Patent Application
20240390809
The present invention relates to an amusement ride comprising a mast support structure for supporting a mast in at least a substantially upright position. A support structure for a mast is used for various types of amusement rides such as swing carousels, a Ferris wheel or other attractions. Such amusement rides are often adapted to be mobile. This makes it possible to temporarily install the attraction at, for example, fairgrounds and also to transfer it in a relatively simple manner between different locations. The amusement rides that offer the public an opportunity to experience spectacular movements are relatively expensive, which means that the attraction has to be able to operate for a relatively long period of time in order for it to be successful. In order to achieve this, it is a prime requirement for the amusement ride to be mobile.
It is known to place amusement rides on a trailer. Reference is made to the tower disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,778 which is accommodated on a trailer. The tower is configured to be telescopic and is extended to its full height after the retracted parts have been erected. The trailer is provided with supports by means of which it is placed in a stable position on the ground. Up to a certain height and load of the tower, such stabilization is sufficient. However, with relatively great heights, for example in the order of magnitude of 60-80 m, the associated loads cannot be absorbed sufficiently well by such a support using a single trailer. In those cases, special support structures which are not, however, mobile have to be constructed at the respective location. This results in the loss of a significant advantage: erecting and dismantling the support structure and mast every time is time-consuming and costly, thus greatly reducing the operating efficiency of the device and rendering operation of the device uneconomical.
It is known in EP2422857A1 to provide an amusement ride of the abovementioned type which can be operated efficiently and which is suitable for much greater heights and loads than the traditional amusement rides. Therefore a supporting system for a mast is provided comprising stabilizing vehicles which each comprise a chassis, sets of wheels for moving the vehicle, coupling means near the rear end, and stabilizing arms which are displaceable between an inoperative position in which the stabilizing arm is swung in and a swung-out position in which the stabilizing arm extends outwards with respect to the chassis. The stabilizing arms each have a support at their free ends for stabilizing the stabilizing vehicle on the ground in the swung-out position of the stabilizing arm, as well as a base for the mast, which base cooperates with the stabilizing vehicles and wherein, in the coupled position of said stabilizing vehicles, the chassis of the one stabilizing vehicle is in line with the chassis of the other stabilizing vehicle. Although, in EP2422857A1 several vehicles can be coupled to one another in order to produce a base, the coupling of trailers is cumbersome and time consuming and therefore costly.
Coupling of trailers by threaded connections is known in the art but however is complex with respect to positioning of trailers, as well as time consuming and labor intensive and therefore costly.
The present invention seeks to provide an amusement ride having a base frame that is easy and quick to construct and still can accommodate force associated with the operating of the amusement ride.
According to the present invention, an amusement ride as defined above is provided. The amusement ride comprises a mast support structure for supporting a mast in at least a substantially upright position, the mast support structure comprising;
The rigid self-supporting base frame assembly is able to contact and support one or more ballast forming trailers that therefore only need to be positioned with respect to the base frame assembly. No time consuming construction work of coupling trailers, like bolting, is required any more. Once the ballast forming trailers are positioned with respect to the base frame assembly, the frame assembly engages the ballast forming trailer when the base frame assembly is lifted from the initial position upwards to the operational position so that the ballast forming trailer is at least partly supported by the base frame assembly in the operational position.
A ballast weight can normally be any heavy material carried temporarily or permanently by the base frame assembly to provide desired stability to the amusement ride during operation. The ballast weight comprises in any case one or more ballast forming trailers. A ballast weight is required to maintain a stable contact between the base frame assembly with the ground. The required ballast weight is normally determined by moving parts within the ride as well as other possible forces. The moving parts result in dynamic forces that need to be transferred to ground via the base frame assembly of the mast support structure.
Therefore, the base frame assembly is rigid and self-supporting. This means that the base frame assembly per se in configured to support ballast weight as well as the mast or masts that transfer the forces caused by moving parts of the ride to the ground. Thus the rigid self-supporting base frame assembly contacts the ballast weight to support the ballast weight or in other words hold or carry the ballast weight.
