Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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1
DESCRIPTICN
TITLE OF THE INVFNrICN
AMUSEMENT PARK WITH PASSENGER VEHICLE CARRYING RIDES
FtEff~ATID APPLICATICNS
This application is a divisional of Canadian patent
application number 2,340,009 filed as PCT/JP99/04777 on September 2,
1999.
B~,'tCLRkOUDID OF THE INVENTICN
A. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to amusement park rides which
use passenger vehicles as a means for carrying persons on amusement
rides.
B. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Traditionally, amusement parks have a variety of rides. In
particular, rides such as Ferris wheels and roller coasters typically
have carriages or carts permanently mounted on supports in the ride,
including seats to accorrmlodate thrill seekers. For instance, on a
Ferris wheel, a series of pivoting carriages with seats are mounted
about the outer periphery of the Ferris wheel. Thrill seekers are
seated in the seats and the Ferris wheel rotates lifting the thrill
seekers up to view local scenery and the like. Roller coasters
typically have a car mounted on tracks. The car includes several seats
and restraining devices, such as seat belts, or harnesses, which
restrain the thrill seeker as the car rides on the tracks.
Amusement parks are very popular. One of many problems
most people experience while visiting an amusement park is the enormous
amount of walking between rides and attractions. Another big problem
with amusement parks is that the more popular rides have long lines of
people waiting to enjoy the
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ride. People must stand and wait for extended periods of time,
with little in the way of comforts or leisurely pleasures.
Standing and waiting detracts from the enjoyment of the
amusement park.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One object of the present invention is to make amusement
parks more attractive by providing thrill seekers with a more
comfortable way to travel between rides and wait in line for
those rides.
Another object of the present invention is to provide the
comforts of modern passenger automobiles in amusement park
rides.
Yet another object of the present invention is to make
amusement parks more attractive by providing thrill seekers
with a more comfortable way to travel between rides and wait
in line for those rides.
In accordance with the present invention, an amusement
park includes at least one amusement ride. The amusement ride
includes a plurality of a car support mechanisms. Each of the
car support mechanisms is configured to receive and support
an automotive vehicle with passengers inside and the amusement
ride is configured to move the plurality of car support
mechanisms in accordance with the thrills of the amusement
ride.
Preferably, the amusement ride is a roller coaster.
Preferably, the car support mechanism includes a front
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and a rear gate which secure the automotive vehicle thus
preventing movement of the automotive vehicle with respect to
the car supporting mechanism.
Preferably, the amusement ride is an adventure theater.
Preferably, the car support mechanism includes a
mechanism for restraining movement of the tires of the
automotive vehicle.
Preferably, the amusement ride is a saucer tea cup ride.
Preferably, the amusement ride is a swing ride.
Preferably, the amusement ride is a ferris wheel.
Preferably, each of the car support mechanisms includes
a platform and front and rear gates supported on the platform.
The front and rear gates are configured to secure the automotive
vehicle to platform thus preventing movement of the
automotive vehicle with respect to the car supporting
mechanism. The platform is further provided with a plurality
of rollers which may be selectively braked against rolling
movement.
Alternatively, the car support mechanism includes a
generally flat platform upon which an automobile is
positionable. The car support mechanism also includes at
least two generally upright sides extending from the platform
and at least one inflatable bag that is fixed to at least one
of the upright sides. Upon inflation, the inflatable bag is
configured to engage and secure the automotive vehicle on the
platform.
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Preferably, the car supporting mechanism includes a gate
mounted to the platform. The gate includes a second inflatable
bag.
Preferably, the car support mechanism includes means for
supporting the platform on an underside thereof for use on the
amusement ride and the amusement ride is configured with tracks
for receiving the support means.
Alternatively, the car support mechanism includes means
for supporting the platform on an upperside thereof for use
on the amusement ride. The amusement ride including means for
lifting the platform from an upper side thereof.
Alternatively, the car support mechanism may include a
generally flat platform upon which an automobile is
positionable and at least one first inflatable bag fixed to
the platform. The first inflatable bag is configured to engage
and secure the automotive vehicle on the platform by preventing
wheels of the automotive vehicle from rotating.
Preferably, a second inflatable bag is fixed to the
platform proximate a rearward side of the automotive vehicle
and the first inflatable bag is positioned proximate a forward
side of the automotive vehicle.
