SWING TYPE AMUSEMENT RIDE WITH PENDULUM DAMPER

Abstract: The ride is capable of raising a rider to a height of ten meters or more above the ground, and then release the rider to swing. It includes a support structure (412), a support line (416b) secured to the support structure and to a rider. A launch structure (426) is spaced from the support structure (412) and carries a launch line (424a, 424b) designed to be releasably attached to a rider attachment (524b), so as to lift a rider from the ground. When the launch line (424a) is released from the attachment which carries the rider, the rider swings downwardly. A skysaucer embodiment (524a, 542b) features a conveying vehicle which holds multiple riders and is stopped by wheels (330) on a raised loading platform. In a pendulum damper embodiment, a passenger car is supported by a moving pivot point, the horizontal force is resisted by a parallelogram assembly supporting a horizontal support platform.

Description: SWING TYPE AMUSEMENT RIDE WITH PENDULUM DAMPER DESCRIPTION Technical Field This invention is a swing type amusement ride which includes a support structure, a launch structure, and a mechanism capable of raising a rider to a position at least ten meters above the ground, from which position the rider can swing away from the launch structure in a curved trajectory under the support structure. A sky saucer embodiment can carry dozens of riders simultaneously. The sky saucer pendulum hangs from a pendulum pivot. The sky saucer pendulum can be either damped or accelerated by means of moving the pendulum pivot either in sync or out of sync with the pendulum. Background of the Related Art Heretofore, there have been a variety of different types of amusement rides and apparatus for simulating the reduction of gravity to a rider. Some of these devices are known to be disclosed in Fitch U.S. Patent 857,338; Ridgway U.S. Patent 2,779,596; Ryan U.S. Patent 3,701,528; and Greenwood U.S. Patent 4,978,120. Furthermore, there have been a variety of playground and backyard swings and swing sets used by children and adults. These swings can vary in height from a small swing standing about three meters high, to a large swing standing about five meters high. A rider of such a swing normally takes a sitting position in a swing seat and starts its pendulum motion from a position in which the swing is vertical, unless aided by a running start, or by a person to help push and enhance the height of the swing arc. While the sitting or standing position on a swing seat is the norm, riders have been know to lie on their stomachs on top of a swing seat and swing in a prone position, but without being secured to the swing. Even the most skillful and powerful swing rider on a large swing will rarely exceed a 2 o'clock or 10 o'clock position at a height of about seven meters, before gravity overtakes the centrifugal force of the swing, and slack occurs in the swing rope or chain. Should a rider manage to force the swing to make a 360 degree circuit, his or her height would seldom exceed about ten meters from the ground. The use of external equipment to assist a swing rider to begin his or her ride from an elevated position is taught in Hoppes U.S. Patent 1,731,532; Pruessner U.S. Patent 1,918,559; and Walker U.S. Patent 3,140,870. Each of these references disclose standard playground and backyard type swing systems which have adjacent stairs which a person may climb to start swinging from a position above the ground, and thereby obtain an immediate swing elevation and experience an initial speed which is higher and faster than starting to swing from the ground. But, even in these systems the initial height above the ground which the rider experiences would seldom be more than about one to four meters. In some swing systems, and especially those designed for small children, and in some amusement rides, bungee jumping equipment, parachute equipment, hang gliding systems, and the like mechanisms for securing a rider to the equipment is provided. But, none of these systems provide a swing ride which initiates a swing release at a height of more than ten meters above the ground. The prior art swing technology has not been known to operate at heights which allow a rider to reach a height which is greater than about seven to ten meters above the ground, or, other than in a trapeze system, to swing from a "launch" structure towards a "support" structure. It is noted that in trapeze systems, the swings are intentionally "high above the center ring", and never approach the ground. It is thus seen that nowhere in the prior art is there a swing type amusement ride which includes, in combination, a support structure having an upper portion which is located ten meters (and as much as several hundred meters or more) above the surface of the ground, a support line having an upper end connected to the upper portion of the support structure and a lower end to which is connected a system for securing a rider to the support line. Further included is a launch structure which as an upper portion which is located ten meters (and as much as several hundred meters more) or more above the surface of the ground. The launch structure is spaced from the upper portion of the support structure, and which carries a launch line which includes a launching mechanism for releasable attachment to the rider securing mechanism. Further included is a mechanism associated with the launch structure, but which is not powered by the rider, for raising a rider who has been secured to the system to a height of at least ten meters (and as much as several hundred meters or more) above the ground, from which height the rider may begin his or her swing away from the launch structure towards the ground in a curved trajectory to simulate the feeling of "body flight". Further novelty is taught by a skysaucer vehicle embodiment which can carry several dozen riders simultaneously. Four parallel support lines approximately 100 