HK1118243B - Amusement park attraction - Google Patents

Description

Amusement park theme house

The invention relates to an amusement park theme house (attraction). In known themes, a carrier capable of carrying one or more persons is moved along a path through a continuously extending scene.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative casino theme house.

This is achieved by an amusement park theme house according to claim 1. The person in the passenger assembly views the scene in a room (cell) through a viewing opening, which is just like a scenic box (showbox).

The theme house is arranged to have rooms at multiple height levels, which not only enables an attractive experience when the passenger assembly is moved from one height to another, but also enables the construction of a theme house in a casino that requires only a relatively limited area.

The room array may have more rooms than are needed for a bit-ordered sequence of scenes ("one story"), so that some rooms will remain free and can be closed on the viewing side if desired.

It is envisaged that the casino will be able to change the "story" of the theme house by providing a new scene in the appropriate room of the array of rooms and by reprogramming the line of travel of the passenger assemblies, so that when the casino wishes to provide a new "story" to the public through the theme house, no major changes to the passenger assemblies and drive systems will be required.

It is also conceivable, for example, that in different countries there are a large number of fairgrounds with the subject-matter museum of the invention, with an array of rooms or at least some rooms of similar size. In this way, it is possible to have one casino exchange "stories" with another casino, basically by exchanging scenes and reprogramming the drive devices of each theme house. Of course, when the passenger assemblies and motion devices do not fully accommodate the story, they may need to be changed, but at a much lower cost than the state-of-the-art casino themes.

In a preferred embodiment, the one or more scenes comprise moving objects. These moving objects may be physical objects such as moving dolls or vehicles.

The scene may also include a projected image, for example, projected onto a surface. Or a combination of active physics and projected images.

Preferably, the passenger component is movable in connection with the displayed scene in order to give the passenger a sense of motion. The assembly may move in a jerking manner, for example, when there is a high speed approach of the vehicle in the scene. The person in the assembly not only sees and hears the approaching vehicle, but also feels it. Another example is when the scene describes a boat in water (e.g. in a storm), the assembly performs a rolling motion.

Preferably, the assembly is adapted to perform highly accelerated and/or decelerated translational and/or rotational movements. This may be a free fall or near free fall downward movement, such as when the scene shows a puppet cutting the ropes of the elevator. The motion may also be an upward launch motion, such as when a rocket is launched, exploded, or simulated car crashes. Also, when it is desired to combine other motions, the passenger assembly may be rotated such that the passenger flips downward, for example, to enhance the crash experience.

Preferably, the passenger assembly is movable in a vertical direction and in at least one other direction, preferably a plurality of other directions, if desired simultaneously with a resultant movement in the plurality of directions, preferably the at least one other direction is a plurality of other directions, preferably the other directions include at least one direction of rotation. In a preferred embodiment, the passenger assembly is capable of six degrees of freedom. A particular "story" may not require the use of all of the degrees of freedom provided by the passenger components.

In a preferred embodiment, the array of rooms is stationary and a drive system is associated with the passenger assembly for imparting movement to the passenger assembly in at least a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.

In another embodiment, the array of rooms is movable in a horizontal direction, while the passenger assembly is movable in a vertical direction while stationary in a horizontal direction. It is also envisaged that the passenger assembly has limited movement in the horizontal direction to give the passengers a sense of movement in the horizontal direction, and that the array may also be moved in the horizontal direction, for example rotated about a vertical axis.

In a preferred embodiment, the drive system comprises at least one vehicle with a frame adapted to travel along an associated vehicle path extending along the array of rooms, and each vehicle further has a passenger assembly movable relative to the frame.

Preferably, the carrier path extends substantially in a horizontal plane, the array comprises rooms arranged at different horizontal positions along said carrier path, the rooms comprise rooms arranged at different vertical positions relative to said carrier path, and the passenger assembly is movable in at least a vertical direction relative to the frame. By providing a carrier path in a horizontal plane, the drive means for pushing the carrier or carriers along the path can be simple, since the carriers do not perform a vertical movement. This is especially true when the weight of the carrier is large. The present invention envisages that the weight of each carrier in the unloaded state is greater than 2000kg, even up to about 10000kg per carrier.

In a particular embodiment, the carrier path is formed by a track, for example one or more rails, on which the carrier engages, which track may comprise an upper rail and a lower rail, along which the upper end and the lower end of the carrier are guided, respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the storage facility is for storing at least one carrier (when the carrier is not in use) at a location remote from the path of the carrier. This enables changing the capacity of the theme house and maintaining the carrier while the theme house is in use.

In a preferred embodiment, the room array comprises a matrix arrangement of rooms one after the other and one above the other. Such a matrix enables efficient use of the floor space of the theme house.

It is also possible that the room matrix arrangement is formed as a substantially planar room block with viewing openings at one or both sides of the room block.

As an alternative embodiment, the room matrix arrangement is formed as a room block of at least partly curved surface, which may be a circular or ring-shaped room block with viewing openings at one or both sides of the room block.

Preferably, the array of rooms is formed in a structure where each room has a ceiling, a floor, side walls and a rear wall, which form the room boundaries of each room. Curtains, nets, fabric pieces, foils, etc. may also be arranged on the border.

In a possible embodiment the structure forms a multi-storey building with preferably rectangular rooms, although other shaped rooms are also possible. All rooms may be the same size, but one or more rooms may also be a different size than the other rooms. This can result in scenes of different sizes, e.g., scenes with a greater height for simulating free fall, etc. (e.g., along a waterfall, cliff, etc.).

In an alternative arrangement, the carrier may move in a circular path around the array of rooms. The rooms of the array may have viewing openings in different directions (e.g., opposite directions).

In an alternative embodiment, the theme house comprises a plurality of scene structures, wherein the carrier is movable along the scene structures between the scene structures such that the passenger component can reach all rooms of the structures.

Preferably, the passenger assembly is movable in a vertical direction by at least 3 meters, preferably at least 6 meters, more preferably at least 10 meters. This allows for attractive vertical movement and allows for stacking of multiple rooms along the height.

Preferably, the drive system is adapted for acceleration and/or deceleration of the passenger assembly in a vertical direction in an upward and/or downward direction, which is at least 0.3G, preferably at least 0.5G, more preferably at least 0.7G, preferably simulating or providing a free fall experience and/or an upward launching motion.

