| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 104053000 | AMUSEMENT | 76 |
| 20080202374 | AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE - A ride comprises two rails | 08-28-2008 |
| 20090064889 | FAIRGROUND RIDE, SAFETY SYSTEM, METHOD FOR OPERATING A FAIRGROUND RIDE, AND METHOD FOR RECOVERING A CAR IN A FAIRGROUND RIDE - An illustrated track section | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090078148 | SUSPENDED COASTER RAIL APPARATUS AND METHOD - An improved amusement ride provides minimal requirement on supporting structures by suspending a rail system from suspension cables. Individual riders sit in a harness suspended from a trolley traveling along the suspended rail. The rail may turn in substantially any direction and the trolley coasts along it. Parallel rails may be suspended for a race-like format. The suspension cables may be arranged along a hillside, relying on the grade of the hill for elevation change, or may be arranged as a lattice of supporting infrastructure with an arrangement of the coaster rail there below. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090084285 | Carnival Ride - The carnival ride has a travel path for cars with seats and at least one screen arranged adjacent to the travel path. In order to design the carnival ride in such a way that the passengers in the car have an optimal gaming experience, the screen follows the car at least along a section of its travel distance. In this way, the passengers in the car have a very long-lasting visual contact with the screen or with the movie shown on the screen. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090095190 | Roller Coaster Maintenance Vehicle - A roller coaster maintenance vehicle includes a platform with a set of wheels arranged to ride on a roller coaster track structure. The platform includes a propulsion system which allows it to traverse the track structure independent of the roller coaster propulsion system. In one embodiment, a person rides on the vehicle and controls its movement. In another embodiment the vehicle is remotely controlled. Remotely controlled vehicles preferably include one or more inspection apparatus for inspecting the track structure. Optionally, the remotely controlled vehicles also include remotely controlled repair/maintenance equipment such as a robotic arm with a power tool coupled to its free end. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090095191 | RECREATIONAL DEVICE - A device for children of the present invention includes a travel path supported by a post and a plurality of sections occupied by the children movable relative the travel path in at least one direction. The travel path is movable between at least two planes relative the post. The device may include an actuator cooperable with the travel path to move the travel path between the two planes. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090114114 | MAGNETIC PACER FOR CONTROLLING SPEEDS IN AMUSEMENT PARK RIDES - A magnetic pacer system and method for adjusting vehicle speed in an amusement park ride. The system includes a controller and memory that stores speed settings such as upper and lower speed limits for the vehicle in a specific portion of a ride. A magnetic thruster is positioned near the portion of the ride, and a signal or signals are sent from position sensors to the controller. The controller determines the actual velocity of the vehicle as it travels along a direction of travel and acts to compare the determined vehicle velocity with the stored and desired speed settings. The controller then determines a magnetic force to apply to the vehicle including selecting whether the force is along the direction of travel or opposite to provide acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. The magnetic thruster is selectively operated to generate a magnetic force to act on the vehicle. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090193997 | VEHICLE AND TRACK SYSTEM FOR FLYING CORNER AMUSEMENT PARK RIDES - A vehicle for use in an amusement park ride to provide a flying corners effect. The vehicle includes a body and a guide slot or groove on the body. The guide slot is shaped for receiving and at least partially capturing or enclosing the track. The guide slot is defined in part by opposing first and second sidewalls that extend along a portion of the body. The guide slot is larger in width than the track such that the vehicle is able to move transversely or side-to-side a predefined distance such as in banked curves. Guides are provided on the sidewalls of the slot. The guides may be spaced apart from the edges when the vehicle is centered on the track and provide guidance after an amount of unrestrained lateral or transverse travel. Arms extend outward from the body to capture the track and prevent the vehicle from tipping. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090266266 | CABLE TOW WHIP RIDE WITH INSIDE CURVES - A whip ride is provided for amusement parks. A platform is provided with a guide slot extending through the platform. A drive assembly is positioned beneath the platform and includes a drive member (e.g., drive cable) moving on a constrained path. A track follows a path horizontally offset from the drive path. The drive assembly includes a bogie or drive truck mounted on the track and pivotably linked to the drive member to be driven by the drive member. A passenger whip vehicle is provided on the platform upper surface and pivotably attached via a connector extending through the guide slot to the bogie. The bogie path includes inside and outside curves, and the bogie track is vertically offset from the drive member such that its path may crossover the drive member to vary the horizontal offset and to locate the bogie track on either side of the drive member. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090266267 | SYSTEM FOR TOWER- AND CABLE-BASED TRANSPORTATION STRUCTURE - A system of one or more tower structures operationally configured for cable-based transportation, including adaptations of such technologies that may blend into surrounding environments, and which are particularly beneficial for use in connection with amusement facilities. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20100224098 | Roller Coaster Maintenance Vehicle and Methods of Use - A roller coaster maintenance vehicle includes a platform with a set of wheels arranged to ride on a roller coaster track structure. The platform includes a propulsion system which allows it to traverse the track structure independent of the roller coaster propulsion system. In one embodiment, a person rides on the vehicle and controls its movement. In another embodiment the vehicle is remotely controlled. Remotely controlled vehicles preferably include one or more inspection apparatus for inspecting the track structure. Optionally, the remotely controlled vehicles also include remotely controlled repair/maintenance equipment such as a robotic arm with a power tool coupled to its free end. