 25 within the column 23 to be used for the purposes of guiding movement of the counter-weight as it moves upwardly and downwardly corresponding to displacement of the support head 15. To this end, the periphery of the counter-weight 65 is configured so that the counter- weight can be accommodated within the open space 29 for guided movement therealong by the longitudinal elements 25.
• both the counter-weight 65 and the winch mechanism 67 are accommodated within the confines of the tower 13.
• Each flexible suspension link 19 comprises a flexible line 83 which in this embodiment is in the form of a cable or chain, with one end of the flexible line 83 being connected to a respective one of the outriggers 43 and the other end of the flexible link 83 being connected to a respective rider carrier 81.
• the rider carriers 81 comprise harness structures in which the riders 17 can be accommodated.
• Other types of rider carriers are of course possible, including carriages in the form of seats or pods accommodating one or more riders.
• harness structures defining the rider carriers 81 in the embodiment each accommodate a single rider, it is possible to utilise a tandem or other multiple harness in which several riders may engage in the thrill of riding together in a common carrier.
• each suspension line 83 and its respective rider carrier 81 may incorporate a swivel to permit the rider to twist around an axis corresponding to the longitudinal extent of the suspension line. In this way, the rider has the option of twisting or otherwise manipulating his or her body around in order to provide further variety to the ride and thus enhance the sensation experienced during the ride.
• the ride commences with the riders 17 at ground level or at an appropriate loading station near ground level, as shown in Figure 5a.
• the support head 15 is lowered by operating the winch mechanism 67 to unwind the winch cable 75 from the winch drum 68.
• the winch mechanism 67 is operated to wind in the winch cable 75, thereby pulling the counter-weight 65 downwardly and thus causing the support head 15 to move upwardly along the column 23, as illustrated in Figure 5b.
• the first drive means 51 can be actuated so as to cause the hub structure 33 to rotate about the column 23.
• This causes the riders 17 to swing outwardly on the suspension lines 83 and move through a somewhat circular path around the column 23, also as shown in Figure 5b.
• the support head 15 can be lowered as illustrated in Figure 5c and raised as illustrated in Figure 5d in order to change the elevation of the riders as they move through the circular path about the column 23.
• the speed of rotation of the hub structure 23 can also be varied if desired to provide variation to the ride characteristics.
• the hub structure 33 rotates at about 10rpm in this embodiment.
• the displacement of the support head involving movement upwardly and downwardly during the ride may be at speeds up to about 5m/s.
• the support head 15 can be lowered at a rate faster than the riders 17, thus providing situations where the riders 17 may be higher than the points at which they are attached to the ride.
• the variation in elevation during the revolving motion of the riders provides an exciting ride, particularly when regard is had to the significant height at which the ride is conducted. Further variation is available to the riders 17 during the ride through swivelling movement at the connection between the suspension line 83 and the rider carrier 81. To complete the ride, the support head 15 is lowered so as to return the riders 17 to the ground or loading platform.
• amusement ride 100 there is shown an amusement ride 100 according to a second embodiment.
• the amusement ride 100 is similar in many respects to the amusement ride 10 according to the first embodiment and corresponding reference numerals are used to identify similar parts.
• the tower 11 comprises a base 21 and a column 23, as was the case in the first embodiment.
• the base 21 comprises a plurality of legs 101 extending radially outwardly, with anchoring pads 103 provided on the outer ends of the legs 101 for engagement with the ground 13.
• the base 21 also incorporates a station 105 at which riders are loaded onto, and unloaded from, the ride.
• the station 105 comprises a platform 107 which extends around the tower 11 and which is accessible by way of stairs 109.
• the base 21 also incorporates a portion 111 extending downwardly, accommodated within a hole 113 formed in the ground.
• the column 23 is of framework construction and is formed in column sections 115 connected one to another at junctions 117.
• the rider carriers 81 comprise chair structures 119 which may be fitted with an appropriate restraint system for the purposes of restraining riders in position during operation of the ride.
