The present invention relates to the field of amusement rides, and in particular to a roller coaster rides in which the initial acceleration to one or more vehicle(s) is provided using a pressurized gas.

Background of the invention

There are known in the art amusement rides and in particular roller coaster rides wherein one or more vehicles for accommodating the passenger(s) are moved along a track. As known in the art in this type of rides, drive means are able to move the vehicle in correspondence of the highest point of the track and then gravity accelerates downhill the vehicle along the remaining part of the track.

Different drive means are currently used to move the vehicle in correspondence of the highest point of the track, and in general to impart to the vehicle the required initial acceleration.

Generally, in the first part of the track the vehicles are connected to a drive chain, or to a drive cable, intended to transport the vehicle in correspondence of the highest point of the track. In this position the vehicle is decoupled from the drive chain and it is freely movable under the gravity acceleration along the remaining part of the track.

Different drive means have been recently adopted to impart to the vehicle(s) of the ride the required initial acceleration. Linear induction motors have been introduced in some rides, however, this type of drive means is subjected to failure and inevitably necessitate adding components on the vehicle, thus increasing its weight.

Other drive means to provide the initial acceleration to the vehicle(s) comprises pressurized gas, i.e. compressed gas, that injected into a launch tube inside which at least one vehicle is located at the star of the ride.

This type of drive means to accelerate the vehicle in an amusement ride are disclosed for example in document US6176788. More in detail, the vehicle is inserted into a launch tube and its operation is similar to a piston arranged in a cylinder wherein a pressurized gas is injected to cause the movement of the piston with respect to the cylinder. In particular, the vehicle is provided with a pressure surface, in the form of a shield, preferably arranged in correspondence of the rear part of the vehicle. The pressure surface forms a substantial seal with the inner surface of the launch tube, inside which the pressurized gas contained into a tank is injected.

WO2013/148886 discloses in figures 10 - 15 an amusement ride wherein a capsule for the passenger is supported by a shot cart that is moved inside a lunch tube by means of a pressurized gas.

The shot cart is provided with a braking system, thus when the gas is injected into the launch tube, the shot cart is moved towards the upper part of the launch tube where it is rapidly decelerated. By doing so, the shot cart is maintained inside the launch tube, while the capsule is ejected outside it. The capsule is provided a shroud which is lifted away from the exterior of the capsule when the capsule is moving downwards after launch, thus forming a drag element. Even if the capsule is provided with a movable shroud, this element is not a pressure surface on which the gas injected inside the launch tube exerts the launch force to accelerate the shot cart. Additionally, the ride disclosed is unsafe, because the capsule is not intended to ride on a track and also because the capsule falls towards the ground.

Also document US5417615 discloses an air driven amusement ride comprising a tower supporting a guide cable, along which a passenger vehicle is moved up and down. The experiences provided to the passengers are very limited due to the limited length of the cable. Additionally, as disclosed below, the vehicle is subjected to undesired aerodynamic resistance, i.e. drag force.

The use of air propulsion is also known from US5253590. This document discloses an air stream transportation system provided with a tube inside which vehicles are moved by an air stream provided by a generator. This system cannot be applied to amusement ride, because the need of providing an air stream, to move the vehicle in a long tube, inevitably leads to unacceptable costs. Additionally, a system wherein the vehicles are freely moved in an air stream, without using rails or similar supporting means, is difficult to produce.

The amusement rides using pressurized gas to accelerate the vehicle are subjected to some problems concerning the acceleration of the vehicle that is not regular and the vehicle is subjected to high jerk rate during the initial acceleration. The term jerk, used herein, is well known in the amusement ride field and indicates the rate of change of acceleration, i.e. the derivate of acceleration.

Additionally, the known amusement ride, and in particular the vehicle used therein are subjected during the movement along the track to undesired aerodynamic resistance, i.e. drag force, due to the presence of the pressure surface. In fact, the pressure surface generates aerodynamic drag that negatively affects the forward movement of the vehicle along the track.

It is an aim of the present invention to solve the above discussed problems of the known amusement rides, and to provide a vehicle that is accelerated by means of a pressurized gas, generating low aerodynamic resistance during the forward motion along the track.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide an amusement ride in which the acceleration imparted to the vehicle can be controlled, thus avoiding high jerk rates and staying below standard acceleration limits.

A further aim of the present invention is to provide an amusement ride in which, in case of failure or problems during the launch of the vehicle, it can be safely returned into the launch tube.

