Amusement park cabin ride

Abstract

A cabin ride system 10 includes a cabin 14, where the cabin 14 includes a cylinder 20 that may include a curved annular wall that can define a chamber. The cabin 14 also includes a platform 22 that may be assembled within the chamber and support a restraint 28 for a passenger. The system 10 further includes a drive system 34 that is capable of driving the rotation of the cabin 14 about a central axis 46 of the cabin 14 and driving the forward and / or backward movement of the cabin 14 along a track 12.

Description

Field of Technology

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of amusement parks. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for amusement park rides characterized by rotation about a central axis in combination with forward and / or backward movement. Background Art

[0002] Theme park or amusement park ride facilities have become increasingly popular. Some traditional rides can include multi-passenger vehicles that travel along a fixed path. In addition to the thrill created by the speed of the vehicle or the change in the direction of the vehicle as it moves along the path, the vehicles themselves can generate special effects such as sound and / or motion effects. However, in these traditional rides, the vehicles can only travel along the path in the forward and / or backward directions. Therefore, there is a need to develop new rides to provide unique motion and visual experiences for passengers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Certain embodiments that are equivalent in scope to the originally claimed subject matter are outlined below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather these embodiments are only intended to provide a brief overview of certain disclosed embodiments. In fact, the present disclosure can cover a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0004] In one embodiment, a system can include a capsule, where the capsule can include a drum, and the drum can include a wall that can define a chamber. The capsule can further include a platform that can be assembled within the chamber and can support a restraint for a passenger. The system can further include a drive system that can be capable of driving the capsule to rotate about a central axis of the capsule and driving the capsule to move forward or backward along a track.

[0005] In one embodiment, a system can include: a track; a capsule having a passenger restraint and a screen configured to display images to a passenger supported by the restraint; and a drive system capable of driving the capsule to rotate about a central axis of the capsule and driving the capsule to move forward or backward along a track of the system.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method can include positioning a platform that supports a passenger restraint within a chamber defined by a wall of a capsule, using a drive system to drive the capsule to move forward or backward along a track, and using a drive system to drive the capsule to rotate about a central axis of the capsule. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the figures, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cabin seating system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a cabin that can be used in the Figure 1 cabin seating system, wherein the cabin is in an open position;

[0010] Figure 3 is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 perspective view of the cabin, wherein the cabin is in a closed position;

[0011] Figure 4 is a side view of a cabin that can be used in the Figure 1 cabin seating system, wherein the cabin includes an additional cylinder disposed within the cabin;

[0012] Figure 5 is a side view of a cabin that can be used in the Figure 1 cabin seating system, wherein the cabin includes a plurality of rolling elements circumferentially disposed around the radial outer surface of the cabin; and

[0013] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a method of operating a Figure 1 cabin seating system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described. An attempt has been made to provide a concise description of these embodiments, and not all features of an actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as meeting system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but would still be a routine task for those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from the present disclosure. Additionally, with respect to certain terms used herein, such as annular, spherical, radial, axial, circumferential, parallel, etc., it should be understood that these terms permit certain deviations from their strict mathematical definitions, for example to allow for deviations associated with manufacturing defects and associated tolerances.

[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to amusement park ride facilities. More particularly, embodiments are directed to a cabin ride system having a cabin configured to move along a track. During a ride cycle of the cabin ride system, passengers may enter onto a platform when the cabin is in an open position, the platform being designed for passenger restraint. The platform may move along a platform track inside a cylinder (e.g., circular or octagonal column) of the cabin to close the cabin. In one embodiment, the platform is locked in place within the cylinder. Once the cabin is in the closed position, the cabin may continue to be driven forward and / or backward along the track. Additionally, the cabin ride system may include a drive system to drive the rotation of the cabin about a central axis of the cabin. Since the platform that holds the passengers may be locked into the cylinder, the drive system may drive both the cylinder and the platform to rotate. Thus, during the ride cycle, passengers may experience rotation about the central axis simultaneously with and / or separate from the forward and / or backward movement. Additionally, media and / or narrative associated with the movement of the cabin may create a motion simulator experience that allows passengers to simultaneously imagine the sights, sounds, and movements of the experience, such as flying an airplane in a barrel-roll. At the end of the ride cycle, the platform may move along the platform track inside the cylinder to open the cabin and enable the passengers to exit the cabin.

