A CAROUSEL FOR RAISING AND LOWERING PASSENGERS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a carousel for raising and lowering passengers, comprising a support structure having a longitudinal extension axis and a base arranged to bear the support structure. The support structure is hinged to the base about a rotation axis, allowing for rotation relative to the base, with movement means facilitating this rotation. The support structure includes a first end bearing a cabin for passengers and a second end connected to the base, with a plurality of tubular elements telescopically coupled to adjust the longitudinal extension axis. The carousel features positioning means that connect the cabin to either the base or the support structure, depending on the operating condition. The carousel can assume two configurations: a first configuration where the cabin is near the base and a second configuration where the support structure emerges from the base to allow sliding of the tubular elements.

Claims

1. A carousel for raising and lowering passengers, comprising: a support structure having a longitudinal extension axis; a base arranged to bear the support structure; the support structure being hinged to the base, according to a rotation axis, in such a way that the support structure is rotatable with respect to the base about the rotation axis; movement means which are arranged so as to move the support structure in rotation with respect to the base; the support structure comprising a first end and a second end, which is opposite the first end and which is connected to the base, and a plurality of tubular elements telescopically coupled with one another in such a way as to slide with respect to one another in order to increase or reduce the longitudinal extension axis of the support structure; a cabin which is conformed to receive passengers and which is borne by the first end of the support structure; a connecting element for rotatably connecting the cabin and the support structure to one another; positioning means of the cabin, which are conformed and predisposed to assume a first operating condition in which they connect the cabin and the base to one another and a second operating condition in which they connect the cabin and the support structure to one another; wherein the positioning means of the cabin comprise a pair of rods which are borne by the connecting element and which are arranged opposite one another; in which each rod of the pair of rods is arranged in such a way that: when the positioning means of the cabin assume the first operating condition, a first end of each rod of the pair of rods is rotatably coupled to the connecting element and a second end of each rod of the pair of rods is coupled to the base; wherein each rod of the pair of rods comprises a projection which extends transversally to the extension axis of each rod and is arranged in such a way that: when the positioning means of the cabin assume the second operating condition, the first end of each rod of the pair of rods is rotatably coupled to the connecting element and the projection is solidly coupled to the support structure; the carousel being configured so as to assume: a first configuration wherein, once the support structure is moved in rotation with respect to the base, about the rotation axis in a first rotation direction, the support structure is arranged so that the first end and the base are neared to one another and the positioning means assume the first operating condition in such a way as to maintain the cabin in position during the movement in rotation of the support structure with respect to the base; a second configuration wherein, once the support structure is moved in rotation with respect to the base, about the rotation axis in a second rotation direction which is opposite the first rotation direction, the support structure emerges from the base and the positioning means assume the second operating condition in such a way as to maintain the cabin in position during the sliding of a tubular element with respect to the other tubular element of the plurality of tubular elements.

2. The carousel of claim 1, wherein the support structure is hinged to the base at the second end.

3. The carousel of claim 1, wherein the movement means are arranged interposed between the support structure and the base.

4. The carousel of claim 1, wherein the movement means comprise at least a piston which is rotatably coupled to the base, at a relative end thereof, and to the second end of the support structure, at another relative end thereof.

5. The carousel of claim 1, wherein: the base comprises a pair of covering plates which are arranged to at least partially cover the second end of the support structure; the support structure is hinged to the base at each covering plate of the pair of covering plates so as to be moved away from the rest surface on which the carousel lies during use.

6. The carousel of claim 1, wherein: the base comprises a first slab which is arranged resting on a rest surface; a second slab and a third slab, which are arranged resting on the rest surface, which are opposite one another with respect to the first slab and which are arranged transversally to the first slab.

7. The carousel of claim 1, wherein the cabin is activatable in rotation with respect to the support structure in such a way as to rotate about the longitudinal extension axis of the support structure.

