Amusement ride

Abstract

An amusement ride including an elongated boom connected to a vertical tower so as to be selectively rotated and pivoted with respect to the tower. The tower includes a pitch actuator, a yaw actuator, and a roll actuator for pivoting or rotating the boom about three axes or degrees of motion. A rider carriage assembly is rotatably coupled to the elongated boom. The rider carriage assembly may include pitch actuators, yaw actuators, and roll actuators to impart selective rotating motion to the rider and rider carriage assembly and up to three axes or degrees of motion independent of the boom motion.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/601,423, filed Aug. 14, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to amusement rides. More particularly, the present invention relates to tower amusement or carnival rides, sometimes referred to as flat rides, that allow for controlled motion in multiple phases or axes.

Amusement rides have long been a fixture in amusement parks and carnivals. These ride devices normally consist of a fixed frame structure that supports riders while spinning them around in circles to create positive G, or gravitational acceleration, loads. Riders load and unload at a platform or station onto different vehicle assemblies or carriages that are designed to flip and/or rotate them in different directions. In a carnival setting, these ride devices are typically portable. Although there are multiple types different ride devices, the overall intended effect is the same, which is to flip, spin and disorient the rider.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,127 to Kitchen et al. discloses an oscillating boom amusement ride, including a tower that pivotally supports an elongated boom. A passenger carriage is pivotally attached to the extended end of the boom. The shorter end of the boom includes a movable counterweight for raising the boom. The movable counterweight includes first and second storage tanks, and at least one pump for moving fluid between the first and second storage tanks. The boom is raised by moving the counterweight fluid into the first storage tank. After the boom is raised, a brake is set to lock the boom in the raised position. The counterweight of the fluid is moved into the second storage tank, and the operator lowers the boom by releasing the brake. The boom swings through approximately 270°, and the passenger carriage may make a 360° loop at the end of the first swing. However, this device has many disadvantages. First, the boom can only make a single rotational movement between moving the fluid between the storage tanks. Moreover, the path of the boom is restricted to one axis.

Another example of an amusement ride is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,566 to Bohme. This patent describes a looping swing having a passenger gondola suspended in pendulum fashion. The gondola is supported on opposite ends and moved vertically. The gondola is also rotated to execute a loop while it is moved vertically. However, this ride also has limitations. The passengers are only moved vertically and in a loop rotationally, that is along two degrees or axes of movement.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,828 to Fabbri discloses another ride for a fun fair or amusement park. This device includes an upright or tower to which two arms are coupled, each of which oscillates on a vertical oscillation plane on either side of the tower. A capsule, affording space to a plurality of passengers, is associated with each arm and oscillates solidly therewith. The arms rotate about a y-axis only. However, this device fails to provide rotation to the arms with yaw and roll rotation, and also fails to provide passenger compartments with pitch, roll, and yaw rotation.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for an amusement ride which provides free or controlled multi-directional motion. What is particularly needed is such a ride which permits motion in six axes, or two different sub-motion areas capable of three degrees of rotation each. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention resides in an amusement ride, such as that used in amusement parks, or traveling carnivals. The amusement ride is a vertical tower-type of device, and is adapted to move the riders in a plurality of axes.

More particularly, the amusement ride of the present invention generally comprises an elongated boom connected to a vertical tower so as to be selectively rotated and pivoted with respect to the tower. A rider carriage assembly, including at least one rider securement means, is rotatably coupled to the elongated boom. Typically, the elongated boom is connected to the tower of the central portion thereof, and a rider carriage assembly is rotatably coupled to each end of the boom. The rider carriage may be freely rotatably connected to the elongated boom, or movably connected to the boom with an actuator.