Summary of the invention

These and other aims are achieved by the vehicle for an amusement ride according to claim 1. The present invention also relates to an amusement ride and a relative operating method according to claims 17 and 22. Additional aspects and characteristics are set out in the respective dependent claims.

The vehicle according to the invention is used in an amusement ride comprising at least one launch tube inside which a gas is injected to accelerate the vehicle. It has to be noted that the use of the vehicle according to the invention is not limited to the amusement ride that will be discussed below, in fact, it can be also used with amusement ride of different types wherein pressurized gas is used to launch (accelerate) the vehicle, then the vehicle rides along the track, preferably comprising one, or two rails. As mentioned above, the vehicle is preferably used in amusement rides, or roller coaster, wherein after the initial acceleration provided by the gas injected in the launch tube, the vehicle rides without propulsion. The vehicle is provided with suitable moving means, preferably comprising one or more rollers (wheels) allowing the sliding movement of the vehicle along the track due to the acceleration exerted inside the launch tube, by the gas injected therein.

The vehicle according to the invention comprises at least one pressure surface, arranged at the rear part of the vehicle so that the gas injected inside the launch tube exerts a launching force (pressure) on the pressure surface, to cause the movement of the vehicle. The pressure surface is provided with at least one portion movable between at least one deployed position and at least one folded position. The at least one movable portion is moved under an aerodynamic force applied on it.

The expression pressure surface is used herein to indicate a surface on which the launching force generated by the gas injected into the launch tube is exerted.

Advantageously the presence of the at least one movable portion of the pressure surface allows to reduce the aerodynamic resistance generated during the forward movement of the vehicle along the track, after the launch. Additionally, the actuation of the mobile portion is passive, i.e. the movable portion is preferably moved under the action of an aerodynamic force exerted on it, thus moving means, such as pneumatic actuators, do not need to be provided to move the movable portion of the pressure surface.

In fact, according to an aspect of the present invention, the at least one movable portion is moved from said deployed position to said folded position under the aerodynamic force applied by the air flow impacting on it during the forward movement of the vehicle along the track.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the at least one movable portion extends outside the section of the vehicle occupied by passengers seats. In other words, looking at the frontal section of the vehicle, the at least one movable portion is extending on a "free" area, thus it can be impacted by the air flow during the forward movement of the vehicle along the track.

It has to be noted that in said at least one folded position the at least one movable portion is inclined with respect to the forward movement direction of the vehicle, preferably it is inclined of an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to forward movement direction of the vehicle.

Advantageously, this inclination of the at least one movable portion in the folded position, in case of failure of the launch and thus of backward movement of the vehicle, allows the movable portion to be returned in the deployed position thus providing a deceleration effect of the backward movement of the vehicle under the effect of the air flow acting on it.

Advantageously, to allow the automatic movement of the movable portion from the folded position to the deployed position due to the backward movement of the vehicle in case of failure of the launch, and at the same time to reduce the drag generated during the forward movement of the vehicle, in the at least one folded position the at least one movable portion is inclined of an angle lower than 180 degrees with respect to the forward movement direction of the vehicle, and preferably of an angle equal to or lower than 170 degrees.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the vehicle comprises two or more independent pressure surfaces.

Advantageously, the presence of two or more pressure surfaces provides the required redundancy of the launch system. In fact, in case of failure or problems in the movement of the movable portions of one pressure surface, the second pressure surface can provide the correct operation of the amusement ride.

The amusement ride according to the invention comprises at least one vehicle to accommodate one or more passenger(s) and movable along a track, and at least one hollow launch tube comprising a first end and a second end, and at least one of said ends is open to allow the at least one vehicle to exit from said launch tube. The amusement ride further comprises gas supply means to inject gas inside said at least one launch tube comprising one or more tanks for storing the gas, and wherein the gas is stored, preferably, at high pressure conditions inside the one or more tanks.

Advantageously, the high pressure conditions at which the gas is stored inside the one or more tanks allows better control of the gas injection into the launch tube, thus providing a gradual pressure increase inside the launch resulting into a gradual acceleration of the at least one vehicle. The use of gas stored at high pressure conditions allow to use tank(s) having small volume.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention the gas is stored in said one or more tanks at a pressure equal to or above 6 bars, preferably at a pressure equal to or above 8 bars.

It has to be noted that according to the invention, the gas is stored at high pressure conditions inside the tank(s) and/or it is injected into the launch tube at a lower pressure, and in particular at gauge pressure equal or below 2 atm, preferably equal to or below 1.5 atm, more preferably at 1 atm. In particular, the high pressure conditions inside the tank(s) and the low pressure conditions inside the launch tube allow to reduce jerk rates during the acceleration of the vehicle(s).