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100236444 | AMUSEMENT RIDE DEVICE - Amusement ride device, comprising a track and at least one carriage, which carriage is moveable along the track in a transport direction. The carriage comprises a transport part which engages on the track, at least one platform that allows to support the feet of at least one passenger, and at least one passenger torso restraint engaging on the torso of the passenger for safely supporting the passenger. The transport part comprises one of the passenger torso restraint or the platform to support the passenger, while the other is connected by connecting means to the transport part. The connecting means are designed to allow the passenger to perform movements during the ride while being restrained by the torso restraint, wherein the torso restraint performs a movement with respect to the platform during said movements of the passenger. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100275809 | ROLLER COASTER - A roller coaster includes a cab that is rotatable between position for loading and unloading of passenger(s) and a position for riding the roller coaster. The cab includes a sliding pad mechanism, which is slidable on station entry and/or exit cams to move the cab between the two positions. In the position for loading and unloading the passenger(s), the cab is arranged so that the passenger(s) are non-parallel to a track of the roller coaster, and in the position for riding, the cab is arranged so that the passenger(s) are substantially parallel to the track. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20110017092 | COASTER - A coaster according to the invention includes a track ( | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110048274 | ROLLERCOASTER AMUSEMENT DEVICE - A rollercoaster amusement device adapted to provide for the passengers a ride wherein the passengers experience at least a portion of the ride in a racing position, the amusement device wherein an endless guide structure at least including multiple curves, one or more carriages displaceable along the guide structure, a passenger assembly associated with a carriage, said passenger assembly being adapted to accommodate at least one passenger such that said passenger experiences at least a portion of the ride in a racing position, a station along said guide structure allowing the passenger to board the passenger assembly. The passenger assembly includes a frame that is connected to the carriage, the frame at least being provided with: a chest support, a back restraining member, and a leg restraining device for each leg, such that in the racing position: the passenger's head is directed forward, the passenger's trunk is resting with its chest side on the chest support, the back restraining member restrains motion of the passenger away from the chest support, the leg restraining devices each hold the respective leg such that the upper leg is angled downward with respect to the trunk and the leg is bend at the knee so that the lower leg is angled rearward with respect to the upper leg. A leg restraining device for restraining a leg includes an upper leg retention member adapted to engage at least the front side of the upper leg, a lower leg retention member adapted to engage at least the front side of the lower leg, so that the upper and lower leg retention members retain the leg while bend at the knee. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110061558 | AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE WITH A VEHICLE DRIVE THAT DECOUPLES UPON LOSS OF POWER - An amusement park ride with one or more evacuation zones. The ride includes a track with a rail defining a ride path. The ride path includes at least one evacuation zone along a first length of the track at a first height and a non-evacuation zone along a second length of the track with one or more portions at a second height greater than the first height. The track is sloped in the non-evacuation zone toward the evacuation zone. The ride includes a vehicle supported on the rail via roller elements such as load bearing wheels. The ride includes a drive assembly that provides a driving force to selectively move the vehicle along the ride path. The drive assembly is adapted to automatically disengage from the vehicle upon loss of power. The vehicle is free rolling upon loss of power to travel to the evacuation zone based on gravity. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110132224 | Suspended Cable Amusement Ride - An suspended cable amusement ride is disclosed. The cable is supported by turning beam assemblies and moved by turning beam drive assemblies. The turning beam assemblies and turning beam drive assemblies each have multiple sheave wheels supported in brackets along a turning beam. In the turning beam drive assembly the sheave wheels are driven by motors operably attached to the sheave wheels. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110139030 | LARGE RIDEABLE BIPEDAL WALKING ROBOT FOR USE AS AN AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE AND AMUSEMENT PARK SYSTEM USING THE SAME - A large bipedal walking robot that a human can directly board and ride and that may be used as an amusement park ride, and to an amusement park system using the same includes a large bipedal walking robot capable of being boarded and ridden, a boarding vehicle to be coupled to the head or body of the robot, a safety cable and a safety rail that prevent the robot from falling, a safety vehicle that prevents the robot, but not the safety cable, from falling and makes the robot's bipedal walking steadier, connection means enabling the robot to be connected to a roller coaster (tram railway) in order to provide the effect of a flying robot, and a tunnel in which various villain robots are installed to provide an experience of the robot engaging in combat, and safety rails installed and connected in all areas where the robot moves. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110146528 | Rolling Vehicle Track - A method of fabricating an amusement park ride track utilizing stock, planar materials, namely comprising of creating elongated, curved structures from planar materials. A roller coaster track capable of being fabricated from multiple planar pieces without heating or bending. Other embodiments are described which utilize elongated, curved structures such as ski lifts, people movers, staircases and architectural structures. A jig is disclosed for providing for ease of manufacture of the elongated, curved structures. