Having Feature For Facilitating Transport By Vehicle Structure Patents (Class 472/3)
  • Patent number: 11883755
    Abstract: A see-saw apparatus includes a base, a beam, a first and second carrier platform, at least one actuator, and an actuator control device. The beam, with a first and a second end, pivotally attaches to the base at a fulcrum between the first and second end. The first carrier platform couples to the first end and is configured to receive a wheelchair. The second carrier platform couples to the second end and is configured to receive a wheelchair. The at least one actuator is coupled to the beam and the base, and is configured to cause the beam to pivot between a first and a second position. The first position defines a limit of travel in a first pivotal direction, and the second position defines a limit of travel in a second pivotal direction opposite the first pivotal direction. The actuator control device couples to the at least one actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Inventor: Troy Andrew Bishop
  • Patent number: 11666832
    Abstract: A support construction for a transportable attraction for amusement rides is provided with a base, at least two masts that are moveable between a folded and stretched position, and a main shaft that is intended to be supported by the masts in the stretched position of the masts. Each mast comprises a base mast segment, which is hingedly attached to the base, and a top mast segment, which is hingedly connected with the base mast segment and is attachable to the main shaft. The base comprises at least two trailers and trailer coupling means for coupling the trailers. On each of the trailers a base mast segment of one of the masts is mounted. The support construction further comprises first mast coupling means for the coupling of a first pair of masts in folded position. A method for raising the support construction is set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: K.I.G. Heerenveen B.V.
    Inventor: Hette Knijpstra
  • Patent number: 10857694
    Abstract: A 3D printer with a lift mechanism is disclosed. The 3D printer is coupled to the lift mechanism which is in turn coupled to a base or the ground. The lift mechanism comprises telescopically extendable columns comprising concentric cylinders positioned within one another, so as to extend and collapse fully, thus raising and lowering the 3D printer to a specific height. The lift mechanism further comprises extendable and lockable diagonals which connect neighboring telescopic columns at their top portions in a helical fashion. The diagonals are installed for sturdiness and support as the lift is operated, as well as to position the lift at a desired height when the diagonals are locked in place. The lift mechanism may comprise 2 telescopic cylinder columns or 3 or more telescopic cylinder columns. The lift mechanism comprises at least a first stage and an intermediate stage, and optionally a last stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: APIS COR ENGINEERING, LLC
    Inventor: Nikita Chen-Iun-Tai
  • Patent number: 10427059
    Abstract: Embodiment of turntables, which can include rotating indexed turntables are described herein. The rotating indexed turntable can include: a looped track having an inner rail and an outer rail; a plurality of adjacent turntable wagons linked together in a closed chain and movingly coupled to the looped track, wherein each of the turntable wagons are independently propelled along the looped track, each of the plurality of turntable wagons including: an inner portion having a first length; an outer portion having a second length, which second length is greater than the first length; a plurality of outer motion features movingly coupled to the outer rail of the looped track; and at least one inner motion feature movingly coupled to the inner rail of the looped track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Steven L. Goddard, John Larena
  • Patent number: 10315121
    Abstract: A floating amusement apparatus includes a base, at least one elevated platform secured to and supported above the base and a plurality of user-interactive amusement accessories secured to the base or the at least one elevated platform. The base includes a modular floating dock. The floating amusement apparatus is adapted to be mobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventors: Michael David Johnson, Jr., Christopher Nelson Hampton
  • Patent number: 10265632
    Abstract: Amusement device comprising a base structure (2), an arm (3) constrained at least rotationally to said base structure (2), a rotating structure (4) provided with at least one vehicle (8) and rotatably constrained, with respect to one end of said arm, around a rotation axis (R), and movement means (6) for moving the arm between at least a first load position in which passengers are loaded, and a second rotation position of the rotating structure (4). The arm comprises at least two portions (31, 32) mutually movable, and in the load position, the arm portions are completely comprised in a cylinder (C) having an axis that is said rotation axis (R), and having a radius that is the distance from the vehicle to the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: ANTONIO ZAMPERLA S.p.A.
