The Rotor is a type of ride that consists of a spinning drum within which riders stand against the outer wall. When the ride is in motion, the floor moves downward away from the riders' feet and they are held to the sides of the drum by centripetal force. Some Rotor rides also include an upper viewing platform allowing non-riders to look in from above.
History
Ernst Hoffmeister of Germany applied for a patent of his Rotor design in 1949, which was granted in 1952. This improved upon earlier ride designs by adding a floor that was lowered when the ride started.[1] Royal American Shows introduced a Rotor ride to the United States in the mid 1950s, based on Hoffmeister's design.[2][3]
Images
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Exterior of a Rotor ride
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Interior at the start of the ride
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Interior while the ride is in motion
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References
- ↑ "E. W. Hoffmeister Rotating Amusement Cylinder US Patent 2,586,333" (PDF).
- ↑ "New Rotor-Ride Is Sensation". The Shreveport Journal. 1955-10-21. p. 2. Retrieved 2024-03-02.
- ↑ "New European Ride On Fair Midway". Chippewa Herald-Telegram. 1955-07-22. p. 3. Retrieved 2024-03-02.