Gap blocking system and method for amusement park landscape

Abstract

The invention relates to gap blocking systems and methods for amusement park landscapes. The gap blocking system includes a loading platform having a gap separating a first portion of the loading platform from a second portion of the loading platform. The ride vehicle is coupled to a vehicle extending through the gap. A guardrail assembly having a plurality of guardrail units is coupled to the first portion, wherein the guardrail units are configured to transition between a first position and a second position. The guardrail unit is configured to block access to the gap when in the first position. The ride vehicle includes an engagement feature configured to connect with individual ones of the guardrail units to selectively transition the individual guardrail units from the first position to the second position. The separate guardrail unit is configured to, in the second position, permit the ride vehicle to occupy a location accessible to a guest proximate to or on the loading platform.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 202080026435.7, filed on February 19, 2020, and entitled “Gap Blocking System and Method for Amusement Park Landscape”. This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 827,144, filed on March 31, 2019, entitled “FALL HAZARD PREVENTION SYSTEMS FOR AMUSEMENT PARK ATTRACTIONS,” U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 849,542, filed on May 17, 2019, entitled “FALL HAZARD PREVENTION SYSTEMS FOR AMUSEMENT PARK ATTRACTIONS,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 858,663, filed on June 7, 2019, entitled “FALL HAZARD PREVENTION SYSTEMS FOR AMUSEMENT PARK ATTRACTIONS,” which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes. Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to amusement park ride systems for amusement parks. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for blocking access to gaps in certain amusement park ride systems.

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be relevant to various aspects of the present disclosure described and / or claimed below. This discussion is considered to be helpful in providing background information to the reader to facilitate a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be read from this perspective, and not as an admission of the prior art.

[0004] Recently, there has been an interest in increasing efficiency in improving the efficiency of loading passengers (e.g., guests) into the ride vehicles of the landscape of the amusement park. Therefore, some landscapes can include a loading system with a loading platform, which allows passengers to unload and / or load into the ride vehicle from the ride vehicle when the ride vehicle moves along the loading path. Certain positions along the loading platform are usually permanently blocked with obstacles (e.g., railings) to prevent guests from moving out of the loading platform and moving to another position where the track of the landscape or guests should not be. Other positions along the loading platform can include uncovered gaps that cannot be permanently blocked with obstacles. For example, such uncovered gaps usually allow ride vehicles and / or propel the parts of the ride vehicle to travel along the loading path without interfering with the loading platform. However, passengers loaded / unloaded from the ride vehicle and / or other guests walking across the loading platform may lose items in such uncovered gaps along the loading platform. Summary of the invention

[0005] Some embodiments that are commensurate with the present disclosure in scope are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but these embodiments are intended to provide only a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. In fact, the present disclosure can encompass various forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0006] In an embodiment, a gap blocking system includes a loading platform having a gap separating a first portion of the loading platform from a second portion of the loading platform. A ride vehicle is coupled to a conveyance extending through the gap, wherein the conveyance is configured to propel the ride vehicle along a loading path adjacent to the loading platform. The gap blocking system also includes a guardrail assembly having a plurality of guardrail units coupled to the first portion of the loading platform and configured to transition between a first position and a second position, wherein the plurality of guardrail units are configured to block access to the gap when in the first position. The ride vehicle includes an engagement feature configured to connect to a separate guardrail unit of the plurality of guardrail units to selectively transition the separate guardrail unit from the first position to the second position. The separate guardrail unit is configured to permit the ride vehicle to occupy a position in the second position that is accessible to guests adjacent to or on the loading platform.

[0007] In an embodiment, a gap blocking system includes a loading platform having a gap separating a first portion of the loading platform from a second portion of the loading platform. A ride vehicle is coupled to a transport extending through the gap, wherein the transport is configured to propel the ride vehicle along a loading path of the loading platform. The gap blocking system includes a panel assembly coupled to the loading platform. The panel assembly includes a plurality of panels, wherein each of the plurality of panels is coupled to a corresponding actuator, and the corresponding actuator is configured to selectively convert the panel between a first position and a second position. Each of the plurality of panels is configured to block access to a portion of the gap in a first position, and each of the plurality of panels is configured to expose a portion of the gap in a second position to permit the ride vehicle to occupy a position accessible to a guest on or adjacent to the loading platform. In the position accessible to the guest, the ride vehicle extends across a radial dimension of the gap to block access to a portion of the gap.

[0008] In an embodiment, a method of operating a gap blocking system for an amusement park attraction includes transitioning a plurality of panels of a loading platform to an extended position via a plurality of actuators to cover a gap of the loading platform to block access to the gap. The method also includes detecting that a ride vehicle approaching the loading platform from a ride track is within a threshold distance of the gap. The method also includes transitioning a corresponding panel of the plurality of panels to a retracted position via at least one of the actuators to expose a portion of the gap to permit the ride vehicle to enter the gap and occupy a guest-accessible position along the loading platform, wherein a chassis of the ride vehicle overlaps a radial dimension of the gap in the guest-accessible position to block access to the portion of the gap. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] 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, and in which: Figure 1 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a portion of a ride system according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ride system according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of a turntable for a ride system having a guardrail assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a portion of a turntable for a ride system having a guardrail assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a turntable for a ride system having a guardrail assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 6 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a portion of a loading system for a ride system having a guardrail assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 7 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a portion of a loading system for a ride system having a guardrail assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 8 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a portion of a loading system for a ride system having a guardrail assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure; Fig. 9 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a portion of a loading system for a ride system having an actuated panel assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure; Fig.10 is a top view of an embodiment of a panel array of an actuation panel assembly for a ride system according to aspects of the present disclosure; and Fig.11 is a top view of an embodiment of a portion of a loading system for a ride system having an actuated plate assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. These described embodiments are merely examples of the currently disclosed technology. In addition, in order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of the actual implementation may not 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 developer's specific goals, such as compliance 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 will still be a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for ordinary technicians who benefit from the present disclosure.

[0011] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive, and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the described features.

[0012] Some amusement park landscapes may include a loading system that allows passengers to be loaded into and / or unloaded from the ride vehicles of the landscape when the ride vehicles travel along the loading system. When the ride vehicle enters the loading area of ​​the landscape, the ride vehicle may slow down, but continue to move at a relatively low speed along the track or path when the passengers leave the vehicle and when new passengers are loaded onto the vehicle. The system may include a loading platform that is configured as a turntable, or as discussed below, configured as a linear platform that is stationary or configured to rotate around an axis (e.g., a central vertical axis) around which the vehicle moves. A stationary outer platform may be arranged around part of the turntable or substantially the entire turntable to form a gap between the turntable and the outer platform. The gap may define a loading path, and during unloading and / or loading passengers from the ride vehicle, the ride vehicle may travel along the loading path. In some embodiments, the ride vehicle may travel along the loading path at a speed substantially equal to the rotational speed of the turntable. That is, the rotational speed of the ride vehicle about the axis can substantially match the rotational speed of the turntable so that relative movement between the ride vehicle and the turntable can be substantially imperceptible. Thus, the edge of the turntable can be substantially stationary relative to the edge of a particular ride vehicle to permit passengers to board or unload from the ride vehicle without having to walk along the ride vehicle during such loading / unloading process to adjust to the speed of the ride vehicle. In this way, the loading system can facilitate the loading and unloading of passengers into non-stationary ride vehicles. However, portions of the gap adjacent to or otherwise surrounding the ride vehicle may permit passengers to lose items (e.g., keys, coins, portable phones) in the gap.