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110174189 | AMUSEMENT RIDE COMPRISING A FACIAL EXPRESSION RECOGNITION SYSTEM - The amusement ride | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110265679 | Anti-Roll Back Assembly with Linear Magnetic Positioning - An anti-roll back (ARB) assembly for use with vehicles that ride on a track, which has inclined portions that include a set of ARB or lift pins. The assembly includes a linear magnet assembly positioned along the track in the ARB portion, and this assembly includes spaced apart magnet arrays that define a slot or elongated magnetic force zone. The ARB assembly includes an ARB element with a body pivotally supported on a vehicle frame and further includes an electrically conductive reaction plate supported on the vehicle frame, and the plate passes through the magnet assembly slot when the vehicle travels on the track. The reaction plate is connected to the ARB body to pivot it in response to displacement of the reaction plate in response to magnetic forces to rotate it up into a suspended position in which the ARB body is spaced apart from the ARB pins. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20120006221 | Intersecting Path Ride - An intersecting path ride providing close vehicle interaction without risk of collision. The ride includes a track assembly defining first and second linear, open channels bisecting at a vehicle path intersection point. The ride includes first and second vehicle guides movable within the channels. The ride includes first and second vehicle subassemblies supported by the guides, and the vehicle subassemblies move or reciprocate with the guides along linear paths defined by the channels. The ride includes a vehicle positioning assembly that concurrently reciprocates the guides back and forth along the linear channels through the intersection point. The vehicle positioning assembly includes a connection link pivotally coupled to the guides, a drive motor with an output shaft, and a crank arm rigidly coupled to the output shaft at one end and pivotally coupled to the connection link at another end moving the midpoint of the link through a circular drive path. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120042802 | COASTER DESIGN - A coaster having a substantially cylindrical rotatable track area capable of rotating, for example, 180° and repositioning a car for further movement along another track different than the one from which it originated. The rotatable track area can be cylindrical or frusto-conical in configuration. A corresponding rotation system with computer controls can selectively rotate the rotatable track area in predetermined increments according to the coaster track end positions so as to selectively align the rotatable tracks with the coaster tracks. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120111222 | Amusement Device - An amusement device includes at least one platform movable with respect to a fixed chassis, in which the at least one platform includes at least one compartment to accommodate one or more passengers. The at least one compartment has no seating and includes an arrangement for manually supporting the one or more passengers who are disposed standing freely inside the at least one compartment. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120125220 | AMUSEMENT RIDE LOAD AND UNLOAD METHOD AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS - An amusement ride apparatus includes a suspended cable and a carriage that supports a user. The carriage is supported on and movable along the suspended cable. Additionally, the apparatus includes a load/unload mechanism that includes a tethering portion and a retractor. The tethering portion is removably coupleable to at least one of the suspended cable and carriage. The retractor is selectively operable in a first mode to retract the tethering portion when removably coupled to the at least one of the suspended cable and carriage to lower the carriage relative to the platform from a raised position to a lowered position and in a second mode to extend the tethering portion when removably coupled to the at least one of the suspended cable and carriage to raise the carriage relative to the platform from the lowered position to the raised position. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120260815 | Rail System and a Travel Board for the Rail System - The invention relates to a rail system ( | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120291657 | WATER RIDE WITH IMPROVED BOAT CAPTURE MECHANISM - A boat capture assembly that enhances control over boats moved by a track assembly through a body of water. The capture assembly includes a mounting plate attached to a positionable portion of the track assembly (such as to a bogie). The capture assembly includes a rigid extension arm with a first end attached to the mounting plate and a pivot structure, defining a pivot surface, rigidly attached to a second end of the rigid extension arm. The capture assembly includes a receiver cavity provided in a bottom surface of a hull of a boat. The receiver cavity includes a sidewall or body with an opening receiving the pivot structure, with the sidewall defining a well or recessed surface with a cross sectional shape and size to receive and allow vertical movement of the pivot structure but to restrain fore and aft movement of the hull relative to the pivot structure. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20130014669 | OMNIMOVER RIDE SYSTEM WITH CROSSING PATHSAANM NEMETH; EDWARD A.AACI HERMOSA BEACHAAST CAAACO USAAGP NEMETH; EDWARD A. HERMOSA BEACH CA USAANM CRAWFORD; DAVID W.AACI LONG BEACHAAST CAAACO USAAGP CRAWFORD; DAVID W. LONG BEACH CA US - A ride system with crossing ride paths. A first omnimover assembly is provided that includes a continuous vehicle chain movable along a first ride path and includes vehicles vertically supported above the track at a first height. A second omnimover assembly is provided with a continuous vehicle chain movable along a second ride path that differs from the first ride path and crosses over the first ride path when viewed in plan view. The second omnimover assembly includes vehicles vertically supported below the upper vehicle track at a second height, which may be the same as the first height such that passengers perceive a risk of a collision at the path intersections. The upper track is at a higher elevation than the lower track such that cross overs occur without interference. A synchronization mechanism is provided that synchronizes the movement of the upper and lower vehicle chains. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130019771 | ROLLER COASTER RIDE ELEMENT WITH MOVEMENT IN A SECOND DRIVING DIRECTION - The invention relates to a roller coaster ride element comprising a first track section which is adapted to guide a passenger car and a second track section which extends in a first plane. The invention is characterised in that the second track section is attached to a platform which is moveably guided on a frame in a second plane that is inclined in relation to the first plane, in particular perpendicular thereto, and that the second track section
