Amusement park cabin ride

Abstract

A compartment ride system 10 includes a compartment 14, where the compartment 14 includes a cartridge 20, which may include a curved annular wall that may define a chamber. The compartment 14 also includes a platform 22 that may fit within the chamber and support a restraint 28 for the passenger. The system 10 further comprises a drive system 34 capable of driving rotation of the bay 14 about a central axis 46 of the bay 14 and forward and / or rearward movement of the bay 14 along the track 12.

Description

This application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application with an application date of September 12, 2018, an application number of 201880062371.9, and an invention title of "Amusement Park Capsule Ride". Technical Field

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

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

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

[0004] In one embodiment, a system can include a capsule, where the capsule can include a drum, and the drum can include a wall that can define a chamber. The capsule can further include a platform that can be assembled within the chamber and can support restraints for passengers. The system can further include a drive system that can drive the rotation of the capsule about the central axis of the capsule and drive the forward or backward movement of the capsule along a track.

[0005] In one embodiment, a system can include: a track; a capsule having passenger restraints and a screen configured to display images to passengers supported by the restraints; and a drive system that can drive the rotation of the capsule about the central axis of the capsule and drive the forward or backward movement of the capsule along the track of the system.

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

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the figures, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cabin seating system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a cabin that can be used in the Figure 1 cabin seating system of, wherein the cabin is in an open position; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a Figure 2 cabin according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the cabin is in a closed position; Figure 4 is a side view of a cabin that can be used in the Figure 1 cabin seating system of, wherein the cabin includes an additional cylinder disposed within the cabin; Figure 5 is a side view of a cabin that can be used in the Figure 1 cabin seating system of, wherein the cabin includes a plurality of rolling elements circumferentially disposed about a radial outer surface of the cabin; and Figure 6 is a block diagram of a method of operating a Figure 1 cabin seating system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described. An attempt has been made to provide a concise description of these embodiments, and not all features of an actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as meeting system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but would still be a routine task for those of ordinary skill in the art who would benefit from the present disclosure. Additionally, with respect to certain terms used herein, such as annular, spherical, radial, axial, circumferential, parallel, etc., it should be understood that these terms permit certain deviations from their strictly mathematical definitions, such as to allow for deviations associated with manufacturing defects and associated tolerances.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to amusement ride facilities. More particularly, embodiments are directed to a capsule ride system having a capsule configured to move along a track. During a ride cycle of the capsule ride system, passengers may enter onto a platform when the capsule is in an open position, the platform being designed for passenger restraint. The platform may move along a platform track inside a barrel of the capsule (e.g., a circular or octagonal cylinder) to close the capsule. In one embodiment, the platform is locked in place within the barrel. Once the capsule is in the closed position, the capsule may continue to be driven forward and / or backward along the track. Additionally, the capsule ride system may include a drive system to drive the rotation of the capsule about a central axis of the capsule. Since the platform that holds the passengers may be locked into the barrel, the drive system may drive the rotation of both the barrel and the platform. Thus, during the ride cycle, passengers may experience rotation about the central axis simultaneously with and / or separately from the forward and / or backward movement. Additionally, media and / or narrative associated with the movement of the capsule may create a motion simulator experience that allows passengers to simultaneously imagine the sights, sounds, and movement of the experience, such as flying an airplane in a barrel-roll. At the end of the ride cycle, the platform may move along the platform track inside the barrel to open the capsule and enable the passengers to exit the capsule.

[0010] Figure 1 The capsule ride system 10 is illustrated. The capsule ride system 10 may include a track 12, which may resemble an open trough. The track 12 may be assembled in various configurations. For example, in one embodiment, the track may form hills, dips, and / or turns, as depicted in Figure 1 FIG. []. In one embodiment, the track 12 may be configured in a spiral or helical arrangement and / or it may create a loop (e.g., a continuous or closed loop). Additionally, in one embodiment, the construction of the track 12 may utilize tubular sections (e.g., annular sections) similar to hollow cylinders, in combination with and / or instead of open trough sections. The illustrated track 12 includes curved walls; however, it should be appreciated that the track 12 may have any suitable geometry, such as flat walls or flat portions. Additionally, the capsule ride system 10 may include one or more capsules 14 for use with the track 12. In one embodiment, the capsule 14 has a cylindrical shape that fits within the radial inner surface of the track 12 and generally corresponds to the curvature of the radial inner surface of the track 12. In one embodiment, the capsule 14 may move along the track 12 in a forward and / or backward direction and rotate about a central axis of the capsule 14. In one embodiment, the track 12 may include a region for loading and unloading passengers, which may involve opening the capsule 14, as will be described in more detail below.

