US20100062868A1

US20100062868A1 - Amusement attraction

Info

Publication number: US20100062868A1
Application number: US12/522,061
Authority: US
Inventors: Karl-Heinz Mordelt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-01-05
Filing date: 2007-12-20
Publication date: 2010-03-11
Also published as: EP2117662A1; CN101610822A; DE102007001214A1; DE102007001214B4; WO2008080568A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an entertainment device with a main construction (1) designed as a character which has displaceable limbs (2), and a passenger unit (3) which is attached to the limbs (2), and the passenger unit (3) can be moved from an embarkation position into a plurality of ride positions and the limbs (2) can be moved independently of one another.

Description

The invention relates to an entertainment device, of the type used at folk festivals, annual markets or in leisure parks, for example. The entertainment device may also be termed a ride because people take seats in a passenger unit of the entertainment device and can be moved by the entertainment device in a specific way.
A ride based on a gorilla design is known from the “CIGOLAND” leisure park, Au Parc des Cigognes, Route de Selestat, 67600 Kintzheim, France. The gorilla stands with its two legs fixed on the ground of the leisure park. The gorilla is able to swivel its trunk relative to its legs about an axis linking the two hips in the hip region, between a forwardly bent and an upright position. Between its hands, the gorilla holds a passenger unit in which passengers can take a seat so that they are facing away from the gorilla during the ride, i.e. the passengers are looking in the same direction as the gorilla. The position of the centre of gravity of the passenger unit and the free pivoting movement of the passenger unit about a pivot bearing disposed in the gorilla's hands are selected so that the passenger unit always assumes a horizontal orientation during the ride. The gorilla's arms are connected to one another so that they can be jointly pivoted about an axis linking the shoulders.
The objective of the invention is to propose an entertainment device, by means of which the experience and pleasure of the passenger can be enhanced.
This objective is achieved by means of the features defined in the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
The entertainment device proposed by the invention may be designed for stationary operation, i.e. the entertainment device can not be removed from the site on which it is installed or can not be so to any significant degree, or for mobile operation, i.e. the entertainment device can be removed from the site on which it is installed by relatively simple means, for example can be loaded onto a vehicle. In the case of mobile operation, it is preferable if no or only a few parts of the entertainment device have to be removed for transport purposes, for example the arms and passenger unit.
The entertainment device comprises a main construction and a passenger unit connected to the main construction. The main construction is designed in the form of a character, in particular a living being such as a gorilla, an alien, a dinosaur, a robot or some other monster. The main construction may be designed so that the character assumes a seated or preferably a standing position. The main construction preferably comprises a supporting frame, for example made from metal, and an external cover, which is made from polyester or polyurethane or materials containing a proportion of these substances. The forces and moments which occur whilst the entertainment device is in operation can be absorbed by means of this supporting frame. The external cover is used in particular to provide the design or imitation of the character but also serves as a means of protecting the passengers against injury on the supporting frame or of protecting the supporting frame against the effects of the weather because the entertainment device can not only be erected in enclosed spaces but also outdoors.
The main construction has displaceable limbs, such as legs or preferably arms or tentacles, for example. The displaceable limbs are preferably disposed so that they are able to pivot on a trunk of the main construction. For example, the limbs can be moved in vertical planes, for example pivoted. A drive may be provided for this purpose. The limbs may essentially be moved along the vertical axis of the body of the main construction designed as a character. In particular, the limbs can each be moved in a plane and the planes are preferably disposed parallel or approximately parallel. Alternatively or in addition, each of the planes may be oriented vertically or horizontally with respect to the surface on which the entertainment