Mechanized structures for the launch of cars in installations for amusement parks such as, for instance, roller coasters or similar attractions

Abstract

Mechanized structures for the launch of cars in installations for amusement parks such as, for instance, roller coasters or similar attractions. This is a mechanical system so as to launch cars by exploiting the energy stored by a counterweight pivoting around an axis. The counterweight is integral with a beam which carries, on the other end, a pushing device which, when it has to give the push, leans against the rear of any car of the train and pushes it along a semicircular track of launch and then it leaves said car. During pushing phase the counterweight loses the stored energy and slows down till it stops while the cars accelerate towards the predetermined track. To allow the counterweight to store again potential energy, an electromechanical transmission with low power is sufficient; said transmission, in much longer time, brings back the counterweight to the highest point ready for a new launch at high acceleration which, differently, would need a much higher power.

1 . Installation for the launch of cars or trains of vehicles in attractions for amusement parks such as roller coasters or similar attractions in which the track of launch comprises an initial trace with arc of circumference substantially vertically developed, or, however on any other plane, on which the necessary speed is supplied to the cars so that they can complete the circuit due to inertia, characterized in that it comprises: 
 means so as to push the cars on the trace of launch at the beginning of the course;    a counterweight so as to drive said means to provide the cars with the necessary acceleration and speed to complete the circuit;    means so as to bring up to the highest point said counterweight while the train of vehicles is completing its course.    
     
     
         2 . Installation according to  claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises, so as to provide the cars with the required acceleration and the necessary speed to achieve the peak (end of the track of launch and beginning of the track due to inertia) and to complete the circuit, a counterweight driving the pushing means which involve the cars.  
     
     
         3 . Installation according to claims  1  and  2 , characterized in that said counterweight moves a beam pivoted on a rotating axle, on which, at the opposite end of that of the counterweight, is mounted a pushing device provided with means so as to push the cars to the highest point and lead them to the predetermined track.  
     
     
         4 . Installation according to  claim 3 , characterized in that said pushing device, in consequence to the counterweight motion, continues along a certain trace its course after that the cars have reached the entrance point on the predetermined track, being foreseen means so as to block and later retain, in a certain manner, the counterweight motion when the cars enter the predetermined track to allow them to detach from the pushing device.  
     
     
         5 . Installation according to  claim 4 , characterized in that it comprises retention means preferably formed by disk brakes fixed on any part of the mechanical transmission.  
     
     
         6 . Installation according to  claim 4 , characterized in that it comprises a device so as to prevent the counterweight from rotating in the contrary direction compared with that of launch of the train of vehicles.  
     
     
         7 . Installation for the launch of vehicles in attractions for amusement parks as described and shown above.