[0011] Figure 2An illustration of the cabin 14 in the open position is provided. For ease of discussion, the cabin 14 and its components can be described with reference to an axial axis or direction 16, a radial axis or direction 17, and a circumferential axis or direction 18. In the open position, the cabin 14 can allow passengers to enter onto the platform 22, and the cabin 14 can support the platform 22 on platform tracks 26 within the cylinder 20. The cylinder 20 of the cabin 14 can have a curved annular wall that defines a chamber within the cabin 14. The platform tracks 26 can include rails that can support one or more platform wheels 44 (e.g., wheels, sliders). The platform wheels 44 may be able to be fastened to the platform tracks 26 and / or move along the platform tracks 26. For example, the platform wheels 44 can engage the platform tracks 26 such that the platform wheels 44 can remain fastened to the platform tracks 26 when the platform 22 is inverted (e.g., the cabin 14 is rotated). That is, the platform wheels 44 can include extensions that can lock into the platform tracks 26. Additionally or alternatively, the platform wheels 44 can roll between a set of parallel rails on the platform tracks 26 such that each platform wheel 44 is fastened between an upper rail and a lower rail of the platform tracks 26. In one embodiment, the platform 22 can include mechanisms (e.g., a set of columns) that can be coupled to the cylinder 20 to fasten the platform 22 in place when the cabin 14 rotates. Additionally, the platform 22 can include restraints 28 to fasten the passengers. The restraints 28 can include seats, seat belts, lap bars, overhead restraints that are pulled down to cover the torso, and / or any combination thereof, to restrain or support each passenger as the cabin 14 travels along the track 12. Additionally, the number of restraints 28 on the platform 22 can determine the size of the chamber defined by the cylinder 20 and the resulting size of the cabin 14. Thus, increasing the number of restraints 28 in a row can increase the radius of the cabin 14, while increasing the number of rows of restraints 28 can increase the length of the cabin 14. After the passengers are loaded and securely restrained, the platform 22 can move along the platform tracks 26 in the direction of arrow 30 to the closed position (as shown in Figure 3 ). In one embodiment, a platform drive system 32 can drive the movement of the platform 22 along the platform tracks 26. For example, the platform drive system 32 can include one or more motors configured to drive the rotation of the platform wheels 44 and thereby drive the movement of the platform 22. In one embodiment, the platform 22 can be coupled to a mechanical winch that can be used to control the movement of the platform 22 along the platform tracks 26.

[0012] In addition, to lock the pod 14 into the closed position, thereby fastening the platform 22 inside the cylinder 20 and sealing the chamber of the cylinder 20, the pod 14 can have a locking mechanism 24. The locking mechanism 24 can include a mechanical lock and key configuration to securely lock the platform 22 into the cylinder 20. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 24 can be motor-driven. Additionally, or alternatively, the locking mechanism 24 can utilize magnetic and / or electromagnetic locking systems. For example, in one embodiment, the locking mechanism 24 can include an electromagnet coupled to the platform 22 and / or the cylinder 20. When the electromagnet is powered, it can lock the platform 22 in place within the cylinder 20 by utilizing magnetic force. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 24 can further include a biasing member and / or a fail-safe mechanism to drive the platform 22 from the closed position to the open position in a direction opposite to the arrow 30 in the event of a power failure, mechanical problem, and / or similar issue. For example, in one embodiment, the pod 14 can include a mechanical lever coupled to the locking mechanism 24, which can be utilized to disengage the platform 22 from the cylinder 20.