Preferably, the passenger assembly comprises restraint means for passengers, e.g. adapted to restrain individual passengers.

In a particularly attractive embodiment, the passenger assembly is adapted for rotation of the one or more passengers between "head-up" and "head-down" orientations.

In an alternative embodiment the room is provided with blowing means for providing special effects related to the scene involved in the room. The blowing device can blow out, for example, warm air when simulating explosions and fires, and cool air when simulating polar scenes. Also, the blowing device may discharge humid air when a humid scene is involved. In addition, pressure waves can also be generated by the blowing device, for example when an explosion is simulated. Also, the wind effect can be generated by the blowing device.

In yet another embodiment, scent may be added to the air, so that people have an even more realistic scene experience. It is conceivable to smell a fire smell, for example, when the scene involves an explosion or a shot.

Preferably, an external darkening structure encloses the array of rooms and the path of the one or more carriers. By making the theme house darker, special effects may become better, which is known per se.

The invention also relates to a movement device, preferably formed as a carrier, for a fairground attraction.

In the known carriers of amusement park themes, passenger seating areas are provided which are connected to a chassis movable along a track. The drive system causes the seating area to move along multiple axes independent of chassis movement as the chassis moves along the track. These carriers are used, for example, in dark rides, passing through various scenes.

It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative movement device, which can be realized as a carrier.

The invention achieves this object by providing a movement device as claimed in claim 25.

By means of the movement device, a plurality of attractive movement experiences can be achieved. The passenger in the seat may make scene-related unexpected movements. It can simulate minor bumps in the road but also the feel of an elevator or free fall due to the vertically extending frame allowing vertical movement.

Moreover, with the vehicle of the present invention, passengers seated in the seat assembly can traverse multiple scenes arranged one above the other without the need for a path for the vehicle itself to be raised or lowered.

In a preferred embodiment, the frame of the carrier of the present invention is a single vertical upright.

Preferably, the frame allows vertical movement of the passenger assembly by at least 3 meters, preferably at least 5 meters, more preferably at least 10 meters, and possibly at least 20 meters.

Also, particularly in combination with the above-mentioned preferred accelerations and/or decelerations, a feeling of engaging, such as a fast moving lift or a feeling of free fall, can be obtained.

It should be clear that with passenger assemblies movable over large vertical distances, it is possible to reach a plurality of scenes one on top of the other.

Preferably, the path along which the carrier frame moves is formed by a track. Preferably the track comprises one or more rails, preferably at both the upper and lower ends of the frame. This will improve the stability of the frame.

In a preferred embodiment, the motion device further comprises a slider, to which the seat assembly is connected, the slider being movable along the frame. Such a slider facilitates vertical translational movement of the seat assembly. Preferably, a guide rail is arranged on the frame, along which guide rail the slide is movable. Bearings may also be arranged between the slide and the frame.

Preferably, the slide is arranged coaxially with the upright. This is particularly advantageous when a cylindrical upright is used, around which a hollow cylindrical slide can be arranged. In another embodiment, the slides may perform a vertical translational movement along one or more sides of the uprights, for example when a metal framed tower is used as a frame or has a square cross-section. The coaxial arrangement of the slides allows multiple non-interacting seat assemblies to be connected to the frame by one or more slides.

In a preferred embodiment, the carrier is provided with lifting means for moving the seat assembly up and down in a vertical translational movement. Preferably, the lifting means comprises at least one lifting line connected to the winch assembly and to the seat assembly. The hoisting line may also be guided along one or more pulleys.

In another more expensive embodiment, the vertical translational movement of the seat assembly is achieved by using an electromagnetic drive.

Electromagnetic means may also be used to decelerate the movement of the seat assembly, which is also combined with the lifting means.

In a further preferred embodiment, the carrier is provided with a rotary drive for enabling a rotary movement of the seat assembly relative to the frame about a rotation axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame. This enables the seat assembly to be rotated about the vertical upright, for example, out of the scene. The rotational movement of the seat assembly can be achieved, for example, by arranging the slider to be rotatable relative to the upright. This is particularly advantageous when the slide is able to move in the vertical direction without the need for additional guide rails. By means of suitable drive means, the slide is capable of translational and rotational movement.

In another preferred embodiment, a sleeve is connected to the slide, which sleeve is rotatable relative to the upright. The slider is movable on the vertical guide rail, while the sleeve is driven by a rotary drive (e.g. a slewing gear) to rotate relative to the slider. Preferably, the rotary drive is arranged between the slide and the sleeve. Preferably, the sleeve is arranged coaxially with the slider. One or more bearings may also be arranged between the sleeve and the slider.

The carrier of a further preferred embodiment of the present invention includes arms that extend radially from the frame and support the seat assembly. The advantage of providing said arms between the seat assembly and the frame is that it is possible to provide the seat assembly with a plurality of seats arranged in rows extending in a radial direction from the uprights. This enables multiple guests to be placed in front of the same scene and experience the same seat assembly movement. Also, all seats can leave the scene at the same time.

Also, by providing radially extending arms between the seat assembly and the frame, the seat assembly may also gain freedom of movement. For example, the seat assembly may be slidably coupled to the arm such that additional horizontal translation may be performed. In particular, by providing the arm with one or more hinges, a plurality of movements may be obtained. When the arm is connected at one end to the sleeve and at the other end to the seat assembly, the seat assembly can be moved vertically by the slider and can be rotated around the frame by the sleeve. In addition to these movements, the seat assembly can be tilted or rotated, for example, about an axis disposed in a central region of the seat assembly by means of a hinge disposed on the arm. The hinge divides the arm into a plurality of sections. In one example of a hinge, the arm is divided into an inner arm portion connected to the frame and an outer arm portion connected to the seat assembly.

In an embodiment of the arm of the entertainment carrier, the first hinge has a substantially vertical hinge axis. The vertical hinge axis allows the seat assembly to swing in a horizontal plane.

In embodiments where the first hinge is located at an end of the arm proximate the frame, rotational movement of the arm and seat assembly can enhance the effect of rotational movement of the sleeve about the frame. For example, a perception of back projection may be produced. Also, such a first hinge may be arranged on the slider without the sleeve.

