Tower construction

A tower is constructed by erecting an upright former 6; assembling a first section 31 of the tower around the former 6; raising the first tower section 31; assembling a second tower section 32 around the former 6; connecting the first and second tower sections 31, 32, and repeating the steps to add further tower sections. Disassembly is the reverse process. The method of assembly is particularly suitable to mobile towers that are transported on road trailers and may be used with advantage with amusement rides.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is the U.S. National Stage entry of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2013/073891, filed Nov. 14, 2013, which claims priority from GB Application No. 1315920.7, filed Sep. 6, 2013. The entire contents of these prior application are incorporated by reference.

FIELD

This relates to towers and to methods of constructing them. This is concerned particularly, although not exclusively, with towers for amusement rides.

BACKGROUND

Various amusement rides require the construction of a tower so that riders can enjoy the thrill of the ride at a great height. Many amusement rides are transportable, so that the owners can move them from one fairground site to another. However, where the ride involves a high tower, erection and subsequent disassembly of the tower typically requires heavy plant (usually a heavy crane) and considerable manpower.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention aim to provide methods of constructing towers that are improved in the foregoing respect.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of constructing a tower, comprising the steps of:

b. assembling a first section of the tower around the former;

c. raising said first section of tower;

d. assembling a second section of the tower around the former; and

e. connecting said first and second sections of the tower.

Preferably, the method further comprises the steps of:

f. raising said first and second sections of the tower;

g. assembling a third section of the tower around the former;

h. connecting said second and third sections of the tower; and

i. repeating steps f, g and h for subsequent sections of the tower that are assembled in turn around the former and connected to the preceding sections of tower.

Preferably, said former is a column of open framework construction.

Preferably, said former has a height that is greater than any two consecutive sections of the tower.

Preferably, each section of the tower is of substantially the same height.

Preferably, raising means for raising assembled sections of the tower is mounted on or adjacent said former.

Preferably, said raising means comprises a winch system mounted at least partly on said former.

Preferably, said raising means comprises at least one pneumatic or hydraulic ram.

Preferably, said tower is of open framework construction.

Said tower may be of generally rectangular cross-section.

Said tower may be of generally square cross-section.

Preferably, said tower sections are at least partly prefabricated or pre-assembled.

A method as above preferably further comprises the step of securing the tower to a support when the tower is completed.

Preferably, said former is carried on a transportable load bed.

Preferably, said load bed is a wheeled trailer for road or rail transport.

Preferably, said former is mounted on said load bed for pivoting movement between a first storage position in which the former extends generally parallel to the load bed and a second working position in which the former is upright.

Preferably, step a is carried out with the assistance of a pneumatic or hydraulic ram that places the former in an upright position.

Preferably, the sections of the tower are of substantially uniform cross-section.

Preferably, an upper section of the tower is pre-assembled around the former such that, when the former is erected, said upper section is already in place around the former.

A method as above preferably further comprises the step of mounting a carrier on the tower, such that the carrier can move up and down the tower.

Preferably, the carrier is arranged to carry riders, thereby to provide an amusement ride for the riders.

The amusement ride may comprise a drop-tower ride in which the carrier is moved towards the top of the tower and then allowed to drop in a free-fall manner.

The amusement ride may comprise a rotary swing ride in which the carrier or a part thereof rotates around the tower with riders suspended from the carrier.

A method as above preferably further comprises the step of disassembling the tower by disconnecting the lowermost section of the tower from the section above it, disassembling and removing the lowermost section, and allowing the section above it to move down the former and then become in turn the lowermost section, which in turn is disassembled and removed.

Preferably, where an upper section of the tower has been pre-assembled around the former, said upper section is retained around the former after disassembly of the tower.

Preferably, where a carrier is provided to move up and down the tower, the carrier and cables for operating the carrier are retained with said upper section after disassembly of the tower.

The invention extends to a tower or amusement ride that has been constructed by a method according to any of the preceding aspects of the invention.

