WO2007145506A1

WO2007145506A1 - Ferris wheel lifts

Info

Publication number: WO2007145506A1
Application number: PCT/NL2007/000146
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannus Hendrik Franciscus Van Der Horst
Original assignee: Horst Johannus Hendrik Francis
Priority date: 2006-06-12
Filing date: 2007-06-12
Publication date: 2007-12-21
Also published as: NL1031983C2

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus, comprising a frame (10), a stationary part (18) mounted on the frame, one or more main segments (26) arranged rotatably relative to the frame, each comprising at least one arm and a gondola arranged on the arm (28) for the purpose of moving people round in circles therein, drive means for driving the main segment rotatably relative to the stationary part, and an intermediate segment (24) arranged between the stationary part and the rotatable main segment, wherein the intermediate segment can be coupled selectively to the stationary part and the rotatable main segment by means of coupling means. The invention also relates to a method for embarking persons into and disembarking persons from a ferris wheel.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EMBARKING AND DISEMBARKING A

FERRIS WHEEL

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for embarking persons into and disembarking persons from a ferris wheel .

In conventional ferris wheels it is usual to stop the wheel periodically in order to allow one or more persons to take their seat in and to disembark from a gondola of the wheel. As a consequence the wheel will not rotate continuously, and much energy is lost in slowing down and starting up the wheel. In addition, the time of a full revolution increases due to the regular stopping and slowing of the wheel, and this starting and stopping can be perceived as unpleasant by the passengers in the gondolas.

The energy lost in stopping and starting the ferris wheel again increases particularly when the ferris wheel is of a large size.

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for embarking and disembarking a ferris wheel, wherein the above stated problems are obviated and wherein people can particularly board and disembark from the ferris wheel while it rotates continuously.

The stated objective is achieved with the apparatus according to the present invention, comprising:

- a frame;

- a stationary part mounted on the frame;

- one or more main segments arranged rotatably relative to the frame, each comprising at least one arm and a gondola arranged on the arm for the purpose of moving people round in circles therein,-

- drive means for driving the main segment rotatably relative to the stationary part; and - an intermediate segment arranged between the stationary part and the rotatable main segment, wherein the intermediate segment can be coupled selectively to the stationary part and the rotatable main segment by means of coupling means .

Because the intermediate segment can be coupled selectively to the stationary part and the rotatable main segment by means of coupling means, it is made possible for people to transfer in stages from the stationary part fixed to the frame to the main segment rotating relative to the frame . The drive means for driving the main segment rotatably relative to the stationary part can therefore drive the main segment continuously, i.e. without stopping and starting, this reducing the above stated problems of conventional ferris wheels. An additional advantage of rotating the ferris wheel at substantially continuous speed is that the mechanical loads on the apparatus are lower than is the case with repeated slowing, stopping and restarting. Wear to the moving parts will hereby decrease, which enhances the reliability of the apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the invention:

- the stationary part comprises at least one space for receiving people;

- the intermediate segment comprises at least one first transfer space; and

- the main segment comprises at least ^'one cage arranged displaceably in the arm;

- a floor of the receiving space in the stationary part and a floor of the first transfer space in the intermediate segment are substantially aligned when the intermediate segment is coupled by means of coupling means to the stationary part; and - the floor of the first transfer space in the intermediate segment and a floor of the cage in the main segment are substantially aligned when the intermediate segment is coupled by means of coupling means to the main segment .

Because the floor of the receiving space in the stationary part and the floor of the first transfer space in the intermediate segment are substantially aligned when the intermediate segment is coupled by means of the coupling means to the stationary part, the one or more persons received in the receiving space of the stationary part can make their way safely from the receiving space to the transfer space in the coupled situation of the intermediate segment and the stationary part . In similar manner the persons present in the transfer space can make their way safely from the transfer space to the cage when the intermediate segment and the main segment are coupled to each other. When the intermediate segment is coupled to the main segment, the intermediate segment will rotate at the same rotation speed as the main segment, whereby the relative position of these segments does not change.

