Amusement device

Abstract

A fun-ride and more especially a roller coaster or a similar fun-ride, in the case of which the amusement potential is simply enhanced because the basic or original type of movement, that is to say travel of a vehicle cabin on rails of a roller coaster is combined with a further and different types of motion is discontinued or then alternatively continued with such different type of motion. Figure along the travel path, that is to say for example along the elevated rails of a roller coaster, at one or more points additional ride change means are provided, which produce the additional or alternative type of motion for the vehicle cabin.

1 . An apparatus of transport of persons for amusement purposes comprising travel path means, preferably in the form of an endless circuit, on which a vehicle may be moved, and more particularly a roller coaster with a track on stands, characterized in that the travel path for the vehicles adapted to move on wheels and/or rails render possible a first type of motion and possesses ride change means preferably at a plurality of positions for a first and/or further hybrid or alternative types of motion, which differ from the first type of motion as regards the timing of the motion and as regards unexpected occurrence thereof to enhance the entertainment value of the ride.  
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , characterized by at least one lifting means with which the vehicle can be lifted from the travel path or a part of the travel path (section of the travel path) with the vehicle may be lifted from the rest of the travel path and be put down again.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , characterized that the vehicle or the travel path section with the vehicle is put down at a position different to that at which it was lifted.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as set forth in an one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the travel path has at least two and preferably a plurality of alternative sections thereof, the lifting means functioning as a lifting switch so that the vehicle, after such lifting and putting down again, may be on any desired track section.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as set forth in an one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the travel path more particularly following putting down of the vehicle, is different in nature and is more particularly in the form of a roller coaster, a roller coaster in the dark, a water channel, a somersault roller coaster or the like.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as set forth in an one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operation of the lifting means as such and/or the putting down of the vehicle is adapted to be caused interactively more particularly at a particular point on the travel path by the rider and/or by random control.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as set forth in an one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is so designed that the vehicle or the travel path section together with the lifted vehicle may perform circular, pivoting, rotating, shaking, jolting, accelerating and/or braking movement or the like.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus as set forth in an one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is so designed that the vehicle or the travel path section together with the lifted vehicle may be moved past amusement units such as scare unit, water spraying units or the like.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus as set forth in an one of the preceding, characterized in that the lifting means is in the form of a elevator or a lever arm.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 9 , characterized in that the lever arm is in the form of a multi-axis and/or multi-part pivoting arm, and more particularly one with a plurality of flexing or turning axes, the lift and pivot arm being more particularly mounted on a turntable so that it is able to be pivoted at the pivot point around an axis of turning perpendicular to the axis of turning of the turntable.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 9 , characterized in that the lifting arm is able to be turned about its longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 9 , characterized in that the lifting arm possesses a gripping means, which together with a multi-pivot head joint is arranged on the lifting arm.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 9 , characterized in that the lifting arm is in the form of a telescoping lifting means.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of lifting means are arranged in a stellate fashion.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , characterized in that as a ride change means a chicane ( 1 ) is provided to increase the amusement effect, which may be so manipulated that at least one vehicle is subjected to abrupt pitching and/or abrupt rolling.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 15 , characterized in that the chicane comprises a pivoting rail ( 1 ) arranged in the track circuit and which is able to be pivoted as an independent track member ( 2 ) about an axis ( 5 ) of rotation.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 16 , characterized in that the track member ( 2 ) is arranged to be parallel to the axis ( 5 ) of rotation.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 16 , characterized in that the track member ( 2 ) is arranged in the plane, which is defined by the axis of the track member ( 2 ) and by the axis ( 5 ) of rotation, with an inclination to the axis ( 5 ) of rotation.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 16 , characterized in that the track member ( 2 ) is arranged in the plane which is normal to the plane extending through the axis of the track member ( 2 ) and through the plane set by the axis ( 5 ) of rotation at an angle thereto.  
     
     
         20 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 16 , characterized in the track member ( 2 ) is arranged to be oblique to the axis ( 5 ) of rotation.  
     
     
         21 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 15 , characterized in that the track member ( 2 ) is set in relation to the axis ( 5 ) of rotation.  
     
     
         22 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 15 , characterized in that the track member ( 2 ) is able to be moved in relation to the axis ( 5 ) of rotation, more especially by sliding and/or pivoting.  
     
     
         23 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 15 , characterized in that the pivoting rail ( 1 ) constitutes a switch so that the vehicle is transferred by the rotational movement to one of several connecting rails.  
     
     
         24 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 15 , characterized in that the pivoting rail ( 1 ) is able to be power-moved by means of actuators and more particularly by means of a geared motor ( 15 ) and/or pneumatic and/or hydraulic and/or electrical drive units.  
     
