Arched ride for sightseeing and entertainment purposes

Abstract

An arched amusement ride for sightseeing and entertainment purposes (1) according to ride variant A (1a), wherein passenger gondolas (8), referred to as "gondolas" for short, travel back and forth along a closed and endless circulating track A (6), independently of one another, along the upper (2a) and / or lower (2b) of a tall arched structure, referred to as "arch" (2) for short, between two ground stations (4) each with a platform (14), and thereby also move up and down, without having to stop completely for the boarding and disembarking of passengers, wherein the arch (2) transitions in the two lower end regions into at least two downwardly and outwardly splayed arch piers (2c), which at each end of the arch and at platform level (BE) move away from the longitudinal center line (BLML) of the arch in opposite directions to such an extent that the gondolas (8) there, and along the circulating track (6) in their entire width between the fit through the arch piers (2c),and on both sides of the arch (2) and near the arch piers, there is a station (4) with at least one platform platform (14) with at least one platform shaft (15a), wherein the entire rail centerline (SML) of the entire closed and endless circulating rail A (6) lies in a vertical plane that passes through the arch longitudinal centerline (BLML) and vertical arch centerline (VBML) of the arch (2), wherein the closed and endless circulating rail (6), which is mostly fixed to or in the top (2a) and bottom (2b) of the arch (2), transitions at each station (4) into a so-called circulating rail extension (6h), which extends outwards from the arch (2) at each station (4) and connects an upper arch rail section (6a) with a lower arch rail section (6b), and is thus part of the circulating rail A (6), wherein each gondola (8) is a cylindrical passenger compartment (8a) exhibits, which during the journey,concentrically within at least one circular support of an associated chassis (8b) around the horizontal gondola longitudinal center line (HGLML) and always aligns the gondola interior floor horizontally, and each cylinder-like passenger cell (8a) has at least one gondola door (8c) on at least one of the outer end faces.

Description

Object of the invention

[0001] The justification for the existence of the ride device according to the invention lies in the need of people to see things and landscapes from a bird's-eye view and to be surprised by the view from different heights.

[0002] This problem is solved according to the invention by an arc-shaped ride for sightseeing and entertainment purposes. The device is designed to offer passengers a thrilling ride experience through a unique change of position and perspective, achieved by the ascent and descent of passenger gondolas along an arc-shaped structure, preferably over 100 m high, from ground station A to ground station B. This allows passengers to view and experience a natural spectacle, such as a waterfall or similar landmarks, from two opposite locations at a height. The ride can therefore be divided into two sections, giving passengers sufficient time to enjoy the view during the outward and return journeys and to explore the surroundings near the stations. State of the art

[0003] There are practically no amusement rides worldwide that correspond to the present invention. The closest equivalent is the Gateway Arch in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA, which stands 192 meters tall. It is a monument, not an amusement ride in the traditional sense. While the Gateway Arch is visually similar to the invention at first glance, it does not offer passengers a view during the ascent and descent. This is because the ride is carried out using two specially designed elevator columns, one on the left and one on the right inside the arch, which do not form a closed loop. Visitors can only disembark at the arch's highest point and take in a very limited view to the east or west through narrow windows. Furthermore, the number of elevator units cannot be adjusted to the passenger demand, as is the case with the present invention.

[0004] Furthermore, the ride is known from printed document CN112587937A, where, similar to the Gateway, elevator-like gondolas travel up and down to the left and right and within the arched structure, and passengers must board and disembark below the highest section of the arch in order to enjoy a partially unobstructed view of the surroundings.

[0005] The rides are also known from the documents US 2007 / 0261 589 A1; DE 20 2018 106 684 U1; GB 191 / 22781 A; EP 3 638561B1, EP 0 185 973 A2, US 8132513 B2 and US 8641542 B2.

[0006] For amusement rides whose overall height primarily exceeds 100 meters, we are talking about very high investments that increase almost exponentially with the overall height. For the invented attraction depicted here, with a height of approximately 140 meters, this estimated value is over 200 million euros. Such high investments are only lucrative and therefore justified if: • The quality of the view, as with the London Eye, is primarily designed to be barrier-free, thus offering much better views and photo opportunities of the surroundings. This is referred to as the attractiveness factor or quality of the visitor experience. • The form of the construction is not only aesthetically pleasing and reminiscent of a landmark, but also means the least possible use of materials in order to reduce construction costs. • It is as low-maintenance as possible, which also applies to weather-exposed building components. • The height and quality of the view, or the attraction's appeal, justify a visit and ticket price, and the attraction truly functions well as a tourist magnet. An indication of this is that, worldwide, almost only very tall Ferris wheels exceeding 120 meters are profitable today. • The maximum transport capacity of the ride must also be able to handle the maximum passenger volume at the location. It is well known in the leisure industry that the size and transport capacity of a ride are designed according to the maximum expected number of visitors during peak times in order to be profitable. Another very important factor that increases this transport capacity per hour is that the passenger gondolas do not have to stop for passengers to board and disembark. This requires sufficiently large platforms / stations to allow for this. • The location can also accommodate a high number of tourists or passengers.

[0007] In view of the aforementioned requirements, the ride described in document CN112587937A has several disadvantages which are remedied by the present invention, because: • The elliptical or circular shape preferred in claim 7 and the drawing is structurally unfavorable and results in higher material and construction costs than necessary. This problem increases almost exponentially with the overall height of the attraction. Furthermore, the shape shown in the drawing is more likely to bridge smaller distances between the ground stations, making it difficult to cross larger gorges and rivers and negatively impacting the intended bungee jumping activities. • The quality of the view during the ride is significantly lower, as it takes place within and along an arched structure, meaning the framework constantly obstructs the passengers' view. If the attraction's structure were fully enclosed, contrary to the drawing, an outward view would be completely impossible during the ride, just as with the Gateway, and therefore less interesting for passengers, as it would not only impair the view but also the duration of the view and thus the overall visitor experience, which is of great importance. • The number of gondolas cannot be adjusted to the number of visitors, as the transport system is based on the elevator principle, meaning the gondolas must stop and reverse at both the top and bottom. These frequent stops significantly reduce the transport capacity. Furthermore, this doubles the number of people boarding and alighting, as passengers are forced to stop and disembark at the top. The same applies to the gateway. • Should more elevator-like gondolas be used on both sides, they must be positioned primarily one above the other within the structure, which also increases the entry and exit times due to additional access stairs, as is the case with the Gateway. • According to the printed materials, the attraction uses a cable-operated system, with the elevators on both sides not only moving up and down simultaneously, but also in opposite directions. This is an operational disadvantage if one of the elevators experiences a technical problem, for example. Furthermore, during peak hours, both elevators cannot operate at the same time, which increases queues and is likely to deter visitors.