In the figures, like references denote like or corresponding parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the various features that are described in the following and/or illustrated in the drawings are preferred but not essential. Combinations of features described and/or illustrated are not considered to be the only possible combinations. Unless stated to the contrary, individual features may be omitted, varied or combined in different combinations, where practical.

InFIGS. 1 to 3, two road trailers1and2have road wheels3and are connected together at4to form an elongate load bed5on which a former6is carried. The former6is pivotally mounted on trailer2at pivotal mounts7. One or more hydraulic or pneumatic ram8is pivotally connected to the trailer2and the former6. InFIG. 1, the former6is shown in a stowed position for transport, such that it extends generally parallel to the load bed5.

InFIG. 2, the former6has been pivoted into an upright position by the ram8and further secured in the upright position by further mounts9on the trailer1.

As seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, the former6is of open framework or trussed construction. That is, it comprises elongate members61that are interconnected by horizontal and diagonal spars62, to leave spaces between the parts61,62and a substantially open space inside the former6. However, the former6could be of an alternative construction—e.g. it may have substantially solid sides or be a substantially solid body.

The plan view ofFIG. 3shows stabilising legs10that extend from the trailers1and2and have adjustable feet11that engage the adjacent ground in order to support the trailers1and2such that the load bed5remains substantially horizontal and stable. Although four stabilising legs10are shown inFIG. 3, any number may be provided to afford sufficient stability. The adjustable feet11may be adjusted electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically, and/or by a screw jack arrangement. Such stabilising legs are known per se.

The view ofFIG. 4is similar to that ofFIG. 2, but is simplified in that the road wheels3, mounting points7,9and ram8have been omitted. Also, the former6has been shown as a plain rectangle. A winch pulley12is mounted at the top of the former6and two cables13depend from the pulley12. One or more ram14is provided at the base of the former6.

Four parts15to18of a first tower section to be assembled are shown around the former6. As illustrated diagrammatically inFIG. 4, a first part15is placed into position behind the former6and a second part16in front of the former6. A third part17is brought into position to the left of the former6and a fourth part18is brought into position to the right.

The plan view ofFIG. 5shows various components21,22of the parts15to18, around the former6. Similar to the construction of the former6as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the parts15to18are of open framework or trussed construction, comprising elongate members21that are interconnected by horizontal and diagonal spars22, to leave spaces between the components21,22. The components21,22are shown partly assembled inFIG. 4to make up the four parts15to18and are shown in exploded fashion inFIG. 5, to illustrate their relationship with the former6, as they are assembled around it. The parts15to18may be individually pre-assembled from the components21,22in any desired manner, prior to the parts15to18being assembled together around the former6. Examples of this are given inFIGS. 12 to 21and described further below.

FIG. 6shows the parts15to18assembled around the former6, to make a first tower section31. The former6serves as a core around which the first tower section31is assembled or formed.

InFIG. 7, the winch cables13have been attached to the first tower section31and the ram14engages the lower part of the tower section31. The winch and ram14are actuated to lift the first tower section31up the former6, until there is sufficient space below it to assemble a further tower section around the former6. As an alternative, only one or the other of the winch cables13and ram14may be utilised.

InFIG. 8, a second tower section32has been assembled around the former6, in a similar manner to the first section31. The first and second sections31,32are connected together by a suitable connector and the cables13and/or ram14engaged with the second tower section32. The cables13and/or ram14are then actuated to pull the second section32up the former6, until there is sufficient space below it to assemble a third tower section around the former6.

Further tower sections are then assembled around the former6in a similar manner, connected to the preceding sections and raised up the former6, until the desired height of tower has been attained.