[0013] As further illustrated by Figure 2 In one embodiment, the actuator 31 can be coupled to the platform 22 to cause movement of the platform 22 relative to the pod 14. To couple to the platform 22, the actuator 31 can engage the platform 22 once the platform 22 is securely locked into the cylinder 20. Thus, as the platform 22 moves along the platform track 26 in the direction of the arrow 30 to the closed position, the platform 22 can slide over the actuator 31. In one embodiment, the actuator 31 can cause the platform 22 to rock (e.g., vibrate) and / or tilt. The actuator 31 can further displace the platform 22 along the axial axis or direction 16, the radial axis or direction 17, the circumferential axis or direction 18, or a combination thereof. Thus, the platform 22 can be repositioned. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the platform 22 can additionally or alternatively move as the pod 14 rotates or moves along the track 12. Further, it should be appreciated that the actuator 31 can be positioned at any suitable location to cause movement of the platform 22. In one embodiment, for example, the actuator 31 can additionally or alternatively be located beneath and / or within the platform track 26.

[0014] In one embodiment, the rear panel 45 is coupled to the platform 22. Additionally, the rear panel 45 can support the battery 42. The battery 42 can provide power to the components of the pod 14. These components can include the locking mechanism 24, the platform drive system 32, and additional components that will be discussed further in detail. Among other things, the additional components can include, for example, a drive system 34 provided to drive the forward, backward, and / or rotational movement of the pod 14; and / or one or more screens 58 that provide media to the passengers within the barrel 20. In one embodiment, the battery 42 can be configured to be charged inductively. Thus, inductive charging pads and / or other charging components can be incorporated into the track 12 to charge the battery 42 when the pod 14 engages the track 12. These pads can be concentrated in a single area of the track 12 (such as the passenger loading area) such that the battery 42 can be charged when the pod 14 is stationary (e.g., when passengers are being loaded onto the platform 22). Accordingly, the pod 14 can remain on the track 12 to charge its battery 42, and thus, the pod 14 can complete multiple ride cycles, where its components are powered by the periodically recharged battery 42. Additionally, or alternatively, the pod ride system 10 can include a pod charging station separate from the track 12 used during the ride cycle. The charging station can include inductive charging pads and / or components to charge the pod 14 wirelessly and / or wired, respectively. In one embodiment, the pod 14 can be removed from the track 12 to be charged in the charging station and can return to the track 12 after the battery 42 has at least enough charge for the pod 14 to complete a ride cycle.

[0015] As mentioned above, the platform 22 can travel in the direction of arrow 30 relative to the barrel 20 to transition the pod 14 from the Figure 2 open position shown in Figure 3 to the Figure 3 closed position shown in

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, a door 39 may be provided in a wall (e.g., a side wall) of the cabin 14 to facilitate entry or exit of a passenger. As such, the door 39 may be utilized when the platform 22 is locked within the barrel 20, and / or may be utilized in an embodiment where the platform 22 is fixed relative to the barrel 20 (e.g., the platform 22 is immovable and / or the cabin 14 does not have platform tracks 26). That is, when opened, the door 39 may allow a passenger to enter and exit the barrel 20 of the cabin 14. The door 39 may sit flush with the outer wall of the barrel 20 of the cabin 14 and may include a handle 40 that is flush with the outer wall (i.e., does not project radially outward from the outer wall) such that the door does not interfere with the drive system and / or the movement of the cabin 14.

