Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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REAL-SIZE SIMULATED DRAB STRIP RIDE
I. TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention pertains to the technical field involving amusement rides and
drag racing.
More particularly this invention describes a simulated, real time, real effect
drag strip race. This
drag strip rice may be a stand-alone amusement ride located in population
centers or other
amusement areas such as parks. This amusement ride is also well adapted to
theme parks or
amusement parks. These theme parks or amusement parks axe located throughout
the United
States and the world. Such amusement parks are located in England, France,
Germany, Russia,,
and even China. Drag strip races are common in the United States and
throughout the rest of the
world. This particular invention discloses ~. stimulated drag strip ride for
use by the paying
public.
It. BACKGROUND ART
This invention relates to the field of amusement rides. More particularly, a
real-sire
simulated dragstrip ride is presented which is similar to the actual
experiences one might
encounter during a drag race.
Amusement rides are often simulations of much more dangerous real life rides
or
adventures. Many examples of these real life amusement rides have been created
at large and
small amusement panics across the United States and the world. Some examples
include roller
coaster rides, bumper ear rides, and go-cart rides. These rides often attempt
to simulate the
actual, true-life experience and create many of the same visual and physical
sensations
associated with Chase real life rides.
One type of real life race in which the average person is not allowed to
participate
directly due to the dangers involved is the drag race. A drag race comprises
two highly powered
cars located side-by-side on parallel tracks. When a signal tower is
illuminated at the opposite
end of the track, bath drivers of the dragsters accelerate their cars in order
to reach the finish line
fast. The signal tower at the finish line will allow spectators to see the
actual winner as well as
to see the times that have been posted. These dragster automobiles have high-
powered gasoline
engines and often accelerate to seeds in excess of 175 miles per hour. This
acceleration causes
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G-forces to be exerted on the driver and any passengers in the dragster. In
addition, the noise
and exhaust of the dragsters contribute to the real Life sensation of the
race.
It is an object of this invention to create a real-size simulated dragstrip
race that
reproduces the physical and visual sensations of an actual race. Accordingly,
it is an object of
this invention to simulate acceleration that will apply G-forces to the
passenger and driver of the
dragster. Zt is a further object of this invention to create both the sights
and sounds of the drag
race and to simulate the visual appearance of the dragster, racecourse and
finish line.
Many amusement rides involve high velocity, dangerous curves and other safety
hazards.
However, since these rides axe designed for laymen, rather than professional
riders, safety
enhancements and special features of any such ride must be included in the
basic design package
of any amusement ride. It is a further object of this invention to provide
various safety devices,
such as harnesses, brake systems, guide rails and other safety features to
enable a driver and
passenger to simulate a real dragstrip race while still being completely safe.
Due to the new and unique nature of this particular simulated drag strip race,
many
innovations and special design features have been incorporated into the below
described
Specification in order to closely simulate a real Life dragster race and to
make it safe and exciting
to use.
III. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
This particular ride is designed to recreate a dragster race such as to
simulate the actual
dragster experience. The dragster vehicle is designed to look like the well-
known funny car,
dragster or other racecar. The simulated dragster will have the same
appearance of a regular
dxagster, and will have the same size and body construction as a real vehicle.
The dragstrip ride
consists of at least two vehicles on separate, side-by-side tracks, with a
parallel straight racing
track of about 600 feet. A sophisticated, highly redundant control system
utilizes multiple locks
to keep vehicles separated during the ride. The vehicles appear to ride on
upper, simulated
wheels. However, the vehicle actually rides on lower actual wheels. The
vehicles in the
preferred embodiment are powered by a linear induction motor or by a pneumatic
system and
can achieve speeds of up to 12S to 2S0 miles per hour, creating approximately
3.~ to 4.S Gs of
force on the driver and passenger of the dragster. The racecourse is laid aut
like a real dragstrip,
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having a light tower at the finish line. The dragster itself is started and
accelerated by the driver.
For safety reasons, individual adjustable seats and harnesses are provided.
IV. BRIEF hESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the drag race showing the side-by-side
parallel tracks
and the light tower and start line.
Figure 2 is a plan view of the drag race strip and return track.
Figure ~A is a schematic diagram of the drag strip track of the pneumatic
embodiment of
this invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the simulated dragster body.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the dragster frame,
including the
simulated and actual wheels and the lower frame portions of the dragster.
Figure 5 is a side cutaway view of the driver compartment of the dragster.
Figure 6 is a side view of the steering wheel and shift button.
Figure 7 is a partial side view of the simulated wheel.
