Patent Application
20240382859
The present invention relates to a support construction for an amusement ride, comprising a base frame for supporting the amusement ride and one or more support masts connected to a mast frame, wherein the one or more support masts and mast frame are connected to the base frame.
German Utility model DE 2020/17005306 U1 discloses a transportable carousel on a trailer with a flat platform, a central structure, and a plurality of support arms pivotally connected to the central structure, each of which can be raised and lowered by means of a compressed air, characterized by several pairs of height-adjustable supports attached below the platform to a chassis of the trailer and the height of which is adjustable.
European patent application EP2055362A1 discloses an upright support structure for a fairground attraction, comprising a base and two masts which each have a lower end pivotally connected to an outer end of the base and which each extend obliquely upward therefrom and which are mutually pivotally connected at their upper outer ends, wherein each of the masts consist of at least two segments connected pivotally to each other, wherein at least one of the pivotally connected segments of each mast is pivotable about an axis which is substantially parallel to an upright main plane defined by the masts and the base.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,552,747A relates to a PORTABLE FOLDING FERRIS WHEEL. The towers and derrick wheel are raised to an upright and locked position.
In general, an amusement ride having e.g. a wheel frame may be vertically supported by a single (cantilevered) or twin-sided support frame connected to a part of the wheel frame, wherein the single or twin-sided support may support the amusement ride mounted at ground level, or on a plurality of trailers at ground level for a transportable amusement ride. In the latter, small transportable amusement rides may be permanently mounted on trailers and can be moved intact, whereas larger transportable amusement rides are typically designed to be repeatedly and re-built.
During the assembly of state-of-the-art amusement rides, the support frame is typically mounted on a trailer in a slanted manner. To elaborate, for the example of a support frame comprising a twin-sided support, two support masts, otherwise known as support towers or support columns in the field, are raised and lifted at an angle to the (main) plane of the wheel frame of the amusement ride, i.e. in a pre-determined slanted fashion. The two support masts are then connected together to a part of the wheel frame, and the rest of the amusement ride structure is assembled and built around this framework.
Although such an arrangement is typically used for (dis)assembling amusement rides, there are several drawbacks to this approach. For example, raising and lowering the support masts in a slanted manner is labour-intensive, where, in particular, this can also prove to be quite time-consuming for a transportable amusement ride having a plurality of trailers. Furthermore, with increasing size, the load of the amusement ride and support masts become heavier, making it more difficult to (dis)assemble the support masts in a slanted manner.
As a result, there is a need to overcome these drawbacks, and provide a support frame that can be repeatedly (dis)assembled in a simple fashion without the difficulties and issues described herein.
The present invention therefore provides a support construction for an amusement ride, comprising a base frame for supporting the amusement ride, one or more support masts connected to a mast frame, wherein the at least one of the one or more support masts and mast frame are connected as a unity to the base frame, and
wherein the at least one support mast and mast frame are tiltable in unity around a main axis.
The amusement ride may comprise any suitable mechanical structure, for example, a Ferris wheel, a pendulum ride or enterprise for a fairground attraction.
The amusement ride is supported by the base frame, wherein the base frame supports and bears the weight of the amusement ride. The base frame is placed on, for example, the ground, and the base frame thereby supports the amusement ride thereon. The base frame may comprise any structure known to the skilled person that is capable of supporting an amusement ride, for example, an rectangular-shaped structure comprising landings for passengers to enter in and out of the amusement ride.
The one or more support masts are configured to support the amusement ride in a position suitable for the amusement ride to operate. In this light, the one or more support masts may be connected to the amusement ride for supporting the amusement ride with the base frame.
As an exemplary example, for an amusement ride comprising a Ferris wheel, the one or more support masts are configured to support the amusement ride in a substantially vertical position, wherein one end of one or more support masts are connected to a part of the Ferris wheel, wherein the Ferris wheel operates by rotating at its central axis.
The one or more support masts are connected to a mast frame, wherein the one or more support masts and mast frame are connected as a unity to the base frame. The mast frame is a structure that may form a part of the base frame, or it may be a separate structure that is connected to a part (e.g. a bottom and/or side surfaces) of the base frame. The mast frame is connected to the base frame, and the one or more support masts are connected as a unity with the mast frame, allowing the one or more support masts to be connected to the base frame for supporting the amusement ride with the mast frame.
To that end, the one or more support masts and mast frame are tiltable in unity around a main axis. The one or more support masts and mast frame are tiltable in unity with respect to the base frame. The one or more support masts and mast frame are connected as a unity, thereby forming a single, unity structure that may tilted. Thus, the mast frame and support mast form and act like one part with respect to tilt around the main axis. In contrast in U.S. Pat. No. 3,552,747A, the towers are pivotally mounted to the base members. There is no mast frame that tilts in unity with the support mast.
