Equipment and systems for tourist attractions

Abstract

An amusement park device includes a truck system moving along a ride path, a platform coupled to the truck system, and a plurality of seats coupled to the surface of the platform. The platform can rotate relative to the truck system about a guide axis, and the plurality of seats can rotate with the platform about the guide axis.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 827,690, filed on April 1, 2019, entitled “ROTATING PLATFORM COASTER,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for providing an amusement park experience. Background Art

[0004] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be relevant to various aspects of the present technology described and / or claimed below. It is believed that this discussion helps to provide background information for the reader to promote a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements should be read from this perspective, rather than as an admission of the prior art.

[0005] Amusement parks often include attractions that incorporate simulated racing situations between attraction participants. For example, an attraction may have a car or train where guests race against each other along a path (e.g., dueling gliders, go-karts). Incorporating racing situations can provide additional entertainment value for guests and increase diversity for guests who use the attraction multiple times. However, some systems may include multiple track sections to create simulated racing situations, thereby increasing the cost and complexity of the attraction. It is now recognized that it is desirable to provide improved systems and methods for simulated racing attractions that provide guests with an enhanced sense of excitement. Summary of the invention

[0006] Certain embodiments that are commensurate in scope with the subject matter originally claimed are discussed below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, the present disclosure may include various forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0007] According to one embodiment, an apparatus for an amusement park includes: a bogie system configured to move along a ride path; a platform coupled to the bogie system, wherein the platform is configured to rotate about a guide axis relative to the bogie system; and a plurality of seats coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate about the guide axis with the platform.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a system includes: a bogie system configured to guide movement along a ride path; a platform coupled to the bogie system, wherein the platform is configured to rotate about a guide axis relative to the bogie system; a plurality of seats coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate about the guide axis with the platform; a first actuator configured to rotate the platform about the guide axis; and a second actuator configured to rotate the platform about a tilt axis, wherein the tilt axis is oriented crosswise with the guide axis.

[0009] According to another embodiment, a system includes: a track defining a ride path; a bogie system coupled to the track, wherein the bogie system is configured to guide movement along the ride path; a platform coupled to the bogie system, wherein the platform is configured to rotate about a guide axis relative to the bogie system; a first seat coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate about the guide axis with the platform; and a second seat coupled to the surface of the platform and configured to rotate about the guide axis with the platform, wherein rotation of the platform adjusts a first position of the first seat and a second position of the second seat relative to each other along the ride path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] 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, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, and wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a rotating platform ride vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an embodiment of a motion system for a rotating platform ride vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an embodiment of a motion system for a rotating platform ride vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating platform ride vehicle in a first position according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating platform ride vehicle in a second position according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 6 is a plan view of an embodiment of a rotating platform ride vehicle at the end of a track according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 7is a plan view of an embodiment of a rotating platform ride vehicle at the end of a track according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0018] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating platform ride vehicle with a gimbal system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the 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, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the specific goals of the developer, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from implementation to implementation. In addition, it should be appreciated that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but for ordinary technicians who benefit from this disclosure, it will still be a routine task of design, production and manufacturing.

[0020] Attractions at amusement parks that include competitive situations (e.g., races between riders) may be limited by the physical constraints of the foodprint of the attraction and by the amount of control over the ride experience. For example, ride vehicles (e.g., go-karts) on a multi-lane track may interact with each other, but their interactions are typically based on individual riders, and therefore the nature of the experience will be limited (e.g., the vehicles are typically configured to run relatively slowly compared to other amusement park rides). These separated track sections (e.g., rolling slider tracks) may have their own ride vehicles for riders to occupy during the attraction. Unfortunately, due to multiple and separated track sections, the cost of building and operating attractions may be increased. In addition, the complexity of the control system associated with forming a competitive environment may increase because the amount of variables associated with multiple separated tracks (each track has its own ride vehicle) increases. In addition, having ride vehicles on separate track sections may make it difficult to simulate certain interactions (e.g., one ride vehicle passes another ride vehicle or shares a lane with another ride vehicle) because the track sections will need to merge or intersect on top of each other.

