Patent Grant
10099148
This patent application claims priority International Patent Application PCT/EP2014/073818, filed on Nov. 5, 2014, and thereby to German Patent Application 10 2013 222 910.0, filed on Nov. 11, 2013.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
The present invention relates to an amusement park ride, particularly for fairs and amusement parks according to invention described herein. In particular, the invention relates to a track section of an amusement ride guided by rails.
Amusement equipment for rides frequently provide for the installation of fixed rail sections, on which vehicles are moved in a guided fashion, such as in roller coasters. DE 198 09 641 A1 discloses for example such an amusement ride, in which a passenger cabin travels in a guided fashion on rails over track sections with the track showing alternating inclinations. The track shows two track sections, projecting vertically upwards, which are connected to each other in a vertical level essentially by a semicircular arc section. In such amusement rides frequently tiring effects develop rather quickly for the passenger, primarily by the periodically repeated upwards and downwards motion.
In order to increase the attractiveness for the customer or rider there is the trend to design the track itself in a more mobile fashion. For example, EP 1 364 691 B1 disclosed a track section arranged on a rocker, on which a vehicle with passengers travels from one end to the other end and back again to the first end, with the track similar to a seesaw being pivoted back and forth about a single pivotal axis. Even in such a track a tiring effect quickly develops in the user, because the motions follow a periodic and thus soon detected pattern. The track progression on which the vehicle rides is determined by the shape of the rail and the stationary pivotal axis about which the track is pivoted.
The objective of the following invention is therefore to provide an amusement ride in which the track progression cannot easily be predicted by the passenger and which thus can offer particular thrills to the rider.
This objective is attained in an amusement ride, including advantageous embodiments thereof, as described herein.
In a preferred embodiment, an amusement ride (1) comprising a guide track (2) which comprises a first pivotal axis (6) for the mobile guidance of a guide track (2) as well as a second pivotal axis (8) for the mobile guidance of the guide track (2), a first mobile fastening (10), as well as a second mobile fastening (12), with the guide track (2) being fastened in an articulate fashion with the first mobile fastening (10) at the first pivotal axis (6) and being fastened with the second mobile fastening (12) at the second pivotal axis (8) in a mobile and pivotal fashion, characterized in that the first pivotal axis (6) is pivotal about at least a first axial direction and the second pivotal axis (8) is pivotal about at least a second axial direction.
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the pivotal axes (6, 8) are mobile such that the guide track (2) can be moved translationally.
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the first axial direction is arranged aligned at the first pivotal axis (6) perpendicular in reference to the direction of the guide track (2).
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the guide track (2) comprises at least one vehicle (4) guided in a mobile fashion and held at a guide track (2).
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the guide track (2) is arranged extending between the first pivotal axis (6) and the second pivotal axis (8) parallel in reference to a level which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pivotal axis (6).
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the guide track (2) extends between the first and the second pivotal axis (6, 8) in a straight or twisted fashion.
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the first and/or the second pivotal axis (6, 8) are mobile parallel or in reference to the direction of the guide track (2).
An amusement ride (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the first axial direction is parallel in reference to the second axial direction.
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the first fastening of the guide track (2) is arranged adjacent to the second fastening of the guide track, with between the first and the second fastening the guide track (2) comprising no fastening fixing the position of the guide track (2) in reference to the erection site of the guide track (2) or no fastening holding the guide track (2).
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the first fastening (10) is formed by the first lifting rods (10), which are arranged pivotally at the first pivotal axis (6), and that the second fastening (12) is formed by second lifting rods (12), which are arranged pivotal at the second pivotal axis (8).
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the first lifting rods (10) are connected to a stationary arranged motor drive (14, 16) which changes the angle of the lifting rods (10, 12) in reference to the guide track (20) when it is switched on.
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the first and/or second lifting rods (10, 12) comprise lifting cylinders or are connected to lifting cylinders.
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the vehicle (4) shows wheels, by which it can be moved on the guide track.