[0016] Figure 1 Cabin ride system 10 is illustrated. Cabin ride system 10 may include a track 12, which may resemble an open trough. Track 12 may be assembled in various configurations. For example, in one embodiment, the track may form hills, depressions, and / or turns, as depicted in Figure 1 FIG. []. In one embodiment, track 12 may be configured in a spiral or helical arrangement, and / or it may create a loop (e.g., a continuous or closed loop). Additionally, in one embodiment, the construction of track 12 may utilize tubular sections (e.g., annular sections) similar to hollow cylinders, in combination with and / or in place of open trough sections. The illustrated track 12 includes curved walls; however, it should be appreciated that track 12 may have any suitable geometry, such as flat walls or flat portions. Additionally, cabin ride system 10 may include one or more cabins 14 for use with track 12. In one embodiment, cabin 14 has a cylindrical shape that fits within the radial inner surface of track 12 and generally corresponds to the curvature of the radial inner surface of track 12. In one embodiment, cabin 14 may move along track 12 in a forward and / or backward direction and rotate about a central axis of cabin 14. In one embodiment, track 12 may include an area for loading and unloading passengers, which may involve opening cabin 14, as will be described in more detail below.

[0017] Figure 2An illustration of the pod 14 in the open position is provided. For ease of discussion, the pod 14 and its components can be described with reference to an axial axis or direction 16, a radial axis or direction 17, and a circumferential axis or direction 18. In the open position, the pod 14 can allow passengers to enter onto the platform 22, and the pod 14 can support the platform 22 on platform tracks 26 within the cylinder 20. The cylinder 20 of the pod 14 can have a curved annular wall that defines a chamber within the pod 14. The platform tracks 26 can include rails that can support one or more platform wheels 44 (e.g., wheels, sliders). The platform wheels 44 may be capable of being fastened to the platform tracks 26 and / or moving along the platform tracks 26. For example, the platform wheels 44 can engage the platform tracks 26 such that the platform wheels 44 can remain fastened to the platform tracks 26 when the platform 22 is inverted (e.g., the pod 14 is rotated). That is, the platform wheels 44 can include extensions that can lock into the platform tracks 26. Additionally or alternatively, the platform wheels 44 can roll between a set of parallel rails on the platform tracks 26 such that each platform wheel 44 is fastened between an upper rail and a lower rail of the platform tracks 26. In one embodiment, the platform 22 can include mechanisms (e.g., a set of columns) that can be coupled to the cylinder 20 to fasten the platform 22 in place when the pod 14 rotates. Additionally, the platform 22 can include restraints 28 to fasten the passengers. The restraints 28 can include seats, seat belts, lap bars, overhead restraints that are pulled down to cover the torso, and / or any combination thereof, to restrain or support each passenger as the pod 14 travels along the track 12. Additionally, the number of restraints 28 on the platform 22 can determine the size of the chamber defined by the cylinder 20 and the resulting size of the pod 14. Thus, increasing the number of restraints 28 in a row can increase the radius of the pod 14, while increasing the number of rows of restraints 28 can increase the length of the pod 14. After the passengers are loaded and securely restrained, the platform 22 can move along the platform tracks 26 in the direction of arrow 30 to the closed position (as shown in Figure 3 ). In one embodiment, a platform drive system 32 can drive the movement of the platform 22 along the platform tracks 26. For example, the platform drive system 32 can include one or more motors configured to drive the rotation of the platform wheels 44 and thereby drive the movement of the platform 22. In one embodiment, the platform 22 can be coupled to a mechanical winch that can be used to control the movement of the platform 22 along the platform tracks 26.