meters long secure the saucer to a support structure. The saucer is lifted with a launch line approximately 100 meters to a launch structure then released, in much the same way as the single rider embodiment. In preferred embodiments, a second set of four parallel lines are used for stabilization. The solid saucer embodiment has been nicknamed the Sky Saucer. Some Sky Saucer plans call for saucers holding over sixty passengers. Stopping a saucer of this weight by only using rubber tires and brakes working on the limited braking runway of the loading platform for the passengers would take many pendulum oscillations. Additionally, tires and brakes would wear out frequently. Finally smells from braking mechanisms and tires would be offensive. The present invention damps the pendulum motion of the huge Sky Saucer from the pendulum's pivot point. No known prior art ever addressed a problem of this nature. Disclosure of the Invention It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a rider of the subject amusement ride with a sensation of "body flight", and an overall feeling similar to that of swooping along the ground in a hang glider, or of skydiving. Another object of the present invention is to provide the thrills and excitement ol " bungee jumping, but without the dangers related to the use of rubber or elastic cords, without the possibility of failing to make harness connections to the cord or support line, and without subjecting the body of the rider to the type of stress borne by a bungee jumper, and without the natural fear of a "free fall" plunge associated with bungee jumping. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an amusement ride which can be enjoyed by a plurality of riders who may enjoy the thrill of riding together while secured in tandem harnesses. Yet a further object of the present invention is to furnish an amusement ride which provides smooth, fast acceleration, excitement and thrills, while being a fail safe ride, without the anxiety and trauma related to finding the nerve to jump from an elevated platform in a "free fall" plunge, such as that which is associated with bungee jumping and sky diving. Another object of the present invention is to provide a high altitude amusement ride which has a low injury potential for its operators by allowing the operators of the ride to remain on the ground, as opposed to having to work aloft at high altitudes and at risk, as with bungee jumping and sky diving operations. Another object of the present invention is to provide a swing type amusement ride in which the rider swings back and forth in a pendulum like motion about twenty times or more before terminating the ride. Another object of the skysaucer embodiment is to provide a means for safely allowing many riders to enjoy the ride together, thus providing a more secure feeling to each rider than the single rider embodiment. Another object of the skysaucer ride is to provide a faster and more elevated ride than the single rider embodiment. Yet another object of the skysaucer ride is to allow more riders to be serviced in a given time than the single rider embodiment, thereby providing greater revenue to the operator. Another object of the present invention is to provide a pendulum damping means using a synchronized pendulum pivot mechanism especially suited for stopping large amusement park swing type rides. Another object of the present invention is to maintain a level platform for the multiple support lines of the ride at the pendulum pivot, even during the damping process. The present invention provides a swing type amusement ride for raising one or more riders from a position at or near a support surface aloft to a height of ten meters or more, and then releasing the rider to swing in a curved trajectory for thrill and excitement, but with little or no stress placed on the body of the rider. The amusement ride includes a support structure extending upwardly at least eleven meters above the ground (and as much as several hundred meters or more). The support structure may be a static tower, a static derrick, a static arch, a bridge, other static man-made structures, a crane, naturally occurring geological formations, and the like. One end of a rider support line is secured to the upper portion of the support structure at a point which is at least eleven meters from the ground, while the second end of the rider support line is secured to a rider securing attachment, to which a rider can be secured during the ride, and then removed. Disposed near the support structure is an upright launch structure having an upper portion which is spaced from the upper portion of the support structure. The launch structure may also be a static tower, a static derrick, a static arch, a bridge, other static man-made structures, a crane, naturally occurring geological formations, man made geological formations, and the like, which have an upper portion which has a height which reaches or exceeds at least eleven meters from the ground (and as much as several hundred meters or more). The upper portion of the launch structure carries a launch line which has a free end which is capable of being lowered and of being raised to a height which reaches or exceeds at least ten meters above the ground. In the preferred embodiments, several riders are fastened to a solid saucer structure. Four parallel support lines approximately 100 meters long secure the saucer to a support structure. The saucer is lifted with a launch line approximately 100 meters to a launch structure then released, in much the same way as the single rider embodiment. In preferred embodiments, a second set of four parallel lines are used for stabilization. The stabilization lines are arranged in a criss-cross fashion to prevent twisting and sway. Alternatively, two support lines, or just a single support line could be used. It is preferred to use at least as many stabilization lines as support lines since the stabilization lines function also