Preferably, the car support mechanism further includes
a means for contacting an upper surface of the automotive
vehicle for restraining upward movement of the automotive
vehicle.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a cable driven ride includes at least one supporting tower,
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at least one terminal spaced apart from the supporting tower
and a cable extending between the tower and the terminal. The
cable is supported by the tower such that the cable is
continuously moveable between the tower and the terminal. A
5 means for moving the cable between the tower and the terminal
is provided in the terminal. At least one carriage is engagable
with the cable such that the carriage is moveable with the cable
between the tower and the terminal. The carriage is configured
to support and carry a motorized passenger vehicle.
Preferably, the carriage includes a front gate which
secures the motorized passenger vehicle thus preventing
movement of the motorized passenger vehicle with respect to
the carriage.
Preferably, the carriage includes a platform and front
and rear gates supported on the platform, the front and rear
gates being configured to secure the motorized passenger
vehicle to the platform thus preventing movement of the
motorized passenger vehicle with respect to the carriage, and
the platform being further provided with a plurality of rollers
which may be selectively braked against rolling movement.
Preferably, the carriage includes a generally flat
platform upon which an automobile is positionable and at least
two generally upright sides extending from the platform. At
least one inflatable bag is fixed to at least one of the upright
sides and upon inflation the inflatable bag engages and secures
the motorized passenger vehicle on the platform.
Preferably, a gate mounted to the platform, the gate
including a second inflatable bag.
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5a
According to another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a cable driven ride comprising:
at least one supporting tower; at least one terminal spaced
apart from said supporting tower; a cable extending between
said tower and said terminal, said cable being supported by
said tower such that said cable is continuously moveable
between said tower and said terminal; a means for moving said
cable between said tower and said terminal; at least one
carriage engagable with said cable such that said carriage is
moveable with said cable between said tower and said terminal;
and said carriage is configured to support and carry a
motorized passenger vehicle.
According to still another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a cable-driven ride for conveying
park-goers' along a course in the park-goers' own motorized
passenger vehicles, the ride comprising: at least one support
tower having rollers for supporting an endless cable; at least
one terminal spaced apart from said support tower and
including a pulley engaging the endless cable and a motor for
driving the pulley, wherein the endless cable extends between
said tower and said terminal and is continuously movable
between said tower and said terminal; at least one motor
vehicle support carriage configured to releasably receive and
secure a passenger vehicle in safety, said motor vehicle
support carriage including a platform and front and rear gates
supported on said platform, said front and rear gates being
configured to secure the motor vehicle to said platform to
prevent movement of the motor vehicle with respect to the
carriage, and said platform being further provided with a
plurality of rollers selectively brakable against rolling
movement, said passenger vehicle support carriage being
engagable with the endless cable, wherein said passenger
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5b
vehicle support carriage is moveable with the cable between
said tower and said terminal.
According to yet another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a cable-driven ride for conveying
park-goers along a course in the park-goers' own motorized
passenger vehicles, the ride comprising: at least one support
tower having rollers for supporting an endless cable; at least
one terminal spaced apart from said support tower and
including a pulley engaging the endless cable and a motor for
driving the pulley, wherein the endless cable extends between
said tower and said terminal and is continuously moveable
between said tower and said terminal; at least one motor
vehicle support carriage comprising a generally flat platform
upon which an automobile is positionable; at least two
generally upright sides extending from said platform; and at
least one inflatable bag being fixed to at least one of said
upright sides, said inflatable bag being configured for upon
inflation abutting against and securing the motor vehicle on
said platform, said passenger vehicle support carriage being
engagable with the endless cable, wherein said passenger
vehicle support carriage is moveable with the cable between
said tower and said terminal.
According to a further aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a ride for conveying park-goers
along a course in the park-goers' own motor vehicles, the ride
comprising: at least one zone for loading and unloading motor
vehicles into and out of the ride course; at least one motor-
vehicle support means for releasably receiving a motor vehicle
and for securing the motor vehicle in safety throughout the
ride course according to its dynamics; and means for conveying
said motor-vehicle support mechanism along the ride course
from and to said zone.