[0008] All the disadvantages described above are eliminated with the present invention and enable systems with total heights exceeding 100m or even 200m, which are not only technically and operationally better designed, but also have a good chance of profitability.

[0009] In summary, the invention differs significantly from the two aforementioned rides and thus from the prior art primarily in that its arc-shaped structure features a continuous, circular track between the two ground stations, running both above and below the structure, rather than inside it. This provides passengers with an almost unobstructed panoramic view in both directions for approximately 90% of the ascent and descent.

[0010] Furthermore, an adjustable number of gondolas, variable travel speed, variable cycle time, and the double rail on each side of the curve ensure a very high and highly adaptable transport capacity that can be adjusted to visitor numbers by, for example, parking excess gondolas on the siding(s) or retrieving them from there for operation. Such sidings and switches are also absent in the aforementioned systems. More information can be found under: Advantages of the invention. Terms and definitions

[0011] The terms "ride", "facility" and "attraction" have the same meaning in this description.

[0012] For the sake of simplicity, “passenger gondola” will be referred to as “gondola”, the “arched structure” as “arch”, and a “ground station” as “station”.

[0013] The term "ride design variant" is abbreviated to the term "ride variant".

[0014] According to the invention, "vertical" refers to everything that extends along the direction of gravity. Accordingly, "horizontal" refers to everything that runs perpendicular to gravity.

[0015] The "frontal view" or "frontal view" of the ride refers to the view where the ends of the arch are on the left and right, and the highest point of the arch is at the very top. Accordingly, the side view is the one that runs parallel to the arch's longitudinal center line (LCM). The components of the invented amusement ride

[0016] The ride normally consists of the following components: a) An arched main structure that is statically optimized and vertically positioned so that both lower sections of the arch are firmly anchored to the foundations in the ground. b) At least one, but preferably two, stations installed around the lower sections of the arch, at least one of which shall have a platform platform with a platform shaft for level boarding and alighting of passengers. c) A set of gondolas, each with a landing gear and a passenger compartment, wherein each gondola preferably has its own drive. d) A closed circumferential rail, which is mostly permanently installed or mounted on the arch. e) One driver's cab or equivalent per station which has a platform. f) One optional track switch per station, each with an associated siding and an optional maintenance walkway g) An entrance area with ticket counters and access to the platform h) Other optional areas such as: terraces, shops, maintenance rooms and catering facilities.

[0017] The design of the assemblies depends primarily on the following points: a) What height and horizontal distance are to be overcome by the gondolas. b) From the desired funding output and the available capital. c) Whether gondolas should travel above and / or below, or alternatively along the left and / or right side of the arch. d) How much space is available and can be used for which type of station on which side of the arc. e) Regarding the propulsion system of the gondolas. The ride variants A and B

[0018] The present invention describes two amusement ride variants 1a and 1b which differ slightly in their construction. Nevertheless, both variants pursue the same entertainment concept, which is to be achieved by gondolas 8 and 9 that travel up and down along a very high arc 2 and 3, respectively, and back and forth between the same and different stations 4 and 5.

[0019] In ride variant A 1a, the gondolas 8 travel along the upper 2a and / or lower 2b of the arc 2, while in ride variant B 1b they travel along the left 7a and / or right 7b of the arc 3. Furthermore, both ride variants 1a and 1b, depending on the location and station size(s), offer sufficient space for optional areas such as maintenance and office spaces, terraces, souvenir shops, and catering facilities, which are intended to complement the attractions.

[0020] Accordingly, the description explains the two ride variants A and B in sequence, using permanently installed arches 2 and 3 respectively, with a height of approximately 140m. Examples of ride variant A 1a are shown in the Fig. 1) to 11) and for ride variant B in the Fig. 12) to 18). The ride variant A: Design types of ride variant A

[0021] Overall, the ride variant A 1a also allows for the following uses and designs. Variant 1a) is to be considered the intended one. Variants 1b), 1c), and 1d) are merely reduced forms of use and do not represent a limitation of the invention. 1a) All gondolas 8 move in the same direction of travel along a closed circular track 6, which runs mostly above and below the curve 2, thus enabling journeys in an endless loop without the gondolas 8 necessarily having to stop for boarding and alighting. 1b) The gondolas 8 on the upper track section 2a of curve 2 move completely independently of the gondolas 8 on the lower track section of curve 2b, with the platforms 14 at stations 4 being designed, particularly with regard to length, such that separate boarding and alighting from the gondolas 8 of both independently used track sections 6a and 6b is possible. The gondolas 8 change their direction of travel at platform 14 between the outbound and return journeys and stop there for this purpose. 1c) The entire system has only one station 4a with a platform 14, so that each gondola 8 completes a continuous journey from platform 14 to the other end of the curve and back to platform 14, where the passenger exchange then takes place. 1d) The arc 2 has either an upper 6a or a lower 6b track section, in which one or more gondolas 8 simultaneously travel back and forth between the stations 4 in either one direction or the other directions. In this case, there is no closed circulating track. Operational procedure of ride variant A

[0022] With regard to the description below, the operational ride procedure of the preferred ride variant A 1a is as follows: The passenger passes through the ticket area and enters platform 14a at one of stations 4. The gondolas 8, which preferably move on a closed track 6, travel slowly along platform 14, allowing passengers to board at ground level without the gondolas having to stop. The doors 8c of the gondolas 8 close, and the ascent begins from the other end of platform 14. The track 6 of the attraction allows the gondolas 8 to travel along the upper 2b and lower 2c sides of the arch 2, and the rising elevation and all-around glass provide a panoramic view, which varies depending on the arch height and The journey from station 4 to station 4 should take approximately 15 minutes. Due to its preferred self-propulsion, certain track sections 6a to 6i can be traversed faster or slower until it finally reaches station 4 on the opposite side of the curve. If there is no station 4 there, the gondola 8 simply continues along the circulating track 6 until the journey ends at the station 4 where it began. Upon arrival at platform 14, passengers preferably disembark on one of the two platform sides 14b, and then others board on the opposite platform side 14a, before the gondola 8 leaves platform 14 again and begins a new journey. Description of ride variant A

[0023] According to the invention, the ride variant A 1a has a high arched or parabolic structure 2, which is divided at its two lower arch end regions into two arch piers 2c each, in order to increase the vertical stability of the arch 2 by means of a wider base and at the same time to allow gondolas 8, which travel along the lower arched track section 2b of the arch 2, to pass in full width between the two arch piers 2c each, in order to make the ride in an endless loop on a closed circular track 6 possible.

