Multidirectional amusement device

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of my patent application Ser. No. 10/007,599, filed Nov. 13, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,381, and entitled A MULTIDIRECTIONAL AMUSEMENT DEVICE, which is related to, and claims priority from, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/247,301, entitled “Multidirectional Ride Vehicle With Release Bar,” filed Nov. 10, 2000, which are both hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an amusement ride and more particularly, a multidirectional amusement device for raising a passenger vehicle into the air and permitting a limited free fall experience when the vehicle is released into a horizontal and vertical translation through a vector rotation.

2. Technical Background

Amusement park thrill seekers are no longer satisfied with the rides and roller coasters of the past. Owners of amusement parks and fun centers are increasingly upgrading their attractions to create a higher thrill level and more intense ride experience for their patrons. One way to increase the thrill of a ride is to add a “free fall” element to the ride or attraction. Some have attempted to do this with the use of bungee cords. However, repeated stretching of a bungee cord may break down the cord such that it performs at dangerous levels. Other rides may include parachute drops or other types of drops coupled with complex deceleration devices such as hydraulic brakes or friction breaking systems. These high tech breaking devices are quite complex and costly and require constant and vigilant maintenance to guard against fatal accidents.

One attraction that provides the illusion of free fall is the giant swing. Giant swings do not require complex breaking devices, and they can utilize cables that do not stretch and that are more predictable. One such giant swing device is taught in Kitchen U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,740. In the Kitchen patent however, each rider is only permitted to face in one direction during the flight of the swing, which reduces the amount of thrill factor involved in the ride. Further, the release mechanism must be manually operated. Other giant swing attractions are not efficiently raised and lowered and thus, can only accommodate lower numbers of patrons over a fixed period of time. This increases the cost of the ride. Still other giant swing devices have questionable safety systems for protecting ride patrons.

Accordingly, it would be an advancement in the art to provide an amusement device that allows the rider to safely rotate while moving in a multitude of directions. It would be a further advancement to provide such a device that maximizes the free fall element of the ride. It would be yet another advancement in the art to provide such an device that can efficiently accommodate larger number of riders. It would be yet another advancement in the art to provide such a device that has improved safety features. Such an amusement device is disclosed and claimed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus of the present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available swing devices. Thus, it is an overall objective of the present invention to provide a novel multidirectional amusement pendulum device that is efficiently operated, safe, and yet maximizes the thrill factor of the system.

To achieve the foregoing advantages and objectives, and in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein in the preferred embodiment, a novel multidirectional amusement device is provided. The amusement device may include one or more support structures or towers extending above a support surface such as a parking lot, tarmac, or other ground surface. A ride vehicle is attached with support lines or cables to the support towers in such a way as to allow the ride vehicle to move back and forth beneath the support towers in a horizontal and vertical translation through a vector rotation. In one embodiment, multiple support lines are attached at a first end to the support structure and at a second end to the ride vehicle. The support lines may also be attached to each other at spaced intervals which prevents a broken support line from falling to the ground and injuring someone.

A retraction tower may reel in a tow line connected to the ride vehicle. As the ride vehicle is pulled up toward the retraction tower, a release mechanism secured to the tow line interacts with a stop attached to the retraction tower. The release mechanism may include a lever positioned such that when the lever engages the stop, the lever pivots, disengaging the ride vehicle from the release mechanism and allowing the ride vehicle to move downward under the force of gravity. The ride vehicle moves through a horizontal and vertical translation by vector rotation until it comes to a stop beneath the support structure.

In one embodiment, the tow line may be secured at a first end to the support structure or to a tether positioned between multiple support structures. A second end engages the retraction tower and in one preferred embodiment, a winch in the retraction tower. The release mechanism may be secured to the tow line between the first end and the second end such that when the ride vehicle is at rest beneath the support structure, the release mechanism hangs beneath the support structure adjacent the ride vehicle. The release structure may include a weight to allow the release mechanism to return to a position adjacent the ride vehicle beneath the support structure under the force of gravity. This allows for more efficient loading of the amusement device because the release mechanism is returned to a convenient position.

