DE102023002945A1 - Arched ride for viewing and amusement purposes - Google Patents

Abstract

Arched ride for observation and amusement purposes (1), wherein passenger gondolas (8) travel back and forth along a closed and endless circulating rail-A (6), independently of one another, along the top (2a) and/or bottom (2b) of a high arched structure/arch (2) between two ground stations (4) with platforms (14) and thereby also move up and down, wherein the arch (2) merges in the two lower end regions into at least two arch pillars (2c) pointing downwards and outwards, which move away from the arch's longitudinal center line (BLML) in opposite directions at each end of the arch and at platform level (BE). On both sides of the arch (2) there is a ground station (4) with at least one platform platform (14). The closed circulating rail (6), which is largely installed firmly on or in the upper (2a) and lower side (2b) of the arch (2), merges at each station (4) into a so-called circulating rail extension (6h), which extends outwards away from the arch (2) at each ground station (4).

Description

task of the invention

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

This object is achieved according to the invention by an arched ride for viewing and entertainment purposes. The device is intended to allow passengers a lot of fun through a unique change of position and perspective, which occurs when passenger gondolas move up and down along an arched structure, preferably over 100 m high, from ground station A to ground station B and enables passengers to view and experience a natural spectacle such as a waterfall or similar sights from two opposite locations from above. The ride can therefore be divided into two sections, with the passenger having enough time to enjoy the view during the outward and return journeys and to explore the area near the stations.

State of the art

In practice, there are no rides anywhere in the world that correspond to the present invention. The facility that comes closest is the Gateway Arch in Saint Louis in Missouri / USA, which is 192 m high and is a monument and not a ride in the classic sense of the word. The Gateway Arch is visually similar to the invention at first glance, but does not allow passengers to have a view during the ascent and descent, as these are carried out with the help of two specially constructed elevator columns, one on the left and one on the right inside the arch and do not form a closed circuit. Only at the highest point of the arch does the visitor have the opportunity to get out and have a very limited view to the east or west through narrow windows. The number of elevator units cannot be adjusted to the transport requirements, as is the case with the present invention.

Furthermore, the ride is in print CN112587937A where, similar to the Gateway, elevator-like gondolas move up and down to the left and right and within the arch structure and passengers have to get on and off below the highest arch section in order to be able to enjoy a partially obstructed view of the surroundings.

• • Die Qualität der Aussicht, wie z. B. beim Riesenrad London Eye, vorrangig hindernisfrei gestaltet ist und somit viel bessere Aussichten und Fotomotive auf die Umgebung ermöglicht. Man spricht dabei vom Attraktivitätsfaktor bzw. Qualität des Besuchererlebnis.
• • Die Form der Konstruktion nicht nur ästhetisch anspricht und in Richtung Wahrzeichen geht, sondern auch den geringstmöglichen Materialeinsatz bedeutet, um die Baukosten zu senken.
• • Sie so wartungsarm wie möglich ist, was sich auch auf die Wetter exponierten Bauelemente bezieht.
• • Die Höhe und Qualität der Aussicht, bzw. die Sehenswürdigkeit der Attraktion, einen Besuch bzw. Ticketpreis auch gerechtfertigt und die Attraktion als Tourismusmagnet wirklich gut funktioniert. Ein Indiz dafür ist, das, weltweit heute fast nur noch sehr hohe Riesenräder mit über 120m Gewinne erzielen.
• • Die maximale Förderleistung des Fahrgeschäfts auch den maximalen Fahrgastandrang des Standorts entsprechend bedienen kann. Es ist in der Freizeitindustrie bekannt, dass die Dimensionierung und Förderleistung eines Fahrgeschäftes, nach der maximal zu erwartenden Besucherzahl in Spitzenzeiten ausgelegt wird, um rentabel zu sein. Ein weiterer sehr wichtiger Faktor, der diese Förderleistung pro Stunde erhöht, ist, dass die Fahrgastgondeln für das Ein- und Aussteigen der Fahrgäste nicht anhalten müssen. Dafür braucht genügend große Plattformen/Bahnhöfe vorhanden sein, die das ermöglichen.
• • Der Standort eine hohe Anzahl von Touristen bzw. Fahrgästen auch hergibt.

For rides whose total height primarily exceeds the 100m mark, we are talking about very high investments that increase almost exponentially with the total height. For the invented attraction shown here with a height of around 140m, this estimated value is over 200 million euros. Such high investments are only lucrative and therefore justified if:

• • The quality of the view, such as the London Eye Ferris wheel, is primarily designed to be obstacle-free and thus enables much better views and photo opportunities of the surrounding area. This is referred to as the attractiveness factor or quality of the visitor experience.
• • The shape of the construction is not only aesthetically pleasing and tends towards becoming a landmark, but also means the least possible use of materials in order to reduce construction costs.
• • It is as low-maintenance as possible, which also applies to the components exposed to the weather.
• • The height and quality of the view, or the attraction's appeal, justify a visit or ticket price and the attraction really works well as a tourist magnet. One indication of this is that today almost only very tall Ferris wheels over 120m make a profit.
• • The maximum capacity of the ride can also serve the maximum number of passengers at the location. It is well known in the leisure industry that the dimensions and capacity of a ride are designed according to the maximum number of visitors expected at peak times in order to be profitable. Another very important factor that increases this capacity per hour is that the passenger gondolas do not have to stop for passengers to get on and off. For this to happen, there must be sufficiently large platforms/stations to make this possible.
• • The location also accommodates a high number of tourists and passengers.

