Arched ride for sightseeing and entertainment purposes

Abstract

An arched amusement ride (1) for sightseeing and entertainment purposes, wherein passenger gondolas (8) travel independently of one another along a closed and endless circulating track A (6) along the top (2a) and / or bottom (2b) of a tall arched structure / arch (2) between two ground stations (4) with platforms (14), thereby also moving up and down, wherein the arch (2) transitions in the two lower end regions into at least two downward and outwardly directed arch piers (2c) at each end of the arch and at platform level (BE) in opposite directions from the longitudinal center line (BLML) of the arch. On each side of the arch (2) there is a ground station (4) with at least one platform platform (14).The closed 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 ground station (4).

Description

Object of the invention

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

[0002] This object is achieved according to the invention by an arched ride for viewing and amusement purposes. The device is intended to provide passengers with a unique change of position and perspective. This occurs as passenger gondolas ascend and descend along an arched 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 sight from two opposite locations from above. 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] In practice, there are no rides anywhere in the world that correspond to the present invention. The closest thing to it is the Gateway Arch in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA, which is 192 m high and is a monument and not a ride in the classic sense of the word. At first glance, the Gateway Arch is visually similar to the invention, but does not allow passengers to have a view during the ascent and descent, as these are carried out with the help of two specially constructed elevator columns, one on the left and one on the right inside the arch and does not form a closed circuit. Only at the highest point of the arch does the visitor have the opportunity to get out and enjoy a very limited view to the east or west through narrow windows. Also, the number of elevator units cannot be adjusted to the transport requirements, as is the case with the present invention.

[0004] Furthermore, the ride is known in document CN112587937A, where, similar to the Gateway, elevator-like gondolas move up and down on the left and right and within the arched structure and the passengers have to get on and off below the highest arched section in order to enjoy a partially unobstructed view of the surroundings.

[0005] For rides whose total height primarily exceeds the 100m mark, we're talking about very high investments, which increase almost exponentially with the total height. For the fictitious attraction depicted here, with a height of approximately 140m, this estimated value is over 200 million euros. Such high investments are only lucrative and therefore justified if: • The quality of the view, such as the London Eye, is primarily designed to be unobstructed, thus allowing for much better views and photo opportunities of the surrounding area. This is referred to as the attractiveness factor or the quality of the visitor experience. • The form of the construction is not only aesthetically pleasing and tends towards becoming a landmark, but also means the least possible use of materials in order to reduce construction costs. • It requires as little maintenance as possible, including the components exposed to the weather. • The height and quality of the view, or the attraction's appeal, justify a visit and the ticket price, and the attraction truly functions as a tourist magnet. One indication of this is that today, almost only very tall Ferris wheels over 120 meters generate profits worldwide. • The ride's maximum capacity can also accommodate the maximum passenger demand at the location. It is well known in the leisure industry that, in order to be profitable, the dimensions and capacity of a ride are designed based on the maximum expected number of visitors during peak times. Another very important factor that increases this hourly capacity is that the passenger gondolas do not have to stop for passengers to board and disembark. For this to happen, there must be sufficiently large platforms / stations available to allow this. • The location also allows for a high number of tourists and passengers.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned requirements, the ride described in the document CN112587937A has several disadvantages that 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 the overall height of the attraction almost exponentially. Furthermore, the shape shown in the drawing is more likely to bridge shorter rather than longer distances between the ground stations, which makes it difficult to cross larger ravines and rivers and has a negative impact on the intended bungee jumping activities. • The quality of the view is significantly lower during the ride, as it takes place within and along an arched structure, meaning the rods continuously obstruct the passengers' view. If the attraction's structure were to be fully enclosed, contrary to the design, a view to the outside would be completely impossible during the ride, just like with the Gateway, and thus less interesting for passengers. This would not only impair the view, but also the duration of the view, and thus the visitor experience, which is of utmost importance. • The number of gondolas cannot be adjusted to the number of visitors, as the transport concept is based on the elevator principle, meaning the gondolas are forced to stop and turn around at the top and bottom, significantly reducing transport capacity. Furthermore, this doubles the number of boarding and disembarking from the gondolas, as visitors are forced to stop and disembark at the top. The same applies to the gateway. • If more elevator-like gondolas are to be used on both sides, they must be positioned one above the other within the structure, which also increases the boarding and disembarkation times due to additional access stairs and is also the case with the Gateway. • According to the brochure, the attraction was equipped with a cable-pull system, with the elevators on both sides not only going up and down simultaneously, but also in opposite directions. This poses an operational disadvantage if, for example, one of the elevators experiences a technical problem. Furthermore, during peak times, both elevators cannot go up or down at the same time, which increases queues and tends to discourage visitors.

[0007] All the disadvantages described above are eliminated by the present invention and enable systems with total heights of more than 100m or even 200m, which are not only technically and operationally better solved, but also have good chances of profitability.

[0008] In summary, the invention differs significantly from the two aforementioned rides, and thus from the prior art, primarily in that its curved structure features a closed, endless circuit of rails between the two ground stations, running above and below the structure rather than within it. This provides passengers with a virtually unobstructed panoramic view simultaneously in both directions during approximately 90% of the ascent and descent.

