Abstract
This invention relates to a support construction for an amusement ride, comprising a base frame for supporting the amusement ride, one or more support masts connected to a mast frame, wherein the one or more support masts and mast frame are connected as a unity to the base frame, and wherein the one or more support masts and mast frame are tiltable in unity around a main axis.
Claims
1. A support construction for an amusement ride, comprising a base frame for supporting the amusement ride, one or more support masts connected to a mast frame, wherein at least one of the one or more support masts and mast frame are connected as a unity to the base frame, and wherein the at least one support mast and mast frame are tiltable in unity around a main axis (X).
2. The support construction according to claim 1, wherein the mast frame comprises a trailer.
3. The support construction according to claim 1, wherein the mast frame is connected to the base frame in a hanging manner.
4. The support construction according to claim 3, further comprising a hook plate attached to the mast frame for connecting the mast frame to the base frame in the hanging manner.
5. The support construction according to claim 1, wherein the base frame and hook plate are provided with fixation members for fixing the one or more supports masts and mast frame in a tilted position around the main axis.
6. The support construction according to claim 5, wherein the fixation members comprise co-operating openings.
7. The support construction according to claim 4, wherein the hook plate comprises a cylinder connection.
8. The support construction according to claim 1, further comprising a lift system configured to lift the base frame above a level (L).
9. The support construction according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of support arms connected between the one or more support masts and the mast frame.
10. The support construction according to claim 1, wherein the one or more support masts and mast frame are pivotally connected to the base frame.
11. The support construction according to claim 1, wherein the one or more support masts comprises a first mast column and/or a second mast column.
12. The support construction according to claim 1, wherein the one or more support masts comprises a plurality of modular parts.
13. The support construction according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of modular parts are articulately connected for folding and/or erecting the one or more support masts.
14. An amusement ride comprising a support construction according to claim 1.
15. The amusement ride according to claim 14, wherein the amusement ride comprises a Ferris wheel comprising a wheel frame rotatable around a rotation axis.
16. The amusement ride according to claim 14, wherein the Ferris wheel is a transportable Ferris wheel.
17. A method for assembling a support construction for an amusement ride, comprising providing a base frame for supporting the amusement ride, one or more support masts and a mast frame; connecting the one or more support masts to the mast frame; connecting the one or more support masts and mast frame as a unity to the base frame; tilting the one or more support masts and mast frame in unity around a main axis (A), and connecting the one or more support masts to the amusement ride for supporting the amusement ride with the base frame.
18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising attaching a hook plate to the mast frame, wherein the hook plate and base frame are provided with fixation members, and fixing the one or more support masts and mast frame in a tilted position around the main axis (X).
19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising lifting the base frame above a level (L).
Description
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0045] The present invention will be discussed in more detail below, with reference to the attached drawings, in which
[0046] FIG. 1 is a support construction according to the invention in a perspective view;
[0047] FIG. 2 is a side view of the support construction in FIG. 1:
[0048] FIGS. 3A-B shows two perspective views of a part of the support construction; and
[0049] FIG. 4 shows a further perspective view of the support construction in FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0050] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a support construction for an amusement ride 2. In this case, the amusement ride 2 comprises a Ferris wheel comprising a wheel frame rotatable around a rotation axis, where the rotation axis is at the centre of the wheel frame. Such a Ferris wheel having a wheel frame is known per se, and may have a plurality of passenger cabins provided on a circumferential rim thereof. However, it is noted that the Ferris wheel in FIG. 1 is an exemplary example, and amusement ride 2 may be any suitable structure.
[0051] In FIG. 1, the support construction comprises a base frame 3 provided below the amusement ride 2, wherein the bottom of the amusement ride 2 (bottom of the wheel frame in this case) is not in direct contact with the base frame 3. The base frame 3 comprises a rectangular platform for supporting the amusement ride 2.