According to an aspect of the present invention, the amusement ride comprises two or more tanks to store the gas. Advantageously, in this case, the gas can be stored in smaller tanks. According to different possible embodiments, the number of said two or more thanks is comprised in the range 2 to 10, preferably 2 to 7, more preferably 3 to 5, most preferably equal to 5.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the gas is supplied from said one or more tanks at one or more, preferably two or more, different positions inside said at least one launch tube. Preferably, said two or more positions at which the gas is supplied from said one or more tanks are arranged in succession along the direction along which said at least one vehicle is moved inside said at least one launch tube when it is launched.

By doing so, the gas can be injected near to the pressure surface of the at least one vehicle during the launch phase inside the launch tube, thus provide a gradual release of the gas inside the launch tube.

The present invention also relates to a method for operating the amusement ride of the type disclosed above. As already mentioned above, preferably the gas is supplied from said one or more tanks at one or more, preferably two or more, different positions inside said at least one launch tube. It has to be noted that the gas can be supplied at different positions, preferably along the direction of movement of the vehicle, by separately controlling one or more tanks, or in case the amusement ride is provided with only one tank by suitable ducts connecting the single tank at different positions along the launch tube and by selectively controlling the gas flow from the tank with different supply positions.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the amusement ride is provided with one or more, or optionally with two or more tanks which can be selectively connected to the launch tube in order to provide a desired control of the pressure therein, and thus to control the acceleration imparted to the vehicle(s).

Preferably, in the step of supplying the gas inside the at least one launch tube, the one or more, or the two or more tanks are fluidically connected in succession to said at least one launch tube to inject the gas therein. More in detail, if the amusement ride is provided with two or more tanks, one of said at least two tanks is fluidically connected to the at least one launch tube and after a predetermined amount of time at least one another tank is fluidically connected to the at least one launch tube to inject the gas therein. Advantageously, the method according to the invention allows to selectively connect the tanks to the launch tube, thus the control of the pressure inside the launch tube can be controlled and the desired acceleration of the vehicle(s) can be provided. Brief description of the figures

Other features, advantages and detail appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description of embodiments, the detailed description referring to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the amusement ride according to the invention;

Figure 2 is perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention with the movable portions of the pressure surface in the deployed position;

Figure 2A is a lateral view of the vehicle of figure 2;

Figure 3 is perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention with the movable portions of the pressure surface in the folded position;

Figure 3 A is a lateral view of the vehicle of figure 3;

Figure 4 is a graphic showing the speed, acceleration and jerk of a vehicle during the launch phase under the conditions of a possible embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is perspective view of a further embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention, provided with one pressure surface, with the movable portions of the pressure surface in the deployed position;

• Figure 5 A is an enlarged view of the rear part of the vehicle of figure 5;

• Figure 6 is perspective view of a further embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention, provided with one pressure surface, with the movable portions of the pressure surface in the folded position;

• Figure 6 A is an enlarged view of the rear part of the vehicle of figure 6;

• Figure 7 is a perspective view of the vehicle according to figures 5, 5A, 6 and 6A, launched from a launch tube of an amusement ride.

Detailed description of the invention

With reference to the attached figures, the vehicle 2 according to the invention is intended to accommodate one or more passenger(s), and is movable along a track 3. The track can be designed to provide the desired movement of the vehicle during the ride, i.e. by providing turns, hills, etc. After the launch caused by the gas injected inside the launch tube, the vehicle runs along the track.

It has to be noted that even if the features of the vehicle 2 are disclosed in connection to the amusement ride of the present disclosure, the present invention relates to a vehicle which can be used with amusement ride of different types having a launch tube and gas supply means to accelerate the at least one vehicle, and its use is not limited in the amusement ride herein discussed.

The vehicle 2 is preferably provided with one or more seats 2a and suitable means able to safety restraint the passenger during the ride. It has to be noted that the vehicle can be provided in the form of a train, i.e. comprising two or more units that are constrained one to another.

The at least one vehicle 2 is provided with means 2b for moving the vehicle along the track 3. In other words, the vehicle is provided with means 2b allowing the movement (sliding movement) of the vehicle 2 along the track 3. In the embodiment show in the figures a plurality of rollers 2b is arranged in correspondence of a lower portion of the vehicle, however different moving means can be used.

