Ferris wheel

Abstract

The invention relates to a Ferris wheel (10) having at least one wheel body rotatable about a wheel axis, wherein a person-carrying device (20) is held on the wheel body, in the region of an outer wheel rim circumference, by means of a suspension (21). According to the invention, in order to provide a special ride experience, a support (22) is coupled to the suspension (21), said support carrying a freely suspended seat arrangement having at least one seat (40), and wherein the seat (40) is assigned a retaining bracket (50), which has at least one shoulder bracket (54) and one chest bracket (52).

Description

[0001] Applicant: Robu Aktiengesellschaft Our reference: A 31662-PCT Date: 12.11.2025

[0002] Robu Aktiengesellschaft

[0003] Gaiserstrasse 11

[0004] CH-9050 Appenzell

[0005] Ferris wheel

[0006] The invention relates to a Ferris wheel with at least one wheel body rotatable about a wheel axle, wherein a passenger support device is held on the wheel body in the area of ​​an outer wheel rim circumference by means of a suspension.

[0007] Ferris wheels are used in amusement parks. One such Ferris wheel is known, for example, from DE 1 800 650. This Ferris wheel has an outer rim that is rotatably mounted around the wheel's axle. Gondolas are pivotally mounted on the rim. The gondolas are terraced and offer seating for one or more people. The cup-shaped gondolas are designed to provide sufficient railing height to implement fall protection.

[0008] The purpose of the invention is to create a Ferris wheel of the type mentioned above, which provides the user with a more intense user experience and at the same time a sufficient sense of security.

[0009] This problem is solved with a Ferris wheel according to claim 1.

[0010] Accordingly, it is provided that a support beam is coupled to the suspension, which carries a freely suspended seating arrangement with at least one seat, and that the seat is associated with a handrail comprising at least one shoulder strap and one chest strap. The freely suspended seating arrangement provides the user with a unique user experience, as they are essentially suspended in mid-air. They are supported and secured solely by the seat and the handrail, without the platform on which they can move, as is usual with standard Ferris wheel gondolas. At the same time, this arrangement also provides the user with a sufficient sense of security, as they are reliably protected against falls, particularly by the handrail.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the passenger support device is pivotably coupled to the wheel body by means of a mounting of the suspension about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is aligned parallel or substantially parallel to the wheel axis about which the wheel body rotates. Thus, the passenger support device can perform a translational movement during operation, as is common with Ferris wheels. The passenger support device aligns itself according to the acting force of gravity.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bearing may be equipped with a locking device, adjustable between a locking position and a release position, and in the locking position, the passenger support device is rotationally fixed to the wheel body, while in the release position, it is pivotally mounted on the wheel body about the pivot axis. The locking device prevents the passenger support device from aligning itself according to gravity during the rotation of the wheel body. This results in a unique riding experience. With a suitable design of the Ferris wheel, it is then possible, for example, to perform an upside-down ride using the passenger support device.

[0013] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking device can be moved from the locking position to the release position by means of a release unit, particularly when the personnel carrier is in a position where it is not aligned with the direction of gravity. For example, the personnel carrier may be in an upside-down position or in another position that deviates from the position aligned with the direction of gravity. The locking device is then released by means of the release unit. The personnel carrier then swings automatically into its position aligned with the direction of gravity.This can preferably be achieved by allowing the swiveling movement to occur, at least partially, without the active intervention of a braking device, thus enhancing the user experience. It is also conceivable that the personnel carrier is designed to continue swinging back and forth for a period of time after the triggering process.

[0014] However, it is also conceivable that a braking device is used which returns the person carrier device to the position aligned in the direction of gravity after the locking device has been moved into the release position.

[0015] Another alternative invention may involve the use of a drive device, for example an electric motor, which moves the person carrying device from its position, for example aligned in the direction of gravity, around the pivot axis of the suspension into a second position, preferably an overhead position.

[0016] A Ferris wheel according to the invention can also be designed such that the passenger support device is rotationally fixed to the wheel body. During one wheel revolution, the passenger support device therefore does not undergo a translational movement, but rather a rotational movement around the wheel axis. This provides a unique user experience, as the orientation of the passenger support device relative to the wheel body does not change.