[0018] In addition, to lock the pod 14 into the closed position, thereby fastening the platform 22 inside the barrel 20 and sealing the chamber of the barrel 20, the pod 14 can have a locking mechanism 24. The locking mechanism 24 can include a mechanical lock and key configuration to securely lock the platform 22 into the barrel 20. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 24 can be motor-driven. Additionally, or alternatively, the locking mechanism 24 can utilize magnetic and / or electromagnetic locking systems. For example, in one embodiment, the locking mechanism 24 can include electromagnets coupled to the platform 22 and / or the barrel 20. When the electromagnets are powered, it can lock the platform 22 in place within the barrel 20 by utilizing magnetic force. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 24 can further include a biasing member and / or a fail-safe mechanism to drive the platform 22 from the closed position to the open position in a direction opposite to the arrow 30 in the event of a power failure, mechanical problem, and / or similar issue. For example, in one embodiment, the pod 14 can include a mechanical lever coupled to the locking mechanism 24, which can be utilized to disengage the platform 22 from the barrel 20.

[0019] As further illustrated by Figure 2 In one embodiment, an actuator 31 can be coupled to the platform 22 to cause movement of the platform 22 relative to the pod 14. To couple to the platform 22, the actuator 31 can engage the platform 22 once the platform 22 is securely locked into the barrel 20. Thus, as the platform 22 moves along the platform track 26 in the direction of the arrow 30 to the closed position, the platform 22 can slide over the actuator 31. In one embodiment, the actuator 31 can cause the platform 22 to rock (e.g., vibrate) and / or tilt. The actuator 31 can further cause the platform 22 to shift along the axial axis or direction 16, the radial axis or direction 17, the circumferential axis or direction 18, or a combination thereof. Thus, the platform 22 can be repositioned. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the platform 22 can additionally or alternatively move as the pod 14 rotates or moves along the track 12. Further, it should be appreciated that the actuator 31 can be positioned at any suitable location to cause movement of the platform 22. In one embodiment, for example, the actuator 31 can additionally or alternatively be located under and / or within the platform track 26.

[0020] In one embodiment, the rear panel 45 is coupled to the platform 22. Additionally, the rear panel 45 may support the battery 42. The battery 42 may supply power to the components of the pod 14. These components may include the locking mechanism 24, the platform drive system 32, and additional components that will be discussed further in detail. Among other things, the additional components may include, for example, a drive system 34 provided to drive the forward, backward, and / or rotational movement of the pod 14; and / or one or more screens 58 that provide media to the passengers within the barrel 20. In one embodiment, the battery 42 may be configured to be charged inductively. Thus, inductive charging pads and / or other charging components may be incorporated into the track 12 to charge the battery 42 when the pod 14 engages the track 12. These pads may be concentrated in a single area of the track 12 (such as the passenger loading area) such that the battery 42 can be charged when the pod 14 is stationary (e.g., when passengers are being loaded onto the platform 22). Accordingly, the pod 14 may remain on the track 12 to charge its battery 42, and thus, the pod 14 may complete multiple ride cycles where its components are powered by the periodically recharged battery 42. Additionally, or alternatively, the pod ride system 10 may include a pod charging station separate from the track 12 used during the ride cycle. The charging station may include inductive charging pads and / or components to charge the pod 14 wirelessly and / or via wired charging, respectively. In one embodiment, the pod 14 may be removed from the track 12 to be charged in the charging station and may return to the track 12 after the battery 42 has at least enough charge for the pod 14 to complete a ride cycle.

[0021] As mentioned above, the platform 22 may travel in the direction of arrow 30 relative to the barrel 20 to transition the pod 14 from Figure 2 the open position shown in Figure 3 to the closed position shown in Figure 3 In Figure 3 , a portion of the track 12 has been removed such that the pod 14 is fully shown. In the closed position, the rear panel 45 contacts (e.g., recesses into) the barrel 20 (e.g., the annular surface at the rear end of the barrel 20), and the platform 22 is enclosed within the chamber defined by the rear panel 45 and the barrel 20. Once the pod 14 is in the closed position, the pod 14 may begin to move along the track 12 of the pod ride system 10. The drive system 34 may drive the pod 14 to move in the forward direction 52 and / or the backward direction 54 along the axial axis 16. Additionally or alternatively, the drive system 34 may rotate the pod about its central axis 46 (e.g., the longitudinal or axial central axis).