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the vehicle (4) comprises a drive motor as well as preferably brakes.
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the guide track (2) is at least partially arranged in a water reservoir, with the guide tack (2) being at least partially arranged underneath the water level of the water reservoir.
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the vehicle (4) is a boat.
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the guide track (2) is a watercraft, the first mobile fastening (10) is a first rope (10) fastened at the watercraft (72), and the second mobile fastening (12) is a second rope (12) fastened at the watercraft.
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the vehicle (4) can be moved from one end of the guide track (2) to the other end of the guide track (2).
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the guide track (2) is connected at least at one of its ends to another guide track, when the vehicle (4) has reached at least one end of the guide track (2).
In another preferred embodiment, the amusement ride (1) as described herein, characterized in that the guide track (2) is embodied as a waterslide.
An amusement ride (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that the waterslide comprises several channels preferably embodied parallel in reference to each other as individual slides.
I disclose an amusement ride comprising a guidance track, which shows a first pivotal axis for the mobile guidance of the guide track as well as a second pivotal axis for the mobile guidance of the guide track. Furthermore, the amusement ride shows a first mobile fastening as well as a second mobile fastening. The guide track is fastened at the first pivotal axis with a first mobile fastening in a mobile and pivotal fashion and fastened at the second pivotal axis with the second mobile fastening in a mobile and pivotal fashion.
According to the invention, the first pivotal axis (6) is pivotal about at least a first axial direction and the second pivotal axis is pivotal about at least a second axial direction. The track progression is then not easily predictable by the passenger, which can offer particular moments of surprise. For example, such a mobile guide track can be adjusted such that it tilts, resulting in that the passenger is given the impression that vehicle and rider fall out of the track, which particularly at high elevations above the ground or in a water basin can lead to particularly amusing moments for the passenger.
The axis of the first axial direction may be arranged outside the guide track, for example in a mobile fashion, so that the first pivotal axis is pivotal about the axis of the first axial direction. The axis of the second axial direction may be arranged outside the guide track, for example in a mobile fashion so that the second pivotal axis is pivotal about the axis of the second axial direction. This way, for example a translational motion of the guide track can be permitted. The first fastening and the second fastening only need to be coupled to each other via the first and the second pivotal axis and the guide track. For the rest, they may be moved independent from each other.
Advantageously the pivotal axes of the amusement ride are also articulate such that the guide track is moved in a translational fashion. The rider is then given the impression that suddenly no longer the vehicle he/she is riding in is moving, which can lead to additional moments of surprise. For example, with this effect of a rail arranged in a water reservoir the swinging on a large wave can be simulated, which is not possible in devices that only allow performing pivoting motions.
The first axial direction can be arranged pointing perpendicular in reference to the guide track at the first pivotal axis, for example at the first pivotal axis.
On embodiment of the amusement ride according to the invention comprises a guide track which shows a first pivotal axis for the mobile guidance of the guide track, with the guide track being fastened in an articulate fashion at the first pivotal axis with a first fastening, and with the first pivotal axis furthermore being arranged pointing in a first axial direction, perpendicular to the direction of the guide track at the first pivotal axis, and being mobile perpendicular to the first axial direction. According to the invention the guide track comprises a second pivotal axis for the mobile guidance of the guide track, with the guide track being fastened at the second pivotal axis with a second fastening, and the second pivotal axis is arranged pointing in a second axial direction, perpendicular to the direction of the guide track at the second pivotal axis, and being mobile perpendicular to the second axial direction.
Unlike a mere to and fro pivoting motion, such a track can mimic for example the actual swaying motion of a ship on large waves.
The guide track shows at least one vehicle held at the guide track and guided thereby in a mobile fashion. Such an amusement device offers additional surprising moments for the passenger in the vehicle, because from the given progression of the guide track no conclusions can be drawn about the actual further progression of the vehicle. Contrary to a track arranged on a simple rocker, here the rider cannot draw conclusions about the progression of the travel of the vehicle simply by considering a rocker motion. This way, additional surprising moments can be provided for the passenger.
