초록 ▼

A variably curved track-mounted amusement ride having at least one outside curve and at least one inside curve, each lying substantially within a vertical plane and each having an axis of symmetry which is substantially horizontal. Preferably, the top curve is an outside curve; and preferably inside

A variably curved track-mounted amusement ride having at least one outside curve and at least one inside curve, each lying substantially within a vertical plane and each having an axis of symmetry which is substantially horizontal. Preferably, the top curve is an outside curve; and preferably inside and outside curves alternate with each other. Also preferably, before the first curve, between each outside curve and each inside curve, and after the last curve is a substantially straight segment which slopes downward. The vertical distance occupied by an outside curve is less than that occupied by an inside curve. The track can retain a cart which runs on the track no matter what the orientation of the body of the cart is with respect to the track. Any means that is well known in the art can be used to raise the cart to the beginning of the track.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A variably curved track-mounted amusement ride, which comprises:a cart having wheels, a body, and a restraint for one or more passengers; a track having a beginning, at least one inside curve with such inside curve having a beginning and an end, and at least one outside curve with such outside cu

1. A variably curved track-mounted amusement ride, which comprises:a cart having wheels, a body, and a restraint for one or more passengers; a track having a beginning, at least one inside curve with such inside curve having a beginning and an end, and at least one outside curve with such outside curve having a beginning and an end and wherein each inside and outside curve lies substantially within a vertical plane and has an axis of symmetry which is substantially horizontal, said track being capable of retaining said cart no matter what the orientation of the body of said cart is with respect to said track and said track having the beginning and end of each outside curve vertically closer to each other than are the beginning and end of each inside curve; and a means for raising said cart to the beginning of said track. 2. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 1, wherein:outside curves alternate with inside curves. 3. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 2, wherein:the first curve is an outside curve. 4. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 3, further comprising:a sufficient number of substantially straight segments having a first end and a second end that a substantially straight segment is located before the first curve, a substantially straight seament is located between each outside curve and each inside curve, and a substantially straight segment is located after the last curve. 5. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 4, wherein:each substantially straight segment slopes downward from the first end to the second end of such substantially straight segment. 6. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 4, further comprising:an adjustable brake located in each curve; a sensor for measuring and communicating a measurement of a factor which is determinative of the speed of said cart when said cart is being subjected to a decelerative force while descending under the influence of gravity; and a computer control system, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with a desired speed for said cart, said computer control system communicating with said sensor to receive the measurement of said sensor, said computer control system being capable of and programmed to determine, after having been programmed with the desired speed for said cart and after having received the measurement from the sensor, the force for said adjustable brake to apply so that said cart will attain the desired speed, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, said computer control system being programmed to store in its memory and to recall any signals that have been sent to said adjustable brake to adjust the force said adjustable brake is applying, and said computer control system being programmed to determine and to communicate to said adjustable brake, after having been programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, the electrical signal that will cause said adjustable brake to adjust the force it is applying in order to produce the force that will achieve the desired speed. 7. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 6, wherein:each substantially straight segment slopes downward from the first end to the second end of such substantially straight segment. 8. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 6, wherein:said track contains an aperture, for servicing and removing wheels from said cart, in a portion of said track that will never have to support the weight of said cart. 9. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 8, wherein:each substantially straight segment slopes downward from the first end to the second end of such substantially straight segment. 10. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 4, wherein:said track contains an aperture, for servicing and removing wheels from said cart, in a portion of said track that will never have to support the weight of said cart. 11. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 10, wherein:each substantially straight segment slopes downward from the first end to the second end of such substantially straight segment. 12. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 3, further comprising:an adjustable brake located in each curve; a sensor for measuring and communicating a measurement of a factor which is determinative of the speed of said cart when said cart is being subjected to a decelerative force while descending under the influence of gravity; and a computer control system, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with a desired speed for said cart, said computer control system communicating with said sensor to receive the measurement of said sensor, said computer control system being capable of and programmed to determine, after having been programmed with the desired speed for said cart and after having received the measurement from the sensor, the force for said adjustable brake to apply so that said cart will attain the desired speed, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, said computer control system being programmed to store in its memory and to recall any signals that have been sent to said adjustable brake to adjust the force said adjustable brake is applying, and said computer control system being programmed to determine and to communicate to said adjustable brake, after having been programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, the electrical signal that will cause said adjustable brake to adjust the force it is applying in order to produce the force that will achieve the desired speed. 13. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 12, wherein:said track contains an aperture, for servicing and removing wheels from said cart, in a portion of said track that will never have to support the weight of said cart. 14. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 3, wherein:said track contains an aperture, for servicing and removing wheels from said cart, in a portion of said track that will never have to support the weight of said cart. 15. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 2, further comprising:a sufficient number of substantially straight segments having a first end and a second end that a substantially straight segment is located before the first curve, a substantially straight segment is located between each outside curve and each inside curve, and a substantially straight segment is located after the last curve. 16. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 15, wherein:each substantially straight segment slopes downward from the first end to the second end of such substantially straight segment. 17. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 15, further comprising:an adjustable brake located in each curve; a sensor for measuring and communicating a measurement of a factor which is determinative of the speed of said cart when said cart is being subjected to a decelerative force while descending under the influence of gravity; and a computer control system, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with the desired speed for said cart, said computer control system communicating with said sensor to receive the measurement of said sensor, said computer control system being capable of and programmed to determine, after having been programmed with a desired speed for said cart and after having received the measurement from the sensor, the force for said adjustable brake to apply so that said cart will attain the desired speed, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, said computer control system being programmed to store in its memory and to recall any signals that have been sent to said adjustable brake to adjust the force said adjustable brake is applying, and said computer control system being programmed to determine and to communicate to said adjustable brake, alter having been programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, the electrical signal that will cause said adjustable brake to adjust the force it is applying in order to produce the force that will achieve the desired speed. 18. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 17, wherein:each substantially straight segment slopes downward from the first end to the second end of such substantially straight segment. 19. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 17, wherein:said track contains an aperture, for servicing and removing wheels from said cart, in a portion of said track that will never have to support the weight of said cart. 20. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 19, wherein:each substantially straight segment slopes downward from the first end to the second end of such substantially straight segment. 21. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 15, wherein:said track contains an aperture, for servicing and removing wheels from said cart, in a portion of said track that will never have to support the weight of said cart. 22. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 21, wherein:each substantially straight segment slopes downward from the first end to the second end of such substantially straight segment. 23. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 2, further comprising:an adjustable brake located in each curve; a sensor for measuring and communicating a measurement of a factor which is determinative of the speed of said cart when said cart is being subjected to a decelerative force while descending under the influence of gravity; and a computer control system, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with the desired speed for said cart, said computer control system communicating with said sensor to receive the measurement of said sensor, said computer control system being capable of and programmed to determine, after having been programmed with a desired speed for said cart and after having received the measurement from the sensor, the force for said adjustable brake to apply so that said cart will attain the desired speed, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, said computer control system being programmed to store in its memory and to recall any signals that have been sent to said adjustable brake to adjust the force said adjustable brake is applying, and said computer control system being programmed to determine and to communicate to said adjustable brake, after having been programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, the electrical signal that will cause said adjustable brake to adjust the force it is applying in order to produce the force that will achieve the desired speed. 24. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 23, wherein:said track contains an aperture, for servicing and removing wheels from said cart, in a portion of said track that will never have to support the weight of said cart. 25. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 2, wherein:said track contains an aperture, for servicing and removing wheels from said cart, in a portion of said track that will never have to support the weight of said cart. 26. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 1, wherein:the first curve is an outside curve. 27. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 26, further comprising:a substantially straight segment having a first end and a second end, such substantially straight segment being located before the first curve, between each outside curve and each inside curve, and after the last curve. 28. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 27, wherein:each substantially straight segment slopes downward from the first end to the second end of such substantially straight segment. 29. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 27, further comprising:an adjustable brake located in each curve; a sensor for measuring and communicating a measurement of a factor which is determinative of the speed of said cart when said cart is being subjected to a decelerative force while descending under the influence of gravity; and a computer control system, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with a desired speed for said cart, said computer control system communicating with said sensor to receive the measurement of said sensor, said computer control system being capable of and programmed to determine, after having been programmed with the desired speed for said cart and after having received the measurement from the sensor, the force for said adjustable brake to apply so that said cart will attain the desired speed, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, said computer control system being programmed to store in its memory and to recall any signals that have been sent to said adjustable brake to adjust the force said adjustable brake is applying, and said computer control system being programmed to determine and to communicate to said adjustable brake, after having been programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, the electrical signal that will cause said adjustable brake to adjust the force it is applying in order to produce the force that will achieve the desired speed. 30. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 29, wherein:each substantially straight segment slopes downward from the first end to the second end of such substantially straight segment. 31. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 29, wherein:said track contains an aperture, for servicing and removing wheels from said cart, in a portion of said track that will never have to support the weight of said cart. 32. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 31, wherein:each substantially straight segment slopes downward from the first end to the second end of such substantially straight segment. 33. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 27, wherein:said track contains an aperture, for servicing and removing wheels from said cart, in a portion of said track that will never have to support the weight of said cart. 34. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 33, wherein:each substantially straight segment slopes downward from the first end to the second end of such substantially straight segment. 35. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 26, further comprising:an adjustable brake located in each curve; a sensor for measuring and communicating a measurement of a factor which is determinative of the speed of said cart when said cart is being subjected to a decelerative force while descending under the influence of gravity; and a computer control system, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with a desired speed for said cart, said computer control system communicating with said sensor to receive the measurement of said sensor, said computer control system being capable of and programmed to determine, after having been programmed with the desired speed for said cart and after having received the measurement from the sensor, the force for said adjustable brake to apply so that said cart will attain the desired speed, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, said computer control system being programmed to store in its memory and to recall any signals that have been sent to said adjustable brake to adjust the force said adjustable brake is applying, and said computer control system being programmed to determine and to communicate to said adjustable brake, alter having been programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, the electrical signal that will cause said adjustable brake to adjust the force it is applying in order to produce the force that will achieve the desired speed. 36. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 35, wherein:said track contains an aperture, for servicing and removing wheels from said cart, in a portion of said track that will never have to support the weight of said cart. 37. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 26, wherein:said track contains an aperture, for servicing and removing wheels from said cart, in a portion of said track that will never have to support the weight of said cart. 38. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 1, further comprising:a substantially straight segment having a first end and a second end, such substantially straight segment being located before the first curve, between each outside curve and each inside curve, and after the last curve. 39. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 38, wherein:each substantially straight segment slopes downward from the first end to the second end of such substantially straight segment. 40. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 38, further comprising:an adjustable brake located in each curve; a sensor for measuring and communicating a measurement of a factor which is determinative of the speed of said cart when said cart is being subjected to a decelerative force while descending under the influence of gravity; and a computer control system, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with a desired speed for said cart, said computer control system communicating with said sensor to receive the measurement of said sensor, said computer control system being capable of and programmed to determine, after having been programmed with the desired speed for said cart and after having received the measurement from the sensor, the force for said adjustable brake to apply so that said cart will attain the desired speed, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, said computer control system being programmed to store in its memory and to recall any signals that have been sent to said adjustable brake to adjust the force said adjustable brake is applying, and said computer control system being programmed to determine and to communicate to said adjustable brake, after having been programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, the electrical signal that will cause said adjustable brake to adjust the force it is applying in order to produce the force that will achieve the desired speed. 41. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 40, wherein:each substantially straight segment slopes downward from the first end to the second end of such substantially straight segment. 42. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 40, wherein:said track contains an aperture, for servicing and removing wheels from said cart, in a portion of said track that will never have to support the weight of said cart. 43. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 42, wherein:each substantially straight segment slopes downward from the first end to the second end of such substantially straight segment. 44. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 38, wherein:said track contains an aperture, for servicing and removing wheels from said cart, in a portion of said track that will never have to support the weight of said cart. 45. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 44, wherein:each substantially straight segment slopes downward from the first end to the second end of such substantially straight segment. 46. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 1, further comprising:an adjustable brake located in each curve; a sensor for measuring and communicating a measurement of a factor which is determinative of the speed of said cart when said cart is being subjected to a decelerative force while descending under the influence of gravity; and a computer control system, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with the desired speed for said cart, said computer control system communicating with said sensor to receive the measurement of said sensor, said computer control system being capable of and programmed to determine, after having been programmed with a desired speed for said cart and after having received the measurement from the sensor, the force for said adjustable brake to apply so that said cart will attain the desired speed, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, said computer control system being programmed to store in its memory and to recall any signals that have been sent to said adjustable brake to adjust the force said adjustable brake is applying, and said computer control system being programmed to determine and to communicate to said adjustable brake, after having been programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, the electrical signal that will cause said adjustable brake to adjust the force it is applying in order to produce the force that will achieve the desired speed. 47. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 46, wherein:said track contains an aperture, for servicing and removing wheels from said cart, in a portion of said track that will never have to support the weight of said cart. 48. The variably curved track-mounted amusement ride as recited in claim 1, wherein:said track contains an aperture, for servicing and removing wheels from said cart, in a portion of said track that will never have to support the weight of said cart. 49. A variably curved track-mounted amusement ride, which comprises:a cart having wheels, a body, and a restraint for one or more passengers; a track having a beginning, at least one inside curve with such inside curve having a beginning and an end, at least one outside curve with such outside curve having a beginning and an end with the first curve being an outside curve, and a sufficient number of substantially straight segments having a first end and a second end that a substantially straight segment is located before the first curve, a substantially straight segment is located between each outside curve and each inside curve, and a substantially straight segment is located after the last curve, with each substantially straight segment sloping downward from the first end to the second end of such substantially straight segment, with the curves alternating between being outside curves and inside curves along the track, and wherein each inside and outside curve lies substantially within a vertical plane and has an axis of symmetry which is substantially horizontal, said track being capable of retaining said cart no matter what the orientation of the body of said cart is with respect to said track by being comprised of opposing C-channels with the longitudinally open portion of each such C-channel being oriented toward the longitudinally open portion of the other such C-channel, said track having the beginning and end of each outside curve vertically closer to each other than are the beginning and end of each inside curve, and said track containing an aperture, for servicing and removing wheels from said cart, in a portion of said track that will never have to support the weight of said cart; a means for raising said cart to the beginning of said track; an adjustable brake located in each curve; a speed sensor for measuring and communicating the speed of said cart when said cart is being subjected to a decelerative force while descending under the influence of gravity; and a computer control system, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with a desired speed for said cart, said computer control system communicating with said sensor to receive the measurement of said sensor, said computer control system being capable of and programmed to determine, after having been programmed with the desired speed for said cart and after having received the measurement from the sensor, the force for said adjustable brake to apply so that said cart will attain the desired speed, said computer control system being capable of being programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, said computer control system being programmed to store in its memory and to recall any signals that have been sent to said adjustable brake to adjust the force said adjustable brake is applying, and said computer control system being programmed to determine and to communicate to said adjustable brake, after having been programmed with data indicating the initial force being applied by said adjustable brake and what electrical signal from said computer control system will produce what adjustment to the force generated by said adjustable brake, the electrical signal that will cause said adjustable brake to adjust the force it is applying in order to produce the force that will achieve the desired speed.