AMUSEMENT RIDE TO MOVE VEHICLES AT LEAST VERTICALLY

Abstract

An amusement moves vehicles at least vertically and comprises a vertical column; at least one vehicle to accommodate at least one passenger, movable at least along the vertical direction between maximum and minimum heights; a movement system for each vehicle configured to move the vehicle vertically; a control and command unit (CU) connected to the movement system; and, a pneumatic assembly comprising a cylinder and a piston which define a first chamber. The piston is connected to the vehicle to move between a maximum contraction position in which the vehicle is at the maximum height, and a maximum exposure position in which the vehicle is at the minimum height. The movement system comprises a first valve connected to the first chamber, whose opening and closing can be commanded by the control and command unit (CU) to control at least one movement of the vehicle.

Claims

1. Amusement ride (1) to move vehicles at least vertically, comprising: a column (2) extending along a vertical direction (Y); at least one vehicle (3) supported by said column (2), movable at least along said vertical direction (Y) between a maximum height (Hmax) and a minimum height (Hmin), said vehicle (3) being configured to accommodate at least one passenger; a movement system (4) for each vehicle (3), configured to move said vehicle (3) along said vertical direction (Y); a control and command unit (CU) operatively connected to at least said movement system (4); said amusement ride (1) being characterized in that said movement system (4) comprises at least one pneumatic assembly (5) comprising a cylinder (51) and a piston (52) movable within said cylinder (51), said piston (52) defining with said cylinder (51) a first chamber (C1); said piston (52) being further operatively connected to said vehicle (3) so as to move between a maximum contraction position (P1), in which said vehicle (3) is at the maximum height (Hmax), and a maximum exposure position (P2), in which said vehicle (3) is at the minimum height (Hmin), said movement system (4) comprising a first valve (VC1), which is connected to said first chamber (C1), whose opening and closing can be commanded by said control and command unit (CU) to control at least one movement of said vehicle (3).

2. The amusement ride (1) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one vehicle (3) comprises an actuating device (31) operable by said passenger, for commanding at least one movement of the at least one vehicle (3) towards said maximum height (Hmax), said at least one vehicle (3) further comprising a sensor (32) operatively connected to said actuating device (31) and configured to detect an actuation thereof by a passenger, said sensor (35) being in communication with said control and command unit (CU).

3. The amusement ride (1) according to claim 2, wherein the movement system (4) comprises a compressor (K), in fluid communication with said first chamber (C1) for injecting high pressure air into said first chamber (C1) and wherein said control unit (CU) is configured to command said compressor (K) for injecting high pressure air into said first chamber (C1) when the actuation of said actuating device (31) is detected by said sensor (35).

4. The amusement ride (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first valve (VC1) comprises a timer for commanding the opening and/or closing of said first valve (VC1).

5. The amusement ride (1) according to claim 1, wherein said movement system (4) comprises: at least one cable (F,F1,F2) connected, at one end thereof, to said vehicle (3) and configured to tow said vehicle (3); a fixed anchoring point (FP) connected to said cable (F) at a second end opposite said first end; at least one first fixed idler assembly (6), configured for sliding said at least one cable (F,F1,F2); and at least one second movable idler assembly (7) configured for sliding said at least one cable (F,F1,F2); wherein said piston (52) of the at least one pneumatic assembly (5) is connected to said second idler assembly (7).

6. The amusement ride (1) according to claim 5, wherein said first idler assembly (6) comprises at least one first pulley in contact with said at least one cable and/or said second idler assembly (7) comprises at least one second pulley in contact with said at least one cable (F, F1, F2).

7. The amusement ride (1) according to claim 6, wherein said movement system (4) comprises two cables (F1,F2) and wherein said anchoring point (FP) comprises a tilt sensor operatively connected to said control and command unit (CU), said tilt sensor being configured to detect changes in the tilt of the anchoring point (FP) as a result, for example, of the breaking of one of the cables (F1,F2).

8. The amusement ride (1) according to claim 1, wherein said piston (52) defines with said cylinder (51) a second chamber (C2), said second chamber (C2) being connected to a second valve (VC2) to facilitate the air input and/or output into/from said second chamber (C2).

