Guide track, amusement machine equipped with such guide track, and method for operating such amusement machine.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a guide track (2) for an amusement machine (1), particularly an amusement machine (1) having at least one running section (10) including a track shape, comprising a first rail (11) and a second rail (12) extending parallel to the first rail (11), the first rail (11) and the second rail (12) being connected by a transverse beam (14), and a predetermined course track (X), and at least one running section The present invention relates to a guide track (2) in which at least one rescue device (20) is positioned between a first rail (11) and a second rail (12), and the rescue device (20) includes at least one drive unit (25), a towing means (30) held within the rescue device (20), and a runner (40), and the runner (40) can be moved along the rescue device (20) by the towing means (30) using at least one drive unit (25). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a game machine (1) and a method for operating the game machine (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a guide track for a amusement machine, particularly an amusement machine having at least one lift hill and / or a starting section, such as a guide track for a jet coaster, comprising at least one running section including a track shape and having the features of claim 1, wherein the running section is provided with a rescue device for rescuing at least one stuck vehicle, particularly. Further, the present invention relates to a jet coaster provided with such a rescue device having the features of claim 18, and a method for operating an amusement machine, particularly for towing a stuck vehicle on a guide belt of the amusement machine, having the features of claim 19.

Background Art

[0002] Amusement machines have already been known in various forms from the prior art and are provided to passengers, particularly in amusement parks, as stationary or semi-stationary facilities or attractions. An amusement machine in the art may be a water ride and / or a jet coaster, and comprises a guide track for at least one vehicle movable on the guide track, and the vehicle can travel on a course track predetermined by the guide. At least one movable vehicle can accommodate at least one passenger in a passenger accommodation section, and for a communal experience, such a vehicle can typically accommodate a plurality of passengers, enabling a group experience in addition to an individual experience.

[0003] At least one vehicle of such an amusement machine in the art usually does not have its own drive device, and at least one vehicle is towed or lifted to a height (so-called top of the lift hill) that provides sufficient vehicle potential energy to travel at least one running section without further active acceleration, for example by a towing device or a lift. In such an amusement machine, the track of the guide track is predetermined such that the highest point of the guide track follows immediately after the start.

[0004] Alternatively, amusement machines in the art, particularly roller coasters, may have a launch section, the launch section corresponding to an acceleration track, the acceleration track forming part of a guide track, within the acceleration track, at least one vehicle is accelerated by a drive system to a speed that provides sufficient kinetic energy for the vehicle to travel the entire course or at least to the next launch section without additional active acceleration.

[0005] Such amusement machines are established in the prior art, but malfunctions frequently occur during the operating sequence. In such cases, at least one vehicle may become stuck within the section of track. Due to the lack of its own propulsion, at least one vehicle will be unable to continue traveling independently along at least one section of track until it reaches a station or evacuation area. In particular, since at least one section of track is often difficult to access, rescuing at least one passenger in at least one vehicle is considerably difficult for rescue teams. Furthermore, depending on the design of the section of track, passengers often find themselves in critical situations. In one of the most unfavorable situations, a passenger may be held upside down by the passenger compartment, in which case, after the vehicle has been secured, a laborious rescue from the safe passenger compartment is required.

[0006] Because prolonged exposure of at least one passenger in a critical situation can lead to serious health problems, rescue teams must free passengers from the vehicle as quickly as possible. Traditionally, when there was no rescue route alongside the guide truck, passengers were evacuated using emergency lifts. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to propose an improved guide track that suitably overcomes the drawbacks known from the prior art. The improved guide track enables the towing of at least one stranded vehicle and allows for the easy evacuation of at least one passenger from at least one vehicle, particularly from a critical situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] These problems are solved by a guide track having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, these problems are solved by a game machine having the features of claim 18, and a method for operating a game machine having the features of patent claim 19.