In an embodiment according to the invention the guide track is arranged between the first and the second pivotal axis, parallel in reference to a level which extends perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pivotal axis. The guide track may extend straight for example between the first and the second pivotal axis. Here, while the passenger rides on the rail, its incline can be variably adjusted with the help of the two pivotal axes. The rider then sees a straight section of track ahead, and while riding thereon it changes its incline. Of course, the guide track can also be extended in a curved fashion, with curved in this context representing that the guide track is distorted at least sectionally or that the guide track is arranged about a straight axis, for example on the jacket surface of a cylinder about the axis of the cylinder, helically winding at least about a section of the straight axis, i.e. the cylinder axis.
The first and/or the second pivotal axis may be mobile parallel and in reference to the direction of the guide track. This way, for example an additional level of freedom is provided when the guide track is moved for example with lifting rods.
In a preferred embodiment, the first axial direction is arranged parallel in reference to the second axial direction.
The fasteners of the guide track are arranged adjacent to each other, with the first fastening of the guide track being arranged adjacent to the second fastening of the guide track. Between the first and the second fastening the guide track shows preferably no additional fastening fixing the position of the guide track in reference to the erection site of the guide track, however at least no stationary fastening. Due to the fact that between the first and the second pivotal axis the guide track shows no locally fixed axial fastening, the impression of a collapsing track can also be realized for the passenger, for example by both pivotal axes moving downwards simultaneously.
In this case, the guide track is freely carried between the first fastening and the second fastening.
The first fastening is for example formed by a first lifting rod or by first lifting rods, arranged pivotally at the first pivotal axis. The second fastening can be formed by a second lifting rod or by second lifting rods, arranged pivotally at the second pivotal axis.
In order to create a relatively simple amusement ride, the first lifting rod and/or the first lifting rods may be connected to a stationary arranged motor drive, or alternatively connected to a motor drive guided at a stationary rail, with the angle of the first lifting rails changing in reference to the guide track when it the motor switched on. Such a motor may move back and forth for example the ends of the first lifting rod/lifting rods opposite the pivotal axis along a bottom rail connected fixed to the bottom, and here changing the angle between the first lifting rod/the first lifting rods and the bottom rails, which can lead to a change of the track elevation and the track incline of the guide track. In order to change the elevation of the track and the incline of the guide track the first and/or second lifting rods may also or additionally be guided in a respectively stationary fixed, pivotal guide sheath.
The first and/or second fastenings may of course also show other fixed or adjustable coupling elements, such as con-rods, shears, or the like.
In one advantageous embodiment the first and/or second lifting rods show lifting cylinders, or they are connected to lifting cylinders. When the lifting rods show lifting cylinders, the raising and lowering of the guide track can occur even without an additional drive, for example.
In order to allow quickly accelerating or braking the vehicle at the guide track, the vehicle shows for example wheels by which it can be moved on the guide track. The vehicle may furthermore show an additional drive engine and/or brakes. This way it is possible to accelerate and/or brake the vehicle independent from the progression of the guide track.
The guide track may show a reverse lock in order to fix the vehicle guided thereon at a certain point. Such a reverse lock creates an additional thrill for the rider.
A guide track is preferably arranged at least partially in a water reservoir, with it at least partially being arranged extending underneath the water level of the water reservoir. The guide track may be arranged extending completely in the water and for example extend underneath the water level. The guide track may for example be also arranged traveling into the water reservoir and movable out of said water reservoir. It is also possible to rotate the guide track in the water reservoir; for example, parallel to the water surface, or is tilted in the water reservoir in order to simulate the feeling of falling out, for example. A combination with water gives the passenger an additional amusement.
In this case, the vehicle is therefore advantageously a boat. The mobile guide track can then provide the feeling of a ship sailing on high waves.