According to a second aspect of the present invention:

- the stationary part comprises at least one receiving space for receiving people;

- the intermediate segment comprises at least one first transfer space;

- the main segment comprises at least one second transfer space; - a floor of the receiving space in the stationary part and a floor of the first transfer space in the intermediate segment are substantially aligned when the intermediate segment is coupled to the stationary part by means of coupling means; and

- the floor of the first transfer space in the intermediate segment and a floor of the second transfer space in the main segment are substantially aligned when the intermediate segment is coupled to the main segment by means of coupling means .

Coupling of the intermediate segment by means of coupling means to the main segment in accordance with this second aspect prevents a relative displacement between the two segments. If this coupling takes place when the floor of the first transfer space in the intermediate segment and the floor of the second transfer space in the main segment are substantially aligned, the persons present in the first transfer space are given the opportunity to make their way to the second transfer space situated in the main segment.

In a further preferred embodiment according to this second aspect, the apparatus further comprises a cage arranged displaceably in the arm. By positioning this cage such that the floor of the cage is substantially aligned with the floor of the second transfer space in the main segment, the persons present in the second transfer space are given the opportunity to enter the cage. This cage can subsequently displace the people present in the cage through the arm to a gondola arranged on an outer end of the arm.

By arranging the second transfer space rotatably in the main segment, for instance by means of bearings, in a further preferred embodiment of this second aspect it is possible to guarantee that the floor of the second transfer space is situated substantially horizontal at all times. The persons present in the second transfer space can hereby retain substantially the same orientation relative to the ground surface during rotation of the main segment in which the second transfer space is situated. The persons located in the second transfer space will therefore not notice, or hardly so, that the main segment is rotating.

In a further preferred embodiment according to both above stated aspects, the first transfer space is arranged rotatably in the intermediate segment. By arranging the first transfer space for instance in bearings in the intermediate element, in the situation where the intermediate segment and the main segment are coupled people can move round together with the main segment while the floor of the transfer space remains substantially horizontal. This takes place in similar manner as described above in respect of the second transfer space .

In a further preferred embodiment the cage is arranged rotatably in the main segment so that during rotation of the wheel the persons present in the cage can also stand and/or sit in comparable manner on a substantially horizontally situated floor.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the above stated first aspect of the present invention, the cage is arranged in the arm at least for displacement between a first position, wherein the floor of the cage is substantially aligned with the floor of the second transfer space in the main segment, and a second position substantially in or close to the gondola on the outer end of the arm. According to this first aspect, the persons present in the first transfer space in the intermediate segment can step directly into the cage . The cage can then carry the people into the gondola situated on the outer end of the arm. According to a further preferred embodiment in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, the cage is arranged in the arm at least for displacement between a first position, wherein the floor of the cage is substantially aligned with the floor of the second transfer space in the main segment, and a second position substantially in or close to the gondola on the outer end of the arm. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the persons can first make their way from the transfer space in the intermediate segment into a second transfer space in the main segment, from where they can step into the cage and can be carried to the gondola situated on the outer end of the arm. . According to a further preferred embodiment in accordance with both aspects of the present invention, the cage is displaceable from a first position in the first gondola on the outer end of the first arm to a second position in a second gondola situated close to the outer end of a second arm, wherein the second arm extends substantially in the line of the first arm. According to this further preferred embodiment, the number of lifts can be halved. In the case of sixteen arms with gondolas situated on the outer end, only eight cages, or lifts, displaceable through the arms are required in this embodiment.

In a further preferred embodiment the floor of the cage is substantially aligned with a floor of the gondola in the second position, i.e. when the cage is situated substantially in or close to the gondola on the outer end of the arm. The people located in the cage are therefore able to make their way comfortably from the cage into the gondola, and vice versa.

According to further preferred embodiments of the present invention, partitions are arranged between the receiving space and the first transfer space, between the first transfer space and the cage (only in accordance with the first aspect) and, according to the second aspect, between the first transfer space and the second transfer space and between the second transfer space and the cage. In a preferred embodiment these partitions comprise a lockable door which prevents people present in any of these spaces being able to leave these spaces in undesirable manner when the different segments do not yet have the correct relative position. The application of such a partition therefore enhances the safety of the apparatus .

