Patent ID: 8342976
Filing Date: 2013-01-01
Classification: A63G

Abstract:
1. A gravity slide ride supported on a foundation, comprising: a drive assembly including a drive and a hub rotated, during operation of the drive, about a central axis of rotation at a first rotation rate and at a second rotation rate greater than the first rotation rate; a track extending radially outward from an end coupled to the hub and defining a travel path with a first position in a first section of the track proximate to the hub and with a second position in a second section of the track distal from the hub, wherein the first section has a first slope and the second section has a second slope greater than the first slope; a passenger vehicle; and a vehicle-to-track mounting assembly supporting the passenger vehicle on the track, wherein, during rotation of the hub, radially outward forces move the passenger vehicle to the first position on the track when the hub is rotated at the first rotation rate and to the second position on the track when the hub is rotated at the second rotation rate, and wherein the passenger vehicle includes an input device operable by a passenger of the passenger vehicle to limit a rate of movement of the passenger vehicle between the first and second positions, whereby the input device is operable to define a radial position of the passenger vehicle relative to the axis of rotation.