The ride 1, in which the vehicle can be used, further comprises at least one hollow launch tube 4 comprising a first end 5 and a second end 6, one of them is opened to allow the vehicle 2 to exit therefrom. The launch tube 4 is schematically shown in figure 1 and partially shown in figure 2.

Obviously, the track 3 can be shaped in different ways with respect to that schematically shown in figure 1. At least a portion of the track 3 extends inside the launch tube 4 and a portion of the track extends outside the launch tube. Thus, the vehicle 2, which is accelerated inside the launch tube by means of the gas acting on the pressure surface 20, rides on the track outside the launch tube.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention the track 3 is provided with a closed shape, i.e. the at least one vehicle 2 enters said at least one hollow launch tube 4 from the end 6 opposite to the end 5 from which the vehicle is launched. It has to be noted that in the figures 2, 2A, 3 and 3A the track 3 is not shown for clarity reasons. In the figures 5, 5A, 6, 6A and 7, the track is only partially shown.

The track 3 can be provided in the form of a single rail, or as two parallel rails. Also a configuration with more than two rails can be provided.

According to a preferred embodiment, as for example shown in figures 5, 5 A, 6, 6A and 7, the track 3 comprises two rails, and the vehicle 2 is provided with suitable means 2b to allow the movement along them, preferably in the form of rollers.

The amusement ride can be provided with at least one movable door 7 to open and to close at least one end 5, 6 of the hollow launch tube 4.

In the embodiments shown in figure 1 and 7, the first end 5, from which the vehicle according to the invention can be launched, is open so that the vehicle 2 can exit the launch tube 4 when gas is injected therein.

According to an aspect of the invention the second end 6 of the launch tube 4, i.e. the rear end of the launch tube, comprises a door 7 that can be opened and closed. In figure 1 the door is schematically shown as a movable surface however different embodiments of the door or other closing means can be used.

In fact, one end of the launch tube 4 need to be closed, or at least able to be closed, in order to form a chamber inside it together with the pressure surface 20, 20' of the vehicle 2. As it will be disclosed later in greater detail the chamber 4a inside which the gas is injected is formed by the lateral surface 4b of the launch tube, a closed end 6 of the launch tube and a pressure surface 20, 20' of the vehicle 2.

The end 6 of the launch tube 4 can be subsequently opened, after the launch of the vehicle, in order to allow the at least one vehicle 2 to re-enter the launch tube 4 for a subsequent ride, in the case the track along which the vehicle is a closed track 3, as schematically shown in figures 1 and 7.

It has to be noted that the launch tube 4 preferably has a cross section shape that is equal to the shape of the pressure surface 20, 20' of the vehicle 2. In the embodiment shown in the figures 2 - 3A, the launch tube 4 is provided with a hollow body having a lateral surface 4b, having a substantially rectangular section with inclined corners. Notwithstanding this, different shapes can be provided and in particular different cross section of the launch tube 4 can be used. For example, in the embodiment shown in the figures 5 - 7, the launch tube 4 is provided with a hollow body having a lateral surface 4b, having a substantially rectangular section with rounded corners.

Additionally, it has to be noted that the launch tube 4 is preferably a straight tube, i.e. it is provided with central rectilinear axis A and preferably the cross sections along its extension are equal to one another, i.e. the launch tube 4 has constant cross section. In the embodiment shown in the figure the launch tube 4 is oriented substantially horizontal, however it can be inclined or arranged in a vertical position.

As already mentioned above, the at least one vehicle 2 forms a substantial seal with the launch tube 4, and preferably with the lateral surface 4b of the launch tube, in order to build up pressure inside it by means of the gas injected, to provide the initial desired acceleration to the at least one vehicle of the ride.

More in detail, the at least one vehicle 2 comprises at least one pressure surface 20, 20' forming a substantial seal in the launch tube 4. It has to be noted that the expression "substantial seal" is herein used to indicate a sealing conditions that is sufficient to provide a build-up of the pressure inside the launch tube and at the same time to allow the movement of the pressure surface inside the launch tube.

In fact, the cross section dimensions of the pressure surface 20, 20' are slightly reduced with respect to the cross section dimensions of the launch tube 4 to allow the movement of the vehicle 2 inside the launch tube 4.

The vehicle 2, according to the invention, is provided with a front portion and a rear portion, with respect to the launch direction from the launch tube (or with respect to the forward movement of the vehicle along the track). The pressure surface 20, 20' is arranged at the rear portion of the vehicle 2, so that the gas injected inside the launch tube exerts a launching force on the vehicle, so that it can start the forward movement along the track 3.