[0017] A simple design of the person carrying device results if it is provided that a crossbar is coupled to the support which extends in the direction of the wheel axis of the wheel body, and that at least one bracket support is coupled to the crossbar, on which the retaining bracket is pivotably mounted by means of a swivel bearing.

[0018] A stable and secure coupling of the seating arrangement to the passenger support device can be achieved by coupling a seat support, preferably at least one console, to the support, on which the seat is supported on the floor side.

[0019] Page 3 of 17 Applicant: Robu Aktiengesellschaft Our reference: A 31662-PCT Date: November 12, 2025 To improve seating comfort, a footrest may be used, preferably connected to the support by means of a footrest holder, and the footrest provides a footrest area at least partially in front of the seat or at least partially under the seat. Care should be taken to ensure that the footrest area only provides space for supporting the feet, so as not to impair the feeling of the floating arrangement of the passenger transport device. Preferably, the depth of the footrest extending in the circumferential direction of the wheel body is less than the depth of the seat in this direction.

[0020] To provide some lateral protection for the user from the elements, the support can be designed to carry a wall bracket on either side of the seat. This bracket holds a wall element, preferably a partially transparent one, extending transversely, and in particular perpendicularly, to the wheel axis. This design maintains a simple and visually light appearance for the passenger support device. Additionally or alternatively, for weather protection, a roof overhang can be attached to the suspension and / or to the at least one support, spanning at least part of the seat(s).

[0021] For a simply constructed yet stable roof structure, the roof may have a frame to which at least one roof element, particularly in the form of a panel, is attached. Additionally or alternatively, at least one camera may be attached to the roof frame, its lens aimed at the seat. This camera can then record photos or video sequences of the user while the personal transport device is in motion, and these can subsequently be made available to the user.

[0022] One embodiment of the invention is such that two supports are coupled to the suspension, spaced apart from each other in the direction of the wheel axis, that the two supports are connected to each other at their end regions facing away from the suspension by means of a base strut, and that the seat(s) are connected directly or indirectly to the base strut. This results in a frame-like structure with minimal parts and assembly effort, to which the seat arrangement is reliably and securely attached.

[0023] For the purpose of reliably securing the user, the seat may be designed to have a seat surface to which a backrest is attached, that the seat surface has two leg recesses between which a projecting leg brace is arranged, and that a pelvic bar of the support bar is positioned opposite the leg brace. The two leg recesses restrict the user's lateral range of motion. The pelvic bar secures the positioning of the legs in the leg recesses and prevents the legs from lifting off the seat surface.

[0024] To ensure a balanced position of the passenger support device on the Ferris wheel, it may be provided that the seating arrangement has at least one seat oriented in the direction of travel and at least one seat oriented opposite to the direction of travel, and that the support is guided in the area between the seats, in particular in the area between the backrests of the seats, and / or that the coupling points by means of which the suspension is coupled to the wheel body are arranged in the area of ​​the backrests of the seats or between the seats.

[0025] For a special driving experience, it may be provided that the coupling point at which the suspension is connected to the wheel body, in particular to the at least one wheel rim, is arranged at a distance in the direction radial to the wheel axis of the wheel body from the at least one seat and / or that the coupling point at which the suspension is pivotably connected to the wheel body, in particular to the at least one wheel rim, is arranged at a distance in the direction radial to the pivot axis formed in the area of ​​the coupling point, about which the passenger support device is pivotably suspended on the wheel body, from the at least one seat (40).

[0026] Page 5 of 17 Applicant: Robu Aktiengesellschaft Our reference: A 31662-PCT Date: 12.11.2025 Furthermore, a variant of the invention may also be such that the at least one seat is held radially outside the at least one wheel rim in at least a partial region of the circular motion of the wheel body and / or that

[0027] which at least one seat is held radially within the at least one wheel rim in at least one partial region of the circular motion of the wheel body.