[0009] Furthermore, an adaptable number of gondolas, variable travel speed, variable travel cycle duration, and the double rail on each side of the curve ensure a very high and highly adaptable transport capacity, which can be adjusted to the demand for visitors, for example, by parking surplus gondolas on the siding(s) or picking them up for operation. Such sidings and switches are also not present in the aforementioned systems. More on this under: Advantages of the Invention. Terms and definitions

[0010] The terms “ride”, “facility” and “attraction” have the same meaning in this description.

[0011] For simplicity, “passenger gondola” is referred to as “gondola”, “arched structure” as “arch” and “ground station” is also referred to as “station”.

[0012] The term “ride design variant” is abbreviated to the term “ride variant”.

[0013] According to the invention, "vertical" refers to everything that extends along the direction of gravity. Accordingly, "horizontal" refers to everything that runs perpendicular to it.

[0014] The "frontal view" or "head-on view" of the ride refers to the view where the arch ends are on the left and right, and the highest point of the arch is at the top. Accordingly, the side view is the view parallel to the arch's longitudinal centerline (BLML). The components of the invented ride

[0015] The ride normally consists of the following components: a) An arched main structure, 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, each installed around the lower areas of the arch, with at least one station having a platform with a platform shaft for ground-level boarding and alighting of passengers. c) A set of gondolas, each with a landing gear and a passenger compartment, each gondola preferably having its own propulsion system. d) A closed loop rail, most of which is permanently installed or mounted on the arch. e) One driver’s cab or equivalent per station having a platform. f) One optional rail switch per station with an associated siding and an optional maintenance bridge g) An entrance area with ticket offices and access to the platform h) Other optional areas such as: terraces, shops, maintenance rooms and catering facilities.

[0016] The structural design of the assemblies depends mainly on the following points: a) What height and what horizontal distance the gondolas are to cover. b) The desired production capacity 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 arch. e) The type of propulsion of the gondolas. The ride variants A and B

[0017] The present invention describes two ride variants 1a and 1b, respectively, which have a few structural differences. Nevertheless, both variants pursue the same amusement concept, which is to be achieved by gondolas 8 and 9, respectively, traveling up and down along a very high arch 2 and 3, respectively, and back and forth between the same or different stations 4 and 5, respectively.

[0018] In ride variant A 1a, the gondolas 8 travel along the top 2a and / or bottom 2b of arch 2, while in ride variant B 1b, they travel along the left 7a and / or right 7b of arch 3. In addition, depending on the location and station size(s), both ride variants 1a and 1b also offer sufficient space for optional areas such as maintenance and office spaces, terraces, souvenir shops, and catering facilities, which are intended to round out the attractions.

[0019] Accordingly, the description explains the two ride variants A and B in turn using permanently installed arches 2 and 3, respectively, with a height of approximately 140 m. Examples of ride variant A 1a are shown in the Fig. 1) to 11) and for the ride variant B in the Fig. 12) to 18). The ride variant ADesign types of the ride variant A

[0020] Overall, ride variant A 1a also allows for the following types of use and design. Variant 1a) is considered the intended one. Variants 1b), 1c), and 1d) are only 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 loop track 6, which runs mostly above and below the arch 2 and thus enables travel in an endless loop without the gondolas 8 having to stop for boarding and disembarking. 1b) The gondolas 8 on the upper track section 2a of the curve 2 move completely independently of the gondolas 8 on the lower track section of the curve 2b. The platforms 14 at the stations 4, particularly in terms of their length, are designed to allow separate boarding and disembarkation from and into the gondolas 8 of both independently used track sections 6a, 6b. The gondolas 8 change their direction of travel at platform 14 between the outward and return journeys and stop for this purpose. 1c) The entire system has only one station 4a with a platform 14, so that each gondola 8 makes a continuous journey from the platform 14 to the other end of the arch and back to the platform 14, where the passenger change then takes place. 1d) The arch 2 has either an upper 6a or a lower 6b track section, where one or more gondolas 8 travel simultaneously back and forth between the stations 4 in either one direction or the other directions. In this case, there is no closed loop track. Operational process of ride variant A

[0021] With regard to the following description, the operational ride process of the preferred ride variant A 1a is as follows: The passenger passes through the ticket office and enters boarding platform 14a at one of stations 4. The gondolas 8, which preferably move on a closed circular track 6, move slowly along platform 14, allowing passengers to board the gondolas 8 at ground level without having to stop. The doors 8c of the gondolas 8 close, and the upward journey begins from the other end of platform 14. The attraction's circular track 6 allows the gondolas 8 to travel along the upper 2b and lower 2c sides of the arch 2. The ascent and all-round glazing provide a ride with a panoramic view, which should take approximately 15 minutes from station 4 to station 4, depending on the height of the arch and speed. Due to the preferred self-propulsion, certain track sections 6a to 6i can be traveled faster or slower until they finally reach station 4 on the other side of the arch.If there is no station 4 there, gondola 8 simply continues along the circulating track 6 until the journey ends at station 4, where it began. Upon arrival at platform 14, passengers disembark preferentially on one of the two platform sides 14b and then board on the opposite platform side 14a before gondola 8 leaves platform 14 again and begins a new journey. Description of the ride variant A

[0022] According to the invention, the ride variant A 1a has a high arched or parabolic-like structure 2, which is divided into two arched pillars 2c at its two lower arched end regions in order to increase the vertical stability of the arch 2 by means of a wider base and at the same time to enable gondolas 8, which travel along the lower arched rail section 2b of the arch 2, to travel across the full width between the two arched pillars 2c in order to make it possible to travel in an endless loop on a closed circular rail 6.