as backup safety lines for the unlikely event of support line failure. In preferred embodiments, the support line is made of an aircraft-quality stainless- steel cable with safety in mind, and the ride does not depend on the use of rubber and elastic bungee cords. As used herein, the "ground" may be an actual ground surface, or a man made surface such as pavement, tarmac, a concrete pad and the like. The height of the structures or of the rider from the ground may be measured with respect to the actual "ground", or to a depression below the structures, such as a river bed, ravine, valley, or the like. As used herein, the portion of the support structure to which the support line is attached, and the portion of the launch structure from which the launch line is attached will always be considered to be the "upper portion" of the structure. The preferred embodiment supports the Sky Saucer cables from a horizontal platform. The horizontal platform is supported from the uppermost I beam(s) of the ride support tower by at least one pair of pivoting parallelogram support arms. Preferably two pair of pivoting parallelogram support arms are used to support the horizontal platform. In order to stop the Sky Saucer at least one hydraulic cylinder is used to move the horizontal platform in the same direction as the swing of the Sky Saucer. This causes the inertial movement of the Sky Saucer to be reduced in proportion to the distance the horizontal platform is moved away from the central pendulum pivot point. Since the horizontal platform is supported in a parallelogram configuration, then the horizontal platform rises a slight distance as it is pushed to either side. This rising action helps to maintain a smooth ride. Furthermore, the parallelogram configuration is self-centering which facilitates centering the Sky Saucer on the passenger loading platform. These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, showing the contemplated novel construction, combination, and elements as herein described, and more particularly defined by the appended claims, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiments to the herein disclosed invention are meant to be included as coming within the scope of the claims, except insofar as they may be precluded by the prior art. Brief Description of Drawings The accompanying drawings illustrate complete preferred embodiments of the present invention according to the best modes presently devised for the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which: FIG. 1 is a to-scale perspective view illustrating the subject invention using a fixed tower as a support structure with a skysaucer suspended from support lines and stabilization lines and connected to a launch line. FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic isometric view illustrating the subject invention using a fixed tower as a support structure with a skysaucer suspended from support lines and stabilization lines and connected to a launch line. FIG. 3 is a side view of the skysaucer showing the orientation of the skysaucer at various path locations. FIG. 4 is a side view of the skysaucer elevated loading conveyance showing the elevation means and the stopping means. FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of a skysaucer having a rapid loading and egress walkway. FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a portion of the right side of the skysaucer of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a right side plan view of the skysaucer of FIG. 6 with the door removed. FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the preferred embodiment of the damping mechanism mounted on the prior art Sky Saucer ride of Fig. 1. FIG. 9 is a side plan view of the preferred embodiment of the mechanism of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a front plan view of the mechanism of FIG. 8 mounted on the prior art Sky Saucer ride of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a side plan view of an alternate embodiment. FIG. 12 is a side plan view of yet another alternate embodiment having a trolley car type engine to accelerate or decelerate the Sky Saucer. FIG. 13 is a side plan view of yet another alternate embodiment using damping pistons. Best Mode Of Carrying Out Invention Referring first to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment allows many riders to enjoy the amusement ride together. This perspective view of the invention shows two independently suspended large conveyances (hereinafter referred to as skysaucers). The two skysaucer 524a, 524b are operated separately, but may be synchronized. Each skysaucer 524a, 524b accommodates about twenty people in this embodiment. Skysaucers 524a, 524b are equipped with seat belts and padded bars for restraint, similar to those used in a roller coaster amusement ride. The skysaucer provides a more secure feeling to riders by including a solid conveyance. The higher speeds and increased elevation allow for enjoyment even for experienced riders of the single rider embodiment. The ability to provide rides to many people makes the amusement ride attractive to amusement park owners and operators. It is seen that all embodiments disclosed thus far form a spectrum of apparatus all capable of providing the feeling of free flight to each rider. The skysaucers 524a, 524b are constructed of fiberglass with a steel structure. The skysaucers 524a, 524b in this embodiment are round and approximately eleven meters in diameter. The seats are arranged in two rows, forming concentric circles. Riders face the outward edge of the skysaucer. The inside circle of seats is elevated relative to the outside row so that no riders' view will be obstructed. Larger or smaller skysaucers could be built and different shapes could be employed. An upright support structure 412 supports the skysaucers. In the embodiment shown, the support structure 412 forms an arch, and also includes an observation deck 8, reached via an elevator 