device is installed. The limbs may each be mounted on the trunk of the main construction by means of a pivot bearing. The pivot bearing may rotate or pivot about a common axis, for example. It may be preferable for the trunk to be disposed between the two arm-shaped limbs, for example, in which case the pivot bearings for the limbs are disposed on the trunk in particular. A characteristic feature of the invention is the fact that the limbs can be moved separately from one another, in particular can be driven. By preference, the pivot bearings by means of which the limbs are mounted on the trunk can be pivoted separately from one another. In particular, the limbs can be moved oppositely from one another, for example alternately. If the limbs are arms of an anthropoid ape, for example, they are preferably rotatable, in particular pivotable, about a common axis linking the shoulders in the shoulder region. As a result, the arms are able to move up and down in a pivot plane.
Disposed between the limbs is a passenger unit, and the passenger unit links the limbs. By preference, the points at which the passenger unit is connected to the limbs are disposed at a significant distance from the pivot bearing of the limbs on the trunk. The passenger unit may be attached to the limbs so that it is stationary in particular, or preferably is rotatable, in particular pivotable. For example, the passenger unit may be rotatable about an axis which extends through the points or bearings by means of which the passenger unit is attached to the limbs. A pivot bearing is preferably provided at each of the points where the passenger unit is attached to the limbs and preferably has an axis of rotation which extends parallel with the pivot axis of the limbs on the trunk. It is preferable to provide a drive on one of the limbs or on both limbs in order to rotate the passenger unit about the pivot bearing, and the passenger unit is coupled with one of the limbs. Alternatively, the passenger unit may be freely rotatable. The passenger unit is preferably able to swing about its axis of rotation in a seesawing motion or is driven so that it effects a seesawing movement or full rotations, and in the case of full rotations can effect somersaults. The passenger unit may be based on the design of a carriage for example, in which case it is disposed with its wheels on a specific track for this carriage in the embarkation position and which is then lifted off the track in its ride positions and then deposited back on the track the end of the ride. Preferred combinations are a train carriage-track, bus-road, car-road, boat-river, etc. It would also be conceivable for the carriage to ride on the track initially, and then be gripped by the arms or coupled by the arms, effecting the ride effects described here. The carriage can then be deposited and continue its ride on the track. The limbs may have coupling means designed so that the carriage can be coupled with the limbs and then optionally released again. The embarkation point for passengers may be disposed along the track offset from the entertainment device.
Alternatively or preferably in addition, the passenger unit may be connected to each of the limbs by means of a universal joint. A universal joint is characterised by two pivot axes disposed more or less perpendicular to one another, and one of the pivot axes extends perpendicular to a main axis and the other one of the pivot axes extends perpendicular to an auxiliary axis. This offers the possibility of coupling the main axis with the auxiliary axis so that the auxiliary axis can be moved anywhere within a space defined by a cone, and the main axis is the axis of symmetry of the cone. The main axis is preferably disposed parallel with the pivot axis of the limbs on the trunk.
It is also preferable if at least one and in particular only one of the limbs has another pivot bearing between its pivot bearing on the trunk and the point of attachment for the passenger unit. In particular, the part of the limb disposed distally of the other pivot bearing can be pivoted in the direction towards and away from the other limb by means of the other pivot bearing. It is particularly preferably if the pivot axis of the other pivot bearing is disposed perpendicular to the pivot axis of the limbs on the trunk and/or parallel with the pivot plane of the limbs and/or spaced at a distance apart from the pivot axis of the limbs on the trunk. By particular preference, the pivot axis of the other bearing is disposed parallel with the tangent of a circle disposed around the pivot axis of the limbs and in the pivot plane of the limbs. A drive may be provided for the other pivot bearing, in which case it is preferable if the distal part is freely pivotable relative to the proximal part of the limb.