[0021] The current embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to promoting the competition attractions of simulation in a way that gives guests the ability and / or illusion of controlling the results of a competition (e.g., a match or a sporting event). As used herein, the competition of simulation can involve guiding a ride vehicle (e.g., a platform ride vehicle) along a track at a speed that can be varied and making it possible for the position of the seat (e.g., a sub-carrier) in which the guest is fixed to move relative to each other. The ride vehicle can include a plurality of seats (e.g., a pod, a carrier, or other features consistent with the theme of the competition attractions of simulation), which can be positioned on a platform that is configured to rotate relative to the track or ride path along which the ride vehicle moves. In some embodiments, guests can deflect or otherwise adjust their positions to cause the platform to rotate. Therefore, guests can perceive that the movement of a specific guest causes the guest to be positioned before other guests relative to the ride path. In other embodiments, the rotation of the platform can be caused by the interaction of guests with various features positioned along the ride path (e.g., track). For example, a guest may use an interactive device onboard a ride vehicle and point the device at a target located along the ride path, which may allow the guest to collect points when the device is properly positioned and / or activated. The guest who collects points may then interact with features on the ride vehicle (e.g., buttons, throttles, pedals) to cause rotation of the platform. In further embodiments, rotation of the platform may occur independent of guest interaction and at various points along the ride path.

[0022] In addition, in some embodiments, the ride path (e.g., track) may include a terminal (dead end), which is presented to the guest as a discontinuity in the ride path, which can provide the guest with an enhanced sense of excitement. A ride vehicle (e.g., a platform ride vehicle) may approach a terminal in a first moving direction and rotate to redirect the guest to face a second moving direction opposite to the first moving direction. The ride vehicle may then begin to move along the ride path from the terminal in the second moving direction. In addition or alternatively, the terminal in the ride path may simulate the boundaries of a sports field or other suitable environment consistent with a simulated competition attraction. As a non-limiting example, the ride path may be configured to move the guest close to a target positioned at the outer boundary of the sports field. The guest may then try to score by making an action, using a physical component (e.g., a ball) and / or interacting with a simulated component (e.g., a hologram or image) when approaching the target location.

[0023] Further, in some embodiments, a ride vehicle (e.g., a platform ride vehicle) can be configured to move along a ride path (e.g., a track), rotate about an axis that substantially intersects the movement of the ride vehicle along the ride path, and / or tilt or move about an axis that defines the movement of the ride vehicle along the ride path. Thus, the ride vehicle can be configured to have multiple degrees of mobility to further enhance the guest's experience. In some embodiments, the seat of the ride vehicle can include a gimbal system that can maintain the position (e.g., viewpoint or perspective) of the guest relative to the movement of the ride vehicle along the ride path (e.g., the guest continuously faces the direction of the movement of the ride vehicle). For example, an actuator that controls the ring of the gimbal system can maintain the guest's perspective or viewpoint in the direction of the movement of the ride vehicle along the ride path. In other embodiments, the gimbal system can be used to create additional degrees of mobility by moving individual seats relative to the platform during a simulated race attraction.

[0024] Considering the above, Figure 1 A top view of an embodiment of a ride vehicle 10 is illustrated. The ride vehicle 10 includes seats 12 coupled to a platform 14 that is configured to move along a ride path 16 (eg, a track) in an operating direction 18. Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment of the ride path 16 shows a substantially straight shape, but in other embodiments, the ride path 16 may be curved, circular, polygonal, or any other shape that may simulate a road or a path of travel (e.g., a river). For example, the ride path 16 may include S-shaped curves and hairpin turns to enhance the excitement provided to the riders during operation. In some embodiments, the platform 14 may be coupled to the ride path 16 via a bogie or roller (e.g., wheel) configured to be coupled to a structure 20 (e.g., a rail, track, or another suitable component) of the ride path 16 to allow movement along the ride path 16 in an operating direction 18. In further embodiments, the structure 20 of the ride path 16 may be disposed in a groove or recess below a ground surface 22 (e.g., a manufactured playing surface) such that the structure 20 of the ride path 16 is substantially hidden from the view of the guests. In other words, the structure 20 may be blocked from the viewing perspective of the guests in the seats 12 by the ground surface 22.