Figure 8 is a ~ front cutaway view of another embodiment of the above grot~.nd
embodiment of the dragster raceway.
Figure 9 is a schematic view of a rail and caster track embodiment of the
invention.
Figure 10 is a cutaway plan view of the horizontal and vertical caster
arrangement of ore
embodiment of the invention.
Figure l0a is a side view of the horizontal and vertical caster arrangement of
one
embodiment of the invention.
Figure 11 is a front cutaway view of the track showing one below ground
embodiment of
the invention.
Figure 12 is a front cutaway view of another below ground embodiment of the
invention.
Figure 13 is a side view of the racecar and track of the pneumatic embodiment
of this
invention.
Figure 14 is a perspective cutaway view of the track and base sled of the car
of the
pneumatic embodiment of this invention.
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Figure 15 is a front view talfen along lines 1S-15 of Figure 14 of the
pneumatic
embodiment of this invention.
Figure 16 is side schematic view of the pneumatic embodiment of this
invention,
showing the piston and Cable system of propulsion at the start of the race.
Figure 16A is a side schematic view of the pneumatic embodiment of this
invention,
showing the piston and cable near the end of the race.
Figure 17 is a depiction of the "christmas tree" signal Iighing system used in
practicing
this system.
V. BEST M017E FOR CARRYII'TG OUT THE INVENTION
A real-size, simulated dragster race includes an essentially oval raceway with
two side-
by-side parallel acceleration strips as best shown in Figures 1 and 2. Left 1
and right 1'
simulated dragsters are located on left 2 and right 2' parallel tracks. The
race runs for
approximately 1/8 of a mile from start to finish in a first embodiment. At the
starting line is a
signal tower ~. This starting line signal tower has a number of lights such as
are usually found
in a real life drag race. The lights include a set of green lights to signal
"go", a set of yellow
lights to signal "ready" and an electronic readout to signify the winner and
the speeds at which
each simulated dragster proceeded down the track, Different light systems can
be used in
practicing this invention.
Each dragster has an upper, pivotable top 4. This pivotable top 4 moves
upwardly (as
shown in Figure 1) to allow passengers to enter the vehicle. The dragster top
4 is then closed (~s
shown in Figure 3) for the duration of the ride.
The entire simulate dragstrip ride may consist of an essentially oval course
as best
shown in Figure 2. The main part of the oval course includes an unloading area
5, an
instructional area 6 and a loading area 7. These particular areas are used to
unload passengers,
to instruct passengers on the proper operation of the ride and an area in
which passengers may
be loaded.
After the passengers are loaded in area 7, the ride is commenced. One
passenger in each
vehicle is allowed to control the take off of the dragster. The traditional
signal tower lights at
the starting line of the track commence the take off. Acceleration starts with
a push of the
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accelerator pedal by the driver of the simulated dragster. Simulated shifting
is accomplished by
a push button also operated by the driver.
The dragster is accelerated for approximately 18f feet in an acceleration area
8. Each
dragster may accelerate to approximately 12S to 250 miles per hour; dozing
which each driver
and passenger would experience a force reaching approximately 3.5 to 4.5 Gs.
Once each
dragster has accelerated through the acceleration area 8, the dragsters enter
a coasting area 9
(approximately 260 feet) and a braking area 10 (approximately 260 feet). In
the braking area,
the dragster is automatically braked through means to be described later. The
total length of the
drag race from the loading area to the finish line is approximately 1l8 of a
mile.
When the ride is finished, each simulated dragster slowly moves through the
curved area
and back onto the return tracks 11. A middle maintenance track 12 is also
provided for
maintenance of the vehicle if desired. Once the dragsters return to the
unloading area 5,
passengers are unloaded and the ride is completed.
In order to closely simulate a real life drag race, dragsters or "funny car"
designs are
adopted. One such design is best shown in Figure 3. It is to be noted that the
dragsters
themselves may take on any design desirable, from drag race type cars to stock
cars, to Indy
cars. A typical dragster design would include a frant, upper body 13 and a
rear body 14. The
rear body 14 may be raised in order for riders to enter the car at the loading
area 7. Ilowever,
when the car is in motion, the rear 14 of the body is in its closed and
secured position as best
shown in Figure 3. To simulate an actual dragster, a cowl 15 and a spoiler 16
may also be
incorporated into the outer appearance of the dragster. The simulated portion
of the dragster is
completed with the addition of simulated track wheels I7, as shown in Figures
3 and 4. These
simulated track wheels actually contact the track and may visually be observed
by the driver and
spectators of the simulated drag race.
