NZ568424A - Closed circuit wind tunnel with inclined section - Google Patents

Abstract

A closed circuit wind tunnel (100) with particular use for recreational purposes is disclosed. The tunnel includes a fan that creates a circulating air current, and at least one flight chamber (20, 40) that has a launch area (60) at one end and a landing area (70) at the other. The landing area is upwind from, and lower than, the launch area. The flight chamber has an inclined floor leading from the launch area to the landing area. The roof is inclined parallel to the floor, so that the flight chamber has a constant cross section across the incline gradient. The tunnel may be used for indoor hang gliding and may include conveying apparatus to move a glider from the landing area back to the launch area.

Description

James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH *10056519173* PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $250.00 After Provisional No: 568424 Dated: 21 May 2008 Free Flight Wind Tunnel We DeltaVDevelopment Ltd of 3B/40 Charlotte Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1003, a New Zealand Company, hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 1 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424 FREE FLIGHT WIND TUNNEL STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS This application is based on the Provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application Number 568424, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a wind tunnel for entertainment purposes. More particularly, this invention relates to a wind tunnel for glider flying and training.

BACKGROUND ART There are a number of well known methods available for a person to experience free-flight in a natural environment. Such methods include gliding, hang gliding, parachuting or paragliding. While these activities create an excellent flying experience, they are available only to a very limited number of people. The main limiting factors are cost, time involved, and the skills and experience needed to perform the task safely. It is also difficult to find suitable locations in which to experience or practice these methods, and they are subject to climactic constraints - primarily wind and temperature. Additionally, outdoor flying requires a certain level of fitness and is not always suitable for the very young or elderly, or those less confident.

There have been some attempts to make the experience of flight available to the wider public, in particular the vertical free fall experienced in a parachute jump. Vertical wind tunnels that suspend a user mid-air, similar to the falling experienced in the free fall period of a parachute jump, are well known.

US Patent No. 6,083,110 describes a vertical wind tunnel amusement device 2 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424 where the user may experience free fall through the atmosphere from the safety of an enclosed flight chamber.

US Patent No. 5,753,811 describes an aerodynamic tunnel particularly suited for entertainment purposes, that contains vertical diffusers which produce a column of air that allows a person, positioned within the air column, to experience a state of weightlessness.

While both of these wind tunnels go some way to providing a safe environment in which to experience flight, they are not suitable for simulating free flight involving substantial horizontal movement, such as that experienced when gliding or hang-gliding. Vertical wind tunnels are successful in maintaining a person in mid-air, but do not allow for any controlled movement in a horizontal direction for any significant length of time. It is this horizontal flying motion that is needed to imitate the experience of gliding in the outdoors.

Horizontal wind tunnels are known and have been used by institutions such as NASA since the early 1900's. These wind tunnels are most commonly adapted for use in the safety testing and flying of model aircraft, and aviation research and development. As such they are not suitable to, or adapted for, a recreational flight experience for the general public.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what 3 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH their authors assert, and the applicant reserves the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art in New Zealand, or in any other country DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a substantially horizontal closed circuit wind tunnel amusement device enclosing a circulating air current, wherein the wind tunnel includes; • at least one fan; and • at least one elongate flight chamber containing a launch area and a landing area, characterised in that: • the landing area is located at a position upwind from and lower than the launch area; and • the at least one flight chamber has an inclined floor extending from the launch area to the landing area, and an inclined roof substantially parallel to the inclined floor such that the at least one flight chamber has a substantially constant cross section across the incline gradient.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a substantially horizontal closed circuit wind tunnel amusement device enclosing a circulating air current, wherein the wind tunnel includes; 4 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424 • two fan chambers, each fan chamber containing at least one fan; • two elongate flight chambers, each flight chamber containing a launch area and a landing area characterised in that: • each landing area is located at a position upwind from and lower than its corresponding launch area; • each flight chamber has an inclined floor extending from the launch area to the landing area, and an inclined roof substantially parallel to the inclined floor such that each flight chamber has a substantially constant cross section across the incline gradient; • the two fan chambers are located on substantially opposite sides of the closed circuit; and • the two flight chambers are located on substantially opposite sides of the closed circuit, and substantially perpendicular to the fan chambers.

In a further preferred embodiment, the wind tunnel includes vanes for directing the circulating wind current.

Preferably, the vanes are located in the outer corners of the interior of the wind tunnel.

More preferably, the vanes are curved.