[0013] Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to gap blocking systems that are configured to block access to a gap while still permitting a ride vehicle to move along or within the gap during operation of the loading system. For example, in some embodiments, the gap blocking system includes an actuable guardrail assembly (e.g., a guard assembly) disposed around the periphery of the loading platform. The guardrail assembly includes a plurality of guardrail units, each of which is configured to selectively transition between an extended position and a retracted or subducted position, in which the guardrail unit blocks access to the gap by guests, and in which the guardrail unit permits the ride vehicle to occupy a position accessible to guests along the turntable. In the position accessible to guests of the ride vehicle, the corresponding chassis of the ride vehicle is configured to block access to the gap by guests. Thus, the guardrail unit can be configured to block access to any portion of the gap by guests that has not been occupied by the ride vehicle and is blocked from access by guests via a component of the ride vehicle (e.g., the corresponding chassis of the ride vehicle). As discussed herein, in some embodiments, the guardrail units can be configured to transition between respective extended and retracted positions in response to engagement (e.g., physical contact) with a feature of a ride vehicle. That is, in embodiments, the ride vehicle directly contacts an individual guardrail unit to cause the guardrail unit to move from the extended position to the retracted position. Indeed, in some embodiments, the guardrail assembly can be a passive actuation system that is operable to adjust the guardrail unit without involving the use of a dedicated actuator.

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to a gap blocking system, which includes an actuable panel assembly. The panel assembly is configured to selectively block a gap between a platform (e.g., a loading turntable) and an outer platform to substantially eliminate or close a gap that may exist, while still allowing a ride vehicle to travel along the gap during operation of the loading system. For example, the panel assembly includes a plurality of panels that can be coupled to the turntable and configured to rotate around an axis with the turntable. The panels can be associated with corresponding actuators that are configured to selectively convert the panels from an extended position to a retracted position to unblock (e.g., not cover) a portion of the gap along which the ride vehicle is positioned and to block (e.g., cover) other portions of the gap that are not occupied by the ride vehicle. Thus, the panel system can allow a ride vehicle to travel along the loading system to receive and / or unload passengers at any suitable location along the turntable, while the guest's access to the gap is substantially blocked by the actuable panel. These and other features will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] It is important to note that while the present disclosure describes embodiments of gap blocking systems (e.g., actuatable guardrail assemblies, actuatable panel assemblies) as configured for use in an amusement park environment, it should be appreciated that the disclosed embodiments of the gap blocking systems can be implemented to selectively block access to various gaps that may exist in various industrial environments. For example, the embodiments of the gap blocking systems discussed herein can be used to block access to gaps that may exist in various conveyor systems or other devices for moving components along a path (e.g., a track).

[0016] Now turning to the attached figure, Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a ride system 10 (e.g., an attraction) for an amusement park. The ride system 10 includes a loading system 12 that facilitates the loading and / or unloading of passengers (e.g., guests of the amusement park) into a ride vehicle 14 of the ride system 10. For example, a passenger may be loaded into the ride vehicle 14 at the loading system 12, may travel along an attraction path 16 of the ride system 10, and may return to the loading system 12 to unload from the ride vehicle 14. While traveling along the attraction path 16, the passenger may be exposed to various experiences, such as virtual reality, alternate reality, environmental interactions, multiple ride paths, water features, special effects, etc. It should be noted that portions of the ride system 10 (such as the attraction path 16) have been intentionally simplified to focus on aspects of the loading system 12.

[0017] In the depicted embodiment, the loading system 12 includes a loading platform 17 having a turntable 18 (e.g., a first portion of the loading platform 17), the turntable 18 being configured to rotate about an axis 20 (e.g., at a substantially constant rotational speed). However, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein may also be used with a stationary loading platform that does not rotate. In the illustrated embodiment, the turntable 18 is substantially circular and rotates in a clockwise direction 22 about the axis 20. However, in other embodiments, the turntable 18 may be any suitable shape that may correspond to the theme of the ride system 10 and may rotate in a counterclockwise direction about the axis 20. In addition, in some embodiments, the turntable 18 may be replaced with a belt or other track system (e.g., a linear platform and associated track system) that is configured to travel along a linear path or along another predetermined path (e.g., an asymmetric path). In some embodiments, the turntable 18 may include a stationary portion 26 disposed therein that is not configured to rotate about the axis 20. That is, the turntable 18 may include a generally annular shape and may be disposed about the stationary portion 26 such that the turntable 18 may rotate about the axis 20 relative to the stationary portion 26 .

[0018] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the turntable 18 is at least partially circumscribed by an outer platform 28 (e.g., a second portion of the loading platform 17), which in some embodiments is configured to remain stationary relative to the axis 20. The outer platform 28 can be spaced apart from the turntable 18 such that a gap 30 is formed between an inner edge 32 of the outer platform 28 and an outer edge 34 of the turntable 18. The scenic path 16 can be coupled to a loading path 36 that extends along the gap 30 and around the axis 20. In particular, the loading path 36 can extend along the gap 30 between a terminal end 38 and a starting end 40 of the remaining scenic path 16. Thus, the loading path 36 can form part of the overall scenic path 16. As discussed in detail below, passengers can be loaded into and / or unloaded from the ride vehicle 14 along the loading path 36. The portion of the turntable 18 positioned adjacent the loading path 36 at a particular instance in time will be referred to herein as a loading zone 42 of the loading system 12 (eg, the loading zone 42 may represent the area of ​​the turntable 18 outlined by the illustrated phantom lines).

[0019] The ride vehicles 14 may travel along the scenic path 16 in the direction of travel 44. The ride vehicles 14 may enter the loading path 36 via an access passage 50 (e.g., a path or aisle) that may be formed within the outer platform 28. In some embodiments, the loading path 36 extends around the axis 20 of the turntable 18 (e.g., the loading path 36 has a radius extending from the axis 20). Thus, the ride vehicles 14 may travel along the length of the loading path 36 along the turntable 18 (i.e., with or at the same speed as the turntable 18). For example, when traveling along the loading path 36, the ride vehicles 14 may travel around the axis 20 at a speed that is substantially the same as the rotation speed of the turntable 18 about the axis 20. In this manner, the position and orientation of each of the ride vehicles 14 along the loading area 42 of the turntable 18 may remain substantially constant. In other words, each ride vehicle 14 may maintain a temporarily fixed position relative to the periphery of the turntable 18 as it travels along the loading path 36 and as the turntable 18 rotates about the axis 20. In this manner, the loading system 12 may substantially maintain the orientation of the turntable 18 relative to the ride vehicle 14, which may include seats facing the outer edge 34, as the ride vehicle 14 travels along the loading path 36. Thus, passengers may board the ride vehicle 14 from the loading area 42, or may unload from the ride vehicle 14 onto the loading area 42, without having to walk along a particular ride vehicle 14 to adjust to the speed of the ride vehicle 14 during such loading / unloading process. It should be understood that in certain embodiments, the corresponding speed of the ride vehicle 14 along the loading path 36 may be less than the average speed of the ride vehicle 14 along the rest of the scenic path 16. Upon completion of the loading / unloading process, the ride vehicle 14 may exit the loading path 36 via the exit passage 62 adjacent to the starting end 40 of the scenic path 16.