[0024] Furthermore, the ride variant A 1a is designed such that in the top view, the center lines SML of all existing track sections 6a to 6i of the entire ride 1 lie in one and the same vertical plane and this plane is coincident in the top view with the arc longitudinal center line BLML, which in turn runs centrally and horizontally between the two end areas of the preferably symmetrical arc 2.

[0025] According to the invention, a station 4 includes everything that lies below the height at which the respective arch end divides into two arch piers 2c, unless a station 4 is intentionally omitted at one of the arch ends, as is the case in Fig. 5 is the case.

[0026] The two stations 4 do not necessarily have to be installed at the same level (ground), so that an arc 2 can also be somewhat asymmetrical in the frontal view without this having any disadvantages for the operation.

[0027] In the case of ride 1 with only one station 4, it is provided that instead of a second station only a turning circle section 6i is installed, the center line of which SML in the top view is also identical to the longitudinal center line BLML and in the front view forms almost a full circle or similar shape, with its lowest rail section being at least so high above the ground that the gondolas 8 traveling along it do not touch the ground and they start their return journey from this section without passengers getting on or off there.

[0028] In addition, it is provided that at each station 4 there is a platform platform 14 which, in plan view, has at least one straight platform 14a, 14b and a platform shaft 15a running parallel to it, in order to allow passengers to board and alight at ground level at platforms 14a, 14b without the gondolas 8 having to stop.

[0029] Alternatively, it is preferred that a platform 14 be equipped with two parallel, opposing platforms 14a, 14b, which are separated by a platform shaft 15a, provided that the gondolas 8a also have the necessary doors 8c on both ends.

[0030] According to the invention, the circumferential rail 6 consists of a closed rail circle which is mostly fixed to or in the upper 2a and lower 2b of the arch 2 or integrated into the respective surfaces, but from the height at which the arch 2 is divided into two arch piers 2c and a station 4 is present, forms a circumferential rail extension 6h which begins at the lower end of the upper arch rail section 2a of the arch 2 and ends at the other end at the lower end of the lower arch rail section 2b of the arch 2 and thus connects the upper 2a with the lower arch rail section 2b on both sides of the arch 2.

[0031] Viewed from top to bottom, each 6h section of the circular track consists of the following consecutive track sections: a) an upper, downward-pointing track curve section 6c - with optional interruption for a track switch; b) a downwardly inclined rail section 6d - which is preferably straight; c) a downward-pointing and almost semicircular track turning circle section 6e; d) a preferably straight platform rail section 6f - with optional interruption for a rail switch 12a, if not already present at 6c; e) a lower, upward-pointing, track curve section 6g.

[0032] According to the invention, the circulating rail extension 6h is designed and dimensioned such that the gondolas 8 are positioned directly at the outer end of the exit platform 14b after descending the semicircular turning circle section 6e.

[0033] The circulating track extensions 6h of a ride 1, if there are two of them, do not have to be uniform or the same size in the frontal view, so that the design of the stations 4 including their respective platform 14 and circulating track extensions 6h can be optimally adapted to the available areas.

[0034] Furthermore, it is provided that each gondola 8 consists of a passenger cell 8a that is as aerodynamic as possible and cylindrical or barrel-shaped, and an associated chassis 8b, whereby during the ride, the passenger cell 8a, similar to the "London Eye" Ferris wheel, rotates concentrically around its horizontal gondola longitudinal center line HGML in relation to its chassis support 8b, so that the inner floor of the gondola always remains horizontally aligned.

[0035] It is provided that at least one door 8c for the entry and exit of passengers is installed on at least one end side of the passenger compartment 8a, and that optional hatches are provided in the roof and / or floor of the passenger compartment 8a for emergency situations.

[0036] Furthermore, it is preferred that the chassis of each gondola 8b has its own drive to enable different speeds and changes of direction at any point on the existing track 6 of the system 1, as well as on the optional sidings 10a, 10b and respective track switches 12a, 12b.

[0037] As an alternative to the aforementioned self-propulsion of each gondola 8, it can be provided that the propulsion is carried out by a drive system integrated into the circulating rail system, which, for example, by means of rotating wheels, transmits the force to the running gear 8b of the gondolas 8 and thereby moves them in one of the two directions.

[0038] As an alternative to the previous method of moving the gondolas in the running rails, all gondola carriages can also be connected by a chain or rods and moved by a central drive, but this makes evacuation problems in the event of a power failure and / or the use of sidings technically very difficult.

[0039] Optionally, at least one station of the system has a siding 10a, 10b with a respective track switch 12a, 12b in the interior of a running track extension 6h, wherein the siding 10a, 10b is installed between the straight platform rail section 6f and the downwardly inclined rail section 6d and its rail centerline SML, in plan view, is also congruent with the curve longitudinal centerline BLML.

[0040] If station 4 has a track switch 12a or 12b with an associated siding 10a or 10b, this track switch 12a or 12b can replace either part of the upper track curve section 6c or part of the platform track section 6f, whereby in both cases the rotation of the respective track switch 12a or 12b about a horizontal axis causes its track section, together with the gondola(s) 8 temporarily parked on it, to connect at the end of each rotation either to the respective siding 10a or 10b or to the respective running track 6d or 6f, thus enabling the transport of one or more gondolas 8 to the siding 10a or 10b or the running track 6.

[0041] In the case of the track switch type 1 12a, which replaces part of the lower straight platform track section 6f, after the switch maneuver the respective bogie 8b is located above the passenger compartment 8a on the siding 10a, which means that the gondolas 8 are parked there in a suspended state.

[0042] In the case of the track switch type-2 12b, which replaces part of the upper track curve section 6c, after the switch maneuver, the respective chassis 8b is located under the gondola 8 on the siding 10b.