Two or more rams14may be used, either around the former6or conveniently placed inside it. Each ram14may incorporate a retractable hook that can be extended to engage a part of tower section to facilitate lifting of the tower section, and then retracted to disengage from the tower section, once the tower section is in place. Rams14may be operated in sequence such that a first ram (or set of rams) supports the tower as it is formed, whilst a second ram (or set of rams) engages the next tower section to be assembled, in order to lift the enlarged tower whilst the first ram (or set) is disengaged, ready to engage the next tower section to be assembled.

InFIG. 9, five tower sections31to35have been assembled around the former6and interconnected to form a tower30that is supported on the load bed5. Once the tower30has been completed, it may be supported by struts37or other means. The (or each) ram14may remain engaged with the lower end of the fifth tower section35or disengaged.

Instead of being of open framework or trussed construction, some or all of the tower sections31to35may be of different construction—for example, they may have solid sides, wholly or partly.

The tower30ofFIG. 9forms part of an amusement ride, which includes a ride carrier40. A winch pulley42with cables43is mounted at the top of the first tower section31, such that the cables43engage the ride carrier40. By means of the winch pulley42and cables43, the ride carrier40is caused to travel up and down the tower30, with which the ride carrier40engages. Various different types of ride may be provided.FIG. 9affords a split illustration of the ride carrier40, in which the left side44(as seen) carries seating for riders to travel up and down the column as a “drop tower” ride, and the right side46suspends seats or harnesses47on links48, such that riders may travel around the tower in the manner of a rotary “chair swing”.

Typically, in a drop tower ride, riders are slowly raised up a tower until they attain a significant height, at which point they are suddenly dropped in a free-fall manner and then braked as they approach the ground. Typically, in a high chair swing ride, riders are raised up a tower until they attain a significant height, whilst being rotated around it. The riders may be moved up and down the tower as they are rotated around it.

It may be appreciated from the foregoing that the illustrated embodiment of the invention provides a very convenient method of constructing a tower for an amusement ride, without the need for heavy plant and, in particular, heavy cranes. It may be completely self-contained insofar as its assembly is concerned and save considerable amounts of time for both erection and subsequent disassembly.

It may readily be appreciated that disassembly is effectively the reverse of the assembly process as above described. Thus, winch cables13and/or ram(s)14engage the fourth tower section34to support the tower30whilst the lowermost section35is disconnected from the fourth tower section34, disassembled and removed. The tower30is then lowered down the former6until supported on the load bed5or ram(s)14. The next higher section33is then supported by the winch cables13and/or ram(s)14whilst the lower section34is disconnected, disassembled and removed—and so on.

Apart from the convenience afforded to the ride operator for initial erection of the tower and final disassembly, the relative ease of construction enables the tower to be taken down or at least reduced in height temporarily, in the event of severe weather conditions arising, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the chances of damage to the ride.

During construction, the ride carrier40may be assembled around the first tower section31whilst it is near ground level. Alternatively, it may be assembled around the tower30once the tower is completed—or at any convenient stage of construction.

In the arrangement ofFIGS. 10 and 11, the uppermost tower section31remains assembled around the former6, both during transport (FIG. 10) and during assembly and disassembly of the tower (FIG. 11). Likewise, the ride carrier40, or at least a frame of it, remains assembled around the uppermost tower section, together with cables43that pass over pulleys42to be connected to the ride carrier40at one end and, at the other end, to a winch25that is mounted on the trailer2. This arrangement can save valuable extra time during assembly and disassembly of the tower.

FIGS. 10 and 11illustrate wheels, rollers or slider blocks49to facilitate movement of the rider carrier40along the tower30. The wheels, rollers or slider blocks49may be carried on the ride carrier40and/or the tower30.

InFIGS. 10 and 11, both pivotal mounts7and securing mounts9are mounted on trailer2. The ram8is pivotally mounted in the trailer2such that it may be retracted within the trailer2after use to raise or lower the former6, as shown by dotted lines and reference8ainFIG. 11.

During construction, each of the tower sections32to35may be connected to the preceding tower section once assembly of the current tower section32to35is being completed. Alternatively, connection between successive tower sections may be affected whilst the lowermost tower section is being assembled.