[0028] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. The drawings show:

[0029] Figure 1 shows a Ferris wheel in a partial perspective view with conventional gondolas and a passenger carrying device according to the invention.

[0030] Figure 2 shows the person carrying device according to Figure 1 in a perspective view,

[0031] Figure 3 shows the personnel carrying device according to Figure 2 in front view,

[0032] Figure 4 shows the personnel carrying device according to Figures 2 and 3 in a top view,

[0033] Figure 5 shows the personnel carrying device according to Figures 2-4 along the section marked VV in Figure 3,

[0034] Figure 6 shows a detail marked VI in Figure 1,

[0035] Figure 7 shows the representation according to Figure 6 along the section line marked VII-VII in Figure 6,

[0036] Figure 8, the representation according to Figure 7? along the section line marked VIII-VIII in Figure 7,

[0037] Figure 9 shows a detail marked IX in Figure 1,

[0038] Figure 10 shows the representation according to Figure 9 in an enlarged view,

[0039] Page 6 of 17 Applicant: Robu Aktiengesellschaft Our reference: A 31662-PCT Date: 12.11.2025

[0040] Figure 11 shows a sectional view of the representation according to Figure 10 along the section line marked XI-XI in Figure 10.

[0041] Figure 12 shows a detailed view of a Ferris wheel according to Figure 1 with a passenger carrying device according to the invention in an operating position and

[0042] Figure 13 shows the arrangement according to Figure 12 in an enlarged view.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a Ferris wheel 10, which, apart from the passenger support devices 20 shown in this drawing, has a conventional design.

[0044] Accordingly, the Ferris wheel 10 has two wheel rims 11 which are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the wheel axis of the Ferris wheel 10 in order to form a suspension area on the circumferential side for the person carrying devices 20 according to the invention or for conventional gondolas 17.

[0045] The wheel rims 11 are connected to a hub 14, which forms the wheel axle, via radial struts 12. The radial struts 12 are interconnected by means of stiffeners 13. The wheel rims 11 can be composed of individual rim segments in the circumferential direction.

[0046] The two wheel rims 11 together with the radial struts 12 and the hub 14 form a wheel body rotatable about a wheel axle, which carries the passenger carrying devices 20 on the outer wheel circumference.

[0047] The Ferris wheel 10 has supports 15 that carry the hub 14 and thus the wheel body. At their ends facing away from the hub 14, the supports 15 have ground anchors 16. Here, the supports 15 are appropriately supported and fastened to the ground.

[0048] A loading station (not shown) is located in the lower part of the wheel body, in the direction of gravity. The passenger transport device 20 can enter and exit this station. At the loading station, the persons P being transported can board or disembark the passenger transport device 20. (Page 7 of 17 Applicant: Robu Aktiengesellschaft Our reference: A 31662-PCT Date: 12.11.2025)

[0049] Figure 1 shows the advantageous embodiment in which not the entire Ferris wheel 10 is equipped with the passenger carrying devices 20 according to the invention, but a mixture of conventional gondolas 17 and passenger carrying devices 20 according to the invention is provided.

[0050] Of course, it is also conceivable that the entire Ferris wheel 10 is equipped only with passenger carrying devices 20 according to the invention.

[0051] Figure 2 shows an enlarged detail view of a possible embodiment of a person-carrying device 20 according to the invention. As this view shows, the person-carrying device 20 has a suspension 21. This suspension 21 can have a cross member, preferably in the form of a double-T beam. The suspension 21 serves to connect the person-carrying device 20 to the two wheel rims 11 in the outer circumferential region of the wheel body. For this purpose, the suspension 21 can be provided with fastening elements at its longitudinal ends, by means of which the person-carrying device 20 is connected to the associated wheel rim 11.

[0052] In a first embodiment, the fastening elements may form bearings 21.1. The bearings 21.1 form a common pivot axis about which the suspension 21, and thus the personnel support device 20, is pivotably held on the wheel body. Advantageously, the pivot axis extends parallel to the wheel axis of the wheel body.