     
         25 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 24 , characterized in that the actuators are controlled by software and render possible programmed motion of the pivoting rail.  
     
     
         26 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 15 , characterized in that the pivoting rail ( 1 ) is adapted to be moved by a slide guide having guide means of the pivoting rail fitting in it.  
     
     
         27 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 24 , characterized in that the geared motor ( 15 ) is coupled by means of a crank ( 16 ) and a pitman ( 17  with the track member ( 2 ).  
     
     
         28 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 27 , characterized in that the pitman ( 17 ) is provided with an overload preventing means.  
     
     
         29 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 15 , characterized in that the vehicles are accelerated at least in the drive-out part of the chicane ( 1 ) by additional drives.  
     
     
         30 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 15 , characterized in that vehicles running on the pivoting rail are retarded and/or halted by at least one retarding means ( 11 ,  12  and  13 ).  
     
     
         31 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 30 , characterized in that the retarding means of the pivoting rail include at least one brake gap ( 39 ) and the vehicle includes at least one brake fin ( 40 ) adapted to fit into the gap.  
     
     
         32 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 31 , characterized in that the retarding means of the pivoting rail comprises an abutment ( 37 ).  
     
     
         33 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 32 , characterized in that the abutment os movable and is able to be pivoted out of the clearance outline of the vehicle.  
     
     
         34 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 15 , characterized by security means which possess at least one counter weight ( 21  and  22 ) engaging the frame of the pivoting rail.  
     
     
         35 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 15 , characterized in that the power of the geared motor ( 15 ) is able to be reduced by the counter weight ( 21  and  22 ).  
     
     
         36 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 15 , characterized in that security means are provided, which comprise at least one additional brake ( 29 ) for engaging the frame of the pivoting rail ( 1 ).  
     
     
         37 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 15 , characterized by security means, which include at least one monitoring unit, using which the speed of travel of the vehicle and/or the speed of rotation of the pivoting rail may be checked.  
     
     
         38 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 15 , characterized in that the timing of movements of the descent rail is so controlled that the track member ( 2 ) of the pivoting rail ( 1 ) is in the terminal position aligned with the following track member ( 31  and  31 ′).  
     
     
         39 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 15 , characterized in that the track member ( 2 ) of the pivoting rail ( 1 ) is able to be locked with the respective following track member in the initial and, respectively, terminal position.  
     
     
         40 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , characterized in that as a ride change means a chicane ( 1 ) is provided increasing the amount of fun, which is able to be so handled that at least one vehicle experiences at least one preferably abrupt pitching effect.  
     
     
         41 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 40 , characterized in that as a chicane a rocker ( 1 ) is provided having an independent track member ( 2 ) able to be so pivoted about an axis (A) that in the drive-in position the track member has an upward slope ( 22 ) and after pivoting into the drive-off position has a downward slope ( 24 ).  
     
     
         42 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 41 , characterized in that the axis (A) is arranged parallel and is at a right angle to the track member ( 2 ).  
     
     
         43 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 40 , characterized in that the track member ( 2 ) is set in relation to the axis (A).  
     
     
         44 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 40 , characterized in that the track member ( 2 ) is able to be moved in relation to the axis (A) and is more especially mounted for sliding and/or pivoting motion.  
     
     
         45 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 40 , characterized in that the rocker ( 1 ) constitutes a switch so that the vehicle is transferred by the rocking movement to one of several following rails.  
     
     
         46 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 40 , characterized in that the rocker ( 1 ) is able to be power-moved by means of actuators ( 18 ) and more especially by a geared motor and/or pneumatic and/or hydraulic and/or electrical drive units.  
     
     
         47 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 46 , characterized in that the actuators are controlled by software and render possible programmed movements of the rocker ( 1 ).  
     
     
         48 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 40 , characterized in that the track member ( 2 ) of the rocker ( 1 ) is able to be moved by means of a slide guide having guide means of the track member fitting into it.  
     
     
         49 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 48 , characterized in that the geared motor ( 18 ) is coupled by means of at least one crank ( 19 ) and at least one pitman ( 20 ) with the track member ( 2 ).  
     
     
         50 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 49 , characterized in that the pitman ( 20 ) is provided with an overload preventing means.  
     
     
         51 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 40 , characterized in that a vehicle running through the chicane is retarded and/or halted by at least one braking means ( 36 ).  
     
     
         52 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 51 , characterized in that the retarding means ( 36 ) of the rocker ( 1 ) comprise at least one brake gap ( 37 ) provided between the rails ( 3  and  4 ) and at least one brake fin ( 38 ) arranged on the vehicle and adapted to fit into the brake gap ( 38 ).  
     
