A chain-type ascent system for a roller-coaster has an inclined track section having a lower upstream end and a higher downstream end relative to a predetermined direction of travel of a roller-coaster car therealong. Upstream and downstream wheels are provided at the upstream and downstream ends and a pair of I-beams define a guide slot extending between these upstream and downstream wheels and along the track section. A pair of substantially parallel and endless chains are reeved over these wheels and extend along the guide slot, and a multiplicity of shoes transversely bridge between these chains at spaced-type locations therealong. Each shoe is of I-section and is engageable in and guidable by the slot, so that the chains are supported from the shoes at the slot. In addition the chains carry at least one engagement element that can engage behind and push a roller-coaster car from upstream to the downstream end of the track section. During transport the ends of the guide can be removed and the chains can be retracted inside the central part of the guide without disassembly of these chains.
To move a rail-borne vehicle (2) over a preferably ascending partial section, a finite chain section (8) is pulled in a stationary guide (13) in parallel to the rail (23) using a cable (9). The vehicle (2) engages the chain section (8) via a chain hook (19). The two ends (35), (36) of the cable (9) are connected to the leading end (34) of the chain section (8). The vehicles (2) can be moved rapidly with this cost-saving arrangement. It is also possible to overcome steeper uphill sections than in the state of the art (pull-up devices of roller-coasters).
A pole ascension apparatus and associated method are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the apparatus includes a track connected to a pole and a portable platform portion detachably connectable to the track. The portable platform portion may move upwardly and downwardly along the track.