[0009] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are presented in the dependent claims. A guide track according to the present invention having the features of claim 1 for amusement rides, particularly for amusement rides having at least one lift hill and / or at least one launching section, such as a roller coaster, comprising at least one running section, the running section comprising at least one track shape, such as a curve, roll, or loop. At least one vehicle preferably travels or rolls through the at least one running section passively, i.e., without any additional active driving force from an external source or without its own active driving force, during the unobstructed and intended operation of the amusement ride.

[0010] The guide track according to the present invention further comprises a first rail and a second rail extending parallel to the first rail, the first rail and the second rail being connected to each other by a crossbeam, a predetermined course track, and at least one vehicle of the amusement machine being able to travel or roll along the course track in one direction. Furthermore, at least one rescue device is provided in at least one running section, positioned between the tracks, the rescue device including a drive unit, a towing means held within the rescue device, and a runner. The drive unit can be used to move the runner along the rescue device by the towing means, and the runner is configured to be able to tow at least one vehicle.

[0011] The present invention is based on the idea of ​​providing a guide track including a rescue device equipped with a runner, the runner being able to move along the guide track by a drive unit independently of at least one vehicle in the gap between at least one vehicle and the guide track. In an emergency, the runner may be passed under the stranded vehicle to travel to it, or preferably for towing. The stranded vehicle can then be transported to an evacuation area, where at least one passenger can be safely, quickly, and without danger rescued. Here, at least one passenger can remain in a safe passenger compartment until the vehicle is pulled or towed to the evacuation area. From there, easy and safe disembarkation is possible.

[0012] Preferably, the guide track includes at least one section having a lift hill and / or a starting section. A further development of the present invention involves the traction means and runner being supported and held in a plane perpendicular to the track. By supporting the traction means and runner in a plane perpendicular to the track, both the traction means and runner can better adapt to curves or undulations and follow the track of the running section regardless of their shape, and it is ensured that there is no risk of the traction means and / or runner falling out of the gap between the first or second rail and the vehicle.

[0013] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the towing means is concealed within the rescue device. On the one hand, the concealed arrangement of the towing means facilitates the implementation of a snap-fit ​​support for the towing means, and on the other hand, the individual components of the rescue device are not directly visible to at least one passenger, thus minimizing the impact on the ride experience while the amusement machine is running.

[0014] Furthermore, it has been found to be advantageous for the rescue device to preferably include a single profile rail, with the profile rail positioned as a crossbeam between the two rails. Preferably, the profile rail is positioned centrally between the two rails, and the running section can also be mechanically reinforced. The rescue device can preferably be formed as a monorail.

[0015] The profile rail may be, for example, a curved tube, which is formed as a hollow profile, in a particularly further preferred embodiment. The hollow profile may preferably be circular, elliptical, or polygonal. The hollow profile may further comprise slots or grooves formed along the course track. The grooves or slots are preferably located in a plane perpendicular to the virtual connection line between the first rail and the second rail.

[0016] A preferred development of the present invention is intended in which the traction means is held at least partially in a fitted manner within a hollow profile. The fitted means holds the traction means in a non-detachable manner on the profile rail or hollow profile. As a result, the traction means cannot come off the profile rail even in curves, rolls, and loops, and is therefore held in accordance with the course track.

[0017] According to a preferred development of the present invention, the traction means comprises a plurality of sliding and / or rolling elements, and the traction means is held by the sliding and / or rolling elements against the profile rail in a plane perpendicular to the course track. The sliding and / or rolling elements are configured to smoothly and movably support the traction means on the profile rail.

[0018] Furthermore, it has been found to be advantageous if the towing means includes a towing cable or chain. In particular, the towing cable is preferably a steel cable or a wire cable. Such cables are well known from the prior art and are characterized in that they have high tensile strength, in particular, which adequately meets the requirements of rescue devices for amusement machines for rescuing at least one stranded vehicle.