     
         53 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 51 , characterized in that the retarding means of the rocker comprises at least one moving abutment ( 25  and  28 ).  
     
     
         54 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 53 , characterized in that the abutment is constituted by means ( 25 ) preventing backward motion, which is placed so that it can be pivoted out of the clearance outline of the vehicle.  
     
     
         55 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 53 , characterized in that the abutment is constituted by a lever-like lug ( 28 ) which is arranged at the drive-out end of the track member ( 2 ) and may be pivoted out of the clearance outline of the vehicle.  
     
     
         56 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , characterized in that redundant security means are provided.  
     
     
         57 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 56 , characterized in that the security means comprises at least one additional brake ( 15 ,  16 ,  15 ′ and  16 ′) adapted to engage the frame of the rocker.  
     
     
         58 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 56 , characterized in that the security means comprise at least one monitoring unit, using which the speed of travel of the vehicle may be checked.  
     
     
         59 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 40 , characterized in that the timing of movements of the rocker ( 1 ) is so controlled that the track member ( 2 ) of the rocker is aligned with a following track member ( 21 ′ and  23 ) in the terminal position.  
     
     
         60 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 40 , characterized in that at least one damping means ( 32 ) is provided for damping the movement the of the rocker ( 1 ) near its terminal position.  
     
     
         61 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 40 , characterized in that the track member ( 2 ) of the rocker ( 1 ) is able to be locked in the initial and, respectively, terminal position with the respective following track member ( 21  and  23 ).  
     
     
         62 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , characterized in that the ride change means comprise a chicane ( 1 ) increasing the entertainment value and able to be so manipulated that during travel through the chicane at least one vehicle is able to be moved from the track level abruptly to a second and more especially lower level and can continue the ride at this level.  
     
     
         63 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 62 , characterized in that the chicane comprises a descent track ( 1 ) arranged in the circuit and which is able to be pivoted as an independent track member ( 2 ) about an axis ( 4 ) arranged athwart the course of the rails.  
     
     
         64 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 62 , characterized in that the chicane comprises a descent track ( 1 ) arranged in the track circuit and which as an independent track member ( 2 ) is able to be offset from the track circuit to the second and more particularly lower level.  
     
     
         65 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 63 , characterized in that the axis ( 4 ) is present at the drive-off end of the independent track member ( 2 ).  
     
     
         66 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 63 , characterized in that the axis is arranged at the drive-on end of the independent track member ( 2 ) and the track member ( 2 ) is able to be connected at its free drive-off end with a following track member ( 22  and  23 ).  
     
     
         67 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 64 , characterized in that the track member ( 2 ) is able to be connected at its free drive-off end with a following track member ( 22  and  23 ).  
     
     
         68 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 62 , characterized in that the independently moving track member ( 2 ) is guided ( 32  and  33 ) at the side of the track circuit.  
     
     
         69 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 62 , characterized in that the descent track ( 1 ) constitutes a switch in such a manner that the vehicle is transferred by the pivoting or offsetting motion to one of several following rails.  
     
     
         70 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 62 , characterized in that the descent track is able to be power-moved by means of actuators and more particularly by means of a geared motor ( 15 ) and/or pneumatic and/or hydraulic and/or electrical drive units.  
     
     
         71 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 70 , characterized in that the actuators are software controlled and render possible programmed movements of the descent track.  
     
     
         72 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 70 , characterized in that the geared motor ( 15 ) is coupled by at least one crank ( 14 ) and a pitman ( 13 ) with the track member ( 2 ).  
     
     
         73 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 72 , characterized in that the pitman ( 13 ) is provided with an overload preventing means.  
     
     
         74 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 62 , characterized in that in the track member ( 2 ) a rack ( 36 ) is provided able to be pivoted into the clearance outline of the vehicle, such rack being able to be engaged with corresponding detent means on the vehicle.  
     
     
         75 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 62 , characterized in that the timing of movements of the descent track ( 1 ) is such that the track member ( 2 ) is aligned with the following track member ( 22  and  23 ) in the terminal position.  
     
     
         76 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 62 , characterized in that the track member ( 2 ) of the descent track ( 1 ) is able to be locked in the initial and, respectively, terminal position with the respective following track member ( 22 ,  23 ;  25  and  26 ).  
     
     
         77 . A method for producing a surprising effect for rides using a positively guided vehicle moving through a chicane as set forth in  claim 1 , characterized in that the track member ( 2 ) is then pivoted or lowered to a lower level, when the vehicle travels over the track member within a predetermined speed window.  
     