[0025] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , the platform 14 and therefore the seat 12 are configured to be in a first rotational orientation 26 (eg, relative to Figure 1 clockwise direction) and a second rotational direction 28 (e.g., relative to Figure 1The seats 12 and platform 14 are rotated about the guide axis 24 in a counterclockwise direction (in a clockwise direction). As will be described in detail below, the rotation of the seats 12 and platform 14 about the guide axis 24 can achieve adjustment of the position of the seats 12 relative to each other, thereby creating the illusion of one seat 12 moving in front of another seat 12 during a game or other competitive scene. Further, the rotation of the platform 14 about the guide axis 24 can shift the viewing perspective of the guests relative to the ride path 16. It will be appreciated that while the illustrated embodiment includes four seats 12 positioned on the platform 14, in other embodiments, there can be 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more than 10 seats 12.

[0026] Additionally, in some embodiments, the seats 12 can be configured to move relative to the platform 14 along a groove 29 formed in the platform 14. For example, the seats 12 can be coupled to gears, belts, wheels, and / or another suitable device that can enable movement of the seats 12 along the groove 29 relative to the platform 14. The seats 12 can thus move along the groove 29 to provide another degree of mobility. Thus, the seats 12 can be guided along the groove 29 to change the position of the seats 12 relative to each other and relative to the ride path 16. For example, a first seat 30 can be positioned generally in front of a second seat 32. However, the first seat 30 can be moved in a direction 34 opposite to the operating direction 18, and the second seat 32 can be moved relative to the platform 14 in the operating direction 18 to move the second seat 32 in front of the first seat 30 relative to the ride path 16. Thus, the position of any one of the seats 12 can be adjusted to simulate a given seat 12 moving ahead of or behind other seats 12 relative to the ride path 16 and / or the operating direction 18. Although Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 shows the groove 29 as being linear, but in other embodiments, the groove 29 may be curved, serrated, or include other features that move the seat 12 relative to the platform 14 .

[0027] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional side view of a motion system 40 configured to drive movement and / or rotation of a ride vehicle 10. The motion system 40 is movably coupled to a structure 20 (e.g., a pair of rails) of a ride path 16 via a bogie 42. In certain embodiments, the bogie 42 may include or be coupled to a motor (e.g., an electric motor) that drives rotational movement of wheels 44 of the bogie 42 and propels the ride vehicle 10 along the travel path 16 in the operating direction 18 (and / or the reverse direction 34). Thus, the seats 12 and platform 14 may travel along the ride path 16 to simulate a game or other competitive environment (e.g., a sporting event). In other embodiments, the bogie 42 may move along the structure 20 of the ride path 16 via gravity and / or any other suitable technique for driving the ride vehicle 10 along the ride path 16. In addition, a body 46 of the bogie 42 is coupled to and supports the wheels 44. As will be appreciated, the body 46 of the bogie 42 may be formed of a metal (e.g., steel), a composite material (e.g., including carbon fiber), etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 46 is coupled to an actuator 48 that enables the platform 14 to rotate about the guide axis 24 to adjust the circumferential position of the seat 12 relative to the guide axis 24.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the actuator 48 includes a gear assembly 50 and a motor 52 configured to drive the rotational movement of the platform 14 about the guide axis 24. For example, the gear assembly 50 can be a yaw drive that transmits the rotational movement between the interlocking gears. In some embodiments, the platform 14 can be coupled to the guide 54 via the gear assembly 50 and one or more supports 56. The guide 54 is coupled to the truck 42 and is thus configured to move in the operating direction 18 along the ride path 16. A gap 58 can be formed between the guide 54 and the platform 14, which can reduce the friction between the platform 14 and the guide 54 when the platform 14 rotates relative to the guide 54. In addition, in other embodiments, the actuator 48 can be a rotary actuator configured to drive the rotation of the platform 14 upon receiving a signal from the control system 60. The rotation of the platform 14 can adjust the position of the seats 12 relative to each other, thereby providing the illusion that one seat 12 passes another seat during a game or other competitive environment (e.g., a sporting event).

[0029] In some embodiments, the platform 14 includes a sensor 62 configured to detect the circumferential position of the platform 14 relative to the guide 54. Thus, the sensor 62 can also be used to determine the circumferential position of the seat 12 relative to the guide 54. For example, the sensor 62 can include a Hall effect sensor, a capacitive displacement sensor, an optical proximity sensor, an inductive sensor, a string potentiometer, an electromagnetic sensor, or any other suitable sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor 62 is configured to send a signal indicating the position of the platform 14 and / or the seat 12 to the control system 60 (e.g., local and / or remote). Thus, feedback from the sensor 62 can be used by the control system 60 to adjust the position of the platform 14 about the guide axis 24 (e.g., when rotation of the platform 14 is actuable).