[0020] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, an entrance ramp 64 can extend between an entrance 66 of the ride system 10 and the stationary portion 26 of the loading system 12. In some embodiments, the entrance ramp 64 can be any suitable angled path, which can include steps, a substantially flat angled surface, an escalator, or any combination thereof. Thus, when certain ride vehicles 14 or other moving parts of the loading system 12 travel around the axis 20 (e.g., under the entrance ramp 64), guests can enter the stationary portion 26 from the entrance 66 (e.g., walk onto the stationary portion 26). Generally, guests can step from the stationary portion 26 onto the loading area 42 of the turntable 18, and then board a specific one of the ride vehicles 14 traveling along the loading area 42. It should be understood that in order to exit the ride system 10, guests can unload from the ride vehicle 14 onto the loading area 42, walk toward the stationary portion 26, and then can exit to the loading system 12 via the entrance ramp 64.

[0021] The ride vehicles 14 travel along the loading path in a track-based or trackless system. In an embodiment, each of the ride vehicles 14 traveling along the loading path 36 can be associated with a corresponding transport vehicle 70, such as Figure 2 , the conveyance 70 is configured to propel the ride vehicles 14 along the loading path 36 and about the axis 20. In certain embodiments, the conveyance 70 may be partially disposed below the turntable 18 and / or the outer platform 28 and may be coupled to a particular ride vehicle 14 via a support structure extending through the gap 30. In practice, the gap 30 may permit the conveyance 70 to couple to a corresponding ride vehicle 14 and propel the corresponding ride vehicle 14 along the loading path 36. Unfortunately, the gap 30 may permit guests loading and / or unloading from the ride vehicle 14 or otherwise walking adjacent to the loading path 36 to accidentally lose certain items (e.g., keys, coins, portable phones) in the gap 30 by dropping the items into the gap 30. Therefore, the embodiments of the ride system 10 discussed herein are equipped with a gap blocking system 72 that is configured to substantially block access to the gap 30 by guests. More specifically, the gap blocking system 72 is configured to selectively block guests' access to portions of the gap 30 that are not occupied by components of the ride vehicle 14 or that are otherwise covered by the ride vehicle 14 (e.g., covered by a corresponding chassis of the ride vehicle 14). Thus, the gap blocking system 72 can permit the ride vehicles 14 to move continuously along the loading path 36 while substantially eliminating the possibility of guests losing items in the gap 30.

[0022] To better illustrate the vehicle 70 and to facilitate subsequent discussion of the gap blocking system 72 as used in conjunction with the vehicle 70, Figure 2is a perspective view of an embodiment of the loading system 12. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a transport 70 is positioned in a space 74 below the turntable 18 and / or the outer platform 28 and engages with a guide track 76. The guide track 76 can extend around a frame 78 supporting the turntable 18 and permit the transport 70 to be advanced along the guide track 76 around the axis 20. In some embodiments, the guide track 76 and the loading path 36 can include the same path or track structure. A robotic manipulator 80 can couple the transport 70 to one of the ride vehicles 14 (hereinafter referred to as the ride vehicle 82) to permit the transport 70 to move the ride vehicle 82 along the loading path 36. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the robotic manipulator 80 can include a support structure 84 (e.g., an axle) extending through the gap 30 and engaging the ride vehicle 82. Therefore, the support structure 84 can facilitate coupling the ride vehicle 82 to the transport 70 positioned below the turntable 18 and / or the outer platform 28. For clarity, it should be understood that as used herein, “ride vehicle” may refer to any one or combination of ride vehicles 82 (e.g., any of ride vehicles 14 ), robotic manipulator 80 , and / or components of transport 70 .

[0023] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a turntable 18 illustrating an embodiment of a gap blocking system 72. For example, in some embodiments, the gap blocking system 72 includes a guardrail assembly 100 having a plurality of individual guardrail units 102. The guardrail units 102 are positioned around the perimeter of the turntable 18 and coupled to the turntable 18. To this end, each of the guardrail units 102 can rotate with the turntable 18 about the axis 20 (e.g., in the clockwise direction 22). As discussed below, the guardrail units 102 are configured to block (e.g., obstruct) a guest's access to the gap 30 while permitting the ride vehicle 14 to travel along the loading path 36 during operation of the loading system 12. Each of the guardrail units 102 can be assembled from one or more rails 104 (e.g., tubes) made of aluminum, stainless steel, a polymer material, or other suitable material.

[0024] In an embodiment, each of the guardrail units 102 may be configured to selectively transition between a corresponding extended position 106 (eg, a first position) and a corresponding retracted position 108 (eg, a second position), such as Figure 5. In the extended position 106, the guardrail units 102 can be positioned proximate the outer edge 34 of the turntable 18 and can be configured to extend out of a plane generally vertically (e.g., along the axis 20) or orthogonally relative to the surface 110 of the turntable 18. Thus, in the extended position 106, the guardrail units 102 can block (e.g., hinder) a guest's access to the gap 30 and restrict the guest to the loading area 42. That is, the guardrail units 102 can block a guest from gaining access to the gap 30 and thus reduce or substantially eliminate the possibility of a guest losing items (e.g., keys, coins, portable phones) in the gap 30. As discussed in detail below, each of the guardrail units 102 can be configured to translate along a corresponding radial dimension of the turntable 18 to selectively retract (e.g., withdraw) below the turntable 18 to transition to the retracted position 108. In the retracted position 108, the guardrail units 102 permit the ride vehicles 14 to occupy a position accessible to guests along the loading area 42 to permit guests to be loaded into or unloaded from the particular ride vehicle 14. It should be appreciated that when the ride vehicles 14 are in a position accessible to guests along the loading area 42, the corresponding chassis or other components of the ride vehicles 14 may block guests' access to the gap 30. Thus, the guardrail assembly 100 may be configured to specifically block guests' access to portions of the gap 30 that are not blocked or otherwise obstructed by the ride vehicles 14 themselves. The guardrail units 102 may be configured to actuate independently of one another, such that retraction of an individual guardrail unit 102 does not cause actuation of an adjacent guardrail unit 102.

[0025] Figure 4 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a portion of the loading system 12, which illustrates one of the guardrail units 102, hereinafter referred to as the guardrail unit 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the guardrail unit 114 is in the extended position 106, so that the guardrail unit 114 is positioned substantially adjacent to the outer edge 34 and extends generally vertically (e.g., along an axis parallel to the axis 20) to block the guest's access to the gap 30. However, it should be understood that the guardrail unit 114 can also extend at a certain angle to form an acute angle or an obtuse angle with the surface 110. In some embodiments, the guardrail unit 114 can include a plurality of railing sections 116, which are hingedly (e.g., pivotably) coupled to each other at corresponding hinge points 118. As discussed below, the railing sections 116 allow the guardrail unit 114 to be articulated (articulate) between various intermediate positions to facilitate the withdrawal of the guardrail unit 114 under the turntable 18.