538 which crawls up the side of the support structure 2. The support structure 2 is approximately 400 feet high from the ground to the top of the arch. The width of the arch at the ground level is approximately 255 feet. The loading platform 526 is approximately twenty feet high and includes stairs. The observation deck 8 is approximately 300 feet above the loading platform. Skysaucers 524a and 524b are approximately 34 feet apart and are each approximately 25 feet in diameter. The launch tower 426 is approximately 320 feet high, and is disposed approximately 300 feet from the support structure 412. The launch tower 426 includes two launch lines 424a and 424b. Each respective launch line 424a and 424b is removably attached to a skysaucer 524a and 524b at one end, and attached at the other end to a winch (not shown) inside the launch tower 426. The skysaucer 524a is supported from the support structure 2 by a set of four support lines 416a. Additionally four stabilization lines 418a prevent sway and twisting of skysaucer 524a, and also serve as backup safety lines in the unlikely event of a failure of one of the support lines 416a. The support lines 416a and the stabilization lines 418a are each made of approximately 300 feet of aircraft quality stainless steel cable. An alternate design choice would be to employ two support lines rather than four, or only one support line, similar to the single rider embodiment It is preferred that the number of stabilization lines be at least equal to the number of support lines, since the stabilization lines also act as a safety backup in the unlikely event of a support line failure. The skysaucer 524b is similarly supported by support lines 416b and stabilization lines 418b. In operation of skysaucer 524a, riders embark from the loading platform 526. The launch line 424a is attached to the skysaucer 524a. The operation of the ride is controlled remotely by the ride operator. Once all riders are safely harnessed, the rider operator initiates the ride by having the launch line 424a pull the skysaucer 524a upward to near the top of the launch tower 426. The winch (not shown) contained within the launch tower 426 effects the lifting of the skysaucer 524a. Once the skysaucer 524a reaches a point near the top of launch tower 426, the ride operator brings the skysaucer 524a to a stop, maintaining an elevated position. The ride operator then launches the skysaucer 524a by detaching the skysaucer 524a from the launch line 424a via an electric solenoid release (not shown). The skysaucer 524a, acting like a gigantic pendulum, then begins to swing, assuming the pendulum arc shown by dotted line 452, reaching speeds as high as 100 miles per hour. The ride continues for several minutes as the skysaucer 524a swings back and forth. The swing cycle height gradually decreases due to air friction and brakes on the braking platform 327 controlled by the ride operator. The swing cycle can also be stopped using the pendulum damper mechanism described in FIGS. 8 through 13. The skysaucer 524b operates similarly to the skysaucer 524a, employing the launch line 424b, and a separate winch (not shown). Further operation details are disclosed below. Referring next to FIG. 2 an alternate embodiment of the twin skysaucer ride in FIG. 1 is shown. This view differs from FIG. 1 in that only a single skysaucer is shown, and the scale is different so that some construction can be detailed. Riders sit in the skysaucer 3, which is identical to that shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1. An upright support structure 212 supports the skysaucer. The height of the support structure is more than one- hundred meters which provides for a maximum velocity of approximately one-hundred-fifty kilometers per hour. The launch structure 226 is approximately the same height as support structure 212. Most mobile cranes are not designed for the forces involved in a system this size, so a permanent structure is preferred. The skysaucer 3 comprises the four support lines 216 and the four stabilization lines 218 which are each comprised of approximately one-hundred meters of aircraft- quality stainless-steel cable. An alternate design choice might employ two support lines, or a single support line, with at least one stabilization hne. Each of the four skysaucer support lines 216 are substantially parallel. The distance dlO at the support line mechanism 232 is approximately fifteen meters. The distance dl 1 at the skysaucer 3 is approximately eight meters. Sway might otherwise be caused by wind or uneven loading, and thus is undesirable. The skysaucer stabilization lines 218 are in a criss-cross configuration. The stabilization lines 218 prevent axial rotation of the skysaucer about the axis parallel to the support lines. The stabilization lines 218 also help eliminate sway and yaw, keeping the path of the skysaucer in the plane directly below the support-line mechanism 232. Path deviance and axial rotation could otherwise result from wind or uneven passenger weight distribution during launch. Without the stabilization lines 218 the support lines 216 would have to be spread very far apart to maintain a consistent path of motion. The stabilization lines 218 further act as safety backups in the unlikely event of a support line failure. Referring next to FIG. 3 a side view of the skysaucer 3 of FIG. 2 in operation is shown. Due to the large height of the support structure 212 this figure is not to scale. The distance dl2 at the support line mechanism 232 is approximately five meters. The distance dl3 at the skysaucer 3 is approximately eight meters. This configuration allows for the skysaucer 3 to be tilted at approximately forty-five degrees when in the launch position as shown. Configuring distance dl2 equal to distance dl3 would result in negUgible tilt of the skysaucer 3 at the launch position and throughout the operational path. Configuring distance dl2 smaller than distance dl3 would result in a larger