[0019] Preferably, the sliding bodies and / or rolling bodies are arranged at predetermined intervals on the traction cable and / or chain, and preferably, the distances between the sliding bodies and / or rolling bodies are approximately equal. Here, the cross-sectional area of ​​the sliding bodies and / or rolling bodies is several times larger than that of the traction cable and / or chain, so that the traction cable and / or chain are held spaced apart from the profile rail, thereby reducing, for example, wear and / or friction.

[0020] An advanced form of the present invention comprises a runner with a support portion and a connecting portion, wherein the support portion is guided and held by a profile rail, preferably located within the profile rail, and the connecting portion is intended to protrude from the profile rail on the side of the profile rail opposite to the crossbeam.

[0021] Preferably, the coupling portion protrudes from the profile rail and more preferably includes a coupling device that can form a preferably interlocking connection with the vehicle's engaging portion as it passes beneath the vehicle in a first direction of travel and / or a second direction of travel opposite to the first direction of travel. Thus, the coupling device can travel beneath at least one vehicle in the direction of travel of at least one vehicle or in the opposite direction of travel, regardless of the position of at least one stalled vehicle, thereby making it possible to position the runner centrally in at least one travel section during the normal operation of the amusement machine, and in an emergency, i.e., when at least one vehicle is stalled, the passage for at least one runner can be kept as short as possible, and at least one passenger can be freed from the critical situation as quickly as possible.

[0022] Preferably, the coupling device is configured as an auto-closing coupling that independently establishes a connection with the engaging portion of at least one vehicle. For this purpose, the coupling device may include at least one latch bolt-like claw, which is actuated by the engaging portion as it passes beneath at least one vehicle, releasing a stowing area for the engaging portion. As soon as the engaging portion is positioned in the stowing area, the latch bolt-like claw moves back to its starting position, closing the stowing area, thereby securing and holding the engaging portion in a stowing manner within the stowing area.

[0023] An advanced form of the present invention intends for the runner to be a coupled or articulated vehicle. Designing the runner as a coupled or articulated vehicle allows the runner to better adapt to curves or undulations and to follow the course track optimally. The coupling device is preferably located in the center of the runner and more preferably held in the center between the first rail and the second rail.

[0024] An advanced form of the present invention can include at least one inspection device and / or communication device on the runner. The inspection device can include, for example, one or more cameras that enable visual inspection of both the running section of the guide track and the vehicle, particularly the underside of the vehicle. Further, the communication device can also be used to transmit data to the control center. For example, the communication device can transmit information of the inspection device. Also, the communication device can particularly be used to transmit and output announcements to at least one passenger of at least one vehicle. Further, at least one runner can also transport rescue tools or medical devices, such as first aid kits and defibrillators.

[0025] The advanced form of the present invention contemplates that the rescue device is arranged on the crossbar in the running section. Arranging the rescue device on the crossbar in the running section is a simple and cost-effective solution that particularly enables retrofitting such a rescue device to existing amusement machines. Alternatively, the rescue device may be embedded in the crossbar in the running section and / or arranged between crossbar portions. This design can be realized particularly during the new design of the amusement machine.

[0026] Furthermore, it has been found advantageous that the drive device is remotely operable. In particular, the drive device can be controlled by the rescue team via a remote controller, a control center, etc. Thereby, the rescue team can control the runner without entering the danger zone themselves.

[0027] A developed form of the present invention can contemplate that two driving devices are provided. The first driving device can move the runner in a first traveling direction, and the second driving device can move the runner in a second traveling direction opposite to the first traveling direction. The first driving device can be arranged at a first end portion of the traveling section, the second driving device can be arranged at the second end portion, and the runner can reciprocate between the first end portion and the second end portion by the first driving device and the second driving device. The traction means does not necessarily have to be formed as an endless cable, and both ends can be arranged on the respective driving devices.

[0028] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a gaming machine, particularly a jet coaster, comprising the above-described guide track and at least one vehicle capable of traveling passively, i.e., without its own driving force, in a traveling section in a traveling direction, wherein the vehicle comprises an engaging portion and the engaging portion can be connected to the runner.