[0026] In some embodiments, the lower rail segment 120 (e.g., the lowermost portion of the rail segment 116) includes a roller assembly 122 that is configured to engage with a track assembly 123 of the turntable 18. The track assembly 123 can be disposed below the turntable 18 (e.g., coupled to the underside of the turntable 18) and can be configured to rotate with the turntable 18 about the axis 20. The track assembly 123 engages with the roller assembly 122 to maintain the circumferential position of the guardrail unit 114 relative to the turntable 18 while permitting the guardrail unit 114 to translate radially along the turntable 18 (e.g., relative to the axis 20). As discussed below, to this end, the track assembly 123 can permit the guardrail unit 114 to selectively transition between the extended position 106 and the retracted position 108. It should be appreciated that the roller assembly 122 may include one or more bearings, bushings, wheels or casters, polymer pads, or any other suitable device or component that permits the roller assembly 122 to engage with and translate along the track assembly 123 .

[0027] Figure 5 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a portion of the loading system 12, which illustrates the guardrail unit 114 in the retracted position 108. In some embodiments, the lower railing section 120, or another suitable portion of the guardrail unit 114, may include a push plate 124 coupled thereto. The push plate 124 is configured to engage with an engagement feature 126 of a particular ride vehicle 14, such as the ride vehicle 82, when the ride vehicle 82 enters the loading path 36. The engagement feature 126 may include one or more shafts or beams, an elongated plate, and / or other suitable protrusion or protrusions extending outwardly from the ride vehicle 82.

[0028] As the ride vehicle 82 approaches the turntable 18 from the entryway 50, the engagement feature 126 may engage (e.g., physically contact) the push plate 124 to push the push plate 124 in a radially inward direction 127. The engagement feature 126 may be coupled to a chassis 128 of the ride vehicle 82, to a portion of the robotic manipulator 80 (e.g., to the support structure 84), to the conveyance 70, or a combination thereof. In any case, the engagement between the push plate 124 and the engagement feature 126 may cause articulation of the hinge point 118 to permit each of the railing sections 116 to be sequentially withdrawn below the turntable 18. Thus, as the ride vehicle 82 approaches the turntable 18 (e.g., as the ride vehicle enters the loading path 36), the guardrail unit 114 may gradually transition from the extended position 106 to the retracted position 108.

[0029] For example, in some embodiments, each of the hinge points 118 can include a biased hinge (e.g., a hinge assembly with an integrated spring) that is biased to rest in a substantially linear configuration. That is, when the guardrail unit 114 is in the extended position 106, the biased hinge can be biased (e.g., via an integrated spring) to align each of the railing segments 116 generally parallel to each other. Thus, the biased hinge can be configured to maintain the railing segments 116 in a substantially vertical orientation (e.g., relative to the surface 110 of the turntable 18) when the guardrail unit 114 is in the extended position 106. When the guardrail unit 114 is pushed from the extended position 106 to the retracted position 108 (e.g., via the engagement feature 126), the biased hinge can articulate to permit the railing segments 116 to be sequentially withdrawn below the turntable 18. For example, when translated along the track assembly 123 in the radially inward direction 127, the hinge point 118 may sequentially slide along the outer edge 34 of the turntable 18, thereby causing articulation of the offset hinge, and thus causing articulation of the individual rail segments 116. By permitting such articulation of the rail segments 116, the offset hinge may ensure that the guardrail unit 114 does not interfere with (e.g., contact) components of the ride vehicle 82 when transitioning from the extended position 106 to the retracted position 108, or vice versa. In some embodiments, a suitable support structure 129 (e.g., a guide ring) may be positioned around the guardrail unit 114 near the turntable 18 and ensure that the distal end portion 130 of the guardrail unit 114 does not travel along an arc that swings in the radially outward direction 132 when the individual rail segments 116 are sequentially withdrawn under the turntable 18. In this manner, the cooperation between the engagement features 126, the track assembly 123, the hinge points 118, and the support structure 129 may permit the guardrail unit 114 to be gradually retracted under the turntable 18 as the ride vehicle 82 approaches the turntable 18. It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the guardrail assembly 100 may be configured to retract into a slot or cavity formed within the turntable 18 when transitioning to the retracted position 108, rather than being retracted under the turntable 18 (e.g., rather than being retracted under the underside of the turntable 18). In any case, in the retracted position 108, the guardrail unit 114 may be out of sight or otherwise inaccessible to guests positioned in the loading area 42, and may permit the ride vehicle 82 to occupy a position accessible to guests along the loading path 36.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the railing segments 116 can be configured to selectively engage (e.g., couple) and disengage (e.g., decouple) from each other at the hinge points 118 to permit articulation of the railing segments 116 during transition of the guardrail unit 114 between the extended position 106 and the retracted position 108. For example, in some embodiments, certain of the railing segments 116 can include a first end portion having a male coupler and a second end portion having a female coupler. The male coupler of a particular railing segment 116 can be configured to selectively engage (e.g., at one of the hinge points 118) with a corresponding female coupler of an adjacent railing segment 116. The resilient wire, spring mechanism, and / or another suitable device or mechanism may be configured to extend through the interior of each of the railing segments 116 and may be coupled to, for example, the distal end portion 130 of the uppermost railing segment 136 (e.g., the uppermost portion of the railing segments 116) and the lower end portion 138 of the lowermost railing segment 120. Thus, the resilient wire may apply and maintain a compressive force between each of the railing segments 116, which may be suitable for maintaining engagement between the male and female couplers of the railing segments 116 when the guardrail unit 114 is in the extended position 106.

[0031] In fact, when the guardrail unit 114 is in the extended position 106, the engagement between the corresponding male and female couplers of the rail segment 116 can permit the rail segment 116 to extend substantially vertically from the turntable 18. When the guardrail unit 114 is in the extended position 106, the elastic wire extending through the rail segment 116 can ensure that the corresponding male and female couplers do not disengage from each other (e.g., due to tampering by a guest). When the guardrail unit 114 is withdrawn under the turntable 18, the rail segments 116 can sequentially disengage from each other at the hinge points 118 (e.g., due to contact with the outer edge 34 of the turntable 18) to permit the guardrail unit 114 to be withdrawn under the turntable 18. In particular, the engagement features 126 may apply a force to the guardrail unit 114 sufficient to cause the resilient wires within the rail segments 116 to stretch to permit the respective male and female couplers of the rail segments 116 to sequentially disengage from one another during withdrawal of the guardrail unit 114. Thus, such sequential decoupling of the rail segments 116 permits articulation between the respective rail segments 116. The resilient wires may be configured to sequentially reengage the respective male and female couplers of the rail segments 116 when the guardrail unit 114 transitions from the retracted position 108 to the extended position 106.

[0032] In some embodiments, the spring 140 can be positioned between the support member 142 (e.g., a component of the turntable 18) and the push plate 124 to bias the support member 142 from the push plate 124 (e.g., to push the support member 142 away from the push plate 124). Therefore, when the ride vehicle 82 exits the loading path 36 (e.g., via the exit passage 62), the spring 140 can push the guardrail unit 114 in the radially outward direction 132 along the track assembly 123. That is, when the engagement feature 126 travels outward from the turntable 18, the spring 140 can push the guardrail unit 114 toward the extended position 106. It should be understood that the spring force of the spring 140 can be selected so that when the guardrail unit 114 is in the extended position 106, the guest cannot push the guardrail unit 114 downward toward the retracted position 108. Furthermore, in other embodiments, a hydraulic pushrod or another suitable actuator (eg, pneumatic actuator, linear actuator) may be used in addition to or in place of the spring 140 to transition the guardrail unit 114 from the retracted position 108 to the extended position 106 .