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These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages
of the present invention will become more fully apparent from
the following detailed description of the present invention
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings where
like reference numerals denote corresponding parts
throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first section
of an amusement park having a variety of rides in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a second section
of the amusement park having further rides in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a saucer tea cup
ride having car supporting mechanisms;
Fig. 4 is an adventure theater having car supporting
mechanisms;
Fig. 5 a car support mechanism used in the rides in the
amusement park;
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary side view of the car support
mechanism depicted in Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is another car support mechanism;
Fig. 8 is a fragmentary side view of the car support
mechanism depicted in Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is another car support mechanism;
Fig. 10 is another car support mechanism;
Fig. 11 is yet another support mechanism for use in the
amusement park;
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Fig. 12 is a perspective view of yet another support
mechanism for use in the amusement park, where the support
mechanism includes inflatable support bags;
Fig. 13 is a control system for controlling the inflatable
support bags depicted in Fig. 12;
Fig. 14 is a top view of the support mechanism depicted
in Fig. 12, with an automotive vehicle being restrained
therein;
Fig. 15 is a top view of an alternate configuration of
the support mechanism depicted in Fig. 12;
Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the support mechanism
depicted in Fig. 12 having track support on an underside
thereof;
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the support mechanism
depicted in Fig. 12 having support on an upperside thereof;
Fig. 18 is a perspective view of still another support
mechanism in accordance with the present invention, where the
support mechanism includes inflatable bags;
Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the support mechanism
depicted in Fig. 18, with the inflatable bags in an inflated
state;
Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a support mechanism
similar to that depicted in Figs. 18 and 19 where the support
mechanism further includes an upper support mechanism;
Fig. 21A is a side view of a cable driven ride in accordance
with the present invention;
Fig. 21B is a perspective view of the cable driven ride
that moves carriages, each carriage carrying a motorized
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passenger vehicle;
Fig. 22 is perspective view of a carriage supported on
a cable of the cable driven ride depicted in Fig. 21;
Fig. 23 is a side view of portions of a terminal of the
cable driven ride depicted in Figs. 21 and 22, the terminal
for loading and unloading motorized passenger vehicles from
a carriage;
Fig. 24 is a top view of a portion of the terminal depicted
in Fig. 23;
Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the portion of the
terminal depicted in Fig. 24;
Fig. 26 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
carriage of the cable driven ride depicted in Figs. 21-25;
Fig. 27 is a fragmentary top view of the carriage depicted
in Fig. 26;
Fig. 28 is a fragmentary top view similar to Fig. 27
showing an alternate embodiment of the carriage depicted in
Fig. 27;
Fig. 29 is a fragmentary perspective view of another
embodiment of the carriage of the cable driven ride; and
Fig. 30 is a fragmentary side view of a portion of the
carriage depicted in Fig. 29.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first section
of an amusement park having a variety of rides in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. The rides
include a pirate boat ride 2, a looping boat ride 4, a saucer
tea cup ride 5, a roller coaster ride 8 and a Ferris wheel ride.
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In Fig. 2, a second section of the amusement park is shown having
swing ride 12, a water f lume ride 15 and an adventure theater
20.
Each of the rides includes an entrance and an exit and
corresponding loading and unloading areas. For instance, the
roller coaster ride 8 includes a loading zone 8a and an
unloading zone 8b. Likewise, the swing ride 12 has a loading
zone 12a and an unloading zone 12b, and the water flume ride
has a loading zone 15a and an unloading zone 15b.
10 Each of the above mentioned rides is configured to receive
and secure automotive vehicles such as the vehicle V shown in
Fig. 5. Each ride is therefore provided with a plurality of
car supporting mechanisms 25, such as the car supporting
mechanisms 25 shown in Fig. 3 on the saucer tea cup ride 5.
15 The saucer tea cup ride 5 includes a large saucer 5a which is
connected to a large motor (not shown) such that the large
saucer 5a may be rotated about a central axis thereof. Within
the structure of the large saucer 5a are four intermediate
saucers 5b which are each provided with power to rotate about
a central axis thereof while the large saucer 5a is rotated.
Further, each intermediate saucer 5b has four small saucers
5c which rotate about a central axis thereof while the saucers
5a and 5b are rotated. Each small saucer 5c includes four car
supporting mechanisms 25, which are described in greater detail
below.
In Fig. 4, an adventure theater 20 is depicted. The
adventure theater 20 includes a platform supported by a
plurality of pressure controlled cylinders such that the
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platform may be moved in accordance with images projected on
a screen. The theater 20 includes an on ramp 20a and an off
ramp 20b. The theater 20 is also provided with a plurality
of car supporting mechanisms 25.
5 Figs. 5 through 11 depict various types of a car support
mechanisms 25 used in the rides in the amusement park. Each
ride in the amusement park has its own dynamics, each with
different requirements for securing an automotive vehicles
safely during the ride.
10 In Figs. 5 and 6, the car support mechanism includes a
platform 30 that includes a support bar 31 which may be made
of a strong metal material coated with soft foam material to
protect against contact with the car V. A swinging rear gate
32 is moveable up and down as indicated by the Arrow A and
powered by a pressure cylinder (not shown).
In the front portion of the platform 30 there are two
parallel sliding bars 35 (although only one bar 35 is visible) .