In the context of the invention the term "vanes" is taken to mean any apparatus that is able to direct the flow of air in a specific direction. The vanes of the present invention may be formed from a variety of materials, for example plastic, James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424 fabric or aluminium or any other material as would be considered suitable by a person skilled in the art.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the at least one fan apparatus is located inside a fan chamber.

Preferably, the cross section of the fan chamber is of substantially the same dimensions as the cross section of the at least one flight chamber.

Preferably, the at least one fan chamber contains a plurality of fan apparatus.

Preferably, the plurality of fan apparatus housed within the fan chamber are axial fans.

Preferably, the fan apparatus maintain a wind speed of between 20 and 50 km/hr within the tunnel.

More preferably, the fan apparatus maintain a wind speed of between 30 and 40 km/hr within the tunnel.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flight chamber includes a glider transport apparatus for moving a gliding device from the landing area to the launch area.

More preferably, the glider transport apparatus is in the form of a conveyor system.

Still, more preferably, movement of the gliding device via the conveyer system is effected by the circulating wind current within the tunnel.

Gliding devices of the present invention include, but are not limited to hang-gliders, paragliders or kites. It will be apparent that other gliding apparatus not exemplified may be used in the wind tunnel of the present invention and the 6 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424 invention provides for the use of any gliding apparatus that is capable of being used within a substantially horizontal wind tunnel.

In a further alternative embodiment, the flight chamber includes an air conditioning unit.

Preferably, the air conditioning unit creates airflow perpendicular to the main circulating air current.

More preferably, the air conditioning unit creates airflow of enough speed to create disturbances in the main circulating air current, such as to alter the vertical trajectory of a glider within the flight chamber.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the launch area within the flight chamber contains a launch platform.

Preferably, the height of the launch platform may be varied.

Preferably, the launch platform includes a mechanism for acceleration, such as a spring or an inclined surface.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the launch area includes a barrier to substantially shelter the user from the air flow.

Preferably, the barrier is located upwind of the launch platform.

More preferably the barrier is moveable.

Still more preferably, the barrier is perforated.

Preferably, the launch area includes a glider attachment mechanism for holding the glider safely in the launch area and for releasing the glider from the launch area for take off. 7 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424 In another preferred embodiment, the landing area within the flight chamber contains a landing platform to assist the landing of the user.

Preferably, the landing area includes a safety net. Still more preferably the landing platform is height adjustable.

In a further preferred embodiment, the inclined floor within the flight chamber has a gradient from 1 to 10 degrees.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for gliding within a substantially horizontal closed circuit wind tunnel, the method including; • providing an air flow inside a wind tunnel amusement device, the wind tunnel including; • at least one fan; • at least one elongate flight chamber containing a launch area and a landing area, wherein the landing area is located at a position upwind from and lower than the launch area and wherein the at least one flight chamber has an inclined floor extending from the launch area to the landing area, and an inclined roof substantially parallel to the inclined floor such that the at least one flight chamber has a substantially constant cross section across the incline gradient; • launching a gliding apparatus headlong into the air flow from the launch platform; • maintaining the glider in flight along a portion of the flight chamber; and 8 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH • landing the gliding apparatus in a portion of the flight chamber remote from the launch area.

Preferably, the gliding apparatus is landed in the landing area of the flight chamber.

Preferably, the gliding apparatus includes wheels for assisting launch and improving ease of landing.

The wind tunnel amusement device and method of gliding using the wind tunnel of the present invention provides advantages over current wind tunnels known in the art. The wind tunnel device is designed to allow members of the public of all ages and sizes to experience glider flight in a safe, controlled environment. The indoor environment allows flying in all weather conditions and also allows for members of the public to view others gliding inside the tunnel. More experienced gliders are also provided with an opportunity to enhance their skills within a controlled environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the wind tunnel apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the wind tunnel apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of a fan chamber of the wind tunnel apparatus of Figures 1 and 2; 9 James & Welis Ref: 234106/75 LH Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figure 1 illustrates a wind tunnel amusement device 100 in a preferred form of the invention. The wind tunnel 100 comprises fan chambers 10 and 30 and flight chambers 20 and 40 arranged so as to complete a closed circuit. Axial fans 15 and 35 are located within the fan chambers 10 and 30 and are positioned such that the airflow generated from the fans 15 and 35 is directed down the incline of the fan chambers 10 and 30 and up the incline of flight chambers 20 and 40. In the preferred use of the invention, two users will be able to experience gliding simultaneously, with one user experiencing gliding in flight chamber 20 and a second user experiencing gliding in flight chamber 40. shows a side elevation view of the fan chamber of the wind tunnel apparatus depicted in Figures 1 and 2; shows a side elevation view of the flight chamber of the wind tunnel apparatus of Figures land 2; shows a side elevation view of the glider conveyer depicted more generally in Figure 5; shows a side elevation view of the flight chamber of the wind tunnel apparatus of Figures 1,2, 5 and 6, including possible flight paths for different users; shows a perspective view of a glider for use in the wind tunnel of Figures 1-7; and shows a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a wind tunnel apparatus according to the present invention.