The main construction preferably has at least one other pivot bearing between a stand surface and the pivot bearing of the limbs on the trunk, in particular in the region of the hips of the main construction. It is preferable if the main construction can be rotated forwards and/or to the side, in particular pivoted, and can be driven by means of a drive. In particular, the pivot axis of a pivot bearing which enables the main construction to be pivoted forwards and backwards is disposed parallel with the pivot axis of the limbs on the trunk. A pivot bearing which enables the construction to be pivoted to the side is disposed so that the pivot axis of the pivot bearing extends transversely, in particular perpendicular to, the axis by means of which a forward and backward movement is possible or to the axis about which the limbs can be pivoted.
The passenger unit can accommodate at least one passenger. To this end, the passenger unit has at least one seat for one or more passengers. The at least one seat may be disposed so that the passenger occupying the seat as intended is looking parallel with or preferably transversely to the axis extending through the points of attachment of the passenger unit to the limb. It is preferable if the at least one passenger, positioned in a seat, is pointing or looking in a direction towards one of the limbs. A safety element is preferably provided, in particular a safety bracket, to enable the at least one passenger to be secured in position in the passenger compartment. A separate safety element is preferably provided for every passenger but it would also be possible to use a common safety element for several passengers. The passenger unit can be moved from an embarkation position into a number of ride positions. The passengers are preferably secured in the seat when in a position away from the embarkation position. In particular, means may be provided which do not release the safety element unless the passenger compartment is disposed in the embarkation position.
In embodiments incorporating several seats, the seats may be disposed so as to form groups of seats, in which case the passengers within a seat group face one another. For example, an entrance may be provided for each seat group, through which the passengers can enter the passenger compartment. The passengers can also leave the passenger unit through the entrance. However, it is preferable to provide separate exits for leaving the passenger compartment, which are disposed on a different side of the passenger compartment in particular, thereby making it possible to fill and empty the passenger compartment more quickly. This shortens the waiting times for waiting passengers. The at least one entrance and/or the at least one exit may be opened and closed by a displaceable door element. By door element is meant all elements used to lock the entrance or exit. The door preferably opens and closes automatically or by means of a remote control system operated by the operator of the entertainment device.
The main construction preferably has a head which can be pivoted forwards and/or to the side and/or about the head vertical axis for example. The head may have a mouth orifice, in particular a mouth, which can be moved up and down. This may be done by means of a gear mechanism, in particular a toggle mechanism. The mouth is opened due to a movement of the lower jaw, preferably with a combined movement of the upper jaw. Preferably, the upper jaw and the lower jaw move. In particular, the upper lip and nose move upwards and the lower jaw moves downwards when the character's mouth opens. The movement takes place in reverse when the mouth closes. The toggle mechanism is preferably driven by means of a linear drive, which pushes on a nodal element at which three rods meet, and one rod is connected to the upper jaw, one rod is connected to the lower jaw and one rod is connected to the supporting frame. This enables different degrees of movement of the upper jaw and lower jaw to be achieved. The upper jaw preferably moves more slowly and by a shorter distance than the lower jaw.