[0017] In one embodiment, the drive system 34 can include a bogie 35 (e.g., a chassis or frame) and a first rolling element 38, such as a spherical tire. The bogie 35 can be similar to a cart. The bogie 35 can support a motor (e.g., a spherical induction motor) and coupling elements that drive the rotation of the first rolling element 38 and a second rolling element 36 (such as a spherical tire or a wheel). In one embodiment, the drive system 34 can include separate systems to drive the rotation of the first rolling element 38 and the second rolling element 36 respectively. Additionally, different types of systems can be used to drive each of the rolling elements (i.e., the first rolling element 38 and the second rolling element 36). For example, the first rolling element 38 can include a spherical tire, and the drive system 34 can include a spherical induction motor and coupling elements adapted to drive the movement of the first rolling element 38 in any direction. The spherical induction motor can include a curved inductor configured to rotate the first rolling element 38 in any direction. The second rolling element 36 can be, for example, a wheel, which is coupled to different coupling elements and a separate motor in the drive system 34, and the coupling elements and the separate motor are configured to rotate the second rolling element 36 in the forward direction 52 and / or the backward direction 54. In one embodiment, the first rolling element 38 can contact the radially outer surface (e.g., a curved annular surface) of the cylinder 20 to drive the rotation of the cabin 14. The cabin can rotate about the central axis 46 of the cylinder 20 in a first direction 48 or a second direction 50 opposite to the first direction 48. For example, when the drive system 34 controls the motor to rotate the first rolling element 38 about its central axis 56 (e.g., a longitudinal or axial central axis) in the first direction 48, the cabin 14 can rotate about its central axis 46 in the second direction 50. Similarly, when the first rolling element 38 rotates in the second direction 50, the cabin 14 can rotate in the first direction 48. Additionally, in one embodiment, the cabin 14 can further include a counter-balance 55 (e.g., a weight) to help balance the cabin 14 during rotation and facilitate this rotation of the cabin 14 while reducing stress on the drive system 34 and its components (e.g., the bogie 35, the first rolling element 38, and the second rolling element 36).

[0018] Although the first rolling element 38 and the second rolling element 36 are shown as spherical tires, it should be appreciated that the first rolling element 38 and / or the second rolling element 36 can be motor-driven tires (e.g., annular tires mounted on a motor-driven shaft) oriented relative to the cabin 14 to drive forward and / or backward movement and / or rotation.

[0019] In addition, to drive the forward 52 and / or backward 54 movement of the capsule 14, the drive system 34 can control a motor coupled to the second rolling element 36, which contacts the surface of the track 12 (e.g., the radially inner surface of the curved wall). In one embodiment, the drive system 34 can additionally or alternatively incorporate water, air, magnets, and / or other driving forces to propel the forward 52 and / or backward 54 movement of the capsule 14. For example, in one embodiment, the capsule 14 together with the first rolling element 38 used to rotate the capsule 14 can be supported on a raft that is driven forward 52 or backward 54 by a stream of water instead of the illustrated bogie 35.

[0020] In one embodiment, the rolling elements 38 and / or 36 can additionally or alternatively be coupled to the track 12. For example, one or many portions of the track 12 can include the rolling elements 36 and / or 38 that move the capsule forward 52 and / or backward 54 and / or rotate about the central axis 46 of the capsule 14 in the first direction 48 or the second direction 50, respectively. In such an embodiment, a drive system (e.g., having a motor) can be provided to drive the movement of the rolling elements 38 and / or 36.

[0021] To control the movement of the capsule 14 as it moves forward 52, backward 54, and / or rotates in the first direction 48 or the second direction 50, the drive system 34 can be coupled to a controller 62 (e.g., an electronic controller). The controller 62 can include suitable processing and memory components, such as a microprocessor 64 and a memory 66. The controller 62 can provide logical and / or executable instructions to affect the operation of the motor in the drive system 34, thereby driving the rotation of the first rolling element 38 and / or the second rolling element 36 and the corresponding movement of the capsule 14. In one embodiment, the controller 62 can be communicatively coupled to the platform drive system 32 and any other suitable components in the capsule ride system 10.

[0022] In one embodiment, as shown by Figure 4As illustrated, the pod 14' can include a cylinder 20 disposed within an additional cylinder 74 (e.g., an annular cylinder). Thus, the drive system 34 can enable the first rolling element 38 to drive the rotation of the cylinder 20, while the second rolling element 36 can drive the movement of the pod 14' in the forward direction 52 and / or the backward direction 54. In such an embodiment, the drive system 34 can be coupled to the inner surface of the additional cylinder 74. The first rolling element 38 coupled to the drive system 34 can contact the radial outer surface of the cylinder 20 to drive the rotation of the cylinder 20. Additionally or alternatively, the drive system 34 can be operably coupled to a shaft 76 that is coupled to the cylinder 20. The drive system 34 can include a motor configured to rotate the shaft 76 and the cylinder 20 about a central axis 46 in a first direction 48 and / or a second direction 50. The drive system 34 can further include a bogie 35 coupled to the radial outer surface of the additional cylinder 74. The bogie 35 can support the second rolling element 36, which can contact the radial inner surface of the track 12 to effect movement of the pod 14' along the track 12 in the forward direction 52 and / or the backward direction 54. Thus, the rotation of the cylinder 20 can be driven separately from the movement of the pod 14'. However, passengers within the cylinder 20 can experience both the rotation of the cylinder 20 and the movement of the pod 14' along the track 12.