The sliding bar 35 is secured to the platform 30 but may slide
along the pins 36. The sliding movement of the bar 35 is limited
by the length of an elongated groove 35a. Movement of the bar
35 is controlled by a pressure cylinder 40 that is secured at
one end to the platform 30 and secured to the bar 35 at the
other end. A front gate 42 is pivotally mounted to the bar
35. Movement of the front gate 42 is controlled by a cylinder
43.
The platform 30 is further provided with a plurality of
rollers 45. The rollers 45 are all generally parallel within
the platform 30 and are freely rotatable. A braking mechanism
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(not shown) is mounted within the platform 30 for selectively
restricting the rolling movement of the rollers 45.
The car supporting mechanism depicted in Figs. 5 and 6
operates as follows. When a car is to be loaded on the car
supporting mechanism, the rear gate 32 is lowered and the bar
35 is moved to a forward most position. The brake mechanism
(not shown) is engaged such that the rollers 45 may not rotate
within the platform 30. A car V is then driven onto the platform
30 and the rollers 45. Once the car V is in position, the rear
gate 32 is raised and the front gate 42 is moved toward the
front of the car V by positioning the sliding bar 35. It should
be noted that the front and rear gates 42 and 32 are lined with
a soft material such as foam in order to protect the car V from
damage in the event of contact therebetween.
Next, the brake mechanism (not shown) is disengaged such
that the rollers 45 may rotate freely within the platform 30.
In this situation, the car V is secured within the car support
mechanism 25 but may not move due to the front and rear gates
42 and 32. Further, in the event that the motor of the car
V is running and the driver accidently presses on the
accelerator, there is no risk of damage to the car V since the
rollers 45 may rotate freely. Since the tires of the car V
are engaged with the rollers 45, there is no danger of the car
V leaving the car supporting mechanism 25 depicted in Figs.
5 and 6.
The car support mechanism 25 depicted in Figs. 5 and 6
is suitable for most of the rides in the amusement park but
is particularly suitable for the boat rides 2 and 4 and for
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the roller coaster ride B. A car can be driven easily onto
the car supporting mechanism 25 and the car supporting
mechanism moves in the amusement ride with the passengers of
the car V in relative safety.
Another car support mechanism is depicted in Figs. 7 and
8. In this mechanism, a car V is driven onto a platform 60
until the car V is approximately positioned adjacent to
openings 60a. Once positioned, arms 61 are moved upward on
either side of each tire of the car V. Next, the arms 61 can
be moved toward one another until engaged with the tire. The
movement of the arms 61 is controlled by the cylinders 62 and
63. Once engaged with the tires, the arms 61 securely hold
the car V in position on the platform 60. Such a configuration
of the car support mechanism may be used on, for instance, the
saucer tea cup ride 5.
A further car support mechanism is depicted in Fig. 9 where
an arm 65 is extendable upward out of a platform 66.
The car support mechanisms 25 are supported in the rides
in various ways. For instance, in both the roller coaster ride
8 and the water flume ride 15, the car support mechanism 25
is supported on rails R by support structures f ixed to a lower
portion of the car support mechanism 25, where the support
structures include a plurality of wheels which engage the rails
R. As shown in Fig. 10, the rails may be submerged under water.
Rides such as the Ferris wheel 10 and the swing 12 require
a car support mechanism 25 such as that depicted in Fig. 11.
The car support mechanism 25 depicted in Fig. 11 includes the
rollers 45, the front and rear gates 42 and 32 and a support
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structures 70 and 75 which allow for the car V to be lifted
up. For instance, in the swing ride 12, the cars would be driven
onto the platforms of the car support mechanism 25 depicted
in Fig. 11, then the central support of the swing ride 12 moves
upward, the car support mechanisms are lifted off the ground
and swung slowly around. The Ferris wheel 10, on the other
hand, lifts the car support mechanisms off the ground as the
Ferris wheel rotates.
Another embodiment of a car support mechanism is depicted
in Figs. 12, 13 and 14. The car support mechanism includes
a platform 130. The platform 130 includes upright sides 135
on three sides thereof. The sides 135 are formed with a
plurality of recesses 136. Within each recess 136 is an
inflatable bag, such as the bags B1, B21 B3, B. and B5. There
are additional bags, not shown in Fig. 12, as is explained in
greater detail below with regard to Fig. 14. The bags B1, Bz,
B3, B4 and B. are sealed bags made of a durable air tight material
and may include various plies in order to provide an air tight
seal. The outer ply of the bags B1, B2, B31 B4 and B5 is soft
so that it is unlikely that the outer surface of the bags B1,
BZ, B31 B4 and BS can harm painted surfaces, such as the surfaces
of an automobile.