• • Die, in Anspruch 7 und Zeichnung bevorzugte elliptische oder kreisförmige Form, ist statisch gesehen ungünstig und verursacht mehr Material- und Baukosten als notwendig. Dieses Problem mit der Gesamthöhe der Attraktion fast exponentiell. Des Weiteren kann die, durch in der Zeichnung gezeigte Form eher kleinere als größere Distanzen zwischen den Boden-Stationen überbrücken, was das Überwinden von größeren Schluchten und Flüssen erschwert und sich eher negativ auf die angestrebten Bungee-Jumping Aktivitäten auswirkt.
• • Die Qualität der Aussicht ist während der Fahrt deutlich geringer, da sie innerhalb und entlang einer Bogenstruktur stattfindet und somit das Gestänge die Sicht der Fahrgäste durchgehend beeinträchtigt. Sollte die Struktur der Attraktion, anders als gezeichnet, vollverkleidet werden, wäre eine Sicht nach außen, genau wie beim Gateway auch, während der Fahrt gänzlich ausgeschlossen und demnach weniger interessant für die Fahrgäste, denn sie beeinträchtigt nicht nur die Aussicht, sondern auch Aussichtsdauer und somit auch das Besuchererlebnis, das von großer Bedeutung ist.
• • Die Anzahl von Gondeln kann nicht dem Besucherandrang angepasst werden, da das Förderkonzept dem Fahrstuhlprinzip entspricht und somit die Gondeln unten und oben zwangsweise anhalten und umkehren müssen, wobei die vielen Standzeiten die Förderleistung deutlich reduziert. Hinzu verdoppelt sich dadurch die Anzahl von Ein- und Ausstiegen in und aus den Gondeln, da oben zwangsweise angehalten und ausgestiegen werden muss. Das gleiche gilt auch für den Gateway.
• • Sollten auf beiden Seiten mehr fahrstuhlähnliche Gondeln eingesetzt werden, müssen diese, innerhalb der Struktur vorrangig übereinander positioniert werden, was die Ein- und Ausstiegzeiten durch zusätzliche Zugangstreppen ebenfalls verlängert und beim Gateway auch der Fall ist.
• • Die Attraktion, wurde laut Druckschrift durch ein Seilzugsystem versehen, wobei die Fahrstühle beider Seiten nicht nur simultan, sondern auch noch gegensätzlich auf- und abfahren sollen. Das ist ein operativer Nachteil, wenn einer der Fahrstühle z. B. ein technisches Problem hat. Hinzu können zu Stoßzeiten nicht beide Fahrstühle gleichzeitig auf- oder abfahren, was die Warteschlangen erhöht und Besucher eher abschreckt.

In view of the above-mentioned requirements, the CN112587937A described ride, has various disadvantages that are remedied by the present invention, because:

• • The elliptical or circular shape preferred in claim 7 and the drawing is statically unfavourable and causes more material and construction costs than necessary. This problem increases the overall height of the attraction almost exponentially. Furthermore, the shape shown in the drawing can be smaller rather than bridge larger distances between the ground stations, which makes it more difficult to cross larger gorges and rivers and has a negative impact on the intended bungee jumping activities.
• • The quality of the view is significantly lower during the ride, as it takes place inside and along an arched structure, meaning that the rods continuously impair the passengers' view. If the structure of the attraction were to be completely covered, contrary to what was drawn, a view to the outside would be completely impossible during the ride, just like with the gateway, and would therefore be less interesting for passengers, as it would not only impair the view, but also the duration of the view and therefore the visitor experience, which is of great importance.
• • The number of gondolas cannot be adjusted to the number of visitors, as the transport concept is based on the elevator principle, meaning that the gondolas must stop and turn around at the top and bottom, with the long downtimes significantly reducing the transport capacity. This also doubles the number of people getting in and out of the gondolas, as people must stop and get out at the top. The same applies to the gateway.
• • If more elevator-like gondolas are to be used on both sides, they must be positioned one above the other within the structure, which also increases the boarding and alighting times due to additional access stairs and is also the case with the Gateway.
• • According to the brochure, the attraction was equipped with a cable pull system, whereby the elevators on both sides not only go up and down simultaneously, but also in opposite directions. This is an operational disadvantage if one of the elevators has a technical problem, for example. In addition, at peak times both elevators cannot go up or down at the same time, which increases the queues and tends to deter visitors.

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

In summary and crucially, the invention differs from the two rides mentioned and thus from the state of the art mainly in that its arched structure has a closed and endless circuit of rails between the two ground stations, which runs above and below this structure and not inside it. This allows passengers an almost unobstructed all-round view simultaneously and in both directions during approximately 90% of the ascent and descent.

Furthermore, an adaptable number of gondolas, a variable travel speed, a variable travel cycle duration and the double rail on each side of the curve ensure a very high and very adaptable transport capacity, which can be adapted to the number of visitors, for example by parking superfluous gondolas on the siding(s) or picking them up there for operation. Such sidings and switches are also not available on the systems mentioned. More on this under: Advantages of the invention.

terms and definitions

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

For simplicity, “passenger gondola” is referred to as “gondola”, the “arched structure” as “arch” and a “ground station” is also referred to as “station”.

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

According to the invention, “vertical” refers to everything that extends along the force of gravity. Consequently, “horizontal” is everything that runs perpendicular to it.

The "frontal view" or "frontal view" of the ride means the view where the ends of the arch are on the left and right and the highest point of the arch is at the top. Therefore, the side view is the one that is parallel to the arch's longitudinal centerline (BLML).