James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424 As shown by arrows A in Figures 1 and 5, the closed circuit airflow generated flows up the incline of each of the flight chambers within the tunnel. It will be understood that the number of fans used to generate this air fiow may vary depending on the size of both the fan chamber containing the fans, and the amount of air generated by each individual fan. As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the fan chambers 10 and 30 preferably each contain two fan apparatus (15 and 15A and 35 and 35A) to produce airflow within the tunnel 100. At least two fan apparatus within the fan chambers 10 and 30 have been found by the applicant to be preferable. From a financial perspective, the cost of more than one fan apparatus 15 or 15A is likely to be higher than a single fan apparatus, but for reliability of operation, more than one fan apparatus is preferred. If one fan apparatus fails, loss of thrust, lift and corresponding air velocity can be compensated for either by the adjustment of the angle of attack of the glider, and/or increasing the output of the remaining fan apparatus within the fan chamber.

Figure 3 shows a cross section of a fan chamber 10 of Figures 2 and 4, wherein the fan chamber 10 contains two axial jet fans 15 and 15A. In this preferred embodiment, the two fans are axial jet fans and are mounted at a height equidistant from the floor and ceiling of the fan chamber 10, providing a means for dispersing the air flow evenly within the tunnel 100. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other arrangements of fan apparatus may be used, such as placing the fan apparatus on the floor of the fan chamber, or mounting the fan apparatus on the walls of the fan chamber 10. As foresaid, the number of fan apparatus 15 and 15A within the fan chambers 10 and 30 may also be varied, for example a larger number of smaller fan apparatus may be used instead of a small number of large fans. 11 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424 In order to further control the airflow conditions within the tunnel 100, variable speed axial jet fans (such as those made by Howden or The American Fan Company) are preferably used. Axial jet fans are suitable for moving large quantities of air efficiently in a tunnel environment while producing little noise. Having the option of varying the speed of the airflow allows for more precise control of the gliding experience within the flight chambers 20 and 40, as the air speed may be adjusted to accommodate gliders of different sizes and weights.

Preferably, the number and configuration of fan apparatus 15,15A, 35 and 35A will be sufficient to produce airflow within the tunnel 100 of between 20-50 km/hr. It has been found by the applicant that a wind speed of between 30-40 km/hr allows a glider ranging in size between 13.5 m2 - 17 m2 to descend down the incline flight chamber 20 or 30 at a manageable and safe speed. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exact rate of the glider's decent will be relative to the weight and size of the glider (and any passenger(s)), and will also be dependant on the launch height and attack angle of the glider. Preferably, the wind speed within the tunnel 100 will remain substantially constant during any given flight, and the weights of different users will be accounted for through calculated changes to the launch height and attack angle of the glider, as described in further detail below.

In the preferred configuration of the wind tunnel 100 of Figure 1, the fan chambers 10 and 30 have the same cross sectional area as the flight chambers 20 and 40 so as to minimise air pressure losses. By maintaining a constant cross section between chambers, there is minimal reduction in flow velocity within the wind tunnel 100 and the likelihood of flow separation is reduced.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the fan apparatus motor axels may be equipped with flywheels that will keep the fans rotating after a power supply 12 V James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424 interruption. This will ensure that the airflow is not cut off completely and will decrease slowly, allowing gliders to land safely in the event of interruption to the power supply. Electric drive motors powering the fans are still more preferably located outside the fan chamber (wind tunnel) so as keep airflow disturbance to a minimum.

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5, the flight chambers 20 and 40 and fan chambers 10 and 30 are connected by corner sections 51-54. These corner sections 51-54 act to maintain airflow between the fan and flight chambers. Vane assemblies 80 (best seen in Figure 2) are placed within these corner sections to reduce air pressure losses and therefore power consumption. The vane assemblies 80 also act to reduce the turbulence of air entering the flight chambers 20 and 40 to help provide a smoother airflow in which to glide.