In another embodiment, the first hinge is located at an end of the arm proximate the seat assembly. This allows a rotational movement of the seat assembly around its centre, which is particularly advantageous when a plurality of seats are arranged in the seat assembly, for example for quickly moving all seats out of the scene.

An embodiment may also include a plurality of first hinges at different positions of the arm.

In a further preferred embodiment of the arm, the second hinge is provided with a substantially horizontal hinge axis extending radially from the frame. The seat assembly can tilt forward or backward about this axis, for example, creating a "tip over" feel. For example, the second hinge is arranged in a central region of the arm, dividing the arm into an inner arm portion mounted on the frame and an outer arm portion mounted on the assembly.

In a more preferred embodiment, the seat assembly is rotatable clockwise and counter-clockwise about a third horizontally extending hinge axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm and to the longitudinal axis of the upright. Preferably, the third hinge axis is located at the end of the arm connected to the seat assembly and in a central region of the seat assembly. When rotated, one end of the seat assembly will move upward and the other end will move downward. For example, a jerky feel can be created in the seat by a series of high frequency rotational movements at very small angles.

The invention also relates to a fairground theme house comprising a sports apparatus according to the invention.

The invention also relates to a method for operating the amusement park theme house of the invention.

The invention also relates to a method for operating the fairground theme house of the invention, comprising the steps of:

designing a story, the story containing a series of discrete scenes;

associating the effect of the movement to be experienced by the one or more passengers with one or more of said scenes;

assigning each discrete scene to an appropriate room of the array of rooms;

the drive system is programmed to execute a course of motion along the scene and any desired motion effects to be experienced by the one or more passengers.

The invention also relates to a method of converting the casino property of the invention from an existing story to a new story, the method comprising the steps of:

designing a new story, the story containing a series of discrete scenes;

associating the motion effect to be experienced by the one or more passengers with one or more of said new scenes;

assigning each discrete scene to an appropriate room of the array of rooms;

removing one or more scenes from the room that are related to the existing story;

the drive system is reprogrammed to perform the course of motion along the new scene and any desired motion effects to be experienced by the one or more passengers.

The movement means provided by the invention can also be arranged stationary in the fairground, for example as an optional (free-fall) tower, which not only imparts a vertical movement to the passengers, but also one or more other movements to the passengers.

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a casino theme house of the present invention;

FIG. 2a shows a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a casino theme park with a darkened structural framework;

FIG. 2b shows the casino theme house of FIG. 2a without the framework;

FIGS. 3a and 3b show schematic representations of vectors of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of the carrier of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the carrier of FIG. 4;

6a-6e schematically illustrate various hinges in arms extending radially from the frame to the seat assembly;

FIG. 7 shows another perspective view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 8a, b show a further embodiment of the carrier of the invention;

fig. 9a is a detailed illustration of the back side of the carrier of fig. 8a, b;

fig. 9b is a top view of the carrier of fig. 8a, b;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the casino property of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a casino theme house of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

In fig. 1, a fairground themes hall 1 according to the invention is shown. The theme house 1 comprises an exterior darkened building, the outline of which is indicated by a dashed line in fig. 1. The building 2 has a roof 3.

A structure 4 is arranged in the building 2. The structure 4 comprises an array of rectangular rooms 5, the rectangular rooms 5 being of approximately equal size and equal shape. Adjacent rooms 5 are separated from each other by boundaries, here vertical partition walls or curtains 6. The outer room, i.e. the room 5 on the leftmost and rightmost side in the figure, is delimited on the outside by side walls 7. The hatched portion in the front view of fig. 1 shows the wall 8, which wall 8 closes in front of the room 5 on the right side of the third floor and on the left side of the second floor. These rooms 5 have an opening on the rear side of the structure 4. The other rooms 5 are open at the front side and closed by a rear wall 9 at the rear side of the structure 4. Thus, in the embodiment of the structure 4 shown in fig. 1, the room is determined by a boundary comprising walls, which boundary has an opening to the outside on the front side or the rear side.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the bottom layer of the structure 4 is formed as a chamber, but the layer may also be divided into separate rooms, as shown in fig. 2a and 2 b.

One or more transport carriers 10 are arranged in the building 2. The carrier 10 includes a seat assembly 11, the seat assembly 11 having one or more seats for a person. In the embodiment of fig. 1 and 2, the carrier 10 further comprises an upright 12, which upright 12 is movable around the structure 4 along a path, which preferably comprises a guide rail 13a arranged under the roof and preferably also a guide rail 13b on the floor of the building 2. The seat assembly 11 of the carrier 10 is movable in a vertical direction along the uprights 12. The carrier 10 is able to reach each room by horizontal movement of the seat assembly 11 along the rails 13a, 13b and vertical movement along the uprights 12. In this way, the individual rooms 5 can be viewed by the persons in the carrier 10.

The casino property can be designed to present a story to the passengers that contains a plurality of discrete scenes and the motion effects experienced by the passengers.

The story may be such that not all available rooms need to display the scene. In this case, some rooms will remain free and their viewing openings can be blocked if desired.

When a casino operator wishes to present people with another story, a new story may be written and the discrete scenes and motion effects experienced by the passengers as they view the scenes and as they are transported from one scene to the next (or from and to a boarding station) are designed. At this time, the scene of the existing story can be removed from the room array, and a new scene is arranged in the designated room. It is possible to move the old story to other fairs with similar arrays of rooms.

In a very particular design of the casino theme house of the present invention, a story to be presented by the theme house can have multiple versions. It may provide multiple versions simply by providing a particular way of movement effect experienced by the passenger, for example providing a more spectacular version for teenagers and a softer version for smaller children and/or older passengers. Also, the room array of the theme house may include one or more scenes containing rooms associated with a particular version, while other rooms are specifically designed for one or more other versions of the story. Of course, both versions of a story also have a common scene. In an extreme variation, the room array contains two disparate stories, e.g., two stories on unrelated themes. The drive system is then designed to provide specific lines for each version of the story and to provide associated motion effects for each different story.

