An amusement ride

The invention relates to an amusement ride having a support structure and at least one vehicle movably supported on the structure for carrying one or more passengers at least partially along the length of the structure from an initial loading position and which also has lifting means for lifting the vehicle from the loading position upwards and braking means for breaking the vehicle when it travels from an elevated position in a downward direction along the structure.

In the field of amusement rides, there are two different concepts for moving a vehicle that carries one or more passengers along a structure. On the one hand, roller coasters are known, which provide their entertainment to the passengers by extreme shapes that the track takes, for example loops or helices. Alternatively, vertical towers are known, which take their entertainment from lifting the vehicle vertically upwards to an elevated position and letting the vehicle drop vertically along a set length along the structure thereby simulating a "free fall". Such a tower is known, for example, from US 5,628,690. A combination of a roller coaster course with a free fall tower is known from US 2002/0103033 A1.

For connecting the passenger vehicle of a tower with a counter-weight, US 5,628,690 teaches to run this cable along the complete length of the track, that is from the initial loading position at the ground base to the very top of the tower and to run the cable over a series of guiding wheels of a guiding means situated at the top of the tower. The conter-weight connected to the end of the cable is arranged to run up and down inside the tower. This design leads to a cable-length that is approximately of the same length as the length of the track that the vehicle runs along.

Starting from this background, the invention is to solve the problem of providing an amusement ride which obviates at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

This problem is solved by the object of claim 1. Useful embodiments are defined by the features set force in the sub claims and will be set force in part in the description which follows, and in part will become readably apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein the preferred embodiments of the invention are shown and described simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention.

The invention is based on the idea of having the guiding means situated at a location where it is passed by the vehicle, for example at approximately half of the length of the track that the vehicle travels along. Because the guiding means is "overrun" by the vehicle, the cable that is connected to the vehicle and passes between the two facing guiding wheels of the guiding means changes the direction it leaves the guiding means, for example from left to right or from downwards to upwards as the vehicle runs over the guiding means.

Though not limited thereto, the amusement ride according to the invention is preferably of the type that has a vehicle running from a first position to a second position and then return to the first position. In the majority of these types of runs, the vehicle has to be slowed down as it reaches the second position or when returning to the first position coming from the second position. With the vehicle pulling the cable out of the guiding means after it has overrun the guiding means, this pulling action can be used to slow down the vehicle, for example if a counter-weight is connected to the other end of the cable.

Preferably, the guiding means with its guiding wheels is situated proximate to the part of the structure that the vehicle runs along, for example next to a rail that the vehicle runs over. However, the guiding means does not have to be situated proximate such a part of a structure, but can be arranged distanced to such a part as long as it is arranged in such a manner that the vehicle can pass it. "Passing" meaning that the vehicle crosses the plane between the two wheels.

The wheels of the guiding means are preferably arranged to be in the same plane. Their axis can be orientated horizontally or vertically or at an angle either with respect to the bordering parts of the structure (if the guiding wheels are arranged in the same plane) or even with respect to each other.

In a preferred embodiment the guiding wheels each have a groove that runs along their respective circumference to receive at least a part of the cross-section of the cable as it runs over the respective guiding wheel. This allows for better guidance of the cable.

In a preferred embodiment the facing guiding wheels are arranged in such a proximate relationship that the cable is guided by both wheels simultaneously for a portion of the cable's passage between the guidance wheels. This also allows for a better guidance of the cable.

In a preferred embodiment, the cable is connected to a counter-weight at the end opposite to the end connected to the vehicle. The cable can however also be connected to a moving means, like for example a motor driven drum that coils up the cable as it pulls the vehicle towards the guiding means and de-coils the cable as the vehicle travels away from the guiding means.

In a preferred embodiment, a second cable can be attached to the vehicle. This second cable connecting the vehicle to a moving means and/or a breaking means, while the cable that is run through the guiding means can be connected to a counter-weight.

Preferably, the support structure has the shape of a vertical standing arch that spans from a first ground base to a second ground base. The guiding means is preferably situated in the area of the top of the arch. Using a standing arch as support structure does away with the space consuming structure of a big wheel, but at the same time allows the passengers to be transported to a highly elevated position.

The support structure according to the invention has the geometric shape of a vertical standing arch. Such an arch is oriented essentially vertical in the area of the first ground base and the second ground base and is orientated essentially horizontal at the top of the arch. Depending on the ground orientation at the site, where the amusement ride is to be assembled, at least one of the two ground bases might have to be arranged in an area, where the ground has a slope. The arch-shaped geometry of the support structure according to the invention thus is also to be understood to encompass arches, where the section of the support structure close to a ground base that stands on a sloping ground is orientated at an angel to the vertical, for example is orientated perpendicular to the sloping ground. Preferably, the support structure is however almost perfectly symmetrical. Preferably, the arch is also designed to lie in one vertical plane.