Figures 2 and 5 also illustrate safety nets 90. The safety nets 90 are located between the fan chambers 10 and 30 and the flight chambers 20 and 40. Preferably, the safety nets 90 are located at the upwind extreme of the landing area and at the downwind extreme of the launch area, such they prevent that the glider and user from entering the vane assemblies 80 or the fan chambers 10 and 30. This provides both a safe, contained environment within the flight chambers 20 and 40 for the user, and protection of the vane assemblies 80 and fan apparatus 15,15A, 35 and 35A from potential damage from a misplaced glider and/or user. The safety nets also provide a barrier for any debris that may have entered the fan chambers 10 and 30 and prevents debris in the flight chambers 20 and 40 from entering the fan chambers and fouling the fans. This ensures both that the operation of the fans is not jeopardised and that the possibility of the glider/user being subjected to any airborne debris within the flight chambers 20 and 40 is minimised. Preferably the safety screens are manufactured from a material which does not disrupt the airflow within the wind 13 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH tunnel 100 such as flexible, resilient netting. Still more preferably the netting material will be strong enough to support the weight of a glider and passenger. It will be appreciated that the positioning of the safety nets 90 may be changed to adapt to tunnels of different shapes or configurations, and the number of safety nets 90 depicted in Figures 2 and 5 should not be seen as limiting. As many safety nets 90 should be included within the wind tunnel 100 as needed to meet any official safety requirements.

The flight chambers 20 and 40 of the wind tunnel 100 are illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6. The flight chambers 20 and 40 provide an environment in which the user is able to experience gliding. The flight chambers 20 and 40 each contain a launch area 60 where the user is attached to a gliding device. The user is then launched from a platform 61 within the launch area 60 into the oncoming airflow to glide to the landing area 70 in known fashion.

As will be appreciated from Figures 1, 5 and 6 the flight chambers 20 and 40 each have an inclined fioor and an inclined roof running substantially parallel to the floor. By creating this gradient within the flight chambers 20 and 40, the airflow will be directed substantially up the gradient as shown by the arrow A in Figures 1 and 5, providing a lift force which will enable a glider to be supported in the air. The lift of the user and glider within the tunnel 100 can be calculated using the lift equation: L = o V2 CL S 2 wherein p is air density, V is relative velocity, CLis the lift coefficient and S is the wing area of the glider in m2. The lift generated within the wind tunnel 100 by the glider is proportional to the ground speed of the glider. The ground speed can be selected by individual users, according to their preferred flight time. For those 14 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH requesting a shorter flight time, the ground speed will be increased such they reach the landing area 70 sooner.

A second advantage of the inclined flight chambers 20 and 40 is that, due to the constant cross section of the flight chambers 20 and 40, the maintenance of the airflow at the required velocity within the flight chambers 20 and 40 can be achieved using less power than would be necessary in a chamber without a constant cross section, for example a flight chamber having an inclined floor, but a horizontal roof. Different types and sizes of glider that are operated within the wind tunnel 100 will produce different glide paths, therefore influencing the desired incline gradient of the flight chambers 20 and 40. As users of different weights will also produce different glide paths within the flight chambers 20 and 40, the incline of the flight chambers must be constructed such that a range of different users may be accommodated. In a preferred form of the invention, the incline of the flight chambers 20 and 40 is angled at between 1-10 degrees which the applicant has found to accommodate flight paths for users over a large range of weight, and also accommodate the changes in flight path for a range of different gliders.

As shown in Figure 7, in the preferred embodiment, flight chambers 20 and 40 are 30 meters in length and have an incline gradient of 3.4 degrees, giving a height difference of 1.78m from the launch area 60 to the landing area 70. Assuming a glider with a weight of 28kg and a wing area of 16m2, the required launch height can be calculated for users of different weights using the aforementioned lift equation and assuming that the air velocity and air densities are constant. Flight paths for users of both 40kg weight and 90 kg weight are shown in Figure 7, with an increase in launch height required for each of the different weight users, to provide a flight path of an appropriate angle such that the user finishes their flight at landing area 70. A 90kg pilot as shown in Figure 7 V James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424 must launch from a height of 2.35m above the landing area 70 (0.57m above the launch area floor 60) in order to finish the flight at the landing area 70. The launch platform 61 is preferably capable of being elevated to lift the user into the appropriate launch position. The appropriate launch heights and flight paths for users of different weights can be determined using glide ratios determined from lift and drag coefficients associated with individual gliders at specific wind speeds, and using standard trigonometric equations. Such calculations will be well known to those skilled in the art.