[0043] As soon as a station 4 has a track switch with a siding 10a or 10b, one or two optional maintenance walkways 17a or 17b can ensure that the maintenance personnel have access to the gondolas parked on the siding 10a or 10b, the maintenance walkway 10a or 10b running parallel to the track centerline SML in plan view and being designed in a stepped manner in front view to compensate for possible curves or inclines of the siding 10a.

[0044] In addition, it is planned that the rail extension(s) 6h as well as the optional more relevant assemblies such as: sidings 10, 10b, 11, track switches 12a, 12b, maintenance walkways 17a, 17b and possible roofing of stations 4, 5 will be supported by load-bearing structures 16 on and above the platform platforms 14.

[0045] In ride variant A 1a, the installation of a suspension bridge 23 between the two ends of the arch is possible. More details can be found at the end of the description of ride variant B 1b, which is better suited for this purpose. The ride variant B: Design types of ride variant B

[0046] Overall, the ride variant B 1b enables the following uses, which are related to the design of the entire system 1. Variant 2a) is to be considered the intended one. Variants 2b), 2c), and 2d) are only reduced forms of use and do not represent a limitation of the invention. 2a) All pendulum gondolas 9 move in the same direction of travel along a closed circular track 6, which runs along the left and right of the curve 3 and thus enables journeys in an endless loop without the pendulum gondolas 9 having to stop. 2b) The shuttle gondolas 9 on the left track section 7a of curve 3 move completely independently of the gondolas 9 on the right track section 7b of curve 3, with the curved platforms 14a, 14b at stations 5 being designed, particularly with regard to length, to allow separate boarding and alighting from the shuttle gondolas 9 on the left and right track sections 7a, 7b. The shuttle gondolas 9 change their direction of travel at platform 14 between the outbound and return journeys and stop there for this purpose. 2c) The entire system has only one station 5 with a platform 14, so that each shuttle gondola 9 completes a continuous journey from platform 14 to the other end of the curve and back, where the passenger exchange then takes place. 2d) The arc 3 has either a left-hand 7a or a right-hand track section 7b, in which one or more shuttle gondolas 9 can travel at the same time either from station A 5 to station B 5 or vice versa. In this case, there is no closed circulating track 6. Operational procedure of ride variant B

[0047] The operational procedure of the aforementioned and preferred design type 2a) of ride variant B 1b differs from the preceding design type 1a) of ride variant A 1a essentially in that, because pendulum gondolas 9 are used here, which travel along the right 7b and / or left side 7a of the curve 3, the ground-level boarding and alighting of passengers from and into the pendulum gondolas 9 is preferably handled only on one side along a slightly more than semicircular platform 14 at at least one station 5, which is divided lengthwise into two consecutive sections 14b, 14a, one for boarding and one for disembarking. No further operational differences are worth mentioning here. Description of ride variant B

[0048] The ride variant B 1b has several differences in relation to the ride variant A 1a and is described below.

[0049] According to the invention, the ride variant B 1b also has a high arc-shaped or parabolic structure 3, which differs from the ride variant A 1a essentially in that pendulum gondolas 9 are used instead of gondolas 8, which in this case travel along the right 7b and / or left side 7a of the arc 3, wherein, in the side view, the ends of the arc become significantly wider near the ground and form stations 5 which have loop-shaped forms in the top view, wherein the outermost sections of the circulating track 7 preferably form a horizontal and semicircular turning circle in order to enable rides in an endless loop here as well.

[0050] In addition, it is provided that at at least one end of the curve there is a station 5 with a platform platform 14 with at least one curved platform side 14a, 14b and a platform shaft 15a running parallel to it, in order to allow passengers to board and alight at ground level without the shuttle gondolas 9 having to stop.

[0051] In the ride variant B 1b, everything that belongs to station 5 in the top view to the loop-like shape of the end areas of the arc 3, whereby at one of the stations 5 a platform 14 can be omitted, as is the case with design type 2c).

[0052] In the ride variant B 1b, the track center line SML is not in the same plane, but resembles a double ring wrench or a very elongated figure eight in top view.

[0053] According to the invention, the pendulum gondola 9, similar to an enclosed ski lift gondola, has a suspension in the roof area and has a projecting gondola axle 9a on one side, at the projecting end of which an articulated chassis 9b is mounted, which makes it possible for the pendulum gondola 9 to travel along the enclosed circulating track 7 with all its curves and inclines as well as optional sidings 11 and respective track switches 13 and at the same time ensures that the gondola axle 9a and the inner floor of the gondola are always horizontal during travel and, in plan view, the gondola axle 9a is always oriented perpendicular to the vertical outer surface of the curve 3 and the stations 5, whereby the vertical outer surface of the curve can also be imaginary, depending on the shape.

[0054] Even in ride variant B 1b, the stations 5 do not necessarily have to be installed on the same level, so that an arc 3 can also be designed asymmetrically in the frontal view.

[0055] Furthermore, the circumferential rail 7 consists of a closed rail circle, which is mostly fixed or integrated on or in the left 7a and right outer side 7b of the arc 3 and from the height at which the arc assumes a loop-like shape in the top view, it takes on a curved bend in the side view, until the circumferential rail 7 runs preferably horizontally further outwards and at the same time forms a semicircular turning circle in the top view.

[0056] Preferably, the exit platform 14b begins at the earliest where the shuttle gondola 9 has reached its lowest height at station 5 and ends at the latest where the shuttle gondola 9 leaves this height again on the boarding platform 14a, with both the exit and boarding platforms 14a and 14b preferably being located outside the running track 7 and arranged one after the other on the same horizontal plane in the direction of travel.

[0057] The outer circulating rail sections 7c along platforms 14 can have different shapes and diameters at the two stations 5 and thus be optimally adapted to the available land areas.

[0058] Preferably, the guide unit 9b of a pendulum gondola 9 has its own drive to enable different speeds as well as a change of direction at any point on the running track 7 and the optional siding(s) 11 and the respective track switch(s) 13.

[0059] As an alternative to the aforementioned self-propulsion of each pendulum gondola 9, it can be provided that the propulsion is carried out by a drive system integrated into the circulating rail system, which, for example, by means of rotating wheels, transmits the power to the running gear of the pendulum gondolas 9 and can thereby move them in both directions.