The transport carrier 10 is programmed to move the seat along a predetermined path along a viewing opening of a scene containing the room 5 while performing a predetermined motion effect. The detailed operation of the carrier assembly 10 will be described further below, but it will be appreciated that other types of carrier assemblies may be used which are adapted to move along the room 5 according to a programmable sequence and with the desired movement effect.

An arrangement of the invention is shown in fig. 2a and 2d, where the external building 2 comprises a frame comprising beams and tension elements, which frame can be covered by cover plates in order to form the walls and ceiling of the building 2. For clarity, the cover plate is omitted in fig. 2a, and the frame and cover plate are omitted in fig. 2 b. A portion of the cover panel of the building 2 may be made of glass to form a window. The seat assembly 11 at the window can be oriented so that the passenger can see through the glass to the exterior of the building 2. Preferably, people outside the building 2 are able to see through the window the carrier 10 moving in a spectacular manner, for example during free fall or upward shooting, so as to draw their attention to the theme house 1. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2a, the window may be arranged on the right side of the figure.

In the building 2a structure 4 is arranged as described before. The structure 4 comprises an array of rooms 5, which rooms 5 have openings at the front or rear side. In this case, in the upper row, the middle room 5 is closed at the front side and opened at the rear side. In the middle row, the leftmost room 5 is closed at the front side and open at the rear side, and in the bottom row, the middle and rightmost rooms 5 are closed at the front side and open at the rear side. The other five rooms 5 are closed at the rear side and open at the front side. The side walls 7 of the room 5 form the closed side surfaces of the structure 4, as best shown in fig. 2a and 2 b.

Preferably, a plurality of carrier assemblies 10 can run on the rails 13a, 13b simultaneously, as shown by way of example in fig. 7. Each carrier 10 may be controlled by a control unit (not shown), whereby each carrier 10 can be controlled independently of each other. In a possible embodiment, the central control unit is able to control the movement of all carriers 10. In another possible embodiment, each carrier 10 has a respective control unit. Each carrier 10 moves with its own program so that their seat assemblies 11 are directed to the rooms 5 according to a predetermined sequence. Alternatively, along the path followed by the carrier 10, drive means may be provided, which can be detected by sensors on the carrier 10, which send position information of the specific carrier 10 to the control unit, and which can for example form a stimulus in order to initiate a certain movement of the seat assembly 11. Other position sensing devices may also be used.

Preferably, the building 2 includes a storage area 14, and a plurality of carrier assemblies 10 can be stored in the storage area 14. The advantage of this storage feature is that the number of carriers 10 on the track (i.e. the capacity of the theme house) can be adapted to the number of passengers. When the number of persons is small, the number of carriers 10 required is reduced, and thus some carriers can be stored, which advantageously provides a more economical use. Moreover, using only the required number of carriers 10 further reduces wear of the components, which is beneficial and also saves power. When the number of waiting persons in the theme house increases, the waiting time can be maintained at an appropriate length of time by adding the carriers 10.

In the embodiment shown, a boarding platform 15 is provided next to the storage area 14, in which boarding platform 15 passengers can enter the seats of the carrier. The boarding platform can be at any height, and can be at the roof height of the theme house, so that passengers can get on the vehicle.

In the selected room 5, the (active) scene is set according to the story to be presented and the motion effect to be experienced. Each room can be used as a kind of a landscape box. The persons in the carrier 10 can say that they are transported from one box to another in a predetermined order determined by the story of the theme house. The room arrangement described makes it possible for people to see only one scene at a time.

These scenes may be animated using a moving object (e.g., a moving puppet, a moving vehicle, or other object). Optical means may also be applied to project optical visual projections. These projections may be formed on a glass surface placed in the room 5, or in any other suitable manner. It is possible to arrange a transparent surface in the viewing opening of a room and project an image thereon, for example a sudden projection of an image, so that passengers who are not aware of the presence of the transparent surface will have a surprising and shocking effect.

A viewing opening may be provided with a shutter, for example a steerable shutter that is opened only when a passenger is required to see a scene in the room. The shutter may be a curtain, shield, door, or the like.

The carrier 10 may be moved in conjunction with a scene in a particular room 5. This gives people the feeling that they are really part of the scenes and stories they tell. One can imagine, for example, that the seat assembly 11 of the carrier 10 performs a rocking motion when the sea is seen in the scene and the carrier 10 simulates a boat. To make the illusion of reality stronger, other means may be used. This may be a blower arrangement to blow air towards the person in the carrier 10, thereby creating the illusion of wind or an explosion. Additives such as mist or scent may be added to the air in order to create a moist sensation or a specific scent related to the scene story. For example, smoke may be added when a fire is depicted in the scene, or a gunpowder may be added when a gunfight or explosion is simulated. Of course, other devices, such as visual and auditory devices, may be used to generate a more realistic scene for a person.

This array of rooms stacked on top of each other has the advantage that the carrier 10 can be moved in a vertical direction along the structure 4 with a very high acceleration or deceleration movement. In other words, the height of the structure 4 creates the possibility of making this accelerated movement, for example free fall or slightly decelerated free fall. Also in this way it is possible to simulate upward transmission. This acceleration or deceleration movement may be used to transport the seat assembly 11 from one room to another in conjunction with a story told by the relevant scene. For example, in the upper left room of the structure 4 of fig. 2a and 2b, the scene may be arranged such that a person (puppet) cuts the rope of a lift or the like. By moving the seat assembly 11 downwards in a free-fall manner to the left bottom room 5, the person in the seat assembly 11 is given the illusion that they are in the lift, wherein the next scene can be seen in the left bottom room 5. Preferably, the seat assembly 11 is also capable of rotational movement in all directions, so that by a combination of rapid translational and rotational movement, a startling moment can be generated. It must be understood that the seat assembly 11 may of course be moved slowly, in addition to being moved at high speed. The carrier assembly 10 will be described in more detail below.

In an alternative embodiment shown in fig. 10, the building 2 is shown from above, wherein two structures 4 with rooms 5 are arranged one behind the other. A track 13 formed substantially in the shape of an "8" is provided around the structure 4. The carrier can move along and between these two structures above the track 13. Of course, there may be more than two structures 4, and these structures 4 may be arranged in any suitable manner in the building 2.