[0033] In some embodiments, in addition to the spring 140, a damper 144 may be coupled to the support 142. The damper 144 may be configured to limit the extension rate of the guardrail unit 114 (e.g., the rate at which the guardrail unit 114 translates from the retracted position 108 to the extended position 106). In particular, when the engagement feature 126 translates in the radially outward direction 132 (e.g., when the ride vehicle 82 exits the loading path 36 via the exit passage 62), the damper 144 may control the rate at which the guardrail unit 114 translates from the retracted position 108 to the extended position 106 such that the push plate 124 may translate in the radially outward direction 132 at a rate slower than the rate at which the engagement feature 126 translates in the radially outward direction 132. In some embodiments, a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor) may be positioned proximate to the push plate 124 and configured to monitor the position of the push plate 124, and thus the position of the guardrail unit 114. In some embodiments, such sensors may facilitate generating an alarm if, for example, the ride vehicle 82 exits the loading path 36 and the guardrail unit 114 is not detected as transitioning from the retracted position 108 to the extended position 106 .

[0034] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the ride vehicle 82 may be configured to engage corresponding push plates 124 of two or more guardrail units 102 when the ride vehicle 82 enters the loading path 36. In such embodiments, the ride vehicle 82 may cause the withdrawal of several guardrail units 102 in a sequential or staggered manner according to the techniques discussed above. For example, to better illustrate, Figure 61 is a top schematic diagram of a portion of the loading system 12 illustrating the sequential engagement of the engagement feature 126 with the first push plate 150 of the first guardrail unit 152, the second push plate 154 of the second guardrail unit 156, and the third push plate 158 of the third guardrail unit 160 as the ride vehicle 82 enters the loading path 36. Thus, the first guardrail unit 152, the second guardrail unit 156, and the third guardrail unit 160 may be sequentially retracted under the turntable 18 to transition from the respective extended positions 106 to the respective retracted positions 108. Figure 7 , the first guardrail unit 152, the second guardrail unit 156, and the third guardrail unit 160 can rotate with the ride vehicle 82 about the axis 20 (e.g., when in the retracted position 108) to permit guests to board or unload the ride vehicle 82 along the loading area 42. It should be understood that when the ride vehicle 82 leaves the loading path 36 via the exit passage 62 (e.g., when the engagement features 126 are sequentially disengaged from the first push plate 150, the second push plate 154, and the third push plate 158), the first guardrail unit 152, the second guardrail unit 156, and the third guardrail unit 160 can be sequentially extended from under the turntable 18 to transition to their respective extended positions 106.

[0035] In some embodiments, the guardrail units 102 may be sized so that when the ride vehicle 82 is in the aligned position 166 along the loading path 36 (e.g., relative to the turntable 18), specific guardrail units 102 (e.g., guardrail units 152, 156, 160) positioned along the length 168 of the ride vehicle 82 transition to the corresponding retracted position 108. Thus, substantially all of the length 168 of the ride vehicle 82 may be accessible to guests along the loading area 42, while portions of the gap 30 positioned in front of and behind the ride vehicle 82 are blocked by corresponding guardrail units 102 in the extended position 106. It should be appreciated that the guardrail units 102 are sized so that even when the ride vehicle 82 is in the misaligned position 170 relative to the turntable 18 (e.g., Figure 8 ), the space 172 between the ride vehicle 82 and the adjacent guardrail unit 102 in the extended position 106 (e.g., as shown in Figure 8 ) may not be sufficient to grant the guest access to gap 30.

[0036] While certain disclosed embodiments are discussed in the context of a plurality of guardrail units 102 , the disclosed gap blocking system 72 may additionally or alternatively include an actuated plate system as generally provided herein. Fig. 9is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a portion of the loading system 12, illustrating another embodiment of the gap blocking system 72 including an actuated panel system 200. As discussed below, the actuated panel system 200 includes a plurality of panels 202 configured to selectively block portions of the gap 30 that are not occupied by components of the ride vehicle 14 or otherwise covered by the ride vehicle 14 (e.g., covered by a corresponding chassis of the ride vehicle 14). Thus, the actuated panel system 200 can ensure that the gap 30 remains covered to guests via the ride vehicle 82 or the panels 202 during operation of the loading system 12.

[0037] In some embodiments, the plates 202 can be coupled to the turntable 18 and spaced around the periphery of the turntable 18. Thus, the plates 202 can rotate with the turntable 18 about the axis 20. Each of the plates 202 can be configured to transition between an extended position 206 (e.g., a first position), in which the plates 202 extend across the gap 30 to cover or substantially cover a corresponding portion of the gap 30, and a retracted position 208 (e.g., a second position), in which the plates 202 do not cover (e.g., expose) a corresponding portion of the gap 30. In some embodiments, the plates 202 can be configured to radially translate relative to the turntable 18 between the extended position 206 and the retracted position 208 (e.g., relative to the axis 20). For example, to transition to the extended position 206, the plates 202 can translate in the radially outward direction 132 toward the outer platform 28. To transition to the retracted position 208, the panel 202 may translate in the radially inward direction 127 to withdraw beneath the turntable 18 and / or into a cavity within the turntable 18. As discussed below, each of the panels 202 may be associated with a suitable actuator that is configured to transition the panel 202 between the extended position 206 and the retracted position 208 based on one or more parameters of the loading system 12.

[0038] In some embodiments, the radially outermost edges of the plates 202 can be configured to extend below the outer platform 28 or into a recess formed in the outer platform 28 when the plates 202 are in the extended position 206. Thus, when in the extended position 206, the plates 202 can completely span the radial dimension of the gap 30. In some embodiments, each of the plates 202 can include a particular geometry that facilitates covering the gap 30 and / or engaging within the outer platform 28 when the plates 202 are in the extended position 206. For example, the plates 202 can include a generally trapezoidal shape or a generally arcuate shape that permits the plates 202 to abut and / or overlap each other in the extended position 206 to substantially cover the gap 30 (e.g., to reduce or substantially eliminate the space between adjacent plates 202).

[0039] In some embodiments, the actuation plate system 200 may include a plurality of brushes 210 coupled to a wall or other structure disposed along the inner edge 32 of the outer platform 28 and extending radially toward the axis 20 of the turntable 18. The brushes 210 may be configured to engage (e.g., overlap, physically contact) the plate 202 when the plate 202 is in the extended position 206. In this manner, the brushes 210 may ensure that any space that may remain between the inner edge 32 of the outer platform 28 and the radially outermost edge of the extended plate 202 is substantially covered. Additionally, the brushes 210 may be able to deflect as the plate 202 moves, thereby permitting movement of the plate 202 relative to the brushes 210. In embodiments, the brushes 210 may span a portion of the gap 30 so that the overall length of the plate 202 (e.g., the radial dimension relative to the axis 20) may be reduced. That is, in the extended position 206, the plate 202 can be configured to extend to the brush 210, rather than to the inner edge 32 of the outer platform 28. In some embodiments, such configuration of the brush 210 can therefore reduce the actuation time that may be involved in transitioning the plate 202 between the extended position 206 and the retracted position 208. In some embodiments, in addition to or in lieu of the brush 210 coupled to the inner edge 32 of the outer platform 28, an additional brush can be coupled to the radially outermost edge of the plate 202.