According to a further preferred embodiment, a safety device is provided which prevents the coupling means coupling the intermediate segment simultaneously to the stationary part and the main segment. Since in principle the main segment rotates continuously and the stationary part is fixed in stationary manner to the frame, there will usually be a relative movement between the main segment and the stationary part. If the intermediate segment were to be coupled simultaneously to the stationary part as well as the main segment, this would almost certainly result in irreparable damage to the construction. A safety device is therefore provided to prevent the possibility of a simultaneous coupling between all parts. In addition, it is possible to envisage the construction being provided with a free-running mode which comes into operation in such a case .

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame is placed in water and at least a part of the arm having the gondola arranged on the arm follows an underwater path while moving people round in circles therein. By having the gondola displaced under water during at least a part of its revolution the people present in the gondola are exposed to an entertaining and impressive event. In view of the additional friction between the immersed arms and gondolas and the water, the ability to rotate the ferris wheel continuously is particularly favourable for a wheel placed in water. Water is prevented from entering the gondola in the immersed position by providing the gondola in a further preferred embodiment with one or more windows and hermetically sealing the gondola from the outside world at least on its outer periphery.

Allowing the inner space of the gondola to be in open connection with a lift shaft which is situated in the arm and in which the cage is arranged displaceably guarantees in a further preferred embodiment that the people present in the gondola are provided at all times with oxygen. Furthermore, in the case of a calamity, the people located in the gondola can leave the gondola via the shaft and/or via stairways arranged for this purpose in the shaft.

In a further preferred embodiment the gondola reaches a maximum depth of some tens of metres during a full rotation, such as for instance 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 metres.

In yet another preferred embodiment the gondola passes through a height difference of more than 200 metres during a full rotation. Setting into motion and slowing down such a large ferris wheel requires so much energy that the application of the present invention, wherein the wheel can remain rotating continuously during boarding and disembarkation from the wheel, is particularly advantageous for a wheel of such dimensions . The present invention further relates to a method for embarking persons into and disembarking persons from a ferris wheel, the method according to a first aspect of the invention comprising the steps of:

(a) a receiving step comprising of receiving one or more persons in a receiving space in a stationary part fixed to a frame;

(b) a first coupling step comprising of positioning a floor of a first transfer space situated in an intermediate segment so that it is substantially aligned with a floor of the receiving space in order to enable the one or more persons received in the receiving space to enter the first transfer space; and (c) a second coupling step comprising of positioning a floor of a cage situated in a main segment so that it is substantially aligned with the floor of the first transfer space in order to enable the one or more persons located in the transfer space to enter the cage. According to a second aspect, the method for embarking persons into and disembarking persons from a ferris wheel comprises the following steps of:

(b) a first coupling step comprising of positioning a floor of a first transfer space situated in an intermediate segment so that it is substantially aligned with a floor of the receiving space in order to enable the one or more persons received in the receiving space to enter the first transfer space,-

(c) a second coupling step comprising of positioning a floor of a second transfer space situated in a main segment so that it is substantially aligned with the floor of the first transfer space in order to enable the one or more persons located in the first transfer space to enter the second transfer space; and

(d) a third coupling step comprising of positioning a floor of a cage situated in a main segment so that it is substantially aligned with the floor of the second transfer space in order to enable the one or more persons situated in the transfer space to enter the cage. A further preferred embodiment of the method further comprises the steps of :

- displacing the cage to the gondola through a shaft arranged in an arm; and - positioning the floor of the cage substantially aligned with a floor of the gondola in order to enable the one or more persons situated in the cage to enter the gondola .