Although not shown in Fig. 12, the bags B1, B2, Bõ B4 and
B. are connected to an inflation control system 150, as is
depicted in Fig. 13. The inflation control system 150 includes
a controller 155 that is connected to a valve/sensor control
156. The valve/sensor control 156 is in turn connected to a
compressed air tank 157 that is supplied with compressed air
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from a compressor 158.
The valve/sensor control 156 includes a plurality of
valves, each valve for selectively supplying compressed air
to the bags B1, B2, B3 through BN. The bag BN is not depicted
but is rather a representation of all the inflatable bags that
may be included in the present invention. Each valve is
controlled by the controller 155. Each valve includes a sensor
(not shown) for sensing the air pressure in each bags B1, Bz,
B3 through BN.
As is shown in Fig. 14, the car support mechanism depicted
in Fig. 12 includes a total of eight (8) inflatable bags,
including bags B1, B21 B3 and B5. Each bag is inflatable to a
predetermined pressure for securing an automobile on the
platform 130.
The platform 130 includes a gate 140 on which the bag BS
is secured. With the gate 140 in a lowered position, as is
depicted in Fig. 12, an automobile may be driven onto the
platform 130, as is shown in Fig. 14. Once the automobile is
in position on the platform 130, the gate 140 is raised and
an operator may manipulate controls on the controller 155
causing the bags, including bags B1, B2, B3 and B5 to inflate.
In an inflated condition, the bags engage the sides, front and
rear of the automobile securely retaining the automobile on
the platform 130.
The sensors (not shown) associated with the valves in the
valve/sensor control 156 may be used to monitor the pressure
within the bags Bõ B2, B3 and BN. The pressure within the bags
provides an indication of engagement with the automobile.
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Therefore, if the bags are inflated to a predetermined air
pressure, it can be determined that the automobile is secured
on the platform 130. The amusement ride utilizing the platform
130 can safely commence with the automobile safely in position
5 on the platform 130. After completion of the ride, the
operator may manipulate controls (not shown) on the controller
155 to release the pressure from the inflatable bags out an
exhaust 159 so that the bags may retract into the recesses 136,
the gate 140 may drop down and the automobile drive out to the
10 next ride.
As should be apparent from Fig. 14, the doors of the
automobile are secured against opening by the inflatable bags
in contact with the sides of the automobile, further adding
to the safety of the car support mechanism depicted in Figs.
15 12, 13 and 14.
It should be understood that the platform 130 may be
provided with any of a variety bag configurations. For
instance, as is shown in Fig. 15, there may only four (4) bags,
bags Bla, Bza, B3a and B5a on the platform 130. Other combinations
of inflatable bags and sizes of inflatable bags are of course
possible.
The platform 130 may be configured in a variety of ways
for use on a variety of amusement rides. For instance, as shown
in Fig. 16, the platform 130 may be configured for a ride which
supports the platform 130 on rails Rl and Rz. Or, alternatively,
the platform 130 may be supported from above, as depicted in
Fig. 17, for use on the swing 12 or the Ferris Wheel 10.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention is
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depicted in Figs. 18 and 19. A support mechanism having a
platform 230 is formed with a plurality of recesses 235. In
each recess 235 there is disposed an inflatable bag 240. The
inflatable bags 240 are similar to the bags B1, B2, B3 through
B, described above. Although not shown in Figs. 18 and 19, a
control system, such as the control system depicted in Fig.
13 is used to control the inflation condition of the bags 240.
As is shown in Fig. 19, the bags 240 are inflatable for
securing an automotive vehicle V to the platform 230. It
should be appreciated that the platform 230 depicted in Figs.
18 and 19 is provided with at least four bags 240, although
only three bags 240 are visible. One bag 240 is positioned
on each side of the platform 230 corresponding to sides of the
automotive vehicle V. One bag 240 is positioned forward from
front wheels of the automotive vehicle V and one bag 240 is
positioned rearward from rear wheels of the automotive vehicle
V.
The positioning of the bags 240 on the platform 230 is
such that the wheels of the automotive vehicle V are blocked
against rotation with the bags 240 in an inflated state.
Further, the bags 240 on either side of the automotive vehicle
V are positioned to engage doors of the automotive vehicle V
thus preventing the doors from opening with the bags 240 in
an inflated state, as shown in Fig. 19.
Thus, the support mechanism depicted in Figs. 18 and 19
provides a reliable and safe way to restrain a vehicle on the
platform 230 in a simple manner.
It should be appreciated that with the bags 240 in an
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uninflated state, the bags 240 retract into the recesses 235.