The head may also have lamp elements serving as eyes, the brightness of which can be varied in particular. For example, a dimmer or a flashing relay may be provided in order to adjust the brightness of the eyes. For example, the lamp element, in particular its dimmer, may be coupled with a sound-emitting element so that the brightness of the eyes can be adjusted on the basis of the volume and frequency of the emitted sounds. Alternatively or in addition, at least one vibrating unit may be provided, disposed in particular on the passenger unit. The vibrating unit may cause the at least one seat to vibrate, in particular as a function of an acoustic sound and/or a frequency emitted by the sound-emitting system, for example. For example, the sound-emitting system may be disposed in the region of the mouth. The sound-emitting system is preferably disposed on the passenger unit. In addition to the motion sequence proposed by the invention, this enables effects to be created, in particular by illuminating the eyes, emitting sound and/or generating a mechanical vibration in the region of the seats, thereby further enhancing the passenger's enjoyment of the ride. As an alternative to or in addition to the effect-enhancing means, a mist machine, a water thrower, a flame thrower, a soap bubble machine or similar may be provided in the mouth in order to impart an even more intense feeling of the ride to the passenger. One of these machines, e.g. the mist machine, may be oriented so that its product is directed towards the passengers as it is emitted.
For mobile operation, the main construction may be secured to a vehicle so that the main construction can be pivoted about an axis extending transversely to the direction of travel of the vehicle, in particular perpendicular to the direction of travel and parallel with the road in order to erect and dismantle the entertainment device. For example, the main construction may be pivoted about the axis by means of a crane. A drive system is preferably provided, such as a hydraulic cylinder for example, in order to pivot the main construction about the axis. In order to dismantle the entertainment device, the entertainment device, in particular the trunk, is placed almost or fully upright and the foot element together with the trunk is pivoted about the axis extending transversely to the direction of travel. In preferred embodiments, depending in particular on the height of the entertainment device, the passenger unit merely has to be detached from the limbs. For example, the limbs are likewise oriented so that they do not have to be detached for transport purposes. In other preferred embodiments, the limbs and the passenger unit are detached. Accordingly, the entertainment device comprises the foot part, the trunk part and optionally the head. Due to the pivotable arrangement of the entertainment device on the vehicle, the entertainment device can be erected and dismantled rapidly and inexpensively and transported to virtually any site. To ensure that the external cover of the entertainment devices does not suffer any damage, a strut may be provided, by means of which the entertainment device can be secured to prevent it from pivoting about the axis extending transversely to the direction of travel once it is in a lying position.
It is also preferable if, in the erected state, the main construction juts out beyond the rear or front end of the vehicle in the ready-to-travel state, in which case the jutting part may be supported from underneath by means of a support element which can be fitted on the rear or front end of the vehicle. The support element may be attached to or screwed onto the body of the vehicle for example. For example, the support element may be fitted on the body so that it can be extracted or pivoted into the supporting position.
As a result of this feature, the height of the entertainment device can be increased and the length of the vehicle used for transportation reduced. The height of the entertainment device will depend in particular on the maximum length of the transport vehicle. The length of the transport vehicle is preferably dimensioned so that the vehicle is still permitted on the road without a special licence or a heavy goods permit. The support element which can be attached to the vehicle is also used to shift the axis extending transversely to the direction of travel further in the direction of one end of the vehicle in order to dismantle the entertainment device, thereby enabling the height of the entertainment device to be increased. The support element fitted for travel purposes is removed from the position which it assumes when the entertainment device is loaded so that the vehicle is made shorter than the entertainment device in the assembled state.
The described drives for generating a rotating or pivoting movement about a rotation or pivot axis may be electric motors or fluid-driven motors, such as hydraulically or pneumatically operated motors, for example. The motors may be designed so that they generate a rotating or linear driving action. Hydraulic cylinders are preferred for a linear drive. A hydraulic cylinder is connected to one of the two elements which pivot relative to one another. The elements to be pivoted and the hydraulic cylinder then form a triangle and a pivot bearing is provided respectively at the corners of the triangle for kinematic reasons.

