The present invention relates to closed-loop amusement ride systems, such as roller coasters, installed in amusement parks and the like.
Conventional ride systems of this type comprise a pair of rails, extending parallelly at a fixed distance from each other, and a passenger car traveling on the rails. The rails are curved into various shapes, so that the car can, for example, ascend, descend, or roll, tracing the curved configuration of the rails.
Amusement ride systems have recently been developed, which are provided with a loop portion extending vertically, in the middle of the amusement ride. In these systems, the car makes a somersault while it runs past the loop portion. Thus, passengers in the car can experience the same thrill as may be obtained during an airplane's looping the loop, among other aerial acrobatics.
In the prior art ride systems, however, the car travels on the rails with the aid of a plurality of wheels, on its bottom surface. Therefore, the car cannot run like a spinning airplane.
Thus, it would be extremely thrilling for passengers to experience a simulated spin in the car, without having an actual ride in an airplane.