[0060] Furthermore, it is provided that at least one door 9d for passenger entry and exit is installed on at least one outside of the passenger compartment, and that optionally hatches for emergency situations are provided in the floor and / or roof of the passenger compartment 9c.

[0061] Optionally, at least one of the two stations 5 of the system 1 is provided with a horizontal siding 11 within the outer loop-like running track section 7c and an associated horizontally pivotable rail switch 13, wherein the siding 11 is located at the same height as the outer horizontal running track section 7c along the platform 14 and is preferably designed in a circular shape and / or runs parallel to the running track 7 installed further out.

[0062] The provision is that the horizontally pivoting rail switch 13 replaces a part of the horizontally running outer rail section 7c along platform 14 and, when it is fully pivoted, including the pendulum gondola 9 temporarily parked on it, the pendulum gondola 9 is moved from the running rail 7 to the siding 11 at the end of the process, or vice versa.

[0063] Due to the preferably horizontal siding 11 in the vicinity of platform 14, the installation of optional maintenance walkways is unnecessary in the case of ride variant B 1b. General information about ride variants A and B

[0064] Furthermore, ride variant B 1b is particularly well suited for the installation of an optional suspension bridge 23 between the two stations 5, since the underside of the arch can be used for attaching bridge cables 23a without obstructing the view. This would inevitably be the case with ride variant A 1a, when traveling along the lower track section 2b, if bridge cables 23 were attached to the left and / or right outer side of the arch 2. Nevertheless, the installation of an optional suspension bridge 23 is technically feasible with ride variant A 1a. Advantages of the invention

[0065] The invented amusement ride and its two variations are novel because they possess, among other things, the following advantages and features, and combine them at the same time, because: a) They can offer many gondolas simultaneously and for approximately 90% of the journey time the highest possible panoramic view of the landscape. b) The gondolas can be operated continuously without having to stop for boarding and disembarking. c) It enables a very high transport capacity, which in this invention and the design presented in the drawings is approximately 2,000 passengers per hour. d) By allowing gondolas to be parked on sidings, the transport capacity can be easily increased or decreased depending on visitor numbers, even during normal operation, and gondolas requiring maintenance can be quickly taken out of service. This reduces unnecessary wear and tear and simultaneously lowers energy costs. e) The ride can easily be built over 150m high due to its wide base, as the operation is not very susceptible to wind and the arch has a high inherent stability due to its two possible shapes. f) They allow the bridging of natural obstacles such as rivers or deep gorges, which is generally very rare for amusement rides. g) It allows for easy evacuation in the event of a power failure, as the gondolas can return to the platform from any point on the arc by gravity alone. h) In the event of technical problems along the circulating track, the gondolas can also reverse direction at any time and return to the original station, which greatly facilitates evacuation. i) The upper and lower curved track sections or left and right curved track sections can also be operated independently of each other in the respective ride variant, so that, for example, bungee jumping activities can be offered on the lower track section, while normal ride operation continues on the upper track section. j) They enable the rapid erection of large canvas screens for film projections or the like by means of four gondolas, which are positioned in a mirror-image arrangement on the lower arched track section and tension the screen in the necessary directions by means of ropes. k) Individual gondolas can even be parked on the sidings for maintenance or added during normal operation. This process takes an estimated three minutes per gondola. l) Technical maintenance of the arch is possible by a separate maintenance gondola, which, similar to the Gateway Arch in Saint Louis, travels up and down inside the arch and transports maintenance personnel without interfering with normal operations. List of characters

[0066] Figures of the ride variant A Fig. 1) Perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a ride variant A with two stations with different track switches and their respective sidings. Fig. 2) Perspective view of an embodiment of a gondola with a cylinder- or barrel-shaped passenger cell and associated chassis on the upper curved rail section of the arch. Fig. 3) Perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a gondola on the lower curved rail section of the arch. Fig. 4) Frontal view of an embodiment of the circulating rail extension of a station with its individual circulating rail sections, with other components hidden here. Fig. 5) Perspective view of an embodiment of a rail turning circle for systems that have only one station and only one platform platform at one of the curve ends. Fig. 6) Perspective view of an embodiment of a station which has a type 1 rail switch integrated into the lower platform rail section. Fig. 7a) to 7c) Perspective views of an embodiment showing the movement of a gondola on a type 1 track switch. Fig. 8) Perspective view of an embodiment of a station which has a type 2 rail switch integrated into the upper track curve section. Fig. 9a) to 9b) Perspective view of an embodiment showing the movement of a gondola on a type 2 track switch. Fig. 10) Top view of an exemplary embodiment of a ride variant A with two stations and two sidings. Fig. 11) Side view of an exemplary embodiment of a ride variant A. Figures of ride variant B. Fig. 12) Perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a ride variant B with two stations and a suspension bridge Fig. 13) Perspective view of an embodiment of a station which has a horizontally pivoting rail switch and a circular siding. Fig. 14a) to 14c) Perspective views of an embodiment illustrating the movement of a horizontally pivoting rail switch with a pendulum gondola. Fig. 15) Top view of a ride variant B with two stations and two sidings. Fig. 16) Side view of a ride variant B. Fig. 17) Perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pendulum gondola with chassis. Fig. 18) Side view of an exemplary embodiment of a pendulum gondola with chassis. Character description of ride variant A

[0067] Fig. 1) Shows an embodiment of a ride variant A 1a with a height of approximately 140 m and two stations type 1 4, wherein the curve 2 bridges a natural obstacle and all gondolas 8 have the same direction of travel on the circulating track A 6. This example shows one of the most complete possibilities offered by the invention, whereby the track switches 12a, 12b and sidings 10a, 10b do not have to be of different types as shown in the drawing.

[0068] Fig. 2) An embodiment of a gondola 8 is shown at the highest point of the arc 2, where the travel speed along the circulating rail A 6 can be reduced to offer passengers a longer-lasting experience. Accordingly, it is also conceivable that several gondolas 8 could be located at the very top, spaced closer together than is usual on the rest of the track.

[0069] Fig. Figure 3) shows an embodiment of a gondola 8 on the lower arched track section 6b, where the view is somewhat more restricted than on the upper side of the arch 2. The advantage of the ride below the arch 2 is that bungee jumping activities can also be offered using an optional and removable device, with the adapted gondola 8 being parked at the very top of the lower arched track section 6b for this purpose. Furthermore, it is also possible to display a large canvas or flag on special occasions using four mirror-image gondolas 8, for which, for example, two of them are parked further up and two further down on the lower arched track section 6b, while operation above the arch 2 continues as normal, provided that the gondolas 8 only travel back and forth and not in an endless loop.