Again, it is emphasized that the array of rooms need not be built with adjacent rooms 5 as in the illustrated structure 4. The array of rooms may be arranged in any suitable or desired manner, with the rooms being arranged at different heights.

Fig. 3a and 3b show a schematic representation of a carrier 20 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the carrier 20 comprises a single vertically extending upright 22 and is movable along a track 21. In this embodiment, wheels 23 are coupled to the frame 22 to guide the frame 22 in movement over the track 21. The frame 22 is designed as an upright column with a square cross-section. It comprises a framework of interconnected beams. A seat 24 is connected to the frame 22. This is shown in the enlarged view of fig. 3 b. The vertical guide rail 25 is arranged on the frame 22. The holder 26 is connected to the seat 24 and is capable of vertical translation relative to the frame 22 to which it is connected.

In fig. 4 and 5, a front view and a side view, respectively, of a preferred embodiment of the carrier 10 of fig. 2 are shown.

The vertically extending upright 12 is designed as an elongated hollow member with a rectangular cross-section and with a central axis 12 a.

The uprights 12 preferably have such a length that the seat assembly 11 for the passenger can be moved in the vertical direction by at least 3 metres, more preferably by at least 6 metres, and even more preferably by at least 10 metres. In this design the length of the uprights 12 is about 15 metres, but could be a greater length of 25 metres, or even as long as 50 metres.

The uprights 12 are preferably made of steel plate.

The bottom part 14 and the upper part 18 of the upright 12 are movable along rails. At the bottom part 14, the ground or floor is indicated by 14 a. On the floor 14a guide rail 13b is arranged, which guide rail 13b has an I-shaped cross-section in this embodiment. The bearing wheels 14c run on the guide rail. The guide wheels 14d support the uprights at the sides of the guide rails 14 b. The base portion 14e forms the base of the upright 12 to which the wheels 14c and 14d are connected. Also, a winch and pulley support 14f is arranged around the upright 12 and is connected to the base part 14 e. At the upper part 18, the ceiling is indicated with 3. The guide rail 13a is arranged on the ceiling 3, the guide rail 13a having an I-shaped cross-section in this embodiment. Trolley wheels 18a are connected to the uprights 12, top wheels 18b are connected to the uprights 12 and run on the rails 13a, and guide wheels 18c are also present. Trolley 18a is connected to pulley support 18 d.

In this example, two seat assemblies 11 are arranged on opposite sides of the upright 12. The seat assembly 11 includes a plurality of seats 11a, including five seats 11a in the illustrated example. The seats 11a are arranged in rows and are all oriented in the same direction so that all passengers 46 seated in the seats 11a of an assembly face in the same direction.

For each seat 11a, a passenger restraint device 47 is provided in order to ensure that a passenger is restrained in the seat 11 a. In this example, fig. 5 shows the (padded) on-shoulder restraint 47 in an open and restraining position. In other embodiments, the restraint device may have a seat belt, harness, restraint frame across the thigh surface of the passenger, or other suitable device.

The seat assembly 11 is connected to a hollow annular slider 36, which hollow annular slider 36 is arranged coaxially around the upright 12.

The slide 36 is movable along the upright 12 and is guided by rails 35 fitted to the upright 12, where there are two rails 35 at diametrically opposite positions. A set of guide rollers 50 is connected to the slides 36 to slide along these rails 35.

The vertical movement of the slide 36 is achieved by a programmable drive system that is capable of programming the vertical movement of the slide 36 independent of the horizontal movement of the carrier 10.

A programmable electronic control system 48 is disposed on the vehicle 10 to control the vertical movement of the slides 36 and other movements performed by the various passenger assemblies 11 on the vehicle 10. When the carrier 10 also has its own drive means for performing the movement in the horizontal direction, it is preferred that the movement is also controlled by the system 48.

Here, the control system 48 includes a programmable electronic control device, such as a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or a computer. This operation is very reliable because each carrier has its own programmable control device. Of course, the theme house may also have a central control system, for example for avoiding collisions between carriers. The central control system may communicate wirelessly with the control system 48 on each carrier 10.

In the present example, the drive system for effecting the vertical movement of the slider 36 comprises: a winch 39, here driven by a suitable electronic drive motor assembly 39a, so as to be able to control the speed variation; and a line 38, the line 38 being connected to the winch 39 and the slide 36.

Here, a winch assembly 39 is located in the lower portion of the carrier 10 and is supported by the winch support 14 f.

Here, the line 38 extends between two pulleys 40, an upper pulley 40a being connected with the pulley support 18d and a lower pulley 40b being connected with the winch support 14 f. The winch assembly 39 is capable of moving the wire 38 in both directions to move the slider 36 up or down in a controlled manner.

The winch drive motor assembly 39a may include an electric motor with electronic controls for controlling the change in winch speed.

Power is preferably fed to the carrier 10, the motor and the electronic control means via power rails extending along the track and associated power-off assemblies.

Preferably, the winch assembly 39 is used to achieve a significant acceleration and/or deceleration of the slide 36 in the vertical direction in the upward and/or downward direction. Preferably, an acceleration and/or deceleration of at least 0.15G, more preferably at least 0.3G, more preferably at least 0.7G, can be achieved by a suitably designed winch assembly 39 or other drive system component.

For downward motion, an acceleration of about 1G is preferred to achieve a free fall experience. For the upward movement, a lower acceleration is envisaged, mainly limited by the drive system (i.e. the supply of electric power).

This can be done, for example, to simulate free fall by moving the slide rapidly downwards, or to simulate upward launch.

In a possible embodiment, a hydraulic linear actuator is provided which moves one or more pulleys through which the wire 38 passes. The actuator may be in communication with an accumulator for storing pressurized hydraulic fluid through a valve, such that energy can be stored in the accumulator and the actuator is caused to move rapidly when the valve is opened, thereby causing the slider to move rapidly. The actuator may be added to the winch assembly.

A hollow annular sleeve 37 is arranged coaxially around the slider 36. The sleeve 37 is rotatable about a vertical axis with respect to the slide 36 and therefore with respect to the upright 12. The seat assembly 11 is connected to the sleeve 37 so that the rotational movement of the sleeve 37 corresponds to the rotational movement of the seat assembly 11. The axis of rotation of this rotational movement coincides with the central axis 12a of the upright 12. The range of rotational movement may be a full 360 degrees, but may also be a more limited range of rotation, e.g. 180 degrees or even less.