In the wind tunnel 100 of Figure 1, flight chambers 20 and 40 may optionally have different incline gradients, so as to be optimally suited to a number of different glider styles within a single installation. It will again be understood by a person skilled in the art that flight chambers of varying lengths will be possible, with an increase in flight chamber length resulting in the need for an increase in height at the top of the incline to maintain the required gradient needed to support a range of glider flight paths.

The width of the flight chambers 20 and 40 is preferably between 15m to 20m so as to accommodate a range of glider sizes. Preferably, the wing span of the glider to be used within the wind tunnel 100 is less than 80% of the width of the flight chambers 20 and 40 to allow for any sideways movement of the glider within the chamber. This reduces the risk of damaging either the walls of the flight chambers 20 and 40 or the wings of the glider during flight. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the height of flight chambers 20 and 40 should be such that a glider may be launched from an elevated position without danger of contacting the ceiling. Preferably the height of the flight chambers is between 7-10 meters. Gliders known in the art that do not have a central king post will have a lower overall height and are preferable for use in the wind tunnel 100. Reducing the height of the flight chambers 20 and 40 will result in 16 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH decreased power consumption and increase the overall efficiency of the wind tunnel 100.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in Figures 1 and 5, an air conditioning unit 300 is located above one or both of the flight chambers 20 and 40. The air conditioning unit 300 can be operated such that airflow disturbances are created by introducing airflow from a direction different to that produced by the fan apparatus 15,15A, 35 and 35A, into the flight chamber 20 and 40. The addition of a secondary airflow will create a more turbulent ride for the glider, which will appeal to those looking for a less steady gliding experience.

The air conditioning unit 300 also provides a means for maintaining the temperature and humidity within the wind tunnel 100 at a comfortable level. The circulating airflow within the tunnel 100 distributes the cool or warm air produced by the air conditioner, therefore maintaining a substantially constant temperature/humidity within the tunnel 100.

It is also envisioned that entertainment apparatus (not shown) may be located within the flight chambers 20 and 40 to enhance the gliding experience of the user. The entertainment apparatus may include a range of audio and visual media such as speakers and projection screens within the flight chambers 20 and 40. Preferably the entertainment apparatus provide audio and visual entertainment such as different landscapes and audio effects associated with such landscapes (for example bird sounds accompanying a forest landscape). The visual images may be projected on to the walls, ceiling and/or floor of the flight chambers 20 and 40. The images may be projected directly on to the existing structure of the tunnel 100, the visible sides of barriers 90 or separate projector screens may be installed on which images may be projected. It is envisioned that the entertainment provided will be optional and may be selected 17 James & Welis Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424 by the user of the wind tunnel 100. Preferably, the entertainment apparatus will be arranged such that different entertainment options may be employed simultaneously in each of the separate flight chambers 20 and 40.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that some means of returning the gliding apparatus to the top of the flight chamber is desirable. Thus, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention flight chambers 20 and 40 are fitted with a glider transport apparatus to transport gliders from the landing area 70 back to the launch area 60. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate one preferred example of the glider transport apparatus, wherein a glider 26 may be attached to a manual or automatic conveyer system 25 at the landing area 70, and transported to the launch area 60 by the conveyer system 25. The conveyer system 25 in the preferred embodiment includes a group of at least two pulleys or rollers 27, the group of rollers or pulleys 27 being spaced between a first pulley or roller 27A located on the ceiling of the flight chamber 20, substantially above the landing area 70, and a second pulley or roller 27B located on the ceiling of the flight chamber 20, substantially above the launch area 60. Additional pulleys or rollers 27 are attached to the ceiling of the flight chamber 20 at discrete intervals between the first pulley or roller 27A and the second pulley or roller 27B. The group of pulleys or rollers 27 is substantially encircled by a taut belt, rope, chain or similar 28 forming a closed circuit around the perimeter of the group of pulleys or rollers 27. On rotation of the pulleys or rollers 27 in known fashion, the belt 28 (for example) surrounding the pulleys or rollers 27 is rotated simultaneously, providing a moving conveyor 25 along the ceiling of the flight chamber 20. The conveyor 25 also includes attachment mechanisms 29 to which corresponding attachment mechanisms on the glider may be removeably attached. In the preferred embodiment, a glider 26 (without a user) includes a hook mechanism 26A which can be received in a corresponding eye 29 on the conveyor system 18 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424 . In use, the glider 26 is attached to the conveyor system 25 at the landing area 70. Following attachment the glider 26 is transported along the length of the flight chamber 20 to the launch area. Once the glider 26 has reached the launch area 60, the conveyor system 25 is stopped and the glider 26 disengaged from the attachment mechanism 29 on the conveyor system 25.