9. The amusement ride (1) according to claim 1, wherein said column (2) comprises a fixed base portion (21) and a rotating portion (22), said rotating portion (22) being configured to rotate around said vertical direction (Y).

10. The amusement ride (1) according to claim 1, further comprising detecting means for detecting weight of said at least one vehicle (3), said detecting means operatively connected to said control unit (CU).

11. An operating method to operate an amusement ride (1) according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: boarding at least one passenger on said at least one vehicle (3); lifting said at least one vehicle (3) by injecting high pressure air into said first chamber (C1); dropping said at least one vehicle (3) by opening said first valve (VC1); stopping the drop, and bouncing the vehicle (3) by closing said first valve (VC1); and disembarking said at least one passenger from said at least one vehicle (3); wherein said lifting step, dropping step, drop stopping and bouncing step are repeated at least once before the disembarking step.

12. The operating method according to the claim 11, wherein said at least one vehicle (3) comprises an actuating device (31) operable by said passenger, for commanding at least one movement of the at least one vehicle (3) towards said maximum height (Hmax), said at least one vehicle (3) further comprising a sensor (32) operatively connected to said actuating device (31) and configured to detect an actuation thereof by a passenger, said sensor (35) being in communication with said control and command unit (CU), and wherein said lifting step of said at least one vehicle (3) is commanded by an actuation of said actuating device (31).

13. The operating method according to claim 11 further comprising, after the boarding step of at least one passenger, a step of detecting the weight of said at least one vehicle (3) and wherein said lifting step and dropping and bouncing step are performed in accordance with said weight detecting step.

14. The operating method according to claim 11 wherein, when said at least one vehicle (3) reaches said maximum height (Hmax) during the lifting step, said drop stopping and bouncing step is carried out in the proximity of said minimum height (Hmin).

15. The operating method according to claim 11 wherein said piston (52) defines with said cylinder (51) a second chamber (C2), said second chamber (C2) being connected to a second valve (VC2) to facilitate the air input and/or output into/from said second chamber (C2), and further comprising, while performing the lifting step and the dropping step and the drop stopping and bouncing step, a step of rotating the movable portion (22) of said column (2).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0065] These and further aspects of the present invention will become clearer in the following detailed description provided herein by way of example only and without limitations, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0066] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the amusement ride according to the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the amusement ride referred to in FIG. 1;

[0068] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the amusement ride referred to in FIG. 1;

[0069] FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the amusement ride referred to in FIG. 1;

[0070] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of one of the vehicles depicted in FIG. 1;

[0071] FIG. 6 depicts the vehicle of FIG. 5 with some parts in transparency for greater clarity;

[0072] FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the vehicle referred to in FIG. 5;

[0073] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the movement system of the vehicle of FIG. 5 in a first configuration;

[0074] FIG. 9 depicts a front view of the movement system of FIG. 8;

[0075] FIG. 10 depicts the detail A of the movement system of FIG. 8;

[0076] FIG. 11 depicts the detail B of the movement system of FIG. 8;

[0077] FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of the movement system of the vehicle of FIG. 5 in a second configuration;

[0078] FIG. 13 depicts a front view of the movement system of FIG. 12;

[0079] FIG. 14 depicts a simplified schematic view of the movement system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF POSSIBLE EMBODIMENTS

[0080] With reference to the accompanying figures, a possible embodiment of the amusement ride 1 to move vehicles at least vertically according to the present invention, and which will simply be denoted as amusement ride 1 hereunder, will be described.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the amusement ride 1 comprises a column 2. The column 2 acts as a support for the components of the amusement ride 1, which components will be described hereunder. Such column 2 extends along a vertical direction Y. As shown in FIG. 1, the vertical direction Y coincides with a direction substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane X on which the amusement ride 1 rests. Such horizontal bearing plane X typically coincides with the ground or with a raised plane parallel to the ground and, thus, the vertical direction Y coincides with the vertical to the ground. Preferably, the column 2 has a prevalent extends along the vertical direction Y, i.e. the extension of the column 2 along the vertical direction Y is greater than the extension of the column 2 itself along other directions orthogonal to the vertical direction Y, i.e. directions parallel to the horizontal plane X. In other words, the column 2 extends mainly in height and has base sides reduced with respect to its height.