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are further elucidated in the following description with reference to the drawing, in which:

Figure 1. shows a front view in cross-section of a ferris wheel according to the present invention; Figure 2. is an enlarged view of a part of the ferris wheel shown in figure 1; Figure 3. is a side view in cross-section of the ferris wheel shown in figure 1;

Figure 4. is an enlarged view of a part of the ferris wheel shown in figure 3;

Figure 5. is a perspective view of a transfer space situated in the intermediate segment of the ferris wheel;

Figure 6. is a perspective view of a cage situated in an arm of the ferris wheel;

Figure 7. is a side view in cross-section of an outer end of an arm with a gondola,- and Figure 8. is a front view in cross-section of the gondola shown in figure 7. Figure 1 shows a ferris wheel placed in a sea 2. A part of the wheel is situated under water level 4. In the seabed 6 is arranged a foundation 8 from which pillars 10 extend in upward direction. In the shown embodiment the wheel comprises a total of four pillars 10. Arranged on one or more of pillars 10 is a mooring platform 12 at which boats can be moored and visitors to the ferris wheel can in this way be moved between the shore and the ferris wheel. At mooring platform 12 the visitors step out of boat 56 onto mooring platform 12, from where they are moved with a lift 16 via a lift shaft 14 through the upward extending pillar 10 in the direction of housing 18 of the ferris wheel. Although a conventional lift 16 can be applied here, it will, due to the inclining position of the pillar (figure 3), possibly take the form of a parallelogram.

Lift 16 can let people out at a plurality of floors 38 in housing 18. Spaces 40 are reserved on these floors 18 for hotels, places of entertainment, congress centres, shopping centres and so on.

The ferris wheel is constructed from a foundation 8, pillars 10 and a spherical housing 18 arranged on pillars 10. Housing 18 comprises two outer stationary parts 20 which are arranged on pillars 10. Situated between these outer stationary parts 20 is a main segment 26 which is arranged rotatably around a shaft 22 and which can in principle be driven continuously by a drive (not shown), i.e. during normal use the ferris wheel permanently has a continuous speed and is only stopped in order to carry out for instance maintenance operations or when the ferris wheel is taken out of operation for a time .

In the shown embodiment main segment 26 comprises sixteen arms 28, wherein gondolas 32 are arranged on the outer ends 30 of the arms. Gondolas 32 are provided with one or more windows so that the persons located therein have a view from the gondola during the rotation of the wheel .

Arranged between stationary part 20 and rotatable main segment 26 is an intermediate segment 24 which is rotatable around shaft 22 and which makes it possible for people to be able to transfer from the stationary part into the continuously rotating main segment, as will be further elucidated hereinbelow. Lift shafts 14 extend from mooring platform 12 in both upward and downward direction. When people wish to make their way from the one stationary part 20 to the other stationary part 20 of housing 18, they must pass through the rotating main segment 26, this being possible with the apparatus of the present invention as will be described below. So as to make the apparatus not too complex and costly, it is however recommended to give the construction according to the present invention only a one-sided form and to move people from the one stationary part 20 to the other stationary part 20 via the lift shafts extending downward from mooring platform 12 and the connection tube 15 arranged between the pillars. If desired, the interior space of pillars 10 can be utilized, such as for instance for an underwater hotel 17. The spherical housing 18 can further be illuminated, which at dusk and at night will give a visual impression of a setting sun.

Referring to figure 2, a further description will now be given of how one or more persons reach, via platform 12, a gondola 32 situated on the outer end 30 of an arm 28. Via lift 16 the one or more persons are carried from mooring platform 12 to a receiving space 46 in a stationary part 20 of housing 18. Galleries and shops can for instance be arranged in this receiving space 46 for the entertainment of the visitors. The one or more persons walk in the direction of door 21 which closes receiving space 46 on the side where stationary part 20 adjoins the rotatable intermediate segment 24. When the rotatable intermediate segment 24 is situated in a position such that floor 62 of the first transfer space 48 in intermediate segment 24 is substantially aligned with floor 44 of receiving space 46, coupling means 50 between intermediate segment 24 and stationary part 20 are activated. Intermediate segment 24 and stationary part 20 are hereby coupled to each other, and no further relative movement is possible between these parts. Door 21 is now opened, whereafter the persons present in receiving space 46 are able to make their way into the transfer space 48 in intermediate segment 24. When all persons are located in the first transfer space 48, door 21 is once again closed and locked.