As known to the skilled person, the main axis may be any axis to sufficiently assemble and tilt the unity structure towards the amusement ride. In an embodiment, the main axis is substantially parallel to a main plane of the base frame.
By tilting the one or more support masts and mast frame as a unity (structure), the unity can be connected to the amusement ride. The one or more support masts no longer need to be raised in a slanted manner, since the tilting of the one or more support masts and mast frame as a unity allows the one or more support masts to be mounted in a ‘straight’ fashion, and thereafter tilted to towards the amusement ride for connection therewith. Since the unity is connected to the base frame, this allows the base frame to still support and bear the weight of the amusement ride.
Thus, by connecting the at least one support mast and mast frame as a unity (to the base frame) and tilting as a unity around the main axis, this allows the support construction to be assembled more efficiently. i.e. in a relatively short time and in a less labour-intensive manner, yet also be assembled in a simple fashion.
In case of a Ferris wheel, support masts are arranged at opposite sides of the wheel to support the wheel in a substantially vertical position. Both of the support mast forms a unity with a respective mast frame. The opposite units of a support mast and a mast frame then tilt in an opposite angular direction to connect to the wheel. The angular adjustment range of the tilt is about 10 degrees however any suitable range is conceivable.
In an embodiment, the mast frame comprises a trailer. By having the mast frame, comprising a trailer, connected to the base frame, this enables the amusement ride to be transportable. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mast frame is used not only just to tilt (with the one or more support masts as a unity), but it is also advantageously used as a transportation means, allowing a compact and efficiently assembly of the support construction for the amusement ride. The trailer may comprise a wheels and a coupling system to connect to the base frame.
In an embodiment, the mast frame is connected to the base frame in a hanging manner. In particular, the support construction further comprises a hook plate attached to the mast frame for connecting the mast frame to the base frame in the hanging manner. The mast frame hanging from the base frame allows for a better stability and controlled tilt of the support mast. Therefore the center of gravity of the unity, that is the mast frame and the corresponding support mast, is close and/or below the main axis X. The hook plate is configured to enable the one or more support masts and mast frame to ‘hang’ as a unity onto the base frame. By presence of the hook plate, the mast frame may all the more be further suitably positioned and tilted to a correct position.
In an embodiment, the base frame and hook plate are provided with fixation members for fixing the one or more supports masts and mast frame in a tilted position around the main axis. That is, the fixation members act as a locking mechanism for fixing the one or more support masts and mast frame (as a unity structure) in a tilted position. The tilted position may be pre-determined. By allowing the fixation between the base frame and hook plate, the tilted position of the unity structure is sufficiently held by the base frame. That is, the base frame may support the one or more support masts and mast frame in their tilted position, and also support and bear the weight of the amusement ride. The hook plate thereby also tilts in-tandem, with the unity, around the main axis for fixing the tilted position.
In an embodiment, the fixation members comprise co-operating openings. That is, the hook plate is provided with an opening, the base frame is provided with an opening, wherein the openings co-operate with one another for fixing the one or more support masts and mast frame as a unity in a tilted position around the main axis. The co-operating openings may align with one another, i.e. they may fully overlap with one another, for e.g. insertion of a locking pin therein. The co-operating openings may have a congruent shape. The position of the co-operating openings may be pre-determined in relation to pre-determining the tilted position of the one or more support masts and mast frame.
It is noted that the co-operating openings are an exemplary embodiment, and other implementations of the fixation members may be envisaged. For example, fixation members may comprise a various latching mechanisms. e.g. hook-and-eye or sliding latches.
In an embodiment, the hook plate comprises a cylinder connection. The cylinder connection connects with an actuator like a hydraulic cylinder, to tilt and maintain the unity including the support mast in a desired angular position. It will be clear that the cylinder connection may be configured to connect to any suitable actuator. The cylinder connection may be inserted into e.g. a small cavity in the base frame where the hydraulic cylinder can be accommodated. When tilting the hook plate by the hydraulic cylinder, the at least one support mast and mast frame tilt.
In an embodiment, the support construction further comprises a lift system configured to lift the base frame above a level. That is, the base frame is lifted to give sufficient height above the level for the one or more support masts and mast frame to be tilted as a unity in an easy and simple manner. In particular, since the mast frame may comprise a large bulky structure, the sufficient height would enable tilting of the mast frame without any contact (e.g. scraping) with the level. In this embodiment, the level may comprise any solid plane to which the base frame may be supported upon for supporting the amusement ride. As non-limiting examples, the level may comprise a ground level, a solid platform raised above a ground level, or a solid platform on a water surface. The lift system may comprise any system known to the skilled person that is capable of lifting a base frame. As non-limiting examples, the lift system may comprise a plurality of jacks (or jack systems) and/or hydraulic cylinders.