[0053] In a further embodiment variant, it can be provided that the fastening elements connect the suspension 21 and thus the person support device 20 to the wheel body in a rotationally fixed manner, so that the person support device 20 is rigidly connected to the wheel body and cannot pivot.

[0054] As shown in Figures 2-4, the suspension may have 21 eyelets 21.2. The passenger support device 20 can be lifted from these eyelets 21.2 by a crane and mounted on the Ferris wheel using a suitable lifting device. (Page 8 of 17 Applicant: Robu Aktiengesellschaft Our Ref: A 31662-PCT Date: 12.11.2025)

[0055] Two supports 22, spaced apart from each other in the direction of the wheel axis, are coupled to the suspension 21. The supports 22 are connected to each other by a cross member 27, spaced apart from the suspension 21. As shown in Figure 3, the cross member 27 can project axially beyond the respective support 22 on both sides in the direction of the wheel axis.

[0056] At least one bracket 25 can be attached to the cross member 27. In the present embodiment, three brackets 25 are used. One bracket 25 is attached in the overhang area of ​​the cross member 27, and another bracket 25 is arranged between the two members 22.

[0057] The bracket support(s) 25 each have a bracket bearing 26. The bracket bearing 26 serves to pivotally mount a retaining bracket 50. Preferably, the pivot axis of the retaining bracket 50 runs parallel or substantially parallel to the wheel axle.

[0058] Figure 3 shows that the retaining bracket 50 can be designed to have two breast brackets 52, preferably spaced apart from each other in the direction of the wheel axis, each transitioning into a shoulder bracket 24. A pivot bearing 51 is arranged in the area of ​​each shoulder bracket 54. The retaining brackets 50 are pivotably mounted in the bracket bearings 26 of the bracket supports 25 by means of the pivot bearings 51. Thus, the retaining bracket 50 can be pivoted between an open position, in which it releases a seat 40 of a seating arrangement, and a closed position, in which it secures a person P seated on the seat 40 (see Figure 8).

[0059] The retaining bracket 50 is preferably designed to have a pelvic bracket 53 that connects the two chest brackets 52.

[0060] Page 9 of 17 Applicant: Robu Aktiengesellschaft Our reference: A 31662-PCT Date: 12.11.2025 The drawings show that each seat 40 of the seating arrangement can be assigned a retaining bracket 50.

[0061] As shown in Figures 3-5, the two beams 22 can be connected to each other at their end regions furthest from the suspension 21 by means of a bottom brace 28. Figure 5 shows that the cross braces 27 and the bottom brace 28 can be parallel to each other and spaced apart. The cross braces 27 and / or the bottom brace 28 can be designed as I-beams. Preferably, the cross-section of the beam 22 and the cross-section of the cross brace 27 and / or the bottom brace 28 are identical.

[0062] The base strut 28 can be designed such that seat supports 29, preferably in the form of brackets, are attached to it. The seat supports 29 project circumferentially beyond the base strut 28 both in and opposite to the direction of travel. The seating arrangement can be supported on the seat supports 29. The seating arrangement preferably has at least one seat 40 oriented in the direction of travel and / or one seat 40 oriented opposite to the direction of travel, as illustrated in Figure 5. Additionally, the seat(s) 40 can be connected directly or indirectly to the cross strut 27.

[0063] The seats 40 can be configured such that they have a seat surface 41 to which a backrest 44 is attached at the rear. Preferably, the backrest 44 terminates in a headrest 45. Armrests 43 are advantageously arranged on both sides of the seats 40.

[0064] The seating surfaces 41 can preferably be designed such that they each have a leg recess 42 in which a person's leg can be accommodated. A leg rest 46 projects across the seating surface 41 between the two leg recesses.

[0065] The seats 40 are preferably positioned facing each other with their backrests 44 facing each other. Advantageously, the supports 22 are located in the area between the backrests 44 of the seats 40 in order to achieve a compact design.

[0066] Page 10 of 17 Applicant: Robu Aktiengesellschaft Our reference: A 31662-PCT Date: 12.11.2025

[0067] The drawings illustrate that the passenger support device 20 may also have a wall bracket 23 at each of its two end regions arranged in the direction of the wheel axis, to which a vertically extending or substantially vertically extending wall element 24 is held. The wall element 24 may cover the area of ​​the seats 40 laterally, at least for the most part, in order to protect the persons positioned on the seats 40 from the elements.