The front 13 and rear 14 portions of the outer body of one embodiment of the
dragster
are supported by frame supports 18, as best shown in Figure 4. These frame
supports 18 are
preferably made of a strong yet lightweight metal. The dragster body itself
may be made of
fiberglass using a biaxial cloth with a modified vinyl ester resin. This
fiberglass body and frame
insures a lightweight dragster with superior strength.
Although the observer is able to see only the simulated track wheels 17, the
vehicle
actually rides on actual rubber or metal wheels 19 and 19' (Figures 4 and 12)
or casters 33 and
s
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33' (Figures $-11). In the preferred embodiment, a set of front wheels 19 and
19' and a set of
rear wheels support the weight of the dragstex as it moves down the track.
As shown in Figure 5, a number of unique safety features are incorporated into
this
particular ride in order to insure the safety of the driver and passenger of
the simulated dragstrip
race. These safety features include a torso length seat 20. This adjustable
seat has a vertical
headrest member 21 and a vertical torso member 22. These adjustment members
allow the
attendant of the ride to adjust the helmet of the driver or passenger of the
dragster according to
his or her particular size. In addition, an adjustable horizontal seat 23
moves upward and
forward, depending on the size of the driver or passenger. Finally, a Y-shaped
safety seat
harness 24 is provided for both the driver and the passenger of this dragstrip
ride. In normal
amusement rides, a simple padded bar around the rider's waist would be
utilized to keep the
passenger in the ride. However, due to the special considerations in
constructing a simulated
dragstrip race, a safety harness is incorporated into the overall design of
the device.
The race begins when the starting line signal tower flashes green for "go". At
that point,
each of the two side-by-side dragster drivers will push the acceleration pedal
25. In real life this
acceleration pedal feeds gasoline to the carburetor or fuel injectot-s of the
engine. In this
simulated ride, the acceleration pedal gives a signal to the linear induction
motor, or other drive
means to begin the race. A brake pedal (not shown on the drawing figures] is
also provided to
brake the vehicle should such a procedure be necessary.
The dash panel of the vehicle also includes a steering wheel 26. Although the
steering
wheel is included for purposes of malting the ride realistic, the vehicle
actually tides on a
straight and clearly defined track. While no steering of the vehicle is
actually necessary or
desirable, the presence of the steering wvheel is used to enhance the realism
of the device.
However, buttons 27 and 27' are present on the instrument panel, as best shown
in Figure 6.
These buttons could simulate the actual shifting done in a dragster in real
life, or could be used
as sirnulted ignition or "ready". The use of these buttons is described later
herein. Using the
linear induction motor means of accelerating the vehicle, simulating shifting
can be readily
incorporated as a feature of this ride. Such a simulated shifting is described
later.
As previously noted, the dragster itself rides on actual wheels 19 and 19',
which are
hidden from the view of the spectators or riders of the vehicle. However, in
order to provide a
realistic depiction of the actual ride, simulated wheels 17 are provide on the
front and rear of the
vehicle. These simulated wheels 17 are held irt contact with the upper track
surface 39 by means
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of a wheel strut bracket 2$ and a wheel strut spring 30. This bracket and
spring bias the
simulated wheel strut 29 downwardly towards the track surface 39, as best
shown in Figure 7.
Each left and right front and rear simulated wheel 17 has such a spring
mechanism.
Turning now to the linear track design, Figures 8 and 9 show two such above
track
embodiments.
Figure ~ shows the basic concrete track 31. This concrete track 31 is normally
comprised of concrete reinforced with approximately 1/2 inch rebar, as shown.
inside the
simulated wheels 1? and underneath the dragster frame lower base 35 are side-
by-side steel
channel guide systems. These guide systems include a left channel 32 and a
right channel 32 '.
These channels are generally C-shaped as shown, and face each other as
illustrated in Figure 8.
The dragster frame lower base 3~ is connected to an actual axle 34' by a
dragster lower base
frame-actual wheel connection column 43. The lover base frame 3S thus rides on
the actual
axle 34'.
The actual axle 34' is connected to a series of casters, as best shown in
Figures 8, 9, 10
anti lea. A left actual caster wheel 33 and a right actual caster wheel 33'
arc located vertically.
Although the axle 34' does not turn, the caster wheels 33 and 33' do turn. The
vehicle itself is
accelerated in the preferred embodiment by a linear induction motor 36. While
the actual axle
34' supports the weight of the vehicle and passengers, a simulated axle 34 (as
shown in Figures
7 and 11) connects the left and right simulated wheels. However, as previously
noted, these
wheels are simulated wheels only and do not actually operate to move or drive
the vehicle
forward.