In an embodiment, the support construction further comprises a plurality of support arms connected between the one or more support masts and the mast frame. The support arms are configured to even further support the one or more support masts in their erected position, allowing for a proper assembly of the support construction. Also, by being connected between the one or more support masts and the mast frame, the plurality of support arms also further support the tilting of the unity by keeping the unity in a good structure. i.e. keeps the one or more support masts in an erected position for tilting thereof. The plurality of support arms may comprise hydraulic actuators. e.g. hydraulic cylinders.
In an embodiment, the one or more support masts and mast frame are pivotally connected to the base frame, for easy and proper tilting of the one or more support masts and mast frame as a unity.
In an embodiment, the one or more support masts comprises a first mast column and/or a second mast column, wherein the first mast column and second mast column are similar to one another. By presence of only a first (or second) mast column, a single-cantilever support is envisaged. By presence of a first and second mast column, a double-cantilever support is envisaged.
In an embodiment, the one or more support masts comprises a plurality of modular parts. The plurality of modular elements allow for easy assembly of the one or more support masts. This embodiment enables the one or more support masts to be easily put away for storage when not in use, and also allow for easy transportation thereof.
In an embodiment, the plurality of modular parts are articulately connected for folding and/or erecting the one or more support masts. For example, the plurality of modular parts may be pivotally connected. This embodiment enables the one or more support masts to be easily erected at e.g. pivot joints for assembling the support construction, and, likewise, be easily folded away for storage. The one or more support masts may be folded away on e.g. the base frame, and have e.g. several pivot joints.
The present invention further provides an assembly of an amusement ride comprising a support construction according to any one of the embodiments described herein. As mentioned above, the amusement ride may comprise any suitable mechanical device or structure. e.g. a pendulum ride or enterprise.
In an embodiment of the assembly, the amusement ride comprises a Ferris wheel comprising a wheel frame rotatable around a rotation axis. The support construction may be connected to a part of the wheel frame. e.g. a central part of the wheel frame, and is configured to support the wheel frame in a substantially vertical position. As known the skilled person, the rotation axis is at the centre of the wheel frame. The wheel frame may comprise any wheel frame for a Ferris wheel. e.g. a circular or polygonal wheel frame.
In an embodiment of the assembly, the Ferris wheel is a transportable Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel may be permanently mounted on trailers and/or frames and moved intact, or it may be repeatedly dismantled and rebuilt. In this light, the support construction, as described herein presents, a suitable structure for such a transportable Ferris wheel that is efficient to assemble and in a less labour-intensive manner.
The present invention further provides a method for assembling a support construction for an amusement ride, comprising:
In this context, the method for assembling a support construction for an amusement ride enables the one or more support masts and the mast frame to be connected as a unity (or unity structure) to the base frame, and titled as a unity to connect to the amusement ride, thereby connecting the amusement ride to the base frame such that the base frame may support the load and weight of the amusement ride. The method thereby allows an efficient manner to assemble such a support construction for an amusement ride. e.g. when building and dismantling an amusement ride.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises attaching a hook plate to the mast frame, wherein the hook plate and base frame are provided with fixation members, and fixing the one or more support masts and mast frame in titled position around the main axis. The unity (structure) of the one or more support masts and mast frame may be tilted around the main axis to a (certain) titled position, whereby the fixation members may fix the unity in the tilted position around the main axis.
In an exemplary embodiment relating to the method, the fixation members comprise co-operating openings provided in the one or more support masts and mast frame, wherein the unity may be tilted into the titled position such that the co-operating openings e.g. align for insertion of a pin therein to fix the unity in the titled position.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises lifting the base frame above a level. The base frame may be lifted by any lift system suitable to the skilled person, for example, a jack system, to give sufficient height for proper tilting of the unity of the one or more support masts and mast frame. The base frame may be lifted at any step before tilting of the unity.
The present invention will be discussed in more detail below, with reference to the attached drawings, in which
In
The support construction further comprises one or more support masts 4a, 4b, where, in
The one or more support masts 4a, 4b are connected to a mast frame 5 as a unity (structure), and are tiltable in unity around a main axis X. It is clear from
There are two support masts 4a, 4b in
In
Furthermore, in
Here, the lift system 6 comprises a jack system with plates placed on the level L, and the base frame 3 is jacked (i.e. raised) above the level L. Four jack systems (with four plates) are positioned near/on the corners of the (rectangular) base frame 3, as shown in
Moreover, in
To that end,
In
Furthermore, in
In
Additionally, in
However, it is noted that this is an exemplary example, and it is conceivable that the one or more supports masts 4a, 4b may only comprise one mast column, e.g. the first mast column 41a to form a ‘single-cantilever’ structure, whereby the first mast column 41a is positioned in a center part of the base frame 3.
The present invention has been described above with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments as shown in the drawings. Modifications and alternative implementations of some parts or elements are possible, and are included in the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2029242 | Sep 2021 | NL | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/NL2022/050532 | 9/22/2022 | WO |