8. The carousel of claim 1, wherein it comprises second movement means which are arranged internally of the support structure in order to activate the sliding of a tubular element with respect to another tubular element of the plurality of tubular elements.

9. The carousel of claim 1, wherein when the positioning means of the cabin assume the second operating condition, the second end of each rod of the pair of rods is decoupled from the base.

10. The carousel of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a first fixing seat and a second fixing seat, wherein the carousel comprises a first piston which is borne by the base and which is predisposed to be moved so as to insert in or exit from the corresponding first fixing seat and a second piston which is borne by the base and which is predisposed to be moved in such a way as to insert in or exit from the corresponding second fixing seat, in which the carousel assumes the second configuration, the first piston and the second piston are inserted in the corresponding seats so as to couple the base and the support structure solidly to one another, and when the carousel assumes the first configuration, and the intermediate configurations until assuming the second configuration, the first piston and the second piston are removed from the corresponding seats so that the coupling between the base and the support structure is such as to allow the rotation of the support structure with respect to the base.

11. The carousel of claim 1, wherein each rod of the pair of rods comprises a through-hole at the relative second end, wherein the base comprises a pair of seats for receiving the second end of each rod of the pair of rods wherein, when the positioning means assume the first operating condition, the second end of the rods of the pair of rods is received in the corresponding seat of the pair of seats, and wherein the carousel further comprises: a third piston which is borne by the base and which is predisposed to be moved in such a way as to insert in or exit from the corresponding seat of the pair of seats and the corresponding through-hole of a rod of the pair of rods; and a further fourth piston which is borne by the base and which is predisposed to be moved in such a way as to insert in or exit from the corresponding other seat of the pair of seats and in the corresponding through-hole of the other rod of the pair of rods.

12. The carousel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of the tubular elements of the support structure can be arranged in a relative first arrangement wherein it has a relative minimum length and wherein, when the positioning means of the cabin assume the first operating condition, the third piston is inserted in or removed from the corresponding seat of the pair of seats and the corresponding through-hole of a rod of the pair of rods; and the fourth piston is inserted in the corresponding other seat of the pair of seats and in the corresponding through-hole of the other rod of the pair of rods.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the following part of the present description, according to what is set down in the claims and with the aid of the accompanying tables of drawings, in which:

[0019] FIGS. 1-4 are perspective views of some parts of the carousel, of the present invention, in different configurations;

[0020] FIGS. 1A-4A are lateral views of the carousel, respectively of FIGS. 1-4;

[0021] FIG. 5 is a view of detail W of FIG. 1A;

[0022] FIGS. 6-9 are lateral views, in larger scale, of the carousel of FIGS. 1-4;

[0023] FIGS. 6A-9A are views in section, taken along sections, respectively, VI-VI of FIG. 6, VII-VII of FIG. 7, VIII-VIII of FIG. 8 and IX-IX of FIG. 9;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a lateral view of the carousel, object of the present invention, when it assumes the second configuration;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a section view taken along a vertical plane of FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] With reference to the appended tables of drawings, reference numeral (1) denotes in its entirety a carousel for raising and lowering passengers according to the invention. It comprises: a support structure (2) having a longitudinal extension axis (A); a base (3) arranged to bear the support structure (2); the support structure (2) being hinged to the base (3), according to a rotation axis (R), in such a way that the support structure (2) is rotatable with respect to the base (3) about the rotation axis (R); movement means (4) which are arranged so as to move the support structure (2) in rotation with respect to the base (3); the support structure (2) comprising a first end (2a) and a second end (2b), which is opposite the first end (2a) and which is connected to the base (3), and a plurality of tubular elements (5) telescopically coupled to one another in such a way as to slide with respect to one another in order to increase or reduce the longitudinal extension axis (A) of the support structure (2); a cabin (6) which is conformed to receive passengers and which is borne by the first end (2a) of the support structure (2); positioning means (7) of the cabin (6), which are conformed and predisposed to assume a first operating condition (O1) in which they connect the cabin (6) and the base (3) to one another and a second operating condition (O2) in which they connect the cabin (6) and the support structure (2) to one another (see FIGS. 1-4, 1A-4A, 6-9, 6A-9A, 10 and 11).