The tower includes at least two of a pitch actuator, a yaw actuator, and a roll actuator. These are operably connected to the elongated boom to impart selective pivoting or rotating motion to the boom. Preferably, the elongated boom is operably connected to all three actuators so as to be selectively pivoted or rotated about three axes.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, an actuator is operably connected to the rider carriage assembly for selectively rotating the rider therein. The rider's securement means typically comprises a rider seat and restraint. Preferably, the actuator includes at least two of a pitch actuator, a yaw actuator, and a roll actuator operably connected to the rider carriage assembly to impart selective rotating motion to the carriage assembly along at least two or three axes rotation. Thus, the rider can experience up to six degrees of rotation by virtue of the fact that the boom is adapted to be moved along three axes or degrees, and the rider is moved along up to three axes or degrees independent of the boom. Braking means may be incorporated to restrict the movement of either the boom or rider carriage assembly as needed.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an amusement ride embodying the present invention, with a boom thereof in a vertical loading position;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the amusement ride of FIG. 1, illustrating the boom rotating in one plane;

FIG. 4 is side perspective view of the amusement ride, illustrating the boom pivoted is another plane;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the boom of the amusement ride pivoted into yet another plane;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged and partially fragmented perspective view illustrating the interconnection of the boom and a tower of the amusement ride, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged and partially fragmented perspective view of a rider carriage assembly disposed at the end of the boom;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 7, but illustrating rider seats of the rider carriage assembly being rotated;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of another rider carriage assembly which can be used in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the rider carriage assembly of FIG. 9, illustrating movement of the rider seats, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of yet other rider carriage assemblies which can be used in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 11, but illustrating the rider carriage assemblies in motions;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of yet another rider carriage assembly which can be used in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 13, but illustrating movement of the rider carriage assembly;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of yet another rider carriage assembly used in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 15, illustrating the rider carriage assembly pivoted upwardly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, for purposes of illustration, the present invention resides in an amusement ride, generally referred to by the reference number 100 which is capable of rotating or pivoting along multiple planes or axes to enhance rider enjoyment of the ride. As the amusement ride 100 includes two different rotating areas or sections, these two different areas or sections of rotation provide the rider with different types of ride sensations then other rides provided by amusement park or carnival rides.

With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the amusement ride 100 of the present invention is in the form of a tower or vertical ride. As illustrated, a vertical support in the form of a tower 102 is operably connected to an elongated boom 104. As will be more fully discussed herein, the boom 104 is rotatably coupled to the tower 102. The boom 104 is preferably at least 20 feet in length, the longer the length of the boom 104, the increased acceleration or g-forces which can be applied to riders at the ends of the boom 104. Typically, the elongated boom 104 is operably connected to the tower 102 at approximately a mid-portion thereof, as illustrated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ride 100 comprises an amusement park ride wherein the tower 102 is fixed in place within a supporting structure or base 106, such as a concrete pad of the like. Ramps and/or rails 108 direct guests to entry and exits points of the ride 100. An operator booth 110 can be used to monitor the ingress and egress of the amusement park guests, as well as to control the operation of the ride 100. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in art, the ride 100 of the present invention can also be incorporated into a moveable carnival-type ride, wherein the tower 102 is operably connected to a trailer or other suitable base or platform which can be moved from one location to another.

One or more rider carriage assemblies 112 are attached to the boom 104. Typically, the rider carriage assemblies 112 are connected to opposite ends of the boom 104, and are adapted to be moveable with respect to the boom, as will be more fully discussed herein. Thus, typically, the boom 104 is positioned in a generally vertical manner with respect to the tower 102 in order to load and unload passengers, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

With reference now to FIGS. 2-6, the tower 102 includes a main thrust assembly 114 which interconnects the boom 104 and tower 102 in a manner such that the boom 104 can be pivoted or rotated in multiple directions or along multiple planes. The main thrust assembly 114 includes a pitch actuator 116 which serves to move and rotate the boom 104 along one plane or axis. The main thrust assembly 114 also preferably includes a roll-actuator 118 for moving the boom 104 along a different axis or plane. Preferably, the main thrust assembly 114 also includes a yaw actuator 120 which can impart yet a different degree of rotation or movement such that the boom 104 travels along yet another axis or plane. The actuators 116-120 can be of any type known in the industry, and can include electric motors, hydraulic motors and pistons, pneumatic systems, or mechanical gear-driven systems or the like. What is particularly important in the present invention is that the main thrust assembly 114 can move the boom 104 along at least two different degrees of motion or rotation and preferably all three degrees of freedom or motion. As such, the main thrust assembly 114 may include yet additional actuators, or potentially even fewer actuators, so as to induce and control the pitch, roll and yaw of the boom 104.