The invention has been described on the basis of several advantageous embodiments. The invention will be described below with reference to the appended drawings. The disclosed features advantageously contribute to the subject matter of the invention, both alone and in combination. Of the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an entertainment device,

FIG. 2 is a front view of an entertainment device,

FIG. 3 is a side view of the entertainment device illustrated in FIG. 2, and

FIG. 4 shows the entertainment device in a state ready for transport.

FIG. 1 illustrates an entertainment device comprising a main construction 1 with displaceable limbs 2 and a passenger unit 3 attached to the limbs 2. The main construction 1 has a supporting frame for bearing the load and effecting the mechanical motion sequences and an external cover. The external cover is used to impart to the entertainment device a specific form of mimicry or a motto. It is also used to protect the supporting frame from external influences. In the case of the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the external cover is designed as an anthropoid ape, a gorilla or “King Kong”. The external cover may be made from polyester or polyurethane and is preferably weather-resistant. The external cover may also be provided with a weather-resistant fur coat.
The external cover has a head 10, on which a mouth 8 and a nose 9 are disposed.
The entertainment device is illustrated in two positions. One position is the so-called embarkation position, in which the passengers can enter the passenger unit 3. The other position is an upright position of the entertainment devices in which the passenger unit 3 is raised. Although the supporting frame illustrated in FIG. 1 in the upright position is shown without an arm cover, it should be assumed that the supporting frame is fully covered because the design of the external cover shown in the background is merely symbolic in nature in order to provide a clearer understanding.
The supporting frame and the passenger unit 3 shown in FIG. 1 are the same as the supporting frame and passenger unit illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. This being the case, FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 will be described jointly below.
The illustrated entertainment device is designed for mobile use. To this end, it is disposed on a vehicle 12 and is connected to the vehicle 12 by means of a pivot bearing, which can be pivoted about a pivot axis 11 so that the entertainment device can be pivoted out of the operating position illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 into a transport position illustrated in FIG. 4.
The supporting frame comprises a foot frame 15, a trunk frame 16, an arm frame 20 and a head frame 27. In principle, the foot frame 15 could comprise a vertical support, in this case two vertical supports, for each foot of the character, forming the foot frame 15. The trunk frame 16 is pivotably connected to the foot frame 15 by means of a pivot bearing 6. The pivot bearing 6 is disposed in the region of the hips of the character. By means of a linear cylinder 18 disposed on the foot frame 15 on the one hand and on the trunk frame 16 on the other hand, the trunk frame 16 can be pivoted relative to the foot frame 15 in a bending plane.
The arm frames 20 contained in the limbs 2 are rotatably connected to the trunk frame 16 in the region of the character's shoulders by means of pivot bearings 5. The two pivot bearings 5 have a common pivot axis extending parallel with the pivot axis of the pivot bearings 6. The arm frames 20 can each be pivoted in planes parallel with the bending plane by means of a linear cylinder 17, which is connected to the arm frame and to the trunk frame 16. The two linear cylinders 17 can be operated separately from one another so that the limbs 2 and arm frames 20 are able to move in planes extending parallel with the bending plane independently of one another.
Disposed at the distal end of the limbs 2 or arm frames 20, i.e. remote from the body, is the passenger unit 3. The passenger unit 3 is connected to each of the arm frames 20 by means of a rotary bearing 7 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis S, and the pivot axis S extends through the two bearings 7 by means of which the passenger unit 3 is attached to the arm frame in each case. The passenger unit 3 is able to effect swinging movements about the pivot axis S for example. In particular, the passenger unit 3 can be rotated or driven completely around the pivot axis S, i.e. about 360°, thereby generating a somersault. The rotary bearings 7 are universal joints in particular, which permit a change in the angle of the pivot axis S of the passenger compartment 3 by reference to the arm frames 20. Such changes in angle occur during the independent movement of the arm frames 20.
Since the distance between the arm frames 20 changes when the arm frames are moved independently of one another, a pivot bearing 14 is provided on one of the arm frames 20 in order to balance the length. The pivot bearing 14 is disposed between the pivot bearing 5 of the arm frame 20 on the trunk frame and the rotary bearing 7 of the passenger compartment 3 on the arm frame 20, preferably in the region of the elbow of the character's arm. The pivot bearing 14 is able to rotate freely and preferably does not therefore need to be driven by a drive. The pivot axis of the pivot bearing 14 is preferably a tangent on a circle in the bending plane formed around the pivot axis of the pivot bearing 5. The radius of this circle preferably corresponds to the distance of the rotary bearing 14 from the pivot axis.