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, a door 39 may be provided in a wall (e.g., a side wall) of the capsule 14 to facilitate ingress or egress of a passenger. As such, the door 39 may be utilized when the platform 22 is locked within the barrel 20, and / or may be utilized in an embodiment where the platform 22 is fixed relative to the barrel 20 (e.g., the platform 22 is immovable and / or the capsule 14 has no platform track 26). That is, when opened, the door 39 may permit a passenger to enter and exit the barrel 20 of the capsule 14. The door 39 may sit flush with the outer wall of the barrel 20 of the capsule 14 and may include a handle 40 that is flush with the outer wall (i.e., does not project radially outward from the outer wall) such that the door does not interfere with the drive system and / or the movement of the capsule 14.

[0023] In one embodiment, the drive system 34 can include a bogie 35 (e.g., a chassis or frame) and a first rolling element 38, such as a spherical tire. The bogie 35 can be similar to a cart. The bogie 35 can support a motor (e.g., a spherical induction motor) and coupling elements that drive the rotation of the first rolling element 38 and a second rolling element 36, such as a spherical tire or a wheel. In one embodiment, the drive system 34 can include separate systems to drive the rotation of the first rolling element 38 and the second rolling element 36, respectively. Additionally, different types of systems can be used to drive each of the rolling elements (i.e., the first rolling element 38 and the second rolling element 36). For example, the first rolling element 38 can include a spherical tire, and the drive system 34 can include a spherical induction motor and coupling elements adapted to drive the movement of the first rolling element 38 in any direction. The spherical induction motor can include a curved inductor configured to rotate the first rolling element 38 in any direction. The second rolling element 36 can be, for example, a wheel that is coupled to different coupling elements and a separate motor in the drive system 34, the coupling elements and the separate motor being configured to rotate the second rolling element 36 in the forward direction 52 and / or the backward direction 54. In one embodiment, the first rolling element 38 can contact the radially outer surface (e.g., a curved annular surface) of the cylinder 20 to drive the rotation of the cabin 14. The cabin can rotate about the central axis 46 of the cylinder 20 in a first direction 48 or a second direction 50 opposite to the first direction 48. For example, when the drive system 34 controls the motor to rotate the first rolling element 38 about its central axis 56 (e.g., a longitudinal or axial central axis) in the first direction 48, the cabin 14 can rotate about its central axis 46 in the second direction 50. Similarly, when the first rolling element 38 rotates in the second direction 50, the cabin 14 can rotate in the first direction 48. Additionally, in one embodiment, the cabin 14 can further include a counter-balance 55 (e.g., a weight) to help balance the cabin 14 during rotation and facilitate this rotation of the cabin 14 while reducing stress on the drive system 34 and its components (e.g., the bogie 35, the first rolling element 38, and the second rolling element 36).

[0024] Although the first rolling element 38 and the second rolling element 36 are shown as spherical tires, it should be appreciated that the first rolling element 38 and / or the second rolling element 36 can be motor-driven tires (e.g., annular tires mounted on a motor-driven shaft) that are oriented relative to the cabin 14 to drive forward and / or backward movement and / or rotation.

[0025] In addition, to drive the forward 52 and / or rearward 54 movement of the capsule 14, the drive system 34 can control a motor coupled to the second rolling element 36 that contacts a surface of the track 12 (e.g., the radially inner surface of the curved wall). In one embodiment, the drive system 34 can additionally or alternatively incorporate water, air, magnets, and / or other driving forces to propel the forward 52 and / or rearward 54 movement of the capsule 14. For example, in one embodiment, the capsule 14 along with the first rolling element 38 used to rotate the capsule 14 can be supported on a raft that is driven forward 52 or rearward 54 by a stream of water instead of the illustrated bogie 35.

[0026] In one embodiment, the rolling elements 38 and / or 36 can additionally or alternatively be coupled to the track 12. For example, one or many portions of the track 12 can include the rolling elements 36 and / or 38 that move the capsule forward 52 and / or rearward 54 and / or rotate about the central axis 46 of the capsule 14 in the first direction 48 or the second direction 50, respectively. In such an embodiment, a drive system (e.g., having a motor) can be provided to drive the movement of the rolling elements 38 and / or 36.