The components of the invented ride

1. a) Einer bogenförmigen Hauptstruktur, die statisch optimiert und vertikal aufgestellt ist, sodass beide unteren Bereiche des Bogens auf den Fundamenten im Erdreich fest verankert sind.
2. b) Mindestens einer, bevorzugt aber zwei Stationen, die jeweils um die unteren Bereiche des Bogens herum installiert sind, wobei mindestens eine Station eine Bahnsteig-Plattform mit einem Bahnsteigschacht für das ebenerdige Ein- und Austeigen der Fahrgäste aufweist.
3. c) Ein Satz von Gondeln mit jeweils einem Fahrwerk und einer Fahrgastzelle, wobei jede Gondel bevorzugt einen eigenen Antrieb hat.
4. d) Eine geschlossene Umlaufschiene, die zum größten Teil am Bogen fest installiert bzw. montiert ist.
5. e) Einem Führerhaus oder äquivalenten pro Station, die eine Bahnsteig-Plattform aufweist.
6. f) Einer optionalen Schienenweiche pro Station mit jeweils einem dazugehörigen Abstellgleis und einem optionalen Wartungssteg
7. g) Ein Eingangsbereich mit Kassen und Zugang zur Bahnsteig-Plattform
8. h) Weitere optionale Bereiche wie: Terrassen, Läden, Wartungsräume sowie gastronomische Installationen.

The ride normally consists of the following components:

1. a) An arched main structure that is statically optimized and positioned vertically so that both lower parts of the arch are firmly anchored to the foundations in the ground.
2. b) At least one, but preferably two stations, each installed around the lower areas of the arch, with at least one station having a platform with a platform shaft for passengers to board and alight at ground level.
3. c) A set of nacelles, each with a landing gear and a passenger cell, each nacelle preferably having its own propulsion system.
4. d) A closed track, most of which is permanently installed or mounted on the arch.
5. (e) One driver’s cab or equivalent per station having a platform.
6. f) One optional rail switch per station with an associated siding and an optional maintenance bridge
7. g) An entrance area with ticket offices and access to the platform
8. h) Other optional areas such as: terraces, shops, maintenance rooms and catering installations.

1. a) Welche Höhe und welche horizontale Distanz mit den Gondeln überwunden werden sollen.
2. b) Von der erwünschten Förderleistung und dem vorhandenen Kapital.
3. c) Ob Gondeln über und/oder unter, oder alternativ links und/oder rechts am Bogen entlangfahren sollen.
4. d) Wieviel Platz für welche Art von Station auf welcher Seite des Bogens vorhanden ist und genutzt werden kann.
5. e) Von der Antriebsform der Gondeln.

The structural design of the assemblies depends mainly on the following points:

1. a) What height and what horizontal distance the gondolas are to cover.
2. b) The desired production capacity and the available capital.
3. c) Whether gondolas should travel above and/or below, or alternatively to the left and/or right of the arch.
4. d) How much space is available and can be used for which type of station on which side of the arch.
5. e) The form of propulsion of the gondolas.

The ride variants A and B

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

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

Accordingly, the description explains the two ride variants A and B one after the other using permanently installed arches 2 and 3 with a height of approx. 140m. Examples of implementation for the ride variant A 1a are shown in the 1 ) to 11) and for the ride variant B in the 12 ) to 18).

The ride variant A

Design types of the ride variant A

• 1a) Alle Gondeln 8 bewegen sich in gleicher Fahrtrichtung entlang einer geschlossenen Umlaufschiene 6, die zum größten Teil oberhalb und unterhalb am Bogen 2 entlangführt und somit Fahrten in einer Endlosschleife ermöglichen, ohne, dass die Gondeln 8 fürs Aus- und Einsteigen zwingend anhalten müssen.
• 1b) Die Gondeln 8 auf dem oberen Schienenabschnitt 2a des Bogens 2 bewegen sich völlig unabhängig von den Gondeln 8 auf dem unterem Schienenabschnitt des Bogens 2b, wobei die Bahnsteige 14 an den Stationen 4, besonders was die Länge anbelangt, so gestaltet sind, dass ein separater Aus- und Einstieg aus und in die Gondeln 8 beider unabhängig voneinander genutzten Schienenabschnitte 6a, 6b möglich ist. Dabei wechseln die Gondeln 8 zwischen der Hin- und Rückfahrt ihre Fahrtrichtung am Bahnsteig 14 und halten dafür an.
• 1c) Die ganze Anlage hat nur eine Station 4a mit einer Bahnsteig-Plattform 14, sodass jede Gondel 8 eine durchgehende Fahrt von der Bahnsteigplattform 14 bis ans andere Bogenende und zur Bahnsteigplattform 14 zurück absolviert, wo der Fahrgastwechsel dann stattfindet.
• 1d) Der Bogen 2 weist entweder einen oberen 6a oder einen unteren 6b Schienenabschnitt auf, bei der eine oder mehr Gondeln 8 gleichzeitig entweder in die eine Richtung oder die anderen Richtungen zwischen den Stationen 4 hin-und-herfahren. In dem Fall gibt es keine geschlossen Umlaufschiene.

Overall, the ride variant A 1a also allows the following types of use and design. Variant 1a) is to be seen as the intended one. Variants 1b), 1c) and 1d) are only reduced forms of use and do not represent a restriction of the invention.

• 1a) All gondolas 8 move in the same direction along a closed circular track 6, which runs mostly above and below the arch 2 and thus enables travel in an endless loop without the gondolas 8 having to stop for boarding and disembarking.
• 1b) The gondolas 8 on the upper rail section 2a of the curve 2 move completely independently of the gondolas 8 on the lower rail section of the curve 2b, whereby the platforms 14 at the stations 4, particularly in terms of their length, are designed in such a way that separate boarding and alighting from and into the gondolas 8 of both independently used rail sections 6a, 6b is possible. The gondolas 8 change their direction of travel at platform 14 between the outward and return journeys and stop for this purpose.
• 1c) The entire system has only one station 4a with a platform 14, so that each gondola 8 makes a continuous journey from the platform 14 to the other end of the arch and back to the platform 14, where the passengers then change.
• 1d) The arch 2 has either an upper 6a or a lower 6b rail section, in which one or more gondolas 8 travel simultaneously back and forth between the stations 4 in either one direction or the other directions. In this case, there is no closed circulating rail.