The sleeve 37 can be rotated by a rotary drive 41, wherein the rotary drive 41 is arranged between the slider 36 and the sleeve 37. These drive means 41 may comprise an electric motor with a gear transmission, preferably with variable speed control of the electric motor. Other designs are possible, including, for example, hydraulic actuators. The control of the drive means 41 is preferably effected by a system 48. Bearings, such as rollers and corresponding roller guides, are preferably arranged between the slide 36 and the sleeve 37.

The seat assembly 11 is connected to the sleeve 37 by an arm 40 extending laterally (e.g., radially) from the upright 12. The arm 40 has a free end which, in the example shown, is approximately in the central region of the seat assembly 11.

According to various embodiments, the arm 40 may be divided into segments by one or more hinge or pivot structures.

Figures 6a-6e schematically show possible hinges. The frame is numbered 102 and has no slides or sleeves. Of course, slides and/or sleeves may also be provided. The seat assembly is schematically illustrated and designated by reference numeral 104. An arm, generally indicated by reference numeral 105, connects the seat assembly 104 to the frame 102. The seat assembly 104 is shown in a first position in a straight line and in a second position (when rotated about the a-hinge) in phantom.

Fig. 6a shows a first hinge 111 having a vertical hinge axis 111 ', which vertical hinge axis 111' is located close to the frame 102 and divides the arm 105 into an inner arm portion 105b connected to the frame 102 and an outer arm portion 105a connected to the seat assembly 104. The outer arm portion 105a can rotate with the seat assembly 104 about the hinge axis 111' to a second position, such as the position shown in phantom.

Fig. 6b shows another first hinge 112 located near the end of the arm 105 of the seat assembly 104, at a central region of the seat assembly 104. The seat assembly 104 is able to rotate about the hinge axis 112' while the arm 105 is connected to the frame 102.

By the combination of the hinge 111 of fig. 6a and the hinge 112 of fig. 6b, the seat assembly can undergo a horizontal movement in a forward and backward direction, wherein the seat assembly remains oriented in the same direction, for example parallel to the structure 4 of fig. 1 and 2. However, the seat assembly always has a lateral horizontal movement due to the rotation about the hinge axis 111'. Pure forward or rearward horizontal movement of the seat assembly may also be achieved by a slider that extends perpendicular to the arm.

Fig. 6c shows a second hinge 113, the second hinge 113 having a horizontal hinge axis 113' extending radially from the frame 102. The hinge 113 divides the arm 105 into an inner arm portion 105c connected to the frame 102 and an outer arm portion 105d connected to the seat assembly 104. The outer arm portion 105d rotates with the seat assembly 104 about the axis of rotation 113', for example, to bring the seat assembly 104 to a second position, shown in phantom.

In fig. 6d a third hinge 114 is shown, which third hinge 114 has a hinge axis 114' perpendicular to the frame 102 and the arm 105 (and thus perpendicular to the plane of the drawing). The hinge 114 is located at the end of the arm 105 and below the central region of the seat assembly 104. Thus, the hinge only allows movement of the seat assembly while the arm 105 is connected to the frame 102. The seat assembly 104 is capable of movement in both a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction in the plane of the drawing. The smaller clockwise rotation is indicated in the figure by the dashed line.

Fig. 6e shows another third hinge 115, which third hinge 115 has a hinge axis 115' perpendicular to the frame 102 and the arm 105 (and thus perpendicular to the plane of the drawing). The third hinge 115 is positioned proximate to the frame 102 and divides the arm 105 into two portions 105e and 105 f. The arm portion 105e is connected to the frame and portion 105f is connected to the seat assembly 104. The portion 105f rotates with the seat assembly 104 about the hinge axis 115'.

In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 4 and 5, various hinges can be seen. A second hinge 43 having a hinge axis 43' is visible on the arm 40 and below the seat assembly 11. The second hinge 43 operates in a similar manner to the hinge 113 shown in fig. 6 c. The hinge 43 divides the arm 40 into an inner arm portion 40a connected to the frame 12 and an outer arm portion 40b connected to the seat assembly 11, the outer arm portion 40b rotating with the seat assembly 11 about the hinge axis 43'. The third hinge 44 is located below a central region of the seat assembly 11 such that the seat assembly 11 can rotate about the hinge axis of the third hinge 44. The operation of this third hinge 44 is similar to the hinge 114 schematically shown in fig. 6 d.

Fig. 8a and 8b show another preferred embodiment of the carrier 10, and fig. 9a and 9b show details thereof. The upright 12 has drive means 60a and 60b at the bottom and upper ends, respectively, for driving the upright 12 along upper and lower rail structures (not shown in these figures). Preferably, the drive means comprise an electric motor, which preferably has a variable speed control.

Here, each of the driving devices 60a and 60b has gears 63a and 63b mounted on their driving shafts, respectively. The gears 63a and 63b together with a rack 64 (see fig. 9b) form a rack-and-pinion assembly.

One or more load bearing support rollers 66 are provided at the lower end of the uprights. A guide wheel 62 is also provided at the lower end of the carrier side arm 61. Also, a guide wheel 62 is arranged at the upper end of the upright. The rollers 66 and guide wheels 62 cooperate with suitable guide rails to support the uprights through the building 12 and to stabilize the carrier 10.

Here, the upright 12 is formed as a welded pipe upright, having a polygonal cross-section, in this example a rectangular or square cross-section. Other cross-sections are possible, such as an octagonal cross-section. The uprights are constructed by welding together steel plates.

Each seat assembly 11 includes a row of seats 11a on a common subframe. A slide 36 is arranged on the upright 12. The slide 36 has guide wheels or other support means 36a which guide the slide 36 along the upright 12. It is envisaged that the uprights 12 have contact surfaces for the guide wheels 36 a. Preferably, these contact surfaces have been ground to remove solder material and other non-flat portions. It is conceivable that the entire upright is positioned in a large grinding device in order to obtain a very precise contact surface for the guide wheel or other suitable bearing member.

The slider 36 is moved up and down by a lifting device including a lifting wire 38, a winch assembly 39, and a pulley 40 b.