Coupling means 50 between intermediate segment 24 and stationary part 20 are uncoupled, whereafter intermediate segment 24 is brought into engagement with the continuously rotating main segment 26. When these segments 24, 26 are correctly aligned relative to each other, they are coupled to each other by activating coupling means 52. There is a correct relative positioning between intermediate segment 24 and main segment 26 when the floor of the second transfer space 49 is substantially aligned with floor 62 of the first transfer space 48. As soon as this is the case, and coupling means 52 couple the intermediate segment 24 and main segment 26, intermediate segment 24 moves at the same rotation speed as main segment 26, whereby their relative position no longer changes. Door 53 between the first transfer space 48 and second transfer space 49 is now opened, whereafter the persons present in first transfer space 48 can enter the second transfer space 49 in main segment 26. Once all persons are located in second transfer space 49, door 53 is once again closed and locked. If desired, intermediate segment 24 can now be released again from main segment 26 by uncoupling coupling means 52.

Once all persons are situated in the second transfer space 49 in main segment 26 and a cage 36 is positioned adjacently of second transfer space 49 such that floor 70 of cage 36 is substantially aligned with the floor of second transfer space 49, door 54 situated between second transfer space 49 and cage 36 is opened. The one or more persons can now enter cage 36. It is noted that receiving space 46 and the first and second transfer spaces 48, 49 preferably have twice the volume of cage 36. Second transfer space 49 hereby has sufficient capacity to receive a number of persons from gondola 32 who are disembarking from cage 36 before a new group of people from second transfer space 49 enters cage 36 in order to be transported to gondola 32. The transfer space can temporarily accommodate a group of people coming out of the lift as well as a new group of people.

As shown in figures 2 and 3, a single cage 36 preferably serves two opposite arms 28. Cage 36 is herein displaceable between two opposite gondolas 32. In this manner the number of cages 36 can be reduced to half the number of gondolas, so that in the shown embodiment with sixteen gondolas only eight cages 36 are required. As shown in figures 3 and 4, the passageways consisting of receiving spaces 46, first transfer spaces 48 and second transfer spaces 49 are distributed over the different floors 38 such that all arms 28 have their own combination of receiving space 46 and first and second transfer spaces 48, 49.

It is noted for the sake of completeness that, although the shown embodiment comprises a second transfer space 49, it is also possible to envisage people transferring directly from the first transfer space 48 into a cage 36 displaceable through lift shaft 34 of arms 28.

It is further noted for the sake of completeness that, if desired, doors 21, 53, 54 can be double doors, whereby receiving space 46 on its side directed toward intermediate segment 24, as well as the first and second transfer spaces 48 and 49 can at all times be closed on both their sides in order to guarantee optimum safety.

Figure 5 shows a detailed perspective view of a first transfer space 48 situated in intermediate segment 24. This first transfer space 48 is constructed from a tubular body 58 which is arranged rotatably in intermediate segment 24 by means of bearings 60. Situated in first transfer space 48 is a floor 62 on which one or more persons can take up position. Present under floor 62 is a space 64 in which a mass (not shown) can be arranged which, under the influence of the force of gravity, will ensure that floor 62 remains aligned substantially horizontally while intermediate segment 24 rotates together with main segment 26. It is noted for the sake of completeness that second transfer space 49 is of similar design to first transfer space 48, and is not therefore shown separately.

Figure 6 shows a cage 36 also comprising a tubular body 66 having therein a floor 70 and a space 72 with a mass (not shown) situated under floor 70. Bearings 68 are mounted on a frame 74 to which cables 76 are attached. Cage 36 is displaced through lift shaft 34 situated in arm 28 by means of these cables 76 (figure 7) .

As shown in figures 6 and 7, arms with stabilizing rollers 75 are arranged on frame 74, these stabilizing rollers 75 stabilizing cage 36 in lift shaft 34.

It is further noted that, instead of cables 76, other embodiments are also possible, such as for instance a transport of the lift by means of permanent magnets or using linear motors.

Gondola 32 comprises a substantially tubular body having semispherical segments on its outer ends. A tubular embodiment of gondolas 32 achieves a streamlining such that gondolas 32 will pass through the water surface 4 in uniform manner .