Operational process of the ride variant A

• Der Fahrgast passiert den Kassenbereich und betritt die Einstiegsbahnsteig 14a an einer der Stationen 4. Die Gondeln 8, die sich bevorzugt auf einer geschlossen Umlaufschiene 6 bewegen, fahren die Bahnsteigplattform 14 langsam entlang und ermöglichen das ebenerdige einsteigen der Fahrgäste in die Gondeln 8 ohne, dass diese dafür anhalten müssen. Die Türen 8c der Gondeln 8 schließen sich und die Aufwärtsfahrt beginnt ab dem anderen Ende des Bahnsteigs 14. Die Umlaufschiene 6 der Attraktion lässt die Gondeln 8 entlang der oberen 2b und unteren Seite 2c des Bogens 2 entlangfahren und sorgt durch den Höhnanstieg und die Rundrumverglasung für eine Fahrt mit Rundrumblick, die je nach Bogenhöhe und Geschwindigkeit ca. 15 Min. von Station 4 zu Station 4 dauern sollte. Durch den bevorzugten Eigenantrieb können bestimmte Schienenabschnitte 6a bis 6i schneller oder langsamer abgefahren werden, bis sie zuletzt die Station 4 auf der anderen Bogenseite erreichen. Sollte dort keine Station 4 vorhanden sein, fährt die Gondel 8 entlang der Umlaufschiene 6 einfach weiter bis die Fahrt an der Station 4 endet, wo sie begonnen hat. Am Bahnsteig 14 angekommen steigen Fahrgäste bevorzugt auf einem der zwei Bahnsteigseiten 14b aus und danach weitere auf dem gegenüberliegenden Bahnsteigseite 14a ein, bevor die Gondel 8 erneut den Bahnsteig-Plattform 14 verlässt und eine neue Fahrt beginnt.

With reference to the description below, the operational ride process of the preferred ride variant A 1a is as follows:

• The passenger passes the ticket office and enters the boarding platform 14a at one of the stations 4. The gondolas 8, which preferably move on a closed circular track 6, travel slowly along the platform 14 and allow passengers to board the gondolas 8 at ground level without having to stop. The doors 8c of the gondolas 8 close and the upward journey begins from the other end of the platform 14. The circular track 6 of the attraction allows the gondolas 8 to travel along the upper 2b and lower side 2c of the arch 2 and, thanks to the elevation and the all-round glazing, ensures a journey with a panoramic view, which should take around 15 minutes from station 4 to station 4, depending on the height of the arch and speed. Due to the preferred self-propulsion, certain track sections 6a to 6i can be traveled faster or slower until they finally reach station 4 on the other side of the arch. If there is no station 4 there, the gondola 8 simply continues along the circulating track 6 until the journey ends at station 4, where it began. Once at platform 14, passengers preferably get off on one of the two platform sides 14b and then others get on on the opposite platform side 14a before the gondola 8 leaves the platform 14 again and begins a new journey.

Description of the ride variant A

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, it is provided that at each station 4 there is a platform platform 14 which, in plan view, has at least one straight platform 14a, 14b and a platform shaft 15a running parallel thereto in order to enable passengers to get on and off at ground level at the platforms 14a, 14b without the gondolas 8 having to stop for this purpose.

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

According to the invention, the circulating rail 6 consists of a closed rail circuit which is for the most part firmly fixed to or in the top 2a and bottom 2b of the arch 2 or integrated into the respective surfaces, but from the height at which the arch 2 is divided into two arch pillars 2c and a station 4 is present, a circulating rail extension 6h forms which begins at the lower end of the upper arch rail section 2a of the arch 2 and ends at the other end at the lower end of the lower arch rail section 2b of the arch 2 and thus connects the upper 2a to the lower arch rail section 2b on both sides of the arch 2.

1. a) einen oberen, nach unten gerichteten, Schienenkurvenabschnitt 6c - mit optionaler Unterbrechung für eine Schienenweiche;
2. b) einem schräg nach unten geneigter Schienenabschnitt 6d - der bevorzugt gerade ist;
3. c) einem, nach unten gerichteten und fast halbkreisähnlichem Schienenwendekreisabschnitt 6e;
4. d) einem bevorzugt geradem Bahnsteig-Schienenabschnitt 6f - mit optionaler Unterbrechung für eine Schienenweiche 12a, falls bei 6c nicht schon vorhanden ist;
5. e) einen unteren, nach oben gerichteter, Schienenkurvenabschnitt 6g.

Viewed from top to bottom, each circulating rail extension 6h consists of the following and consecutive rail sections:

1. a) an upper, downward-facing, rail curve section 6c - with optional interruption for a rail switch;
2. b) a downwardly inclined rail section 6d - which is preferably straight;
3. c) a downward-facing and almost semicircular track turning circle section 6e;
4. d) a preferably straight platform rail section 6f - with optional interruption for a rail switch 12a, if not already present at 6c;
5. e) a lower, upwardly directed, rail curve section 6g.

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

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

Furthermore, it is intended that each gondola 8 consists of a passenger cell 8a that is as aerodynamic and cylinder-like or barrel-like as possible and an associated chassis 8b, whereby during the journey, the passenger cell 8a, similar to the "London Eye" Ferris wheel, rotates concentrically around its horizontal gondola longitudinal center line HGML in relation to its chassis mount 8b so that the interior floor of the gondola always remains horizontally aligned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As soon as a station 4 has a rail switch with a siding 10a or 10b, one or two optional maintenance walkways 17a or 17b can ensure that the maintenance personnel have access to the gondolas parked on the siding 10a or 10b, whereby the maintenance walkway 10a or 10b runs parallel to the rail center line SML in the plan view and can be designed in a stepped manner in the front view in order to compensate for possible curvatures or inclines of the siding 10a.