[0023] Figure 5 Shows an embodiment of the pod 14 and the drive system 34. In one embodiment, the drive system 34 can include rolling elements 72 coupled to the radial outer surface of the pod 14. The rolling elements 72 can be positioned at discrete locations circumferentially spaced about the cylinder 20 and can extend radially outwardly from the cylinder 20 to contact the radial inner surface of the track 12. In one embodiment, the rolling elements 72 can include spherical tires actuated by, for example, spherical induction motors. Thus, with the spherical induction motors incorporated within the drive system 34, the drive system 34 can rotate the rolling elements 72 in any direction. Since the rolling elements 72 can rotate in any direction along the track 12, the pod 14 can be advanced forward 52, backward 54, and / or rotated about the central axis 46. For example, to move the pod 14 in the forward direction 52, the drive system 34 can rotate the rolling elements 72 along the axial axis 16 in the forward direction 52. To rotate the pod about the central axis 46, the drive system 34 can rotate the rolling elements 72 along the circumferential axis 18. To rotate the pod 14 about the central axis 46 while moving the pod 14 in the forward direction 52, the drive system 34 can rotate the rolling elements 72 along a vector between the axial axis 16 and the circumferential axis 18. Additionally, with the rolling elements 72 placed at multiple locations along the radial outer surface of the pod 14, the pod 14 can rotate about the central axis 46 in both the open slot-like portion of the track 12 and the closed tubular portion of the track 12.

[0024] In addition, referring to Figure 2 , to enhance the experience of the movement of the cabin 14 and / or the platform 22, the movement can be associated with the narrative of a movie and / or media. To do so, in one embodiment, the cylinder 20 can include one or more screens 58 positioned therein to display images. These screens 58 can be curved and / or coupled to the inner surface of the cylinder 20 such that the displayed images can surround the passengers to create an immersive media experience. The screens 58 can include any suitable type of display, such as, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. The chamber of the cabin 14 can also include speakers and / or devices adapted to deliver audio to the passengers. The audio devices can be coupled to the cylinder 20, the platform 22, and / or any suitable location. Thus, the cabin 14 can provide media that is timed to correspond to the movement of the cabin 14 and / or the movement of the platform 22. As such, the passengers can feel as if they are in an airplane, a spaceship, and / or any other suitable narrative. For example, when the screen 58 displays images related to the narrative of an airplane during takeoff, the cabin 14 can move forward 52 up the ramp on the track 12. When the cabin 14 begins to rotate about the central axis 46, the media can correspond to an airplane performing a barrel roll maneuver such that the passengers receive an immersive movement and media experience of the narrative, such as an airplane in pursuit. Additionally, when the actuator 31 rocks the platform 22, for example, the media can correspond to an airplane experiencing turbulence.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, customization of the passenger control of the cabin ride system 10 can enhance the experience of the passengers of the cabin ride system 10. To customize the cabin ride system 10, a user (i.e., the ride operator and / or the ride passenger) can provide input (e.g., via an input device) to control parameters related to the operation of the cabin 14 during a ride cycle. These parameters can enable the user to adjust the intensity of the ride by controlling one or more factors, such as, among other factors, the speed at which the cabin 14 moves in the forward direction 52 and / or the backward direction 54, the speed at which the cabin 14 rotates about the central axis 46, and / or how often the cabin 14 rotates about the central axis 46. Additionally, the user may be able to select the type of media provided to the passengers during a ride cycle. For example, the user can select the narrative and / or theme of the images and / or other media that can be coupled to the movement of the ride. Thus, the user can customize the cabin ride system 10 such that the overall experience of the movement and media of the cabin 14 can be flexible and personalized.