With reference to FIG. 3, the pitch actuator 116 enables the boom 104 to be rotated generally about the y-axis such as when moving the driver vehicle assembly 112 into unloading and loading positions. Of course, the speed of this rotation can be increased to impart increased acceleration and g-forces to the riders within the rider carriage assemblies 112.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the roll actuator 118 can pivot the boom 104 generally along the x-axis, that is, the boom 104 can be moved from its loading and unloading positions, as in FIG. 2, to the generally horizontal position illustrated in FIG. 4, to a generally vertical position on another face of the tower 102, or any position therebetween as illustrated in FIG. 5. Thus, the boom 104 can be rotated and pivoted with at least two degrees of freedom with these actuators 116 and 118.

Yet another actuator, such as the yaw actuator 120, rotates about a central longitudinal axis tower 102 to create yet another degree of freedom or motion to the boom 104. As illustrated in FIG. 6, this actuator 120 typically comprises a rotatable base upon which the other actuators 116-118 are positioned. This enables the boom 104 to be rotated and pivoted by the actuators 116 and 118, which themselves are rotated by actuator 120. Thus, the boom 104 has near-complete freedom of motion in all three degrees or axes.

The movement of the boom 104 by the main thrust assembly 114, and its associated actuators 116-120, may be pre-programed. Alternatively, an operator, such as one within the booth 110, can control the movement of the boom 104 by controlling the main thrust assemblies actuators. This would provide a different ride experience each time a rider rides the device 100 of the present invention. Alternatively, different movement or ride sequences can be pre-programed into the ride 100 such that a variety of different ride sequences are used each time that the amusement ride 100 is operated, thus giving the rider a different experience each time he or she rides the amusement ride 100. Of course, braking means can be employed to restrict or slow the motion imparted by the various actuators 116-120 as a precautionary measure, as well as to provide the ability to control the movement of the boom 104 and eventually stop its motion for loading and unloading purposes. Existing braking means can be incorporated into the present invention.

With reference now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a rider carriage assembly 112 is rotatably coupled to the end of the boom 104. Although, the rider carriage assembly 112 may be freely rotatably coupled to the boom 104, in a particularly preferred embodiment actuators are used to control the movement of the carriage assembly 112. Thus, actuator 122 disposed at the end of the boom 104 rotatably couples the rider carriage assembly 112 to the boom 104, and provides a controlled and selective method of rotating or otherwise moving the rider carriage assembly 112. Each rider carriage assembly includes at least one rider securement means typically in the form of one or more rider seats 124. Each seat includes the necessary harnesses or passenger restraints to keep the rider safe in his or her seat 124 during the ride.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the actuator 122 rotates a main frame structure 126 of the assembly 112 either clockwise or counter-clockwise with respect to the end of the boom 104. As illustrated, this main frame structure 126 comprises a generally circular structure, but can be semi-circular, or of any other geometric shape as dictated by the desires and needs of the designer. One or more seats 124 are operably mounted to frame member 128 which extends between opposite ends or sides of the main frame 126. This pitch bar or frame 128 is preferably rotatably coupled to the main frame 126 by an actuator 130. This actuator can impart an end-over-end rotation to the seats 124 and riders. Preferably, the seats 124 or assembly of seats, are connected to a roll frame structure 132 which can be selectively rotated by means of an actuator 134, or freely rotatable using bearings or the like. This imparts a sideways or left to right pivoting and rotating motion to the seats 124 and the rider. The movement of the seats 124 with respect to the boom 104 along the pitch frame 128 and the roll frame 132 is illustrated in FIG. 8.

Thus, each seat 124 and rider are capable of moving independently with respect to the movement of the boom 104. At a minimum, the overall rider carriage assembly 112 is rotatably coupled to the boom 104. In the described preferred embodiment, each rider within his or her seat 124 is capable of three degrees of motion all of which can be independent of the movement of the boom 104 and controlled by the actuators 122, 130 and 134. Thus, the amusement ride 100 of the present invention preferably provides multiple degrees of freedom of motion at two or more positions. That is, the boom 104 is capable of moving in two or more degrees or planes or axes, while the riders are also capable of moving into two or more planes, degrees or axes independent of the movement of the boom 104.