| 01-24-2013 |
| 20130118370 | AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE SYSTEM WITH CROSSING PATHS - A ride system with crossing ride paths. A first assembly is provided that includes a first set of vehicles movable along a first ride path, and the first vehicle set is vertically supported above the track at a first height. A second assembly is provided with a second set of vehicles movable along a second ride path that differs from the first ride path and crosses over the first ride path when viewed in plan view. The second vehicle set is vertically supported below the upper vehicle track at a second height, which may be the same as the first height such that passengers perceive a collision risk at path intersections. The upper track is at a higher elevation than the lower track such that track crossovers occur without interference. A synchronization mechanism synchronizes movement of the upper and lower sets of vehicles to avoid collisions at crossover points. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130167748 | Riding Board and an Actuating System - The invention relates to a riding board ( | 07-04-2013 |
| 20140020591 | ROLLING VEHICLE TRACK - A method of fabricating an amusement park ride track utilizing stock, planar materials, namely comprising of creating elongated, curved structures from planar materials. A roller coaster track capable of being fabricated from multiple planar pieces without heating or bending. Other embodiments are described which utilize elongated, curved structures such as ski lifts, people movers, staircases and architectural structures. A jig is disclosed for providing for ease of manufacture of the elongated, curved structures. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140096699 | Suspended Track Amusement Ride - A suspended track amusement ride is disclosed. A cylindrical rail is suspended from catenary curved tensioned support cables by vertical attachment cables, creating a single rail track that can be suspended over large distances. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140174314 | COASTER DESIGN - A coaster having a rotatable track area capable of rotating, for example, 180° and repositioning a car for further movement along another track different than the one from which it originated. The rotatable track area can have a cross section of any polygonal shape. A corresponding rotation system with computer controls can selectively rotate the rotatable track area in predetermined increments according to the coaster track end positions so as to selectively align the rotatable tracks with the coaster tracks. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140261051 | Amusement ride - An amusement ride with two support towers with a suspended set of cables forming a track that supports a ride truck is disclosed. Riders are suspended beneath the ride truck in a rider support mechanism. The ride truck is driven along the track between the towers, causing the rider support mechanism to be propelled along under the ride truck. The ride truck slows and reverses on the track when it reaches the other tower. The forward momentum of the rider support mechanism causes it to swing out beyond the tower, before it is pulled back toward the other tower by the ride truck. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140326160 | SPHERICAL WHEEL VEHICLE - The present invention is an improved apparatus for wheeled vehicles. The use of spherical wheels allows the vehicle to be operated on slides that have steep elevation changes and quick turns and curves. Each spherical wheel is attached to the vehicle at a predetermined angle so that the longitudinal axis of the spherical wheel is perpendicular to where the spherical wheel contacts the surface. For a curved slide, the longitudinal axis of the spherical wheel is perpendicular to the tangent line. The spherical wheel vehicle allows amusement park operators to have a dual use slide, allowing it to be a water slide in the summer months and be a dry slide through use of the spherical wheel vehicle in colder months. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20150075404 | Multi-Track Multi-Vehicle Roller Coaster - A multi-track multi-vehicle coaster simulates a popular theme of a competition, struggle or conflict taken from history or fiction. The vehicles interact with each other and with the ride scenery in many different ways and vehicle velocity is altered at different points in the ride using multiple motors and brakes. An interactive queue is provided and allows people in the queue to interact with people on the ride. Energy recycling and computer ride control are also disclosed. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150135981 | CHILDREN'S RIDE-ON VEHICLES AND PLAY SYSTEMS INCORPORATING WHEEL AND TRACK ASSEMBLIES - Play systems of the present disclosure comprise a children's ride-on vehicle and a companion track. The companion vehicle and track each include a guide surface that is complementary to the companion apparatus and configured to guide the vehicle along a path of travel defined by the track. The children's ride-on vehicle may be powered, steerable, and configured to operate on and off the track. When the children's ride-on vehicle is guided and/or steered along the path of travel, the complementary guide surfaces do not substantially impede progress of the vehicle. When the children's ride-on vehicle is guided and/or steered away from the path of travel, the complementary guide surfaces contact and/or frictionally engage to direct the vehicle along the path of travel and/or to slow progress of the vehicle. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20160038840 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BRAKING OR LAUNCHING A RIDE VEHICLE - Systems and methods for braking or launching a ride vehicle are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a linear induction motor (LIM) installed in a curved portion of a track, a ride vehicle disposed upon the track, one or more reaction plates coupled to a side of the ride vehicle facing the track via a plurality of actuators, one or more sensors configured to monitor an air gap between the one or more reaction plates and the LIM, and a processor configured to determine which of the plurality of actuators to actuate and a desired performance of each of the plurality of actuators based on data received from the one or more sensors to maintain the air gap at a desired level throughout traversal of the curve by the ride vehicle. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160144869 | Human Flying Apparatus - The lever, wheel and axle, pulley, wedge, screw, and inclined plane are the six Simple Machines of the Classical era. Over 2000 years ago a man from Syracuse used them to create a way to move water against the pull of gravity. The Archimedes' screw is still a standard for simple efficiency. In homage to those early machines and the dreamers who built them, the Human Flying Apparatus provides a carriage, wheels and an axle, a harness, and a braking and steering_system and, in specific embodiments, thrusters, all suspended from a single rail, which allows a human being to soar in simulated flight that is_safe, sustained, and suitable for all skill levels. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160250560 | Track system for an amusement ride, in particular for a roller coaster or suspension railway | 09-01-2016 |