The amusement ride comprises at least one vehicle movably supported on the structure for carrying one or more passengers at least partially along the length of the structure starting from an initial loading position at one of the first or second ground base. The amusement ride according to the invention can be used to primarily shuttle the passengers from the one ground base to the other ground base while giving the passengers the enjoyment of an elevated view during the shuttle. In such embodiment of the invention, the amusement ride will have one vehicle movably supported on the structure for carrying one or more passengers along the length of the structure from an initial loading position at one of the first or second ground base to a de-loading position at the other ground base. The vehicle will thus shuttle from the one ground base to the other ground base. The guiding means are preferably arranged at the top of the arch, so that the vehicle passes the guiding means approximately half way on its travel from the one ground base to the other.

In a different embodiment of the invention, the amusement ride can put emphasis on having a high through-put of passengers that are provided with an elevated view. In such an embodiment, the amusement ride can have two vehicles, wherein a first vehicle is provided to travel from the first ground base along a first leg of the arch-shaped structure to an elevated position and a second vehicle is provided to travel from the second ground base along the second leg of the arch-shaped structure to an elevated position. Ideally, each vehicle returns to its starting position from the elevated position. Preferably, both vehicles are operated in counter motion. For example, the one vehicle can be held in the elevated position, giving the passengers a long-time elevated view, while at the same time the passengers of the second vehicle embark and disembark at the respective ground base. Afterwards, the first vehicle can be made to travel down to its ground base, while the second vehicle is lifted, leading to the situation where the second vehicle is then held at the elevated position for an extended time, while the passengers of the first vehicle disembark and embark at the respective ground base. Such an arrangement makes efficient use of the structure, as the through-put off customers can be raised compared to previously known vertical rides. In such an embodiment, two guiding means can, for example, be provided half way along the respective path that the respective vehicle travels.

In a preferred embodiment, the first vehicle and the second vehicle are interconnected in such a manner that a downward movement of the one vehicle leads to an upward movement of the other vehicle. Such an arrangement allows for an energy efficient operation of the amusement ride, because the downward movement of the one vehicle can be used at least in part for lifting the respective other vehicle. Preferably, both vehicles are interconnected by means of a cable. This can be a singular cable, with the respective vehicles being connected to the respective ends of the cable. In a preferred embodiment, the cable is arranged as a cable-loop that runs along the length of the structure and returns via a link from the first ground base to the second ground base. Thus combined use of a several cables can be made, one cable interconnecting the two vehicles and two separate cables connecting the respective vehicles to respective counter-weights, for example, these two separate cables each being arranged to pass through a respective guiding means.

Depending on the chosen way of operating the amusement ride, the support of the vehicle(s) can be arranged in such a way as to allow the vehicle to run along the length of the structure from the first ground base to the second ground base. For specific reasons, for example cost reasons or structural reasons, in embodiments where two vehicles are arranged to run along their respective legs of the arch, the support of the vehicles can be designed in such a way as to hinder one vehicle from completely running along the length of the structure, but holds the vehicle always on one side of the arch.

The amusement ride according to the invention has lifting means for lifting the vehicle from the loading position upwards along the structure and breaking means for breaking the vehicle when it travels from an elevated position in a downward direction along the structure. Applicable lifting means and breaking means are basically known from the free-fall tower designs, for example from US 5,628,690 or from known elevators in buildings. For example, designs having a counter-weight that is connected to the vehicle via a cable can be used. Also the known breaking means, especially the known emergency breaking means for catching a free-running cable in an emergency that are especially used in building-elevator structures can also be used to provide safety to the amusement ride according to the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, a cable is affixed to the vehicle for lifting the vehicle. Using a cable to move the vehicle provides the most efficient means for controlling the travel of the vehicle, given the technological advance that such cable-driven-systems have reached in the business of amusement rides and elevators in buildings. However, in alternative embodiments, the vehicle can be lifted by other means, for example by hydraulic cylinders.

In a preferred embodiment, where at least one vehicle is connected to a cable that allows for lifting of the vehicle, this cable is preferably arranged as a cable-loop. This loop preferably, although not necessarily, runs along the length of the structure and returns via a link from the first ground base to the second ground base. Preferably the driving- and/or the breaking means are arranged to act upon the cable as it runs along the link from the first ground base to the second ground base. This allows for an easy structure, where the at times somewhat large driving and/or breaking means can be arranged on the ground, for example in between the two ground bases, but still can act efficiently on the cable as it runs along the link from the first ground base to the second ground base. Such an arrangement allows for the structure to be designed without having to account for large-driving- and/or breaking means and thus allows for the structure to be designed as a slim arc, which is aphetically pleasing.

In a preferred embodiment, the link between the first base and the second base and the driving- and/or breaking means acting on the cable as it runs along the link can be hidden in tunnels in the ground, thus further enhancing the appearance of the amusement ride.