With reference now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a different rider carriage assembly 136 is illustrated. This assembly 136 is also rotatably coupled to the end of the boom 104, by actuator 122 which imparts a rotating motion to assembly 136. Similar to the aforementioned assembly 112, the seats 124 are disposed generally centrally with respect to the carriage assembly 136. This is advantageous as the central location of the seats 124 provide the riders with the least amount of g-force loads.

This rider carriage assembly 136 also includes a primary frame 138 operably coupled to the yaw actuator 122. This is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 by a generally circular frame 138, but is not limited to such. Nested within the generally circular outer or main frame 138 is an intermediate frame 140 which is rotatably connected to the main frame 138, such as by an actuator 142. Yet another inner-circular frame 144 can be implemented, which is rotatably coupled to the intermediate frame 140 by yet another actuator 146. A frame support beam 148 supporting the one or more rider seats 124 extends between opposite connection points of the inner frame 144, and is rotatable with respect thereto by means of an actuator 150. The rider seats 124 can also be rotatably coupled to the frame number 148. This imparts the potential for near complete freedom of motion of the rider seats 124 with respect to the boom 104 along multiple planes or axes, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, yet another rider carriage assembly 147 configuration is illustrated which is rotatably coupled to the boom 104 by actuator 122, or the like. Frame member 149 extends from the boom 104, and is rotatable with respect thereto, such as by means of actuator 122. Secondary frame member 150 extends generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the main frame 149 and has one or more seat clusters 124 disposed thereon. Actuator or power means 152 can be used to rotate the secondary frame members 150 with respect to the primary frame members 149. Moreover, the seats 124 are pivotally or rotatably attached to the secondary frame 150 so as to roll or pivot with respect thereto. This imparts up to three degrees of freedom or rotation to the individual seat clusters 124, with respect to the main boom 104, as illustrated in FIG. 12. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that an actuator can be disposed between the main frame 149 and secondary frame 150, such that the secondary frame 150 and the seats 124 pivot or rotate about the main frame 149 to impart a third degree of motion. Once again although these points of motion can be freely rotatable, preferably they are controlled by actuators or the like so as to control the movement for safety purposes, as well as introducing different ride sensations each time the amusement ride 100 is operated.

With reference now to FIG. 13, yet another rider carriage assembly configuration 154 is illustrated. Once again, this assembly 154 is preferably rotatably connected to the boom 104, such as by actuator 122 or the like. A main frame 156 extends from the actuator 122, and may be angularly oriented, as illustrated. A seat supporting frame 158 is operably connected to the main frame 156 by virtue of an actuator 160 or the like, which imparts rotation to the frame member 158. One or more seats 124, which may be clustered as shown, extends from the supporting frame 158. Each cluster of seats 124 may be pivotally rotatably connected to the main-frame 158. Thus, the seats 124 are capable of multiple degrees of rotation or freedom of movement with respect to the boom 104, as illustrated in FIG. 14.

With reference now to FIGS. 15 and 16, yet another rider carriage assembly 162 is illustrated. Once again, a main frame or arm member 156 is rotatably coupled to the boom 104, such as the actuator 122. A seat supporting frame 158 is rotatably coupled, such as by actuator 160, to the main frame or arm 156. In this case, the seats 124 are arranged such so as to be within the seat supporting frame 158. These seats 124 are secured to a gondola 164 which is pivotally or rotatably coupled to the outer main frame 158, such as by actuator 166 or the like. Once again, actuator 166 can be a power-driven actuator so as to be selectively powered on or off, or can be a freely rotatably actuator, such as using ball bearings or the like. This enables the gondola 164, and the seats 124 associated therewith, to pivot and rotate with respect to frame 158. Thus, once again, the riders can experience up to three degrees of freedom of movement or rotation at the end of the boom 104, and completely independent of the movement of the boom 104.

In all of the aforementioned embodiments, it is contemplated that the individual riders could control, to a certain extent, the movement of their individual seats 124. This can be done by an electric or pneumatic or hydraulic switch or controller which would enable the rider to move his or her seat 124 with respect to the adjoining frame member. This would impart yet additional control of movement of the rider, and enable the rider to enhance his or her ride experience by limiting the movement of the seat, or moving the seat 124 to the greatest extent possible to experience the most g-forces in acceleration and movement. Once again, automatic or operator or even rider controlled brakes can be implemented as necessary or desired at the various points of movement, typically the actuators, to control and restrict the amount of motion imparted to any given portion of the rider carriage assemblies.