[0027] The carousel (1) is configured so as to assume: [0028] a first configuration (C1) in which, once the support structure (2) is moved in rotation with respect to the base (3), about the rotation axis (R) in a first rotation direction, the support structure (2) is arranged so that the first end (2a) and the base (3) are neared to one another and the positioning means (7) assume the first operating condition (O1) in such a way as to maintain the cabin (6) in position (preferably with the cabin horizontal) during the movement in rotation of the support structure (2) with respect to the base (3) (see FIGS. 1-4, 1A, 6, 6A); [0029] a second configuration (C2), in which, once the support structure (2) is moved in rotation with respect to the base (3), about the rotation axis (R) in a second rotation direction which is opposite the first rotation direction (for example, starting from the carousel in the first configuration (C1)), the support structure (2) emerges from the base (3) and the positioning means (7) assume the second operating condition (O2) in such a way as to maintain the cabin (6) in position (preferably with the cabin horizontal) during the sliding of a tubular element (5a) with respect to the other tubular element (5b) of the plurality of tubular elements (5) (see FIGS. 4, 4A, 9 and 9A).

[0030] FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 illustrate the carousel (1), object of the present invention, respectively when it assumes the first configuration (C1) and the second configuration (C2).

[0031] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the carousel (1), object of the present invention, when it assumes the intermediate configurations between the first configuration (C1) and the second configuration (C2).

[0032] FIG. 10 illustrates the carousel (1) when it assumes the second configuration (C2) and when the tubular elements of the plurality of tubular elements (5) have been moved so as to slide one (5a) with respect to the other (5b) so as to increase the longitudinal extension axis (A) of the support structure (2).

[0033] The support structure (2), when the carousel (1) assumes the second configuration (C2), can form a column (see FIGS. 4, 4A, 9, 9A, 10 and 11). Further, when the carousel (1) assumes the second configuration (C2), the tubular elements of the plurality of tubular elements (5) can be moved so as to slide one (5a) with respect to the other (5b) in order to increase or reduce the longitudinal extension axis (A) of the support structure (2) (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0034] By base (3) is meant the lower portion of the carousel (1) having a bearing function.

[0035] The rotation axis (R) can be a horizontal rotation axis (R) (see FIGS. 1-4 and 2A-3A).

[0036] In detail, the support structure (2) is hinged to the base (3) at two hinge points (8, 9) opposite one another (see FIGS. 6-8).

[0037] The rotation axis (R) passes through the two hinge points (8, 9) (see FIGS. 1-4, 6-8).

[0038] The support structure (2) can comprise a first fixing seat (100) and a second fixing seat (100) (see FIG. 3A). Note that in the figures the first fixing seat is arranged at a first side of the first hinging point (8) and the second fixing seat is arranged at a first side of the second hinging point (9), though this is not strictly necessary.

[0039] Further, the carousel (1) can comprise a first piston (not illustrated) which is borne by the base (3) and which is predisposed to be moved so as to insert in or exit from the corresponding first fixing seat and a second piston (not illustrated) which is borne by the base (3) and which is predisposed to be moved so as to insert in or exit from the corresponding second fixing seat.

[0040] When the carousel (1) assumes the second configuration (C2), the first piston and the second piston can be inserted in the corresponding seats so as to couple the base (3) and the support structure (2) solidly to one another.

[0041] When the carousel (1) assumes the first configuration (C1), and the intermediate configurations up to assuming the second configuration (C2), the first piston and the second piston can be removed from the corresponding seats so that the coupling between the base (3) and the support structure (2) is such as to allow the rotation of the support structure (2) with respect to the base (3).

[0042] The movement of the first piston and the second piston can be an automatic movement as a function of a signal received from a sensor which detects the configuration assumed by the carousel (1) (not illustrated).