The ride vehicle may include an attachment portion to which the support lines are attached. A rider platform may be rotatably attached to the attachment portion at a connection point. The platform may be attached to a central post at one end, with the opposing end of the central post rotatably attached to the attachment portion. With the platform rotatably connected to the attachment portion, riders in seats attached to the platform are allowed to rotate and travel through a horizontal and vertical translation by a vector rotation. In one embodiment the platform is symmetrical about the control post which allows for smooth rotation of the platform. The ride vehicle may also include a fail-safe member positioned about the connection point. The fail-safe member may include a first end secured to the attachment portion. A second end may be configured to engage the central post below the connection point. Accordingly, the fail-safe member provides a redundant connection which provides safety in the event the pivotal connection between the attachment portion and the rider platform fails.

The platform

40

of the ride vehicle may include a handle

41

for anchoring the ride vehicle. The handle

41

is configured to act as a breaking device. A brake cable (not shown) may be automatically or manually affixed to the handle

41

. It will be appreciated that the handle

41

may be positioned at various positions on the ride vehicle

14

to accomplish this braking function. Additionally, the handle may be configured in a variety of ways to allow the ride operator or a mechanical device to latch onto the ride vehicle

14

toward the end of its pendulum motion. One such configuration may include a hook, a latch and the like.

In one embodiment, a coupling bar having a first end is pivotally secured to the attachment portion of the ride vehicle. A second end may extend outwardly from the ride vehicle a distance of greater than about one foot. The second end may be configured to releasably engage the release mechanism. In this configuration the coupling bar may be used to position the ride vehicle at an angle just prior to release which facilitates an increased rocking motion and gyro motion.

The support structures may include slots or other mechanisms which would allow the first ends of the support wires to movably engage the support structures. This allows the shape of the ride motion to change and can, with proper timing, create an increased free fall sensation.

Accordingly, the amusement device of the present invention provides a giant multidirectional amusement device that allows the rider to safely rotate, and rock back and forth while moving through a horizontal and vertical translation by a vector rotation. It also maximizes the free fall element of the ride while efficiently accommodating larger number of riders because the release mechanism returns to the loading area of the amusement device. The ride device also provides improved safety features.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1

is a perspective view of the amusement device of the present invention;

FIG. 2

is a perspective view of the ride vehicle and release mechanism of the amusement device of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 3

is a side plan view of a portion of the ride vehicle showing multiple axis of rotation;

FIG. 4A

is a side plan view of the release mechanism of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 4B

is a side plan view of the release mechanism of

FIG. 1

engaging a support structure stop;

FIG. 4C

is a side plan view of the release mechanism of

FIG. 1

showing the ride vehicle disengaging the release mechanism in phantom;

FIG. 5

is a perspective view of the support structure of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 6

is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the support structure of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 7

is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the support structure of

FIG. 1

; and

FIG. 8

is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the support structure of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 9

is a partial perspective view of an alternative configuration for support cables in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B

are schematic representation of the support cables of

FIG. 9

before and after failure of one of the support cables;

FIG. 11

is a side elevation view of a ride vehicle having an alternative embodiment of a fail-safe member in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 12

is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a fail-safe member in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 13

is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a fail-safe member in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 14

is a perspective view of a retraction tower and assisting mechanism in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 15

is a schematic representation of the apparatus of

FIG. 24

;

FIG. 16

is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of an assisting mechanism and damper in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 17

is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of an assisting mechanism and damper in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 18

is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of an assisting mechanism and damper in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 19

is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a damper in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The presently preferred embodiments of the present invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention, as represented in

FIGS. 1 through 8

, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of presently preferred embodiments of the invention.