The bags 240 are may be made of any of a variety of materials
making in possible for the car to roll over the bags 240 when
entering the platform 230 and leaving the platform 230.
In order to retract into the recesses 235, the bags 240
may be elastic or may have an elastic element or elements formed
on an outside surface or within the bags 240.
For some amusement park rides, such as the roller coaster,
it may be necessary to secure an automotive vehicle from above.
In other words, upward movement of the vehicle relative to the
platform must be avoided for safety reasons. In such a
circumstance, it may be desirable to include a means for holding
the vehicle against the surface of the platform of the support
mechanism. Such a means is included in the support mechanism
depicted in Fig. 20. The support mechanism depicted in Fig.
is generally the same as the support mechanism depicted in
Figs. 18 and 19, except that the upper support mechanism 260
is fixed to the platform 230.
The upper support mechanism 260 includes an upright
20 support 261 fixed to the platform 230, a telescoping member
262 that extends upward from the upright support 261 and a
support structure 263 which is fixed to the telescoping member
262. On a lower surface of the support structure 263 is a
cushion 265. However, the cushion 265 could alternatively be
an inflatable bag. The telescoping member 262 may be moved
up and down by control means (not shown) such as a crank lever,
a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or other such device. By
moving the telescoping member 262, the cushion 265 may be
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brought into engagement with the roof of the automotive vehicle
V, thus securing the automotive vehicle V against movement up
and down relative to the platform 230.
The upper support mechanism 260 is not limited to the
structure as shown. For instance, the upper support mechanism
260 could be used with any of the embodiments of the present
invention. Further, the upper support mechanism 260 is not
limited to a single upright support member. In some
applications it may be desirable to utilize several support
members in the upper support mechanism 260. Further, the
telescoping member 262 need not be used. Rather the support
structure 263 may be directly fixed to the upright support 261
and an inflatable bag may be used instead of a cushion. As
well, a sensor may be employed with a control system for
automatically sensing the height of the automotive vehicle V
and positioning the cushion 265 against the roof of the
automotive vehicle V.
CABLE DRIVEN RIDE
In another embodiment of the present invention depicted
in Figs. 21A-30, a cable driven ride is configured to support
and move a plurality of carriages, each carriage able to support
a motorized passenger vehicle. The cable driven ride may be
used in, for instance, environmentally sensitive areas where
the building of roads would intrude upon the local environment.
Since people love to view nature from the comfort of their own
car, the cable driven ride in accordance with the present
invention provides a means for people to enjoy a ride through
a valley or about a mountain side paradise without a road
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intruding upon the natural beauty of the scene.
As shown in Fig. 21A, the cable driven ride includes two
terminals T and at least one tower 301, although a plurality
of towers 301 may be utilized. Each tower includes rollers
that may be protected by a cover 302, as shown in Fig. 21B,
the rollers supporting a cable C and allowing the cable C to
move with respect to the tower 301 as the cable is pulled between
the terminals T. The cable C extends between a plurality of
the towers 301 over natural terrain. For instance the towers
301 may be spaced apart by a distance of hundreds of meters
with the cable extending therebetween. The cable is moved
between adjacent towers 301 such that the passenger vehicle
moves above a scenic view.
The cable C supports a plurality of carriages 325, each
1.5 carriage 325 able to support an automotive vehicle in much the
same way as the support mechanisms discussed above with respect
to Figs. 1-20. Each carriage 325, as shown in Figs. 21B, 22
and 23, includes at least one cable hook 330 that engages the
cable C, thereby causing the carriages 325 to move along with
the cable C. The cable hook 330 is part of a support assembly
that also includes rollers 332. In the embodiment depicted
in Figs. 21B and 22, the support assembly includes four rollers
332 and two cable hooks 330.
Each of the carriages 325, as shown in Figs. 21, 22 and
23, includes a frame structure that includes upright support
beams 340, angled support beams 341 and a support plate 342,
all rigidly fixed to one another. The lower portion of the
frame structure includes three side panels 343 and one gate
CA 02601280 2007-10-03
345, described further below.
The cable driven ride includes at least one terminal T,
depicted in Figs. 23, 24 and 25. Each of the two terminals
T supports the cable as is rotates in an endless belt manner
5 between the two terminals T. As shown in Fig. 23, each of the
terminals includes a motor 350 and a pulley 351 that engages
the cable C. As the motor 350 rotates, the cable C is moved
along the rollers of the towers 301 thereby moving the carriages
325.
10 The terminal is also provided with a pair of tracks 360
and 361 that have a U-shape, as shown in a top view in Fig.