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

With ride variant A 1a, it is possible to install a suspension bridge 23 between the two arch ends. More details can be found at the end of the description of ride variant B 1b, which is better suited for this.

The ride variant B

Design types of the ride variant B

• 2a) Alle Pendel-Gondeln 9 bewegen sich in gleicher Fahrtrichtung entlang einer geschlossenen Umlaufschiene 6, die links und rechts am Bogen 3 entlangführt und somit Fahrten in einer Endlosschleife ermöglichen ohne dass die Pendel-Gondeln 9 anhalten zu müssen.
• 2b) Die Pendel-Gondeln 9 auf dem linken Schienenanteil 7a des Bogens 3 bewegen sich ganz unabhängig von den Gondeln 9 auf dem rechten Schienenanteil 7b des Bogens 3, wobei die gekrümmten Bahnsteige 14a, 14b an den Stationen 5 besonders was die Länge anbelangt, so gestaltet sind, dass ein separater Aus- und Einstieg aus und in die Pendel-Gondeln 9 des linken und des rechten Schienenabschnittes 7a, 7b möglich ist. Dabei wechseln die Pendel-Gondeln 9 zwischen der Hin- und Rückfahrt ihre Fahrtrichtung am Bahnsteig 14 und halten dafür an.
• 2c) Die ganze Anlage hat nur eine Station 5 mit einer Bahnsteig-Plattform 14, sodass jede Pendel-Gondel 9 eine durchgehende Fahrt vom Bahnsteig 14 bis ans andere Bogenende und zurück absolviert, wo der Fahrgastwechsel dann stattfindet.
• 2d) Der Bogen 3 weist entweder einen linken 7a oder einen rechten Schienenanteil 7b auf, bei der eine oder mehr Pendel-Gondeln 9 zur gleichen Zeit entweder von Station-A 5 bis zu Station-B 5 oder umgekehrt fahren können. In dem Fall gibt es keine geschlossen Umlaufschiene 6.

Overall, the ride variant B 1b allows the following types of use, which are related to the design of the entire system 1. Variant 2a) is to be regarded as the desired one. Variants 2b), 2c) and 2d) are only reduced forms of use and do not represent a restriction of the invention.

• 2a) All pendulum gondolas 9 move in the same direction along a closed circular track 6, which runs along the left and right of the arch 3 and thus enables travel in an endless loop without the pendulum gondolas 9 having to stop.
• 2b) The shuttle gondolas 9 on the left rail section 7a of the curve 3 move completely independently of the gondolas 9 on the right rail section 7b of the curve 3, whereby the curved platforms 14a, 14b at the stations 5 are designed, particularly in terms of their length, in such a way that separate boarding and alighting from and into the shuttle gondolas 9 of the left and right rail sections 7a, 7b is possible. The shuttle gondolas 9 change their direction of travel at platform 14 between the outward and return journeys and stop for this purpose.
• 2c) The entire system has only one station 5 with a platform 14, so that each shuttle gondola 9 makes a continuous journey from platform 14 to the other end of the arch and back, where the passengers then change.
• 2d) The arch 3 has either a left 7a or a right rail section 7b, where one or more shuttle gondolas 9 can travel at the same time either from station A 5 to station B 5 or vice versa. In this case there is no closed circulating rail 6.

Operational process of the ride variant B

The operational sequence of the above-mentioned and preferred design type 2a) of the ride variant B 1b differs from the previous design type 1a) of the ride variant A 1a essentially in that, because pendulum gondolas 9 are used here, which travel along the right 7b and/or left side 7a of the arch 3, the ground-level boarding and alighting of passengers from and into the pendulum gondolas 9 is preferably only carried out on one side along a slightly more than semicircular platform 14 at at least one station 5, which is divided lengthwise into two consecutive sections 14b, 14a, once for alighting and once for boarding. Other operational differences are not worth mentioning here.

Description of the ride variant B

The ride variant B 1b has various differences in relation to the ride variant A 1a and is described below.

According to the invention, the ride variant B 1b also has a high arched or parabolic-like structure 3, which differs from the ride variant A 1a essentially in that pendulum gondolas 9 are used instead of gondolas 8, which in this case travel along the right 7b and/or left side 7a of the arch 3, wherein, in the side view, the arch ends become significantly wider near the ground and form stations 5 which have loop-like shapes in the plan view, wherein the outermost sections of the circulating rail 7 preferably form a horizontal and semicircular turning circle in order to enable trips in an endless loop here too.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Due to the preferred horizontal siding 11 near platform 14, the installation of optional maintenance walkways is not necessary for ride variant B 1b.

General information on ride variants A and B

Furthermore, the ride variant B 1b is particularly suitable for the installation of an optional suspension bridge 23 between the two stations 5, since here the underside of the arch can be used for the attachment of bridge cables 23a without obscuring the view, which would necessarily be the case with ride variant A 1a, when traveling along the lower track section 2b, if bridge cables 23 were attached to the left and/or right outside of the arch 2. Nevertheless, the installation of an optional suspension bridge 23 is technically possible with ride variant A 1a.