[0030] As mentioned above, the motion system 40 may include a control system 60 that is configured to control the movement and / or rotation of the platform 14. The control system 60 includes a controller 64 having a memory 66 and one or more processors 68. For example, the controller 64 may be an automation controller that may include a programmable logic controller (PLC). The memory 66 is a non-transitory (not just a signal), tangible, computer-readable medium that may include executable instructions that may be executed by the processor 68. That is, the memory 66 is an article of manufacture that is configured to interface with the processor 68.

[0031] The controller 64 receives feedback from the sensor 62 and / or other sensors that detect the relative position of the motion system 40 along the ride path 16. For example, the controller 64 can receive feedback from the sensor 62 indicating the position of the platform 14, and therefore the seats 12, relative to the guides 54. Based on this feedback, the controller 64 can adjust the operation of the ride vehicle 10 to simulate a race or other competition. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller 64 is communicatively coupled to the motor 52 of the actuator 48. Based on the feedback from the sensor 62, the controller 64 can instruct the motor 52 to drive the rotation of the gear assembly 50, which can rotate the platform 14 and change the position of the seats 12 relative to each other.

[0032] Figure 37 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a pivoting motion system 70 that can be used to couple the platform 14 to the structure 20 of the ride path 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 14 and the guide 54 are coupled to a pivot structure 72. The platform 14 can be driven to rotate about a ride path axis 74 via an actuator 76 of the pivoting motion system 70. As a result, guests in seats 12 of the platform 14 can be positioned at different positions relative to an axis 78 that is substantially intersecting with the ride path axis 74. In some embodiments, the pivoting motion system 70 can enable the platform 14 and / or the guide 54 to rotate about the ride path axis 74 as the ride vehicle 10 approaches a turn or curved portion of the ride path 16, thereby simulating the vehicle turning into a curve.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of , the pivoting motion system 70 includes a pivoting structure 72 that allows the platform 14 and the guide 54 to move in a first vertical direction 82 and / or a second vertical direction 84 via an actuator 76. For example, the actuator 76 may include a telescopic arm controlled by a motor 85 that extends and retracts in the first vertical direction 82 and the second vertical direction 84, respectively. Thus, the actuator 76 can adjust the vertical position of the platform 14 and / or the guide 54. In some embodiments, some of the actuators 76 can extend in the first vertical direction 82 while the positions of other actuators 76 remain substantially the same. Thus, the platform 14 and / or the guide 54 can be positioned at an angle 86 relative to the pivoting structure 72 and / or the ground 22. The angle 86 can allow the platform 14 to tilt to simulate the ride vehicle 10 turning into a curve or other feature of the ride path 16. Although Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment shows a pivotal motion system 70 having three actuators 76, however, in other embodiments, the pivotal motion system 70 may include any suitable number of actuators 76 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more than 10 actuators 76).

[0034] In some embodiments, the actuators 76 may be coupled to the controller 64, which may activate and / or deactivate one or more of the actuators 76 to move the platform 14 and / or the guides 54 in the first and second vertical directions 82, 84. The controller 64 may receive feedback from the sensors 87 to determine the position of the platform 14 and / or the guides 54 relative to the pivot structure 72, and send one or more signals to the actuators 76 to adjust the position of the platform 14 and / or the guides 54 to a desired position.

[0035] like Figure 3As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the ride vehicle 10, the ride vehicle 10 includes a seat 12 for a guest. The seat 12 may include a restraint 88 (e.g., a shoulder restraint, a lap bar, a seat belt) that secures the guest in the seat 12 when the ride vehicle 10 moves, rotates, and / or is otherwise manipulated during the entire operation of the ride. In some embodiments, the seat 12 may be coupled to the platform 14 of the ride vehicle 10 via a corresponding base 90 and a corresponding joint 92. The joint 92 may allow the seat 12 to rotate relative to the platform 14 of the ride vehicle 10 and / or the platform 14. For example, an actuator 94 (e.g., a motor) may be coupled to each joint 92 to adjust the position of the corresponding seat 12. In some embodiments, the seat 12 may be configured to maintain the position of the guest relative to the structure 20 of the ride path 16 (or the ground 22) when the platform 14 moves and / or rotates during the entire ride. In addition or alternatively, the seat 12 may rotate independently of the position of the platform 14. Still further, the seat 12 can be linearly actuated from the platform 14 of the ride vehicle 10. For example, each base 90 can include a telescoping section 96 that is coupled to the actuator 94 and thus allows the seat 12 to move toward and away from the platform 14 of the ride vehicle 10.