In an embodiment of the amusement ride according to the invention, the base frame assembly comprises two opposite frame forming trailers, arranged to form a ballast accommodation space between the two opposite frame forming trailers, and wherein the ballast accommodation space is suitable to accommodate a number of ballast forming trailers. This offers a centrally arranged ballast weight below the mast which is effective. Also, the ballast accommodation space being between opposite frame forming trailers enables to use transport trailers as ballast weight, while normally these trailers need to be parked somewhere.
In an embodiment of the amusement ride according to the invention, the base frame assembly comprises a cross-linking trailer and the two opposite frame forming trailers of the base frame assembly are rigidly connected to each other by the cross-linking trailer to form a I- or U-shaped base frame assembly. This offers all the more an improved use of material, in that even more transport trailers get a function in forming the base frame assembly and need not to be parked somewhere.
In an embodiment of the amusement ride according to the invention, the base frame assembly comprises two cross-linking trailers and the two opposite frame forming trailers of the base frame assembly are rigidly connected to each other by the two cross-linking trailers to form a quadrangular base frame assembly, in particular a rectangular base frame assembly, that extends around the ballast accommodation space. The ballast accommodation space offers within the rectangular base frame assembly all the more a centrally arranged ballast weight below the mast which is effective.
In an embodiment, the amusement ride according to the invention comprises a connection system providing a moment connection between at least a frame forming trailer and a cross-linking trailer of the base frame assembly, wherein a long side of the frame forming trailer rigidly connects to a short side of the cross-linking trailer to form at least a part of the base frame assembly. The moment connection ensures the integrity, rigidity and self-supporting capabilities of the base frame assembly. Preferably all of the frame forming trailers and cross-linking trailer of the base frame assembly are mutually coupled by a connection system. Preferably all of the frame forming trailers and cross-linking trailer of the base frame assembly are coupled in a short side to long side fashion.
A moment connection means that the connection can transfer a moment or also torque between connected parts.
In an embodiment of the amusement ride according to the invention, the connection system comprises a form closed mechanical joint that extends along the vertical for providing the moment connection. The connection system comprising a form closed mechanical joint enables to establish a moment connection by a rectilinear movement, which is a very robust and simple manner. The form closed mechanical joint extending along the vertical enables to use the lifting system to provide the vertical rectilinear movement and establish the moment connection when lifting.
In an embodiment of the amusement ride according to the invention, the connection system comprises two separate form closed mechanical joints spaced along the vertical for providing the moment connection. The two separate form closed mechanical joints being spaced along the vertical enables all the more to use the lifting system to provide the vertical rectilinear movement and establish the moment connection when lifting. Also two separate form closed mechanical joints enable a more effective moment connection while at the same time a small adjustment range of the lifting system will suffice to establish the moment connection.
In an embodiment of the amusement ride according to the invention, two form closed mechanical joints are configured such that the moment connection is established when lifting the frame forming trailer with respect to the cross-linking trailer. This all the more makes clear that the lifting system can provide the vertical rectilinear movement and establish the moment connection when lifting.
In an embodiment of the amusement ride according to the invention, the lift system comprises two opposite feet for contacting the ground level, and the ballast accommodation space is at least partly arranged between the two opposite feet. The ballast accommodation space being arranged between the two opposite feet ensure an effective use of the ballast weight.
In an embodiment of the amusement ride according to the invention, the lift system is coupled with the two opposite frame forming trailers only, and the cross-linking trailers and the ballast forming trailers are supported by the two opposite frame forming trailers and lifted when lifting the two opposite frame forming trailers. This enables to establish all moment connections between the two opposite frame forming trailers and the cross-linking trailers when lifting, and maintain these moment connection in the operational position of the base frame assembly during operation of the ride.
