Tilt and drop track switching element

A track switching element for an amusement ride, comprising:

• a pivotable track section, the pivotable track section having a longitudinally extending support beam having a longitudinally extending upper surface, a first end and a second end, the support beam having pivot means located between the first end and the second end, and
• a longitudinally extending rail located adjacent the upper surface, the rail adapted to receive a vehicle and having a first rail end and a second rail end, one of the first rail end and the second rail end communicating with an entry rail section when the pivotable track section is in a first position;
• a longitudinally extending first rail and a longitudinally extending second rail, wherein the first rail is connected to the second rail by way of a laterally extending cross tie;
• and
• a support structure for cooperating with the pivot means;
• wherein the pivotable track section is pivotable about the pivot means from a first position to at least a second position, one of the first rail end and the second rail end communicating with an exit rail section in the second position;
• and
• wherein the laterally extending cross tie is fixed to the upper surface of the pivotable track section by way of a connector.

A track switching element for an amusement ride, comprising:

• a pivotable track section, the pivotable track section having a longitudinally extending support beam having a longitudinally extending upper surface, a first end and a second end, the support beam having pivot means located between the first end and the second end, and
• a longitudinally extending rail located adjacent the upper surface, the rail adapted to receive a vehicle and having a first rail end and a second rail end, one of the first rail end and the second rail end communicating with an entry rail section when the pivotable track section is in a first position;
• and
• a support structure for cooperating with the pivot means;
• wherein the pivotable track section is pivotable about the pivot means from a first position to at least a second position, one of the first rail end and the second rail end communicating with an exit rail section in the second position;
• an
• wherein the upper surface of the pivotable track section further comprises latching means adapted to secure the vehicle relative to the rail.

A track switching element for an amusement ride, comprising:

• a pivotable track section, the pivotable track section having a longitudinally extending support beam having a longitudinally extending upper surface, a first end and a second end, the support beam having pivot means located between the first end and the second end, and
• a longitudinally extending rail located adjacent the upper surface, the rail adapted to receive a vehicle and having a first rail end and a second rail end, one of the first rail end and the second rail end communicating with an entry rail section when the pivotable track section is in a first position;
• and
• a support structure for cooperating with the pivot means;
• wherein the pivotable track section is pivotable about the pivot means from a first position to at least a second position, one of the first rail end and the second rail end communicating with an exit rail section in the second position;
• and
• wherein the support means further comprises a shock absorbing means, the support means adapted to engage the support beam as the support beam pivots to a limit position.