Apparatus for imparting an undulating motion to an amusement car unit travelling in a circular path is disclosed which includes an upper rotary hub (28) and a lower track rail (D) both of which are carried concentric about a rotary axis (X). The track rail (D) is carried adjacent the ground and supports a carrier arm (C) having a generally L-shaped configuration with one arm (48) pivotably attached to the rotating hub (28). A second cantilevered arm (50) joins the pivotably connected arm (48) at the elbow portion (52). The track rail (D) is formed by a closed perimeter rail (60) having varying radii of curvature. A lower glide bracket assembly (E) pivotably supports the carrier arm (C) above the track rail and by which the carrier arm travels around the rail. A car unit (B) carried on the cantilevered arm (50) is thus caused to move in a circular undulating motion as supported by the above described underneath structure.
An amusement ride comprises a horizontal ferris wheel, having an upright shaft with a circular member rotatably mounted near the top thereof. Passenger compartments, such as gondolas, are suspended from the circular member. One or more rotatable propellers also supported on the circular member drive the circular member about the upright shaft, instead of using driven rotation of the central shaft itself through various gear or drive belt arrangements. As compared with gears and drive belts, the propeller-driven arrangement provides relatively smooth acceleration and deceleration. A flyball governor mechanism closes louvers over the propeller to control air flow therefrom, and slow rotation of the amusement ride whenever predetermined rotational speeds are reached. Relatively smaller embodiments of the invention are adapted for rapid and convenient alternate assembly and disassembly, and for transport on a trailered base thereof, for use at a desired location such as fair grounds or the like.
