ATTRACTION FOR AMUSEMENT RIDES WITH IMPROVED SUPPORT CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

 The present invention relates to an attraction (1) for amusement rides provided with at least one support construction comprising two or more masts (12, 13) which converge from an underside toward an upper side. On the underside each of the masts is mountable on a base (100). At least one first mast (12) comprises two mast segments (12A, 12B) connected movably to each other. The attraction is provided with a number of passenger seats (31) which are connected rotatably to the support construction. The attraction is provided with positioning means (14, 15) for moving the mast parts (12A, 12B) of the at least one first mast relative to each other in order to move the support construction between a boarding position, in which the passenger seats are accessible to the passengers, and a position of use in which the passenger seats can execute the movements of the amusement ride.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an attraction for amusement rides, such as an amusement park attraction, provided with at least one support construction comprising two or more masts which converge from an underside toward an upper side, wherein on the underside each of the masts is mountable on a base, wherein at least one first mast comprises two mast segments connected movably to each other.

[0002] An attraction with such a support construction is described in the European patent EP 2055362 of applicant. Described herein is a collapsible support construction for a mobile attraction, for instance a Ferris wheel. The known support construction comprises a base, a first mast with three segments connected pivotally to each other and a second mast with two segments connected pivotally to each other.

[0003] The known support construction has the advantage that a relatively large fairground attraction can be erected in quick and safe manner from a relatively compact base.

[0004] The present invention has for its object to provide an attraction with an improved support construction which is mainly suitable for an attraction at a fixed location, but is also suitable for a mobile attraction, also after it has been erected.

[0005] The attraction according to the present invention has for this purpose the feature that the attraction is provided with a number of passenger seats which are connected rotatably to the support construction and that the attraction is provided with positioning means for moving the mast parts of the first mast relative to each other in order to move the support construction between a boarding position, in which the passenger seats are accessible to the passengers, and a position of use in which the passenger seats can execute the movements of the amusement ride.

[0006] The attraction according to the invention has the advantage that it can move independently toward the passengers in order to facilitate boarding and disembarking. This greatly increases the user-friendliness of the attraction. Known auxiliary devices which are complex and expensive, such as a movable platform, can moreover be avoided.

[0007] In a first preferred embodiment each of the masts is mounted pivotally on the base on the underside, at least the first mast is mounted pivotally in the support construction on the upper side and the mast segments are attached to each other by means of a pivotable connection and the positioning means are configured to pivot the mast parts. Applying hinges increases the reliability of the attraction both in the context of production and in the context of safety.

[0008] The stability of the attraction is considerably increased in a further preferred embodiment in which at least one second mast is attached fixedly on the upper side in the support construction. According to yet another preferred embodiment, the second mast is formed from one mast segment, this likewise increasing stability.

[0009] In a compact preferred embodiment the positioning means are configured to partially collapse the support construction. In a further development the positioning means are configured to urge the mast segments of the first mast toward each other and to tilt the second mast toward the first mast during movement from the position of use to the boarding position. The extra area which the attraction occupies in the boarding position compared to the position of use now remains limited to a minimum.

[0010] In another preferred embodiment the positioning means are arranged on the first mast in order to connect the mast segments to each other. The positioning means preferably comprise at least one hydraulic cylinder connecting the mast segments to each other.

[0011] According to an energy-efficient preferred embodiment, the first mast is provided with a counterweight. In an elegant development hereof the first mast is provided with a further mast segment mounted at an angle on the lower mast segment, wherein the counterweight is arranged on the further mast segment.

[0012] In a practical preferred embodiment the attraction is provided with two support constructions placed at a mutual distance substantially parallel to each other, wherein the attraction is provided with a first shaft which mutually connects the upper sides of support constructions, wherein the passenger seats are connected rotatably to the first shaft.

[0013] According to a spectacular preferred embodiment, the attraction further comprises a pendulum arm connected rotatably to the first shaft, and the passenger seats are mounted on the pendulum arm. In a further development the passenger seats are connected to the pendulum arm for rotation about at least one second shaft which extends substantially transversely of the pendulum arm. The second rotation shaft provides an additional degree of freedom of movement which provides for a spectacular combination of rotational movements and gives each passenger a unique experience.

[0014] In yet another development each passenger seat is connected rotatably to the pendulum arm by means of two independent rotation shafts extending substantially transversely of the pendulum arm. The attraction hereby provides yet another additional degree of freedom of movement which provides for an even more spectacular combination of rotational movements and gives a passenger an intense experience.

[0015] One or more of the rotation shafts are preferably freely rotatable.

[0016] According to a practical preferred embodiment, the passenger seats are grouped in one or more gondolas.

[0017] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures.