[0023] Furthermore, the ride variant A 1a is designed in such a way that, in the plan 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 in the plan view is congruent with the curve longitudinal center line BLML, which in turn runs centrally and horizontally between the two end areas of the preferably symmetrical curve 2.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The two stations 4 do not necessarily have to be installed at the same height (ground), so that an arch 2 can also be somewhat asymmetrical in the frontal view without this representing any disadvantages for operation.

[0026] In the case of ride 1 with only one station 4, it is provided that instead of a second station, only one rail turning circle section 6i is installed, the rail center line SML of which, in the plan view, is also congruent with the curved longitudinal center line BLML and, in the frontal view, forms almost a full circle or similar shape, with its lowest rail section being at least high enough above the ground that the gondolas 8 traveling along there do not touch the ground and they begin their return journey from this section without passengers boarding or disembarking there.

[0027] 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 thereto in order to enable passengers to get on and off at ground level at the platforms 14a, 14b without the gondolas 8 having to stop for this purpose.

[0028] Alternatively, it is preferred that a platform platform 14 is equipped with two parallel, opposite platforms 14a, 14b, which are separated by a platform shaft 15a, provided that the gondolas 8a on both end faces also have the necessary doors 8c for this purpose.

[0029] According to the invention, the circulating rail 6 consists of a closed rail circuit which is for the most part firmly fixed to or in the upper side 2a and lower side 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 pillars 2c and a station 4 is present, a circulating rail extension 6h is formed which starts at the lower end of the upper arched rail section 2a of the arch 2 and ends at the other end at the lower end of the lower arched rail section 2b of the arch 2 and thus connects the upper 2a to the lower arched rail section 2b on both sides of the arch 2.

[0030] From top to bottom, each circulating rail extension 6h consists of the following and consecutive rail sections: a) an upper, downward-facing, curved rail section 6c - with optional interruption for a rail switch; b) a downwardly inclined rail section 6d - which is preferably straight; c) a downward-facing 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, upwardly directed, rail curve section 6g.

[0031] 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 traveling down the semicircular rail turning circle section 6e.

[0032] The circulating rail extensions 6h of a ride 1, if two of them are present, do not have to be uniform or of the same size in the frontal view, so that the design of the stations 4, including their respective platform 14 and circulating rail extensions 6h, can be optimally adapted to the available space.

[0033] Furthermore, it is intended that each gondola 8 consists of a passenger cell 8a which is as aerodynamic and cylinder-like or barrel-like as possible and an associated chassis 8b, whereby during the journey, 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 mount 8b, so that the interior floor of the gondola always remains horizontally aligned.

[0034] It is provided that at least one door 8c for the entry and exit of passengers is installed on at least one end 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.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferred that the running gear of each gondola 8b has its own drive in order to enable different speeds and changes of direction on any point of the existing rail line 6 of system 1, as well as on the optional sidings 10a, 10b and respective rail switches 12a, 12b.

[0036] As an alternative to the aforementioned self-propulsion of each gondola 8, it can be provided that the feed is carried out by a drive system integrated in the circulating rail system, which, for example, transmits the power to the undercarriages 8b of the gondolas 8 by means of rotating wheels and thereby moves them in one of the two directions.

[0037] As an alternative to the previous advance in the circulating rails, all gondola carriages can also be connected by a chain or rods and moved by a central drive, although this makes evacuation problems in the event of a power failure and / or the use of sidings very difficult from a technical point of view.

[0038] Optionally, it is provided that at least one station of the system has a siding 10a, 10b with a respective rail switch 12a, 12b in the interior area of ​​a circulating rail extension 6h, whereby the siding 10a, 10b is installed between the straight platform rail section 6f and the diagonally downwardly inclined rail section 6d and its rail center line SML, in plan view, is also congruent with the curved longitudinal center line BLML.

[0039] If a station 4 has a rail switch 12a or 12b with an associated siding 10a or 10b, this rail switch 12a or 12b can replace either a part of the upper rail curve section 6c or a part of the platform rail section 6f, wherein in both cases the rotation of the respective rail switch 12a or 12b about a horizontal axis causes its rail section, including the gondola(s) 8 temporarily parked thereon, to connect at the end of each rotation either to the respective siding 10a or 10b or to the respective circulating rail 6d or 6f, and thus enables the transport of one or more gondolas 8 to the siding 10a or 10b or the circulating rail 6.