[0040] Fig.101 is a top view of an embodiment of a portion of a loading system 12 illustrating some of the panels 202 of the actuated panel system 200, hereinafter referred to as a panel array 218. To better illustrate the panel array 218, the turntable 18 has been removed from the illustrated embodiment of the loading system 12. In some embodiments, each of the panels 202 includes a corresponding frame 220 configured to couple the panel 202 to a suitable support structure 222 of the turntable 18 (e.g., a structure below the surface 110 of the turntable 18). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each frame 220 includes a first frame rail 224 and a second frame rail 226 coupled to the support structure 222 and extending generally radially from the axis 20. Each panel 202 includes a pair of guides 228 configured to engage with the corresponding first frame rail 224 and second frame rail 226 to permit translational movement of the panel 202 relative to the turntable 18. In particular, a respective actuator 230 associated with each of the panels 202 may be configured to selectively translate the panel 202 between the extended position 206 and the retracted position 208 along the first frame rail 224 and the second frame rail 226. As examples, the actuator 230 may include an electric actuator (e.g., a linear actuator), a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a mechanical actuator (e.g., a threaded shaft), or any other suitable actuator that permits individual adjustability of the panels 202. However, in other embodiments, a single actuator may be used to adjust the position of two or more of the panels 202.

[0041] Although the panel 202 has been described as translating radially relative to the turntable 18, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the panel 202 may move along any suitable path or motion profile to transition between the extended position 206 and the retracted position 208. Indeed, it should be appreciated that the actuator 230 may transition the panel 202 between the extended position 206 and the retracted position 208 in any suitable manner. That is, instead of translating the panel 202 radially (e.g., relative to the axis 20) between the extended position 206 and the retracted position 208, the actuator 230 may be configured to pivot, tilt, rotate, or otherwise move the panel 202 between the extended position 206 and a suitable retracted position 208 (e.g., a position vertically below the surface of the turntable 18). For example, in some embodiments, the actuator 230 may be configured to pivot the panel 202 about a corresponding transverse axis (e.g., an axis extending along the plane of the turntable 18) between the extended position 206 and the corresponding retracted position 208. Additionally, as discussed below, the actuators 230 can be configured to translate some or all of the panels 202 circumferentially about the axis 20 to transition between the respective extended and retracted positions 206, 208. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, one or more of the panels 202 and their corresponding actuators 230 can be coupled to the outer platform 28 instead of the turntable 18.

[0042] The following discussion refers to Fig. 9 Continue. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the loading system 12 may include a controller 234, which may be configured to selectively transition certain of the panels 202 between the extended position 206 and the retracted position 208 based on one or more parameters of the ride system 10, as discussed below. In practice, the controller 234 may be operatively coupled to the actuators 230 via wires and / or other suitable wired or wireless communication lines, and configured to selectively actuate each of the actuators 230. The controller 234 may include communication circuitry 236, a processor 240, and a memory 243. The processor 240 may include a microprocessor that may execute software for controlling components of the loading system 12, such as the actuators 230, the drive motors of the turntable 18, the transport 70, and / or any other suitable components of the loading system 12 and / or the ride system 10. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the controller 234 may be integrated with or include a portion of a central ride controller of the ride system 10.

[0043] The processor 240 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general purpose" microprocessors, one or more special purpose microprocessors, and / or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor 240 may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors. The memory 243 may include volatile memory (such as random access memory (RAM)), and / or non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM)). The memory 243 may store information such as control software, lookup tables, configuration data, etc. For example, the memory 243 may store processor executable instructions, including firmware or software for execution by the processor 240, such as the actuator 230, the drive motor of the turntable 18, the vehicle 70, and / or any other suitable component of the loading system 12 and / or the ride system 10. In some embodiments, the memory 243 is a tangible, non-temporary, machine-readable medium that can store machine-readable instructions for execution by the processor 240. The memory 243 may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof.

[0044] In some embodiments, the controller 234 may be configured to determine the position of the ride vehicles 14 along the scenic path 16 and / or the loading path 36 based on sensor data acquired from various sensors of the ride system 10. As an example, such sensors may include respective tracking sensors 242 (e.g., global positioning system [GPS] sensors) coupled to each of the ride vehicles 14 and in communication with the controller 234. However, it should be appreciated that various other sensors may be used in addition to or in lieu of the tracking sensors 242 to monitor the respective positions of the ride vehicles 14 along the scenic path 16 or the loading path 36. The controller 234 may be configured to maintain the plate 202 in the extended position 206 along portions of the turntable 18 that are not located adjacent to any of the ride vehicles 14. Thus, sections of the gap 30 along such portions of the turntable 18 may remain covered (e.g., inaccessible to guests) during operation of the loading system 12.

[0045] Upon determining that one of the ride vehicles 14 (such as the ride vehicle 82) is approaching the loading path 36 (e.g., approaching the gap 30 from the entry channel 50), the controller 234 may instruct one or more of the panels 202 to transition to their respective retracted positions 208, thereby permitting the support structure 84 of the robotic manipulator 80 to enter into and travel along the gap 30 during the loading / unloading process of the ride vehicle 82. That is, the support structure 84 may be positioned in a space 244 (e.g., a portion of the gap 30) formed between the front adjacent panel 246 and the rear adjacent panel 248 that are in the respective extended positions 206, so that the support structure 84 does not interfere with the panels 202 when the ride vehicle 82 and the panels 202 rotate together about the axis 20. As an example, in some embodiments, the controller 234 may instruct (e.g., via control signals sent to corresponding actuators 230) three panels 202 adjacent to the ride vehicle 82 to transition to the retracted position 208 when the ride vehicle 82 enters the loading path 36. In particular, in certain embodiments, the controller 234 may initiate sequential or staggered retraction of the first panel 250, the second panel 252, and the third panel 254 of the three panels 202 when the ride vehicle 82 enters the loading path 36. The chassis 128 of the ride vehicle 82 may include an outer dimension sufficient to cover a portion of the gap 30 (e.g., the space 244) exposed by the three panels 202 in the retracted position 208. That is, in some embodiments, when the ride vehicle 82 is in the loading path 36, the chassis 128 may be configured to overlap a radial dimension of the gap 30, thereby permitting the ride vehicle 82 to block access to the space 244 by guests. Thus, as the ride vehicle 82 , deck 202 , and turntable 18 rotate about axis 20 , gap 30 may remain substantially inaccessible to guests.

[0046] In certain embodiments, by retracting a plurality of panels (e.g., the first panel 250, the second panel 252, and the third panel 254) positioned below the ride vehicle 82, the controller 234 can create a buffer zone positioned between the support structure 84 of the robotic manipulator 80 and corresponding panels 202 (e.g., the front adjacent panel 246 and the rear adjacent panel 248) positioned in front of and behind the support structure 84. The buffer zone can ensure that slight variations between the rotation speed of the turntable 18 and the travel speed of the vehicle 70 along the gap 30 do not cause interaction (e.g., physical contact) between the support structure 84 and the front adjacent panel 246 and the rear adjacent panel 248. Additionally, as discussed below, the buffer zone can ensure that relative movement of the ride vehicle 82 relative to the turntable 18 (which may occur when operation of the ride system 10 is unexpectedly paused) does not result in engagement between components of the ride vehicle 82 (e.g., the support structure 84) and the front adjacent panel 246 or the rear adjacent panel 248.