In gondola 32 a bottom part 84 is arranged on bearings 86. A floor 82 is arranged on bottom part 84. Because bottom part 84 is provided on its underside with a mass (not shown) , floor 82 will remain substantially horizontal . If desired, a stabilizer device ensuring a substantially horizontal position of the floor surfaces can here be arranged in gondola 32 and in transfer spaces 48, 49 instead of a mass. It may be particularly desirable to be sparing with mass in the outer ends 30 of arms 28.

Figure 7 shows the end point 78 of cage 36. In figure 8 cage 36 is situated in this end position 78. Floor 70 of cage 36 is then situated substantially aligned with floor 82 of gondola 32. The doors in gondola 80 can now be opened, whereby the persons present in cage 36 are able to enter gondola 32, and vice versa.

For the sake of completeness it is noted that carrying people from gondola 32 to mooring platform 12 takes place in reverse sequence. The people in this case make their way from floor 82 of the gondola to floor 70 of cage 36, whereafter they are carried by cage 36 to a position in front of a second transfer space 49. After opening of door 54 the persons present in cage 36 can step into the second transfer space 49. When intermediate segment 24 and main segment 26 are coupled to each other by coupling means 52, door 53 is opened, whereafter the persons present in second transfer space 49 can enter first transfer space 48 in intermediate segment 24. Coupling means 52 are then uncoupled and intermediate segment 24 is coupled by means of coupling means 50 to stationery part 20. After opening of door 21 the persons present in second transfer space 48 can enter receiving space 46, from where they are taken via lift 16 to mooring platform 12.

Although they show preferred embodiments of the invention, the above described embodiments are intended only to illustrate the present invention and not in any way to limit the specification of the invention. The scope of the invention is therefore defined solely by the now following claims .

Claims

1. Apparatus, comprising:

- a frame; - a stationary part mounted on the frame;

- one or more main segments arranged rotatably relative to the frame, each comprising at least one arm and a gondola arranged on the arm for the purpose of moving people round in circles therein; - drive means for driving the main segment rotatably relative to the stationary part; and

- an intermediate segment arranged between the stationary part and the rotatable main segment, wherein the intermediate segment can be coupled selectively to the stationary part and the rotatable main segment by means of coupling means .

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

- the stationary part comprises at least one space for receiving people;

- the intermediate segment comprises at least one first transfer space; and

- the main segment comprises at least one cage arranged displaceably in the arm; - a floor of the receiving space in the stationary part and a floor of the first transfer space in the intermediate segment are substantially aligned when the intermediate segment is coupled by means of coupling means to the stationary part; and - the floor of the first transfer space in the intermediate segment and a floor of the cage in the main segment are substantially aligned when the intermediate segment is coupled by means of coupling means to the main segment .

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: - the stationary part comprises at least one receiving space for receiving people;

- the intermediate segment comprises at least one first transfer space;

- the main segment comprises at least one second transfer space;

- a floor of the receiving space in the stationary part and a floor of the first transfer space in the intermediate segment are substantially aligned when the intermediate segment is coupled to the stationary part by means of coupling means; and

- the floor of the first transfer space in the intermediate segment and a floor of the second transfer space in the main segment are substantially aligned when the intermediate segment is coupled to the main segment by means of coupling means.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 , further comprising a cage arranged displaceably in the arm.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any of the claims 3, 4, wherein the second transfer space is arranged rotatably in the main segment .

6. Apparatus as claimed in any of the claims 2-5, wherein the first transfer space is arranged rotatably in the intermediate segment .

7. Apparatus as claimed in any of the claims 2, 4-6, wherein the cage is arranged rotatably in the main segment.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any of the claims 2, 5-7, wherein the cage is arranged in the arm at least for displacement between a first position, wherein the floor of the cage is substantially aligned with the floor of the second transfer space in the intermediate segment, and a second position substantially in or close to the gondola on the outer end of the arm.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any of the claims 3-7, wherein the cage is arranged in the arm at least for displacement between a first position, wherein the floor of the cage is substantially aligned with the floor of the second transfer space in the main segment, and a second position substantially in or close to the gondola on the outer end of the arm.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any of the claims 2-9, wherein the cage is displaceable from a first position in the first gondola on the outer end of the first arm to a second position in a second gondola situated close to the outer end of a second arm, wherein the second arm extends substantially in the line of the first arm.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any of the claims 8-10, wherein the floor of the cage is substantially aligned with a floor of the gondola in the second position.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein a partition is arranged at least between the receiving space and the first transfer space.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any of the claims 2, 6-8, 10-12, wherein a partition is arranged at least between the first transfer space and the cage.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any of the claims 3-6, 9-12, wherein a partition is arranged at least between the first transfer space and the second transfer space.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any of the claims 3-6, 9-12 and 14, wherein a partition is arranged at least between the second transfer space and the cage.