    Inventor: Claudio Soriani
  • Patent number: 10188955
    Abstract: A novel mobile entertainment apparatus and method of use is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a mobile platform, an enclosure disposed on a top side of the mobile platform, and an obstructed access simulation device disposed on a top side of the mobile platform. The mobile platform comprises a hitch; one or more axles; one or more wheels disposed on the one or more axles; and one or more jacks disposed on a bottom side of the mobile platform. The enclosure comprises a right side wall; a left side wall; a rear wall; and a front wall. The obstructed access simulation device comprises a frame; one or more hinges attached to the frame; a door attached to the one or more hinges; and an obstruction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Big Red Fun, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Gantz
  • Patent number: 9955823
    Abstract: A system when coupled with a material inputting, material holding, and washing device is a fully automated robotized cooking system. Computer control what material is inputted in the Cooking Chambers, the correct time and degree of heat, required amount of rotation, placing the cooked item in the bowl, and washing the Cooking Chamber. The device have horizontal rotation, like a ferris wheel, that keep each Cooking Chambers horizontally until rotation is required. The Pivoter pivot the Cooking Chambers up or down at any position in the rotation. There can be up to 6 Cooking Chambers independently operating at the same time. This invention can cook up to six different food items at the same time twenty four hours a day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Tony Kahn Vong
  • Patent number: 9669320
    Abstract: An observation wheel type ride includes a wheel, multiple passenger cabins supported by the wheel, a drive mechanism for rotating the wheel about its rotational axis, and a support structure that supports the wheel. The wheel furthermore includes two first bearings, provided with a first bearing locking mechanism, and two second bearings, provided with a second bearing locking mechanism. Each bearing locking mechanism can selectively be converted between a locking condition, in which it prevents rotational movement of a bearing inner ring relative to a bearing outer ring, and an unlocking condition, in which it allows for rotational movement of the first bearing inner ring relative to the first bearing outer ring. Providing the second bearings allows for rotational movement of the wheel about the rotational axis of its support axle when the first bearing locking mechanisms are in their locking condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Ficus Roodenburg, Johan Willem Philippen
  • Patent number: 9623340
    Abstract: Systems and related methods related to structures with large-scale rotatable elements. Some of the present systems comprise: a tower; a tower hub coupled to the tower and having a transverse dimension of at least 50 feet; an observation wheel rotatably coupled to the tower and having a central wheel hub; a plurality of roller bearings disposed between the tower hub and the wheel hub to rotatably support the observation wheel relative to the structure, the roller bearings each having a diameter that is less than one quarter of the transverse dimension of the wheel hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventors: Cyril Silberman, Haskel Mayer
  • Patent number: 9039540
    Abstract: A race course system for operating scale vehicles having a race course section having a race course portion, a base support, a hinge, a portable member, an attachment member, a strut mechanism, and a console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Brian Kuempel
  • Patent number: 8690694
    Abstract: An amusement ride apparatus comprising: a free fall tower having a proximal end hingedly attached to a base platform and a distal end; a lifting assembly connected to the base platform and the free fall tower so that the free fall tower can transition between a loading position and a free fall position; a trolley slideably attached to the free fall tower; a trolley securing assembly attached to the trolley and releasably attached to the distal end of the tower for securing the trolley to the distal end prior to the free fall tower transitioning from the loading position to the free fall position so that the trolley is held at the distal end when the tower is in the free fall position; a braking assembly carried by the base platform for slowing the downward movement of the trolley when the trolley securing member is released; and, a passenger carriage pivotably carried by the trolley allowing the passenger carriage to pivot to maintain a generally upright orientation as the free fall tower transitions from the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Gerald L. Barber
  • Patent number: 8678941
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a primary stage unit configured for transport on a standard semi-truck trailer including a plurality of lateral supports that engage the ground and lift the primary stage unit off of the trailer, a pair of wheel units that engage the ground and move the primary stage unit to a desired location, a main stage floor that pivots from a substantially vertical stowed position to a substantially horizontal in-use position and moves vertically to a desired height, a roof assembly including a pair of support columns that extend telescopically from a stowed position to an in-use position, and a plurality of roof joists supporting a corresponding plurality of roof panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hitech Stages, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tom Bilsen, Johan Troukens
  • Patent number: 8672769
    Abstract: A supporting system for a mast, for example for a swing carousel, includes stabilizing vehicles which each include a chassis, sets of wheels for moving the stabilizing vehicle, coupling elements near one end of the chassis, and at least one stabilizing arm which is displaceable between an inoperative position in which the stabilizing arm is swung in and a swung-out position in which the stabilizing arm extends outwards with respect to the chassis. At their free ends, the stabilizing arms each have a support for stabilizing the stabilizing vehicle on the ground in the swung-out position of the stabilizing arm. A base is provided for the mast, which base includes complementary coupling elements situated opposite one another, one complementary coupling element of which is coupled to the coupling element of a stabilizing vehicle and the other complementary coupling element of which is coupled to the coupling element of another stabilizing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Cobra Beheer B.V.