The guide track may also be embodied as the watercraft itself. The first mobile fastening could be a first rope fastened at the watercraft, the second mobile fastening could be a second rope fastened at the watercraft. In this case the watercraft could be arranged in a mobile fashion in a water reservoir filled with water and pulled by the first and/or the second rope. The two ropes can be fastened to winches, which are arranged such that the watercraft can be tilted such that the watercraft can be entered for example in that it is tilted in the direction towards the entrance as explained in greater detail in the following in connection with on one of the exemplary embodiment.
The vehicle is advantageously moved from one end of the guide track to the other end of the guide track. This additionally ensures entertainment because the entire track and not only a section thereof is traveled. Thus, in a preferred amusement ride the guide track is connected at one of its ends to another guide track when the vehicle has reached at last one end of the guide track. Then the vehicle performs no back and forth motion on the guide track but moves in a predetermined direction and here travels only one once on the moved guide track and therefrom changes to another guide track.
In another embodiment the guide track may be embodied as a water slide. Then it may show several channels, preferably arranged parallel to each other and embodied as individual slides.
Each of the channels may show one or more differently deep depressions. For example, each of the channels may accept one passenger, or also several passengers, for example on a hoop, or be intended for an individual rider. On such a water slide, therefore several persons can slide down the waterslide side-by-side. In one embodiment the speed of sliding can be controlled via the individual channels, preferably separately, by the supply of the water volume. Additionally, such a water slide can ensure, for example in the sliding direction during the sliding process by way of a change of its decline according to the invention that the sliding speed of the rider can additionally be increased or reduced. For example, competitions can be held between riders arranged sliding on different individual slides. In the embodiment in which the depths of the individual depressions of adjacent individual slides are embodied differently, the neighboring rider can partially be invisible for the rider and then suddenly reappear, which may lead to additionally thrilling moments during the joint ride. A potential embodiment would also be a contact option, by which each sliding party could confirm completion of the ride and thus a timer for the competition could be provided.
At the ends of the guide track embodied as a waterslide with several individual slides extensions and/or brake sections may be embodied so that starting at a certain elevation of the guide track the rider can automatically slide out. If necessary, additional holding devices or automatically controlled gates may be provided. Safety nets may also be provided at the sides of the guide track and/or at its ends.
The motion effects of the guide track, for example the waterslide, can be freely programmable so that different progressions of motion can be realized.
The designations used in the following description, such as top, bottom, left, and right and the like refer to the exemplary embodiments and shall not be considered limiting in any way, even when they refer to a preferred embodiment.
In the following, the invention is explained in greater detail based on a the figures submitted herewith.
Of course, it is also possible to provide the amusement ride 1 as a section of a longer track. For example, instead of the left stop edge 26 at one end of the guide track 2 here a first guide track may be provided, from which the vehicle 4 reaches the track section, the guide track 2. As soon as the vehicle 4 is located on the guide track 2, the guide track 2 can be raised by the lifting devices 10, 12, 14, 16, for example at the left side. Optionally, until the guide track 2 has been lifted, the vehicle 4 may be held at a certain point of the guide track 2 and then be released. The vehicle 4 may then travel on the guide track 2 until reaching the other end. At the moment the vehicle 4 reaches the other end of the guide track 2, the guide track 2 is connected to a second guide track so that the vehicle 4 can immediately continue traveling on the second guide track. This way, many additionally interesting effects can be integrated in a track.
The guide track 2 may also be guided directly into a water reservoir during the tilting process, for example, so that it ultimately is arranged at least partially underneath the water level of the water reservoir. The vehicle 4, for example moving from the left towards the right, may be embodied as a boat and can then directly continue moving on the track 2.
The invention was explained based on preferred exemplary embodiments without being limited to these exemplary embodiments. The features of the individual embodiments can be freely combined or exchanged with functionally equivalent features of other embodiments, assuming compatibility.
For example, the vehicle can also be held redundantly via the return block when it has reached the end of the guide track 2, and for example automatically be disconnected when an apex has been reached.