Turning to Figure 12, the linear induction motor 36 and 36' is shown in one
embodiment.
This linear induction motor 36 and 36' creates a magnetic field in a reaction
plate 37 that propels
the vehicle down the track through the acceleration zone ~, In order to
understand the
acceleration means of the preferred embodiment, a brief discussion of
electromotive accelerating
means would be beneficial.
Rotary induction motors, often referred to as "squirrel cage motors," were
invented
decades ago. Their usage is now widespread. The compressor motor used in a
typical
refrigerator is an example of a squirrel cage motor. Michael Faraday
discovered electromagnetic
induction, the principle by which linear induction motors function, about 250
years ago. Further
experiments by pioneers in this fteld such as Lint vastly increased the
understanding of this
phenomenon. Electromagnetism functions within an induction motor when a
current is passed
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through wire Coiled around a conductive core (referred to as a motor). When a
current is passed
through such a coiled wire, the core produces a magnetic field. The direction
of this field is
dependent upon the direction of the current. The strength of the field is
dependent upon the
number of windings in the coil as well as the strength of the current.
If a non-ferrous, conductive metal (referred to as a "reaction plate") is
introduced into
this magnetic field and there is relative motion between the field end the
conductor, a current is
induced in the conductar. This is known as electromagnetic induction. The
induced current will
flow within the conductor in a coil-like pattern, thus producing a secondary
magnetic field, with
the conductor as its core. It is the interaction between these two magnetic
fields that creates
motion.
A linear induction motor consists of one top 36 and one bottom 36' of a motor
bolted
into a housing. There is a small air gap (approximately 18 mm in this
application) in which the
magnetic field produced by the motors is contained. The reaction plate 3'7 is
an aluminum firs
attached to the vehicle, as shown in Figure 12.
When current is supplied to motors 36 and 36', the windings of the motors
produce a
magnetic held that "appears" to be traveling forward. A second magnetic field
is subsequently
produced in the reaction plate, and this magnetic field (and hence the
reaction plate and drag
strip car) attempts to "catch up to" the first field. This effect is sinv.lar
to moving one magnet on
top of a table by using a second magnet on the bottom of the table.
The setup of the windings within the motors greatly effects how the reaction
plate
behaves. Each setup is dependent upon the estimated speed of the car as it
passes through the
respective LIM. This system is similar to gears in a transmission. Since the
system is similar to
gears in a transmission, the shift button 2'~ can simulate the shifting of
gears in a dragster. A
series of LIMs are utilized in this particular invention to create a launoh
tune of the dragster
through the acceleration area 8.
The actual energy inputs, number of LLIVIS and LIM assemblies, launch amps and
launch
volts, as well as programmable launching controller systems are well known in
the art and may
be adapted to this particular dragstrip race by someone with ordinary skill in
the art. However,
the use of a LIM to propel a dragstrip ride for sudden acceleration such as
this is new and unique
to the amusement ride industry.
It is to be noted that the progrsmmable launching controller system
continually monitors
the position and velocity of each dragster vehicle as it travels along the
acceleration area 8.
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Each L1M is switched on just before the vehicle enters and is switched off
just after the vehicle
exits. Once the vehicle reaches the required speed, (a maximum of
approximately 250 miles per
hour) all LIMB are switched of~ The dragster vehicle then coasts through
coasting area 9 and
info braking area 10. The dragster is braked by means of magnetic brakes and a
redundant
mechanical brake system on the vehicle. The mechanical footbrake also shuts
down all LIMS.
The LIM housings used are designed and fabricated to very strict tolerances.
The power
to each pair of LIM is channeled through dedicated control panels having
individual control
panels and redundant fuses. Each LIM has three internal thermal protection
circuits that will
disz ttpt the power to the motor if it overheats.
Returning now to Figure 12, the operation of the vehicle in its preferred
embodiment can
be readily ascertained. The vehicle itself has upper frame supports 18
attached to the front 13
and rear 14 of the dragster bodies. The frame 18 is attached to left 19 and
right 19' actual
wheels, which ride along in a predetermined track. The left 19 and right 19'
actual wheels are
attached to the lower frame base 35 through the dragster lower base frame-
actual wheel
connection column 43, as shown on Figure 12. The actual wheels ride in troughs
44.
In addition to the guide troughs 44 a LIM trough 38 is also provided. This LIM
trough
38 houses the linear induction motor utilized to accelerate the dragster as
described above.