[0068] Advantageously, each wall bracket 23 may have a frame 23.1. The frame 23.1 serves to hold the wall element 24 securely. In particular, the wall element 24 may be inserted into the frame 23.1 as a filler element, as illustrated in the drawings.

[0069] To protect people from the elements, a roof 30 may additionally or alternatively be provided above the seats 40. This roof 30 may be configured as having a roof frame 31 which supports one or more roof panels. Here, too, the roof panels may be designed as a filling 32 inserted into the roof frame 31.

[0070] According to an advantageous embodiment, the roof 30 may carry at least one camera 33 whose optics are directed towards the person P sitting on the seat 40. This is clearly visible in Figure 5.

[0071] Figures 6-8 illustrate one embodiment of the invention. The person-carrying device 20 shown in these drawings essentially corresponds to the person-carrying device 20 shown in Figures 1-5. Therefore, to avoid repetition, only the differences between the two embodiments will be discussed below.

[0072] As shown in Figures 6-8, the passenger support device 20 has a footrest 29.1. The footrest 29.1 has a footrest holder 29.3, which is coupled directly or indirectly to the support 22. Preferably, the footrest holder 29.3 is coupled to the support(s) 22 via the seat support 29.

[0073] The footrest 29.1 forms a footrest area, preferably formed by a footboard 29.2. The footrest area is located below the associated seat 40 and preferably at least partially in front of the seat 40.

[0074] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the person carrying device 20, which is pivotably suspended on the wheel rims 11, is such that it aligns itself in the direction of gravity during the wheel rotation in order to perform a translational movement.

[0075] However, it is also possible that a locking device is used which connects the passenger carrier 20 to the wheel body in a rotationally fixed manner at an arbitrary or predetermined position. The locking device is adjustable between a locking position and a release position. In the locking position, the locking device connects the passenger carrier 20 to the wheel body in a rotationally fixed manner. In the release position, the passenger carrier 20 can pivot about its pivot axis in the bearing 21.1. Thus, the passenger carrier 20 can be locked, at least temporarily, during a wheel revolution. The passenger carrier 20 then no longer undergoes a translational movement, but rather a rotational movement about the wheel axis. This results in a unique driving experience.It is also possible that at any wheel position the locking device is moved into the release position, so that the personnel carrier 20 pivots into its position aligned in the direction of gravity due to gravity.

[0076] Figures 12 and 13 show a further variant of the invention. The Ferris wheel 10 shown in these drawings corresponds to the Ferris wheel 10 according to Figures 1-11. The passenger support device 20 shown in Figures 12 and 13 corresponds to the passenger support device 20 according to Figures 6-11, so that reference can be made to the preceding descriptions.

[0077] Page 12 of 17 Applicant: Robu Aktiengesellschaft Our reference: A 31662-PCT Date: November 12, 2025 Unlike the prescribed design variants, the passenger support device 20 is not pivotally suspended from the Ferris wheel, but rigidly connected to the wheel rims 11 via the suspension 21. Thus, the passenger support device 20 does not undergo a translational movement during wheel rotation, but rather a rotational movement around the wheel axis. Therefore, with this passenger support device 20, an upside-down ride is particularly feasible in the region of the upper zenith of the Ferris wheel 10, as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13.

[0078] Page 13 of 17

Claims

Applicant: Robu Aktiengesellschaft Our reference: A 31662-PCT Date: 12.11.2025 Claims 1. Ferris wheel (10) with at least one wheel body rotatable about a wheel axle, wherein a passenger support device (20) is held on the wheel body in the area of ​​an outer wheel rim circumference by means of a suspension (21), wherein a support (22) is coupled to the suspension (21) which carries a free-hanging seating arrangement with at least one seat (40) and wherein a retaining bracket (50) is assigned to the seat (40) which has at least one shoulder bracket (54) and one chest bracket (52).