[0029] According to a preferred form of the present invention, the engaging portion of at least one vehicle is arranged on the lower side of the vehicle facing the rail, preferably centrally between the wheels of the vehicle. The gaming machine can comprise one or more evacuation areas arranged in at least one traveling section. Preferably, the guide track predetermines a substantially upright posture of at least one passenger in at least one vehicle in each evacuation area, so that at least one passenger can safely and easily get off from the restraint device of at least one vehicle within the evacuation area.

[0030] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating the above-described gaming machine, particularly a method for towing at least one stuck vehicle of a gaming machine such as a jet coaster, comprising: - moving a runner below the stuck vehicle by at least one drive unit to form a fitting between the runner and the engaging portion of the vehicle; - A step of moving the runner and the stalled vehicle to the evacuation area using a drive unit, Regarding methods including

[0031] Furthermore, it has been found to be advantageous that a signal is generated as soon as engagement between the runner and the vehicle is detected. This signal immediately stops at least one drive unit and fixes at least one stuck vehicle in place on the guide track by the runner.

[0032] Furthermore, it has been found that it is advantageous for the guide track to be inspected by at least one drive unit as the runner moves from the starting position to at least one stranded vehicle, and to identify possible escape routes for at least one stranded vehicle already on the way to the at least one stranded vehicle.

[0033] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the guide track according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a guide track comprising a first rail, a second rail, and a transverse beam connecting the first rail to the second rail, with rescue devices positioned on the transverse beam, particularly for rescuing vehicles that are stuck. [Figure 2] This is a simplified cross-sectional view of the guide track in the advanced form of Figure 1 in Plane E, where the rescue device is integrated with the crossbeam. [Figure 3] This is a very simplified diagram of a rescue device equipped with a runner that engages with and fits into the engagement portion of a stranded vehicle. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] In the detailed description of the drawings below, identical or functionally identical parts or features are identified by the same reference numeral. Furthermore, not all identical or functionally identical parts or features are assigned a reference numeral in the drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 shows a very simplified perspective view of the running section 10 of the guide track 2 of the amusement machine 1. The guide track 2 predetermines the course trajectory X. The vehicle 60 (shown in part but not completely in Figure 3) travels along the course trajectory X predetermined by the guide track 1 in the directions of travel X1 and X2.

[0037] The amusement ride 1 could be, for example, a roller coaster, in which case the amusement ride 1 is a stationary or semi-stationary facility or attraction in an amusement park. At least one vehicle 60 may be equipped with at least one passenger compartment (not shown), in which at least one passenger can be secured, preferably by a restraint device (not shown), to maintain their posture while the ride is in motion.

[0038] At least one vehicle 60 of the amusement machine 1 preferably does not have its own drive mechanism. The amusement machine 1 comprises at least one lift hill (not shown) and / or one starting section (not shown) and a running section 10 (only partially shown in the drawing) having at least one track shape such as a curve, roll and / or loop.

[0039] The lift hill allows at least one vehicle 60 to be towed or raised to a certain height (i.e., the top of the lift hill) by, for example, a towing device or an elevator. The potential energy of at least one vehicle 60 is sufficient to travel or roll through at least one travel section 10 without further active acceleration.

[0040] The starting section corresponds to the acceleration path, which forms part of the guide track 2, and within this section, at least one vehicle 60 is accelerated to a certain speed by the drive system. The kinetic energy supplied to at least one vehicle 60 is sufficient to travel or roll through at least one travel section 10 without further active acceleration.

[0041] According to Figure 1, the guide track 10 includes a first rail 11 and a second rail 12 extending parallel to the first rail 11, with the first rail 11 and the second rail 12 connected by a crossbeam 14.

[0042] The first rail 11 and the second rail 12 may have a curved circular profile, and furthermore, the first rail 11 and the second rail 12 may each be connected to a base element (not shown) by a brace 15.