The winch assembly includes a drum and a suitable motor. The drawworks motor may be an electric motor having a speed control for controlled variation of drawworks speed.

Both the lifting means and the drive means 60a, 60b are connected to a control system 48 arranged on the carrier, which control system comprises a programmable control device, such as a PLC or a computer. This operation is very reliable because each carrier has its own programmable control device. Of course, the theme house may also have a central control system, for example for avoiding collisions between carriers. The central control system may communicate with each carrier in a wireless manner.

A hollow cylindrical sleeve 37 is arranged coaxially around the slider 36. The sleeve 37 can be rotated around the slider 36 by means of a rotary drive 41. The rotary drive means 41 comprise, for example, one or more electric motors having a gear wheel 41a on their drive shaft. The sleeve 37 has a ring gear member 37a, the ring gear member 37a being disposed around the circumference of the sleeve. The outwardly directed teeth of the gear element 37a mesh with the teeth of the gear 41 a.

Each seat assembly 11 is connected to a sleeve 37 by an arm 40. Each arm 40 is able to rotate about a hinge 50, which hinge 50 is located at the sleeve 37 in this example. The rotation about the hinge 50 may be driven by a drive means, such as an electric motor 51, which electric motor 51 has a gear 52 on its drive shaft. The arm 40 has at its inner end a ring gear member 53 arranged around its periphery. The outwardly directed teeth of the gear element 53 mesh with the teeth of the gear wheel 52, so that the arm 40 can be rotated about the hinge axis of the hinge 50 by means of the motor.

A hinge 44 is located at the outer end of the arm, the hinge 44 being rotatably connected with the middle portion of the seat assembly 11 by the arm 40. The seat assembly 11 is rotatable about the hinge axis of the hinge 44 by means of a drive means 44a, such as an electric motor, which drive means 44a is also arranged at the end of the arm 40.

It must also be noted that the vectors of the invention are not only suitable for fairground themes as described with reference to fig. 1 and 2. The carrier may also be used with other amusement rides. It should be appreciated that the above-described carrier has six degrees of freedom and can be used in an attractive ride. However, by omitting some of the hinges and associated drive means, some of the motion options may be eliminated. For example, the carrier may be designed as an amusement ride for children, wherein not all rotational movements are required. Also, rides having lower speeds are expected to be used in applications like children's rides.

An alternative casino theme park 500 is shown in fig. 11. In the theme house 500, the structure 501 provides a circular (or annular) matrix of rooms 501, here arranged in a plurality of levels, such that the rooms 502 are arranged in different horizontal positions and different vertical positions.

The support structure 501 of the entire room array is mounted to be movable, in this example rotatable about a vertical axis 503. For example, the base 504 has one or more rails on which the trolley runs. A drive means (not shown) is used for controlled rotation of the structure 501.

Here, the rooms 502 have their viewing openings facing the outside of the structure 501. As mentioned before, a "story" will require some (possibly all) rooms to contain a scene.

A movement device 550 is arranged at a position along the outside of the structure 501. In one variation, multiple motion devices 550 are provided at different locations along a path made up of the viewing opening of the room 502.

Such a movement means 550 comprises a movable passenger assembly 551, in this example comprising two rows of seats, similar to the embodiment of fig. 8a, b. The device 550 also includes a pole 552 or other vertically extending frame such that the seat assembly 551 is movable along the height of the structure 501.

The motion device 550 may be positioned in a fixed location. In this example, the uprights are part of a carrier 553, which carrier 553 is movable on a limited horizontal track 554. This enables the passenger to experience a horizontal movement. Limited horizontal movement may also be used to move the seat assembly to a boarding station (not shown).

By suitably programming the movement means 550, a programmed circuit is provided for moving the passenger assembly 551 along the viewing opening of the room containing the scene, so that one or more passengers see a predetermined sequence of scenes and experience at least a vertical movement along the circuit.

The movement means 550 may have all the options described above with reference to the carrier.

The present invention also contemplates the use of the motion devices and/or carriers disclosed herein in embodiments that do not encompass a room of discrete scenes, but rather are arranged in a continuous scene. Also, it is conceivable that the sports apparatus as a whole is designed without a scene of a specific design concerned, but is arranged in a theme park (attraction park), for example outdoors, preferably in a fixed position, but can be moved along a path in a horizontal direction.

Claims (50)

1. A casino theme house comprising:

an array of rooms, the array comprising rooms arranged in different horizontal positions and different vertical positions;

a movable passenger assembly for one or more passengers, the passenger assembly being movable in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction;

wherein the rooms are defined by boundaries and have viewing openings, and a plurality of the rooms in the array each contain a discrete scene to be viewed by the one or more passengers;

a programmable drive system including at least one vehicle having a frame adapted to travel along an associated vehicle path extending along the array of rooms, and each vehicle also having a passenger assembly movable in a vertical direction relative to the frame, and the drive system providing a programmed route for the passenger assembly along a plurality of viewing openings of a plurality of rooms containing the scene, such that the scene is presented to the one or more passengers in a predetermined sequence, and such that the one or more passengers undergo vertical movement at least along the route.

2. The amusement park attraction of claim 1, wherein the rider assemblies are movable in a vertical direction and a plurality of other directions, if desired simultaneously with a resultant motion in the plurality of directions.

3. The amusement park theme house of claim 1 or 2, wherein the array of rooms is stationary and the drive system is associated with the passenger assemblies for imparting movement to the passenger assemblies at least in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction.

4. The amusement park theme place according to claim 1, wherein the carrier path extends substantially in a horizontal plane, the array comprises rooms arranged at different horizontal positions along the carrier path, the rooms comprise rooms arranged at different vertical positions relative to the carrier path, and the passenger assembly is movable in at least a vertical direction relative to the frame.

5. Fairground attraction as claimed in claim 1 or 4, wherein the carrier path is formed by a rail on which the carriers engage, which rail may comprise an upper and a lower rail along which the upper and lower ends of the carriers are guided, respectively.

6. The amusement park theme house of claim 5, wherein the track is one or more rails.

7. The amusement park attraction of claim 1 or 4, wherein a storage facility is provided for storing at least one vehicle away from the path of the vehicle when the vehicle is not in use.