[0052] The support construction further comprises one or more support masts 4a, 4b, where, in FIG. 1, two support masts 4a, 4b are shown to support the amusement ride 2 on two sides. Such one or more support masts 4a, 4b are known per se, and have a support column-like structure comprising a suitable strong material e.g. steel. One (e.g. proximal) end of the one or more support masts 4a, 4b are connected to the amusement ride 2, and a second end (e.g. distal) opposite the first end is connected to a mast frame 5. As mentioned herein, the mast frame 5 is a part of the support construction, and may extend along the width/length of the base frame 3.
[0053] The one or more support masts 4a, 4b are connected to a mast frame 5 as a unity (structure), and are tiltable in unity around a main axis X. It is clear from FIG. 1 that the unity is tilted around the main axis X such that the one or more support masts 4a, 4b may connect to the amusement ride 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the one or more support masts 4a, 4b are connected to a central part of the wheel frame of the Ferris wheel, i.e. at the rotation axis. The main axis X is substantially parallel to the main plane of the base frame 3, and it is clear from FIG. 1 that the rotation axis and main axis are different axes and are (substantially) perpendicular to one another.
[0054] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the support construction for the amusement ride 2. In FIG. 2, the one or more support masts 4a, 4b and mast frame 5 are clearly shown to be tilted position with respect to the (main plane of the) amusement ride 2. In this light, the one or more support masts 4a, 4b may first be mounted (with the mast frame 5) in a straight fashion, i.e. mounted upwards and parallel to the main plane of the amusement ride 2, and thereafter tilted with the mast frame 5 in unity around the main axis X towards the amusement ride 2 for connection therewith.
[0055] There are two support masts 4a, 4b in FIGS. 1-2, wherein the two support masts 4a, 4b represent an A-frame like structure for supporting the amusement ride 2 with the base frame 3. However, it is re-iterated that the two support masts 4a, 4b in FIGS. 1-2 are exemplary examples, and it is conceivable, for example, that only one support mast 4a may support the amusement ride 2 from one side. In case of a Ferris wheel 2 as shown, the support masts 4a, 4b are arranged at opposite sides of the wheel 2 to support the wheel in a vertical position from both opposite sides. Each respective support mast 4a, 4b forms a unity with a respective mast frame 5. These separate units or unities can tilt independently towards the wheel 2 to connect the free ends of the support masts with the wheel. Thus in this case each support mast 4a, 4b is coupled to a separate mast frame 5.
[0056] In FIG. 2, the mast frame 5 comprises a trailer. The trailer is known per se and is not described in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the mast frame 5 comprising a trailer may be a part of a plurality of trailers: for example, a trailer may also be attached to a bottom of the amusement ride 2 itself. The trailers are arranged for transportation purposes of the support construction and amusement ride 2. Furthermore, the trailer in FIG. 2 comprises wheels and a coupling system to connect to the base frame 3. The trailers may be suitably arranged and positioned in any way for proper transportation.
[0057] Furthermore, in FIG. 2, the support construction further comprises a lift system 6 configured to lift the base frame 3 above a level L, wherein the lift system 6 is connected to the base frame 3. The level L is depicted as the dashed line in FIG. 2, and may present any (flat) surface or plane to which the base frame 3 is lifted above. e.g. a ground level or a platform.
[0058] Here, the lift system 6 comprises a jack system with plates placed on the level L, and the base frame 3 is jacked (i.e. raised) above the level L. Four jack systems (with four plates) are positioned near/on the corners of the (rectangular) base frame 3, as shown in FIG. 2. However, it is noted that this is an exemplary example, and any number of jack systems may be envisaged. Further, the jack system in FIG. 2 is a non-liming implementation, and the lift system 6 may comprise any device known to the skilled person. e.g. hydraulic cylinders.
[0059] Moreover, in FIG. 2, the support construction further comprises a hook plate 8 attached to the mast frame 5, where the hook plate 8 comprises a arrow-like shape. As mentioned herein, the hook plate 8 is configured to allow the one or more support masts 4a, 4b and mast frame 5 to hang, as a unity, on the base frame 3.