[0043] The first rail 11 and the second rail 12 are positioned at approximately constant distances from each other, and a course track X is predetermined. Along this course track X, at least one vehicle 60 can travel in either a direction X1 or X2. Preferably, when the amusement machine 1 operates as intended without any obstructions, at least one vehicle 60 travels along the guide track 2 in only one of the two directions, X1 or X2.

[0044] According to Figure 1, in the running section 10, a rescue device 20 is positioned on the crossbeam 14 between the first rail 11 and the second rail 12. The rescue device 20 rescues a stalled vehicle 60, especially in the event of a malfunction of the amusement machine 1, and allows at least one stalled vehicle 60 to travel to an evacuation area (not shown). In the evacuation area, passengers can safely disembark from at least one stalled vehicle 60.

[0045] The placement of the rescue device 20 on the transverse beam 14 may be particularly advantageous when retrofitting the rescue device 20 to an existing amusement machine 1. In the new design of the amusement machine 1, the rescue device 20 can be embedded in the corresponding transverse beam 14 in the travel section 10 and / or connected to two transverse beam sections, as shown in Figure 2.

[0046] The rescue device 20 allows at least one passenger to remain safely in the passenger compartment even in the event of a malfunction, until the vehicle 60 is pulled or towed to the evacuation area, thereby avoiding the need for laborious rescue operations on at least one passenger, especially if at least one passenger is upside down, and preventing passengers from being exposed to further danger in the event of a malfunction of the amusement machine 1.

[0047] The rescue device 20 includes at least one drive unit 25 (not shown), a towing means 30 held within the rescue device 20, and a runner 40 schematically shown in Figure 3, wherein at least one drive unit 25 can preferably be pulled by the towing means 30 to move the runner 40 along the course track X and along the rescue device 20 in a first travel direction X1 and / or a second travel direction X2.

[0048] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the rescue device 20 includes a profile rail 22, which is preferably positioned on the crossbeam 14 in the center between the first rail 11 and the second rail 12.

[0049] The profile rail 22 can be formed as a circular profile, similar to the first rail 11 and the second rail 12. The profile rail 22 may be, for example, a curved tube, and in particular, according to a more preferred embodiment, it is formed as a hollow profile having an interior 24. The hollow profile may preferably be a circular, elliptical, or polygonal profile. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the profile rail 22 may have a groove 23 formed along the course track X. The groove 23 is preferably located on the profile rail 22 on the side opposite to the crossbeam 14, and more preferably in a plane perpendicular to the virtual connection line between the geometric midpoints of the first rail 11 and the second rail 12.

[0050] The traction means 30 is positioned inside 24 of the profile rail 22, and the traction means 30 is held within the profile rail 22 in a plane E (see Figure 3) perpendicular to the course track X. By supporting and holding the traction means 30 within the profile rail 22, it is ensured that the traction means 30 can better adapt to curves or undulations and follow the course track X of the running section 3 regardless of its shape, and the risk of the traction means 30 entering the gap between the first rail 11 or the second rail 12 and the vehicle 60 and endangering the passing vehicle 60 is eliminated.

[0051] Preferably, the traction means 30 is concealed within the profile rail 22, as can be seen from the exemplary embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, so that the rescue device 20 has as little impact as possible on the ride experience of at least one passenger, and so that at least one passenger is not directly aware that the rescue device 20 is an emergency safety system.

[0052] The towing means 30 may include a towing cable 34, which may be formed as an endless cable or have a first end portion and a second end portion, each end portion being connected to at least one drive unit 25, respectively. Preferably, in such a configuration, the rescue device 20 has a drive unit 25 for each end portion, and each drive unit 25 is configured to move or pull the runner 40 in one of two travel directions X1, X2.

[0053] The traction cable 34 may be, for example, a steel cable or a wire cable. Furthermore, as can be seen from Figures 1 and 3, the traction means 30 includes a sliding body 32, which supports the traction means 30 on the profile rail 22. The sliding body 32 preferably holds the traction cable 34 centrally within the interior 24 of the profile rail 22, and further allows the traction means 30 to move within the profile rail 22 with minimal friction.