    Inventors: Albert Louisito Phillipus Kroon, Jan Hendrik Wessel Hartemink
  • Patent number: 8641543
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable water ride having a trailer with a water catch basin built therein, wherein at least two pivoting supports are provided which can be deployed to an expanded position and stowed to a vertical position. When the supports are deployed, a flexible ride surface can be stretched between said supports to form an inclined ride surface upon which a sheet flow of water from a nozzle housing can be provided upon which water skimming maneuvers can be performed. A walkway on either side of the ride surface, as well as an entrance platform at the top of the ride surface, and other grated platforms, railings, etc., can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Publication number: 20120238372
    Abstract: A round ride with suspended vehicles from ends of actuated support arms. The ride includes a drive assembly rotating a centrally located hub. The ride also includes a passenger vehicles including at least one input device such as a support arm actuator controller. For each of the passenger vehicles, a vehicle support assembly is provided that supports the passenger vehicle such that the vehicle rotates with the hub. The vehicle support assembly includes a rigid support arm pivotally coupled at a first end to the hub. The support assembly has an actuator that operates in response to signals from the input device to move the support arm through a range of vertical support angles. The support assembly includes a suspension arm connected at a first end for free pivoting about a second or the free end of the support aim and attached at its second end to the passenger vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: EDWARD A. NEMETH, DAVID W. CRAWFORD
  • Patent number: 8167731
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible artificial ski slope assembly (10) and, in particular, but not exclusively, to a collapsible artificial ski slope assembly which can be moved between deployed and storage positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Edward Brown
  • Publication number: 20120058833
    Abstract: A round ride is selectively placing passenger vehicles in one of two or more workspaces or vehicle fly zones. The ride includes a drive assembly including a rotating hub structure and a plurality of vehicle support assemblies mounted to the hub. Each of the vehicle support assemblies includes: (a) a vehicle; (b) a support arm supporting the vehicle proximate to a first end; (c) a base pivotally supporting the arm; and (d) a base angle mechanism mounted to the rotatable structure and selectively operable to position the base into a low position and a high position. The vehicle support assemblies are grouped into first and second sets including alternating ones of the vehicle support assemblies. The base angle mechanisms positions the first set of vehicle support assemblies in the low position and the second set of vehicle support assemblies in the high position and later swaps the positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: EDWARD A. NEMETH, DAVID W. CRAWFORD
  • Publication number: 20120052960
    Abstract: A supporting system for a mast, for example for a swing carousel, includes stabilizing vehicles which each include a chassis, sets of wheels for moving the stabilizing vehicle, coupling elements near one end of the chassis, and at least one stabilizing arm which is displaceable between an inoperative position in which the stabilizing arm is swung in and a swung-out position in which the stabilizing arm extends outwards with respect to the chassis. At their free ends, the stabilizing arms each have a support for stabilizing the stabilizing vehicle on the ground in the swung-out position of the stabilizing arm. A base is provided for the mast, which base includes complementary coupling elements situated opposite one another, one complementary coupling element of which is coupled to the coupling element of a stabilizing vehicle and the other complementary coupling element of which is coupled to the coupling element of another stabilizing vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: COBRA BEHEER B.V.