tilt angle at the launch position. Referring next to FIG. 4 a side view of the elevated skysaucer loading platform 326 is shown. The operator controlled braking platform 327 is also shown. The loading platform 326 and surrounding base area 228 is elevated approximately seven meters. Typically the skysaucer amusement ride exists inside an amusement park, where ground space is very valuable. Raising the loading area allows other facilities to be located safely underneath the flight path of the skysaucer 3. If the flight path were not raised, much valuable ground space would be occupied by the flight path of the skysaucer, preventing the operation of amusement facilities such as hot dog vendors. The braking platform 327 is moved upward into position by means of hydraulic lifts 328. During loading the braking platform 327 immobilizes the skysaucer 3. Mobile loading stairs 340 are moved into position for passenger loading and unloading. Once riders have loaded and are restrained securely, the loading stairs 340 are cleared out of the way and the braking platform 327 lowers. The braking platform 327 lowers about three to five meters, leaving the skysaucer unencumbered. The braking platform 327 also contains within it a slowing means to slow and stop the skysaucer 3. The slowing means comprises brake-equipped rotatable tires 330, which are spring-loaded with springs 332 so as to gently yet firmly contact the skysaucer 3 during subsequent passes above the braking platform 327. The bottom of the skysaucer 3 has a smoothly curving surface such that tire contact occurs gradually rather than abruptly. Gradual contact and smooth slowing action is an important design criteria at one-hundred- fifty kilometers per hour. The tire contact area of the skysaucer 3 has a rough surface so as to enhance tire traction. In operation once the skysaucer 3 has passed freely over the landing platform several times, the braking platform 327 is slowly raised to a height such that the spring-loaded brake-equipped tires 330 contact the moving skysaucer 3 when it passes over the braking platform 327. The operator controls the braking platform height and the braking force. One of the tires 330 also is powered with an electric motor to realign the skysaucer 3 for proper loading once the skysaucer 3 has been stopped. Realignment is detected with small switches or optional optical sensors which stop power to the motor once the skysaucer 324 is aligned correctly. This mechanism is used in an alternative embodiment because it would require many oscillations to stop the ride, the rubber tires would wear out frequently and would cause an offensive odor. The pendulum damper described in FIGS. 8 through 13, is used in the preferred embodiment. A launch weight 223 and launch weight line 217 are used, which serve to return the detachable end of launch line 224 to the starting point for reattachment to the skysaucer 3. The skysaucer launch release 306 is activated remotely by the ride operator and employs an electrically activated solenoid. Following the skysaucer launch, the launch weight 223 and the skysaucer 3 become physically separated. The solenoid release remains attached to launch weight 223. Referring next to FIGS. 5, 6, 7 a rapid loading/unloading embodiment of a skysaucer vehicle is denoted as numeral 3240. Skysaucer 3240 has symmetrical front and rear ends 3243, 3244, and left and right sides 3245, 3246 respectively. The object of skysaucer 3240 is to load and unload sixty riders quickly. There exists a plurality of parallel rows of walkways 3247 for each ten seats 3248. All the seats 3248 are identical. Doors 3242 allow riders to file into and out of walkways 3247 in a rapid fashion. Once seated, the rider 3250 is secured by the body brace 3249 which has a load position (UP, FIG. 17) and a lock position (DOWN, FIG. 17). The doors have an internal locking mechanism (not shown) which is actuated in a known manner prior to lift- off. Not shown is the ride operator console, which includes controls for raising the skysaucer (via lowering the braking platform and raising the attached launch line with the winch or activating the pendulum damper mechanism); launching the skysaucer (via activating the skysaucer launch release); lowering the launch weight (via the winch, possibly with the skysaucer attached); stopping the skysaucer (via raising the braking platform and applying braking force followed by skysaucer positioning or by initiating the pendulum damper mechanism). Safety controls also prevent operation during unsafe events, such as while the skysaucer is being loaded. It is thus seen that, unlike the prior art, the present invention provides a swing type amusement ride which includes, in combination, a support structure having an upper portion which is located at least eleven meters (and as much as several hundred meters or more) above the surface of the ground, at least one support line having an upper end connected to the upper portion of the support structure and a lower end to which is connected a system for securing at least one rider support to the support line; as well as a launch structore which has an upper portion which is located at least eleven meters (and as much as several hundred meters or more) above the surface of the ground, is spaced from the upper portion of the support structure, and which carries a launch line which includes a launching mechanism for releasable attachment to the rider securing mechanism; and a mechanism associated with the launch structure, but which is not powered by any riders. which is capable of raising riders who have been properly secured to the system to a height of at least ten meters (and as much as several hundred meters or more) above the ground, from which height the rider may begin his or her swing away from the launch structure towards the ground in a curved trajectory to simulate the feeling of "body flight." Referring next to FIG. 8 a side perspective view of the prior art Sky Saucer 