2. Ferris wheel (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the passenger support device (20) is pivotably coupled to the wheel body by means of a bearing (21.1) of the suspension (21) about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is aligned parallel or substantially parallel to the wheel axis about which the wheel body (10) rotates.

3. Ferris wheel according to claim 2, characterized in that a locking device is associated with the bearing (21.1), that the locking device is adjustable between a locking position and a release position, that in the locking position the passenger support device is rotationally fixed to the wheel body and in the release position is pivotably mounted on the wheel body about the pivot axis.

4. Ferris wheel according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the passenger support device (20) is connected to the wheel body in a rotationally fixed manner at least in one operating position.

5. Ferris wheel according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a crossbar (27) is coupled to the support (22) which extends in the direction of the wheel axis of the wheel body (10), and that at least one bracket support (25) is coupled to the crossbar (27) on which the retaining bracket (50) is pivotably mounted by means of a pivot bearing (51). Page 14 of 17 Applicant: Robu Aktiengesellschaft Our reference: A 31662-PCT Date: 12.11.2025 6. Ferris wheel according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a seat support (29), preferably at least one console, is coupled to the support (22), on which the seat (40) is supported on the ground side.

7. Ferris wheel according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a footrest (29.1) is provided, which is preferably coupled to the support (22) by means of a footrest holder (29.3), and that the footrest (29.1) provides a foot resting area, preferably a footboard (29.2), at least partially in front of the seat (40) or at least partially under the seat (40).

8. Ferris wheel according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the support (22) carries a wall bracket (23) laterally to the seat (40), on which a wall element (24), preferably an at least partially transparent wall element (24), is held, wherein the wall element (24) extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the wheel axis.

9. Ferris wheel (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that two supports (22) are coupled to the suspension (21) and are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the wheel axis, that the two supports (22) are connected to each other in their end region facing away from the suspension (21) by means of a base strut (28), and that the seat(s) (40) are connected directly or indirectly to the base strut (28).

10. Ferris wheel according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a roof (30) forming a roof overhang is attached to the suspension (21) and / or to the at least one support (22), which spans the seat(s) (40) at least partially.

11. Ferris wheel according to claim 10, characterized in that the roof (30) has a roof frame (31), that at least one roof element, in particular in the form of a filling (32), is attached to the roof frame (31), and / or that at least one camera (33) is attached to the roof frame (31), the camera being directed with its optics towards the seat (40). Page 15 of 17 Applicant: Robu Aktiengesellschaft Our reference: A 31662-PCT Date: 12.11.2025 12. Ferris wheel according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the seat (40) has a seat surface (41) to which a backrest (44) is attached at the rear, that the seat surface (41) has two leg recesses (42) between which a projecting leg rest (46) is arranged, and that a pelvic bar (53) of the support bar (50) is opposite the leg rest (46).

13. Ferris wheel (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the seating arrangement has at least one seat (40) oriented in the direction of travel and at least one seat (40) oriented opposite to the direction of travel, and that the support (22) is guided in the area between the seats (40), in particular in the area between the backrests (44) of the seats (40), and / or that the coupling points by means of which the suspension (21) is coupled to the wheel body are arranged in the area of ​​the backrests (44) of the seats (40) or between the seats (40).

14. Ferris wheel (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the coupling point at which the suspension (21) is connected to the wheel body, in particular to the at least one wheel rim (11), is arranged spaced apart in the direction radially to the wheel axis of the wheel body from the at least one seat (40) and / or that the coupling point at which the suspension (21) is pivotably connected to the wheel body, in particular to the least one wheel rim (11), is arranged spaced apart in the direction radially to the pivot axis formed in the area of ​​the coupling point, about which the passenger support device (20) is pivotably suspended on the wheel body, from the at least one seat (40).

15. Ferris wheel (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the at least one seat (40) is held radially outside the at least one wheel rim (11) in at least one part of the circular movement of the wheel body and / or that the at least one seat (40) is held radially inside the at least one wheel rim (11) in at least one part of the circular movement of the wheel body. Page 16 of 17

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