    Inventors: Albert Louisito Phillipus KROON, Jan Hendrik Wessel HARTEMINK
  • Publication number: 20110207539
    Abstract: An observation wheel type ride includes a support structure, a wheel which is rotatable mounted in the support structure and/or includes transportation means movably supported on the wheel, and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a rotary drive and a drive cable, wherein a section of the drive cable is detachably fixed to a circumference of the wheel and/or to the transportation means for transmitting the rotary movement of the rotary drive to the wheel and/or to the transportation means. A deflection means deflects in a lateral direction with respect to the wheel that section of the drive cable, which is led over the rotary drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Ronald Bussink Amusement Design GmbH
    Inventors: RONALD ALEXANDER BUSSINK, Stephan Lins, Johannes Fraundorfer
  • Patent number: 7951011
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable water ride having a trailer with a water catch basin built therein, wherein at least two pivoting supports are provided which can be deployed to an expanded position and stowed to a vertical position. When the supports are deployed, a flexible ride surface can be stretched between said supports to form an inclined ride surface upon which a sheet flow of water from a nozzle housing can be provided upon which water skimming maneuvers can be performed. A walkway on either side of the ride surface, as well as an entrance platform at the top of the ride surface, and other grated platforms, railings, etc., can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Publication number: 20110111870
    Abstract: An amusement apparatus has a platform with a slot that follows a continuous course including both clockwise and counterclockwise turns, a plurality of cars each supported by respective wheels that ride on the platform, an elongate flexible drive member that translates along a path corresponding to the slot, a plurality of couplers corresponding to the plurality of cars, each respective coupler including a member which couples a corresponding car to the drive member with the couplers allowing the corresponding cars to move away from the slot in opposite directions in response to whipping forces resulting from translational movement of the drive member in clockwise and counterclockwise turns of the path, and springs for the cars that act on the cars to move the cars toward the slot in order to counteract the movement of the car away from the slot as caused by the whipping forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Jonathan I. Gordon, David P. Gordon
  • Patent number: 7914386
    Abstract: A bucking horse simulator apparatus includes a frame that has a first lateral side, a second lateral side and a front end. A hitch connector is attached to the front end. An axle is attached to the frame and a pair of support wheels is attached to opposite ends of the axle. A post is attached to and extends upwardly from the frame. A beam is pivotally coupled to an upper end of the post. A cover is positioned on the beam. A drive wheel is rotatably mounted to the frame. A leg is attached to the drive wheel and to the beam to lift and lower the beam when the drive wheel is rotated. The hitch connector is coupled to a vehicle to pull the frame and rotate the drive wheel to simulate bucking horse to a person seated on the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventors: Stanlo J. Johns, Robert E. Chalfant
  • Patent number: 7882659
    Abstract: A modular assembly structured to assume either a shipping container configuration or a building unit configuration including a frame comprising a plurality of support members and defining both a part of the building unit configuration and shipping unit configuration. A plurality of frame panels are movably connected to the frame and disposable in either a closed position or an opened position so as to respectively and at least partially define either the shipping unit configuration or the building unit configuration. The plurality of unit panels are movably connected to the frame and disposable outwardly therefrom to collectively define end wall portions and ceiling portions of the building unit configuration wherein the unit panels may be stored within the interior of the frame. An erection assembly is selectively disposable in an assembled position exteriorly of the frame and supported thereon so as to facilitate the assembly of at least some of the frame panels and/or unit panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Modular Container Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Janos B. Gyory, Istvan Gyory
  • Publication number: 20090124401
    Abstract: An amusement apparatus has a platform, pulleys mounted below the platform, a cable extending around the pulleys, a motor coupled to a pulley to cause the cable to move, a passenger vehicle supported by wheels on the platform, and a swing coupling having a horizontal arm coupled to the passenger vehicle and a vertical element coupled to the arm and coupled to the cable. The cable traverses a path having both left and right turns. In one embodiment, the platform defines a continuous slot located above and substantially following the path. In another embodiment, the platform defines a continuous slot with first portions above but laterally parallel the cable on one side of the cable, second portions above and laterally parallel the cable on the other side of the cable, and third portions crossing over the cable and connecting the first and second portions. Different swing coupling arrangements are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Jonathan I. Gordon, David P. Gordon
  • Patent number: 7455592