16. Apparatus as claimed in any of the claims 12-15, wherein the partition comprises a lockable door.

17. Apparatus as claimed in any of the claims 2-16, further provided with a safety device which prevents the coupling means coupling the intermediate segment simultaneously to the stationary part and the main segment .

18. Apparatus as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the frame is placed in water and at least a part of the arm having the gondola arranged on the arm follows an underwater path while moving people round in circles therein.

19. Apparatus as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the gondola is provided with one or more windows and is hermetically sealed from the outside world at least on its outer periphery.

20. Apparatus as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein an inner space of the gondola is in open connection with a lift shaft which is situated in the arm and in which the cage is arranged displaceably.

21. Apparatus as claimed in any of the claims 18-20, wherein the gondola reaches a maximum depth of some tens of metres during a full rotation.

22. Apparatus as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the gondola passes through a height difference of more than 200 metres during a full rotation.

23. Method for embarking and disembarking a ferris wheel, the method comprising the following steps of:

(b) a first coupling step comprising of positioning a floor of a first transfer space situated in an intermediate segment so that it is substantially aligned with a floor of the receiving space in order to enable the one or more persons received in the receiving space to enter the first transfer space; and

(c) a second coupling step comprising of positioning a floor of a cage situated in a main segment so that it is substantially aligned with the floor of the first transfer space in order to enable the one or more persons located in the transfer space to enter the cage.

24. Method for embarking and disembarking a ferris wheel, the method comprising the following steps of:

(a) a receiving step comprising of receiving one or more persons in a receiving space in a stationary part fixed to a frame; (b) a first coupling step comprising of positioning a floor of a first transfer space situated in an intermediate segment so that it is substantially aligned with a floor of the receiving space in order to enable the one or more persons received in the receiving space to enter the first transfer space,-

(d) a third coupling step comprising of positioning a floor of a cage situated in a main segment so that it is substantially aligned with the floor of the second transfer space in order to enable the one or more persons situated in the transfer space to enter the cage .

25. Method as claimed in claim 23 or 24, further comprising the steps of:

- displacing the cage to the gondola through a shaft arranged in an arm; and

- positioning the floor of the cage substantially aligned with a floor of the gondola in order to enable the one or more persons situated in the cage to enter the gondola .

26. Method as claimed in any of the claims 23-25, wherein the wheel rotates substantially continuously and the method further comprises the step of coupling the stationary part and the intermediate segment by means of coupling means during the first coupling step.

27. Method as claimed in any of the claims 23-26, wherein the wheel rotates substantially continuously and the method further comprises the step of coupling the intermediate segment and the main segment by means of coupling means during the second coupling step.

28. Method as claimed in claim 27, further comprising the step of uncoupling the coupling means before the coupling means are coupled.

29. Method as claimed in claim 26, further comprising the step of opening a partition arranged between the receiving space and the first transfer space.

30. Method as claimed in claim 27, further comprising the step of opening a partition arranged between the first transfer space and the cage.

31. Method as claimed in claim 27, further comprising the step of opening a partition arranged between the first transfer space and the second transfer space.

32. Method as claimed in any of the claims 23-31, wherein the transfer space is arranged rotatably in the intermediate segment.

33. Method as claimed in any of the claims 23-32, wherein the cage is arranged rotatably in the main segment.

34. Method as claimed in any of the claims 23-33, wherein the transfer space is arranged rotatably in the main segment .

35. Method as claimed in any of the claims 23-34, wherein an apparatus according to any of the claims 1-22 is applied.