1 is shown. The following description will use the same numbers for prior art elements because in the following description only the damping mechanism elements differ. The prior art ride elements are identical to one another throughout the remainder of the application. Referring next to FIGS. 9, 10 a front plan view of the preferred embodiment of the damping mechanism 10 which is used to stop the amusement ride oscillation is shown. The damping mechanism 10 is fixed in the longitudinal and lateral center of the support frame 8 of the prior art support structure 2 of FIG. 1. The damping mechanism 10 consists of a horizontal platform 11 which is attached to the support frame 8 by two pairs of parallel arms 12,13,14,15.. Each parallel arm 12,13,14,15, is pivotally attached to both the support frame 8, and to each corner of the horizontal platform 11. A powered piston 21 is fixed diagonally from the support frame 8 to the horizontal platform 11. Correspondingly, behind piston 21 a second powered piston 20 is fixed diagonally from the support frame 8 to the horizontal platform 11. The pistons 20, 21 are connected to a power source 24 by hydraulic lines 25. The powered pistons 20, 21 act to move the horizontal platform 11 in a front to back arc as denoted by arrow 27. Referring to FIGS. 9, 10 support lines 22 and stabilization Unes 23 are fixed to each corner of the horizontal platform 11 at their top end. The support Unes 22 and stabiUzation lines 23 are fixed ,to the solid saucer 3 at their bottom end as shown in FIG. 1. Referring next to FIG. 8 a side plan view of the preferred embodiment of the damping mechanism 10 mounted on the Sky Saucer of FIG. 1 is shown. The amusement ride can still be started as it was in the prior art by releasing the passenger filled solid saucer 3 after it has been elevated approximately 100 meters. The solid saucer 3 in concert with the support and stabiUzation Unes 4, 5 acts as giant pendulum in a harmonic system. The saucer 3 wiU then swing in a pendulum arc denoted by arrow 31. Alternatively the amusement ride can now be started by activating the powered pistons 20, 21. The hydrauUc pistons 20, 21 will first displace the horizontal platform 11 in one direction. The pistons 20, 21 will then act in concert to displace the horizontal platform in the opposite direction. The pistons will continue this front to back motion until the desired preset arc ampUtude is achieved and the soUd saucer 3 is elevated approximately 100 meters. Once the saucer has reached its desired elevation the pistons 20, 21 will be turned off. The solid saucer 3 of the amusement ride 100 wUl be allowed to oscUlate along the pendulum arc 31 for most of the ride. Once the amusement ride has been started, it will naturally come to a stop unless outside energy is fed into the system. The amusement ride 1 will come to halt due to the energy it loses to friction in the system. For an amusement ride, however, the stopping time must be quicker than the natural stopping time and within the ride operator's control. The amusement ride 1 may be stopped by reactivating the pistons 20, 21. Once the saucer 3 has been elevated approximately 100 meters, either by launch Une or powered pistons, it will travel along a pendulum arc denoted by arrow 31. By activating the pistons 20, 21, the horizontal platform 11 wiU be moved to position 30 denoted by the dashed lines. Moving the horizontal platform 11 to position 30 drops the solid saucer 3 a small distance. As a result the solid saucer 3 travels a long a lower pendulum arc denoted by arrow 32. The lower pendulum arc 32 is out of sync with it's original pendulum arc 31. This greatly increases the energy lost out of the harmonic system, and the amusement ride 1 comes quickly to a halt. The amusement ride may be stopped by using brakes 28, 29 shown in FIG. 9. The brakes 28, 29 increase the energy lost from the harmonic system through friction. The amusement ride 1 may also be stopped more quickly by using a combination of piston 20. 21 activation and brake 28, 29 activation. Referring next to FIG. 12 a side plan view of an alternative trolley embodiment of the damping mechanism 50 is shown. The alternative trolley damping mechanism 50 consists of placing rail 51 on the support frame 8 of the amusement ride 1. A trolley 52 with a motor 53 is placed on the rail 51 of the support frame 8. The trolley wheels 54 are fitted with brakes 55. The amusement ride can be started as it was in the prior art Sky Saucer ride shown in FIG. 1 by elevating the soUd saucer 1 with a launch Une (not shown). The trolley 52 must be braked to remain stationary during the ride initiation. The solid saucer 3 will then oscUlate in a pendulum arc denoted by arrow 56. The amusement ride can also be started by activating the trolley 52 so that it travels back and forth along the rail 51 of the support frame 8. Once the solid saucer 3 has reached an elevation of approximately 100 meters, the trolley 52 will be stopped. The front to back motion of trolley 52 wiU result in the soUd saucer 3 traveling in a pendulum arc denoted by arrow 56. To stop the amusement ride 1, the brakes 55 can be released, and the trolley 52 will be puUed in the direction that the soUd saucer 3 is traveling. Displacement of the trolley 52 causes the soUd saucer 3 to lose elevation, and the soUd saucer 3 will travel along a lower pendulum arc denoted by arrow 57. The lower pendulum arc 57 is out of sync with the original pendulum arc 56. As a result energy loss from the harmonic system is increased, and the amusement ride 1 is more quickly brought to a halt. Another mode of damping the pendulum is to accelerate the trolley 52 in the direction of the pendulum swing. The pendulum oscillation will be damped with die same theory of operation as described in FIG. 8. Also, the trolley brakes 55 can be used to increase frictional energy loss and more quickly stop amusement ride 1. Referring next to FIG. 11 another alternative embodiment damping