Steerable swinging device

Amusement devices – Swing

Patent

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Details

472133, A63G 912

Patent

active

057826994

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a swing. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a swinging device suspended below a substantially horizontally extending cable or bridge and designed to support a passenger in a steerable craft which swings about the cable or bridge.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various forms of swinging and hanging devices have been designed to provide excitement to passengers in the form of "ground rush" and the feel of centrifugal force on the body. For example, a conventional swing generally comprises one or two cables and is connected to a support structure and is provided with a seat to support a person. A disadvantage with the conventional swing is that it requires energy and power to be able to swing. Also, there in a limit to the height above ground over which a person can swing of about 15 meters. Furthermore, a conventional swing does not allow a person to control the path of the swing but merely permits a person to swing back and forth.
Another form of amusement is a bungy jump. An elastic cord is attached at one end to a person's ankles and anchored to a bridge or crane at the other end. The person jumps off the bridge or crane at a predetermined height above the ground or water, and falls generally vertically and subsequently bounces up and down before settling in a hanging position. The person feels the effects of free fall and "ground rush". However, there are limitations and disadvantages with bungy jumping in that a participant is not able to perform aerobatic manoeuvres and is not able to control the direction of travel after jumping.


DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It in an object of the invention to provide a steerable swinging device which overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a steerable swing device for swinging a rider attached to a carrier through the air for amusement, the steerable swing device comprising: substantially opposite each other at a height above the ground; approximately midway between the at least two anchor points; the lower end of the swing cable; and ground suitable for release of the carrier at the start of a ride; the ride such that the rider is able to control the direction of lateral movement of the carrier during the ride by steering the carrier during the ride as the carrier swings from its launch position about the support means.
Preferably the support means extends substantially horizontally between two anchor points. However, the support means may be in the form of an arc. It could comprise a cable or a bridge. The swinging device may comprise two support cables which meet at a junction point approximately midway along their length. The swing cable may extend downwardly from this midway point.
Preferably the steerable swing device comprises two lateral supports, extending downwardly from the horizontal support means, the upper end of each of the two lateral supports being joined to the horizontal support means and the lower end of each of the two lateral supports being joined to the lower part of the swing cable or the carrier itself. However, four lateral supports may be provided.
Preferably the carrier comprises a tail and rudder, the rudder being controllable by the rider during the ride or flight. The carrier may be in the form of a small aircraft in which a rider sits or in the form of a streamlined board, on which a rider may lie in a prone position on his or her stomach, head facing forward. A joystick to control the rudder may be provided for operation by the rider. Handles may also be provided.
Preferably the reposition system is a winch system which is adapted to winch the carrier up to a platform from which the carrier is launched at the start of a ride. The winch system may be adapted to lower the carrier to the ground after the ride has been completed.
The swing cable may be made of steel which may be stainless. Part of its length may be comprised of elasti

REFERENCES:
patent: 1422032 (1922-07-01), Chapman
patent: 1446031 (1923-08-01), Rippin
patent: 1925180 (1933-09-01), Eyerly
patent: 4898377 (1990-02-01), Roche
patent: 5527223 (1996-06-01), Kichen et al.
patent: 5573465 (1996-11-01), Kitchen et al.
European Search Report dated Sep. 28, 1997.

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