24. As is shown in Figs. 23 and 24, the tracks 360 and 361 are
supported from above by supports 368. Portions 360a and 361a
of the tracks 360 and 361 are positioned adjacent to the cable
15 C at points along the cable C just before the cable C engages
the pulley 351 and just after the cable C leaves the pulley
351. As can be seen in Fig. 23, the portions 360a (and 361a)
are bent such that they are slightly higher than the cable C.
As each of the carriages 325 enter the terminal T, the
20 cable hooks 330 engaged with cable C. Movement of the cable
C causes the rollers 332 to eventually contact the tracks 360
and 361. As the carriage 325 continues to move toward the
pulley 351 with the cable C, the rollers 330 begin to roll over
the portions 360a and 361a of the tracks 360 and 361. Therefore,
the carriage is lifted up such that the cable hooks 330 are
lifted away from contact with the cable C. Momentum keeps the
carriages 325 rolling on the tracks 360 and 361 until the tracks
engage the portions 360b and 361b, which are bent away from
CA 02601280 2007-10-03
21
the pulley, thereby causing the cable hooks 330 to be moved
away from the cable C. The carriage 325 is then able to roll
to the arcuate portion of the tracks 360 and 361 above a platform
370.
The platform 370 is supported by a plurality of cylinders
372 that allow upward and downward movement of the platform
370. The cylinders 372 may be either hydraulic, pneumatic or
electric devices which provide controllable movement of the
platform 370.
Once the carriage 325 has moved under the platform 370,
the platform is raised to support the carriage 325 to prevent
it from moving as a motorized passenger vehicle is moved in
and out of the carriage 325. With the platform 370 supporting
the carriage 325, the gate 345 may then be lowered and a ramp
375 shown in Fig. 25 may be moved to a position adjacent to
the platform 370 and gate 345 to allow a motorized passenger
vehicle to move in or out of the carriage 325. After a motorized
passenger vehicle has been loaded on to the carriage 325, the
gate 345 may be closed, the ramp 375 moved out of the way, and
the platform 370 lowered out of the way. Due to the presence
of the rollers 332 being engaged with the tracks 360 and 361,
the carriage 325 is easily pushed either by manual operators
along the tracks 360 and 361 to the portions 360b and 361b of
the tracks, and subsequently to the portions 360a and 360b.
Once the cable hooks 330 contact the cable C, the carriage 325
then moves with the cable C and the roller 332 become dis-
engaged from the tracks 360 and 361.
It should be understood that Fig. 25 does not show the
CA 02601280 2007-10-03
22
motor 350 or the supports 368 in order to provide greater
clarity of the various features of the present invention.
It should also be understood that the carriage 325
described above is basically a cage which supports a motorized
vehicle in the cable driven ride. There are many different
sizes, shapes and configurations of motorized passenger
vehicles and therefore, ideally, the carriages 325 should be
able to accommodate as many different types of vehicles as
possible. For that reason, several embodiments of the
carriages 325 are contemplated.
One such carriage 380 is shown in Figs. 26 and 27. The
carriage 380 includes an open structure similar to the carriage
325. For instance the carriage 380 includes the supports beams
340 and 341, as well as the gate 345 and side panels 343.
However, the carriage 380 also includes a plurality of
inflatable bags B1, B2, B3 through BN, similar to the bags
described above with respect to Figs. 12, 13 and 14. The bags
B1, B2, B3 through BN surround a motorized passenger vehicle,
as shown in Fig. 27, thereby securing the motorized passenger
vehicle within the carriage 380.
The bags B1, B2, B3 through BN may be inflated by any of
a variety of means. For instance, a single air inlet/outlet
I/O may be provided on the carriage 380 and connected to each
of the bags B1, B2, B3 and BN via pressure tubes (not shown ).
An operator may inflate the bags using pressurized air before
launching the carriage 380 on the cable C via the tracks 360
and 361. An air compressor (not shown) and air supply hose
(not shown) are provided in the terminal adjacent to the
CA 02601280 2007-10-03
23
platform 370 for inflating the bags B1, B2, B3 through BN. The
bags B1, B2, B3 through BN are deflated by releasing the air
pressure via the inlet/outlet I/O.
Alternatively, the plat f orm 3 8 0 may be provided withfewer
bags, each bag being larger than the bags shown in Fig. 27.
For instance, bags B18, B2a, B3a and B,a may be provided on the
side panels of the platform 380 as shown in Figs. 28. The bags
Bla, B2a, B3a and Bsa may be inflated and deflated via an
inlet/outlet I/O that is connected via pressure tubes (not
shown) to each of the bags Bla, B2a, B3a and B58.