While the simulated wheels 17 ride on the track surface 39, the actual
dragster 1 rides on the
actual wheels 19. The wheels 19 are accelerated by the linear induction motor
3g and 36' and
the reaction plate 37.
One embodiment of this invention is best shown in Figure 12. However, the
below
surface embodiment shown in Figure 12 could be modified such that the actual
wheel trough
upon which the dragster vehicle I rides is above the ground, as shown in
Figures 8 and 9.
In mother embodiment, shown in Figure 9, the C-shaped steel channeled guide
system
32 shown in Figure 8 is replaced with a guide system that includes a left side
rail or pipe 40 and
a right side rail or pips 40'. These left and right circular side rails would
be attached in the
center of and underneath the dragster 1, as shown. These side rails would be
attached to left and
right inner walls. However, in order to keep the dragster 1 on its correct
path, horizontal 41 and
vertical 42 restraining casters would be attached to the dragster frame lower
base 35. These
restraining casters 41 and 42 are best shown in Figures 10 and 10a.
As shown in Figures 10 and 10a, the horizontal 41 and vertical 42 restraining
casters are
attached alternately to the dragster frame lower base 35. The horizontal
restraining casters 41
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would keep the dragster vehicle 1 from mpving sideways along the linear track.
The vertical
restraining casters 42 would keep the vehicle from moving up and down in a
vertical direction
along the track. The side rails and horizontal and vertical casters would be a
modification of the
steel-channeled guide system 32 as shown in Figure 8.
Another embodiment of the guide system for the dragster ride is shown in
Figure 11. In
this embodiment, the dragster frame lower base 35 is connected to the actual
wheel axle 34' by
the dragster lower base frame-actual wheel connection column 43 as shown. The
linear
induction motor system shown at 36 would drive the vehicle as previously
noted. However, in
this embodiment, the horizontal 41 and vertical 42 restraining casters would
be driven along
below-surface steel channel guides, as shown. These below surface steel
channel guides 45 and
45' are similar to the steel channel guides 32 and 32' shown in Figure 8.
The dragster 1 also has simulated exhaust smoke, which would be coordinated
with the
movement of the acceleration pedal by the driver of the vehicle. In addition,
the acceleration
pedal could be connected and coordinated with real sounds of a drag race
through a sound
system. The simulated sounds and vibrations of a real drag race are simulated
through speakers
in each driver and passenger's helmet.
Another embodiment of this invention uses pneumatic air pressure to power the
racecars
down the drag strip and is illustrated in Drawing Figures 13-17. The pneumatic
propulsion of
the race~ars is new and novel to this particular invention. I-lowever, the
pneumatic propulsion of
amusement rides has previously been disclosed in the art.
The patents issued to Checketts, culminating with his 1997 United States
patent,
discloses a pneumatic device for accelerating and decelerating objects. This
patent, U.S. Patent
#5,632,686, was used to develop an oscillating parachute-type ride for
amusement parks. The
propulsion system described does disclose a system of compressed air, a
piston, and one or more
pulleys, which, when oriented in the horizontal direction, can propel ~n
amusement ride.
However, certain modifications of the Checketts design and theory were
necessary in order to
propel the dual dragsters down the parallel track.
Figure 13 discloses the pneumatic propulsion embodiment of this particular
invention.
Figure 13 shows the simulated dragster 1 with front 17 and rear 17' simulated
track wheels
riding on the simulated track surface 46. The dragster 1 is attached to the
base sled 4'~ of the
pneumatic embodiment by means of the connecting frame 4~. The connecting frame
48 is
connected to the pneumatic propulsion mechanism and track to be described
later.
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The pneumatic propulsion mechanism is best shown in Figures 24 and 15. As
shown on
Figure 1S; the actual wheels 19 and 19', which drive the entire mechanism,
ride on upper track
surfaces 49. These upper track surfaces are inverted Irshaped, as shown on
Figures 14 and 15.
The actual wheels ride just below the simulated track surface 46 and are
connected to each other
by axle 50. On one side of one axle is connected an irregularly shaped safety
brace 51. This
irregularly shaped safety brace is connected to the axle 50 and protrudes
beneath the outer
horizontal flange 52 of the actual wheel surface 49. The flange 52 and safety
brace 51 slidably
interlock such that the dragster 1 is prohibited from leaving the track in a
vertical direction.
In order to ensure that the dragster 1 remains on the track in a horizontal
direction, a
horizontal safety wheel 53 is also attached to the base sled 47 at a
horizontal end rail 57. This
horizontal safety wheel 53 is mounted in a horizontal orientation as best
shown on Figure I5.
