Multidirectional amusement device

Abstract

A multidirectional amusement device is shown having a support structure extending above a support surface. A ride vehicle is secured to the support structure with support lines and is allowed to move freely beneath the support towers. A retraction tower receives a tow line connected to the ride vehicle to draw the ride vehicle to a desired height. A release mechanism attached between ends of the tow line engages a stop on the retraction tower and automatically releases the ride vehicle into a pendulum motion. The ride vehicle includes an attachment portion for receiving the support lines. The ride vehicle also includes a rider platform rotatably attached to the attachment portion. The ride vehicle further includes a coupling bar having a first end pivotally secured to the attachment portion of the ride vehicle and a second end extending outwardly from the ride vehicle for engaging the release mechanism. The coupling bar helps initiate a rocking motion which, in combination with the pendulum motion and the rotation motion, maximizes the thrill factor of the multidirectional amusement device. Redundant cabling, secured to each other at space intervals, adds safety to the system.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention

[0003] 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.

[0004] 2. Technical Background

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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

[0018] 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:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the amusement device of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ride vehicle and release mechanism of the amusement device of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a side plan view of a portion of the ride vehicle showing multiple axis of rotation;

[0022] FIG. 4A is a side plan view of the release mechanism of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 4B is a side plan view of the release mechanism of FIG. 1 engaging a support structure stop;

[0024] FIG. 4C is a side plan view of the release mechanism of FIG. 1 showing the ride vehicle disengaging the release mechanism in phantom;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the support structure of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the support structure of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the support structure of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the support structure of FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 9 is perspective view of one embodiment of a rotatable pivot used to provide momentum and braking to the ride vehicle in accordance with the invention; and

[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mechanism that may provide braking to a ride vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] 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 10, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of presently preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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. In such an embodiment, a single support tower 12 may also serve as a retraction tower 22. In addition, such a design may provide added safety by reducing the chance that a ride vehicle could impact the support structure 12.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 linesl6, 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment a support structure 12 may include a pivot 140 to pivotally retain the support lines 16. In selected embodiments, the pivot 116 may include a braking device 142 to aid in slowing down or controlling the ride vehicle 14. The pivot 140 may also include a motor 144 to accelerate the ride vehicle 14 as desired. Additionally, the motor 144 may be used for braking. For example, if a ride vehicle 14 is swinging from the support structure 12, the motor may be used to rotate the pivot 140 in a direction opposite to that of the swinging motion. Thus, the pivot 140 may be used to dampen the motion of the ride vehicle, effectively bringing it to a stop.

[0059] The pivot 140 may include a plate 146 or other rigid structure to retain the support lines 16. The plate 146 or structure 146 may include one or several apertureslO2 where the support lines 16 are fastened. The plate 146 or structure 146, as illustrated, is circular. However, the plate 146 may be embodied in various shapes and forms including but not limited to triangles, squares, pentagons, and the like. In one embodiment, the plate 146 may be a circular rotor 146. The braking device 142 may be a set of calipers 142 and function in a similar manner to disk brakes on an automobile. In another embodiment, the structure 146 may be a drum 146. The braking device 142 may be enclosed within the drum 146 in the form of brake shoes.

[0060] The pivot 140 may be located within the support structure 12, as illustrated, or may be mounted to the top or sides of the support structure 12. In reality the pivot 140 may be embodied in numerous forms, the main object thereof being to provide an effective pivot point 140 for the support lines 16. Since the pivot 140 may be moving in rhythm with the ride vehicle 14, the pivot may also serve to reduce wear and tear caused by the support lines rubbing at connection points 78.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 10, in certain embodiments, additional braking may be provided using a track 150. The track 150 may be designed to engage the ride vehicle 14 as it is swinging from the support structure 12. In certain embodiments, the track 150 may be mounted to the ground, a platform, or may be embedded such as to sit flush with the surface of the ground or a platform.

[0062] Likewise, a catch mechanism 152 may be provided on the ride vehicle 14. The catch mechanism 152 may be deployed manually or automatically when braking is desired. The catch mechanism 152 may be effective to engage the track, as desired, to slow or stop the ride vehicle 14. The track may include dampening means 154a, 154b, such as springs 154a, 154b, or use pneumatic or fluid means for dampening the motion of the ride vehicle 14. In certain embodiments, the track 150 may be substantially flat. However, in alternative embodiments, the track 150 may be curved to follow the arc of the swing of the ride vehicle 14.

[0063] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use as an amusement ride, the apparatus comprising: a support structure extending above a support surface; a ride vehicle; at least one support line connecting the ride vehicle to the support structure to enable swinging of the ride vehicle therefrom; and a release mechanism configured to hang from the support structure to a position proximate the ride vehicle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tow line to tow the ride vehicle to a suspended position, to initiate swinging from the support structure.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a coupling bar releasably connecting the ride vehicle to the tow line.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the coupling bar extends outwardly from the ride vehicle at least about one foot.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the coupling bar extends outwardly from the ride vehicle between about two feet and about seven feet.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ride vehicle further comprises an attachment portion configured to receive the at least one support line.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the ride vehicle further comprises a rider platform rotatably secured to the attachment portion at a connection point.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the attachment portion comprises a plate member and an eyelet pivotally connected to the plate member.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one support line is attached to the ride vehicle at the eyelet.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the ride vehicle further comprises a failsafe member to maintain connectivity between the rider platform and the attachment portion in the event of a failure of the connection point.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ride vehicle further comprises a catch mechanism to engage a brake, wherein the brake is mounted to at least one of the ground and a structure attached to the ground.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the at least one support line is a plurality of support lines; and the plurality of support lines are attached to each other at spaced intervals.

13. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the release mechanism is operably connected to the tow line.

14. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the release mechanism further comprises a lever to automatically disengage the ride vehicle from the tow line.

15. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a retraction tower to selectably retract the tow line.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the support structure and the retraction tower are a single structure.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the retraction tower further comprises a stop: and the stop releases the ride vehicle from the release mechanism by engaging the lever.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the at least one support line connects to the support structure at an attachment point; and the attachment point is movable with respect to the support structure to add variations to the swinging motion of the ride vehicle.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the attachment point moves in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the support structure.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the attachment point moves in a substantially vertical and horizontal direction with respect to the support structure.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ride vehicle further comprises: a central post; and a rider platform.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the rider platform is substantially symmetrical about the central post.

23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one support line is connected to the support structure at a plurality of locations.

24. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the coupling bar is connected to the ride vehicle at a plurality of locations.

25. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the retraction tower further comprises a winch.

26. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the retraction tower further comprises a ram.

27. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ride vehicle comprises a handle for anchoring the ride vehicle.

28. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a dampener to absorb vibrations of the ride vehicle.

29. An apparatus for use as an amusement ride, the apparatus comprising: a support structure extending above a support surface; a ride vehicle; at least one support line connecting the ride vehicle to the support structure; a retraction tower; a tow line movably engaging the retraction tower; and a coupling bar releasably connecting the ride vehicle to the tow line.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the coupling bar extends outwardly from the ride vehicle at least about one foot.

31. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the coupling bar extends outwardly from the ride vehicle between about two feet and about seven feet.

32. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the coupling bar is connected to the ride vehicle at a plurality of locations.

33. An apparatus for use as an amusement ride, the apparatus comprising: a support structure extending above a support surface; a ride vehicle; a plurality of support lines connecting the ride vehicle to the support structure to enable swinging of the ride vehicle therefrom; and at least one tether to couple together at least two of the plurality of support lines, to reduce danger in the event of a failure of one of the plurality of support lines.

34. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the plurality of support lines are attached together at spaced intervals.

35. An apparatus for use as an amusement ride, the apparatus comprising: a support structure extending above a support surface; a ride vehicle; at least one support line connecting the ride vehicle to the support structure to enable swinging of the ride vehicle therefrom; a release mechanism configured to release the ride vehicle from a suspended position, to initiate swinging from the support structure; and a lever, operably connected to the release mechanism, to selectably effect the release.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, further comprising a tow line operably connected to the release mechanism.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising a retraction tower to selectably retract the tow line.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein: the retraction tower further comprises a stop; and the stop releases the ride vehicle from the release mechanism by engaging the lever.

39. An apparatus for use as an amusement ride, the apparatus comprising: a support structure extending above a support surface; a ride vehicle; at least one support line connecting the ride vehicle to the support structure at an attachment point to enable swinging of the ride vehicle therefrom; and wherein the attachment point is movable with respect to the support structure to add variations to the swinging motion of the ride vehicle.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the attachment point moves in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the support structure.

41. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the attachment point moves in a substantially vertical and horizontal direction with respect to the support structure.

42. An apparatus for use as an amusement ride, the apparatus comprising: a support structure extending above a support surface; a ride vehicle comprising a central post; and at least one support line connecting the ride vehicle to the support structure to enable swinging of the ride vehicle therefrom;

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the ride vehicle further comprises a rider platform.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the rider platform is substantially symmetrical about the central post.

45. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the ride vehicle further comprises an attachment portion configured to receive the at least one support line.

46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the ride vehicle further comprises a rider platform rotatably secured to the attachment portion at a connection point.

47. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the attachment portion comprises a plate member and an eyelet pivotally connected to the plate member.

48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the at least one support line is attached to the ride vehicle at the eyelet.

49. An apparatus for use as an amusement ride, the apparatus comprising: a support structure extending above a support surface; a ride vehicle comprising an attachment portion and rider platform having a central post rotatably attached to the attachment portion at a connection point; at least one support line connecting the ride vehicle to the support structure to enable swinging of the ride vehicle therefrom; and a fail-safe member to maintain connectivity between the rider platform and the attachment portion in the event of a failure of the connection point. a fail-safe member positioned about the connection point, the fail-safe member having a first end secured to the attachment portion and a second end configured to engage the central post below the connection point.

50. An apparatus for use as an amusement ride, the apparatus comprising: a support structure extending above a support surface; a ride vehicle; at least one support line connecting the ride vehicle to the support structure to enable swinging of the ride vehicle therefrom; and a pivoting support providing an interface between the support structure and the at least one support line.