[0027] To control the movement of the capsule 14 as it moves forward 52, moves rearward 54, and / or rotates in the first direction 48 or the second direction 50, the drive system 34 can be coupled to a controller 62 (e.g., an electronic controller). The controller 62 can include suitable processing and memory components such as a microprocessor 64 and a memory 66. The controller 62 can provide logical and / or executable instructions to affect the operation of the motor in the drive system 34, thereby driving the rotation of the first rolling element 38 and / or the second rolling element 36 and the corresponding movement of the capsule 14. In one embodiment, the controller 62 can be communicatively coupled to the platform drive system 32 and any other suitable components in the capsule ride system 10.

[0028] In one embodiment, as by Figure 4As illustrated, the cabin 14' can include a cylinder 20 disposed within an additional cylinder 74 (e.g., an annular cylinder). Thus, the drive system 34 can enable the first rolling element 38 to drive the rotation of the cylinder 20, while the second rolling element 36 can drive the movement of the cabin 14' in the forward direction 52 and / or the backward direction 54. In such an embodiment, the drive system 34 can be coupled to the inner surface of the additional cylinder 74. The first rolling element 38 coupled to the drive system 34 can contact the radial outer surface of the cylinder 20 to drive the rotation of the cylinder 20. Additionally or alternatively, the drive system 34 can be operatively coupled to a shaft 76, which is coupled to the cylinder 20. The drive system 34 can include a motor configured to rotate the shaft 76 and the cylinder 20 about a central axis 46 in the first direction 48 and / or the second direction 50. The drive system 34 can further include a bogie 35 coupled to the radial outer surface of the additional cylinder 74. The bogie 35 can support the second rolling element 36, which can contact the radial inner surface of the track 12 to effect the movement of the cabin 14' along the track 12 in the forward direction 52 and / or the backward direction 54. Thus, the rotation of the cylinder 20 can be driven separately from the movement of the cabin 14'. However, passengers within the cylinder 20 can experience both the rotation of the cylinder 20 and the movement of the cabin 14' along the track 12.

[0029] Figure 5 Show an embodiment of the cabin 14 and the drive system 34. In one embodiment, the drive system 34 can include rolling elements 72 coupled to the radial outer surface of the cabin 14. The rolling elements 72 can be positioned at discrete locations circumferentially spaced about the cylinder 20 and can extend radially outwardly from the cylinder 20 to contact the radial inner surface of the track 12. In one embodiment, the rolling elements 72 can include spherical tires actuated by, for example, a spherical induction motor. Thus, with the spherical induction motor incorporated in the drive system 34, the drive system 34 can rotate the rolling elements 72 in any direction. Since the rolling elements 72 can rotate in any direction along the track 12, the cabin 14 can be advanced forward 52, backward 54, and / or rotated about the central axis 46. For example, to move the cabin 14 in the forward direction 52, the drive system 34 can rotate the rolling elements 72 along the axial axis 16 in the forward direction 52. To rotate the cabin about the central axis 46, the drive system 34 can rotate the rolling elements 72 along the circumferential axis 18. To rotate the cabin 14 about the central axis 46 while moving the cabin 14 in the forward direction 52, the drive system 34 can rotate the rolling elements 72 along a vector between the axial axis 16 and the circumferential axis 18. Additionally, with the rolling elements 72 placed at multiple locations along the radial outer surface of the cabin 14, the cabin 14 can rotate about the central axis 46 in both the open slot-like portion and the closed tubular portion of the track 12.