The motion of the pivotal points 6, 8 can occur for example via lifting cylinders or con rods or ropes. The first and second mobile fastenings 10, 12, embodied as first and second lifting rods, respectively, may be arranged aligned parallel in reference to each other and for example coupled to each other via lateral rods showing a fixed length.
Instead of one or in addition to one or more linear motor drives the amusement ride may show a pneumatic device for raising and lowering the first and second pivotal points.
The guide track 2 may also show additional weights between the first pivotal axis 6 and the second pivotal axis 8 in order to ensure that the center of gravity of the guide track 2 is always and in any case is located between the two pivotal axes 6 and 8, regardless of the present position of the vehicle 4 and independent from the present position of the guide track 2.
One trained in the art will know many such or similar embodiments of the mobile guide track 2, without here leaving the concept of the invention.
The left embodiment of
via a second shearing arm 36. The second shearing arm 36 is fastened in an articulate fashion to the other end of the lifting cylinder 30 at a stationary fixation 38. The joint 34 can for example be guided in a guiding groove (not shown) of a stationary arranged plate (not shown either) so that the lifting device can be operated such that the joint 33 is mobile diagonally upwards and downwards.
The right embodiment of
laterally. The waterslide 51 is further supported in an articulate fashion in a bottom splash 58, which is anchored in this exemplary embodiment via the ground anchors 59 at the floor. Alternatively the waterslide 51 can also be connected fixed to the bottom splash 58. The bottom splash 58 may alternatively show articulate lifting cylinders instead of ground anchors 59, which allow moving the bottom splash 58 in reference to the floor.
In a preferred embodiment the individual channels 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d of the water slide 51 may be impinged with different volumes of water per time unit, in order to more or less accelerate the
passenger 50, for example. In one advantageous embodiment the passenger could already during the ride through the channels, for example via sensor elements arranged in the channels, control his/her ride independently by contacting them during the ride.
It is discernible from the above-explained exemplary embodiments that the guide track 2 can rotate both in the longitudinal direction and/or in its height and/or about its own axis, so that a passenger in the vehicle 4, in case of an appropriate arrangement of the lifting device explained, can seemingly be subjected to undefined progressions of motion. Although in the above-stated exemplary embodiments it is always discussed that the entire amusement ride 1 is placed on a stationary platform with a bottom rail 18, it is of course also possible that the bottom rail 18 is fastened on a rotating platform.
In order to allow that passengers (50) can reach the watercraft (72) and the entrance (50) via the pier (68), the second pulley is rolled up on the second winch (64), which in the exemplary embodiment is arranged underneath the water surface (66), to such an extent that the pier (68) and the entrance (60) of the watercraft (72) are arranged approximately on the same level above the water surface (66). A buffer (70) ensures that by a back and forth motion of the watercraft (72) on the water surface (66) the watercraft (72) is not damaged at the edge of the pier (68). The passenger (50) then reaches, for example on or with the loop, the entrance part of the watercraft (72). For an additional amusement of the passenger (50) the watercraft (72) may be embodied for example as a waterslide (51), for example as shown in the exemplary embodiment of
Of course it is also possible that by a repeated back and forth pivoting of the watercraft (72) the passenger (50) is repeatedly moved back and forth on the guide track (2) and for example at the end of the amusement is thrown into the water (66) via the exit (62).
The invention has been explained based on preferred exemplary embodiments without being limited to these exemplary embodiments. The features of individual embodiments can be freely combined with features of other embodiments in order to form new embodiments to the extent compatibility is given. For example, the watercraft in
The references recited herein are incorporated herein in their entirety, particularly as they relate to teaching the level of ordinary skill in this art and for any disclosure necessary for the commoner understanding of the subject matter of the claimed invention. It will be clear to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the above embodiments may be altered or that insubstantial changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is determined by the scope of the following claims and their equitable equivalents.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2013 222 910 | Nov 2013 | DE | national |
No federal government funds were used in researching or developing this invention.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2014/073818 | 11/5/2014 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2015/067658 | 5/14/2015 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20160243451 A1 | Aug 2016 | US |
