Weird Vekoma Flyer Patent (standup to prone)

While wading neck high in amusement related patents, I came across one that I found very interesting. Click Here.

We all know about the four across Vekoma flyers. However, in the patent I found it is a very different version. This is a two across version that uses different restraints and is loaded with the track above like the B&M flyers. The difference between this and B&M's flyer is that this is loaded in stand-up inverted position. Was this just one idea for their flyers (there are many Vekoma patents that are just different restraint possibilities for a flying coaster). Any thoughts...

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The Other Siebert

*** This post was edited by Canadas Coaster Drew on 8/18/2002. ***

Interesting indeed.

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Im the #1 Canobie Lake Park Fan!!!These are my top 3 coasters:
1. S:RoS @ SFNE 2. Yankee Cannonball 3. Cyclone/B:TDK

Believe it or not but when I first heard about the rumor about Vekoma working on a new coaster concept back in 1996 or so, the way it was described to me was exactly the way pictured. Perhaps they ended up finding this was a better way to load than what the actually used?

-Sean

I think that way would make more sense actually. Even though it would be the "B&M" way to put the seats in the prone position, it sounds like it might be easier to check than the way now. The two across seating would also help. I wonder what the restraints for your legs and lower body would be? I think that if it where kind of set up like B&M stand-ups, but with a Vekoma "style" and two-across seating. That way that bar thing in front of the seats could be like some kind of support for holding the bottom restraint. If that makes any sense though. :)

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Call me SpongeBobAlex.

Sounds similar to a Vekoma Flyer after reclining. Before the flip.

It isn't difficult to understand, guys:

It's a flying coaster, but you're laying down flat instead of being in a seat. It would give the flying feeling much better.

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-Kyle Brylczyk
KoRn - Untouchables, June 11th, 2002

It appears that the restraint is huge - comes over your head and everything. I'd say that combined with the apparent slope that is needed to accomodate the loading process is why they scrapped this idea. It's a good concept but doesn't seem to be very well executed in this drawing.

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Steel - #1 Kumba, #2 Millie, #3 Mantis ||| Wood - #1 Thunderbolt, #2 Villain, #3 Gwazi
"The key to a happy life is moderation" -- Jon Stewart

The restraint issues without sitting would be hideous. What would the fail safe be and what would really keep you from slipping out?

The way a Vekoma is even if the vest failed the lap bar would still hold you in. This wouldn't work if you were not in a sitting position.

B and M got around this by making the vest and the lap bar all part of the same mechanism.

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All I need is 4.5 million bucks and a half a mile long sliver of land and maybe someone could build me my very own Shivering Timbers. ;)