[0043] By cabin (6) is meant an environment of limited dimensions and designed to received passengers.

[0044] In detail, when the carousel (1) assumes the first configuration (C1), as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the support structure (2) is moved in rotation so that the relative longitudinal extension axis (A) assumes a horizontal orientation; while, when the carousel (1) assumes the second configuration (C2), as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the support structure (2) is moved in rotation so that the relative longitudinal extension axis (A) assumes a vertical orientation.

[0045] When the carousel (1) assumes the second configuration (C2), the support structure (2) emerges vertically from the base (3).

[0046] The support structure (2) is preferably hinged to the base (3) at the second end (2b) (see FIGS. 6-8).

[0047] Advantageously, once the support structure (2) is moved in rotation with respect to the base (3), in the second rotation direction, the support structure (2) emerges from the base (3) in such a way that the longitudinal extension axis (A) is vertical.

[0048] In the same way, once the support structure (2) is moved in rotation with respect to the base (3), in the first rotation direction, the support structure (2) is arranged with respect to the base (3) in such a way that the longitudinal extension axis (A) is horizontal.

[0049] The movement means (4) can be interposed between the support structure (2) and the base (3) (see FIGS. 6-8, 6A-8A and 9A).

[0050] The movement means (4) preferably comprise at least a piston (12) which is rotatably coupled to the base (3), at a relative end thereof, and to the second end (2b) of the support structure (2), at another relative end thereof (see FIGS. 6-8, 6A-9A).

[0051] To the extraction movement of the cylinder from the jacket of the at least a piston (12), there advantageously corresponds a thrust force on the support structure (2) that is such as to initiate the movement in rotation of the support structure (2) with respect to the base (3), about the rotation axis (R) in a second rotation direction.

[0052] If follows that, to the insertion movement of the cylinder, in the jacket of the at least a piston (12), there corresponds a traction force on the support structure (2) that is such as to initiate the movement in rotation of the support structure (2) with respect to the base (3), about the rotation axis (R) in the first rotation direction.

[0053] The at least a piston (12) can be rotatably coupled to the base (3) and to the support structure (2) by means of the spherical joints.

[0054] In detail, FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a pair of pistons (12, 13).

[0055] Again with reference to FIGS. 6-8), and FIGS. 6A-9A, the base (3) comprises a first pair of eyelet attachments (14) for the rotatable coupling between each piston of the pair of pistons (12, 13) and the base (3).

[0056] In the same way, the support structure (2) comprises a second pair of eyelet attachments (15), which is arranged at the second end (2b), for the rotatable coupling between each piston of the pair of pistons (12, 13) and the support structure (2) (see FIGS. 6-8 and FIGS. 6A-9A).

[0057] The second pair of eyelet attachments (15) can be arranged on the lateral wall of the support structure (2) (see FIGS. 6-8 and FIGS. 6A-9A).

[0058] The base (3) preferably comprises a pair of covering plates (16) which are arranged to at least partially cover the second end (2b) of the support structure (2); the support structure (2) is hinged to the base (3) at each covering plate (16a) of the pair of covering plates (16) so as to be moved away from the rest surface on which the carousel (1) lies during use (see FIGS. 1A-4A).

[0059] The rest surface on which the carousel (1) lies during use will advantageously not represent an impediment to the movement in rotation of the support structure (2) with respect to the base (3) and the carousel (1) can assume the first configuration (C1) and the second configuration (C2) without outside impediments.

[0060] In detail, the second end (2b) of the support structure (2) forms a pair of projections (20b, 21b) which are arranged opposite one another, each hinged at a covering plate (16a) of the pair of covering plates (16) (see FIGS. 1A-4A).

[0061] The pair of covering plates (16) can be arranged laterally with respect to the support structure (2) in such a way that each covering plate (16a) at least partially covers the lateral wall of the support structure (2) (see FIGS. 1A-4A). The rotation axis (R) transversally crosses the pair of covering plates (16) and the support structure (2) (see FIGS. 1-4, 6-8).