Advantages of the invention

1. a) Sie können vielen Gondeln gleichzeitig und über ca. 90% der Fahrzeit hinweg den höchstmöglichen Rundrum-Blick auf die Landschaft bieten.
2. b) Die Gondeln können durchgehend betrieben werden ohne fürs das Ein- und Austeigen anhalten zu müssen.
3. c) Sie ermöglicht eine sehr hohe Förderleistung, die bei dieser Erfindung und in den Zeichnungen präsentierte Auslegung bei ca. 2.000 Fahrgäste pro Stunde liegt.
4. d) Durch die Möglichkeit Gondeln auf Abstellgleise zu stellen, kann die Förderleistung je nach Besucheraufkommen auch während des normalen Betriebes leicht gesteigert oder reduziert sowie wartungsbedürftige Gondeln schnell aus dem Verkehr gezogen werden. Das vermindert unnötigen Verschleiß und senkt zugleich die Energiekosten.
5. e) Das Fahrgeschäft kann durch ihre breite Basis problemlos über 150m hoch gebaut werden, da der Betrieb wenig windanfällig ist und der Bogen durch seine zwei möglichen Formen eine hohe Eigenstabilität aufweist.
6. f) Sie ermöglichen die Überbrückung natürlicher Hindernisse wie z. B. Flüsse oder tiefe Schluchten was bei Fahrgeschäften allgemein sehr selten ist.
7. g) Sie ermöglicht eine einfache Evakuierung bei Stromausfall, da die Gondeln, allein durch die Schwerkraft, von jedem Punkt des Bogens bis zum Bahnsteig zurückkehren können.
8. h) Die Gondeln können beim Auftreten von technischen Problemen entlang der Umlaufschiene auch jederzeit umkehren und zur ursprünglichen Station zurückkehren, was das Evakuieren sehr erleichtert.
9. i) Der obere und der untere Bogenschienenabschnitt bzw. linke und der rechte Bogenschienenabschnitt können auch bei der respektiven Fahrgeschäft-Variante unabhängig voneinander betrieben werden, sodass z. B. auf dem unteren Schienenabschnitt Bungee-Jumping Aktivitäten angeboten werden können, während auf dem oberen Schienenabschnitt der normale Fahrbetrieb fortgesetzt wird.
10. j) Sie ermöglichen eine schnelle Aufspannung von großen Leinenwänden für Filmprojektionen o. dgl. durch vier Gondeln, die spiegelbildlich verteilt auf dem unteren Bogenschienenabschnitt positioniert werden und die Leinwand durch Seile in die notwenigen Richtungen straffen.
11. k) Einzelne Gondeln können sogar während des normalen Betriebes auf den Abstellgleisen abgestellt und gewartet oder hinzugefügt werden. Dieser Vorgang dauert geschätzt nur drei Minuten pro Gondel.
12. l) Eine technische Wartung des Bogens ist durch eine separate Wartungs-Gondel möglich, die ähnlich wie beim Gateway-Arch in Saint Louis innerhalb des Bogens auf- und abfährt und das Wartungspersonal transportiert ohne den normalen Betrieb zu behindern.

The invented ride and its two variants are novel because they have the following advantages and properties and combine them at the same time:

1. a) They can offer many gondolas the best possible panoramic view of the landscape at the same time and for approximately 90% of the travel time.
2. b) The gondolas can operate continuously without having to stop for boarding and disembarking.
3. c) It enables a very high transport capacity, which in the case of this invention and the design presented in the drawings is approximately 2,000 passengers per hour.
4. d) The option of placing gondolas on sidings means that the transport capacity can be increased or reduced slightly depending on the number of visitors, even during normal operation, and gondolas requiring maintenance can be quickly taken out of service. This reduces unnecessary wear and tear and at the same time lowers energy costs.
5. e) Due to its wide base, the ride can easily be built over 150m high, as it is not very susceptible to wind and the arch has a high inherent stability due to its two possible shapes.
6. f) They allow the bridging of natural obstacles such as rivers or deep gorges, which is generally very rare in amusement rides.
7. g) It allows easy evacuation in the event of a power failure, since the gondolas can return to the platform from any point on the arch by gravity alone.
8. h) If technical problems occur along the track, the gondolas can also turn around at any time and return to the original station, which greatly facilitates evacuation.
9. i) The upper and lower curved rail sections or the left and right curved rail sections can also be operated independently of each other in the respective ride variant, so that, for example, bungee jumping activities can be offered on the lower rail section while normal ride operations continue on the upper rail section.
10. j) They enable a rapid stretching of large screens for film projections or similar by means of four gondolas, which are positioned in a mirror-image manner on the lower curved rail section and tighten the screen in the necessary directions by means of ropes.
11. k) Individual gondolas can even be parked on the sidings during normal operations and maintained or added. This process is estimated to take only three minutes per gondola.
12. l) Technical maintenance of the arch is possible by means of a separate maintenance gondola, which, similar to the Gateway Arch in Saint Louis, moves up and down within the arch and transports the maintenance personnel without disrupting normal operations.

character list

• 1) Perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Fahrgeschäft-Variante-A mit zwei Stationen mit unterschiedlichen Schienenweichen und ihren respektiven Abstellgleisen.
• 2) Perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Gondel mit zylinder- bzw. fassähnlichen Fahrgastzelle und dazugehörigem Fahrwerk auf dem oberen Bogenschienenabschnitt des Bogens.
• 3) Perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Gondel auf dem unteren Bogenschienenabschnitt des Bogens.
• 4) Frontalansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels des Umlaufschienen-Ausläufers einer Station mit seinen einzelnen Umlaufschienenabschnitten, wobei anderen Bauteile hier ausgeblendet sind.
• 5) Perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiel eines Schienenwendekreises für Anlagen, die nur eine Station und nur eine Bahnsteigplattform an einem der Bogenende haben.
• 6) Perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiel einer Station, die einen Schienenweiche-Typ-1 aufweist und im unteren Bahnsteig-Schienenabschnitt integriert ist.
• 7a) bis 7c) Perspektivische Ansichten eines Ausführungsbeispiels, dass den Bewegungsablauf einer Gondel auf einer Schienenweiche-Typ-1 darstellt.
• 8) Perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Station, die einen Schienenweiche-Typ-2 aufweist, die im oberen Schienenkurvenabschnitt integriert ist.
• 9a) bis 9b) Perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels, dass den Bewegungsablauf einer Gondel auf einer Schienenweiche-Typ-2 darstellt.
• 10) Draufsicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Fahrgeschäft-Variante-A mit zwei Stationen und zwei Abstellgleisen.
• 11) Seitenansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Fahrgeschäft-Variante-A.