More in detail, the at least one pressure surface 20, 20' forms together with the lateral surface 4b of the launch tube 4, a chamber 4a inside which the gas is injected.

The gas is inject into the chamber 4a, i.e. the portion of the launch tube between the pressure surface constrained to the at least one vehicle, the lateral surface 4b of the launch tube 4 and the closed end 6 of the launch tube 4.

As already mentioned above, the vehicle 2 is provided with at least one pressure surface 20, 20' comprising at least one movable portion 21 which is movable between at least one deployed position and at least one folded position.

In the embodiment show in the figures 1 to 3A the vehicle 2 is provided with two pressure surfaces 20, 20' arranged parallel to one another in correspondence of the rear portion of the vehicle 2. The two pressure surfaces 20, 20' are preferably distanced from one another to allow the movement of the movable portions 21. In other words, as shown in the figures 3 and 3 A, in the folded position the movable portions 21 of one pressure surface 20' do not contact the second pressure surface 20.

The vehicle 2 can be provided with a single pressure surface 20, as for example shown in the embodiment of figures 5 to 7.

The at least one pressure surface 20, 20' is connected to the vehicle by means of a suitable supporting structure, such as for example a supporting frame. In the embodiment shown in figures 2 - 3, the pressure surfaces 20, 20' are supported by a frame arranged between said surfaces. According to another possible embodiment, as for example shown in figures 5, 6 and 7, the pressure surface 20 is supported by a frame arranged in the front part of the surface, i.e. opposite to the portion of the pressure surface on which the pressure (force) of the gas in the launch tube acts.

As for example shown in figures 5, 6 and 7, the supporting frame of the pressure surface can be shaped so as to reduce the aerodynamic drag during the movement of the vehicle 2. As for example shown in figures 5, 6 and 7, the supporting frame can be substantially pyramid-shaped.

The at least one pressure surface 20, 20' is preferably a substantially flat surface. According to a preferred embodiment, the pressure surface 20, 20' and the at least one movable portion 21 are made by rigid material, such as for example metal. In any case, the pressure surface 20, 20' has to withstand the pressure (force) exerted thereon by the gas injected inside the launch tube, when the vehicle is launched.

According a possible embodiment, as for example shown in the figures, the at least one movable portion 21 comprises a substantially flat surface. The pressure surface 20, 20' comprises at least one fixed portion 22, preferably arranged at the rear part of the vehicle 2.

Additionally, it has to be noted that the movement between the movable portion 21 and at least one fixed portion 22 of the pressure surface 20, 20' can be obtained in different manner. For example, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the at least one movable portion 21 is rotatable with respect to at least one fixed portion 22 of the at least one pressure surface 20, 20'. In other words the movable portion 21 is hinged at one or more point(s) to a fixed portion 22 of the pressure surface 20, 20'.

Additionally, it has to be noted that the number of movable portion or portions 21 of the pressure surface 20, 20' can be varied according to different possible embodiments. In the configuration shown in the figures, the pressure surface 20, 20' is provided with three movable portions 21, one provided in correspondence of the top side of the pressure surface and two arranged in correspondence of the vertical sides of the pressure surface (see figures 2, 3, 5 and 6).

The at least one movable portion 21 is preferably arranged in correspondence of the external part (boundary part) of the pressure surface 20. In other words, the movable portion or portions 21 forms at least part of the boundary portion (i.e. the portion extending along the perimeter) of the pressure surface 20, 20'. In other words, the movable portion 21 is an extension of the fixed portion 22 of the pressure surface 20, 20'.

The movable portion, or portions, 21 are dimensioned so that in the deployed position the cross section dimensions of the pressure surface 20, 20' are slightly reduced with respect to the cross section dimensions of the launch tube 4 to allow the movement of the vehicle 2 inside the launch tube 4.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the at least one movable portion 21 is moved under an aerodynamic force applied on it.

The expression "aerodynamic force" is used herein to indicate that the movable portion 21 is moved under the action of a force applied by a fluid that is contacting the pressure surface 20, 20', and in particular its at least one movable portion 21.

It has to be understood that the fluid, that applies an aerodynamic force on the movable surface can be in movement with respect to the pressure surface, or the pressure surface can be moved with respect to the fluid. In other words the aerodynamic force is applied by a relative movement between the fluid generating the force and the pressure surface 20, 20', and in particular its at least one movable portion 21.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the at least one portion 21 is movable from the at least one deployed position shown for example in figures 2,2A, 5 and 5 A, and at least one folded position, show in figures 3, 3A, 6 and 6A, or vice versa.