    Abstract: A support installation for a fairground attraction, comprises a base, two pairs of masts which can be moved between a collapsed and an erected position, as well as a head that in the erected position is at the top of the masts, on which head a Ferris wheel or a swing or the like can be mounted, wherein the masts each comprise several segments that are joined to one another such that they can pivot. Each mast has a base segment that is joined to the base such that it can pivot, as well as a top segment that is joined to the head, at least in the erected position. Relatively high masts can be obtained with this construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Cobra Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Albert Louisito Phillipus Kroon
  • Patent number: 7182695
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a ride for providing an upward boost to a participant jumping up and down. The flexible rods of this disclosure may be articulated by a base thereby imparting tension in the flexible rods, and providing an upward force to a participant jumping up and down. Additionally, elastic pods may be provided, allowing participants to bounce upward in a addition to the lift provided by the flexible members, thereby enhancing the participant's experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Extreme Engineering
    Inventors: David Tostenson, Jeffrey Dean Wilson
  • Patent number: 6719563
    Abstract: The invention relates to a driving simulator, particularly for simulating the movements of earthbound vehicles. To take into account the special features of the movements of earthbound vehicles, the proposed driving simulator has a carrier unit that has a rigid floor platform, on which a test vehicle can be mounted. The carrier unit also includes at least one projection surface and at least one projector, and at least three movement modules, each of which has a wheel that rolls on a floor surface. The wheel can be steered, relative to the axis extending perpendicular to the floor, via a first drive, and can be driven by a respectively associated second drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Edmund Donges
  • Patent number: 6634952
    Abstract: A ferris wheel has a base, a supporting structure, which includes two pairs of masts erected on the base, and at their top end bear a head and a wheel that is rotatably supported on the head. The masts can be folded down on the base. At least one mast of each pair of masts is articulated, in such a way that in the erected state of the supporting structure the articulations of a mast are aligned in each case, and in the folded-down state of the supporting structure the articulations of a mast are in each case rotated relative to each other out of the aligned state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Cobra Beheer B.V.
    Inventors: Louisito Johannes Eusebio Kroon, Albert Louisito Phillipus Kroon
  • Patent number: 6620051
    Abstract: An installation for moving a person along a path such that the body of said person is subjected to certain speeds and/or accelerations including a frame, a main arm movably joined to said frame at a horizontal axis and a further arm that is mounted by means of a rotary joint on the end of the main arm, a driver for driving the arm, as well as at least one seat that is constructed to hold a person securely in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Cobra Beheer B.V.
    Inventors: Louisito Johannes Eusebio Kroon, Albert Louisito Phillipus Kroon
  • Patent number: 5820469
    Abstract: A flying vehicle ride includes an upstanding tower and a plurality of flying vehicles suspended from the tower for rotation about a vertical axis. The flying vehicles each include a pair of wings that are movable under the control of the rider between a neutral position, a first lift generating position in which the wings generate outward lift, and a second lift generating position in which the wings generate inward lift. As such, manipulation of the wings during rotation of the vehicle about the tower generates lift that alters the path of travel of the vehicle, permitting the rider to move the vehicle higher or lower relative to the tower than would otherwise be possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Chance Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne A. Nobbs, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5688178
    Abstract: An amusement ride is provided in which passengers can be simultaneous subjected to three different types of movement. A circular motion is provided by the circular rotation of the head which mounts the passenger seats. A tilting motion is provided by mounting the head for tilting movement as it rotates in the circular path. The third type of motion is provided by mounting the passenger seats so that they rotate about an axis tangential to the circular path in which they travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Chance Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Emrie
  • Patent number: 5676601
    Abstract: A carousel comprises turntable (10) mounted for rotation about a vertical axis on a frame (12, 13). The turntable (10) carries a plurality, and typically four, see-saw arrangements (11), each of which comprises an arm (43) pivoted centrally to a support (40) and carrying seats (44) at its two ends. Hydraulic rams are arranged to effect movement of the arm (43), as the turntable rotates. The movement of the arms may be linked to the rotation of the turntable. The see-saws may be aesthetically configured to add appeal to young children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Stuart Edward Saunders
  • Patent number: 5658200
