Amusement devices – Roundabout – Having carrier rotating about vertical axis
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-30
2001-04-03
Nguyen, Kien T. (Department: 3712)
Amusement devices
Roundabout
Having carrier rotating about vertical axis
C472S013000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06210284
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to amusement park rides which use passenger vehicles as a means for carrying persons on amusement rides.
B. Description of the Related Art
Traditionally, amusement parks have a variety of rides. In particular, rides such as Ferris wheels and roller coasters typically have carriages or carts permanently mounted on supports in the ride, including seats to accommodate thrill seekers. For instance, on a Ferris wheel, a series of pivoting carriages with seats are mounted about the outer periphery of the Ferris wheel. Thrill seekers are seated in the seats and the Ferris wheel rotates lifting the thrill seekers up to view local scenery and the like. Roller coasters typically have a car mounted on tracks. The car includes several seats and restraining devices, such as seat belts, or harnesses, which restrain the thrill seeker as the car rides on the tracks.
Amusement parks are very popular. One of many problems most people experience while visiting an amusement park is the enormous amount of walking between rides and attractions. Another big problem with amusement parks is that the more popular rides have long lines of people waiting to enjoy the ride. People must stand and wait for extended periods of time, with little in the way of comforts or leisurely pleasures. Standing and waiting detracts from the enjoyment of the amusement park.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One object of the present invention is to make amusement parks more attractive by providing thrill seekers with a more comfortable way to travel between rides and wait in line for those rides.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cable driven ride includes at least one supporting tower, at least one terminal spaced apart from the supporting tower and a cable extending between the tower and the terminal. The cable is supported by the tower such that the cable is continuously moveable between the tower and the terminal. A means for moving the cable between the tower and the terminal is provided in the terminal. At least one carriage is engagable with the cable such that the carriage is moveable with the cable between the tower and the terminal The carriage is configured to support and carry a motorized passenger vehicle.
Preferably, the carriage includes a front gate which secures the motorized passenger vehicle thus preventing movement of the motorized passenger vehicle with respect to the carriage.
Preferably, the carriage includes a platform and front and rear gates supported on the platform, the front and rear gates being configured to secure the motorized passenger vehicle to the platform thus preventing movement of the motorized passenger vehicle with respect to the carriage, and the platform being further provided with a plurality of rollers which may be selectively braked against rolling movement.
Preferably, the carriage includes a generally flat platform upon which an automobile is positionable and at least two generally upright sides extending from the platform. At least one inflatable bag is fixed to at least one of the upright sides and upon inflation the inflatable bag engages and secures the motorized passenger vehicle on the platform.
Preferably, a gate mounted to the platform, the gate including a second inflatable bag.
These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings where like reference numerals denote corresponding parts throughout.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3247539 (1966-04-01), Pleasant
patent: 3355580 (1967-11-01), Wachs
patent: 4909155 (1990-03-01), Katayama
patent: 4936222 (1990-06-01), Murai
patent: 5058508 (1991-10-01), Kavieff et al.
patent: 7-17394 (1995-01-01), None
patent: 8-239033 (1996-09-01), None
patent: 8-282476 (1996-10-01), None
Nguyen Kien T.
Oriental Sangyo Co., Ltd.
Shinjyu Intellectual Property Firm
LandOfFree
Rides conveying park-goers in their own motor vehicles does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Rides conveying park-goers in their own motor vehicles, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Rides conveying park-goers in their own motor vehicles will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2457305