| 104055000 | Loop | 2 |
| 20090013895 | RIDE - A ride in particular for amusement parks, comprising: a drive track, comprising a guide device ( | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090120319 | FAIRGROUND RIDE - A fairground ride | 05-14-2009 |
| 104056000 | Helical | 1 |
| 20130092043 | Tower ride - A tower ride is disclosed with suspended cars mounted on rails that forms track that is a complete double helix path for the car without having to turn the car or switch tracks. The car is suspended from a four truss track, riding on the two bottom rails for stability. Another embodiment is a roller coaster track mounted on a tower. | 04-18-2013 |
| 104060000 | Racing | 1 |
| 20080257196 | DRAGSTRIP AMUSEMENT RIDE - A drag strip race amusement ride runs on a straight-line track and is propelled to high rates of acceleration over the 150-foot racetrack. The vehicle cab seats nine. Each racer has an individual acceleration pedal. Located on the front windshield and on each side window is an LCD video screen. Audio sounds are also introduced into the cab during the ride. When the signal is given to begin the race, each racer hits his acceleration pedal. A central computer system synchronizes the video, audio, acceleration and deceleration so that the sensory perceptions of sight, sound and feeling of an actual drag strip race are created. A winner is determined by measuring the reaction time of each racer between the signal and the pedal. | 10-23-2008 |
| 104061000 | Horse simulation | 1 |
| 20130068125 | Horseback Riding Apparatus for Amusement Parks - A horseback riding apparatus for amusement parks includes at least one riding unit including front and rear wheels rotatable through front and rear axles and arranged to make rolling movement along a road surface, a horse-shaped body seated by a rider and a rocking mechanism for causing the horse-shaped body to make rocking movement; and a traction unit connected to the riding unit and configured to pull or push the riding unit. | 03-21-2013 |
| 104063000 | Tortuous alinement | 3 |
| 20090031913 | Drag Racing Roller Coaster Amusement Ride and Launch System - A drag racing roller coaster amusement ride has at least two sets running rails, each set having at least one running rail and an embark point. At least two carriers ( | 02-05-2009 |
| 20130025492 | ROLLER COASTER WITH ARTICULABLE SEAT BACKS - A roller coaster with seats articulated between vertical and reclined positions. The roller coaster includes a track with a load/unload portion and a ride portion. The coaster includes a vehicle with a body supported on the track and a passenger seat positioned in the body mounted for articulation between a first position and a second position. The roller coaster includes a seat positioning mechanism coupled to the passenger seat operating while the vehicle is in the load/unload portion to articulate the seat into the first position and operating, prior to the vehicle traveling into the ride portion of the ride path, to articulate the seat into the second position. The passenger seat includes a seat back that is substantially vertical in the first position and is at an obtuse angle in the second position or horizontal position, such that a passenger has an upward point of view during the ride. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130305953 | Tower ride - A tower ride is disclosed with suspended cars mounted on rails that that forms track that is a complete double helix path for the car without having to turn the car or switch tracks. The car is suspended from a four truss track, riding on the two bottom rails for stability. Another embodiment is a roller coaster track mounted on a tower. | 11-21-2013 |
| 104069000 | Chutes | 5 |
| 20110094409 | Rail System with Riding Board - The invention relates to a cost-effective rail system which can be driven upon by a board. Since the rail system can be easily assembled and disassembled again, the path can be very easily varied. The rail system is disposed in a sloping manner for this purpose. This can be done by constructing the rail system on a mountain slope, for example. By way of a specially designed board for this purpose, a so-called riding board on which a person can stand, the person can then ride down the slope. The riding board comprises a braking system. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20130032053 | Hybrid Motion Ride and Ride Simulator Vehicle - A hybrid motion ride and ride simulator vehicle is realized as an encapsulating and reusable simulation technology roller coaster car that visually encapsulates passengers of the car from the surrounding environment to the car during the normal operation of a roller coaster ride such that only interior components of the car are within the field of vision of passengers. Simultaneously, the roller coaster car's internal simulation technology uses a computer network system to produce video and audio outputs to passengers of the vehicle for presenting an internal simulated ride theme adventure environment, of system variability and reusability, to compliment the car's roller coaster ride motions. Embodiments of the current invention present varying car designs with integrated encapsulating and reusable ride simulator components that each meets the requirements of encapsulating and reusable simulation technology roller coaster car design of the current invention. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20140165868 | FLYING ROLLER COASTER WITH VERTICAL LOAD AND LAUNCH - A ride system for giving passengers a flying roller coaster experience. The ride system includes a train of vehicles, with each of the vehicles including seat assemblies that each has a seat and seat back for receiving a passenger. The vehicles are supported by the track to roll along a length of the track, and the ride path is adapted for gravity-based movement of the train of vehicles in at least portions of the ride path. The track includes a vertical segment, and the ride system includes a station including a platform assembly with horizontal platforms vertically spaced-apart to provide multi-level loading. The train is positioned on the vertical segment with each of the vehicles proximate to an end of one of the horizontal platforms. The seat backs are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the track to provide vertical loading and, then, vertical launching from the station. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20150114249 | FLYING ROLLER COASTER WITH VERTICAL LOAD AND LAUNCH - A method of operating a ride system to provide passengers a flying roller coaster experience. The ride system includes a train of vehicles, with each of the vehicles including seat assemblies that have a seat and seat back for receiving a passenger. The vehicles are supported by the track to roll along the track, and the ride path is adapted for gravity-based movement of the train of vehicles in at least portions of the ride path. The track includes a vertical segment, and the ride system includes a station including a platform assembly with horizontal platforms vertically spaced-apart to provide multi-level loading. The train is positioned on the vertical segment with each of the vehicles proximate to an end of one of the horizontal platforms. The seat backs are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the track to provide vertical loading and, then, vertical launching from the station. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150298012 | SLEDDING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS - Herein described are inflatable guide tubes for keeping participants within a sledding or tubing track. The tubes are inflated with blower that supplies enough air and pressure to keep the tubes inflated at the optimum pressure while overcoming air loss from the seams. The inflatable tubes provide a resilient bumper surface that deflects the participants towards the center of the track, should they come into contact with the guide tube. The guide tube is sewn out of a fabric such that it forms an enclosed volume. The shape of the tube is generally cylindrical, but is compliant enough to follow undulating terrain. The tube has an opening that can be secured to the output path of a high pressure air blower. When the blower is turned on, air fills the tube to such a pressure that it provides a durable and resilient bouncy surface. | 10-22-2015 |
| 104072000 | Splasher | 4 |
| 20120017796 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXPANDABLE MODULAR RAFT AND A WATER RIDE USING THE SAME - The present invention is related to a method and system for expandable modular raft and a water ride using the same. In one embodiment, the expandable modular raft can include a raft, and a base unit attached to the raft and configured to receive a building block. The building block can be configured to be force fit to the base unit and/or each other. Furthermore, the building block could be formed from various shapes. The expandable modular raft can be used in a water ride and can float along a path such as a river. Interactive units such as water guns can be placed along the path to allow observers to interact with the riders. Furthermore, a raft area can be located adjacent the path to store the rafts, while a building block area can be located adjacent the path to store the building blocks. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120132101 | REACTION COMPONENT FOR LINEAR INDUCTION MOTOR - A reaction component or plate for a linear induction motor incorporates a flexibility increasing feature and a wear resistant feature. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20140216297 | MOTION CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN AMUSEMENT RIDE - A amusement ride feature comprises a waterslide sliding surface, a vehicle having a vehicle bottom surface adapted to slide on said sliding surface and to convey at least one rider thereon, and at least one reaction plate and at least one permanent magnet each mounted to one of said vehicle and said sliding surface. The at least one reaction plate and the at least one permanent magnet are positioned to affect motion of the vehicle when the motion of the vehicle brings the reaction plate under the influence of the permanent magnet. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20150367241 | Friction Reducing Waterslide Section - An apparatus and method for transporting a rider wherein the apparatus comprises a vehicle having a bottom sliding surface and an interior sized to receive at least one rider., Also disclosed is a track having a path sized to receive the vehicle therein, at least one sliding section disposed along the track, and at least one roller section disposed along the track. The method comprises locating a vehicle within the track and conveying said vehicle along the sliding and rolling sections. | 12-24-2015 |
| 104074000 | Rotary car on truck | 16 |
| 20110088584 | AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE WITH VEHICLES PIVOTING ABOUT A COMMON CHASSIS TO PROVIDE RACING AND OTHER EFFECTS - A ride system is provided that allows selective relative positioning of vehicles in an amusement or theme park ride to simulate racing or other effects. The ride system includes a chassis that is adapted to be supported by and to travel on or along a length of track of a particular ride. A support is attached to the chassis and moves with the chassis during operation of the ride. The ride system includes first and second passenger vehicles that are spaced apart on and supported by the support. A drive assembly is linked to the support and configured to rotate the support about its central axis. During support rotation, the first and second vehicles are moved concurrently relative to the track to alter their relative positioning. The vehicles are each rotated about an axis that extends parallel to the rotation axis, and the rotation may be independent or concurrent. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20140261052 | TURNTABLE RACING SYSTEM - A ride adapted for providing riders or passengers with a unique ride experience. The ride includes a first turntable assembly including a first turntable and a drive mechanism operable to rotate the first turntable about a rotation axis extending vertically through the first turntable. The ride apparatus includes a second turntable assembly that is supported on the first turntable, and the second turntable assembly includes a second turntable and a drive mechanism operable to rotate the secondary turntable about a rotation axis extending vertically through the second turntable. The ride apparatus includes a number of passenger vehicles mounted on the second turntable that are rotated to maintain an angular orientation to cause the vehicles to face a focal point or area on a projection surface provided about the turntables. The drive mechanisms are operable to independently rotate the first and second turntables about the rotation axes, e.g., no mechanical linkage. | 09-18-2014 |