[0047] In embodiments, in addition to or in lieu of feedback from the corresponding sensors 256 associated with each panel 202, the controller 234 may control adjustment of the panels 202 (e.g., transitioning the panels 202 between the extended position 206 and the retracted position 208) based on feedback from the corresponding tracking sensors 242 coupled to each of the panels 202. For example, in some embodiments, the sensors 256 may include inductive sensors, photoelectric sensors, ultrasonic sensors, various other proximity sensors, radio frequency (RF) modules, or combinations thereof. The sensors 256 may be configured to detect the ride vehicle 82 as it enters or approaches the loading path 36. For example, the sensors 256 may be configured to detect the support structure 84 of the robotic manipulator 80 as the ride vehicle 82 enters or approaches the loading path 36. That is, the sensors 256 may be configured to determine whether the support structure 84 and / or another suitable component of the ride vehicle 82 is within a threshold distance of the corresponding panel 202. Upon determining that the ride vehicle 82 is within a threshold distance of a particular panel 202, the controller 234 may transition the particular panel 202, and in some embodiments, one or more adjacent panels 202, from the extended position 206 to the retracted position 208. In this manner, the controller 234 permits the support structure 84 to extend through uncovered sections of the gap 30 (e.g., the space 244) when entering the loading path 36. Thus, the conveyance 70 in cooperation with the robotic manipulator 80 may propel the ride vehicle 82 along the loading path 36 while sections of the gap 30 positioned in front of and behind the chassis 128 of the ride vehicle 82 remain covered and inaccessible to guests.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the controller 234 may continuously or periodically (e.g., after a predetermined time interval has passed) monitor the position of the ride vehicle 82 along the loading path 36 (e.g., based on feedback from the tracking sensor 242 and / or the sensor 256). Upon determining that the ride vehicle 82 is leaving the loading path 36, such as when the ride vehicle 82 approaches or enters the exit passage 62, the controller 234 may instruct the three panels 202 (e.g., the first panel 250, the second panel 252, and the third panel 254) to return to their respective extended positions 206. As an example, in some embodiments, the controller 234 may extend the first panel 250, the second panel 252, and the third panel 254 to their respective extended positions 206 in a staggered or sequential manner via instructions sent to the corresponding actuators 230.

[0049] In some embodiments, feedback from the sensors 256 permits the controller 234 to determine status information indicative of the position of one or more of the panels 202. In particular, the status information may indicate whether the respective panel 202 is in the respective extended position 206 or retracted position 208. In some embodiments, the actuator 230 may be configured to provide status information indicative of the position of the panels 202 to the controller 234 in addition to or in lieu of the sensors 256. Thus, the controller 234 may be configured to use the status information to monitor the position of each of the panels 202 during operation of the loading system 12. In some embodiments, the controller 234 may be configured to provide an alert to a ride technician or operator of the ride system 10 upon determining that any of the panels 202 are positioned in an abnormal or unexpected position. As an example, the controller 234 may generate an alarm (e.g., an audible alarm, an alarm displayed on a display device viewable by an operator) upon determining that a particular panel 202 (e.g., the first panel 250) remains in a retracted position after a ride vehicle 14 (e.g., the ride vehicle 82) that was previously adjacent to the panel 202 has left the loading path 36.

[0050] As described above, in some embodiments, certain of the panels 202 may be configured to translate circumferentially, rather than radially, along the turntable 18 to transition between the respective extended and retracted positions 206, 208. As an example, the first panel 250 may be configured to translate circumferentially along the turntable 18 in the clockwise direction 22 to transition from its respective extended position 206 to the retracted position, wherein the first panel 250 is positioned above or below the front adjacent panel 246. The third panel 254 may be configured to translate circumferentially along the turntable 18 in the counterclockwise direction 258 to transition from its respective extended position 206 to the retracted position, wherein the third panel 254 is positioned above or below the rear adjacent panel 248.

[0051] Fig.11 2 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a portion of the loading system 12. In some embodiments, the controller 234 may receive an instruction (e.g., via input from an operator) to initiate a normal shutdown of the ride system 10, which will be referred to herein as a first braking scenario. When executing the first braking scenario, the controller 234 may gradually slow and stop the movement of the ride vehicle 14 (e.g., via instructions sent to the conveyance 70) and the turntable 18 (e.g., via instructions sent to the drive motor of the turntable 18) to pause the operation of the ride system 10. In particular, the controller 234 may monitor the position of the ride vehicle 14 in the loading path 36 relative to the position of the turntable 18 (e.g., via sensors coupled to the turntable 18 and / or feedback from the drive motor of the turntable 18) to ensure that the ride vehicle 14 remains aligned at a particular position relative to the turntable 18 during execution of the first braking scenario. That is, the controller 234 can ensure that the rotational speed of the turntable 18 about the axis 20 is reduced at a rate based on the acquired sensor feedback, which is substantially similar to the rate at which the rotational speed of the ride vehicle 14 about the axis 20 (e.g., along the loading path 36) is reduced during execution of the first braking scenario.

[0052] In some embodiments, the ride system 10 may experience an interruption or anomaly in operation that may cause the controller 234 to initiate a second braking scenario to more quickly stop the movement of the ride vehicles 14 and the turntable 18 to temporarily pause the operation of the ride system 10. In such embodiments, the ride vehicles 14 may be able to decelerate and stop movement in a time period that is less than the time period that may be involved in decelerating and stopping the movement of the rotating turntable 18 (e.g., due to differences in the inertia of the various ride vehicles 14 and the inertia of the turntable 18). As a result, the turntable 18 and the deck 202 may continue to move a certain distance relative to the ride vehicle 14 positioned along the loading path 36 after the ride vehicle 14 has stopped. That is, the turntable 18 may continue to rotate about the axis 20 in the clockwise direction 22 after the ride vehicle 14 has stopped moving along the loading path 36. This relative movement between the turntable 18 and a particular ride vehicle 14 (e.g., the ride vehicle 82) in the loading path 36 may expose portions of the gap 30, referred to herein as “exposed portions,” that are typically covered by the chassis 128 of the ride vehicle 82 during normal operation of the ride system 10. As an example, the “exposed portions” of the gap 30 may refer to portions of the gap 30 that are typically exposed (e.g., not covered) by the first panel 250 but are covered by the chassis 128 of the ride vehicle 82 during normal operation of the loading system 12.

[0053] In some embodiments, the controller 234 can be configured to determine the length of the exposed portion based on the relative position of the ride vehicle 82 to the turntable 18 (e.g., as determined via feedback from the sensors 242 and / or 256). If the length of the exposed portion exceeds a threshold value, the controller 234 can instruct one or more of the panels (e.g., the first panel 250) adjacent to the exposed portion to transition to the extended position 206 to cover the exposed portion of the gap 30. Thus, the controller 234 can ensure that substantially all of the gap 30 remains covered and inaccessible to guests during an abnormal deactivation of the ride system 10. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the controller 234 can instruct, for example, the first panel 250 to translate in the radially outward direction 132 from the corresponding retracted position 208 to the corresponding extended position 206 to cover the exposed portion of the gap 30. However, in other embodiments, the first plate 250 can be circumferentially translated relative to the turntable 18 (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction 258) from a corresponding retracted position below or above the front adjacent plate 246 to an extended position 206 to cover the exposed portion of the gap 30 during and / or after execution of the second braking scenario.