With particular reference to

FIG. 1

, a amusement device according to the present invention is generally designated at

10

. The amusement device

10

includes a support structure

12

extending above a support surface. In one embodiment, a pair of support structures

12

extend above a support surface with a ride vehicle

14

attached to each support structure

12

with at least one support line

16

, such that the ride vehicle

14

can move freely beneath and between the support structures

12

. In one presently preferred embodiment, multiple support lines

16

each include a first end

18

attached to the support structures and a second end

20

attached to the ride vehicle

14

. It will be appreciated that in the alternative embodiment where there is just one support tower, an upper portion of the support structure must have an extension portion extending away from the support structure to allow the ride vehicle

14

to travel beneath the extension portion without impacting the support structure

12

. The support lines

16

may be steel cables. In a presently preferred embodiment, the strength of each individual cable or support line

16

can hold up to twenty times the weight of the ride vehicle, passengers, and force due to gravity.

The amusement device

10

includes a retraction tower

22

which provides a base to elevate the ride vehicle

14

upward to a suitable starting height for the start of the pendulum motion. A tow line

24

is attached at a first end

28

to the support structure

12

or to a tether

26

positioned between a pair of support structures

12

. The tow line

24

movably engages the retraction tower

22

. The retraction tower

22

may be fitted with a retracting mechanism

32

for receiving a second end

30

of the tow line

24

. In one embodiment, the retracting mechanism

32

is a winch

32

attached to the retraction tower

22

. The retracting mechanism may also be any number of hydraulic or pneumatic rams operating alone or in connection with a cable/pulley system.

It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the retracting mechanism can be positioned relative to the support tower, or the angle of retraction can be manipulated to retract the ride vehicle

14

in a non-perpendicular plane relative to the plane defined by the ride vehicle in a non-retracted position, and two spaced points of attachment of the support lines to the support structure

12

. Depending upon how the ride vehicle

14

is secured to the support structure

12

, the ride will have a natural swing or movement through a plane. That plane is most likely perpendicular to the plane determined by three points. The point where the ride vehicle

14

hands freely beneath the support structure

14

under the force of gravity, and the point where support lines

16

, or sets of support lines

16

attached the ride vehicle

14

to the support structure

12

. Once the ride vehicle

14

is released, the forces acting on the device

10

will urge the ride vehicle

14

into this natural pendulum plane. By retracting the ride vehicle

14

in an angle relative to the pendulum plane, or in other words, in a non-perpendicular angle relative to the plane defined by the ride vehicle

14

and its attachment to the support structure, the ride vehicle

14

, upon release, will experience movement in lateral directions.

A release mechanism

34

may be secured to the tow line

24

between the first end

28

and the second end

30

of the tow line

24

. The release mechanism

34

is configured to releasably engage the ride vehicle

14

. At a predetermined point, as the tow line

24

is being retracted by the winch

32

, the release mechanism

34

engages a stop

36

attached to the retraction tower

22

which causes the automatic release of the ride vehicle

14

.

With the first end

28

of the tow line

24

attached to the support structures

12

, the release mechanism

34

is easily returned to a point adjacent to the ride vehicle

12

after the pendulum motion is completed and the ride vehicle

14

is at rest beneath the support structures

12

. A weight

38

attached to the release mechanism

34

aides in the return process. This configuration allows for more efficient attachment of the ride vehicle

14

to the release mechanism

34

, and allows more riders to use the amusement device

10

during a fixed period of time. This in turn increases profits.

Turning now to

FIG. 2

, the ride vehicle

14

includes a platform

40

. The platform

40

may be fitted with one or more rider seats

42

. The rider seats

42

may face inwardly or outwardly. The platform

40

may also be configured with slates to secure a rider in the prone or standing position, or in an angled position, to the ride vehicle

14

. The seats or other rider supports may be attached in ways known in the art, such at welding, bolting, riveting, and the like. In one embodiment, the rider seats are attached using two separate attachments to increase safety. It will be appreciated that attachment redundancies act as a fail-safe in case the first method of attachment fails. It will further be appreciated that a variety of belts, bars, or harnesses may be used to secure the rider to the ride vehicle

14

.