[0082] Preferably, the column 2 comprises a fixed base portion 21 and a movable portion 22. Said fixed portion 22 is the portion of the column 2 in contact with the horizontal bearing plane X or with the resting surface, whereas the movable portion 22 is the portion of the column 2 extending along the vertical direction Y. Appropriate motors, not shown, allow the movement of the movable portion 22 with respect to the fixed portion 21. According to an embodiment, said movable portion 22 is configured to rotate around said vertical direction Y. According further embodiments, said movable portion 22 is configured to tilt with respect to the movable portion 21. Further types of movements or combinations of movements are intended as included in the object of the present invention.

[0083] Always as depicted in FIGS. 1 to 4, the amusement ride 1 comprises at least one vehicle 3 supported by said column 2, i.e. is connected to said column 2 and configured for accommodating at least one passenger. The at least one vehicle 3 is movable between a maximum height Hmax, in which the vehicle 3 is positioned substantially at an end of the column 2 distal from the horizontal plane X, and a minimum height Hmin, in which the vehicle 3 is substantially coincident to an end of the column 2 proximal to the horizontal plane X, i.e. the opposite end to the distal end from the horizontal plane. Typically, the minimum height Hmin of the vehicles 3 coincides with the boarding and disembarking stations for boarding and disembarking passengers on or from said at least one vehicle 3.

[0084] It should be noted that the term to move at least vertically means that the vehicles 3 are configured to carry out at least one movement, i.e. ascending and descending, along a vertical direction Y. Further types of movements can be combined with such a movement, as rotations and/or tilts and/or vibrations which will be added to the vertical movement to enhance the experience perceived by any passenger housed inside the vehicles.

[0085] In the present description, as mentioned, a movement of the at least one vehicle 3 towards the maximum height position Hmax will be denoted as an ascending movement or a reascending movement. Contrarily, a movement of the at least one vehicle 3 towards the minimum height position Hmin will be denoted as a dropping movement.

[0086] In the same way, the term downward or descending denotes a movement along the vertical direction Y towards the minimum height position Hmin or the horizontal bearing plane X of the amusement ride 1. Whereas the term upward or ascending denotes a movement in the opposite direction, i.e. towards the maximum height Hmax.

[0087] As depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, said at least one vehicle 3 can comprise one or more seats 31, or similar elements known in the art, adapted to safely accommodate one or more passengers. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the vehicle 3 is adapted to house a maximum of two passengers in seats shaped and made in one piece with the main body of the vehicle 3.

[0088] Preferably, as depicted in particular in FIG. 6, said at least one vehicle 3 comprises a frame 32 for connecting to the column 2. Said frame 32 comprises at least one wheel 33 to allow it to travel in the vertical direction Y along the column 2, which column is preferably provided with a pair of tracks for each vehicle 3 it supports.

[0089] The amusement ride 1 further comprises at least one movement system 4 depicted in different configurations and different levels of detail in FIGS. 8 to 14. Specifically, the amusement ride 1 comprises a movement system 4 for each vehicle 3 supported by the column 2. Said movement system 4 is configured to move said vehicle 3 along the vertical direction Y. In other words, the movement system 4 is intended for both the ascending and descending movements of the vehicle 3 along the vertical direction Y.

[0090] As depicted in FIG. 14, the amusement ride 1 comprises a control unit CU. Such control unit CU is operatively connected to the movement system 4 to control its action and, thus, to drive the movement along the vertical direction Y of the at least one vehicle 3 connected to the aforesaid movement system 4. As will become clearer hereunder, said control and command unit CU is configured to control the behavior of one or more of the components of the movement system 4 so as to manage the movements of the at least one vehicle 3. A control and command unit CU, centralized and positioned in the proximity of the column 2, is depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 14. In further embodiments, said controlled unit CU can be distributed and/or located in a remote position with respect to the column 2.