Left and right horizontal safety wheel surfaces 54 are located along the
length of the
dragstrip track. The safety wheel is attached to the horizontal end rail 57
and hence the frame by
means of a vertical safety wheel axle 55. The horizontal safety wheel 53
rotates on axle 55, and
allows the dragster 1 to travel down the track withaut the possibility that
the dragster 1 could
move or disassociate from the track in the horizontal direction. Since the
dragster is prohibited
from leaving the track in either the vertical or horizontal direction, the
safety of the dragster and
the entire ride is assured.
The base sled 47 runs on four actual wheels shown best on Figure I4. The front
actual
wheels and the rear actual wheels are connected to the base sled 47 in a
conventional manner.
The base sled has a rectangular perimeter as best shown on Figure I4. This
rectangular
perimeter includes left and right side rails 56, which run parallel to the
track. Horizontal end
rails 57 connect the side rails 56. Inner horizontal rails 5g fiuther
reinforce the sled.
The track for the pneumatic embodiment is not oval in shape, as shown in
drawing
Figure 2. Rather, the pneumatic embodiment track of this device is shown in
Figure 2A. The
pneumatic embodiment track includes a staging area 59 where participants may
position
themselves in the vehicle as previously described. The side-by-side tracks 60
and 60' run
approximately 600 feet. This 600 feet includes an acceleration area 61 of
approximately 200
feet and a coasting and deceleration area 62 of approximately 400 feet. Rather
than having an
oval track where the dragsters move around in a continuous Loop, the dragster
in this particular
embodiment decelerates and then moves in the opposite direction back to
staging area 59 after
the ride is completed. The propulsion mechanism for acceleration, deceleration
and return is
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described later. The side-by-side tracks 60 and 60' are laid out in a fashion
similar to a railroad
track, with ties 63 laid along the length of the track to form the foundation
for the actual wheel
surface 49 and the horizontal wheel safety wheel surfaces S4. The horizontal
ties are best shown
in Figures 14 and IS.
Turning now to the actual propulsion system, the pneumatic acceleration and
deceleration system is shown schematically in Figures 16 and I6A. In Figure
16, the pneumatic
system is shown in the starting position, while Figure I6A depicts the
pneumatic system as the
dragsters complete the drag race but before the dragster is returned to the
staging area S9.
Turning specifically to Figure 16, a schematic of the propulsion system is
shown. The
propulsion system includes a cylindrical housing 64, which zwns the length of
the track. This
cylindrical housing 64 creates a longitudinal bore 6S, which runs parallel to
the length of the
tracl~ as best shown in Figure 14. Inside this longitudinal bore 65 is a
piston 66. The piston 66
is connected to a cable 67. The lead end 6~ of the cable is connected to the
front end 69 of the
sled 47. The trailing end 70 of the cable is connected to the rear end 71 of
the sled as shown in
Figures 14 and 16. The cable is looped around a starting line pulley 72 and a
finish line pulley
73.
The piston 66 is driven by the introduction of compressed air at the finish
line end 7~ of
the cylindrical housing 64. This is shown schematically by the arrows shown at
the finish line
end of the cylinder housing shown on Figure I6. The introducrion of this air
pressure, and its
regulation, has previously been described in the prior art, most particularly
in the 1997 patent
issued to Checketts. While the introduction of air to drive a piston is well
known in the art, the
particular application described herein is a new and novel way to use the
propulsion mechanisms
previously disclosed.
The starting line end 7S of the cylindrical housing 64 is sealed, except for
the small
aperture required to allow the cable to exit the cylindrical housing.
Each track (&0 or 60' shown in Figure 2A) comprises a pair of cylindrical
housings 64.
Thus, two longitudinal bores 6S are located directly beneath each track of the
dragstrip race.
Each cylindrical housing 64 contains a piston 66, as best shown in Figure 16.
The operation of the acceleration and deceleration of the sled is based on the
introduction
of compressed air into the cylindrical bore 6S. As air is introduced at end
74, the piston 66 is
driven from right to left on Figure 16. The movement of the piston 66 from
right to left causes
the acceleration of the dragster 1 from left to right. As the compressed air
is introduced into
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acceleration chamber portion 76 of the cylindrical housing, the dragster 1
accelerates according
to the amount and pressure of the air so introduced. As the dragster 1 moves
down the dragstrip
towards the finish line, the area 76 in the acceleration chamber increases
since the piston 66 is
now traveling down the bore 65. Ultimately, the acceleration chamber 76
increases such that the
natural friction forces of the cable on the pulley and the dragster on the
track begin to slow down
or decelerate.