Although various rider carriage assemblies have been illustrated and described above, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the rider carriage assemblies are not limited and can comprise different frame structures and hold different amounts of riders without departing from the scope of the invention. Also, the frame members are illustrated and described above may be altered as necessary, for example to impart an overall theme to the ride 100.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art will realize that the amusement ride of the present invention provides up to six degrees of freedom, that is three degrees of freedom of movement between the tower 102 and the boom 104, and up to three degrees of rotation or movement between the rider carriage assembly 112 and the boom 104. Having two different rotating areas or sections provides a new and exciting ride experience which can be varied from time to time.

Although an embodiment has been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An amusement ride, comprising:

a vertical tower;

an elongated boom connected to the tower so as to be selectively rotated and pivoted with respect to the tower; and

a rider carriage assembly, including at least one rider securement means, rotatably coupled to the elongated boom.

2. The amusement ride of claim 1, wherein the elongated boom is connected to the tower at a central portion thereof.

3. The amusement ride of claim 1, wherein the tower includes at least two of a pitch actuator, a yaw actuator, and a roll actuator operably connected to the elongated boom to impart the selective pivoting or rotating motion to the boom.

4. The amusement ride of claim 1, wherein the elongated boom is connected to the tower so as to be selectively pivoted or rotated about three axes.

5. The amusement ride of claim 4, wherein the tower includes a pitch actuator, a yaw actuator, and a roll actuator operably connected to the elongated boom.

6. The amusement ride of claim 1, wherein the rider carriage assembly is freely rotatably connected to the elongated boom.

7. The amusement ride of claim 6, including braking means adapted to restrict the movement of the rider carriage assembly.

8. The amusement ride of claim 1, including an actuator operably connected to the rider carriage assembly for selectively rotating the rider therein.

9. The amusement ride of claim 8, wherein the actuator includes at least two of a pitch actuator, a yaw actuator, and a roll actuator operably connected to the rider carriage assembly to impart the selective rotating motion to the rider carriage assembly.

10. The amusement ride of claim 1, wherein the rider securement means comprises a rider seat and restraint.

11. An amusement ride, comprising:

a vertical tower including at least two of a pitch actuator, a yaw actuator, and a roll actuator;

an elongated boom operably connected to the tower actuators so as to be selectively rotated and pivoted along at least two axes with respect to the tower;

a rider carriage assembly coupled to the elongated boom, the rider carriage assembly having at least one rider securement means including a rider seat and restraint; and

at least one actuator operably connected to the rider carriage assembly for selectively rotating the rider therein.

12. The amusement ride of claim 11, wherein the elongated boom is connected to the tower at a central portion thereof.

13. The amusement ride of claim 17, including a rider carriage assembly rotatably coupled to opposite ends of the elongated boom.

14. The amusement ride of claim 11, wherein the tower includes a pitch actuator, a yaw actuator, and a roll actuator operably connected to the elongated boom so as to selectively pivot or rotate the elongated boom about three axes.

15. The amusement ride of claim 11, including braking means adapted to restrict the movement of the rider carriage assembly.

16. The amusement ride of claim 11, wherein the at least one rider carriage actuator includes at least two of a pitch actuator, a yaw actuator, and a roll actuator operably connected to the rider carriage assembly to impart the selective rotating motion to the rider carriage assembly along at least two axes.

17. An amusement ride, comprising:

a vertical tower including a pitch actuator, a yaw actuator, and a roll actuator;

an elongated boom operably connected to the tower actuators so as to be selectively rotated and pivoted about three axes with respect to the tower;

a rider carriage assembly rotatably coupled to an end of the elongated boom, the rider carriage assembly having at least one rider securement means including a rider seat and restraint; and

at least one actuator operably connected to the rider carriage assembly for selectively rotating the rider therein, wherein the rider is movable along three axes of rotation independent of the movement of the elongated boom.

18. The amusement ride of claim 17, wherein the elongated boom is connected to the tower at a central portion thereof.

19. The amusement ride of claim 17, including a rider carriage assembly rotatably coupled to opposite ends of the elongated boom.

20. The amusement ride of claim 17, including braking means adapted to restrict the movement of the rider carriage assembly.