[0062] The base (3) can comprise a first slab (17) which is arranged resting on a rest surface; a second slab (18) and a third slab (19), which are arranged resting on the rest surface, which are opposite one another with respect to the first slab (17) and which are arranged transversally to the first slab (17) (see FIGS. 1-4 and 6-9).

[0063] The pair of covering plates (16) emerge starting from the first slab (17) (see FIGS. 1-4 and 6-9).

[0064] Alternatively, a covering plate of the pair of covering plates (16) can emerge from the second slab (18) and the other covering plate of the pair of covering plates (16) can emerge from the third slab (19) (not illustrated).

[0065] In detail, with particular reference to FIGS. 1-4 and 6-8, the first slab (17) comprises an undercut (21) and the first pair of eyelet attachments (15) is arranged at the undercut (21) so that the at least a piston (12) can extend at least partially internally of the undercut (21).

[0066] In detail, the first pair of eyelet attachments (15) is arranged on the lateral walls of the undercut (21).

[0067] The undercut (21) can be fashioned in the thickness of the first slab (17).

[0068] In detail, the first slab (17) and the second slab (18) are arranged in such a way that the relative extension axes are perpendicular to one another.

[0069] In the same way, the first slab (17) and the third slab (19) are arranged in such a way that the relative extension axes are perpendicular to one another.

[0070] Further, the second and the third slab (19) are arranged in such a way that the relative extension axes are parallel to one another.

[0071] The first slab (17) has an extension value along the relative extension axis which is greater than the extension value along the relative extension axis of the second slab (18) and the third slab (19).

[0072] The first slab (17), the second slab (18) and the third slab (19) can be made of metal.

[0073] The cabin (6) is preferably activatable in rotation with respect to the support structure (2) so as to rotate about the longitudinal extension axis (A) of the support structure (2).

[0074] The passengers can advantageously enjoy a further sensory experience with reference to the rotation of the cabin (6) about itself, as well as the sensory experiences in relation to the above-described movements.

[0075] In other words, the cabin (6) is activatable in rotation about itself.

[0076] The carousel (1) can comprise a motor (22) which is arranged at the cabin (6) for activation in rotation thereof.

[0077] The cabin (6) and the support structure (2) can be rotatably coupled to one another.

[0078] The carousel (1) preferably comprises second movement means (23) which are arranged internally of the support structure (2) in order to activate the sliding of a tubular element (5a) with respect to another tubular element (5b) of the plurality of tubular elements (5) (see FIGS. 6A-9A).

[0079] The tubular elements of the plurality of tubular elements (5) are slidably coupled to one another.

[0080] The second movement means (23) can comprise an actuator (24) which is connected to the most external tubular element of the plurality of tubular elements (5) and to the most internal tubular element (5a) of the plurality of tubular elements (5) in such a way that, once the actuator (24) is activated, the most internal tubular element (5a) is moved slidingly and sets off the sliding of the remaining tubular elements with respect to the most external tubular element (see FIGS. 6A-9A).

[0081] FIGS. 6A-9A are views in section, taken along sections, respectively, VI-VI of FIG. 6, VII-VII of FIG. 7, VIII-VIII of FIG. 8 and IX-IX of FIG. 9 and illustrate the carousel (1) when it assumes the first configuration (C1), the intermediate configurations and the second configuration (C2). Further, again with reference to the figures, the second movement means (23) and the plurality of tubular elements (5) are illustrated. Note that the plurality of the tubular elements (5) of the support structure (2) can be in: a relative first arrangement wherein it has a relative minimum length (FIGS. 1-9A), in a second arrangement in which it has a relative maximum length (FIGS. 10-11), and in a plurality of intermediate arrangements wherein it has a relative intermediate length between the maximum length and the minimum length.