[0030] In addition, referring to Figure 2 , to enhance the experience of the movement of the cabin 14 and / or the platform 22, the movement can be associated with the narrative of a movie and / or media. To do so, in one embodiment, the cylinder 20 can include one or more screens 58 positioned therein to display images. These screens 58 can be curved and / or coupled to the inner surface of the cylinder 20 such that the displayed images can surround the passengers to create an immersive media experience. The screens 58 can include any suitable type of display, such as, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. The chamber of the cabin 14 can also include speakers and / or devices adapted to deliver audio to the passengers. The audio devices can be coupled to the cylinder 20, the platform 22, and / or any suitable location. Thus, the cabin 14 can provide media that is timed to correspond to the movement of the cabin 14 and / or the movement of the platform 22. As such, the passengers can feel as if they are in an airplane, a spaceship, and / or any other suitable narrative. For example, when the screen 58 displays images related to the narrative of an airplane during takeoff, the cabin 14 can move forward 52 up the ramp on the track 12. When the cabin 14 begins to rotate about the central axis 46, the media can correspond to an airplane performing a barrel roll maneuver such that the passengers receive an immersive movement and media experience of the narrative, such as an airplane in pursuit. Additionally, when the actuator 31 rocks the platform 22, for example, the media can correspond to an airplane experiencing turbulence.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, customization of the passenger control of the cabin ride system 10 can enhance the experience of the passengers of the cabin ride system 10. To customize the cabin ride system 10, a user (i.e., the ride operator and / or the ride passenger) can provide input (e.g., via an input device) to control parameters related to the operation of the cabin 14 during a ride cycle. These parameters can enable the user to adjust the intensity of the ride by controlling one or more factors, such as, among other factors, the speed at which the cabin 14 moves in the forward direction 52 and / or the backward direction 54, the speed at which the cabin 14 rotates about the central axis 46, and / or how often the cabin 14 rotates about the central axis 46. Additionally, the user may be able to select the type of media provided to the passengers during a ride cycle. For example, the user can select the narrative and / or theme of the images and / or other media that can be coupled to the movement of the ride. Thus, the user can customize the cabin ride system 10 such that the overall experience of the movement and media of the cabin 14 can be flexible and personalized.

[0032] For the sake of facilitating the customization and / or updating of the ride experience, the controller 62 can be configured to receive inputs from an input device and to control parameters of the cabin ride system 10 based on the inputs. The input device can include any suitable type of display coupled to a device adapted for selection (such as a touch screen or a keyboard). Additionally, for example, the input device can be accessible when the ride operator and / or ride passengers are positioned within the restraint 28. In one embodiment, the platform 22 within the cabin 14 can include one or more input devices such that passengers can control the inputs provided to the controller 62 to affect parameters of the cabin ride system 10. For example, the input can instruct the controller 62 to display media related to an airplane in flight on the screen 58 within the barrel 20. Alternatively, the input can instruct the controller 62 to display media related to a spaceship flying in space on the screen 58 within the barrel 20. Additionally, the controller 62 can communicate with the drive system 34 of the cabin 14 to adjust the forward 52 and / or backward 54 movement of the rotation of the cabin 14 based on the input. In one embodiment, adjusting the movement of the cabin can involve adjusting the speed of the forward 52, backward 54, and / or rotational movement of the cabin 14.

[0033] In view of the foregoing, Figure 6 A flowchart of a method 80 for completing a ride cycle of the cabin ride system 10 in accordance with an embodiment described herein is illustrated. Although the following description of the method 80 is described in a particular order representing particular embodiments, it should be noted that the method 80 can be performed in any suitable order and steps can be added or omitted.