In an embodiment of the amusement ride according to the invention, the base frame assembly comprises a contact face to form a bearing support for a ballast forming trailer. The base frame assembly comprising a contact face to form a bearing support for a ballast forming trailer facilitates positioning of the ballast forming trailer with respect to the base frame assembly as well as easy engagement between the ballast forming trailer and the base frame assembly. The contact face preferably faces upwards however any suitable orientation of the contact face is conceivable. The contact face comprises or is a flat surface however any suitable shape of the contact face is conceivable.
In an embodiment of the amusement ride according to the invention, the two opposite frame forming trailers of the base frame assembly both comprise a contact face to form a respective bearing support for a respective end of a ballast forming trailer. This all the more facilitates positioning of the ballast forming trailer with respect to the base frame assembly as well as easy engagement between the ballast forming trailer and the base frame assembly.
In an embodiment, the amusement ride according to the invention comprises;
A “mast” can also refer to a mast system having mast members at opposite sides of the wheel. Also there can be mast arms that build a shape like an “A”-shape or a triangular shape. Any suitable mast system will suffice. The wheel may have a diameter of at least 20 m, or at least 50 m. The mast support structure is suited for any size of ferris wheel. Nevertheless, it will be understood that for larger rides e.g. a larger wheel, base frame and ballast weight related advantages are important.
According to the present invention, a method for building up an amusement ride is provided, comprising the steps of;
In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the providing the base frame assembly comprises one or more trailers comprises the step of establishing a moment connection between at least a frame forming trailer and a cross-linking trailer of the base frame assembly, wherein a long side of the frame forming trailer rigidly connects to a short side of the cross-linking trailer to form at least a part of the base frame assembly.
In an embodiment, the method according to the invention comprises;
The present invention will be discussed in more detail below, with reference to the attached drawings, in which
The amusement ride 1 comprises a lift system 5. The lift system 5 is configured for lifting the base frame assembly 3 with respect to a ground level 22. Since, the base frame assembly carries the entire ride 1, the lift system can support a considerable weight like more than 300 tons. The lift system 5 is configured to lift the base frame assembly 3 from an initial position, upwards to an operational position. The lift system comprises two opposite feet 13a, 13b contacting the ground level 22.
The amusement park ride 1 comprises, in this case two, ballast forming trailers 21. These ballast forming trailers do form part of the ballast weight 4 and have no other function. At least a protruding section 15 of a ballast forming trailer 21 is arranged above the base frame assembly 3. The base frame assembly comprises a contact face 14 to form a bearing support for a ballast forming trailer 21. In this case, the two opposite frame forming trailers 6, 7 of the base frame assembly 3 both comprise a contact face 14 to form a respective bearing support for a respective end of a ballast forming trailer 21. The contact face 14 faces the protruding section 15 of a ballast forming trailer 21. This way, the base frame assembly 3 engages the ballast forming trailer 21 when the base frame assembly 3 is lifted from the initial position, upwards to the operational position. In the operational position, the ballast forming trailer 21 is supported by the base frame assembly 3. In the operational position the contact face 14 engages the protruding section 15 to form a bearing support for the ballast forming trailer 21.
In this case, the base frame assembly 3 comprises two opposite frame forming trailers 6, 7. The two opposite frame forming trailers 6, 7 are arranged in parallel. The two opposite frame forming trailers 6, 7 are arranged to form a ballast accommodation space 8 between the two opposite frame forming trailers The ballast accommodation space 8 is suitable to accommodate a number of ballast forming trailers 21, in this case two ballast forming trailers 21.