[0054] Referring to the attached Figure 3, it is clear that the runner 40 is connected to the traction means 30 and can follow the movement of the traction means 30 within the profile rail along the running course in the running section 10.

[0055] The runner 40 comprises a support portion 42 (not fully shown) and a connecting portion 44 (not fully shown) having a coupling device 50. The support portion 44 is supported by the profile rail 22 and can be located inside 24 of the profile rail 22, as in the illustrated exemplary embodiment.

[0056] The coupling portion 44 is positioned on the side of the profile rail 22 opposite to the crossbeam 14 and protrudes from the profile rail 22 in this direction. In other words, the coupling portion 44 protrudes into the gap between the guide track 2 and the vehicle 60. The orientation in the plane crossing the course track X is predetermined by the groove 30 of the profile rail 22, thereby ensuring that the coupling portion 44, which has the coupling device 50, protrudes into the gap between at least one vehicle 60 and the guide track 2. The coupling portion 44 can be positioned perpendicular to the virtual connecting line between the two rails 11, 12.

[0057] The coupling device 50 shown in Figure 3 can form a connection with at least one of the engaging portions 65 of the vehicle 60 when passing beneath the vehicle 60 in a first travel direction X1 and / or a second travel direction X2 opposite to the first travel direction X1.

[0058] Therefore, the coupling device 50 can pass under at least one stranded vehicle 60 in both directions relative to the position of at least one stranded vehicle 60. The coupling device 50 can be configured as an automatically closing or automatically locking coupling that independently establishes a connection with the engagement portion 65 of at least one vehicle 60.

[0059] The coupling device 50 can preferably be positioned in the center of the runner 40, as shown in the figure, and preferably protrudes from the side of the rescue device 20 opposite to the crossbeam 14. More preferably, the coupling device 60 is oriented perpendicular to the virtual connecting line between the two rails 11, 12.

[0060] The coupling device 50 may include two latch bolt-like claws 52, which can be actuated or pushed down by the engaging portion 65 as it passes beneath at least one vehicle 60. This releases a dwelling area 54 for the engaging portion 65. As soon as the engaging portion 65 is positioned within the dwelling area 54, the latch bolt-like claws 52 move back to their starting position, closing the dwelling area 54 and preferably applying tension to hold the engaging portion 65 within the dwelling area.

[0061] If a malfunction occurs during the operation of the amusement machine 1 and at least one vehicle 60 becomes stuck within the running section 10, the runner 40 is passed under the stuck vehicle 60 by at least one drive unit 25.

[0062] The drive unit 25, or the movement of the runner 40, can be controlled from the control center of the amusement machine 1, or preferably by a cableless remote controller. The remote controller can be operated from anywhere, from outside the hazardous area, but preferably from a position where the stalled vehicle 60 is visible.

[0063] While the vehicle 60 is moving, an inspection device (not shown) can inspect the guide track 2 for any damage. For this purpose, the inspection device may include, for example, one or more cameras, which can perform a visual inspection. Alternatively or complementary, the inspection device may be equipped with appropriate sensors to replace or supplement the visual inspection.

[0064] When passing beneath a stalled vehicle 60, the coupling device 50 independently forms a engagement between the runner 40 and the engaging portion 65 of the vehicle 60. The engagement between the runner 40 and the engaging portion 65 can be detected by a sensor, which makes it possible to immediately stop at least one drive unit 25 to prevent the stalled vehicle 60 from moving.

[0065] After the engagement between the runner 40 and the engagement portion 65 of the stalled vehicle 60 is formed, the position of the stalled vehicle 60 can first be fixed by corresponding control of the drive unit 25 until, for example, release is provided to tow the stalled vehicle 60 to the evacuation area.