[0034] With the cabin 14 in the open position, as shown in Figure 2 , passengers can be loaded into the restraint 28 on the platform 22 located within the inner cavity of the barrel 20, as described in block 82. After the restraint 28 is secure for each passenger on the platform 22, the platform 22 can move from the open position depicted in Figure 2 relative to the barrel 20 of the cabin 14 to the position in Figure 3The closed position depicted in, as described in block 84. Additionally, this portion of method 80 can involve platform 22 being locked via locking mechanism 24 to securely seal cabin 14 in the closed position. In the case where cabin 14 is properly closed or locked in the closed position, drive system 34 can drive cabin 14 to move forward 52 and / or backward 54 along track 12, as described in block 86. Additionally, block 88 can occur simultaneously with and / or separately from block 86 such that drive system 34 can rotate cabin 14 about central axis 46. Block 90 can occur in conjunction with block 86 and / or block 88 such that as cabin 14 moves relative to track 12 and / or about central axis 46, screen 58 and / or speakers (or other effects) can provide images, sounds, and / or other media that can be related to the movement of cabin 14 and / or track 12. As previously described, this media can be presented in the form of a narrative (such as an airplane in flight) related to the movement of cabin 14 and / or track 12. As mentioned above, the ride operator and / or passengers can provide inputs that are processed by a processor to customize aspects of the ride experience, such as for example the speed of movement, the frequency of rotation, and the media. When cabin 14 has completed the route of track 12, platform 22 can be unlocked from locking mechanism 24 and moved from the closed position to the open position relative to barrel 20, as described in block 92. Additionally, at block 94, restraint 28 on the passenger can be released to allow the passenger to unload from platform 22 and leave cabin 14. Block 94 can also include recharging battery 42 via inductive charging. Then, method 80 can be repeated when cabin 14 is in the open position while new passengers are being loaded into platform 22 of cabin 14.

[0035] The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of components set forth herein. The foregoing variations and modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned in the text and / or drawings or evident from the text and / or drawings. All such different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. Although only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A ride system, comprising: A cylinder, which includes a wall that surrounds a central axis of the cylinder such that the wall defines a chamber configured to accommodate passengers; An additional cylinder, which is positioned around the cylinder and coupled to the cylinder; And A drive system configured to drive the rotation of the cylinder around the central axis and relative to the additional cylinder, and configured to drive the cylinder and the additional cylinder to move at least forward or backward along a closed loop track, wherein the central axis of the cylinder is aligned with the direction of travel of the cylinder along the forward or backward movement along the closed loop track.

2. The ride system according to claim 1, wherein the drive system includes a first rolling element configured to contact a radially outer surface of the wall of the cylinder to drive the rotation of the cylinder around the central axis.

3. The ride system according to claim 2, wherein the drive system includes: A second rolling element configured to contact the closed loop track to drive at least the forward or backward movement of the cylinder and the additional cylinder relative to the closed loop track; And A frame configured to be positioned between the additional cylinder and the closed loop track, wherein the second rolling element is coupled to the frame.

4. The ride system according to claim 1, wherein the drive system includes a plurality of rolling elements, the plurality of rolling elements including substantially spherical tires.

5. The ride system according to claim 1, wherein the drive system includes a plurality of rolling elements coupled to the additional cylinder or coupled to the closed loop track.

6. The ride system according to claim 1, wherein the drive system includes a spherical induction motor.

7. The ride system according to claim 1, wherein the drive system is configured to simultaneously drive the rotation of the cylinder around the central axis of the cylinder and the forward or backward movement of the cylinder and the additional cylinder along the closed loop track.

8. The ride system according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the cylinder is cylindrical.

9. The ride system according to claim 1, including a battery configured to supply power to the drive system.

10. The ride system according to claim 9, wherein the battery is configured to be charged inductively.

11. The ride system according to claim 1, wherein the additional cylinder is coupled to the cylinder via at least a portion of the drive system.

12. The ride system according to claim 1, including a platform configured to support the passengers within the chamber, wherein the platform is configured to move along a platform track within the chamber to adjust the platform between a first position and a closed position, in the first position, at least a portion of the platform is positioned outside the cylinder to enable the passengers to load onto the platform, and in the closed position, the platform is positioned inside the cylinder to enable the passengers to be enclosed within the chamber.

13. The ride system according to claim 1, comprising: a screen, which is positioned together with the cylinder; and a controller, which is configured to indicate the display of an image on the screen.

14. The ride system according to claim 1, comprising: an input device, which is positioned within the cylinder and is configured to receive an input from the passenger; and a controller, which is configured to receive a signal indicating the input from the input device and is configured to control the drive system to adjust a parameter related to the movement of the cylinder based on the signal.

15. The ride system according to claim 14, wherein the parameter includes the frequency of the rotation of the cylinder, the speed of the rotation of the cylinder, the speed of the forward or backward movement of the cylinder along the closed-loop track, or any combination thereof.

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