[0040] In the case of the rail switch type 1 12a, which replaces part of the lower straight platform rail section 6f, the respective chassis 8b is located above the passenger compartment 8a on the siding 10a after the switch maneuver, which means that the gondolas 8 are parked there in a suspended state,

[0041] In the case of the rail switch type 2 12b, which replaces part of the upper rail curve section 6c, the respective running gear 8b is located under the gondola 8 on the siding 10b after the switch maneuver.

[0042] As soon as a station 4 has a rail 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, whereby the maintenance walkway 10a or 10b runs parallel to the rail center line SML in the plan view and can be designed in a stepped manner in the frontal view in order to compensate for possible curvatures or inclines of the siding 10a.

[0043] In addition, it is planned that the rail extension(s) 6h as well as the optional more relevant components such as: sidings 10, 10b, 11, rail switches 12a, 12b, maintenance bridges 17a, 17b and possible roofing of the stations 4, 5 are supported by supporting structures 16 on and above the platform platforms 14.

[0044] With ride variant A 1a, the installation of a suspension bridge 23 between the two arch ends is possible. More details can be found at the end of the description of ride variant B 1b, which is more suitable for this purpose. The ride variant BDesign types of the ride variant B

[0045] Overall, ride variant B 1b allows for the following uses, which are related to the design of the entire facility 1. Variant 2a) is considered the intended one. Variants 2b), 2c), and 2d) are only reduced uses and do not represent a limitation of the invention. 2a) All pendulum gondolas 9 move in the same direction along a closed loop rail 6, which runs along the left and right of the arch 3 and thus enables travel in an endless loop without the pendulum gondolas 9 having to stop. 2b) The shuttle gondolas 9 on the left track section 7a of the curve 3 move completely independently of the gondolas 9 on the right track section 7b of the curve 3. The curved platforms 14a, 14b at stations 5 are designed, particularly with regard to their length, to allow separate boarding and disembarkation from and into the shuttle gondolas 9 of the left and right track sections 7a, 7b. The shuttle gondolas 9 change their direction of travel at platform 14 between the outward and return journeys and stop for this purpose. 2c) The entire system has only one station 5 with a platform 14, so that each shuttle gondola 9 makes a continuous journey from platform 14 to the other end of the arch and back, where the passengers then change. 2d) The curve 3 has either a left 7a or a right 7b track section, where one or more shuttle gondolas 9 can travel simultaneously either from station A 5 to station B 5 or vice versa. In this case, there is no closed loop track 6. Operational process of ride variant B

[0046] The operational sequence of the above-mentioned and preferred design type 2a) of ride variant B 1b differs from the previous design type 1a) of ride variant A 1a essentially in that, since shuttle gondolas 9 are used here, which travel along the right side 7b and / or left side 7a of the curve 3, the ground-level boarding and disembarkation of passengers from and into the shuttle gondolas 9 is preferably handled only on one side along a somewhat more than semicircular platform 14 at at least one station 5, which is divided lengthwise into two consecutive sections 14b, 14a, one for disembarkation and one for boarding. Further operational differences are not worth mentioning here. Description of the ride variant B

[0047] The ride variant B 1b has various differences compared to the ride variant A 1a and is described below.

[0048] According to the invention, the ride variant B 1b also has a high arched or parabolic-like 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 side 7b and / or left side 7a of the arch 3, wherein, in the side view, the ends of the arch become significantly wider near the ground and form stations 5 which have loop-like shapes in the plan view, wherein the outermost sections of the circulating rail 7 preferably form a horizontal and semicircular turning circle in order to enable rides in an endless loop here too.

[0049] In addition, it is planned that at least one end of the curve will have a station 5 with a platform 14 with at least one curved platform side 14a, 14b and a platform shaft 15a running parallel thereto, in order to enable passengers to board and disembark at ground level without the shuttle gondolas 9 having to stop for this purpose.

[0050] In the ride variant B 1b, everything that belongs to the loop-like shape of the end areas of the curve 3 in the plan view belongs to a station 5, whereby at one of the stations 5 a platform 14 can be dispensed with, as is the case with the design type 2c).

[0051] In the ride variant B 1b, the rail center line SML is not in one and the same plane, but resembles a double ring spanner or a very long figure eight when viewed from above.

[0052] According to the invention, the pendulum gondola 9, similar to a closed ski lift gondola, has a suspension in the roof area and has a protruding gondola axis 9a on one side towards the outside, at the protruding end of which an articulated chassis 9b is mounted, which makes it possible for the pendulum gondola 9 to travel along the closed circulating rail 7 with all its curves and inclines as well as optional sidings 11 and respective rail switches 13 and at the same time ensures that the gondola axis 9a and the interior floor of the gondola are always horizontal during the journey and, in the plan view, the gondola axis 9a is always aligned perpendicular to the vertical outer surface of the arch 3 and the stations 5, whereby the vertical outer surface of the arch can also be imaginary depending on the shape.

[0053] Even with ride variant B 1b, the stations 5 do not necessarily have to be installed at the same height, so that an arch 3 can also be designed asymmetrically in the frontal view.