The base frame assembly 3 comprises a cross-linking trailer 9, 10. The two opposite frame forming trailers 6, 7 of the base frame assembly 3 are rigidly connected to each other by the cross-linking trailer 9, 10. This way a rigid base frame assembly can be made having an I- or U-shape. In this case, the base frame assembly 3 comprises two cross-linking trailers 9, 10 as well as the two opposite frame forming trailers. The two cross-linking trailers 9, 10 extend between the two opposite frame forming trailers 6, 7. The two opposite frame forming trailers 6, 7 are rigidly connected to each other by the two cross-linking trailers 9, 10 to form a quadrangular base frame assembly 3, in particular a rectangular base frame assembly 3. The rectangular base frame assembly 3 extends around the ballast accommodation space 4. The lift system comprises two opposite feet 13a, 13b contacting the ground level 22. The ballast accommodation space 8 is at least partly arranged between the two opposite feet 13a, 13b. Here, the lift system 5 comprises four feet 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, one at each corner of the quadrangular base frame assembly 3.
The base frame assembly 3 comprising a connection system 11 providing a moment connection between a frame forming trailer 7 and a cross-linking trailer 9. A connection system 11 is provided at all corners of the rectangular base frame assembly 3. At each corner, the connection system 11 connects a long side 23 of a frame forming trailer to a short side 24 of a cross-linking trailer 9, 10 to form the base frame assembly 3. In contrast, the ballast forming trailers 21 in the ballast accommodation space 4 connect to the base frame assembly 3 by a bearing contact between a contact face 14 and a protruding section 15. It is of course conceivable to arrange a connection system 11 between a ballast forming trailer 21 and the base frame assembly 3, however that is not a requirement in view of the function of the ballast forming trailer 21.
To establish the moment connection, the connection system 11 comprises a form closed mechanical joint 12a, 12b. The form closed mechanical joint 12a, 12b extends along the vertical for providing the moment connection. The form closed mechanical joint 12a, 12b comprises a T shaped protrusion 25 that engages with a corresponding recess 26. The form closed mechanical joint 12a, 12b is established by a rectilinear mutual vertical movement of the T shaped protrusion and the corresponding recess 26. This greatly simplifies the connection between the frame forming trailer 7 and a cross-linking trailer 10. A moment connection is provided without any time consuming threaded connection required.
As shown in
From
In this case, the amusement park ride 1 comprises five ballast forming trailers 21. These ballast forming trailers 21 do form part of the ballast weight 4 and have no other function. It will be clear that any suitable number of ballast forming trailers 21 is conceivable.
The feet 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d of the lift system 5 are arranged at an extended outward position with respect to the base frame assembly 3. It will be clear that any suitable arrangement of the feet 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d is conceivable, as long as the lift system 5 is configured to lift the base frame assembly 3 from an initial position, upwards to an operational position.
Each mast portion 16a, 16b has two arms 28 supported by the mast support structure 2. The arms 28 each have a free end 18 and an opposite end 17. The wheel 20 is rotatably connected to the free end 18 of the arms 28 of the mast portions 16a, 16b. The wheel 20 is rotatable around a wheel rotation axis 19. The opposite end 17 of the mast portions 16a, 16b is coupled to the mast support structure 2. The mast portions 16a, 16b, or their arms 28 are hingeably coupled to the mast support structure 2.
Here, we simply refer to “the mast 16a, 16b”. It will clear however that the mast 16a, 16b has two opposite pairs of arms 28 while a pair of arms 28 make up a triangular shape. Any suitable mast is conceivable as long as it can support a Ferris wheel or any other moving part of an amusement ride. The mast can by extendable, erectable, articulated, etc. as desired. The shown wheel 20 has a diameter of about 70 m.
Referring to all figures, a method for building up an amusement ride 1 according to the invention is described. The method comprises the steps of;
In this case, the providing of the base frame assembly 3 comprising one or more trailers comprises the step of establishing a moment connection 11 between at least a frame forming trailer 6, 7 and a cross-linking trailer 9, 10 of the base frame assembly 3, wherein a long side 23 of the frame forming trailer rigidly connects to a short side 24 of the cross-linking trailer to form at least a part of the base frame assembly.
In case of the amusement ride being a Ferris wheel 20, the method comprises;
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2029240 | Sep 2021 | NL | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/NL2022/050531 | 9/22/2022 | WO |