As shown in Figure 16A, as the dragster approaches the finish line, the
acceleration
chamber 76 is greatly expanded. This change in the acceleration chamber 76
creates a much
smaller deceleration chamber 77. since the acceleration force is now greatly
reduced, the
simulated dragster is naturally slowing down. However, since the deceleration
end 7S of the
cylindrical bore 6S is now smaller, the air within the deceleration chamber 77
is greatly
compressed. Compression of this air also slows down the movement of the piston
66 from right
to left. Eventually, the deceleration chamber compressed air creates a force
that reverses the
piston 66 such that the piston 66 slides from the position shown in Figure 16A
back to the
position shpwn in Figure 16. This reverses the direction of the sled 47 such
that the sled ends up
at the staging area for participants 59. While the acceleration, deceleration
and return of the sled
are easily acCamplished using the introduction of air pressure and the
compression of air at the
deceleration end of the housing, it is also within the spirit and disclosure
of this invention to
return the dragster to the staging area by means of the introduction of a
small amount of
compressed gas to the deceleration chamber 27.
Each track 60 and 60' has a pair of housings 64 and consequence longitudinal
bores 6S
beneath the track to accelerate, decelerate and return the dragster. The
introduction of the air is
regulated by a computer, sensor switches, and valves as described previously
in the prior art.
However, the unique method of providing acceleration far a dragster, and
compressing
deceleration for the dragster, as well as the intrinsic return mechanism are
all new and novel to
this art.
As a final rehnernent of this particular invention, a Christmas tree tower 78
is shown in
Figure 17. This Christmas tree tower 78 is located near the starting line of
the dragster race.
The tower includes a yellow prestage light 79, a yellow staging light 80, a
set of three yellow
acceleration lights 81 and a set of two green "go" lights 82. These lights are
located near the
starting line. A set of lights 79 through 82 arranged on the Christmas tree
for each driver. The
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Christmas tree has a set of lights on the left side of the tree for the driver
in the left lane and a
similar set of lights for the driver on the right drag strip lane.
In order to enhance the reality of the dragster experience, it is desirable to
simulate the
"burn out" of the actual dragster during preparation for the race. The "burn
out" period is a
period prior to the actual start of the race when the dragster driver spins
his wheels an the
pavement. This creates a loud noise as well as smoke coming from the
frictional reactions
between the rubber tires of the dragster arid the race surface. Obviously, in
an amusement ride,
one would not want to actually spin the simulated tires 17 on the track
surface 46. Therefore, a
special roller ~3 (shown in drawing Figure 2A) is provided near the starting
line to simulate this
experience. As the rear wheels 1T of the dragster are located on the roller
~3, the simulated
wheels 17' are lifted slightly off of the surface 46 on the roller 83. The
roller turns rapidly, thus
spinning the simulated wheels 17' in an effect that closely simulates the
actual "burn out" of a
dragster prior to starting the race. simultaneously with the spinning of the
rear wheels, an audio
amplification system days sound effects that simulate the screeching of the
tires in the actual
"burn aut" condition. Also simultaneously, smoke is emitted from underneath
the track surface
46. The effect of the rear tires spinning, the loud screeching noise and the
visual smoke emitted
from the track all create a very close simultaion of the "burn out" of a
dragster.
Audio effects are also arranged along the track such that the occupants of the
dragster as
well as spectators near the track axe able to hear the actual sound effects of
a drag race. The
screeching of the tires at "burn out", the acceleration of the motor at the
starting line, the sound
ofthe motor moving down the track, as well as the deceleration sounds are
simulated throughout
the ride. These simulations are coordinated by the operator of the ride and by
the use of a
computer system. The computer system is connected to the audio system and
synchronizes the
noises of an actu~.l drag race as the race progresses. The audio system is
available in speakers
along the track as well as in the actual dragster. Thus, the occupants of the
dragster as well as
the onlookers are treated to the full audio, visual, and actual effects of a
drag strip race.
The operation of this second pneumatic embodiment closely simulates the actual
dragstrip race, including both audio and visual scenarios.
As the rider approaches the staging area Sg for participants, the top of the
simulated
dragster is opened and the driver and/or passenger is seated. The Y-shaped
harness is fastened
and the driver is within easy reach of the steering wheel and operational
buttons 27 and 27'. The
driver of the simulated drag race begins the ride by pushing the button 27 on
the dash, which is
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the start button. This button then actuates the audio engine idling sound and
moves the dragster
forward slightly, approximately two feet. As the rear simulated wheels 1'~'
cross the "burn out"
roller 83, the Rear wheels are rotated by the roller. Simultaneously, the
audio simulation of the
screeching tires, as well as the simulated smoke emitted from under the track,
create the sensory
experience of a dragster "burn out".
