Abstract: Invention relates to safety nets for vertical wind tunnels, especially for vertical wind tunnels with glass wall that surrounds a flight platform or area. A safety net for a vertical wind tunnel comprising an annular frame (1) arranged therearound a flight area (2), a plurality of cables (3) forming a net area (4) over the flight area (2), springs (5) attached to the each end of the cables and to the annular frame (1). The springs (5) and each end of plurality of cables (3) is enclosed by the annular frame (1) so that only cables (3) are exposed to the flight area (2) and to a user of the safety net.

Abstract: A vertical wind tunnel for indoor skydiving having at least one recirculating airflow plenum. The airflow plenum includes a first vertical member housing a flight chamber, a top horizontal member, a second vertical member, and a bottom horizontal member. The bottom horizontal member has a first section and a second section. A corner section connects the second section of the bottom horizontal member with the first vertical member. The second section of the bottom horizontal member contracts the airflow travelling through the bottom horizontal member between the first section and its exit to the corner section. The corner section further contracts the airflow exiting the second section of the bottom horizontal member towards the first vertical member.

Abstract: A ramp system for bridging a flexible cable to a rigid rail to improve the movement of a trolley along a low tension fixed aerial cableway. The ramp system has an inverted U-shaped elongated channel having a contact surface, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is disposed atop and contacts a portion of the cableway and an anchor configured to pivotably support the proximal end of the channel at a second point at a second level. The second level is disposed higher than the first level, wherein the distal end of the channel is slideably but positively secured to the portion of the cable and the first point, second point and distal end cooperate to form a triangular relationship, thereby reducing bending in the cable, reducing the approach angle and fatigue exerted on the channel and cable.

Abstract: A ramp system for bridging a flexible cable to a rigid rail to improve the movement of a trolley along a low tension fixed aerial cableway. The ramp system has an inverted U-shaped elongated channel having a contact surface, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is disposed atop and contacts a portion of the cableway and an anchor configured to pivotably support the proximal end of the channel at a second point at a second level. The second level is disposed higher than the first level, wherein the distal end of the channel is slideably but positively secured to the portion of the cable and the first point, second point and distal end cooperate to form a triangular relationship, thereby reducing bending in the cable, reducing the approach angle and fatigue exerted on the channel and cable.

Abstract: An escape and rescue device used in a multistory building during a terrorist threat or a fire to: a) evacuate a person or persons attached to an expandable disc support with an attachment that is lowered from an upper level of a building through a vertical tube, by using a lesser pressure at the top of the tube and a higher pressure at the bottom of the tube, using a door at the top or a door at the bottom to maintain pressure or by artificial air pressure, thereby permitting the fast evacuation of many people in a short time, b) it can be used by firemen in training in its use and benefits, c) also at amusement parks, where there would be a ride that would teach the users about its reliability and safety, and d) to transport firemen in a fast way from the ground to the upper floors without interfering with the evacuation in process at the congested stairways of the building.

Abstract: A retractable challenge course having a support beam (15); an overhead tracking member (120) secured with respect to the support beam (15); a vertical support member (125) pivotally connected via a pivot aperture (220) to the support beam (15), the vertical support member (125) extending downwardly from the support beam (15) to support an element (40) disposed below the support beam (15).

Abstract: A multidirectional amusement device is shown having a support structure extending above a support surface. A ride vehicle is secured to the support structure with support lines and is allowed to move freely beneath the support towers. A retraction tower receives a tow line connected to the ride vehicle to draw the ride vehicle to a desired height. A release mechanism attached between ends of the tow line engages a stop on the retraction tower and automatically releases the ride vehicle into a pendulum motion. The ride vehicle includes an attachment portion for receiving the support lines. The ride vehicle also includes a rider platform rotatably attached to the attachment portion. The ride vehicle further includes a coupling bar having a first end pivotally secured to the attachment portion of the ride vehicle and a second end extending outwardly from the ride vehicle for engaging the release mechanism.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a skydiving simulator and a skydiving training process using the simulator, which simulates the environment and other conditions for purposes of skydiving training as if a skydiver performed a real skydiving process from the step of riding in an airplane to the step of landing on the ground. This simulator consists of a model fuselage (10), a rotary hanger unit (30) supporting a skydiver having jumped from the fuselage, and two fan units (40, 50) horizontally and upwardly forcing air currents into an open simulation space into which the skydiver jumps from the fuselage. Wind velocity sensors (46, 56) sense the velocities of the air currents from the two fan units, and CCD cameras (47, 57) produce images of the skydiver during the training process, and a central control unit (CCU, 60) controls the simulator and the process in real time.