[0036] In further embodiments, the joint 92 between the base 90 and the seat 12 can be rotated via interaction by a guest. For example, a guest can shift their weight to rotate the seat 12 relative to the base 90. In some embodiments, the guest shifting their weight can also cause the platform 14 to rotate and simulate a change in the guest's position (e.g., a change in the guest's presentation before the rest of the guests). The guest's movement can physically cause the platform 14 to rotate about the guide axis 24. In addition or alternatively, the rotation of one or more of the seats 12 can be detected by the sensor 98, which can cause the controller 64 to actuate the actuator 48 (e.g., the gear assembly 50 and the motor 52) to rotate the platform 14. Thus, the rotation of the platform 14 can ultimately be caused by the guest interaction.

[0037] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a ride vehicle 10 illustrating the rotation of the platform 14 as a result of interaction by a guest. Figure 41, a first guest 120, a second guest 122, a third guest 124, and a fourth guest 126 are shown in a first position, a second position, a third position, and a fourth position, respectively, relative to the operating direction 18. As an example of the illustrated manner of operation of the ride vehicle 10, the fourth guest 126 can tilt the seat 12 by shifting weight forward in the operating direction 18. The seat 12 can then tilt toward the operating direction 18, which can be detected by one of the sensors 98. The controller 64 receives feedback from the sensor 98 and can actuate rotation of the platform 14 in the first rotational direction 26 and / or the second rotational direction 28 in response to the feedback.

[0038] Additionally or alternatively, the fourth guest 126 may direct a component 128 (e.g., a handheld component, a component integrated with the seat 12, and / or another suitable device) toward an object 130 positioned along the ride path 16 to actuate rotation of the platform 14. Figure 4 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of , the fourth guest 126 can point or otherwise direct the component 128 toward the target 130. In addition or alternatively, the fourth guest 126 can activate a feature (e.g., a light emitting diode) of the component 128 to interact with the target 130. The fourth guest 126 can collect points based on the position of the component 128 relative to the target 130. For example, when directing the component 128 (e.g., a beam of light emitted from the component 128) toward the midpoint of the target 130, the fourth guest 126 can receive more points than when directing the component 128 (e.g., a beam of light emitted from the component 128) toward the periphery of the target 130. The controller 64 can be communicatively coupled to the component 128, the target 130, and / or an intermediate device coupled to the component 128 and / or the target 130. The controller 64 may then actuate the rotation of the platform 14 to place the first guest 120, the second guest 122, the third guest 124, and the fourth guest 126 into positions corresponding to the number of points collected by the respective guests. Further, the guests 120, 122, 124, 126 may interact with an activator (e.g., a button, pedal, or throttle) when a target amount of points is collected, which may then actuate the rotation of the platform 14 to place the guest interacting with the activator into the first position.

[0039] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , as a result of interacting with the seat 12 and / or the object 130, the fourth guest 126 may be moved into the first position. Figure 416 , the platform 14 is rotated approximately (e.g., within 10%, within 5%, within 1% thereof) 180 degrees in the first rotational direction 26 or the second rotational direction 28 as compared to the position of the platform 14 illustrated in . While the above discussion generally focuses on guest interactions that cause the platform 14 to rotate, in other embodiments, the rotation of the platform 14 may be based on the position of the platform 14 along the ride path 16. For example, the controller 64 may be configured to receive feedback from a sensor 134 positioned along the ride path 16 to determine the position of the platform 14. The controller 64 may then actuate the rotation of the platform 14 based on the position of the platform 14 relative to the ride path 16 (e.g., based on detection by the sensor 134). In further embodiments, the rotation of the platform 14 about the guide axis 24 may be a result of a guest interaction, the position of the platform 14 along the ride path, the time between recent rotations of the platform 14, any parameter (e.g., random rotation), or a combination thereof.