A carriage 400 is also contemplated. The carriage 400
is depicted in Figs. 29 and 20 and includes a gate 42
the car support mechanism includes a platform and support
structure that includes a support bar 31 which may be made of
a strong metal material coated with soft foam material to
protect against contact with the motorized passenger vehicle.
A swinging rear gate 32 is moveable up and down.
In the front portion of the platform there are two parallel
sliding bars 35 (although only one bar 35 is visible). The
sliding bar 35 is secured to the platform but may slide along
the pins 36. The sliding movement of the bar 35 is limited
by the length of an elongated groove 35a. Movement of the bar
35 is controlled by a pressure cylinder 40 that is secured at
one end to the platform and secured to the bar 35 at the other
end. A front gate 42 is pivotally mounted to the bar 35.
Movement of the front gate 42 is controlled by a cylinder 43.
The cylinders 40 and 43 include a locking mechanism (not
shown) such that after being put into position, if air pressure
CA 02601280 2007-10-03
= k
24
is reduced, the cylinders 40 and 43 are locked into position
until air pressure within the cylinders is restored. In this
manner, the cylinders 40 and 43 may only be moved when air
pressure is supplied by an operator in the terminal. Therefore,
while moving with the cable in the cable driven ride, the
carriage 400 safely retains the motorized vehicle.
The platform 30 is further provided with a plurality of
rollers 45. The rollers 45 are all generally parallel within
the platform 30 and are freely rotatable. A braking mechanism
(not shown) is mounted within the platform 30 for selectively
restricting the rolling movement of the rollers 45.
Specifically, the rollers 45 may only be locked and unlocked
by an operator at the terminal to allow the motorized vehicle
to enter and leave the carriage 400.
The carriage depicted in Figs. 29 and 30 operates as
follows. When a car is to be loaded on the carriage 400, the
rear gate 32 is lowered and the bar 35 is moved to a forward
most position by an operator at the terminal. The brake
mechanism (not shown) is engaged such that the rollers 45 may
not rotate within the platform 30. A motorized passenger
vehicle is then driven onto the carriage 400 and the rollers
45. Once the motorized passenger vehicle is in position, the
rear gate 32 is raised and the front gate 42 is moved toward
the front of the motorized passenger vehicle by an operator
who uses air pressure from an air hose (not shown) to position
the sliding bar 35 and front gate 42. It should be noted that
the front and rear gates 42 and 32 are lined with a soft material
such as foam in order to protect the motorized passenger vehicle
CA 02601280 2007-10-03
from damage in the event of contact therebetween.
Next, the brake mechanism (not shown) is disengaged such
that the rollers 45 may rotate freely within the platform 30.
In this situation, the motorized passenger vehicle is secured
5 within the car support mechanism 25 but may not move due to
the front and rear gates 42 and 32. Further, in the event that
the motor of the motorized passenger vehicle is running and
the driver accidently presses on the accelerator, there is no
risk of damage to the motorized passenger vehicle since the
10 rollers 45 may rotate freely. Since the tires of the motorized
passenger vehicle are engaged with the rollers 45, there is
no danger of the motorized passenger vehicle leaving the
platform 400.
The cable driven ride described above is ideal for areas
15 that have difficult terrain to drive over or that are protected
against development. For instance, the cable driven ride may
be used in mountainous areas or wilderness areas where roads
are either intrusive or difficult and costly to build. Since
the cable driven ride may pass above such areas, there is little
20 if any intrusion by the motorized passenger vehicle on the
environment because the motorized passenger vehicles do not
need a road and do not necessarily have their motors running
while on the cable driven ride.
The cable driven ride may alternatively be what is often
25 referred to as a cable car ride where there are only two
carriages employed. The carriages are fixed to the cable such
that when the first carriage is in a first terminal, the second
carriage is located in the second terminal. The two carriages
CA 02601280 2007-10-03
26
move toward one another as the cable rotates between the
terminals. The two carriages pass one another and continue
moving toward the opposite terminal. In such a configuration,
the ramp 375 and tracks 360 and 361 would not be necessary since
the cable must stop moving as the cars approach the terminals.
The carriages are unloaded simultaneously. In other words,
when the first carriage moves toward the second carriage, the
second carriage moves in the opposite direction towards the
first carriage. The two carriages trade places going back and
forth between the two terminal. The present invention is
intended to apply to such a cable car ride.
Various details of the invention may be changed without
departing from its spirit nor its scope. Furthermore, the
foregoing description of the embodiments according to the
present invention is provided for the purpose of illustration
only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as
defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