8. The amusement park theme house of claim 1 or 4, wherein the array of rooms comprises a matrix arrangement of rooms one after the other and one above the other.

9. The amusement park theme house of claim 8, wherein the room matrix arrangement is formed as a substantially planar room block with viewing openings on one or both sides of the room block.

10. The amusement park theme place of claim 8, wherein the room matrix arrangement is formed as an at least partially curved-faced room block with viewing openings on one or both sides of the room block.

11. The amusement park theme house of claim 1 or 4, wherein the passenger assembly is movable in a vertical direction by at least 3 meters.

12. The amusement park theme house of claim 1 or 4, wherein the drive system is adapted to provide acceleration and/or deceleration of the passenger assembly in a vertical direction in an upward and/or downward direction, the acceleration and/or deceleration being at least 0.5G.

13. The amusement park theme house of claim 1 or 4, wherein the passenger assembly comprises restraining means for passengers adapted to restrain the respective passengers.

14. The amusement park attraction of claim 1 or 4, wherein the rider assembly is adapted for rotation of the one or more riders between "head-up" and "head-down" orientations.

15. The amusement park theme house of claim 1 or 4, wherein the viewing openings of the rooms are arranged such that the view of passengers is limited to viewing one scene at a time.

16. The amusement park theme house of claim 1 or 4, wherein one or more scenes comprise one or more moving objects.

17. The casino property of claim 1 or 4, wherein one or more scenes comprise projected images.

18. The amusement park attraction of claim 1 or 4, wherein the drive system is adapted to move the rider assemblies in coordination with the playing effect provided by the scene so as to increase the feeling of motion of the riders viewing the scene.

19. The amusement park theme house of claim 1 or 4, wherein one or more rooms have blowing means for providing special effects related to the scene in the room.

20. The amusement park theme house of claim 1 or 4, wherein the array of rooms is formed with a structure having a ceiling, floor, side walls and a rear wall for each room, and a front forming a viewing opening for the room.

21. The amusement park theme house of claim 1 or 4, wherein the plurality of rooms of the array are the same size.

22. The amusement park theme house of claim 1 or 4, wherein one or more rooms are of a different size than the other rooms.

23. The amusement park theme house of claim 1 or 4, comprising an external darkening structure that encloses the array of rooms and the at least one passenger assembly.

24. The amusement park theme house of claim 23, wherein the exterior darkening structure has an exterior surface with at least one transparent portion through which a person outside the exterior darkening structure can see a portion of the interior of the theme house such that the passenger assembly is routed through the transparent portion.

25. A sports device for a fairground attraction according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising:

a vertically extending frame that is part of the carrier so as to be movable along the associated carrier path;

at least one passenger component for one or more passengers;

wherein the passenger assembly is guided by the frame and is movable in a vertical translational movement relative to the frame.

26. The exercise device of claim 25, wherein the frame allows vertical movement of the passenger assembly by at least 5 meters.

27. Vehicle according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the frame has a single vertical upright, along which the passenger assembly is guided in the vertical direction.

28. Vehicle according to claim 25 or 26, further comprising a slide to which the passenger assembly is connected and which is movable along the frame.

29. The exercise device of claim 28, wherein the slide is disposed coaxially with the frame.

30. The exercise device of claim 25 or 26, wherein the frame has one or more rails along which the passenger assembly is guided.

31. Vehicle according to claim 25 or 26, further comprising a lifting device for moving the passenger assembly in a vertical direction.

32. The exercise device of claim 31, wherein the lifting device includes at least one lifting line, a winch assembly, and possibly one or more pulleys that guide the lifting line.

33. Vehicle according to claim 25 or 26, further having a rotary drive for enabling a rotary movement of the passenger assembly relative to the frame about a rotation axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame.

34. The exercise device of claim 28, wherein the slide is arranged to be rotatable relative to the frame.

35. The exercise device of claim 28, wherein the sleeve is coupled to a slider, the sleeve being rotatable relative to the slider.

36. The exercise device of claim 35, wherein: the sleeve is arranged coaxially with the slider.

37. Vehicle according to claim 35, wherein the rotary drive is arranged between the slider and the sleeve in order to allow a rotary movement of the sleeve relative to the slider.

38. The exercise device of claim 25 or 26, comprising an arm that extends radially from the frame and supports the passenger assembly.

39. The exercise device of claim 38, wherein the arm includes one or more hinges.

40. The exercise device of claim 39, comprising a first hinge having a substantially vertical hinge axis to allow rotational movement of the passenger assembly in a horizontal plane.

41. The exercise device of claim 40, wherein the first hinge is located at an end of the arm proximate the frame.

42. The exercise device of claim 40, wherein the first hinge is located at an end of the arm proximate the seat assembly.

43. The exercise device of claim 39 or 40, comprising a second hinge having a substantially horizontal hinge axis extending radially from the frame to allow forward or rearward tilting movement of the passenger assembly.

44. Vehicle according to claim 39 or 40, comprising a third hinge, the hinge axis of which extends in a horizontal direction and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm and to the longitudinal axis of the frame.

45. The exercise device of claim 44; wherein the third hinge is located at a central region of the passenger assembly.

46. The exercise device according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the passenger assembly comprises at least one set of a plurality of seats arranged one after the other in a row.

47. The motion device of claim 25, being a carrier movable along an associated carrier path.

48. Fairground attraction comprising a sports apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims.

49. Method for operating a fairground attraction as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, comprising the following steps:

designing a story, the story containing a series of discrete scenes;

associating the effect of the movement to be experienced by the one or more passengers with one or more of said scenes;

assigning each discrete scene to an appropriate room in the array of rooms;

the drive system is programmed to execute a course of motion along the scene and any desired motion effects to be experienced by the one or more passengers.

50. A method of converting a casino property as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims from an existing story to a new story, comprising the steps of:

designing a new story, the story containing a series of discrete scenes;

associating the motion effect to be experienced by the one or more passengers with one or more of said new scenes;

assigning each discrete scene to an appropriate room of the array of rooms;

removing one or more scenes from the room that are related to the existing story;

the drive system is reprogrammed to perform a course of motion along the new scene and any desired motion effects to be experienced by the one or more passengers.