[0054] Furthermore, the circulating rail 7 consists of a closed rail circle, which is for the most part firmly fixed or integrated on or in the left 7a and right outer side 7b of the arch 3 and, from the height at which the arch takes on a loop-like shape in the plan view, has a curved bend in the side view until the circulating rail 7 runs preferably horizontally further out and at the same time forms a semicircular turning circle in the plan view.

[0055] Preferably, the exit platform 14b begins at the earliest where the shuttle gondola 9 has reached the lowest height at station 5 and ends at the latest where the shuttle gondola 9 leaves this height again onto the boarding platform 14a, whereby both the exit and boarding platforms 14a, 14b are preferably located outside the circulating track 7 and are arranged one after the other on the same horizontal level in the direction of travel.

[0056] The outer circulating rail sections 7c along the platforms 14 can have different shapes and diameters at the two stations 5 and can thus be optimally adapted to the available land areas.

[0057] Preferably, the control unit 9b of a pendulum gondola 9 has its own drive in order to enable different speeds and a change of direction at any point on the circulating rail 7 as well as the optional siding(s) 11 and respective rail switch(es) 13.

[0058] As an alternative to the aforementioned self-propulsion of each pendulum gondola 9, it can be provided that the feed is carried out by a drive system integrated in the circulating rail system, which, for example, transmits the power to the chassis of the pendulum gondolas 9 by means of rotating wheels and can thus move them in both directions.

[0059] Furthermore, it is provided that at least one door 9d for the entry and exit of passengers is installed on at least one outer side of the passenger compartment and that optionally hatches are provided in the floor and / or roof of the passenger compartment 9c for emergency situations.

[0060] Optionally, it is provided that at least one of the two stations 5 of the system 1 has a horizontal siding 11 within the outer loop-like circulating rail section 7c and an associated horizontally pivoting rail switch 13, wherein the siding 11 is located at the same height as the outer horizontal circulating rail section 7c along the platform 14 and is preferably designed in a circular manner and / or runs parallel to the circulating rail 7 installed further out.

[0061] It is provided that the horizontally pivoting rail switch 13 replaces a part of the horizontally running outer rail section 7c along the platform 14 and, when this is completely pivoted, together with the pendulum gondola 9 temporarily parked on it, the pendulum gondola 9 is transported from the circulating rail 7 to the siding 11 at the end of the process, or vice versa.

[0062] Due to the preferred horizontal siding 11 near platform 14, the installation of optional maintenance walkways is unnecessary for the ride variant B 1b. General information about ride variants A and B

[0063] Furthermore, ride variant B 1b is particularly well-suited for the installation of an optional suspension bridge 23 between the two stations 5, as the underside of the arch can be used for the attachment of bridge cables 23a without obscuring the view, which 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 possible with ride variant A 1a. Advantages of the invention

[0064] The invented ride and its two variants are novel because they have the following advantages and features and combine them at the same time: a) They can offer the best possible panoramic view of the landscape to many gondolas simultaneously and for approximately 90% of the ride time. 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) The ability to store gondolas on sidings allows for slightly increased or decreased capacity depending on visitor volume, even during normal operation, and allows gondolas requiring maintenance to be quickly removed from service. This reduces unnecessary wear and tear and simultaneously lowers energy costs. e) Due to its wide base, the ride can easily be built over 150m high, as it is less susceptible to wind and the arch has a high level of inherent stability due to its two possible shapes. f) They allow the crossing of natural obstacles such as rivers or deep gorges, which is generally very rare in 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 arch by gravity alone. h) In case of technical problems along the track, the gondolas can also turn around at any time and return to the original station, which greatly facilitates evacuation. i) The upper and lower curved track sections or the 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 operations continue on the upper track section. j) They enable a rapid installation of large screens for film projections or similar by means of four gondolas, which are positioned in a mirror-image manner on the lower curved rail section and tighten 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 operations. This process is estimated to take only three minutes per gondola. l) Technical maintenance of the arch is possible through a separate maintenance gondola, which, similar to the Gateway Arch in Saint Louis, moves up and down within the arch and transports maintenance personnel without disrupting normal operations. Character list

[0065] Figures of the ride variant A Fig. 1) Perspective view of an example of a ride variant A with two stations with different rail switches and their respective sidings. Fig. 2) Perspective view of an embodiment of a gondola with a cylinder- or barrel-like passenger cell and associated chassis on the upper curved rail section of the arch. Fig. 3) Perspective view of an embodiment of a gondola on the lower curved rail section of the arch. Fig. 4) Front 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 at one of the curve ends. Fig. 6) Perspective view of an embodiment of a station having a type 1 rail switch integrated into the lower platform rail section. Fig. 7a) to 7c) Perspective views of an embodiment illustrating the movement sequence of a gondola on a type 1 rail switch. Fig. 8) Perspective view of an embodiment of a station having a rail switch type 2 integrated in the upper rail curve section. Fig. 9a) to 9b) Perspective view of an embodiment illustrating the movement sequence of a gondola on a rail switch type 2. Fig. 10) Top view of an example of a ride variant A with two stations and two sidings. Fig. 11) Side view of an example of a ride variant A.