| 104075000 | Vertical axis | 8 |
| 20090013896 | Fairground Attraction Having People Carriers Driftingly Movable Along a Track - A fairground attraction is disclosed, including a track, a number of people carriers and device connected to the people carriers for advancing thereof along the track. Each people carrier is connected to the advancing device for pivoting about its top axis and is suspended in cantilevered manner above the track or rests thereon via support devices displaceable at an angle to the direction of forward movement. The people carriers can thus be moved as it were in “drifting” manner over the track. The advancing device can be arranged between the track and the people carriers, and can include for each people carrier a connecting member which protrudes from the track and on which the people carrier is mounted on its centre line and around which the people carrier can swivel. The fairground attraction can further be provided with devices for forcing the people carriers back to a neutral position oriented along the track and/or means for placing the people carriers at an angle relative to the direction of forward movement. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090126596 | AMUSEMENT RIDE - An amusement ride, such as a roller coaster or vertical tower track ride, includes an attachment assembly movably connected to a track system. A vehicle assembly is connected to the attachment assembly and includes a seat assembly having at least one rider seat. The vehicle assembly is coupled to the attachment assembly and configured such that the seat assembly is capable of fully rotating about first and second, and preferably even third axes independent of the track system. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20100326312 | LONGITUDINALLY SPINNING SUSPENSION ROLLER COASTER - A roller coaster or amusement ride providing a unique free-floating sensation by extending the passenger vehicles out on either side of the central frame structure. The passenger vehicles ( | 12-30-2010 |
| 20120137920 | Amusement Park Ride Using Motion-Driven Positioning for 360-Degree Vehicle Orientation - An amusement park ride adapted for fully rotating a passenger compartment in response to vehicle motion along a guide track. The ride includes a vehicle chassis that engages the guide track and travels along the ride path during operation of the ride. The ride further includes a cam-based positioning assembly that is supported by the vehicle chassis to move with it along the guide track. The positioning assembly operates in response to being moved along the guide track to rotate the passenger compartment. The positioning assembly rotates the passenger compartment in counterclockwise and clockwise directions to provide 360-degree rotation. The positioning assembly includes a cam shaft with three cam follower pairs offset along the shaft and extending outward from the shaft at angular offsets, and three cam rails are used to selectively position the followers to rotate the cam shaft and set the position of the passenger compartment. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20130087066 | INTERSECTING PATH RIDE - An intersecting path ride providing close vehicle interaction without risk of collision. The ride includes a track assembly defining first and second linear, open channels bisecting at a vehicle path intersection point. The ride includes first and second vehicle guides movable within the channels. The ride includes first and second vehicle subassemblies supported by the guides, and the vehicle subassemblies move or reciprocate with the guides along linear paths defined by the channels. The ride includes a vehicle positioning assembly that concurrently reciprocates the guides back and forth along the linear channels through the intersection point. The vehicle positioning assembly includes a connection link pivotally coupled to the guides, a drive motor with an output shaft, and a crank arm rigidly coupled to the output shaft at one end and pivotally coupled to the connection link at another end moving the midpoint of the link through a circular drive path. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130233198 | PIVOTABLE PASSENGER CARRIER - The invention relates to an amusement ride vehicle for transporting multiple passengers. The vehicle comprises a movable base ( | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130255530 | AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE WITH MULTIPLE VERTICAL ROTATION AXES COMBINED WITH VERTICAL TRANSLATION MOTION - A ride combining two or more vertical rotation axes with vertical translation motion of passenger vehicles. The ride includes a primary turntable rotating about a central axis and includes one to three or more secondary turntables mounted on the primary turntable to rotate with the primary turntable. Each of the secondary turntables is driven to rotate about a secondary rotation axis (vertical axis passing through the center of the sub-turntable). Each of the sub-turntables includes a vertical translation motion assembly that rotates with the sub-turntable and also supports a plurality of passenger vehicles. The passenger vehicles are supported within this assembly so as to be able to rotate (via manual operation or in a controlled manner) about a vertical rotation axis passing through the body of the vehicle. The vertical translation motion assembly is configured to allow each passenger vehicle to be lifted vertically upward a distance above the sub-turntable. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20170232352 | SIMULATOR RIDE | 08-17-2017 |
| 104076000 | Horizontal axis | 6 |