According to an aspect of the present invention the at least one movable portion 21 is moved from said deployed position to said folded position under the aerodynamic force applied by the air flow impacting on it during the forward movement of the vehicle 2 along the track 3.

As it will appear clear in the following, the movable portion 21 is moved from the deployed position to the folded position during the forward movement of the vehicle, under the action of the air flow impacting on the movable portion 21 and exerting an aerodynamic force on it.

It has to be noted that preferably in the deployed position the movable portion 21 is substantially perpendicular with respect to the forward movement direction X of said vehicle 2 after the launch (see in particular figures 2, 2A and 5, 5 A). It has to be noted that the hollow launch tube 4 according to the invention is substantially rectilinear, thus the direction of movement X of the vehicle 2 is substantially correspondent to, or parallel to, the rectilinear axis A of the launch tube 4.

According to an aspect of the invention, in the at least one folded position said at least one movable portion 21 is inclined with respect to the forward movement direction X of the vehicle 2. More in detail as shown in figures 3, 3A and 6, 6A, in the folded position, the at least one movable portion 21 is inclined with respect to the direction of movement X, or to an axis parallel to said direction X. By doing so, in the folded position that is the position of the movable portion 21 during the movement of the vehicle after the launch, it is possible to reduce the drag generated so that the vehicle can reach higher speed along the track.

More in detail, in the at least one folded position said at least one movable portion 21 is inclined of an angle a greater than 90 degrees with respect to forward movement direction X of said vehicle 2.

As shown in figures 3, 3 A and 6, 6 A, an angle greater than 90 degrees between the movable portion 21 and the direction of movement X of the vehicle, determines that the peripheral end of the movable portion is directed away from the direction of movement X, thus the air flow impacting of the movable portion 21 allow its deflection. By doing so, a low resistance (drag) is generated during the forward movement of the vehicle 2. Preferably, in said at least one folded position said at least one movable portion 21 is inclined of an angle a lower than 180 degrees with respect to the forward movement direction X of said vehicle 2, and preferably equal to or lower than 170 degrees.

The slight inclination of the movable portion 21 with respect to the horizontal, i.e. with respect to a 180 degrees angle measured from the direction X during forward movement, reduces resistance forces during the forward motion and, in case of failure during the launch, allows the return of the movable portion into the deployed position. In fact, the fluid impacting on the movable portion 21 during the backward motion of the vehicle, for example in case of launch failure, exerts an aerodynamic force on it able to move the movable portion 21 from the folded position to the deployed position. In order words, in case of failure of the launch, i.e. if the vehicle does not reach the highest point the track, the vehicle moves in backward direction and air flow is impacting on the movable portion 21 and tends to move the latter into the deployed position thus increasing the resistance (drag) generated. The resistance force generated cooperates to decelerate (brake) the vehicle 2.

It has to be noted that the vehicle 2 according to the invention can comprise support means 15 for maintaining said at least one movable portion 21 in said at least one deployed position. Suitable means that can be used are for example one or more springs intended to maintain the movable portion 21 in the deployed position and that are compressed when the air flow acting on the movable portion during the forward movement of the vehicle 2 moves the movable portion 21 in the folded position.

As mentioned above, the vehicle 2 can be provided in the form of a train, i.e. comprising two or more units that are constrained one to another. According to a possible embodiment, as for example shown in the detailed view of figures 5A and 6A, the at least one pressure surface 20, 20' can be arranged on a unit of the vehicle, not provided with seats 2a for passengers, which is constrained to one or more other units of the vehicle, preferably comprising seats 2a for the passengers.

Returning now to the amusement ride according to the invention, it comprises gas supply means 10 to inject gas inside the at least one launch tube 4, and said means 10 comprise one or more tanks 11 for storing said gas at high pressure conditions. It has to be noted that the expression "high pressure conditions" it used herein to indicate that the gas is stored inside the at least one tank 11 at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, preferably at a pressure equal to or above 6 bars, more preferably at a pressure equal to or above 8 bars.

By doing so, the injection of the gas inside the launch tube can be controlled in a simple manner. Additionally, it has to be noted that the gas inside the launch tube 4 is at pressure lower than the pressure inside the at least one tank 11. In fact, according to a preferred embodiment the gas is injected into said at least one launch tube 4 at gauge pressure equal or below 2 atm, preferably equal to or below 1.5 atm, more preferably at 1 atm.