[0066] Figures of the ride variant B Fig. 12) Perspective view of an example of a ride variant B with two stations and suspension bridge. Fig. 13) Perspective view of an embodiment of a station having a horizontally pivoting rail switch and a circular siding. Fig. 14a) to 14c) Perspective views of an embodiment illustrating the movement sequence of a horizontally pivoting rail switch with a pendulum gondola. Fig. 15) Top view of a ride variant B with two stations with two sidings. Fig. 16) Side view of a ride variant B. Fig. 17) Perspective view of an embodiment of a pendulum gondola with landing gear. Fig. 18) Side view of an embodiment of a pendulum gondola with chassis. Figure description of the ride variant A

[0067] Fig. 1) Shows an exemplary embodiment of a ride variant A 1a with a height of approximately 140 m and two stations type 1 4, where the arch 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 rail switches 12a, 12b and sidings 10a, 10b do not have to be of different types as in the drawing.

[0068] Fig. 2) Shows an example of a gondola 8 at the highest point of the curve 2, where the travel speed along the circulating rail A 6 can be reduced to offer passengers a longer ride. Therefore, 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 route.

[0069] Fig. 3) Shows an embodiment of a gondola 8 on the lower curved rail section 6b, whereby the view is somewhat more restricted on this ride than on the top 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 right at the top of the lower curved rail section 6b. Furthermore, it is also possible for special events to stretch out a large screen or flag using four mirror-imaged gondolas 8, for which purpose two of them are parked higher up and two further down on the lower curved rail section 6b, while operations above the arch 2 continue as normal, provided that the gondolas 8 only travel back and forth there and not in an endless loop.

[0070] Fig. 4) Shows an example of a loop track extension 6h of a station variant A 4a. It resembles a foot in the front view and is composed of various rail sections 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, and an optional Type 1 rail switch 12a. The integrated turning circle allows for continuous loop travel. For clarity, many component groups have been hidden.

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

[0072] Fig. 6) Shows an example 1a with a Type 1 siding 10a and a Type 1 rail switch 12a, which is adjusted up and down by an oil cylinder. In general, it is also conceivable to lower some of the stations 4 into the ground 21 to slightly reduce the visible height of the stations 4 for outsiders.

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

[0074] Fig. 8) Shows an example of a station variant B 4b with a Type 2 siding 10b and a Type 2 rail switch 12b. It differs from station variant A 4a in that its Type 2 rail switch 12b is installed in the upper section of the circulating rail extension 6h, replacing part of the upper circulating rail curve 6c. When the Type 2 rail switch 12b is adjusted, the gondola(s) 8 temporarily parked on it are moved along and later parked on the Type 2 siding 10b. An optional maintenance bridge 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 the event of severe weather.

[0075] Fig. 9a) to 9c) Shows the exemplary movement sequence of a Type 2 rail switch 12b. The advantage here is that, for a station of the same size, more gondolas 8 tend to fit on the Type 2 siding 10b than on the Type 1 siding 10a. The disadvantages are that if station 4b has a roof, it must be open in the area of ​​the Type 2 rail switch 12b during the process, and the process cannot be monitored as well from the driver's cab 18 due to the greater distance.

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

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

[0078] Fig. 12) Shows an exemplary embodiment of a ride variant B 1b with a height of approximately 140 m and two stations 5, where the arch 3 bridges a natural obstacle 22 and all pendulum gondolas 9 have the same direction of travel on the circulating track 7. This example shows one of the preferred options 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 rail switches 13 and the sidings 11 being optional. In addition, the possibility of installing a suspension bridge 23 is shown here, whose bridge cables 23a are fixed to the underside of the arch 3.

[0079] Fig. 13) Shows an example of a 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 requires the installation of circular platforms 14a, 14b parallel to the looping rail B7. Passengers are preferably allowed to board and disembark 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 can also be seen, which are located in station 5 within the loop-like looping rail B7.

[0080] Fig. 14a) to 14b) shows an exemplary embodiment and the movement sequence and order of a horizontally pivoting rail switch 13 in which a gondola 9 is moved from the circular siding 11 onto the circulating rail 7, which is of course also possible in the opposite 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 they do not have vertical circulating rail 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 spanner and how the circular sidings 13 are arranged concentrically with the outermost circulating rail sections along the curved platforms of the 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 it would be possible on both sides but less useful.