In one embodiment, the platform

40

is attached to a first end

42

of a central post

44

. A second end

46

of the central post

44

is rotatably connected to an attachment portion

48

of the ride vehicle

14

at a connection point

50

. The rider platform

40

is thus rotatably connected to the attachment portion or plate at the connection point. The connection point may be part of a universal joint

51

of a kind known in the art. A rod member

61

may be attached at the first end of the central post and at a second of the central post

44

adjacent the connection point. Preferably, the rod member

61

is positioned within the central post

44

and acts as a redundant safety connection. The rod member may also be attached to the universal joint

51

itself. In one embodiment, the attachment portion

48

is a plate member

48

configured to receive the universal joint

51

. The support central post

44

defines a central axis about which the platform

40

is allowed to rotate. In one embodiment, the platform

40

may be substantially symmetrical about the central post

44

. In this configuration, the platform may rotate more smoothly about the central post

44

. Accordingly, the ride vehicle

14

not only moves through a giant arc, but may simultaneously rotate about the central post

44

while swinging, thus increasing the thrill factor of the amusement device

10

.

The ride vehicle

14

further comprises a fail-safe member

52

positioned about the connection point

50

. The fail-safe member

52

is a backup connection device for the connection point

50

which rotatably secures the platform

40

to the plate member

48

. The fail-safe member

52

includes a first end

54

secured to the attachment portion or plate

48

. A second end

56

of the fail-safe member

52

is configured to engage the central post

44

below the connection point

50

. The fail-safe member

52

may include a pair of bars

58

positioned parallel to, and on either side, of the central post

44

. A ring member

60

may be secured to bottom ends

62

of the bars

58

. Upper ends

59

of the bars

58

are secured to the plate member

48

. The ring member

60

defines an opening

64

in which the central post

44

is positioned and allowed to freely rotate. An annular flange

66

is secured to the central post

44

above the ring member

60

. The diameter of the flange

66

is greater than the diameter of the ring member

60

such that if the universal coupling fails, the ring member

60

will capture the central post

44

, and thus the platform

40

, and the attachment portion will stay engaged to the platform

40

. The ride vehicle

14

may also include a solid rod (not shown) which runs through the central post

44

and separately attaches to the plate member

48

and the platform

40

adding an additional level of safety should the central post

44

fail.

In one embodiment, a coupling bar

72

is affixed to the plate member

48

. The coupling bar

72

includes a first end

74

which is pivotally secured to the ride vehicle

14

at an eyelet

68

configured within the plate member

48

. A second end

76

of the coupling bar

72

extends outwardly from the ride vehicle

14

. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the second end

76

is configured to releasably engage the release mechanism

34

. In one embodiment, the coupling bar

72

extends outwardly from the ride vehicle

14

at least about one foot. In another embodiment, the coupling bar

72

extends outwardly from the ride vehicle

14

between about two feet and about seven feet. The coupling bar

72

allows the release mechanism

34

to be coupled to the ride vehicle

14

at a position spaced apart from where the support lines

16

attach to the ride vehicle

14

. This significantly decreases the possibility that the release mechanism

34

will interfere with the support wire

16

attachment to the ride vehicle

14

, and vice versa. The release mechanism

34

is positioned between the first and second ends

28

,

30

of the tow line

24

such that the release mechanism

34

rests substantially adjacent the ride vehicle

14

even when unattached.