In the preferred embodiment, movement of the glider along the conveyor system 25 will be effected by the airflow within the tunnel 100. The wings of the glider 26 attached to the conveyor system 25 are lifted by the airflow and the glider 26 is carried up the incline of the flight chamber 20 by the continuous circulating airflow. The glider 26 is then removed from the conveyor system 25 by an operator at the launch area 60, for reuse. This preferred embodiment should not however be seen as limiting as means for powering the conveyer (for example an electric motor) might also be utilised to assist transportation.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the conveyer system 25 permits the gliding device 26 to be reused, without removing it from the wind tunnel 100 or manually carrying it to the top of the incline. By maintaining the transport of the glider 26 within the flight chambers 20 and 40, air losses are reduced and power is conserved. Alternative methods of glider transport within the flight chamber 20 (for example winching systems or hydraulic systems) will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

As will be apparent from the preceding description flight chambers 20 and 40 each contain a launch area 60, and a landing area 70. The launch area 60 is located downwind of the elevated end of the inclined floor within the flight chambers 20 and 40. This location of the launch area 60 allows the user to maximize the length of inclined chamber available in which to glide. In other variations, additional launch areas may also be located at various positions along 19 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH the flight chambers 20 and 40, providing a shorter glide path for those users that only want to fly short distances.

The landing area 70 is located upwind of the inclined floor within the flight chambers 20 and 40. When so positioned the landing area 70 will preferably be a level surface and therefore provide a safe stopping point for a user to land and disengage from the gliding device. In use however, any part of the inclined floor may be used as additional landing areas if necessary, for example if a user needed to abandon a flight or if, due to the air current slowing down or stopping, they were no longer able to reach the furthermost landing area 70.

In use, the gliding device is positioned in the launch area 60. The user is then harnessed to the gliding device in known fashion. The gliding device and user are subsequently launched from the launch area 60 into the oncoming airflow, slowly descending to the landing area in known fashion. In the preferred embodiment of the invention launch areas 60 are also configured with a launch platform 61. The launch platform 61 allows the user to launch from a position above the inclined floor of the flight chamber 20 or 40. As shown in Figure 7, users of different weights will have different flight paths all other variables being constant. Thus, an elevated and height adjustable launch platform is desirable to provide a range of different launch heights/flight paths. In a preferred embodiment, a user is weighed before being attached to the glider and the appropriate glider attack angle and launch height for the user is calculated, preferably using a computer system installed within the launch area 60. The operator is then able to set the launch platform 61 to the correct height and adjust the attack angle of the glider by moving the trapeze of the glider relative to the glider's body, such that the glider's flight path will end substantially at the landing area 70.

James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424 As aforementioned, preferably the launch platform 61 can be varied in height. A variable height launch platform 61 may be achieved by any number of ways that will be obvious to a person in the art, such as a stepped or ramped platform, a platform made from a number of different sized blocks that may be easily added or removed, or a single platform that includes a base with a height adjustment mechanism.

In further aspects of the invention the launch platform may include an additional mechanism to increase the acceleration of the launch. Such mechanisms include a sloped surface on the launch platform to increase acceleration from the platform, a sprung surface or any other mechanism that will increase the speed at which the glider is launched from the platform 71.

Thus, launching of the glider and user into the airflow may be achieved by a number of methods. In a preferred embodiment the glider (depicted in more detail in Figure 8) is configured with a carriage or framework 26C and wheels 26D, and the launch platform 61 is configured in the form of a ramp. In this way the glider may accelerate down the ramp, increasing the speed at which the glider is launched into the air.

As can be seen in Figures 2 and 5, in order to shelter the user from the airflow while they are preparing for launch, preferably a screen 62 is located in front of the launch area 60. This screen 62 is then removed once the user is ready to commence gliding.