Obviously, even if only schematically shown in figure 1 , the amusement ride comprises at least one duct 12 to connect said one or more tanks 11 with the at least one launch tube 4.

Additionally, the gas flow from the one or more tanks 11 and the launch tube 4 is controlled preferably by means of at least one valve 13 intended to connect each of said one or more tank 11 with said at least one launch tube 4. Advantageously, by storing the gas at high pressure conditions inside the one or more tank(s) 11 it is possible to avoid the use of check- valve, and in general of valves intend to prevent the gas flow from the launch tube 4 to the at least one tank 11.

It has to be noted that even if in figure 7 only the tanks 11 are shown, suitable means to fluidically connect the tanks 11 to the launch tube 4, as for example disclosed in connection to figure 1, are provided.

Even if it is not shown in the figures, the gas flow from the tank 11 towards the launch tube 4 is controlled by a suitable control unit that is able to open or to close the at least one valve, intended to control the flow from each tank 11 to the launch tube 4.

According to different possible embodiments of the amusement ride, the gas is supplied from the at least one tank 11 at one or more position(s) of the launch tube 4. Advantageously, by supplying the gas at different positions inside the tube 4 it is possible to better control the gas distribution inside the launch tube 4. In particular it allows to obtain a more gradual increasing of the pressure inside the launch tube 4 and thus a gradual acceleration of the vehicle 2 can be obtained.

According to a possible embodiment, the gas is injected into the launch tube 4 at two or more different positions PI - P5 (see figure 1), and preferably the two or more positions PI - P5 at which the gas is supplied from said one or more tanks 11 are arranged in succession along the direction X along which said at least one vehicle 2 is moved inside said at least one launch tube 4.

So that it is possible to inject the gas into a position closer to the pressure surface 20, 20' of the vehicle during the launch phase, during which the vehicle 2 starts to move inside the launch tube 4.

Additionally, the positions PI - P5 at which the gas is injected inside launch tube 4 are closed in case of failure of the launch system, to decelerate and/or brake the at least one vehicle 2 that is returning inside the launch tube 4. More in detail, in case of failure, and in general in the case the launched vehicle is not able to reach the highest point of the track, it returns by a backward motion along the track 3, inside the launch tube 4.

The backward motion of the at least one vehicle 2 can be decelerated and stopped inside the launch tube 4, in fact, the air present inside the tube is compressed therein due to the backward movement of the vehicle.

It has to be noted that in the embodiment shown in figure 1, five injection positions PI - P5 of the gas into the launch tube 4 are provided. The one or more tanks 11 can be connected to different positions by suitable ducts so that the gas can be injected therein. Preferably, each tank 11 is separately connected to one position PI - P5 at which the gas is injected into the launch tube 4. Even if not shown in figure 7, also this embodiment can be provided with different injection positions of the gas, as disclosed in connection to the embodiment of figure 1. It has to be noted that even if not shown in the figures, also in the case the amusement ride comprise one single tank 11, the gas can be supplied at different positions PI - P5 inside the launch tube 4. In particular, suitable ducts can be provided to distribute the gas of the single tank 11 to said different positions PI - P5 of the launch tube 4 at which it is injected therein.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, two or more tanks 11 to store the gas are provided. The two or more tanks 11 are connected to the launch tube 4, and according to a preferred embodiment, they supply the gas at different positions along the launch tube 4.

It has to be noted that the presence of two or more tanks 11 allow to reduce the dimension of each tank and additionally it increases the control of the gas injected into the launch tube. In fact, each tank 11 can be selectively connected to the launch tube 4 and the storage pressure of the gas inside each tank can be different.

It has to be noted that the according to possible embodiment, as it will be disclosed in greater detail herein below in connection to the method of operating an amusement ride according to the invention, the gas from the tank 11 can be supplied into the launch tube in succession. This aspect is particularly useful when two or more tanks 11 are provided thus allowing the supply of the gas from the two or more tanks 11 in succession. By doing so, the pressure inside the launch tube can be controlled in an accurate manner thus providing the desired acceleration to the vehicle.

The number of tanks 11 for storing the gas can be varied according to different possible configurations. According to different possible embodiments the number of thanks 11 is comprised in the range 2 to 10, preferably 2 to 7, more preferably 3 to 5, most preferably the number of tanks is equal to 5.

As already mentioned above, in the embodiment shown in figure 1, five tanks 11 are connected to the launch tube 4. Each of which is connected to the launch tube by ducts 12 and the flow from the tank 11 to the launch tube is controlled by means of at least one valves 13. Preferably two or more valves 13 are provided for each connection so that a safety redundancy for the control of the gas flow injected into the launch tube 4 can be obtained.