[0091] As depicted in FIGS. 8 to 14, the movement system 4 comprises at least one pneumatic assembly 5 comprising a cylinder 51 and a piston 52 housed within said cylinder 51. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 to 13, the movement system 4 comprises two pneumatic assemblies 5 for each vehicle 3. Specifically, said piston 52 is movable within said cylinder 51, i.e. the piston 52 can slide inside the cylinder 51 within which it is housed. According to the embodiment depicted, the piston 52 comprises a head 521 and a rod 522 connected to each other. Specifically, said head 521 is always contained inside the cylinder 51, whereas said rod 522 can come out at least partially of said cylinder 51 depending on the position assumed by the piston 52.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 14, said piston 52 defines a first chamber C1 with the cylinder 51 within which it is accommodated. Said first chamber C1 is thus defined by the inner walls of the cylinder 51 and the head 521 of the piston 52.

[0093] In particular, said piston 52 of the pneumatic assembly 5 is operatively connected, preferably at the rod 522, to a corresponding vehicle 3 for moving between a maximum contraction position P1 depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, and a maximum exposure position P2 depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13. In the maximum contraction position P1, the piston 52 is maximally contained inside the cylinder 51, whereas, in the maximum exposure position P2, the piston 52 is maximally exposed from the inside of the cylinder 51. With reference to the exposure of the rod 522, said rod 522 is minimally exposed in the maximum contraction position P1 and is maximally exposed in the maximum exposure position P2. The maximum contraction position P1 corresponds to the maximum height position Hmax of the vehicle 3 along the column 2 and to the maximum volume of the first chamber C1. The maximum exposure position P2 corresponds to the minimum height Hmin of the vehicle 3 along the column 2 and to the minimum volume of the first chamber C1. It should be noted that, with reference to the connection between the piston 52 and the vehicle 3, the term operatively connected denotes a relationship between said piston 52 and vehicle 3, preferably by interposing one or more components that lead them to move simultaneously. In other words, a movement of the vehicle 3 corresponds to a movement of the piston 52. More specifically, a movement towards the maximum contraction position P1 of the piston 52 corresponds to a movement towards the maximum height Hmax of the vehicle 3 (ascending movement). Similarly, a movement towards the maximum exposure position P2 of the piston 52 corresponds to a movement towards the minimum height Hmin of the vehicle 3 (dropping movement). In different terms, an expansion of the first chamber C1 corresponds to an ascending movement. Vice-versa, a contraction of the first chamber C1 corresponds to a dropping movement. According to that which is depicted in detail in FIG. 14, the movement system 4 comprises a first valve VC1 connected to said first chamber C1 and whose opening and closing can be commanded by the control and command unit CU. The opening and closing of the first valve VC1, both commanded by the control and command unit CU, are configured to control at least one movement of said vehicle 3, towards the minimum height Hmin (dropping movement) and/or towards the maximum height Hmax (ascending movement). Specifically, the opening of the first valve VC1 opens the first chamber C1, i.e. puts it in fluid communication with the environment outside the pneumatic assembly 5. Instead, the closing of the first valve VC1 hermetically closes, i.e. makes airtight, the first chamber C1, which chamber cannot exchange fluids with the environment outside the pneumatic assembly 5.

[0094] Specifically, the opening of the first valve VC1 causes the opening of the first chamber C1 and, thus, the coming out of air from the first chamber itself. The coming out of air is caused by the movement of the piston 52 towards the maximum exposure position P2, without opposition of resistance by the air present in the first chamber C1, following the dropping movement of the vehicle 3 towards the minimum height position Hmin subjected to its weight force. The closing of the first valve VC1 closes the first chamber C1 and the air present therein opposes the movement of the piston 52 towards the maximum exposure position P2. Consequently, the dropping movement of the vehicle 3 towards the minimum height Hmin is also stopped. However, by virtue of the law of inertia, the stopping of the dropping movement is not immediate and the piston 52 temporarily continues its stroke towards the maximum exposure position P2, i.e. the first chamber C1 continues to contract until it stops beyond the position of equilibrium. Thus, a pressure builds up inside the first chamber C1 such as to push the piston 52 in the opposite direction, i.e. towards the maximum contraction position. A temporary oscillatory movement of the vehicle 3, alternating ascending movements and dropping movements which are gradually dampened until a position of equilibrium is reached, is thus created so as to simulate the effect of dropping on an air cushion. By keeping the first valve VC1 closed, it is possible to feed air inside the first chamber C1 and to cause the piston 52 to move towards the maximum contraction position P1, thus causing the ascending of the vehicle, i.e. its movement towards the maximum height Hmax.