Referring now to

FIG. 3

, the eyelet

68

of the plate member

48

may contain annular ball bearings to facilitate the pivoting (shown in phantom) of the ride vehicle

14

with respect to the support lines

16

. An eyebolt

70

may be coupled to the eyelet

68

to allow for rocking in a lateral direction to the direction of the pendulum movement. Thus, the ride vehicle

14

can pivot, oscillate, and move through several degrees of freedom. This multidirectional rocking movement, added to the rotational and pendulum movement adds to the thrill of the device

10

. This increases the thrill factor of the amusement device

10

. This rocking motion can also be enhanced with the coupling arm

74

. If the coupling arm

74

is limited in its range of pivotal motion, the ride vehicle

14

is forced at an angle under the force of the retracting tow line

24

. At the time of release, the force is removed and the ride vehicle

14

pivots relative to the point of attachment of the support wires

16

to the attachment plate

48

, at the eyelet

68

, starting a rocking motion in conjunction with the pendulum and multidirectional motion.

In one presently preferred embodiment, the support lines or cables

16

are protected by ring sheaths

78

. The ring sheaths

78

reduce the stress, wear and tear on the support line or cables

16

and protect each support line or cable

16

from grating against an adjacent support line or cable

16

during operation of the amusement device

10

. The rotating motion of the platform

40

relative to the attachment plate

48

also prevents the cables

16

from twisting around each other and causing shear stress. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the spacing the points of attachment of the support cable

16

to the support structure

12

, or the spacing of a pair of support structures, will also help prevent the support cables

16

from twisting.

The multidirectional amusement device may also include a dampener

45

which absorbs a downward jolt to the ride vehicle. In various embodiment, the dampener

45

may include a shock absorber, a compression spring, hydraulic or pneumatic devices alone or in various combinations. The dampener may also be positioned at various places to absorb the initial jolt created by the free fall action after release of the ride vehicle

14

from the release mechanism

34

. For example, in one embodiment, the dampener

45

may be positioned between the support lines

16

and the attachment plate

48

. In other embodiments, the dampener

45

may be part of the attachment of the first end of the support lines

16

to the support structure. In the embodiment of

FIG. 3

, a second dampener

47

is positioned about the central post

44

to serve as a shock absorber for the fail-safe member

52

. The dampener

47

is a compression spring.

The coupling bar

72

includes a second connection to the ride vehicle

14

. The second connection

80

includes a cable

82

wrapped twice through an eye bolt

84

connected to the coupling bar

72

and an eye bolt

86

attached to the plate member

48

. The cable

82

is bolted to itself with a plurality of cable bolt clamps

88

to complete the loop. In this configuration, the coupling bar

72

has a separate or second connection to the ride vehicle

14

. This redundancy adds safety and protects against failure of the eyelet

68

which secures the coupling bar

72

to the ride vehicle. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art other ways may be implement to provide a fail-safe second attachment of the coupling bar

72

to the ride vehicle

14

. These may include a second coupling bar or a differently configured tether.

Turning now to

FIGS. 4A-4C

, the automatic release of the release mechanism

34

from the coupling bar

72

of the ride vehicle

14

is illustrated. The release mechanism

34

includes a lever

82

and hook

84

. The hook

84

has a cylindrical bushing

86

rotatably connected at the end

88

of the hook

84

. When the release mechanism

34

is attached to the coupling bar

72

, a post

90

configured within the second end

76

of the coupling bar

72

is captured by the hook

84

. A projection member

92

is integral with the lever

82

. The projection member

92

is positioned adjacent the bolt

90

on the opposite side of a pivot point

94

from an arm

96

of the lever

82

. When the lever

82

and lever arm

96

of the release mechanism

34

engages the stop

36

, the lever

82

pivots about the pivot point

94

forcing the projection member

92

into the post

90

of the coupling arm

72

. The cylindrical bushing

86

rotates and the post

90

is forced off of the hook

84

over the bushing

86

and the ride vehicle

14

is automatically disengaged from the tow line

24

allowing the ride vehicle

14

to start its motion through a horizontal and vertical translation by a vector rotation.

The tow line

24

includes a stop plate

100

which protects the winch

32

from engaging the release mechanism

34

. It will be appreciated that the release mechanism

34

can be secured to the tow line

24

in a variety a positions to allow the automatic release of the ride vehicle

14

at a predetermined height, relative to the retraction tower

22

.