[0054] In some embodiments, when experiencing the second braking scenario, the controller 234 may be configured to monitor the position of an extended panel (e.g., a rear adjacent panel 248) positioned behind the support structure 84 relative to the direction of travel 44 of the ride vehicle 82. In some embodiments, during execution of the second braking scenario, upon determining that the distance between the edge of the rear adjacent panel 248 and the support structure 84 decreases below a threshold value, the controller 234 may send an instruction to transition the rear adjacent panel 248 to its corresponding retracted position 208. Thus, the controller 234 may ensure that the rear adjacent panel 248 does not engage the support structure 84 when the turntable 18 is rotated by a relatively large angular increment relative to the ride vehicle 82 during the second braking scenario. In certain embodiments, the panel 202 may be configured to disconnect (e.g., decouple from the turntable 18) if the panel 202 accidentally engages the support structure 84 and / or another portion of the ride vehicle 82. As discussed below, in certain embodiments, the controller 234 may be configured to send instructions to transition the front-adjacent panel 246 from the extended position 206 to the retracted position 208 if, for example, the distance between the support structure 84 and the front-adjacent panel 246 drops below a threshold value during execution of the second braking scenario.

[0055] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the turntable 18 may be able to decelerate and stop movement in a time period that is less than the time period that may be involved in decelerating and stopping movement of the ride vehicle 14 (e.g., due to a braking system included in the drive motor of the turntable 18). As a result, the ride vehicle 14 may continue to move a certain distance relative to the turntable 18 and the deck 202 along the loading path 36 after the turntable 18 has stopped. That is, the ride vehicle 14 may continue to travel in the clockwise direction 22 about the axis 20 along the loading path 36 after the turntable 18 has stopped moving about the axis 20 (e.g., in the clockwise direction 22). This relative movement between the turntable 18 and a particular ride vehicle 14 (e.g., the ride vehicle 82) in the loading path 36 may expose a portion of the gap 30 behind the ride vehicle 82 (e.g., relative to the direction of movement of the ride vehicle 82) that is typically covered by the chassis 128 of the ride vehicle 82 during normal operation of the ride system 10. Thus, in accordance with the techniques discussed above, the controller 234 can transition one of the indicator panels 202 (e.g., the third panel 254) adjacent to such exposed portion of the gap 30 to the extended position 206 to cover the exposed portion of the gap 30. Thus, the controller 234 can ensure that during an abnormal deactivation of the ride system 10, substantially all of the gaps 30 remain covered and inaccessible to guests.

[0056] Additionally, in some embodiments, the controller 234 may be configured to transition the front-adjacent panel 246 from the extended position 206 to the retracted position 208 if the distance between the support structure 84 or another component of the ride vehicle 82 and the front-adjacent panel 246 (e.g., as monitored by the sensor 242 and / or the sensor 246) drops below a threshold value during execution of a braking scenario (such as the second braking scenario). To this end, the controller 234 may ensure that the ride vehicle 82 does not engage (e.g., contact) the front-adjacent panel 246 during execution of such a braking process.

[0057] As set forth above, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical effects for blocking access to portions of an amusement park landscape where guests may accidentally lose certain personal items. In particular, embodiments of the gap blocking system 72 disclosed herein facilitate loading and unloading of passengers into a non-stationary ride vehicle 14 while the guest's access to the gap 30 is substantially blocked. It should be understood that the technical effects and technical issues in the specification are examples and not limiting. In fact, it should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification may have other technical effects and be able to solve other technical problems and may be used outside of an amusement park environment.

[0058] Although only certain features of the present embodiment have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should 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. In addition, it should be understood that certain elements of the disclosed embodiments may be combined or exchanged with each other.

[0059] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to substantial objects and specific examples of a practical nature that significantly improve the art and is therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. In addition, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "steps for [performing] ... [function]", it is intended that such elements be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. A gap blocking system, comprising: a loading platform having a gap separating a first portion of the loading platform from a second portion of the loading platform; a ride vehicle coupled to a conveyance extending across the gap, wherein the conveyance is configured to propel the ride vehicle along a loading path of the loading platform; as well as a panel assembly coupled to the loading platform and comprising a plurality of panels, wherein each of the plurality of panels is coupled to a respective actuator configured to selectively transition the panels between a first position and a second position, wherein each of the plurality of panels is configured to block access to a portion of the gap in the first position, wherein each of the plurality of panels is configured to expose the portion of the gap in the second position to permit the ride vehicle to occupy a guest-accessible position on or adjacent the loading platform, and wherein, in the guest-accessible position, the ride vehicle extends across a radial dimension of the gap to block access to the portion of the gap.

2. The gap blocking system of claim 1 , comprising a controller operatively coupled to the actuators, wherein the controller is configured to instruct one or more of the corresponding actuators to transition one or more of the plurality of panels from the first position to the second position upon receiving feedback indicating that the ride vehicle is approaching the gap.

3. The gap blocking system of claim 2, wherein the feedback represents position data of the ride vehicle provided via a tracking sensor coupled to the ride vehicle.

4. The gap blocking system of claim 2, comprising a sensor coupled to each of the plurality of panels, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a component of the ride vehicle and provide the feedback to the controller when the component is detected to be within a threshold distance of a corresponding one of the one or more panels.

5. The gap blocking system of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a linear actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or a combination thereof.

6. A gap blocking system according to claim 1, wherein the first part is a turntable configured to rotate about an axis, and the second part is an outer platform arranged around the turntable, wherein each of the plurality of plates is coupled to the turntable and is configured to translate radially or circumferentially relative to the turntable to transition between the first position and the second position.

7. The gap blocking system of claim 6 , comprising a controller operatively coupled to the actuator, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the corresponding actuator to transition one or more of the plurality of panels to the second position to expose the portion of the gap upon receiving sensor feedback indicating that the ride vehicle is within a threshold distance of the one or more of the plurality of panels.

8. The gap blocking system of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to receive instructions to execute a braking sequence to stop movement of the ride vehicle along the loading path and to stop rotation of the turntable about the axis, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether a position of the ride vehicle relative to the turntable deviates by a threshold distance during execution of the braking sequence.

9. The gap blocking system of claim 8, wherein the one or more panels comprise two or more panels of the plurality of panels, wherein: In response to determining that the position of the ride vehicle has deviated from the threshold distance, the controller is configured to transition a forward-most panel of the two or more panels relative to a direction of movement of the ride vehicle along the gap from the second position to the first position.

10. A method of operating a gap blocking system for an amusement park attraction, comprising: converting a plurality of plates of the loading platform to an extended position via a plurality of actuators to cover a gap of the loading platform to block access to the gap; detecting that a ride vehicle approaching the loading platform from the ride track is within a threshold distance of the gap; as well as and transitioning, via at least one of the actuators, a corresponding panel of the plurality of panels to a retracted position to expose a portion of the gap to permit the ride vehicle to enter the gap and occupy a guest-accessible position along the loading platform, wherein a chassis of the ride vehicle overlaps a radial dimension of the gap in the guest-accessible position to block access to the portion of the gap.

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