Figure 1 shows schematically an attraction according to the invention in a position of use;

Figure 2 shows schematically the attraction of figure 1 in a boarding position;

Figure 3 shows schematically a support construction of the attraction according to the invention in the position of use; and

Figure 4 shows schematically a support construction of the attraction according to the invention in the boarding position.

[0018] Attraction 1 is shown in the figures in a preferred embodiment with rotating passenger seats 31 which are grouped in gondolas 30. The experience of the amusement ride is determined by a number of rotation axes R1, R2 and R3 which will be further described below. This is only an example of the possible amusement ride for this attraction. In figure 1 attraction 1 is shown in the position of use. This is a random view in a determined rotational position during the amusement ride.

[0019] In figure 2 attraction 1 is shown in the boarding position or boarding orientation in which the passenger seats are accessible to the passengers. The boarding position is also the disembarking position.

[0020] Attraction 1 comprises two support constructions 10 which are placed at a mutual distance substantially parallel to each other and connected to each other on the upper sides with a first shaft 11. Passenger seats 31 and gondolas 30 are connected rotatably to the first shaft or main shaft 11.

[0021] In the shown preferred embodiment attraction 1 comprises two support constructions 10. This number can vary.

[0022] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate schematically a single support construction 10 in respectively the position of use and the boarding position/disembarking position.

[0023] Support construction 10 comprises two or more masts 12,13 which converge from an underside toward an upper side. In the shown preferred embodiment mast 12 is mounted pivotally in the support construction on the upper side thereof, in particular on a head 16 of main shaft 1, by means of a hinge S3. The pivotally mounted mast 12 comprises two mast segments 12A and 12B mutually connected by means of a hinge S2.

[0024] According to the invention attraction 1 is provided with positioning means 14, 15 for pivoting the mast 12 with the purpose of moving support construction 10 between the boarding position and the position of use.

[0025] In the shown preferred embodiment second mast 13 is attached fixedly in support construction 10 on the upper side, in particular to a head 16 of main shaft 11. Second mast 13 is formed from one mast segment. On the underside the masts in support construction 10 are pivotally mountable on a base 100 by means of a hinge S1.

[0026] Attraction 1 is designed as fixed attraction, i.e. for use at a (semi-)permanent location, for instance in an amusement park. The pivotable mounting of masts 12, 13 on base 100 is important for the movement between the boarding position and the position of use. Base 100 must be a flat base with a sufficiently high load-bearing capacity, but can further be adapted to local requirements at the fixed location. Base 100 does not therefore have to form part of attraction 1.

[0027] Positioning means 14, 15 are configured to partially collapse support construction 10. Positioning means 14, 15 are arranged on first mast 12 and extend over the pivotable connection S2 and connect upper mast segment 12A to lower mast segment 12B. Suitable positioning means preferably take a hydraulic or electric form. Examples are electric spindles or hydraulic cylinders. Arranged per support construction in the shown preferred embodiment are two hydraulic cylinders 14, 15 which extend substantially parallel to each other. Each of the hydraulic cylinders 14, 15 engages on the one side on mast segment 12A and on the other on mast segment 12B.

[0028] Positioning means 14, 15 are configured to urge mast segments 12A and 12B of first mast 12 toward each other in the boarding position and to tilt the other mast, in this preferred embodiment mast 13, toward mast 12 during movement from the position of use to the boarding position.

[0029] Support construction 10 comprises a counterweight 17 on mast 12. Mast 12 is provided for this purpose with a further mast segment 12C which is attached at an angle to lower mast segment 12B. Counterweight 17 is arranged on the further mast segment 12C, preferably at an outer end thereof. In the shown preferred embodiment the angle between mast segments 12C and 12B is selected such that the further mast segment 12C extends substantially parallel to base 100 in the position of use. This angle is substantially a right angle. The angle can however also be zero, wherein mast segment 12C lies in line with mast segment 12B. The counterweight can optionally be accommodated in an underground space.

[0030] In the shown preferred embodiment attraction 1 comprises a pendulum arm 20 connected rotatably to first shaft 11. Passenger seats 31 are mounted on pendulum arm 20. The passenger seats are mounted on one outer end of pendulum arm 20. A counterweight 27 is arranged on the other outer end of pendulum arm 20. Arranged in first shaft 11 is a drive for rotating pendulum arm 20 about a rotation axis R1 extending through first shaft 11. A second shaft 22 extend substantially transversely of pendulum arm 20 at an outer end thereof. This second shaft 22 defines a second rotation axis R2 for passenger seats 31. On either side of second shaft 22 connecting arms or gondola arms 21 are mounted for rotation about rotation axis R2. In the shown preferred embodiment rotation axis R2 is located substantially centrally relative to the two gondola arms 21. Gondola arms 21 are preferably driven about the associated rotation axis R2. By means of a drive in second shaft 22 the gondolas can be positioned in the boarding position for embarkation and disembarkation respectively. In the boarding position gondola arms 21 extend substantially transversely of pendulum arm 20 and, together with second shaft 22, define an H-shape. In an alternative embodiment, in which the gondola arms are freely rotatable about rotation axis R2, (braking) means have to be provided to stop gondola arms 21 in the boarding position.