mechanism 40 is shown. Damping mechanism 40 comprises a rail car 41 with wheels 44, 43 that roll along a track 47 which is mounted on support frame 8. At each end of the track 47 there are displacement blocks 45, 46. Blocks 45, 46 may be constructed of rubber or any other elastic compressible material. The amusement ride is initiated as described i-n FIG. 1. The rail car 41 wiU be pulled in the direction in which the solid saucer(not shown) is traveling. This wiU cause the resulting pendulum arc to become out of sync with the original pendulum arc and more quickly stop the saucer (not shown) as described in FIG. 2. The rail car 41 wiU also coUide with the displacement blocks 45, 46 stopping the saucer osciUation more rapidly than without the displacement blocks. Brakes (not shown) could also be added to the embodiment. Referring next to FIG. 13 a side plan view of yet another alternate embodiment 90 using damping pistons 92, 93 is shown. Once again a rail car 96 is placed on rails 91 which are mounted on the support frame 8 of amusement ride 1. A damping piston 92, 93 is attached to each end of rail car 96. Thus, damping piston 92 is attached to rail car 96 at one end and power source 95 on its opposing end. Damping piston 93 is also attached to rail car 96 at one end and power source 94 on its opposing end. The amusement ride 1 can be initiated as described in FIG. 1 or the pistons 92, 93 can be activated to move the rail car 96 in a front to back motion. Once the amusement ride 1 is initiated, the powered pistons 92, 93 are deactivated. The rail car 96 will be pulled along the track 91 in the direction that the soUd saucer (not shown) travels. The motion of the rail car 96 will result in the lowering of the solid saucer. The swing arc of the solid saucer will then become out of sync, draining energy out of the system as described in FIG. 12. AdditionaUy, the inactivated pistons 92, 93 will act to further damp the oscillation of the amusement ride 1. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.

Claims: Claims The embodiments of the invention for which an exclusive privUege and property right is claimed are defined as follows. 1. An amusement ride for raising at least one rider from the ground to a height of at least ten meters and releasing the rider to swing in a curved trajectory, the amusement ride comprising: a support structure, said support structure extending upwardly to a height of at least eleven meters above the ground; a rider support line having a first end and a second end, said first end of said support Une being attached to the support structore, said support line being normally pivotaUy suspended verticaUy downward from said support structore; means for attaching said second end of said support line to a rider carried by said second end of said support line; a launch structore; said launch structure extending upwardly to a height of at least eleven meters above the ground, said launch structore spaced from said support structure; and means for raising a rider at least ten meters above the ground from the lowest trajectory point said means for raising a rider being associated with said launch structore; whereby, when the rider leaves said raising means the rider will swing freely on said support Une. 2. The amusement ride of claim 1 , wherein said means for raising the rider further comprising a launch line having a first end and a second end, said first end of said launch Une being attached to said launch structore, and there is provided means for attaching said second end of said launch Une to the rider; 3. An amusement ride for swinging one or more riders from an elevated position from an upright launch structure extending about ten meters or more upwardly from the ground, the ride comprising: an upright support structure extending upwardly about ten meters or more from the ground and disposed near said launch structure; and a rider support line having a first end and a second end, said first end of said support line attached to an upper portion of said support structore, said second end of said support line being attached to and secured to the rider, whereby the rider when released from the launch structure swings in a curved trajectory under said support structure. 4. An amusement ride for raising a conveyance holding riders from a static position at or near die ground to a height of at least ten meters, and releasing the conveyance to swing in a curved trajectory, the amusement ride comprising: an upright support structore, said support structure extending at least eleven meters from the ground; a conveyance support Une assembly having a given length and first ends and second ends, said first ends of said conveyance support Une assembly attached to said upper portion of said support structure, said second ends of said conveyance support Une assembly attached to the conveyance, said conveyance support line assembly suspended from a normal position on said support structore vertically downward; and an upright launch structure extending upwardly from the ground and disposed from said support structure at a distance not greater than the length of said support line assembly. 5. The amusement ride of claim 4, further comprising a launch Une having a first end and a second end, said first end of said launch line attached to means for raising and lowering said laimch line on said launch structure, said second end releasably attached to said conveyance. 6. The amusement ride of claim 4 further comprising a movable loading structure functioning to enable the riders to embark/disembark from the conveyance. 