The passenger unit 3 is preferably freely rotatable about the pivot axis S of the passenger unit 3, for example. By preference, the passenger unit 3 can be pivoted about the pivot axis S with the aid of a drive, in particular a linear cylinder 19. If the linear drive 19 is mounted in a so-called floating position for example, the passenger unit 3 is able to rotate freely about the axis S. The medium which is sucked into or forced out of the linear cylinder 19 when the passenger unit 3 is rotating freely about the axis S flows through a throttle, by means of which the rotating movement of the passenger unit 3 about the axis S is damped. It is preferable if the throttle can be adjusted in terms of its flow passage and hence damping effect.
The entertainment device or supporting frame has a head frame 27, by means of which the mimicry of the character's face can be changed. In particular, the mouth 8 can be opened up and the nose 9 moved upwards together with the upper lip of the mouth 8. To this end, the head frame 27 has an upper jaw element 22 and a lower jaw element 23, and the upper jaw element 22 is essentially responsible for moving the upper jaw and the lower jaw element 23 is responsible for the movement of the lower jaw. The movement of the upper jaw element 22 and the lower jaw element 23 is effected by means of a linear cylinder 21, which is connected at one end to the head frame 27 and at the other end to a toggle unit 24, 25, 26. When the mouth 8 opens, the upper jaw 22 moves to a lesser degree than the lower jaw 23, i.e. by a shorter distance,. To this end, the toggle unit 24, 25, 26 has several levers, each of which is rotatably mounted at its ends. A first lever 24 is connected to the head frame 27 and to the linear cylinder 21. A second lever 25 is connected to the lower jaw element 23 and to the linear cylinder 21. A third lever 26 is connected to the upper jaw element 22 and to the linear cylinder 21. In particular, the levers 24, 25, 26 are connected to one another at the point at which they are linked to the linear cylinder 1. The first lever 24 is preferably the longest of the levers 24, 25 and 26, followed by the third lever 26 and the second lever 25, and lever 26 is longer than lever 25.
The entertainment device may be provided with means for producing other effects, such as for example lamp means, sound-generating means, a mechanical means generating mechanical vibration, such as vibrators for example, or means ejecting particles. These means may be mounted on the head, for example, especially in the character's mouth 8. Alternatively or in addition, such means may also be provided on the passenger unit 3. Vibrators generating mechanical vibrations are preferably mounted underneath the seats of the passengers in order to produce a vibrating effect. Another option is to mount a sound-generating means on the passenger unit 3. In particular, a mist machine or similar may be mounted in the mouth 8 and lamp means may be provided as eyes on the character's head.
As illustrated in FIG. 3 in particular, the passenger unit 3 has four seat groups, each of which comprises two rows of seats facing one another. Several seats may be arranged adjacent to one another in a seat row. A safety element is provided for each passenger, in particular a safety bracket, so that the passenger is secured on the seat during the ride. The passengers are seated with their front along the pivot axis S of the passenger compartment 3. Consequently, the passengers are each facing the direction of one of the limbs 2.
An entrance and an exit are provided on the longitudinal sides of the passenger unit 3 for each of the seat groups. The entrances are preferably disposed on one longitudinal side and the exits on the other longitudinal side lying opposite to enable rapid embarkation and disembarkation of the passengers.
In order to transport the entertainment device from one site to another, it is pivoted about a longitudinal axis 11 from a vertical into a horizontal position, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The pivot axis 11 is disposed transversely to the direction of travel of the vehicle and parallel with the road. To enable safe transport, the supporting frame is fixedly connected to the chassis 12 by means of a transport strut 28. The transport strut 28 preferably stands vertically on the chassis 12. In the transport position, the foot frame 15 and the trunk frame 16 are preferably oriented in the same direction. In particular, the limbs and passenger unit 3 are removed from the main construction for transport purposes. The supporting frame may be transported alone or with the external cover on it.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the foot frame 15 is placed in an upright position by means of a stand surface 4, formed by the vehicle 12 and a support element 13 designed as a fitting. Supporting the stand surface 4 from underneath by means of the support element helps to improve the standing safety of the entertainment device. As may be seen from FIG. 4, the support element 13 indicated by broken lines, namely the one on the left, is problematic as regards transport because it increases the length of the chassis 12 or vehicle, which can lead to problems during transport and with official transport permits. This being the case, the support element 13 indicated by broken lines is preferably removed for transport purposes. Without the support element 13, the chassis 12 is preferably a maximal of 12 m in length.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Main construction
2 Limbs
3 Passenger unit
4 Stand surface
5 Pivot bearing
6 Pivot bearing
7 Rotary bearing
8 Mouth orifice
9 Nose
10 Head
11 Axis
12 Vehicle
13 Support element/fitting element
14 Pivot bearing
15 Foot frame
16 Trunk frame
17, 18, 19 Linear cylinder
20 Arm frame
21 Linear drive
22 Upper jaw element
23 Lower jaw element
24 First lever
25 Second lever
26 Third lever
27 Head frame
28 Transport strut
S Pivot axis