[0095] The presence of a pneumatic assembly 5 provided with the first valve VC1, whose opening and closing can be commanded, allows a less abrupt and more natural handling of the stopping of the dropping movement. In fact, the amusement ride 1 allows to simulate the dropping of the vehicle 3 on an air cushion, i.e. allows to simulate a drop followed by a bounce, followed by further drops and bounces of gradually decreasing size. Such type of stopping of the dropping movement is more exciting and fun with respect to the traditional progressive braking caused by the known braking systems.

[0096] It should be noted that, in the present amusement ride, the control of at least the movement of the vehicle 3 is performed without using classic braking systems, such as for example magnetic brakes. Such type of brakes can anyhow be provided for safety issues but are not the main ones involved in the operations for stopping the drop of a vehicle 3 along the column of the amusement ride 2.

[0097] Preferably, as depicted in FIG. 14, said piston 52 also defines with said cylinder 51 a second chamber C2. Such second chamber C2 is connected to a second valve VC2 to facilitate the air input and/or output into/from said second chamber C2. Specifically, said second valve VC2 is almost always open, i.e. venting, so as not to hinder the movement of the piston 52 inside the cylinder 51.

[0098] In the perspective of FIG. 14, the first chamber C1 corresponds to the upper chamber and the second chamber C2 to the lower chamber. Typically, the first chamber C1 contains the rod 522 of the piston 52.

[0099] As depicted in FIGS. 5 to 7, said at least one vehicle 3 comprises an actuating device 33 operable by a passenger. Preferably, the actuating device 33 is a manual type actuating device and is connected to a restraining system 34 for restraining the passenger. Specifically, said actuating device 33 is operable by said passenger to command at least one movement of the at least one vehicle 3 towards said maximum height Hmax, i.e. the ascending movement.

[0100] Moreover, the at least one vehicle 3 comprises a sensor 35. Such sensor 35 is operatively connected to said actuating device 31 and is configured to detect an actuation thereof by a passenger. Said sensor 35 is in communication with said control and command unit CU. In an embodiment, said sensor 35 is in communication with said control and command unit CU by means of a wired connection, for example a magnetic strip. According to further embodiments, said sensor 35 is in communication with said control and command unit CU by means of a wireless connection, for example a Wi-Fi connection.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the sensor 35 is configured to send a pulse signal to the control and command unit CU, i.e. a command representative only of the actuation of the actuating device 31 by a passenger.

[0102] In a further embodiment, the sensor 35 is configured to send a more complex signal to the control and command unit CU, for example a command representative of the force exerted by the passenger when actuating the actuating device 31.

[0103] In the embodiment depicted, said actuating device 31 is a lever or rod connected to said vehicle 3 and configured to be pressed downward by a passenger. In such embodiment, the actuation of the lever or rod simulates an inflating or pumping action to which corresponds an ascending movement of the vehicle. Such action simulates, for example, the movement dynamics of an air balloon and enhances the experience of the passenger accommodated in the at least one vehicle 3.

[0104] As depicted in FIG. 14, the movement system 4 comprises a compressor K in fluid communication with said first chamber C1 for injecting high pressure air into said first chamber C1, at least when said first valve VC1 is closed. In such embodiment, said control and command unit CU is operatively connected to the compressor K and configured to command said compressor K so as to inject high pressure air into said first chamber C1 when said sensor 35 detects the actuation of said actuating device 31. In the present description, the term high pressure means pressures above 5 bars, i.e. 0.5 MPa, but preferably pressures substantially equal to 8 bars, i.e. 0.8 MPa.

[0105] Always as depicted in FIG. 14, the movement system 4 further comprises a tank T connected to the compressor K. Such tank T allows the operation of the compressor K, also in the event of supply interruptions to the compressor itself.