[0084] Fig. 18) The side view of an exemplary embodiment of a pendulum gondola 9 with a carriage 9b. The carriage 9b, corresponding to the guide rail 7, is designed so that it adapts perfectly to each section of the guide 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 arch 3 and the stations 5. List of reference symbols 1 ride for viewing and amusement purposes, in short also facility; Fig. 1 1a Ride variant A with arched main structure with an endless gondola track, the track center line of which is congruent with the vertical center plane of the arched main structure; Fig. 1 1b Ride variant B with arched main structure with an endless loop track running near the ground in loop-like stations; Fig. 12 2 Arched main structure of the 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 pillars; Fig. 5, Fig. 6 3 Arched main structure of the ride variant B; Fig. 12 3a Left side flank of the arched main structure of the ride variant B; Fig. 16 3b Right side flank of the arched main structure of the 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 rail switch type 1 in the platform rail section of the respective circulating rail extension; Fig. 1, Fig. 6 b Station variant B of a ride variant A with rail switch type 2 in the upper rail curve section of the respective circulating rail extension; Fig. 1, Fig. 8 5 Ground station / station of the ride variant B, with a circular siding in plan view; Fig. 12 6 Closed and endless loop track-A of the ride variant-A; Fig. 6 6a Upper curved track section of ride variant A; Fig. 2 6b Lower curved track section of ride variant A; Fig. 3 6c Upper rail 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 Circular rail extension of a ride variant A; Fig. 4 6i track turning circle section of a ride variant A; Fig. 5 7 Closed and endless loop 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 track section of ride variant B; Fig. 13, Fig. 14c 8 gondolas including control unit for ride variant A; Fig. 2, Fig. 3 8a Cylinder-like passenger cell for ride variant A; Fig. 2 8b Landing gear with gondola mount for ride variant A; Fig. 2 8c Gondola door for ride variant A; Fig. 3 9 pendulum gondola with control unit for ride variant B; Fig. 17 9a Axis of a pendulum gondola; Fig. 18 9b Tail unit of a pendulum gondola; Fig. 18 9c Passenger cell of a pendulum gondola; Fig. 18 9d Swing gondola door for ride variant B; Fig. 17 10a siding type 1 of ride variant A; Fig. 6, Fig. 7a 10b siding type 2 of ride variant A; Fig. 8, Fig. 9a 11 Circular siding of ride variant B; Fig. 13, Fig. 14a 12a A; Rail switch type 1 in the lower platform rail section (6f) of a ride variant- Fig. 7a, Fig. 7b 12b Rail switch type 2 in the upper rail curve section (6c) of the ride variant A; Fig. 9a, Fig. 9b 3 Horizontally pivoting rail switches of the ride variant B; Fig. 13 14 Platform of a station, in short: platform; Fig. 6, Fig. 10 14a Entrance platform of a platform; Fig, 6, 13 14b Exit platform of a platform platform; Fig. 6, Fig. 13 15a Platform shaft of a platform; Fig. 6, Fig. 8 15b siding shaft of a platform; Fig. 13 16 Supporting structure of a station; Fig. 6, Fig. 8 17a Maintenance bridge of a station variant A (4a); Fig. 6, Fig. 7c 17b Maintenance bridge of a 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 ravine / river / natural obstacle / open space; Fig. 1, Fig. 12 22 suspension bridge; Fig. 12, Fig. 13 22a bridge cables; Fig. 12 B-? “B” stands for movement of the next 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 nacelle centerline; Fig. 3 BLML arch longitudinal centerline; Fig. 10 QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 112587937A [0004, 0006]