7. The amusement ride of claim 6 wherein said movable loading structure further comprises braking means, and moves downward during the ride, and upward for braking the motion of the conveyance. . The amusement ride of claim 7, wherein the launch line further comprises a launch weight Une having a first and a second end and a launch weight functioning to enable die return of the second end of the launch line to the ground after the riders disembark, said launch weight attached to said second end of said launch Une, said first end of said launch weight line attached to said upper portion of said support structure, said second end of said launch weight line attached to said second end of said launch line. 9. The amusement ride of claim 5, wherein said conveyance further comprises a plurality of access rows serving a pluraUty of seats, thereby enabling the rapid ongress and egress of the riders. 10. The amusement ride of claim 9, wherein said plurality of seats each has a retractable locking means functioning to secure the rider during flight. 11. The amusement ride of claim 9, further comprising lockable doors for each access row. 12. The amusement ride of claim 11, further comprising a pendulum damping apparatus functioning to control a speed of osciUation of the ride. 13. The amusement ride of claim 12, wherein said conveyance further comprises a horizontal vector of motion; and said pendulum damping apparatus further comprising said conveyance a moving pivot means for countering the horizontal vector of motion of the conveyance, thereby reducing the angular movement of said conveyance. 14. A pendulum damping apparatus comprising: a pendulum having a mass and a swing arc; a pendulum support Une attached to the pendulum defining a radius of the swing arc; a horizontal platform functioning to support the pendulum support line; a pendulum support frame having a first and second horizontal end; a pair of parallel pivoting support arms depending from the pendulum support frame and pivotally affixed to one member of the pair at each of the first and second horizontal ends of die pendulum support frame, thereby forming a parallelogram assembly among the pendulum support frame, me pair of pivoting parallel support arms, and me horizontal support platform; and a powered piston affixed to one horizontal end of the horizontal support platform, functioning to move the horizontal support platform, thereby lowering the pendulum mass out of sync with the pendulum swing arc, thus, damping me pendulum swing arc. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the pendulum mass further comprises an amusement ride passenger compartment and the pendulum support frame further comprises an amusement ride tower. 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the pair of parallel pivoting support arms further comprise a braking means at a pivot point. 17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the powered piston further comprises a power means to move the horizontal support platform, thereby moving the pendulum mass in sync with the pendulum swing arc, thus, increasing an amplitude of the pendulum swing arc. 18. A pendulum damping apparatus comprising: a pendulum having an angular movement; a pendulum support line; a horizontal pendulum support frame having a first and second horizontal end; a damping vehicle having a wheel riding on the horizontal pendulum support frame, and having a support means for the pendulum support line; and said damping vehicle further comprising a damping means functioning to reduce die angular movement of the pendulum. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the damping means further comprises a brake or die wheel. 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the damping means further comprises an end stop at the first and second horizontal end. 21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein each end stop further comprises a damping piston connected to the damping vehicle. 22. The apparatos of claim 118, wherein the damping vehicle further comprises a power means to accelerate the damping vehicle. 23. The apparatos of claim 22, wherein the damping means further comprises a brake for a wheel. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein: the damping vehicle further comprises a rail car having wheels adapted to rails; and the horizontal pendulum support frame further comprise rails. 25. A pendulum damping apparatus comprising : a pendulum having a support line affixed to a moving pivot means; said moving pivot means further comprising a horizontal vector of motion; and a damping means functioning to counter the horizontal vector of motion, thereby reducing me angular movement of the pendulum. 26. The apparatos of claim 25, wherein said horizontal vector of motion is caused by an angular movement of the pendulum. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said damping means further comprises a damping piston fixed to said moving pivot. 28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said moving pivot means further comprises a wheel and said damping means further comprises a brake for the wheel. 29. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein: said pendulum further comprises a pendulum support frame; said moving pivot means being supported by said pendulum support frame, further comprises a vehicle; and said damping means further comprises a power means functioning to accelerate the vehicle in the direction of the angular movement of the pendulum, diereby reducing the angular movement of the pendulum. 30. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said damping means further comprises a powered piston and said horizontal vector of motion is initiated by said powered piston. 31. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein: said moving pivot means further comprises a motorized vehicle; and said horizontal vector of motion is caused by activation of said motorized vehicle. 32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said damping means further comprises a brake for said motorized vehicle.

Inventors: BIRD KENNETH G, KITCHEN WILLIAM J, BIRD, KENNETH, G., KITCHEN, WILLIAM, J.
Applicants: BIRD KENNETH G, KITCHEN WILLIAM J, SKY FUN 1 INC, BIRD, KENNETH, G., KITCHEN, WILLIAM, J., SKY FUN 1, INC.
Application year: 1995
Main classification: A63G9
IPC codes: A63G9, A63G31