| 20090272289 | AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE WITH VEHICLES PIVOTING ABOUT A COMMON CHASSIS TO PROVIDE RACING AND OTHER EFFECTS - A ride system is provided that allows selective relative positioning of vehicles in an amusement or theme park ride to simulate racing or other effects. The ride system includes a chassis that is adapted to be supported by and to travel on or along a length of track of a particular ride. A support is attached to the chassis and moves with the chassis during operation of the ride. The ride system includes first and second passenger vehicles that are spaced apart on and supported by the support. A drive assembly is linked to the support and configured to rotate the support about its central axis. During support rotation, the first and second vehicles are moved concurrently relative to the track to alter their relative positioning. The vehicles are each rotated about an axis that extends parallel to the rotation axis, and the rotation may be independent or concurrent. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090320712 | AMUSEMENT RIDE - A carriage assembly for mounting to a track following a curvilinear path, said assembly comprising a trolley mountable to said track through a track engagement assembly, an orientation of the trolley varying with an orientation of the track; a carriage rotationally mounted to the trolley, such that the carriage is free to rotate about two axes relative to the trolley, wherein rotation about the two axes maintains the carriage in a horizontal orientation independent of the orientation of the track. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100326313 | AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE WITH VEHICLES PIVOTING ABOUT A COMMON CHASSIS TO PROVIDE RACING AND OTHER EFFECTS - A ride system is provided that allows selective relative positioning of vehicles in an amusement or theme park ride to simulate racing or other effects. The ride system includes a chassis that is adapted to be supported by and to travel on or along a length of track of a particular ride. A support is attached to the chassis and moves with the chassis during operation of the ride. The ride system includes first and second passenger vehicles that are spaced apart on and supported by the support. A drive assembly is linked to the support and configured to rotate the support about its central axis. During support rotation, the first and second vehicles are moved concurrently relative to the track to alter their relative positioning. The vehicles are each rotated about an axis that extends parallel to the rotation axis, and the rotation may be independent or concurrent. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110067594 | Amusement Park Ride Using Motion-Driven Positioning for 360-Degree Vehicle Orientation - An amusement park ride adapted for fully rotating a passenger compartment in response to vehicle motion along a guide track. The ride includes a vehicle chassis that engages the guide track and travels along the ride path during operation of the ride. The ride further includes a cam-based positioning assembly that is supported by the vehicle chassis to move with it along the guide track. The positioning assembly operates in response to being moved along the guide track to rotate the passenger compartment. The positioning assembly rotates the passenger compartment in counterclockwise and clockwise directions to provide 360-degree rotation. The positioning assembly includes a cam shaft with three cam follower pairs offset along the shaft and extending outward from the shaft at angular offsets, and three cam rails are used to selectively position the followers to rotate the cam shaft and set the position of the passenger compartment. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20120260816 | MOBILE UNIT AND INSTALLATION FOR TRANSPORTATION OF AT LEAST ONE PASSENGER - A mobile unit for transportation of at least one passenger comprises a car accommodating this passenger and an assembly device for fitting this car on a mobile support in rotary manner with respect to a substantially horizontal axis of rotation. The assembly device comprises a single first crown rigidly secured to the car and assembled by a bearing to a second crown performing securing to the mobile support. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20150128824 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR MAGNETIC SPIN CONTROL FOR TRACK-MOUNTED VEHICLES - An apparatus for magnetic spin control includes a main chassis, a passenger chassis, a circular magnetic array, and a chassis-mounted fin. The main chassis is configured to ride on a track. The passenger chassis is rotatably supported on the main chassis and the passenger chassis is configured to support one or more passengers. The circular magnetic array is coupled to the passenger chassis such that the passenger chassis rotates with the circular magnetic array. The chassis-mounted fin is coupled to the main chassis and extends into a magnetic field of the circular magnetic array. The chassis-mounted fin includes a conductive material and operates as an eddy current brake to dampen rotation of the passenger chassis with respect to the main chassis. The chassis-mounted fin extends into the magnetic field and leaves at least a portion of the magnetic field unobstructed to allow a track-mounted fin to pass into the magnetic field. The circular magnetic array is configured to interact with a system of track mounted fins. The chassis-mounted fin provides rotational dampening of the passenger chassis, while the track-mounted fin(s) induce or inhibit rotation of the passenger chassis. | 05-14-2015 |
| 104084000 | Optical illusion | 2 |
| 20160023121 | VEHICLE TRANSPORTATION ROOM SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle transportation room system and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system may include a ride vehicle disposed on a ride path and a launch room vehicle may be configured to align with the ride vehicle on the ride path and include an at least partial room. The launch room vehicle may be configured to house the ride vehicle in the at least partial room and to move with the ride vehicle and then break coordination with the ride vehicle such that the ride vehicle launches from the at least partial room. Further, the launch room vehicle may include a show element that is operated as the at least partial room moves with the ride vehicle to simulate that the show element is interacting with the ride vehicle. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160048203 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING AUGMENTED AND VIRTUAL REALITY IMAGES - A ride system includes at least one ride vehicle. The at least one ride vehicle is configured to receive a ride passenger. The ride system includes electronic goggles configured to be worn by the ride passenger. The electronic goggles include a camera and a display. The ride system includes a computer graphics generation system communicatively coupled to the electronic goggles, and configured to generate streaming media of a real world environment based on image data captured via the camera of the electronic goggles, generate one or more virtual augmentations superimposed on the streaming media of the real world environment, and to transmit the streaming media of the real world environment along with the one or more superimposed virtual augmentations to be displayed on the display of the electronic goggles. | 02-18-2016 |