Turning now to

FIG. 5

, a plurality of support lines

16

are used to secure the ride vehicle

14

to each support structure

12

. In the embodiment shown, three cable are used. Each support line

16

is secured to the support structure

12

by looping the first end

18

through an orifice

102

in a plate

104

secured to the support structure

12

by bolts

106

. Each looped end is then secured to itself by multiple cable bolt clamps

88

. The support lines may also be fitted with ring sheaths

78

to protect the ends

18

of the support lines or cables

16

against shearing.

In one embodiment, the support lines

16

are moored to their respective support structures

12

in orifices

102

that are spaced apart form each other. Using multiple support lines

16

reduces the wear and tear on any one individual support line

16

by dividing the load. As the ride vehicle

14

oscillates in pendulum motion, the weight load is shifted from on support line

16

to the next. Preferably, each support line

16

is of sufficient strength to support the entire load of the ride vehicle

14

.

Each support line

16

also has a second connection

108

to the support structure

12

. In one embodiment, a tether cable

110

is threaded through the looped first end

18

of the support line

16

and secured to a separate area of the support structure

12

, distinct from the plate

104

. Accordingly, if the plate

104

fails, the second connection

108

will support and maintain the support lines

16

in connection with the support structure

12

.

Each of the support lines

16

attached to a support structure are attached to each other at spaced intervals

112

. The support lines

16

may be secured together with one or more tether cables

114

. The tether cables

114

are bolted at respective ends to the support lines

16

with cable bolt clamps

88

. The tether cables

114

should be long enough to not substantially interfere with the action of any individual support line

16

. The support lines

16

for the amusement device

10

of the present invention are long and could pose a potential danger if the entire length of the support line

16

were to fall to the ground. By tethering the support lines

16

together, the amount that any portion of a broken support line

16

falls can be controlled. In one embodiment, the support lines

16

are secured to each other at equal intervals of about four feet. Additionally, if a support line

16

should break, the load previously support by that support line

16

is transferred to the other two support lines

16

through the tether cable

114

.

Referring now to

FIG. 6

, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the first end

18

of the support line

16

movably engages the support tower

12

. By allowing for movement of the attachment point of the support lines

16

to the support structure, the effective length of the support lines can be modify to affect the period of the oscillation of the ride vehicle

14

through the horizontal and vertical translation by a vector rotation. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that by changing the effective lengths of the support lines

16

at particular times during the motion of the ride vehicle

14

, the ride vehicle

14

can be accelerated into a faster motion, or decelerated into slower or dampened motion. This configuration increases the thrill factor of the ride and also provides a breaking or slow down system.

In the embodiment in

FIG. 6

, the plate

104

is pivotally attached to support structure platform

118

. The support structure platform

118

includes an orifice

120

in which a shaft

122

is positioned. The shaft is attached at one end to the plate

104

and at an opposing end to a sphere

124

. A plunger

126

may engage the sphere causing the plate

104

to pivot and the first ends

18

of the support lines

16

to move back and forth in an arc having a horizontal component.

Referring now to

FIGS. 7 and 8

, alternative embodiments are shown which include different methods of slidably attaching the support lines

16

to the support structure

12

. In the embodiment of

FIG. 7

, vertical slots

130

are configured within the support structure

12

to allow the plate

104

to ride vertically within the slots

130

. A worm drive

136

may be utilized to control movement of the plate

104

and attached first ends

18

of the support lines in a vertical direction. In

FIG. 8

, the slots

130

are at an angle which allows the support lines

16

to move in a direction that is neither horizontal nor vertical.

FIG. 8

also illustrates that the movable engagement of the support lines

16

relative to the support structure

12

may be accomplished using a winch

140

or other motor-driven device. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the first ends

18

of the support lines

16

may be configured to movably engage the support structure

12

in a variety of ways to accomplish the teachings of this invention.