[0040] In some embodiments, the operating direction 18 of the platform 14 may change along the ride path 16. For example, the ride path 16 may include a terminal 150 (eg, an end or break in the structure 20) that the platform 14 may reach when traveling along the ride path 16. Figure 6 is a plan view of such an embodiment of platform 14 positioned at terminal 150 in first position 152. Figure 6 1, the platform 14 is positioned proximate to a distal end 154 of the structure 20 (e.g., a guideway or track) of the ride path 16. Upon reaching the terminal 150, movement of the ride vehicle 10 and the platform 14 may be stopped such that the ride vehicle 10 and the platform 14 are substantially stationary and facing the operating direction 18. In other words, when the ride vehicle 10 and the platform 14 reach a position proximate to the terminal 150, the ride vehicle 10 and the platform 14 stop moving along the ride path 16 in the operating direction 18.

[0041] When stopped at terminal 150, platform 14 may be rotated about guide axis 24 in first rotational direction 26 or second rotational direction 28 to cause platform 14 and seat 12 to move toward second position 156 facing direction 34. For example, Figure 7 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a ride vehicle 10, platform 14, and seats 12 facing in direction 34. Thus, the platform 14 in the second position 156 is 1.5 meters from the top. Figure 6150. The first position 152 illustrated in FIG. 150 is approximately (e.g., within 10%, within 5%, or within 1%) 180 degrees. The platform 14 can therefore rotate at the terminal 150 to reorient the seats 12 and enable the guests to face the direction 34. Therefore, the ride vehicle 10 can then move along the structure 20 of the ride path 16 in the direction 34 to move away from the terminal 150 and along the ride path 16. In other embodiments, the platform 14 may not rotate to reorient the seats 12 and enable the guests to face the direction 34. Therefore, when the ride vehicle 10 moves in the direction 34, the guests can face the direction 18, which can provide guests with an enhanced sense of excitement because the guests cannot see the route of the ride vehicle 10.

[0042] The ride vehicle 10 may be directed along the ride path 16 toward the terminal 150 in the operating direction 18, and then redirected from the terminal 150 along the ride path 16 in the direction 34 opposite the operating direction 18. In some embodiments, the ride path 16 may include junctions and / or transitions that enable the ride vehicle 10 to be directed along different structures 20 of the ride path 16 in the direction 34 compared to movement in the operating direction 18. For example, after reaching the terminal 150, the ride vehicle 10 may rotate and begin moving in the direction 34 toward a junction in the ride path 16. The ride vehicle 10 may transition to a different portion of the structure 20 of the ride path 16 than the portion of the ride path 16 in which the ride vehicle 10 travels to reach the terminal 150. Thus, the route of the ride vehicle 10 may be different when traveling toward and away from the terminal 150.

[0043] As described above, the seats 12 may be mounted to the platform 14 via a gimbal system to provide additional mobility and / or to maintain the viewing angle of the guests during at least a portion of the ride path 16. For example, Figure 8 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of one of the seats 12 mounted to the platform 14 via the gimbal system 170. Figure 8 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of , the gimbal system 170 includes an inner ring 172, an intermediate ring 174, and an outer ring 176, each of which can be configured to rotate about various axes. For ease of discussion, the gimbal system 170 can be described relative to a vertical axis 178, a transverse axis 180, and a longitudinal axis 182. In some embodiments, the inner ring 172 is configured to rotate about the vertical axis, the intermediate ring 174 is configured to rotate about the transverse axis 180, and the outer ring is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis 182. In other embodiments, the inner ring 172, the intermediate ring 174, and the outer ring 176 can be configured to rotate about any suitable axis.

[0044] like Figure 8 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of , the seat 12 is coupled to the inner ring 172 via a support beam 184, and thus, the seat is configured to move with the inner ring 172. In addition, the outer ring 176 is coupled to the support 186, which is coupled to the platform 14. The outer ring 176 can be coupled to the support 186 via a rotatable joint 188, which facilitates the rotation of the outer ring 176 about the longitudinal axis 182. In addition, the intermediate ring 174 is coupled to the outer ring 176 via a rotatable joint 190, which enables the intermediate ring 174 to rotate about the transverse axis 180. Further, the inner ring 172 is coupled to the intermediate ring 174 via a rotatable joint 192 to enable the rotation of the inner ring 172 about the vertical axis. In some embodiments, the inner ring 172 is coupled to the support beam 184 via a stationary joint 194 (which prevents the support beam 184 and the inner ring 172 from moving relative to each other).