     
         78 . The method as set forth in  claim 77 , characterized in that the track member ( 2 ) is only pivoted back or lifted into its initial position when the vehicle has left the track member.  
     
     
         79 . The method as set forth in  claim 77 , characterized in that the track member ( 2 ) performs a plurality of movement cycles during passage of the vehicle.  
     
     
         80 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , characterized in that as a ride change means a chicane is provided increasing the amusement value, in which at least one vehicle ( 30 ) is able to be moved by means of a conveying means ( 1 ) from a first travel plane to a second travel plane simultaneously with at least one pitching effect and/or change in yaw.  
     
     
         81 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 80 , characterized in that the conveying means ( 1 ) constitutes a switch, and using at least one lifting means ( 2 ) a vehicle ( 30 ) received in a drive-in position is transferred to a following track member ( 27 ) at a higher or lower level.  
     
     
         82 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 81 , characterized in that the lifting means of the conveying means ( 1 ) comprises a rail tilting means ( 4 ) which is able to be tilted about roll and/or pitch axis of the driven-in vehicle ( 30 ) and/or is able to be pivoted around the yaw axis of the driven- vehicle ( 30 ).  
     
     
         83 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 82 , characterized in that the tilting unit ( 4 ) is mounted on a point bearing of the lifting means ( 2 ) for movement to all sides.  
     
     
         84 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 80 , characterized in that the tilting unit ( 4 ) is able to be power-moved name actuators and more particularly by pneumatic and/or hydraulic and/or electrical drive units.  
     
     
         85 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 84 , characterized in that the actuators are controlled by software and render possible programmable movements of the tilting unit.  
     
     
         86 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 80 , characterized in that the tilting unit ( 4 ) is able to be moved by passive control means and more particularly by a slide guide.  
     
     
         87 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 86 , characterized in that the slide guide includes a slide ( 11 ,  11 ′,  29  and  29 ′) arranged outside the path of movement of the lifting means ( 2 ), guide means ( 8  and  8 ′) fitting into the slide ( 11 ,  11 ′,  29  and  29 ′).  
     
     
         88 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 87 , characterized in that the slide ( 11 ,  11 ′,  29  and  29 ′) comprises a guide rail spanning the conveying height of the conveying means ( 1 ).  
     
     
         89 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 87 , characterized in that the slide ( 11 ,  11 ′,  29  and  29 ′) is movably mounted in the space outside the path of movement of the lifting means ( 2 ).  
     
     
         90 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 89 , characterized in that the slide ( 11  and  11 ′) is mounted for pivoting movement around at least one axis.  
     
     
         91 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 87 , characterized in that the slide ( 29  and  29 ′) has an arcuate shape with alternating curves.  
     
     
         92 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , characterized in that the vehicles ( 30 ) are substantially driven by a descending inclined plane effect.  
     
     
         93 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , characterized in that at least in the drive-out part ( 28 ) the vehicles ( 30 ) from the conveying means ( 1 ) are able to be accelerated by additional drives.  
     
     
         94 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , characterized in that the drives are more particularly in the form of a friction wheel drive, a linear drive or a pneumatic drive.  
     
     
         95 . The apparatus as set forth in characterized in that a vehicle ( 30 ) moving through the chicane is retarded and/or halted by a brake means.  
     
     
         96 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 95 , characterized in that the brake means of the tilting unit ( 4 ) of the conveying means ( 1 ) comprises at least one brake gap and the vehicle comprises at least one brake fin able to be introduced into such gap.  
     
     
         97 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 95 , characterized in that the brake means of the tilting unit ( 4 ) of the conveying means ( 1 ) includes a movable abutment.  
     
     
         98 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 95 , characterized in that the timing of motion of the tilting unit is so controlled that the track member ( 4 ′ and  4 ″) of the tilting unit ( 4 ) is in the terminal position of the conveying aligned with the following track member ( 28 ).  
     
     
         99 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 80 , characterized in that track member ( 4 ′ and  4 ″) of the tilting unit ( 4 ) is able to be locked to the following track member ( 28 ) in the terminal position of the conveying means ( 1 ).  
     
     
         100 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , characterized in that the vehicle ( 30 ) is provided with a top carriage able to be turned in relation to the bottom carriage thereof.  
     
     
         101 . A vehicle for an apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , characterized in that the vehicle is provided with a top carriage ( 43 ) able to be turned in relation to the bottom vehicle ( 44 ) thereof.  
     
     
         102 . A vehicle for a method as set forth in  claim 77 , characterized in that the vehicle is provided with a top carriage ( 43 ) able to be turned in relation to the bottom vehicle ( 44 ) thereof.