[0060] To that end, FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a part of the support construction for the amusement ride 2, and in particular, a more clear view of the hook plate 8 and the base frame 3. FIG. 3B shows a similar perspective view of the part of the support construction as shown in FIG. 3A, but without parts of the base frame 3, and the hook plate 8 more clearly outlined.
[0061] In FIG. 3A, the hook plate 8 is positioned in a window opening near the side of the base frame 3. Since the hook plate 8 is attached to the mast frame 5, the hook plate 8 may tilt within the window opening during tilting of the unity. The base frame 3 and hook plate 8 are provided with fixation members 10, where, in FIG. 2, the fixation members 10 are co-operating openings. Here, the co-operating openings are aligned, i.e. the co-operating openings in the base frame 3 and hook plate 8 are (fully) overlapping one another. In this manner, the one or more support masts 4a, 4b and mast frame 5 are titled as a unity such that the opening in the hook plate 8 aligns with the opening in the base frame 3. Upon aligning the co-operating openings, a pin, for example, may be insert therein, and the unity is fixed in the tilted positioned. With this in mind, it is envisaged that when the co-operating openings are aligned, the titled position corresponds to a proper positioning to connected the one or more support masts 4a, 4b to the amusement ride 2.
[0062] Furthermore, in FIG. 3a, the hook plate 8 further comprises a cylinder connection 81. Here, the hook cylinder connection 81 is provided on a side part of the hook plate 8. A tilt control hydraulic cylinder (not shown) is positioned within a cavity of the base frame 3, in particular of a portal frame 12 thereof. The hook plate 8 extends within the window opening of the portal frame 12. The fixation members 10 are co-operating openings. Here, the co-operating openings are aligned, i.e. the co-operating openings 11 in the base frame 3 and opening 10 in the hook plate 8 are (fully) overlapping one another. Upon aligning the co-operating openings 10, 11, a pin, for example, may be inserted therein, and the unity is fixed and can be tilted in the desired angular position around the main axis X.
[0063] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a further part of the support construction for the amusement ride 2. Here, the support construction further comprises a plurality of support arms 7 connected between the one or more support masts 4a, 4b and the mast frame 5. Here, four support arms 7 arms provided for each of the one or more mast supports 4a, 4b, but it is noted that this presents an exemplary number of support arms 7. The plurality of support arms 7 may be e.g. bolted and/or screwed onto the one or more support masts 4a, 4b and the mast frame 5, wherein opposite ends of the plurality of support arms 7 are connected thereto, i.e. one end to the one or more support masts 4a, 4b and another end to the mast frame 5.
[0064] In FIG. 3a, the one or support masts 4a, 4b are pivotally connected to the mast frame 5 via pivot connections P1, and, thus, the plurality of support arms 7 are configured to support the stability of the one or more support masts 4a, 4b in their erected position, and support the tilting thereof with the mast frame 5 as a unity. The plurality of support arms 7 may comprise any device or structure known the skilled person, for example, a hydraulic actuator. In a non-limiting example, for a hydraulic cylinder, the one or more support masts 4a, 4b may be erected by extension of the hydraulic cylinder.
[0065] Additionally, in FIG. 4, the one or more support masts 4a, 4b comprises two mast columns; a first mast column 41a and a second mast column 42a. Here, a double-cantilever structure is envisaged to connected and support the amusement ride 2, whereby an end of the first mast column 41a is connected to one end of the mast frame 5, and an end of the second mast column 42a is connected to an opposite end of the mast frame 5.
[0066] However, it is noted that this is an exemplary example, and it is conceivable that the one or more supports masts 4a, 4b may only comprise one mast column, e.g. the first mast column 41a to form a single-cantilever structure, whereby the first mast column 41a is positioned in a center part of the base frame 3.
[0067] The present invention has been described above with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments as shown in the drawings. Modifications and alternative implementations of some parts or elements are possible, and are included in the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.