Preferably, a glider attachment device 63 (best seen in Figure 5) is also provided at the launch area 60 to prevent premature movement of the glider while the user is strapped into it. In the preferred embodiment this attachment device 63 comprises an eye fixed to the ceiling which cooperates with a hook on the glider as previously described. Locating the eye on the roof of the tunnel 100 above the 21 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424 launch area means that it will not be in the way of the user. However as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other means of attachment and other locations may be selected.

Landing area 70 preferably contains a landing platform 71. Preferably the landing platform 71 is made from a soft deformable material (such as polyethylene foam) and may be varied in height to provide a safe landing for the glider. A variable height may be achieved in a number of ways as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art. Methods described above for varying the height of the launch platform 61 may also be employed at the landing area 71. Thus, for example, if the glider approaches the landing area 70 at too great a height, the landing platform 71 can be raised to meet the glider and facilitate a safer landing. This eliminates the need to reduce the airflow speed to lower the glider, and therefore reduces disruption of the current within the tunnel 100. This is particularly important if there is a second user gliding in the opposite flight chamber 20 or 40 at the same time.

Figure 8 shows a preferred glider 26 for use in the present invention. As shown, the glider 26 does not include a king post extending vertically above the wings 26B. The glider 26 further includes an attachment mechanism in the form of a fixed hook 26A for attaching the glider 26 to the conveyor system 25 as shown in Figure 6 and attachment device 63 as shown in Figure 5. Preferably the angle of the trapezium 26C is adjusted to achieve the optimum angle of attack for the user to achieve the desired flight path within the flight chamber. As described earlier, the angle of attack used will be dependant on the size of glider used and the weight of the user.

In a further preferred embodiment the glider 26 includes wheels 26D. These enable increased acceleration of the glider during launch, as described earlier. 22 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424 Wheels 26D also allow the glider to land easily and safely at the landing area 70 within the flight chambers 20 and 40.

Suitable hang gliders for use with the present invention are commonly known in the art and may include the Stalker Rigid glider produced by Aeros, or the ATOS VR , manufactured by A.I.R. It will be understood that variations to known models may be used and/or bespoke hang gliders may also be manufactured to suit the optimum conditions of the wind tunnel 100 and/or users. Accordingly the glider shown in Figure 8 is by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting.

Figures 2 and 4 additionally show auxiliary compartments 200 attached to the exterior of the wind tunnel 100. These auxiliary compartments 200 provide access to and from the launch areas 60 and the landing areas 70, and the fan chambers 10 and 30. As well as providing entry and exit points, the auxiliary compartments 200 may also be used for maintenance purposes, public observation areas, operating rooms or lift access. For example, one such auxiliary element 200 may be used to house the drive motors for operating the fans 15, 15A, 35 and 35A, or back-up generators in case of power failure. The potential uses of the auxiliary compartments 200 will be understood by a person skilled in the art and are not limited to those uses suggested here. The number of auxiliary compartments may also vary according to the needs of the wind tunnel system 100 and the environment in which it is situated. For example a number of public observation areas may be desirable if the wind tunnel 100 is located in a public environment, but will not be as necessary if the wind tunnel 100 is established as a training facility for specific organisations.

The wind tunnel 100 as described herein is given by way of example only. It is also envisioned that the wind tunnel 100 of the present invention can be configured in a variety of different ways which will be clear to a person skilled in 23 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH the art. Figure 9 demonstrates one such alternative embodiment. Wind tunnel 400 is developed for the use by a single gliding device at any one time, as « opposed to the double flight chamber device as previously described. In wind tunnel 400 the fan apparatus 15 and 15A are located between vane assemblies 80 in a closed circuit tunnel 410. The fan apparatus 15 and 15A create airflow in the direction of arrow B within the tunnel 410, providing a resistance for a gliding device to be launched in the direction of arrow C. The wind tunnel 400 may be constructed in a variety of different sizes, however any such wind tunnel must contain the essential features of launch and landing areas, connected by an inclined floor, with an inclined roof substantially parallel to the floor, such that the flight chamber has a substantially constant cross section across the incline gradient. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the essential features of the invention will be incorporated into wind tunnel 400 and that other similar installations of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 24 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424

Claims (29)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A substantially horizontal closed circuit wind tunnel amusement device enclosing a circulating air current, wherein the wind tunnel includes; • at least one fan apparatus; and • at least one elongate flight chamber containing a launch area and a landing area, characterised in that: • the landing area is located at a position upwind from and lower than the launch area; and • the at least one flight chamber has an inclined floor extending from the launch area to the landing area, and an inclined roof substantially parallel to the inclined floor such that the at least one flight chamber has a substantially constant cross section across the incline gradient. The wind tunnel amusement device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one fan apparatus is located inside a fan chamber. A substantially horizontal closed circuit wind tunnel amusement device enclosing a circulating air current, wherein the wind tunnel includes; • two fan chambers, each fan chamber containing at least one fan apparatus;

2.