[0070] Fig. 4) Shows an embodiment of a loop track extension 6h of station variant A 4a, which in the frontal view resembles a foot and is composed of various track sections 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g and an optional track switch type 1 12a, and thus, by means of the integrated turning circle, enables travel in an endless loop. For better illustration, many component groups have been hidden here.

[0071] Fig. 5) In this embodiment, at one of the two ends of the curve, a station 4 including the circulating rail extension 6h is omitted and replaced by an almost full-circle turning circle 6i, whereby this option may be particularly interesting if there is insufficient space for a station 4 and / or an access road.

[0072] Fig. 6) Shows an embodiment 1a with a siding type 1 10a and a track switch type 1 12a, the latter being moved up and down by an oil cylinder. In general, it is also conceivable to sink part of the stations 4 into the ground 21 to somewhat reduce the visible height of the stations 4 for outsiders.

[0073] Fig. Figures 7a) to 7c) show the exemplary movement sequence and process of a type 1 12a track switch in which a gondola 8 is moved from siding 10a onto platform track section 6f, or vice versa. The advantage of a type 1 12a track switch is that the process can be observed and controlled from close range by the driver's cab 18 on platform 14. Depending on the dimensions of station 4a, it is also possible for more than one gondola 8 to be moved per operation.

[0074] Fig. Figure 8) shows an embodiment of station variant B 4b with a siding type 2 10b and a track switch type 2 12b. It differs from station variant A 4a in that its track switch type 2 12b is installed in the upper area of ​​the running track extension 6h, and this replaces part of the upper running track curve 6c. When the track switch type 2 12b is moved, the gondola(s) 8 temporarily parked on it are moved along with it and later parked on the siding type 2 10b. An optional maintenance walkway 17b allows personnel access to the gondolas parked there. This parking option allows the operator to adjust the number of gondolas 8 to the number of visitors even during operation and / or to move them to safety in case of severe weather.

[0075] Fig. Figures 9a) to 9c) show the exemplary movement sequence of a type 2 12b track switch. The advantage here is that, with the same station size, more gondolas 8 tend to fit on the type 2 10b siding than on the type 1 10a siding. The disadvantages are that if station 4b has a roof, it must be open in the area of ​​the type 2 12b track switch during the operation, and furthermore, the operation is not as easy to monitor from the driver's cab 18 due to the greater distance.

[0076] Fig. 10) The top view of the exemplary embodiment of a ride variant A 1a shows how the arch 2 has a narrower width in height, thus very slightly restricting the passengers' downward field of vision at the highest point of the arch 2. In this example, each station 4a, 4b has its respective track switch 12a, 12b and respective siding 10a, 10b.

[0077] Fig. 11) Shows an embodiment and side view of a system that illustrates the width of the base of the arch 2 at platform level and gives it the necessary stability. Character description of ride variant B

[0078] Fig. Figure 12) shows an embodiment of a ride variant B 1b with a height of approximately 140 m and two stations 5, wherein the arch 3 bridges a natural obstacle 22 and all pendulum gondolas 9 travel in the same direction on the circulating track 7. This example demonstrates one of the preferred possibilities offered by this ride variant B 1b and illustrates how the gondolas 9 travel along the left and right sides of the arch 3a, 3b, with the horizontally pivoting track switches 13 and the sidings 11 being optional. The possibility of installing a suspension bridge 23 is also shown, the bridge cables 23a of which are fixed to the underside of the arch 3.

[0079] Fig. Figure 13) shows an embodiment of station 5 with a circular siding 11 and a horizontally pivoting switch 13. It is clearly visible that station 5 has a loop-like shape in plan view, which necessitates the installation of circular platforms 14a and 14b parallel to the running track B 7. Passengers preferably board and alight on the same side of the gondola 9, and the respective platforms 14a and 14b are arranged consecutively in the direction of travel. The circular siding 11 and the respective siding shaft 15b, located within the loop-like running track B 7 of station 5, are also shown.

[0080] Fig. Figures 14a) to 14b) show an embodiment and the sequence of movements of a horizontally pivoting rail switch 13 in which a gondola 9 is moved from the circular siding 11 onto the running track 7, which is of course also possible in the reverse direction. Depending on the dimensions of the station 5, it is also possible for more than one gondola 9 to be moved during a switch operation. Ride variant B 1b has the advantage that the stations 5 have a lower overall height than ride variant B 1a, since the latter do not have vertical running track extensions 6h.

[0081] Fig. 15) Shows an embodiment of a ride variant B 1b which, in plan view, resembles the shape of a double ring wrench and how the circular sidings 13 are arranged concentrically with the outermost running track sections along the curved platforms of stations 5.

[0082] Fig. 16) Shows a side view of an embodiment of a ride variant B 1b and how flat and wide the stations 5 can be near the ground.

[0083] Fig. 17) Shows an embodiment of a pendulum gondola 9 with chassis 9b, which has doors 9d only on one side, although having them on both sides would be possible but less practical.