• the flexible suspension link 19 suspending each rider carrier 81 to a respective outrigger 43 comprises a pair of flexible lines 121 such as cables or chains.
• the flexible lines 121 are connected at their upper end to a crossbar 123 which in turn is connected to the respective outrigger 41 by way of swivel connection 125.
• Operation of the amusement ride 100 according to the second embodiment is similar to that of amusement ride 10 according to the first embodiment, with the ride commencing with the support head 15 lowered into a position at which riders can enter the chairs 119 at the station 105, as shown in Figure 8 of the drawings.
• the support head is then raised into an operative condition and rotated and displaced in a similar fashion to the first embodiment.
• all chairs 119 are accommodated at the station 105 at the same time.
• riders enter and leave the various chairs 119 at the station at the same time.
• the station may be at a specific location, with the chairs 19 moving sequentially into and out of the station.
• the drive means for rotating the support head 15 can be utilised to rotate the chairs in an indexing fashion, with the chairs moving into and out of the station one after another.
• This can be advantageous in that the ride operator would than be in a better position to exercise control over the loading and unloading process, particularly with regard to the manner in which riders enter and leave each chair.
• the amusement ride 100 according to the second embodiment has been designed so that it is conducive to construction on a very large scale. Indeed, the tower 11 is approximately 60 metres in height and the diameter of the rotatable support head 15 is approximately 18 metres. The enormous size of the amusement device ensures that the riders are exposed to an extreme height during the ride, thereby enhancing the sensation experienced during the ride.
• the flexible suspension link 19 comprises two lines 131 suspended from a cross member 133 connected by pivot connection 135 to outrigger 43.
• the pivot connection 135 facilitates outward swinging motion of the rider carrier.
• the rider carrier 81 comprises a capsule 141 in which several riders can be accommodated.
• the capsule 141 incorporates seating 143 for riders in the capsule.
• the capsule 141 is rotatable supported between a two trunnions 145, with each trunnion 145 being connected to one of the lines 131.
• the trunnions 145 define a rotational axis about which the capsule 141 can rotate.
• the capsule 141 has an outer periphery fitted with control devices 147 in the form of vanes, as shown in Figure 12..
• the vanes 147 cause the capsule 141 to rotate about the rotational axis upon movement of the capsule through the air with rotation of the hub structure 33.
• the angle of attack of the vanes 147 determines the speed of rotation of the capsule.
• the direction of rotation may be altered by altering the attitude of the vanes; that is, by facing them in an opposite direction relative to the rotational axis of the capsule.
• the control may be achieved by way of a lever mechanism located within the capsule 141 and operatively connected to one or both vanes. This presents the rider with an opportunity to control his or her own ride, thereby providing variation to the ride and further enhancing the sensation experienced on the ride.
• the locking mechanism may be controlled by the ride operator who may provide the rider with the choice as to whether or not the rotational function will be employed during the ride.
• the rotatable capsule provides a further axis of rotation during the ride, providing variety and thus a generally more exciting ride.
• the feature may also be conducive to repeat business, as riders may wish to develop their skills over time in controlling the ride.
• the present invention provides an amusement ride involving one or more riders being conveyed through the air but with the possibility of sufficient variation to provide an exciting ride conducive to riders returning for further rides.
• the amusement ride according to the invention can be constructed on a large scale such that the riders are elevated to a height which in itself provides excitement.
• the amusement ride is of a design which is conducive to construction on such a large scale. It incorporates a simple yet highly effective arrangement for driving the support head 15 both rotationally for moving the riders around through the air, and also linearly for varying the elevation of the riders during the ride as well as raising and lowering the riders with respect to the ground or a station at which the riders embark upon, and disembark from, the ride.

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• 2004
  • 2004-01-29 AT AT04706095T patent/ATE395958T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2004-01-29 EP EP04706095A patent/EP1590056B1/fr not_active Revoked
  • 2004-01-29 DE DE602004013921T patent/DE602004013921D1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2004-01-29 WO PCT/AU2004/000099 patent/WO2004067126A1/fr active IP Right Grant

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