3. 25 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424 • two elongate flight chambers, each flight chamber containing a launch area and a landing area characterised in that: • each landing area is located at a position upwind from and lower than its corresponding launch area; • each flight chamber has an inclined floor extending from the launch area to the landing area, and an inclined roof substantially parallel to the inclined floor such that each flight chamber has a substantially constant cross section across the incline gradient; • the two fan chambers are located on substantially opposite sides of the closed circuit; and • the two flight chambers are located on substantially opposite sides of the closed circuit, and substantially perpendicular to the fan chambers.

4. The wind tunnel amusement device as claimed in claims 1-3, wherein the wind tunnel includes vanes for directing the circulating air current.

5. The wind tunnel amusement device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the vanes are curved.

6. The wind tunnel amusement device of claims 2-5, wherein each fan chamber contains a plurality of fan apparatus.

7. The wind tunnel amusement device as claimed in any of claims 1 -6 wherein the fan apparatus are axial jet fans. 26 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424

8. The wind tunnel amusement device as claimed in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the fan apparatus is capable of maintaining a wind speed of between 20 and 50 km/hr within the tunnel.

9. The wind tunnel amusement apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the fan apparatus is capable of maintaining a wind speed of 30-40 km/hr within the tunnel.

10. The wind tunnel apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the inclined floor within the flight chamber has a gradient of between 1 and 10 degrees.

11. The wind tunnel amusement apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 -10, wherein the flight chamber includes a glider transport apparatus for moving gliders from the landing area to the launch area.

12. The wind tunnel as claimed in claim 11, wherein the glider transport apparatus is in the form of an overhead conveyor system.

13. The wind tunnel apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein movement of the glider on the glider transport apparatus is effected at least part by the circulating wind current within the tunnel.

14. The wind tunnel apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-13, wherein the flight chamber includes an air conditioning unit.

15. The wind tunnei apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the air conditioning unit is capable of creating airflow perpendicular to the main circulating air current. 27 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424

16. The wind tunnel apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the launch area contains a launch platform.

17. The wind tunnel apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the height of the launch platform may be varied.

18. The wind tunnei apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the launch platform includes a means for acceleration of the glider from the launch area into the flight chamber.

19. The wind tunnel apparatus as claimed in any of claims 16-18 wherein the launch area includes a barrier capable of sheltering the launch area from the circulating air current.

20. The wind tunnel apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the barrier is perforated.

21. The wind tunnel apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the launch area includes means for retaining the glider within the launch area.

22. The wind tunnel apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the landing area contains a landing platform.

23. The wind tunnel apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein the landing platform height is capable of adjustment.

24. The wind tunnel apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the wind tunnel includes at least one safety barrier between the fan apparatus and the flight chamber. 28 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424

25. The wind tunnel apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the wind tunnel includes at least one entertainment screen.

26. A method for gliding within a substantially horizontal closed circuit wind tunnel, the method including the method including; • providing an air flow inside a wind tunnel amusement device, the wind tunnel including; • at least one fan; • at least one elongate flight chamber containing a launch area and a landing area, wherein the landing area is located at a position upwind from and lower than the launch area and wherein the at least one flight chamber has an inclined floor extending from the launch area to the landing area, and an inclined roof substantially parallel to the inclined floor such that the at least one flight chamber has a substantially constant cross section across the incline gradient; • launching a gliding apparatus headlong into the air flow from the launch platform; • maintaining the glider in flight along a portion of the flight chamber; and • landing the gliding apparatus in a portion of the flight chamber remote from the launch area. 29 James & Wells Ref: 234106/75 LH 568424

27. The method for gliding as claimed in claim 26, wherein the gliding apparatus is landed substantially in the landing area of the flight chamber.

28. The wind tunnel apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 -9.

29. The method for gliding within a closed circuit wind tunnel substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 -9. DELTA V DEVELOPMENT LTD by their authorised agents JAMES & WELLS 30