The first yellow or prestage light 79 on the Christmas tree tower 78
illuminates when the
drag race driver pushes the ignition button 27 As the dragster approaches the
starting line, the
driver of the simulated dragster then pushes the second yellow staging button
27'. This activates
the staging sound simulation that simulates a motor retying at the starting
line of a drag strip
race ready to accelerate the dragster down the track.
When both dragsters are at the staging position on the starting line, the
operator of the
ride will illuminate the three yellow acceleration lights 81. When these
yellow acceleration
lights 81 are illuminated, each driver should, as quickly as possible, push
down on the
acceleration pedal 25 to begin the drag race. In this simulation, a computer
module allows
approximately 0.04 of a second between the times that the three yellow
acceleration lights 81 are
illuminated until the time that the two green "go°' lights 82 are
illuminated. Once the green
acceleration lights are illuminated, the pneumatic powered system accelerates
the dragsters by
the introduction of high-pressure compressed air as previously described. The
race will be won
by the driver who presses the acceleration pedal 25 the fastest after the
three yellow acceleration
lights are illuminated. While the acceleration pedal does not in fact allow
the driver to accelerate
the dragster once the green lights have illuminated, this occurring
automatically b~ the
introduction of the compressed air, the reaction time of each driver
determines the outcome of
the race.
In the event a driver depresses the acceleration pedal before the "go" lights
82 are
illuminated, a. built-in several second delay from the green light
illumination to the
pneumatically powered automatic acceleration force is applied to that
dragster. This means that
a person who defaults the race by depressing the acceleration pedal before he
is allowed will
actually cross the finish line later in time than the person who correctly
depresses the
acceleration pedal within the yellow light acceleration time 81 and the green
light "go" time 82.
In a normal race, of course, the dragster that begins the race before the
green lights would cross
the finish line first, since he has a head start. However, in this simulation,
the penalty is applied
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at the beginning of the race so that the driver who correctly accelerates his
vehicle according to
the lights wilt actually cross the simulated finish life first.
While the race is occurring, audio sounds of a typical drag race will be
reproduced both
by the audio means within each dragster itself and by an audio system located
along the length
of the track.
Several refinements to this particular system are well within the keeping and
disclosure
of this invention. For example, the pulleys 72 and 73 may be expandable and
may take the form
of adjustable shives. These skives would move the outer edges of the pulleys
to widen the
pulleys or to lessen the distance between the outer edges of the pulleys, thus
adjusting for the
acceleration of the cable. Furthermpre, the apertures necessary to allow the
cables to exit either
end of the cylindrical bore could be larger or smaller, depending on the
specific tolerances
necessary to accelerate the dragster. Also, the cables could be nylon-coated
cables so that the
leakage of the apertures would remain quite minimal.
It is to be appreciated that this device is new and novel as a general concept
with respect
to amusement rides. Both the creation of the actual physical and visual
sensations involved in
this drag strip ride, as well as the numerous innovations required to make
such a ride safe and
realistic have not heretofore been disclosed by any known devices. However,
the actual
embodiment of this device is meant as a means of illustration only. Minor
variations of the
appearance of the device, the location and shape of the track, as well as the
drive mechanisms is
still within the keeping and spirit of this invention. Far ea~ample, the
racetrack could be rl4 mile
or longer. Further, a simple bungee cord type of propulsion system, a spring
mechanism, or the
described pneumatic system could replace the linear induction motor system of
propelling the
vehicle.
VI. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
This invention is advantageously utilized in the amusement industry. Since it
involves a
simulated drag strip, it could be built next to any of the numerous drag
strips or raceways
throughout the United States and the world. This could be a stand-alone ride,
charging an
admission for each trip down the track to one or more participants. In
addition, this invention
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relates most closely to the amusement or theme park industry. This ride could
be incorporated
into amusement parks, theme parks, coos, or other places of public attraction
and enjoyment.
The ride could either be part of the price of the admission to the theme park
or could be an extra
attraction requiring an additional fee.
The device pertains specifically to the industry of amusement rides and more
particularly
to the industry involving high-speed amusement rides with simulated actual
conditions.
The invention is capable of exploitation in the ~.musement and theme park
industry, in
the drag strip or raceway industry, or in any other type of amusement or
recreational industry. It
can be produced as a separate unit to stand alone at any of the amusement
places enumerated
above.
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