figures of the ride variant A

• 1 ) Perspective view of an embodiment of a ride variant A with two stations with different rail switches and their respective sidings.
• 2 ) Perspective view of an embodiment of a gondola with cylinder- or barrel-like passenger cell and associated chassis on the upper curved rail section of the arch.
• 3 ) Perspective view of an embodiment of a gondola on the lower arch rail section of the arch.
• 4 ) Front view of an embodiment of the circulating rail extension of a station with its individual circulating rail sections, whereby other components are hidden here.
• 5 ) Perspective view of an embodiment of a rail turning circle for systems that have only one station and only one platform at one of the curve ends.
• 6 ) Perspective view of an embodiment of a station having a rail switch type 1 and integrated in the lower platform rail section.
• 7a) to 7c ) Perspective views of an embodiment illustrating the movement sequence of a gondola on a rail switch type 1.
• 8 ) Perspective view of an embodiment of a station having a rail switch type 2 integrated in the upper rail curve section.
• 9a) to 9b) Perspective view of an embodiment illustrating the movement sequence of a gondola on a rail switch type 2.
• 10 ) Top view of an example of a ride variant A with two stations and two sidings.
• 11 ) Side view of an example of a ride variant A.

• 12) Perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Fahrgeschäft-Variante-B mit zwei Stationen und Hängebrücke.
• 13) Perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Station, die eine horizontal schwenkbare Schienenweiche und ein kreisähnliches Abstellgleis aufweist.
• 14a) bis 14c) Perspektivische Ansichten eines Ausführungsbeispiels, dass den Bewegungsablauf einer horizontal schwenkbaren Schienenweiche mit einer Pendel-Gondel darstellt.
• 15) Draufsicht einer Fahrgeschäft-Variante-B mit zwei Stationen mit zwei Abstellgleisen.
• 16) Seitenansicht eine Fahrgeschäft-Variante-B.
• 17) Perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Pendel-Gondel mit Fahrwerk.
• 18) Seitenansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Pendel-Gondel mit Fahrwerk.

figures of the ride variant B

• 12 ) Perspective view of an example of a ride variant B with two stations and suspension bridge.
• 13 ) Perspective view of an embodiment of a station having a horizontally pivoting rail switch and a circular siding.
• 14a) to 14c ) Perspective views of an embodiment that shows the movement sequence of a horizontally pivoting rail switch with a pendulum gondola.
• 15 ) Top view of a ride variant B with two stations with two sidings.
• 16 ) Side view of a ride variant B.
• 17 ) Perspective view of an embodiment of a pendulum gondola with chassis.
• 18 ) Side view of an embodiment of a pendulum gondola with chassis.

Figure description of the ride variant A

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

2 ) Shows an example of a gondola 8 at the highest point of the arch 2, where the travel speed along the A 6 track can be reduced to offer passengers a longer experience. It is therefore also conceivable that there are several gondolas 8 at the very top at smaller intervals than is usual on the rest of the route.

3 ) Shows an embodiment of a gondola 8 on the lower curved rail section 6b, whereby the view is somewhat more restricted on this ride than on the top of the arch 2. The advantage of the ride below the arch 2 is that bungee jumping activities can also be offered using an optional and removable device, with the adapted gondola 8 being parked right at the top of the lower curved rail section 6b. Furthermore, it is also possible for special occasions to put up a large canvas wall or flag using four gondolas 8 positioned in a mirror image, for which purpose two of them are parked higher up and two of them lower down on the lower curved rail section 6b, while operations above the arch 2 continue as normal, provided that the gondolas 8 only travel back and forth there and not in an endless loop.

4 ) Shows an example of a running track extension 6h of a station variant A 4a, which resembles a foot in the front view and is composed of various rail sections 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g and an optional rail switch type 1 12a and thus enables travel in an endless loop due to the turning circle integrated there. For better illustration, many component groups have been hidden here.

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

6 ) Shows an embodiment 1a with a siding type 1 10a and a rail switch type 1 12a, which is adjusted up and down by an oil cylinder. In general, it is also conceivable to sink part of the stations 4 into the ground 21 in order to slightly reduce the visible height of the stations 4 for outsiders.

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

8 ) Shows an example of a station variant B 4b with a siding type 2 10b and a rail switch type 2 12b. It differs from the station variant A 4a in that its rail switch type 2 12b is installed in the upper area of the circulating rail extension 6h, and this replaces part of the upper circulating rail curve 6c. When the rail switch type 2 12b is adjusted, the gondola(s) 8 temporarily parked on it are moved along with it and later parked on the siding type 2 10b. An optional maintenance bridge 17b allows staff access to the gondolas parked there. The parking option allows the operator to adapt the number of gondolas 8 to the number of visitors even during operation and/or to bring them to safety in the event of bad weather.

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

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

11 ) Shows an example and side view of a system that illustrates the wide base of arch 2 at platform level and gives it the necessary stability.

Figure description of the ride variant B

12 ) Shows an example of a ride variant B 1b with a height of approx. 140m and two stations 5, where the arch 3 bridges a natural obstacle 22 and all pendulum gondolas 9 have the same direction of travel on the circulating rail 7. This example shows one of the preferred options offered by this ride variant B 1b and illustrates how the gondolas 9 travel left and right along the arch side flanks 3a, 3b, where the horizontally pivoting rail switches 13 and the sidings 11 are optional. In addition, the possibility of installing a suspension bridge 23 is shown here, the bridge cables 23a of which are fixed to the underside of the arch 3.