Abstract: A multi faceted system for simulating free flight, playing games in a free flight mode, and photographing the experience in a manner which permits of the creation of a montage, in which a vertical air column is defined by a variable cylindrical walls, and in which at least a portion of the air column is moving in laminar flow mode.

Abstract: A zip line thrill ride system includes a cable suspended between a upper cable support tower and platform which, together, function as the harnessing, loading, and take-off point for the ride, and a lower cable support tower and platform which, together, function as the landing, unloading and unharnessing point of the ride. Multiple, substantially identical trolleys are designed to quickly engage and disengage the cable. The trolley includes a frame of generally I-beam cross section, a generally tubular brake retainer, having a longitudinal slit therein, is welded to an upper rear portion of the frame. A grooved, generally cylindrical brake fabricated from a durable polymeric material is rotatably affixed within the tubular brake retainer. When the trolley is affixed to the suspended cable by sliding the cable into the slit and rotating the brake, the grooved insert rides against the suspended cable and generates friction.

Abstract: An amusement device comprising at least one holder for a person and a securing device for detachably securing a person in the holder. The holder comprises at least a seat and a backrest. The securing device includes at least two straps, first ends of which are positioned near a part of the backrest remote from the seat and second ends of which are positioned near the seat. The straps are each fitted with a lock plate between said first and said second ends, which lock plates can be detachably locked together. The straps furthermore each include at least one spring element, wherein the straps can be moved towards the holder against spring force.

Abstract: A multidirectional amusement device is shown having a support structure extending above a support surface. A ride vehicle is secured to the support structure with support lines and is allowed to move freely beneath the support towers. A retraction tower receives a tow line connected to the ride vehicle to draw the ride vehicle to a desired height. A release mechanism attached between ends of the tow line engages a stop on the retraction tower and automatically releases the ride vehicle into a pendulum motion. The ride vehicle includes an attachment portion for receiving the support lines. The ride vehicle also includes a rider platform rotatably attached to the attachment portion. The ride vehicle further includes a coupling bar having a first end pivotally secured to the attachment portion of the ride vehicle and a second end extending outwardly from the ride vehicle for engaging the release mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an inflatable balloon of sufficient volume and buoyancy to allow a human pilot to float above the ground and to glide over the ground within an enclosed area. The balloon incorporates several safety features that permit it to be used for recreation, including a prop-bike to enable the user to propel the balloon.

Abstract: A zip line thrill ride system includes a cable suspended between a upper cable support tower and platform which, together, function as the harnessing, loading, and take-off point for the ride, and a lower cable support tower and platform which, together, function as the landing, unloading and unharnessing point of the ride. Multiple, substantially identical trolleys are designed to quickly engage and disengage the cable. The trolley includes a frame of generally I-beam cross section, a generally tubular brake retainer, having a longitudinal slit therein, is welded to an upper rear portion of the frame. A grooved, generally cylindrical brake fabricated from a durable polymeric material is rotatably affixed within the tubular brake retainer. When the trolley is affixed to the suspended cable by sliding the cable into the slit and rotating the brake, the grooved insert rides against the suspended cable and generates friction.

Abstract: An amusement ride has a plurality of cars, a unit for guiding the cars in a substantially vertical direction so that the cars are liftable and lowerable, a passenger seat provided in each of the cars, and a unit for cooperating the passenger seat with a respective one of the cars so that the seat is freely moving in a non-motorized way relative to the car whereby a user sitting in the seat obtains a plurality of inclined positions relative to a respective one of the cars.

Abstract: Drums 56 wind and unwind cables 18 connected to a passenger carriage 14 of an amusement ride 12 in response to winding and unwinding of tethers 48 about an axle 46. The tethers 48 are connected to elastic members 44 that store energy, and a lock 32 is releasable to permit the carriage 14 to travel under the force of the stored energy. The drums 56 have a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the axle, thereby providing a mechanical advantage to launch and accelerate the carriage 14 to a high velocity and/or to provide a dampening effect on the motion of the carriage. Alternative embodiments include ramps with loops, corkscrew sections, and/or inclined sections for carrying the carriage, safety cables strung through attachment members connected to the tethers, and telescopic spring devices with concentric coil springs.