In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle is moveably supported along at least one rail provided on the structure. There are many possible ways of moveably supporting the vehicle on the structure. For example, the vehicle can have wheels that roll along the outer surface of a structure, with the structure preferably being arranged in such a way that the wheels do not run of the structure. Such an arrangement of wheels is for example shown in WO 2004/067126 A1, Fig. 4. In a different preferred embodiment, the support structure has at least a singular rail, on which the vehicle is set.

In a preferred embodiment, the structure is permanently affixed to the ground, although depending on the needs, designs that allow the amusement ride to be easily transported can be envisaged and are part of this invention, too. Preferably, the structure is affixed to the ground by means of affixing the first ground base and the second ground base permanently to the ground, for example, by giving the ground bases a foundation.

Though the amusement ride can obviously be used as part of a fair, especially in a transportable version, the amusement ride, especially in its permanently installed embodiment can be designed as large structure, for example having a height of at between 50 and 150 meters. Such structures can for example be used as landmarks in cities, for example as creative bridges over obstructions, like rail roads or rivers. The amusement ride can for example be also used as "Entrance gate" to theme-parks, allowing the passengers to have an overview over the theme-park.

In a preferred embodiment, the structure has a hollow core. This allows elements necessary for moving the vehicles, like for example cables and counter-weights, to be hidden inside the structure, allowing the structure to have a smooth look.

In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle has a holding structure that is moveably supported on the structure and whereby at least one passenger holding means, like a cabin for example, is attached to the holding structure in a pivotable manner. Such an embodiment allows for the passenger holding means to keep a given orientation, for example an orientation whereby the passengers are held looking horizontally. As the holding structure holding the passengers holding means travels along the structure, the pivotable holding of the passengers holding means allows for the passenger holding means to adopt to the change of orientation of the holding structure, that is dependent on the changing orientation of the structure along its length, i. e. from a vertical orientation in the area of the ground bases to a horizontal orientation on the top of the arch.

Two preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein

Fig. 1

shows an embodiment of the invention with the vehicle in a first position in a schematic side view,

Fig. 2

the embodiment of Fig. 1 with the vehicle in a second position,

Fig. 3

the embodiment of Fig. 1 with the vehicle in a third position,

Fig. 4

the guiding means according to the invention.

As shown in Fig. 1, the amusement ride comprises a structure 1 having the shape of a vertical standing arch that spans from a first ground base 2 to a second ground base 3. A vehicle 4 is movably supported on the structure 1 for carrying one or more passengers at least partially along the length of the structure 1 starting from an initial loading position at the first ground base 2.

A cable is affixed to the vehicle 4 and runs along the length of the structure 1 and returns via a link 5 from the first ground base 2 to the second ground base 3. In the embodiments shown here, this link 5 is designed as an underground tunnel.

A motor 6 is provided to act upon the cable as it runs along the link 5 from the first ground base 2 to the second ground base 3. Together with the motor 6, the cable acts as lifting means for lifting the vehicle 4 from the loading position upwards along the structure and - with the motor being used as a generator - acts as breaking means for breaking the vehicle when it travels from an elevated position in a downward direction along the structure 1.

The vehicle 4 has a holding structure 7 that is movably supported on the structure 1 and has at least one passenger holding means in the form of a capsule 8 attached to the holding structure 7 in a pivotable manner.

Furthermore, a second cable 14 is affixed to the vehicle 4 that is run along the structure 1 from the vehicle 4 through a guiding means 10 situated at the top of the arch to a counter-weight 11, which in the Fig. 1 is held close to the guiding means 10, because the vehicle is situated close to the first ground base 2.

As can be seen when looking at the Fig. 1, 2 and 3 in sequence, the vehicle 4 of the amusement ride is moved along the structure from the first ground base 2 to the second ground base 3, operating as a shuttle from the one ground base to the other ground base. Having reached the second ground base, the passengers will disembark and new passengers will embark, making the second ground base the new initial loading position. The vehicle will then return to the first ground base by travelling back along the structure 1.

As the vehicle 4 moves upwards from the first ground base 2 towards the top of the arch, the counter-weight 11 is lowered as shown in Fig. 2. As the vehicle 4 travels over the top of the arch, the vehicle 4 passes the guiding means 10. As the vehicle travels down the other side of the arch, the vehicle 4 starts to pull the counter-weight 11 upwards and is thereby slowed down in its movement.

As can be seen when looking at the capsule 8 and the standing passenger depicted therein, arranging the capsule 8 in a pivotable manner on the holding structure 7 allows the capsule 8 to maintain its overall orientation, thereby allowing the passengers to remain in a standing position, as shown in the Figures.

Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of the guiding means 10. The guiding means 10 has two facing guiding wheels 12, 13 with the cable 14 arranged to pass inbetween the facing guiding wheels 12, 13. The cable partially runs over the one guiding wheel 13 in its lower section, that is in the section facing away from the section that is proximate to the path that the vehicle 4 runs along. The cable 14 also partially runs over the other guiding wheel 12 in its upper section, because the vehicle has overrun the guiding means 10 and is travelling along the track on the right-hand side of the guiding means 10 (not shown).