13 ) Shows an example of a station 5 with a circular siding 11 and a horizontally pivoting switch 13. It is clearly visible that the station 5 has a loop-like shape in plan view, which makes it necessary to install round platforms 14a, 14b parallel to the circulating rail B 7, with passengers preferably getting on and off on the same side of the gondola 9 and the respective platforms 14a and 14b being arranged one after the other in the direction of travel. In addition, the circular siding 11 and the respective siding shaft 15b can be seen, which are located in the station 5 within the loop-like circulating rail B 7.

14a) to 14b) Shows an example and the movement sequence and order of a horizontally pivoting rail switch 13 in which a gondola 9 is moved from the circular siding 11 onto the circulating rail 7, which is of course also possible in the opposite direction. Depending on the dimensions of the station 5, it is also possible for more than one gondola 9 to be moved during a switch operation. The ride variant B 1b has the advantage that the stations 5 have a lower construction height than the ride variant B 1a, since these do not have vertical circulating rail extensions 6h.

15 ) Shows an embodiment of a ride variant B 1b, which, in plan view, resembles the shape of a double ring spanner and how the circular sidings 13 are arranged concentrically with the outermost circulating rail sections along the curved platforms of the stations 5.

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

17 ) Shows an embodiment of a pendulum gondola 9 with chassis 9b, which has doors 9d only on one side, although it would be possible on both sides but less sensible.

18 ) The side view of an embodiment of a pendulum gondola 9 with chassis 9b. The chassis 9b, corresponding to the running track 7, is designed in such a way that it can be section of the running track 7 and the axis 9a of the gondola 9 is always horizontal and at the same time perpendicular to the outer flanks 3a, 3b of the arch 3 and the stations 5.

list of reference symbols

1

ride for viewing and amusement purposes, in short also facility; 1

1a

Ride variant A with an arched main structure with an endless gondola track whose rail center line is congruent with the vertical center plane of the arched main structure; 1

1b

Ride variant B with arched main structure with an endless loop track that runs close to the ground in loop-like stations; 12

2

Arched main structure of ride variant A; 1

2a

Upper side of the arched main structure of ride variant A; 1 , 3

2b

Lower side of the arched main structure of ride variant A; 1 , 2

2c

arch pillars; 5 , 6

3

Arched main structure of ride variant B; 12

3a

Left side flank of the arched main structure of the ride variant B; 16

3b

Right side flank of the arched main structure of the ride variant B; 16

4

Ground station / station of a ride variant A; 1

4a

Station variant A of a ride variant A with rail switch type 1 in the platform rail section of the respective circulating rail extension; 1 , 6

b

Station variant B of a ride variant A with rail switch type 2 in the upper rail curve section of the respective circulating rail extension; 1 , 8

5

Ground station / station of the ride variant B, with a circular siding in plan view; 12

6

Closed and endless circulating track-A of the ride variant-A; 6

6a

Upper curved rail section of the ride variant A; 2

6b

Lower curved track section of ride variant A; 3

6c

Upper rail curve section of station variant A of ride variant A; 4

6d

Inclined track section of ride variant A; 4

6e

Semicircular track turning circle section of ride variant A; 4

6f

Straight platform track section of ride variant A; 4

6g

Lower track curve section of the ride variant A; 4

6 hours

Circulating rail extensions of a ride variant A; 4

6i

Track turning circle section of a ride variant A; 5

7

Closed and endless circulating track-B of the ride variant-B; 12

7a

Left curved track section of the ride variant B; 16

7b

Right curved track section of the ride variant B; 16

7c

Outer track section of ride variant B; 13 , 14c

8

Gondola including control unit for ride variant A; 2 , 3

8a

Cylinder-like passenger cell for ride variant A; 2

8b

Tail unit with gondola holder for ride variant A; 2

8c

Gondola door for ride variant A; 3

9

Pendulum gondola with control unit for ride variant B; 17

9a

Axle of a pendulum gondola; 18

9b

Tail assembly of a pendulum gondola; 18

9c

Passenger cell of a pendulum gondola; 18

9d

Swing gondola door for ride variant B; 17

10a

Siding type 1 of ride variant A; 6 , 7a

10b

Siding type 2 of ride variant A; 8 , 9a

11

Circular siding of the ride variant B; 13 , 14a

12a

A; Rail switch type-1 in the lower platform rail section (6f) of a ride variant- 7a , 7b

12b

Rail switch type 2 in the upper rail curve section (6c) of the ride variant A; 9a , 9b

3

Horizontally pivoting rail switch of the ride variant B; 13

14

Platform of a station, in short: platform; 6 , 10

14a

Entrance platform of a platform platform; Fig, 6, 13

14b

exit platform of a platform platform; 6 , 13

15a

platform shaft of a platform platform; 6 , 8

15b

siding shaft of a railway platform; 13

16

Supporting structure of a station; 6 , 8

17a

Maintenance bridge of a station variant A (4a); 6 , 7c

17b

Maintenance bridge of a station variant B (4b); 8 , 9b

18

driver's cab; 6 , 13

19

Entrance / exit to the platform; 6 , 13

20

Soil; 1 , 12

21

ravine / river / natural obstacle / open space; 1 , 12

22

suspension bridge; 12 , 13

22a

bridge cables; 12

B-?

“B” stands for movement of the subsequent component whose number follows “B”; 1 , 3 , 7b , 12

BE

platform level; Fig, 7a, 9a, 16

SML

rail centerline; 10

VBML

vertical arch centerline; 1 , 16

HGML

Horizontal gondola centerline; 3

BLML

arch longitudinal centerline; 10

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• CN 112587937A [0004, 0006]

Claims (12)

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

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