[0031] Gondolas 30 are arranged on the outer ends of each gondola arm 21. Gondolas 30 are each arranged round a third shaft 23 extending substantially transversely of gondola arms 21. Each third shaft 23 defines a third rotation axis R3 around which one of the gondolas 30 and passenger seats 31 are rotatable. Gondolas 30 are preferably freely rotatable about rotation axis R3. Braking means are preferably provided for braking the rotation movement of the gondolas about rotation axis R3. The two gondola arms 21 each carry two gondolas. Each gondola 30 comprises two rows of passenger seats 31 placed back-to-back.

[0032] In summary, each passenger seat 31 is connected by means of two independent rotation axes R2 and R3 to pendulum arm 20.

[0033] The inventive concept is based on the insight that the support construction is configured to move the passenger seats toward a base. At least one of the masts takes a collapsible form for this purpose. The present invention is illustrated on the basis of a preferred embodiment in which two identical support constructions are present, each with two converging masts. The invention can however also be applied in variants hereof. Several examples are an attraction with a single support construction or with more than two support constructions. The number of masts in the support construction can likewise vary. In the case of a single support construction there may be three masts, one or more of which are formed from movable mast segments.

[0034] The manner of attaching the passenger seats to the support construction depends on the amusement ride and can also vary. A pendulum arm is optional here. It is possible to opt instead for a different attachment, for instance with rotatable carrier arms which are mounted on the masts and support a first shaft.

[0035] Accumulators are otherwise highly suitable for use in the positioning means, both as alternative and as addition to the counterweight. It is further noted that the counterweight can be realized in diverse alternative ways, including by means of a pulley with weight.

[0036] All these variants lie within the reach of a skilled person following reading of this text.

[0037] It is generally the case that suitable drives, hinges, positioning means and stopping means or braking means are known per se in the relevant field.

[0038] The invention is therefore not limited to the described and shown preferred embodiment but extends to any embodiment falling within the scope of protection as defined in the claims and as seen in the light of the foregoing description and accompanying drawings.

Claims

1. Attraction for amusement rides, such as an amusement park attraction, provided with at least one support construction comprising two or more masts which converge from an underside toward an upper side, wherein on the underside each of the masts is mountable on a base, wherein at least one first mast comprises two mast segments connected movably to each other, characterized in that the attraction is provided with a number of passenger seats which are connected rotatably to the support construction, and that the attraction is provided with positioning means for moving the mast parts of the at least one first mast relative to each other in order to move the support construction between a boarding position, in which the passenger seats are accessible to the passengers, and a position of use in which the passenger seats can execute the movements of the amusement ride.

2. Attraction as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the masts is mounted pivotally on the base on the underside, wherein at least the first mast is mounted pivotally in the support construction on the upper side and wherein the mast segments are attached to each other by means of a pivotable connection, characterized in that the positioning means are configured to pivot the mast parts.

3. Attraction as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one second mast is attached fixedly on the upper side in the support construction.

4. Attraction as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the second mast is formed from one mast segment.

5. Attraction as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the positioning means are configured to partially collapse the support construction.

6. Attraction as claimed in claim 5, wherein the positioning means are configured to urge the mast segments of the first mast toward each other and to tilt the second mast toward the first mast during movement from the position of use to the boarding position.

7. Attraction as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the positioning means are arranged on the first mast and connect the mast segments to each other.

8. Attraction as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the positioning means comprise at least one hydraulic cylinder connecting the mast segments to each other.

9. Attraction as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the first mast is provided with a counterweight.

10. Attraction as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first mast is provided with a further mast segment mounted at an angle on the lower mast segment, wherein the counterweight is arranged on the further mast segment.

11. Attraction as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the attraction is provided with two support constructions placed at a mutual distance substantially parallel to each other, wherein the attraction is provided with a first shaft which mutually connects the upper sides of support constructions, wherein the passenger seats are connected rotatably to the first shaft.

12. Attraction as claimed in claim 10, wherein the attraction further comprises a pendulum arm connected rotatably to the first shaft, and wherein the passenger seats are mounted on the pendulum arm.

13. Attraction as claimed in claim 11, wherein the passenger seats are connected to the pendulum arm for rotation about at least one second shaft which extends substantially transversely of the pendulum arm.

14. Attraction as claimed in claim 12, wherein each passenger seat is connected rotatably to the pendulum arm by means of two independent rotation shafts extending substantially transversely of the pendulum arm.

15. Attraction as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein one or more of the rotation shafts are freely rotatable.

16. Attraction as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the passenger seats are grouped in one or more gondolas.

Drawing