Claims

1. An entertainment device comprising

a) a main construction (1) designed as a character which has displaceable limbs (2),

b) a passenger unit (3) which is attached to or can be attached to the limbs (2),

c) which passenger unit (3) can be moved from an embarkation position into a plurality of ride positions,

characterised in that

d) the limbs (2) can be moved independently of one another.

2. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the limbs (2) can be moved oppositely, in particular alternately.

3. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the limbs (2) are designed as arms of an imitated living being, in particular a gorilla, an alien, a dinosaur, a robot or some other monster.

4. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the limbs (2) can be moved essentially along the body vertical axis of the character-shaped main construction (1).

5. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the limbs (2) are disposed on the main construction (1) so that they are pivotable.

6. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main construction (1) has at least one pivot bearing (6) between a stand surface (4) and the pivot bearings (5) of the limbs (2), in particular in the region of the hips of the main construction (1), by means of which the main construction (1) can be pivoted forwards and/or to the side.

7. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rotary bearing (7) for the passenger unit (3) is disposed on the limbs (2) distally of a pivot bearing (5) for the limbs (2), and the passenger unit (3) can be rotated about the rotary bearing (7), in particular by means of a drive (19).

8. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the limbs (2) has a pivot baring (14) between its pivot bearing (5) and the pivot bearing (6) for the passenger unit (3), by means of which the part of the limb disposed distally of it can be pivoted towards and away from the other limb.

9. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main construction (1) has a mouth orifice (8), in particular a mouth, which can be moved open and shut.

10. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 9, wherein an upper lip of the mouth orifice (8) and a nose (9) can be moved.

11. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the character has eyes which are able to light up, in particular can be adjusted in terms of their brightness.

12. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a mouth orifice (8) or eyes are provided on a head of the character (10), and the head (10) can be pivoted forwards and/or to the side and/or about the body vertical axis.

13. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the passenger unit (3) has at least one seat for accommodating one or more passengers, and a safety element is provided for each passenger, in particular a safety bracket, in order to secure the at least one passenger on the seat when the passenger compartment (3) is in a position away from the embarkation position.

14. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one seat is disposed so that the passenger occupying the seat as intended is facing in a direction towards one of the limbs (2).

15. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one vibrating unit is provided on the passenger unit (3), which is able to cause the at least one seat to vibrate, in particular as a function of an acoustic sound which the entertainment device is able to emit.

16. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the passenger unit (3) has an entrance and an exit, and one of the entrance and exit is disposed towards the main construction (1) and the other of the entrance and exit is disposed away from the main construction (1).

17. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the entrance and/or the exit can be opened and closed by means of automatically displaceable doors.

18. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main construction (1) is secured to a vehicle (12) so that the main construction (1) can be pivoted about an axis (11) extending transversely to the direction of travel of the vehicle (12), in particular perpendicular to the direction of travel and parallel with the road in order to erect and dismantle the entertainment device.

19. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main construction (1) in the erected state juts out beyond the rear or front end of the vehicle (12) when it is ready to travel and the jutting part can be at least partially supported from underneath by means of a support element (13) which can be attached to the rear or front end of the vehicle.

20. An entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main construction (1) comprises a supporting frame and an external cover made from polyester or polyurethane.

21. The entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, whereby the limbs (2) have coupling means by means of which a passenger unit (3) moved across a ride track is coupled with the limbs (2), the limbs (2) then assume a plurality of ride positions in which the passenger unit (3) is lifted from the ride track and the passenger unit (3) is finally deposited back on the ride track again.

22. The entertainment device as claimed in claim 1, whereby once the passenger unit (3) has been deposited on the ride track, the passenger unit (3) is uncoupled from the limbs (2) and moved across the ride track away from the entertainment device.