[0066] Subsequently, the runner 40 and the stalled vehicle 60 are moved to the evacuation area by the drive unit. Each evacuation area is located within the travel section 10, and in each evacuation area, the vehicle is preferably positioned on the guide track 2 so that at least one passenger can disembark upright from their respective passenger compartment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 1. Game machine 2 Guide Tracks 10 sections 11 The first rail 12. The second rail 14 Crossbeam 15. Bracing 20 Rescue equipment 22 Profile Rails 25 Drive Unit 30 Traction means 32 Sliding body 34 Towing Cable 40 Runner 42 Support part 44 Connecting part 50 Coupling device 52 claws 60 vehicles 65 Engaging part X-course trajectory X1 Direction of travel X2 Traveling direction

Claims

1. A guide track (2) for an amusement machine (1), which comprises at least one running section (10) including a track shape, and more particularly for an amusement machine (1) which comprises at least one lift hill and / or starting section, The system comprises a first rail (11) and a second rail (12) extending parallel to the first rail (11), the first rail (11) and the second rail (12) being connected by a transverse beam (14), and a predetermined course track (X). In at least one running section (10), at least one rescue device (20) is positioned between the first rail (11) and the second rail (12). The rescue device (20) includes at least one drive unit (25), a towing means (30) held within the rescue device (20), and a runner (40). Using at least one of the drive units (25), the runner (40) can be moved along the rescue device (20) by the towing means (30). Guide track (2).

2. The guide track (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the traction means (30) and the runner (40) are supported and held in a plane (E) perpendicular to the course track (X).

3. The guide track (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the towing means (30) is concealed and arranged within the rescue device (20).

4. The guide track (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rescue device (20) includes a profile rail (22), and the profile rail (22) is positioned on the crossbeam (14) between the two rails (11, 12).

5. The guide track (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the profile rail (22) is formed by a hollow profile.

6. The guide track (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the traction means (30) is fitted and held within the hollow profile.

7. The guide track (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the traction means (30) includes a plurality of sliding bodies (32) and / or rolling bodies, and the traction means (30) is held by the sliding bodies (32) and / or rolling bodies with respect to the profile rail (22) in a plane (E) perpendicular to the course track (X).

8. The guide track (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the towing means (30) includes a towing cable (34) or a chain.

9. The guide track (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of ​​the sliding body (32) and / or rolling body is several times larger than that of the traction cable (34) and / or the chain.

10. The guide track (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the runner (40) includes a support portion (42) and a connecting portion (44), the support portion (42) is held in a fitted manner within the profile rail (22), and the connecting portion (44) protrudes from the profile rail (22).

11. Guide track (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the runner (40) includes a coupling device (50), and the coupling device (50) can form a engagement with an engaging portion (65) of the vehicle (60) when it passes beneath the vehicle (60) in a first travel direction (X1) and / or a second travel direction (X2) opposite to the first travel direction (X1).

12. The guide track (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that the coupling device (50) includes at least one latch bolt-shaped claw (52).

13. The guide track (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the runner (40) is a connected vehicle or an articulated vehicle.

14. The guide track (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the runner (40) includes at least one inspection device and / or communication device.

15. The guide track (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the rescue device (20) is positioned on the transverse beam (14), embedded in the transverse beam (14), and / or connects two transverse beam portions.

16. Guide track (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the track shape includes at least one curve, roll, and / or loop.

17. The guide track (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that at least one drive unit (25) is remotely controllable.

18. An amusement machine (1), particularly a roller coaster, comprising a guide track (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and at least one vehicle (60) capable of traveling along the course track (X) in a direction of travel (X1 or X2), wherein the vehicle is equipped with an engaging portion (65) and the engaging portion (65) can be connected to the runner (40).

19. A method for operating the amusement machine (1) described in claim 18, particularly for towing a stalled vehicle (60), The drive unit (25) moves the runner (40) below the stalled vehicle (60), forming a fit between the runner (40) and the engagement portion (65) of the vehicle (60), The drive unit (25) moves the runner (40) and the stalled vehicle (60) to the evacuation area. Methods that include...

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