    Abstract: A reversing Gravity Fed Orbital Ride "GFOR" (10) produces a repeating, descending and ascending orbital rotation, influenced by the tug of gravity. A plurality of variably inclining and declining paths, defined in a central column (12). A passenger carriage (14) supports seats (48) and guides (22), that interlock with the closed loop paths. Passengers are elevated to an Event Horizon (42) by rotating column (12), while simultaneously inhibiting the rotation of carriage (14). Passengers are driven along a descending orbital course, after reaching the Event Horizon. Thus, passengers can experience an intense centrifugal G-Force sensation and/or weightlessness. When maximum rotational velocity is obtained, a reverse in the vertical direction sends the passengers in an orbital ascent, that slows to a brief stop, reverses it's rotational direction and begins another descent. This repeats until built momentum is spent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: David G. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5593352
    Abstract: A mobile, transportable ground level skydiving simulator apparatus is provided that includes a collapsible air containment unit for directing air upwardly therethrough to enable a user or users to be supported by the airstream in simulating skydiving activities. The air containment unit is provided on a movable platform, such as a flatbed trailer, with all or substantially all components of the apparatus being mounted thereon or capable of being stored thereon in transit. The various elements, but in particular the air containment unit, are of a design that enables quick and efficient breakdown or disassembly of the components for transport with the apparatus on roads and highways, and which enables quick and efficient assembly of the components into an operable structure at successive locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventors: Harley A. J. Methfessel, Terry L. Langston
  • Patent number: 5564983
    Abstract: An amusement ride (10) is provided which includes a trailer (12) to make the ride portable. A park ride (10') is also disclosed for permanent installation at an amusement park or similar facility. In the portable ride (10), the tower (14) is moved by a double acting hydraulic cylinder (26) along the trailer from the transport position to a position where it is hingeably mounted to the trailer (12) by a hinge support (32). The double acting hydraulic cylinder (26) is also used to lift the tower to the erected position once the tower assembly is hinged to hinge support 32. In both the portable ride (10) and park ride (10'), the tower includes a lower section (16) and an upper section (18). A hydraulic cylinder lifts the upper section relative to the lower section. Cables (46) extend between a gondola and the lower section and are guided on pulleys over the upper end of the upper section. As the upper section moves vertically, the gondola will move vertically at about twice the velocity of the upper section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Walter F. Larson
  • Patent number: 5314383
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in a funfair ride and in particular one which comprises a rocking ship. The ride, of the type mounted on the plane (1a) of a transportable carriage (1) comprises a pair of telescopic uprights (2) to which a frame is connected, the frame comprising a shaft (3) and a pair of levers (4) having equal arms, which frame rotates about the axis of the shaft (3) and which bears a ship (5) connected to the levers and in its turn rotating about an axis parallel to the shaft (3); the height of the uprights (2), their extension, the length of the arms of the levers (4) and the maximum height of the ship (5) have a size conformation and relationship such as to permit of compacting the ride into transportable dimensions, without disconnecting among themselves the various pieces that compose the ride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Far Fabbri S.r.L.
    Inventor: Licinio Fabbri
  • Patent number: 5306211
    Abstract: A roundabout having a substantially vertical mast, means forming a support for a gondola mounted to move in a straight line along the mast, driving means for moving the means forming a support along the mast between a low position and a high position and vice-versa, a gondola mounted such that it is mobile with respect to said means forming a support, and wherein there is provided a hub-shaft pair of which one end is integral with the means forming a support and of which the other end is integral with the side surface of a cylindrical drum, the shaft being mounted such that it rotates about a substantially horizontal axis, driving means to rotate the shaft about its substantially horizontal axis, and wherein the gondola includes at least one cylindrical part housed inside the drum, and guiding in rotation to the drum about a substantially vertical axis, and in that the driving means is provided to rotate the cylindrical part of the gondola in the drum, which makes it possible to subject the passengers seated
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Yves Pasquier
  • Patent number: 5188566
    Abstract: The passenger gondola of a looping swing suspended in pendulum fashion on motor-driven outriggers has parallel rows of passenger seats that are disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of the outriggers and to the axis of swing of the passenger gondola. Here, the head rests of the passenger seats are a short distance from the axis of swing, in order to hold the acceleration forces acting on the passengers, which occur with looping over of the passenger gondola.Preferably, the position of the passenger gondola relative to the outriggers is locked at a particular angular position. The ride activity is then operated such that the gondola locks in the tilted, forward direction of rotation, and locking is released at about the top dead point of outrigger rotation, so that the passenger gondola executes a loop on the outriggers overtaking it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Huss Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Karl Bohme