Abstract: Bungy jumping apparatus which includes one or more cables (5), means for securing the cable or cables (5) above a jump cavity (2) so as to extend across the jump cavity, a jumping platform (6) supported on one of the cables (5) and securable in a predetermined position on the cable, a bungy securable to the jumping platform (6), and transporting means for carrying jumpers from one edge of the jump cavity (2) to the jumping platform (6) along the cable (5).

Abstract: Amusement ride that allows for enhanced control of the ride path and, thus, the riders' experience. In one embodiment, the ride allows for manual control of the acceleration, speed and direction of the carrier into which at least one rider is secured. In one embodiment, the ride also allows for selection of one from a plurality of pre-programmed ride paths.

Abstract: A canopy for a parachute game includes a plurality of flexible sheets of a sectoral shape. Each flexible sheet has two radial side portions and an arcuate portion between the radial side portions. The radial side portions are attached to two adjacent radial side portions of two other flexible sheets respectively so as to form a circular canopy body with a center portion. The arcuate portion has an outer arcuate edge which is disposed distal to the center portion and which defines a cutout portion extending radially towards the center portion. An endless band member is made of a flexible material, and is disposed along the outer arcuate edges of the arcuate portions of the flexible sheets to confine the cutout portions at a side distal to the center portion so as to form hand gripping portions.

Abstract: The present invention is a vertical wind tunnel amusement device. The device comprises a flight chamber wherein a user may experience a freefall through the atmosphere from the safety of an enclosed flight chamber. Airflow sufficient to fully support a user within the flight chamber is induced by a plurality of fans connected above the flight chamber through a duct. A staging area having openings to the flight chamber is adjacent to the flight chamber. A user may enter or retreat from the flight chamber at will through the staging area openings without significantly adjusting the airflow velocity in the flight chamber. A control room is adjacent to the fight chamber whereby an operator may observe a user or users within the flight chamber and thereby safely control the operation of the fans. A projection room is also adjacent to the flight chamber whereby a video of a skydiving experience may be displayed to a user within the flight chamber.

Abstract: An amusement ride for catapulting a human rider, enclosed within a capsule, into the air in much the same fashion as ancient armies would hurl large boulders over the walls of castles. The ride provides many of the sensations and thrills encountered by fighter pilots launching from the decks of aircraft carriers without the requirement for flight training or the associated dangers. The ride essentially consists of a siege type catapult and a releasably connected launch pod. When in the launch position, a release mechanism is triggered by the operator and the rider is catapulted into the air at a physiologically safe rate of acceleration along a predictable free-flight arc. When an acceptable elevation is reached, the rider is separated from the capsule and gently brought back to earth using an automatically deploying parachute or similar device. An alternate embodiment envisions the use of a similar device to project a conveyance vehicle along a horizontal track similar to a stone skipping across the water.

Abstract: A skydiving simulator combines a vertical air chamber with a video projection system on the interior wall. A virtual reality environment is created as the skydiver, while suspended, sees actual film footage of scenarios descending toward earth. A skydiver backpack houses a transmitter which interactively steps the skydiver through emergency procedures.

Abstract: An amusement ride system includes a chair assembly within which an occupant is seated during the course of a ride and first, second and third upstanding towers fixedly secured to the ground in a spaced and triangular relationship. A first pair of bungee cords are joined to one side of the chair assembly and have ends which extend toward the upper portion of the first tower, and a second pair of bungee cords are joined to the opposite side of the chair assembly and have ends which extend toward the upper portion of the second tower, and a windable cable which is joined to each of the extending ends of the first and second pair of bungee cords for tensioning the bungee cords to a stretched condition.

Abstract: The present invention is a vertical wind tunnel amusement device. The device comprises a flight chamber wherein a user may experience a freefall through the atmosphere from the safety of an enclosed flight chamber. Airflow sufficient to fully support a user within the flight chamber is induced by a plurality of fans connected above the flight chamber through a duct. A staging area having openings to the flight chamber is adjacent to the flight chamber. A user may enter or retreat from the flight chamber at will through the staging area openings without significantly adjusting the airflow velocity in the flight chamber. A control room is adjacent to the fight chamber whereby an operator may observe a user or users within the flight chamber and thereby safely control the operation of the fans. A projection room is also adjacent to the flight chamber whereby a video of a skydiving experience may be displayed to a user within the flight chamber.