[0082] With reference to FIG. 11, a section view of the carousel (1) is illustrated when it assumes the second configuration (C2) and when the tubular elements of the plurality of tubular elements (5) have been moved so as to slide one (5a) with respect to the other (5b) in such a way as to extend the longitudinal extension axis (A) of the support structure (2), i.e. with the plurality of tubular elements (5) in the second relative arrangement.

[0083] The carousel (1) comprises a connecting element (25) for rotatably connecting the cabin (6) and the support structure (2) to one another. The positioning means (7) of the cabin (6) comprise a pair of rods (26) which are borne by the connecting element (25) and which are arranged opposite one another; each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) can be arranged in such a way that: when the positioning means (7) of the cabin (6) assume the first operating condition (O1), the relative ends are rotatably coupled to the connecting element (25) and to the base (3), i.e. a first end of each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) is rotatably coupled to the connecting element (25) and a second end of each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) is coupled to the base (3) (see FIGS. 1-4, 5).

[0084] During the rotation movement of the support structure (2) in the first rotation direction, the pair of rods (26) advantageously ensures that the cabin (6) maintains a horizontal orientation, thus avoiding any tipping of the passengers internally of the cabin (6).

[0085] In other words, during the rotation movement of the support structure (2) in the first rotation direction, the rotation of the connecting element (25) with respect to the support structure (2) is regulated by each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) as it is rotatably coupled to the connecting element (25) and to the base (3).

[0086] The rods (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) can be arranged opposite one another with respect to the connecting element (25).

[0087] The connecting element (25) and the first end (2a) of the support structure (2) are rotatably coupled to one another.

[0088] FIG. 5 illustrates the connecting element (25) and a part of a rod (26a) of the pair of rods (26).

[0089] The base (3) can comprise a pair of seats (27) for receiving the free end of each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) (see FIGS. 10 and 11 in which the plurality of tubular elements (5) is in the relative second arrangement). The free end of each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) is the second end of each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) and is free, i.e. decoupled from the base (3) when the positioning means (7) of the cabin (6), assume the second operating condition (O2). This can be observed in FIGS. 4, 4A, 9A, 10 and 11.

[0090] The pair of seats (27) can be made at the pair of covering plates (16) (see FIGS. 4, 4A, 10 and 11).

[0091] When the positioning means (7) assume the first operating condition (O1), the second end of the rods (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) is received in the corresponding seat of the pair of seats (27).

[0092] Each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) can comprise a through-hole (28) at the relative second end, i.e. the relative free end of each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (see FIGS. 4, 4A, 10 and 11 when the positioning means (7) of the cabin (6) assume the second operating condition (O2).

[0093] The carousel (1) can comprise a third piston (29) which is borne by the base (3) and which is predisposed to be moved in such a way as to insert in or exit from the corresponding seat of the pair of seats (27) and the corresponding through-hole (28) of a rod (26a) of the pair of rods (26) (see FIGS. 6 and 7 where the positioning means (7) of the cabin (6) assume the first operating condition (O1)).

[0094] Likewise, the carousel (1) can comprise a fourth piston (30) which is borne by the base (3) and which is predisposed to be moved in such a way as to insert in or exit from the corresponding other seat of the pair of seats (27) and the corresponding through-hole (28) of the other rod (26b) of the pair of rods (26) (see FIGS. 6 and 7 where the positioning means (7) of the cabin (6) assume the first operating condition (O1)).

[0095] When the positioning means (7) of the cabin (6) assume the first operating condition (O1), the third piston (29) and the fourth piston (30) can be insertable (and preferably are inserted) internally of the corresponding seat of the pair of seats (27) and internally of the corresponding through-hole (28) of the rods (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0096] When each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) has a fixed length, the insertion or exit of the third piston (29) and the fourth piston (30), can take place when the positioning means (7) of the cabin (6) assume the first operating condition (O1) and the plurality of tubular elements of the support structure is in the first arrangement.