[0084] Fig. 18) The side view of an embodiment of a pendulum gondola 9 with chassis 9b. The chassis 9b, corresponding to the circulating rail 7, is designed so that it adapts perfectly to each section of the circulating rail 7 and the axis 9a of the gondola 9 is always horizontal and at the same time perpendicular to the outer flanks 3a, 3b of the arc 3 and the stations 5. Reference symbol list 1. Amusement ride for viewing and entertainment purposes, also known as a ride or attraction; Fig. 1 1a Ride variant A with an arc-shaped main structure with an endless gondola circulating track, the center line of which is congruent with the vertical center plane of the arc-shaped main structure; Fig. 1 1b Ride variant B with arc-shaped main structure with an endless circular track that runs close to the ground in loop-like stations; Fig. 12 2. Arched main structure of ride variant A; Fig. 1 2a Upper side of the arched main structure of ride variant A; Fig. 1, Fig. 3 2b Lower side of the arched main structure of ride variant A; Fig. 1, Fig. 2 2c Arch piers; Fig. 5, Fig. 6 3. Arched main structure of ride variant B; Fig. 12 3a Left side flank of the arched main structure of ride variant B; Fig. 16 3b Right side flank of the arched main structure of ride variant B; Fig. 16 4 Ground station / Station of a ride variant A; Fig. 1 4a Station variant A of a ride variant A with track switch type 1 in the platform track section of the respective loop track extension; Fig. 1, Fig. 6 4b Station variant B of a ride variant A with track switch type 2 in the upper track curve section of the respective loop track extension; Fig. 1, Fig. 8 5 Ground station / station of ride variant B, with a circular siding in plan view; Fig. 12 6 Closed and endless circular track-A of the ride variant-A; Fig. 6 6a Upper curved track section of the ride variant A; Fig. 2 6b Lower curved track section of ride variant A; Fig. 3 6c Upper track curve section of station variant A of ride variant A; Fig. 4 6d Inclined track section of ride variant A; Fig. 4 6e Semicircular track turning circle section of ride variant A; Fig. 4 6f Straight platform track section of ride variant A; Fig. 4 6g Lower track curve section of ride variant A; Fig. 4 6h Circulating track extension of a ride variant-A; Fig. 4 6i Rail turning circle section of a ride variant A; Fig. 5 7 Closed and endless circulating track-B of the ride variant-B; Fig. 12 7a Left curved track section of ride variant B; Fig. 16 7b Right curved track section of ride variant B; Fig. 16 7c Outer section of the track for the ride variant B; Fig. 13, Fig. 14c 8 gondolas including guide mechanism for ride variant A; Fig. 2, Fig. 3 8a Cylinder-like passenger cell for ride variant A; Fig. 2 8b Guide unit with gondola mount for ride variant A; Fig. 2 8c Gondola door for ride variant A; Fig. 3 9 pendulum gondolas with guide mechanism for ride variant B; Fig. 17 9a Axis of a pendulum gondola; Fig. 18 9b Guide system of a pendulum gondola; Fig. 18 9c Passenger compartment of a shuttle gondola; Fig. 18 9d Swing gondola door for ride variant B; Fig. 17 10a Siding type-1 of the ride variant-A; Fig. 6, Fig. 7a 10b Siding type-2 of the ride variant-A; Fig. 8, Fig. 9a 11 Circular siding of ride variant B; Fig. 13, Fig. 14a 12a Rail switch type-1 in the lower platform rail section (6f) of a ride variant-A; Fig. 7a, Fig. 7b 12b Rail switch type-2 in the upper rail curve section (6c) of ride variant-A; Fig. 9a, Fig. 9b 13 Horizontally swiveling track switch of the ride variant-B; Fig. 13 14 Platform of a station, In short: platform; Fig. 6, Fig. 10 4a Entrance platform of a platform; Fig. 6, 13 14b Exit platform of a platform; Fig. 6, Fig. 13 15a Platform shaft of a platform platform; Fig. 6, Fig. 8 15b Siding shaft of a platform platform; Fig. 13 16 Supporting structure of a station; Fig. 6, Fig. 8 17a Maintenance walkway of station variant A (4a); Fig. 6, Fig. 7c 17b Maintenance walkway of station variant B (4b); Fig. 8, Fig. 9b 18 Driver's cab; Fig. 6, Fig. 13 19 Entrance / Exit to the platform; Fig. 6, Fig. 13 20 Soil; Fig. 1, Fig. 12 21 Gorge / River / Natural Obstacle / Open Area; Fig. 1, Fig. 12 22 Suspension bridge; Fig. 12, Fig. 13 22a Bridge cables; Fig. 12 B-? “B” stands for movement of the following component whose number follows “B”; Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 7b, Fig. 12 BE Platform level; Fig. 7a, 9a, 16 SML rail center line; Fig. 10 VBML Vertical Arc Centerline; Fig. 1, Fig. 16 HGML Horizontal gondola centerline; Fig. 3 BLML Bow-Longitudinal Centerline; Fig. 10