Referring again to

FIGS. 1 and 2

, in operation, a mounting platform (not shown) may be positioned under the ride vehicle

14

to assist in loading and securing riders in the ride vehicle

14

. The mounting platform may then be moved away. The release mechanism

34

is secured to the coupling bar

72

of the ride vehicle and the tow line

24

draws the ride vehicle

14

toward the retraction tower

22

. The retraction tower is positioned closer to the support structure than the distance between the first end and the second end of the support line. It will be appreciated that this will create some slack in the support wires

16

as the ride vehicle

14

nears the retraction tower

22

. Accordingly, upon release, there is an increased free fall element to the ride motion. When the support lines

16

become taut, the attachment plate

48

accelerates forward tipping the ride vehicle

14

. This action increases the rocking and oscillating action of the ride vehicle

14

in multiple directions, increasing the thrill factor of the device

10

.

As the tow line

24

is drawn in, the lever

82

of the release mechanism engages the stop

36

secured to the retraction tower

22

which causes the ride vehicle

14

to disengage the release mechanism

34

and move through a horizontal and vertical translation through a vector rotation until the force of gravity causes the ride vehicle

14

to come to rest beneath the support structures

12

. Handles

41

may be secured to the platform

40

of the ride vehicle

14

to facilitate manually slowing or stopping the motion of the ride vehicle

14

at the end of the pendulum motion. A mounting platform may be used to help riders disembark the sing device

10

. The release mechanism

34

is then lowered, with the help of the weight

38

down to a position adjacent the ride vehicle

14

.

Referring to

FIG. 9

, In certain embodiments cross cables

150

may secure at one end

152

to a cable

16

and at an another end

154

to another cable

16

a distance

156

from the end

152

. The diagonal securement of the cross cables

150

may lessen impact loading of remaining cables

16

should a single cable

16

fail.

Referring to

FIGS. 10A and 10B

, if the cables arranged as shown were to fail at a point at or above point

152

, the cross cable

150

b

will transfer the load carried by the cable

16

a

to the cable

16

b

as shown in FIG.

10

B. The diagonal orientation of the cross cables

150

a

-

150

d

ensures that the arrangement of the cross cables

150

a

-

150

b

prior to failure more closely approximate the orientation of the cross cables

150

a

-

150

b

will assume when actually loaded due to failure of a cable

16

a

-

16

c.

For example, the cross cable

150

b

as oriented in

FIG. 10A

is oriented much as it is in

FIG. 10B

where loading has caused it to be oriented along a line between the securement point of the cable

16

a

(not shown) and the point

160

on the cable

16

b.

In this manner impact loads are lessened because loads are not given as much room to accelerate before load is transferred to another cable, such as cable

16

b

in this example. The first and second support lines

16

a-c

and the first and additional cross lines or cables

150

a-d

may be metal.

Additional cross lines or cables

16

may be secured to the first support line

16

and to the second support line

16

at spaced intervals along the length of the first and second support lines. The additional cross lines

150

may extend substantially diagonally relative to the support lines. In one embodiment, a first and second cross line

150

extend crosswise relative to each other in crisscross fashion. Thus, a plurality of cross lines

150

may be secured between a first support line

16

a

and a second support line

16

b

with the cross lines

150

extending substantially diagonally relative to the support lines

16

.

The first support line

16

a

connected between the support

12

and the vehicle

14

may have a first longitudinal and lateral direction. A second support line

16

b

extending between the support

12

and the vehicle

14

may have a second longitudinal and lateral direction. The first cross-line

150

may extend diagonally between the first support line

16

a

and the second support line

16

b

at angles with respect thereto selected to substantially reduce motion of the first support line in the first longitudinal direction in the event of failure of the first support line.

In one embodiment, a first cross-line

150

a

is directed at angles substantially less than 90 degrees with respect to the first and second support lines