Advantageously, the presence of two or more tanks 11 having reduced volume and storing the gas at high pressure conditions allows to obtain a gradual increasing of the pressure inside the launch tube resulting in a gradual increase of the velocity of the tube. Therefore the acceleration of the vehicle 2 can be easily controlled in the amusement ride according to the invention that is not limited to a specific value but it can be regulated under the operating conditions and the desired acceleration performances. Additionally, it has to be noted that the use of two or more thanks 11 to store the gas also allows to reduce the waste of gas and of energy. In fact, according to different load conditions of the vehicle 2 and also in relation to different acceleration requirements, only a certain number of tanks 11 can be connected to the launch tube 4 in order to inject therein only the amount of gas necessary to provide the desired acceleration. The present invention also relates to a method of operating an amusement ride of the type disclosed above, wherein pressurized gas is used to impart the desired acceleration to at least one vehicle. The method comprises the step of storing said gas in one or more tanks 11 at high pressure conditions and/or the step of supplying said gas inside said at least one launch tube 4 from said one or more tanks 11 at gauge pressure equal or below 2 atm, preferably equal to or below 1.5 arm, more preferably at 1 arm.

Therefore, according to an aspect of the invention, the gas is injected into the launch tube at lower pressure value than the pressure value at which the gas is stored inside the tank. As already mentioned above, the gas is preferably stored at high pressure condition into the tank(s) 11, at a pressure equal to or above 6 bars, and preferably at a pressure equal to or above 8 bars.

According to aspect of the invention, the gas is supplied from one or more tanks 11 at one or more, preferably two or more, different positions PI - P5 inside the at least one launch tube 4. According to an aspect of the invention the step of supplying the gas at different positions is performed in succession, i.e. by supplying the gas at one position and supplying the gas in correspondence of at least one another position after a predetermined amount of time.

It has to be noted that the step of supplying gas at different positions is particularly advantageous when two or more tanks 11 are used for storing the gas. In fact, it is possible to increase the control of the pressure inside the launch tube 4, and thus of the acceleration of the vehicle. However, even if only one tank 11 is provided in the amusement ride, it is also possible to supplying the gas in succession at said two or more different positions PI - P5 inside the at least one launch tube 4.

According to an aspect of the invention in the step of supplying said gas inside said at least one launch tube 4, at least two or more tanks 11 are fluidically connected in succession to the at least one launch tube 4 to inject the gas therein.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of fluidically connecting one of said at least two tanks 11 to the at least one launch tube 4, and after a predetermined amount of time at least one another tank is fluidically connected to the at least one launch tube 4 to inject the gas therein. It has to be noted that two or more tanks 11 can be fluidically connected at the same time to supply gas into the launch tube 4 and after a predetermined amount of time, at least one another tank 11 is connected to the launch tube 4 to supply gas therein.

According to different possible embodiment of the operating method according to the invention, the amount of time between the connection of one tank 11 and the subsequent connection of at least one another tank 11 is equal to or below 1 second, preferably equal to or below 0.8 second, more preferably equal to or below 0.5 second, and most preferably equal to or below 0.3 second.

As already mentioned above, the operating method also can comprises the step of connecting only a predetermined number of said two or more tanks 11 with the launch tube in order to provide the necessary amount of gas therein.

The method can comprise the step of closing the fluid connection with the one or more tanks 11, in case of failure, to close the launch tube thus decelerating and braking the vehicle movement that returns inside the launch tube.

As already mentioned above the amusement ride and in particular the gas supply means comprises one or more valve 13 intended to selectively connect each tank 11 to the launch tube. The valve(s) 13 are activated by a control unit which is not shown in the figures. More in detail, in the method according to the invention at least one tank 11 is connected to said at least one launch tube 4 by activating at least one valve 13.

Figure 4 is a graph showing the speed, acceleration and jerk of a vehicle 2, in relation to the travelled distance along the track, during the launch phase under the conditions of a possible embodiment of the invention.

It has to be noted that in the graph the speed of the vehicle is shown by a dashed line and is expressed in mph (miles per hour), the acceleration of the vehicle is shown by a dotted line and is expressed in gXlO, and the jerk to which the vehicle is subjected is shown by a continuous line and is expressed in g/sec.

As shown in the graph of figure 4, the embodiment of the amusement ride according to the invention allows to obtain a gradual acceleration of the vehicle that is at the same time not subjected to high jerk rates during the acceleration phase.