Claims

[1] An arched amusement ride (1) according to ride variant A (1a), wherein passenger gondolas (8), referred to as "gondolas" for short, travel back and forth along a closed and endless circulating track A (6), independently of one another, along the top (2a) and / or bottom (2b) of a tall arched structure, referred to as "arch" (2) for short, between two ground stations (4) each with a platform (14), thereby also moving up and down, without having to stop completely for the boarding and disembarking of passengers, wherein the arch (2) transitions in the two lower end regions into at least two downwardly and outwardly splayed arch piers (2c), which at each end of the arch and at platform level (BE) move in opposite directions from the longitudinal center line (BLML) of the arch such that the gondolas (8) there, and along the circulating track (6) in their entirety width between the arch piers (2c) to fit through,and on both sides of the arch (2) and near the arch piers, there is a station (4) with at least one platform platform (14) with at least one platform shaft (15a), wherein the entire rail centerline (SML) of the entire closed and endless circulating rail A (6) lies in a vertical plane that passes through the arch longitudinal centerline (BLML) and vertical arch centerline (VBML) of the arch (2), wherein the closed and endless circulating rail (6), which is mostly fixed to or in the top (2a) and bottom (2b) of the arch (2), transitions at each station (4) into a so-called circulating rail extension (6h), which extends outwards from the arch (2) at each station (4) and connects an upper arch rail section (6a) with a lower arch rail section (6b), and is thus part of the circulating rail A (6), wherein each gondola (8) is a cylindrical passenger compartment (8a) exhibits, which during the journey,concentrically within at least one circular support of an associated chassis (8b) around the horizontal gondola longitudinal center line (HGLML) and always aligns the gondola interior floor horizontally, and each cylinder-like passenger cell (8a) has at least one gondola door (8c) on at least one of the outer end faces. [2] Arc-shaped ride according to claim 1), wherein, in plan view, each circulating track extension (6h) is composed of the following track sections: a) An upper section of the track curve (6c); b) a section of track inclined downwards (6d); c) an almost semicircular turning circle section of the track (6e); d) a platform rail section (6f); e) a lower track curve section (6g), wherein the circulating track extension (6h) and its track sections are designed and dimensioned such that the gondolas (8) are driven to the beginning of the exit platform (14b) of the respective station (4, 4a, 4b) after descending the outer and almost semicircular track turning circle section (6e), and the boarding platform (14a) at the same station (4, 4a, 4b) ends at the latest where the ascent begins again, and wherein the gondolas can return to a platform from any point of the curve by gravity alone for easy evacuation in the event of a power failure. [3] Arc-shaped ride (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at one of the two arc ends a station (4) with platform (14) is completely omitted, and instead of the circulating rail extension (6h) an almost full-circle turning circle section (6i) with a supporting structure (16) is permanently installed, the center line of which is also coincident with the longitudinal center line of the arc (BLML) in plan view, and its lowest rail section is so high that the gondolas (8) do not touch the ground there when traveling at full speed and can travel up and down without having to stop. [4] Curved ride according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least one station (4) the distance between the downwardly inclined track section (6d) and the straight platform track section (6f) is such that the installation of a siding (10a or 10b) and the respective track switch (12a or 12b) between them is possible, and at the same time there is sufficient space for one or more gondolas (8) parked there. [5] Curved ride according to claim 4), wherein a rail switch type-1 (12a) is used which rotates about a horizontal axis and replaces part of the platform track section (6f) of a station variant-A (4a) and is thus located directly above the platform shaft (15a) and below the associated siding type-1, wherein the rail switch type-1 A (12a) together with one or more gondola(s) (8) temporarily parked on it is rotated upwards until it has reached the siding type-1 (10a) located further up and the gondola(s) (8) travels onto it, and the described movements can also be repeated in reverse order and directions as required. [6] Curved ride, according to claim 4) wherein a track switch type 2 (12b) is used which rotates about a horizontal axis and replaces part of the upper track curve section (6c) of a station variant B (4b) and is thus located above the associated siding type 2 (12b), wherein the track switch type 2 (12b) together with one or more gondola(s) (8) temporarily parked on it is rotated downwards until it reaches the siding type 2 (10b) located further down and the gondola(s) (8) travels onto it, and the described movements can also be repeated in reverse order and directions as required. [7] Arch-shaped ride for viewing and entertainment purposes (1) according to ride variant B (1b), alternative to claim 1), where, in ride variant B (1b), pendulum gondolas (9) are used instead of gondolas (8), which in this variant travel along the left and right side flanks (3a, 3b) of the curve (3) and the two stations (5) on a closed and endless circulating rail-B (7), wherein the rail center line (SML) of the circulating rail-B (7) is not in a vertical plane, and the two stations (5) at the ends of the curve, in plan view, have loop-like shapes, the outermost rail sections (7c) of which, as well as the nearby platforms (14a, 14b) and associated platform shafts (15a), have almost semicircular shapes, wherein each pendulum gondola (9) has a horizontal axis (9a) in the roof area of ​​the passenger compartment (9c), which, in plan view, projects beyond one side of the pendulum gondola (9) and At the other end, a chassis (9b) is mounted, which is constructed such that the center line of the axis (9a) remains horizontal throughout the entire journey and, in plan view, is always perpendicular to the center line (SML) of the entire circulating track B (7), thereby enabling travel along the circulating track B (7) in an endless loop without the pendulum gondolas (9) having to stop for passenger boarding and alighting, wherein, viewed in the direction of travel, the disembarkation platform (14b) is always located in front of the boarding platform (14a) of the station(s) (5), wherein the arch (3) does not need to have separate arch piers and thus no gaps between them in the two lower end regions, as is the case with the ride variant A (1a) in claim 1). where optionally, the circular track section(s) near the platform are so large that at least one of the two stations (5) has a horizontally pivoting rail switch (13) and a circular siding (11) with a siding shaft (15b) respectively, which is located at platform level (BE) and in the inner area of ​​the running rail B (7) of a station (5) and is designed such that the horizontally pivoting rail switch (13) together with a or more on it temporarily parked pendulum gondola(s) (9), by a rotation about a vertical axis, the pendulum gondola(s) (9) is transported from the gondola circulation track (7) into the interior of the station (5) onto the circular siding (11) or vice versa, wherein the radius of the siding (11) is dimensioned such that as many pendulum gondolas (9) as possible can fit on it, and the pendulum gondolas (9) do not collide with the inside of the outer running track section B (7c) during the entire process, and the platform shaft (15a) is extended by an additional siding shaft (15b) and is connected so that, in plan view, both shafts allow the entire movement sequence of a pendulum gondola (9) from the outer running track section (7c) via the horizontally pivoting rail switch (13) to the end of the circular siding (11) without obstruction. [8] Arc-shaped ride according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each gondola (8) in a ride variant A (1a) and each pendulum gondola (9) in a ride variant B (1b) each has its own drive which enables variable travel speeds in both directions along the used circulating rail A (6) or circulating rail B (7). [9] Arch-shaped ride according to claim 8, wherein, in a ride variant A (1a), the gondolas (8) are connected by a, on the circulating rail A (6) as well as the optional track switch types (12a,12b) and associated siding types (10a, 10b), The installed drive system is moved and provides the necessary propulsion in both directions along the rails. or in a ride variant B (1b), the pendulum gondolas (9) are moved by a drive system installed on the circulating rail B (7) and its horizontally pivoting rail switches (13) and on the associated siding(s) (11), and provides the necessary propulsion in both directions along the rails. [10] Arch-shaped ride according to one or more of the preceding claims, Alternatively, in ride variant A (1a), the gondolas (8) do not necessarily travel along their circulating track A (6) in an endless loop and thus do not all travel in the same direction and without stopping, but rather the outward and return journeys between the stations (4), via the upper curved track section (6a) and / or the lower curved track section (6b) take place independently of each other and thus there is no longer any requirement for a closed circulating track A (6) at the stations (4). and alternatively in the ride variant B (1b) the pendulum gondolas (9) do not necessarily travel their circulating track B (7) in an endless loop and therefore do not all travel in the same direction, but the outward and return journeys between the stations (5), via the left curved track section (7a) and / or the right curved track section (7b) take place independently of each other and therefore there is no longer a requirement for a closed circulating track B (7) at the stations (5). [11] Curved ride according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein alternatively, a reduced design of ride variant A (1a) either completely omits the upper curved track section (6a) or the lower curved track section (6b), and thus the return journeys of one or more gondolas (8) always take place only alternately over the only existing and open track section between the platforms (14), and alternatively, a reduced design of ride variant B (1b) either completely omits the left curved track section (7a) or the right curved track section (7b), and thus the return journeys of one or more pendulum gondolas (9) always take place only alternately over the only existing and open track section between the platforms (14).

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