[0106] Preferably, the first valve VC1 comprises a timer for commanding the opening and/or closing of the same first valve VC1. The timer is configured to limit the opening and/or closing times of the first valve VC1, thus consequently limiting the ascending and dropping movements of the vehicle 3, thus always keeping the passengers safely accommodated. In fact, an excessively prolonged opening or closing of the first valve VC1 would make the vehicle try to go beyond the minimum height Hmin or maximum height Hmax positions, with consequent risks for the passengers.

[0107] The embodiment of the movement system 4 depicted in FIGS. 8 to 14 will now be described in more detail.

[0108] In such embodiment, the movement system 4 comprises at least one cable F, two cables F1, F2 in this specific case. Such cables F1, F2 are connected, at one end thereof, to a respective vehicle 3 and are configured to tow the vehicle itself. As depicted in FIG. 6, the frame 32 of the vehicle 3 comprises respective fastening means 36 for fastening the cables F1, F2. The presence of two cables allows to use a redundant movement system 4 and, thus, increasing safety.

[0109] Moreover, the movement system 4 comprises a fixed anchoring point FP. Preferably, said anchoring point FP is constrained to said column 2. Said cables F1, F2 are connected, at a second end opposite said first end, to said anchoring point FP.

[0110] Preferably, in the embodiment depicted, the anchoring point FP comprises a tilt sensor operatively connected to said control and command unit CU. The tilt sensor CU is configured to detect changes in the tilt of the anchoring point FP as a result, for example, of the breaking or fraying of one of the cables F1, F2. In such embodiment, the anchoring point FP is thus represented by a so-named lifting beam, whose balance is altered by the breaking of one of the two cables, which cables are appropriately connected to the lifting beam itself in different positions, as shown more in detail in FIG. 10. The presence of a system for detecting the wearing or breaking of one of the cables allows to promptly carry out the operations needed to reestablish an adequate level of safety.

[0111] In the embodiment depicted, the system comprises a first fixed idler assembly 6. Preferably, said first idler assembly 6 is constrained, i.e. fixed, to said column 2 so as to prevent a movement thereof. Said first idler assembly 6 is configured for the sliding of the cables F1, F2. As depicted more in detail in FIG. 10, the first idler assembly 6 comprises at least one first pulley in contact with said cables F1, F2. In the embodiment depicted, the first idler assembly 6 comprises two first pulleys, one for each cable F1, F2. In the embodiment depicted, the system comprises a second movable idler assembly 7. In the embodiment depicted, the second idler assembly 7 is movable along the vertical direction. The first idler assembly 7 is configured for the sliding of the cables F1, F2. As depicted more in detail in FIG. 11, the second idler assembly 7 comprises at least one second pulley in contact with said cables F1, F2. In the embodiment depicted, the second idler assembly 7 comprises two second pulleys, one for each cable F1, F2.

[0112] As depicted in FIG. 11, the piston 52 is connected, preferably is constrained, to said second idler assembly 7 for moving integrally with it. Specifically, the piston 52 is connected to the second idler assembly 7 at the rod 522, at a distal end from the head 521. The at least one vehicle 3 is thus connected to the movement assembly 4 only at the cables F1, F2, which cables run, in the following order, inside said first idler assembly 6, inside said second idler assembly 7, and ends at the anchoring point FP. In such embodiment, a so-named two pulley arrangement is created, in which a double movement of the vehicle 3 along the vertical direction Y corresponds to a movement of the second idler assembly 7 (and thus of the 52 piston). This way, the strokes of the piston 52 inside the cylinder 51 are kept small and, consequently, such components can be sized appropriately small with respect to the height of the column 2.

[0113] Moreover, the amusement ride 1 preferably comprises means, not shown, for detecting (or estimating) the weight of at least said vehicle 3. Such weight detecting means are operatively connected to the control unit CU. As known, by also calculating the presence of one or more passengers, the weight of the vehicle 3 affects the speed of the movements along the vertical direction Y. Depending on the data received from the weight detecting means, the control and command unit CU adapts one or more parameters of the movement system 4, for example the opening/closing times of the first valve VC1, so as to optimize them with respect to the weight present on the vehicle.