Claims

[1] Arched ride for viewing and amusement purposes (1) according to ride variant A (1a), wherein passenger gondolas (8), called "gondolas" for short, travel back and forth along a closed and endless circulating rail-A (6), independently of one another, along the top (2a) and / or bottom (2b) of a high arched structure, called "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 passengers to board and disembark. wherein the arch (2) merges in the two lower end regions into at least two downwardly and outwardly spread arch pillars (2c), which at each arch end and at platform level (BE) are spaced in opposite directions from the arch longitudinal center line (BLML) to such an extent that the gondolas (8) there, and along the entire width of the circulating rail (6), fit between the arch pillars (2c), and on both sides of the arch (2) and near the arch pillars there is a station (4) with at least one platform (14) with at least one platform shaft (15a), wherein the entire rail center line (SML) of the entire closed and endless circulating rail-A (6) lies in a vertical plane passing through the curve longitudinal center line (BLML) and vertical curve center line (VBML) of the curve (2), wherein the closed and endless circulating rail (6), which is for the most part permanently installed on or in the upper (2a) and lower side (2b) of the arch (2), merges 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 the upper arched rail section (6a) with the lower arched rail section (6b), and is thus part of the circulating rail-A (6), wherein each gondola (8) has a cylinder-like passenger cell (8a) which, during travel, rotates concentrically within at least one circular support of the 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] Arched amusement ride (1a) according to claim 1), wherein each circulating rail extension (6h) is composed, in plan view, of the following rail sections: a) An upper rail curve section (6c); b) a rail section (6d) inclined downwards; c) an almost semicircular track turning circle section (6e); d) a platform rail section (6f); e) a lower rail curve section (6g), wherein a circulating rail extension (6h) and its rail sections are designed and dimensioned such that the gondolas (8) are each driven to the beginning of the exit platform (14b) of the respective station (4, 4a, 4b) after traveling down the outer and almost semicircular rail turning circle section (6e) and the boarding platform (14a) ends at the same station (4, 4a, 4b) at the latest where the ascent begins again. [3] Arched amusement ride (1) according to ride variant A (1a), according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at one of the two ends of the curve a station (4) with a platform (14) is completely dispensed with, and there, instead of the circulating rail extension (6h), an almost full-circle rail turning circle section (6i) with a supporting structure (16) is permanently installed, the rail center line of which in plan view is also congruent with the longitudinal center line of the curve (BLML), 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] Arched amusement ride (1) according to ride variant A (1a), according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein optionally, at least one of the stations (4) has a distance between the downwardly inclined rail section (6d) and the straight platform rail section (6f) which is so large that a siding (10a or 10b) and the respective rail switch (12a or 12b) can be installed between the two, and at the same time there is sufficient space for one or more gondolas (8) parked there. [5] Arched amusement ride for viewing and entertainment purposes (1) according to the ride variant A (1a), according to claim 4), using a type 1 rail switch (12a) that rotates around a horizontal axis and Part of the platform rail section (6f) of a station variant A (4a) is replaced 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) move(s) onto it, and the described movement sequences also happen in the reverse order and directions as required. [6] Arched ride for viewing and amusement purposes (1) according to ride variant A (1a), alternatively to claim 5) wherein a rail switch type 2 (12b) is used, which rotates around a horizontal axis and replaces part of the upper rail curve section (6c) of a station variant B (4b) and is thus located above the associated siding type 2 (12b), wherein the rail switch type 2 (12b) together with one or more gondola(s) (8) temporarily parked thereon is rotated downwards until it has reached the siding type 2 (10b) located further down and the gondola(s) (8) travel(s) onto this, and the described movement sequences also occur in the reverse order and directions as required. [7] Arched ride for viewing and amusement purposes (1) according to ride variant B (1b), alternatively to claim 1), Where, in the 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 arch, in plan view, have loop-like shapes, their outermost rail sections (7c), as well as the nearby platforms (14a, 14b) and the associated platform shafts (15a) have almost semicircular shapes, wherein each pendulum gondola (9) in the roof area of the passenger compartment (9c) has a horizontal axis (9a) 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 in such a way that the center line of the axis (9a) during the entire journey, remains horizontal and, in plan view, is always aligned perpendicular to the rail center line (SML) of the entire circulating rail B (7), thereby enabling travel along the circulating rail B (7) in an endless loop without the pendulum gondolas (99) having to stop for passengers to board and disembark, wherein, viewed in the direction of travel, the exit platform (14b) is always located in front of the boarding platform (14a) of the station(s) (5). wherein the arch (3) does not have to have separate arch pillars in the two lower end regions and thus no free spaces between them, as is the case with the ride variant A (1a) in claim 1). [8] Arched ride for viewing and amusement purposes (1) according to ride variant B (1b), according to claim 7) wherein optionally, the circular rail 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 respective siding shaft (15b), which is located at platform level (BE) and in the inner area of the circulating rail B (7) of a station (5) and is designed such that the horizontally pivoting rail switch (13) together with one or more pendulum gondola(s) (9) temporarily parked thereon, by rotating about a vertical axis, the pendulum gondola(s) (9) are transported from the gondola circulating rail (7) into the inner area of the station (5) onto the circular siding (11) or vice versa, wherein the radius of the siding (11) is dimensioned so that as many pendulum gondolas (9) as possible can be accommodated on it, and the pendulum gondolas (9) do not collide with the inside of the outer circulating rail section B (7c) during the entire process, and the platform shaft (15a) is extended and connected by an additional siding shaft (15b) so that, in plan view, both shafts enable the entire movement sequence of a pendulum gondola (9) from the outer circulating rail section (7c) via the horizontally pivoting rail switch (13) to the end of the circular siding (11) without hindrance. [9] Arched amusement ride (1) 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 have their own drive, which enables variable travel speeds in both directions of travel along the circulating rail A (6) or circulating rail B (7) used. [10] Arched amusement ride for viewing and amusement purposes (1), alternatively to claim 9), 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 rail switch types (12a, 12b) and associated siding types (10a, 10b), installed drive system and provides the necessary feed in both directions along the rails, and / or in the case of 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 ensures the necessary advance in both directions of travel along the rails. [11] Arched amusement ride (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, Alternatively, in the ride variant A (1a), the gondolas (8) do not necessarily travel along their circular track A (6) in an endless loop and thus not all in the same direction and without stopping, but the outward and return journeys between the stations (4) take place independently of each other via the upper curved track section (6a) and / or the lower curved track section (6b) and thus there is no longer any requirement for a closed circular track A (6) at the stations (4), and alternatively, in the ride variant B (1b), the pendulum gondolas (9) do not necessarily travel along their circulating rail 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) take place independently of one another via the left curved rail section (7a) and / or the right curved rail section (7b) and thus there is no longer any requirement for a closed circulating rail B (7) at the stations (5). [12] Arched amusement ride (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, Alternatively, a reduced design of the ride variant A (1a) either completely dispenses with the upper curved rail section (6a) or the lower curved rail section (6b) and thus the outward and return journeys of one or more gondolas (8) always take place alternately over the only existing and open rail section between the platforms (14). and alternatively, a reduced design of the ride variant B (1b) either completely dispenses with the left curved rail section (7a) or the right curved rail section (7b) and Thus, the outward and return journeys of one or more shuttle gondolas (9) always take place alternately over the only existing and open rail line between the platforms (14).

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