Successive tower sections31to35may engage with one another by means of spigots and sockets that may be conically shaped to facilitate accurate inter-engagement of the sections. Pins, bolts or other connectors may be used to lock successive tower sections31to35together, once they have been successfully inter-engaged. Similar spigots and sockets may be used for engagement between the lowermost tower section35and the load bed5.

Conveniently, the former6may have a height that is greater than any two consecutive sections of the tower30. Alternatively, it may have a lower height.

The tower sections31to35may all be of substantially the same height or they may be of differing heights.

By way of example, each tower section31to35may have a height in the range 5 to 10 meters, and the overall height of the tower30may be of the order of 50 to 100 meters or more.

In the illustrated embodiment, the former6and the tower30are of substantially square cross-section. However, they may be of any cross-sectional geometrical shape, including polygonal, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, elliptical and circular. Examples of this are illustrated inFIGS. 12 to 21.

InFIG. 12, uprights21and spars22are pre-assembled to form two tower section sub-assemblies19, each of right-angle configuration with a full-width upright21at its apex and a reduced-width upright21aat each end. The two sub-assemblies are then brought together such that opposing reduced-width uprights21aare connected together by nuts and bolts or locking pins, to form a tower section around the former6, as shown inFIG. 13. It will be appreciated that this affords a rapid and convenient way to assemble and disassemble the tower sections. Once disassembled, the sub-assemblies19may be nested one with another for ready transport on a trailer or other transport device.

The reduced-width uprights21amay have a width of about half that of a full-width upright21so that, when two are connected together, their combined width is substantially the same as that of a full-width upright21.

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16show a square (or more generally, rectangular) former6around which various sub-assemblies19of differing configurations are assembled, like reference numerals denoting like or corresponding parts in all ofFIGS. 12 to 21.

FIG. 17shows a former6of triangular cross-section and sub-assemblies19to make up a tower section also of triangular cross-section around the former6. InFIGS. 18 and 19, the former6and corresponding tower sections are hexagonal and octagonal respectively.FIGS. 20 and 21show formers6and tower sections of circular cross-section.

Conveniently, all of the tower sections31to35are of substantially uniform cross-section. This is useful where a device such as (for example) a ride carrier40is to run up and down the tower30. However, the tower sections31to35may be of non-uniform cross-section. For example, they may be of reducing width from the bottom to the top of the tower.

The former6may engage the tower sections31to35by means of wheels carried on the former6and/or the tower sections31to35, to facilitate movement of the tower sections31to35with respect to the former6.FIGS. 20 and 21illustrate such wheels, rollers or slider blocks29.

The road trailers1and2may be of the same or different lengths. Whilst the trailer2carries the former6for transport, the trailer1may carry parts for the tower30. Rail trailers are also possible.

Although it is advantageous for the illustrated embodiment to be self-contained insofar as its assembly is concerned, it is possible also to utilise external equipment. For example, in many fairgrounds, small cranes are readily available and these may be used to raise completed tower sections31to34up the former6, since they need to engage only a completed tower section towards the bottom of the tower, to lift the tower upwards.

Equipment for raising tower sections31to34may be mounted on the trailer1and/or2, but not directly on the former6.

Although the illustrated embodiments of the invention are particularly advantageous for mobile amusement rides, the invention may also be adapted for use with permanent installations. For example, the load bed5may alternatively be afforded by a permanent concrete base.

The invention may also be adapted for use in the construction of towers for uses other than amusement rides. For example, the invention may be used for the construction of tower cranes.

In this specification, the verb “comprise” has its normal dictionary meaning, to denote non-exclusive inclusion. That is, use of the word “comprise” (or any of its derivatives) to include one feature or more, does not exclude the possibility of also including further features. The word “preferable” (or any of its derivates) indicates one feature or more that is preferred but not essential.

All or any of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all or any of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.