[0097] When each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) has a variable length (as it is, for example, telescopic and it has a maximum length at least at the length of the plurality of tubular elements of the support structure is in the second arrangement), the insertion or exit of the third piston (29) and the fourth piston (30), can take place when the positioning means (7) of the cabin (6) assume the first operating condition (O1) and the plurality of tubular elements (5) of the support structure (2) is in any one of the preceding claims, i.e. in the first arrangement, in the second arrangement or in one of the arrangements of the plurality of intermediate arrangements.

[0098] Therefore, it is not necessary that, when the positioning means (7) of the cabin (6) assume the second operating condition (O2), the second end of each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) is decoupled from the base (3).

[0099] Obviously, for reasons of volume and in consideration of the lever rule, it is preferable for each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) to have a fixed length.

[0100] An embodiment of the carousel (1) of the invention is preferred in which the plurality of the tubular elements (5) of the support structure (2) can be arranged in a relative first arrangement in which it has a relative minimum length and in which, when the positioning means (7) of the cabin (6) assume the first operating condition (O1), the further piston (29) is inserted in the corresponding seat of the pair of seats (27) and in the corresponding through-hole (28) of a rod (26a) of the pair of rods (26); and the still further piston (30) is inserted in the corresponding other seat of the pair of seats (27) and in the corresponding through-hole (28) of the other rod (26b) of the pair of rods (26). According to this embodiment, each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) can have a relative fixed length. Therefore, in this case it is necessary that, when the positioning means (7) of the cabin (6) assume the second operating condition (O2), the second end of each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) is decoupled from the base (3). Obviously, for reasons of volume and in consideration of the lever rule, it is preferable for each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) to have a fixed length.

[0101] Preferably, and alternatively to the foregoing, the projection (31) of each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) extends transversally to the extension axis of each rod (26a, 26b) and is arranged in such a way that: when the positioning means (7) of the cabin (6) assume the second operating condition (O2), a relative end is rotatably coupled to the connecting element (25) and the projection (31) is solidly coupled to the support structure (2) and, more preferably, to the most external tubular element (5) of the plurality of tubular elements (5) of the support structure (2) (see FIGS. 10 and 11). Further, and preferably, the second end of each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) is decoupled from the base (3), as can be observed in FIGS. 4A, 9A, 10 and 11, in which the end is free, i.e. decoupled from the base (3).

[0102] Note that by the terms a relative end is rotatably coupled to the connecting element (25) it is meant that the first end of each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26) is rotatably coupled to the connecting element (25).

[0103] By the terms alternatively to the foregoing, mentioned in the foregoing, and as easily intuitable also from the figures, is meant the following: alternatively to when the positioning means (7) of the cabin (6) assume the first operating condition (O1), i.e. when the positioning means (7) of the cabin (6) assume the second operating condition (O2).

[0104] Advantageously, during the sliding movement of one tubular element (5a) with respect to the other tubular element (5b) of the plurality of tubular elements (5) when the positioning means (7) of the cabin (6) assume the second operating condition (O2), the pair of rods (26) and the relative projection (31) ensure that the cabin (6) maintains a horizontal orientation, thus avoiding any tipping of the passengers internally of the cabin (6).

[0105] In other words, during the sliding of a tubular element (5a) with respect to the other tubular element (5b) of the plurality of tubular elements (5), the rotation of the connecting element (25) with respect to the support structure (2) is prevented because of the projection (31), as it is solidly coupled to the support structure (2).

[0106] The projection (31) can comprise a seat (32) (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0107] The carousel (1) can comprise a fifth piston (33) which is borne by the support structure (2) and which is predisposed to be moved in such a way as to insert in or exit from the corresponding seat (32) of the projection (31) (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0108] When the positioning means (7) assume the second operating condition (O2), the fifth piston (33) is inserted in the corresponding seat (32) of the projection (31) (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0109] The same considerations as in the foregoing for the projection (31), the seat (32) of the projection (31) and the fifth piston (33) are also valid for each rod (26a, 26b) of the pair of rods (26).