[0045] In some embodiments, the gimbal system 170 may include one or more actuators 196 (e.g., motors) that control the rotation of the inner ring 172, the middle ring 174, and / or the outer ring 176. Thus, the controller 64 may be configured to actuate the movement of the rings 172, 174, 176 as the ride vehicle 10 moves along the ride path 16. In some embodiments, the gimbal system 170 is configured to maintain the position of the seat 12 relative to the ride path 16 and / or the direction of travel of the ride vehicle 10 (e.g., the operating direction 18 and / or the direction 34). In other embodiments, the gimbal system 170 is configured to move the seat 12 in any suitable direction or orientation to enhance the guest's experience. Thus, the controller 64 may control the actuator 196 to adjust the position of the seat 12 to provide additional mobility to the ride vehicle 10.

[0046] 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 as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus for an amusement park, comprising: a bogie system configured to move along a ride path; a platform coupled to the bogie system, wherein the platform is configured to rotate relative to the bogie system about a guide axis; a plurality of seats coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis; a sensor configured to detect a position of a seat of the plurality of seats relative to the platform; as well as A controller is configured to control rotation of the platform based on the position of the seat in the plurality of seats.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The platform includes a channel, and wherein the seat of the plurality of seats is configured to move along the channel relative to the platform.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The seat of the plurality of seats is rotatably coupled to the platform.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor is configured to detect a position of the platform relative to the ride path, and wherein the controller is configured to receive feedback from the sensor indicative of the position of the platform.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The controller is configured to control the rotation of the platform about the guide axis based on the feedback from the sensor.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The seat of the plurality of seats is coupled to the platform via a gimbal system.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The gimbal system is configured to maintain a position of the seat of the plurality of seats relative to the riding path.

8. The device according to claim 1, comprising: an interactive component configured to be manipulated by a guest positioned in said seat among said plurality of seats; as well as an object positioned along the ride path and configured to be activated by the interactive component, wherein the controller is configured to: receiving feedback from the interactive component, the target, or both when the interactive component is activated; as well as The rotation of the platform about the guide axis is controlled based on the feedback.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The platform includes a plurality of grooves, and wherein each seat of the plurality of seats is configured to move along a corresponding groove of the plurality of grooves.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein: Each seat of the plurality of seats is configured to move along the corresponding channel independently of other seats of the plurality of seats.

11. A system for an amusement park, comprising: a bogie system configured to guide movement along a ride path; a platform coupled to the bogie system, wherein the platform is configured to rotate relative to the bogie system about a guide axis; a plurality of seats coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis; a first actuator configured to rotate the platform about the guide axis; a second actuator configured to rotate the platform about a tilt axis, wherein the tilt axis is oriented crosswise to the guide axis; a sensor configured to determine a position of a seat of the plurality of seats relative to the platform; as well as A controller is configured to control the first actuator, the second actuator, or both based on the position of the seat of the plurality of seats relative to the platform.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The first actuator includes a gear assembly driven by a motor.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The second actuator includes a pivot assembly having a pivot structure and a plurality of telescoping actuators coupled to the pivot structure.

14. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The controller is configured to control the first actuator and the second actuator based on a position of the platform relative to the ride path.

15. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The seat of the plurality of seats is rotatably coupled to the platform.

16. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The platform includes a third actuator configured to move the seat of the plurality of seats away from the platform, toward the platform, or both.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein: The seat of the plurality of seats includes a base having a telescoping section coupled to the third actuator that enables the seat of the plurality of seats to move away from the platform, toward the platform, or both.

18. A system for an amusement park, comprising: Tracks that define the path of the ride; a bogie system coupled to the track, wherein the bogie system is configured to guide motion along the ride path; a platform coupled to the bogie system, wherein the platform is configured to rotate relative to the bogie system about a guide axis; a first seat coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis; a second seat coupled to the surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis; a sensor configured to determine a first position of the first seat, a second position of the second seat, or both relative to the platform; as well as A controller is configured to control rotation of the platform based on the first position of the first seat, the second position of the second seat, or both.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein: The track includes a terminal, and wherein the bogie system is configured to move in a first direction toward the terminal and in a second direction opposite the first direction away from the terminal.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein: The platform is configured to rotate approximately 180 degrees relative to the bogie system upon reaching the terminal.

