Patent · US Expired

Amusement ride

US6220171A · kind A · utility

96Cited by
37References
54Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 6, 1999
Grant dateApr 24, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 6, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R2021/0097
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A roller coaster includes a plurality of ride vehicles that ride along a track. Each vehicle provides seating for at least one passenger. The track is elevated off the ground and includes a variety of hills, curves, loops, rolls, drops, inversions and the like. The vehicles are totally enclosed and preferably designed to represent a space capsule. Sight line controls and a yaw mechanism are used at the load platform to prevent passengers from seeing the other ride vehicles. In addition, the track at the load platform is angled upwards to allow for easy access to the ride vehicles. Portals in the cabin are designed to control sight lines to focus the passengers' attention on show elements that are placed along the track. An on-board audio system enhances the realism of the ride experience. Adjustable restraint systems are provided in each vehicle to keep the passengers in their seats and inside the vehicle during the ride.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.