21. A system for an amusement park, comprising: a platform of the system configured to rotate about a guide axis and to travel in a direction of travel of the platform; a motion system configured to drive movement of the platform; one or more seats coupled to the platform, wherein the one or more seats are configured to move with and relative to the platform; at least one sensor configured to detect a position of at least one of the one or more seats relative to the platform and to provide a signal indicative of the position; and A controller is configured to receive the signal indicative of the position and control the motion system to rotate the platform about the guide axis based on the signal indicative of the position.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein: The one or more seats include a plurality of seats, and wherein a first seat of the plurality of seats is configured to translate along the platform relative to a second seat of the plurality of seats.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein: The at least one seat is coupled to the platform via a gimbal system.

24. The system of claim 21, comprising: an interactive component configured to be controlled by a guest positioned in the at least one seat; as well as An object is positioned outside of the platform within the system and is configured to be activated by the interactive component.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein: The controller is configured to: receiving feedback from the interactive component, the target, or both based on activation of the interactive component; and The motion system is controlled based on the feedback to reposition the platform.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein: The controller is configured to detect activation of the object and assign points or rewards to the guest based on the activation.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein: The one or more seats include a plurality of seats, and the controller is configured to select the at least one seat from the plurality of seats for detection of the position to control the motion system based on the score or the reward.

28. The system of claim 21, wherein: The platform is configured to rotate about an additional axis, wherein the additional axis is transverse to the guide axis.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein: The platform is configured to travel on a bogie along a ride path of the system, the ride path including a turn positioned adjacent a pseudo-extension of the ride path, wherein the controller is configured to control the motion system to rotate the platform about the additional axis as the bogie traverses the turn.

30. The system of claim 21, wherein: The one or more seats include a plurality of seats, and each seat of the plurality of seats is configured to move along the platform relative to each remaining seat of the plurality of seats.

31. A system for an amusement park, comprising: a platform configured to rotate about a guide axis, tilt about a tilt axis, or both; a first actuator configured to rotate the platform about the guide axis; a second actuator configured to tilt the platform about the tilt axis; a plurality of seats coupled to the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis, move directionally relative to the platform, move upward or downward relative to the platform, rotate relative to the platform about a third axis, or any combination thereof; a sensor configured to detect a position of at least one of the plurality of seats relative to the platform; as well as A controller is configured to control the first actuator to rotate the platform and the second actuator to tilt the platform based on the position of the at least one seat relative to the platform.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein: The controller is configured to select the at least one seat from the plurality of seats for position-based control of the first actuator and the second actuator based on a performance of an interactive component associated with the at least one seat.

33. The system of claim 31, wherein: Each seat of the plurality of seats is slidably engaged with the platform and is configured to slide relative to each remaining seat of the plurality of seats.

34. The system of claim 31, wherein: The first actuator includes a gear assembly driven by a motor.

35. The system of claim 31, wherein: The second actuator includes a pivot assembly having a pivot structure and a plurality of telescoping actuators coupled to the pivot structure.

36. The system of claim 31, wherein: The platform is configured to travel on a bogie along a ride path of the system, the ride path including a turn positioned adjacent a pseudo-extension of the ride path, wherein the controller is configured to control a first actuator to rotate the platform about the guide axis as the bogie traverses the turn.

37. The system of claim 31, wherein: The controller is configured to control the first actuator and the second actuator based on a position of the platform within the system.

38. A system for an amusement park, comprising: a platform configured to rotate about a guide axis; a first seat coupled to the platform and a second seat coupled to the platform, wherein the first seat and the second seat are configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis, move directionally relative to the platform, move upward or downward relative to the platform, rotate about an axis transverse to the guide axis, or any combination thereof; a first sensor coupled to the first seat, wherein the first sensor is configured to detect a first position of the first seat; a second sensor coupled to the second seat, wherein the second sensor is configured to detect a second position of the second seat; and A controller is configured to control the rotation of the platform based on the first position of the first seat, the second position of the second seat, or both.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein: The controller is configured to control the rotation of the platform based on the first position instead of the second position when a first performance value assigned to a first interactive component associated with the first seat exceeds a second performance value assigned to a second interactive component associated with the second seat.

40. The system of claim 38, wherein: The controller is configured to cause the first seat to move relative to the second seat along the platform based on the first position, the second position, or both.

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