[0026] For ease of customization and / or updating of the ride experience, the controller 62 can be configured to receive input from an input device and to control parameters of the cabin ride system 10 based on that input. The input device can include any suitable type of display coupled to a device adapted for selection (such as a touch screen or a keyboard). Additionally, for example, the input device can be accessible to a ride operator and / or a ride passenger when positioned in the restraint 28. In one embodiment, the platform 22 within the cabin 14 can include one or more input devices such that a passenger can control the input provided to the controller 62 to affect parameters of the cabin ride system 10. For example, the input can instruct the controller 62 to display media related to an airplane in flight on the screen 58 within the barrel 20. Alternatively, the input can instruct the controller 62 to display media related to a spaceship flying in space on the screen 58 within the barrel 20. Additionally, the controller 62 can communicate with the drive system 34 of the cabin 14 to adjust the forward 52 and / or backward 54 movement of the rotation of the cabin 14 based on the input. In one embodiment, adjusting the movement of the cabin can involve adjusting the speed of the forward 52, backward 54, and / or rotational movement of the cabin 14.

[0027] In view of the foregoing, Figure 6 A flowchart of a method 80 for completing a ride cycle of the cabin ride system 10 in accordance with an embodiment described herein is illustrated. Although the following description of the method 80 is described in a particular order representing particular embodiments, it should be noted that the method 80 can be performed in any suitable order and steps can be added or omitted.

[0028] In the case where the cabin 14 is in the open position, as shown in Figure 2 a passenger can be loaded into the restraint 28 on the platform 22 located within the inner cavity of the barrel 20, as described in block 82. After the restraint 28 is secure for each passenger on the platform 22, the platform 22 can move from the open position depicted in Figure 2 relative to the barrel 20 of the cabin 14 to the position in Figure 3The closed position depicted in, as described in block 84. Additionally, this portion of method 80 can involve platform 22 being locked via locking mechanism 24 to securely seal cabin 14 in the closed position. When cabin 14 is properly closed or locked in the closed position, drive system 34 can drive cabin 14 to move forward 52 and / or backward 54 along track 12, as described in block 86. Additionally, block 88 can occur simultaneously with and / or separately from block 86 such that drive system 34 can rotate cabin 14 about central axis 46. Block 90 can occur in conjunction with block 86 and / or block 88 such that as cabin 14 moves relative to track 12 and / or about central axis 46, screen 58 and / or speakers (or other effects) can provide images, sounds, and / or other media that can be related to the movement of cabin 14 and / or track 12. As previously described, this media can be presented in the form of a narrative related to the movement of cabin 14 and / or track 12 (such as an airplane in flight). As mentioned above, the ride operator and / or passengers can provide input that is processed by a processor to customize aspects of the ride experience, such as for example the speed of movement, the frequency of rotation, and the media. When cabin 14 has completed the route of track 12, platform 22 can be unlocked from locking mechanism 24 and moved from the closed position to the open position relative to barrel 20, as described in block 92. Additionally, at block 94, restraint 28 on the passenger can be released to allow the passenger to unload from platform 22 and leave cabin 14. Block 94 can also include recharging battery 42 via inductive charging. Then, method 80 can be repeated when cabin 14 is in the open position as new passengers are loaded into platform 22 of cabin 14.

[0029] The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of components set forth herein. The foregoing variations and modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned in the text and / or drawings or evident from the text and / or drawings. All such different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. Although only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A ride system, comprising: A closed-loop track; A pod configured to accommodate passengers; And A drive system including a plurality of rolling elements located beneath the pod and configured to contact the pod and the closed-loop track to drive rotation of the pod about a central axis of the pod and to drive the pod to move at least forward or backward along the closed-loop track, wherein the central axis of the pod is aligned with a direction of travel of the forward or backward movement of the pod along the closed-loop track, the closed-loop track includes a curved radially inner surface, and at least a portion of the pod includes a curved radially outer surface.

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

3. The ride system according to claim 1, including a door formed in a wall of the pod to enable entry and exit of the passengers into the pod.

4. A method of operating a ride system, comprising: Positioning a pod including a wall on a closed-loop track, the wall defining a chamber to accommodate passengers; Driving the pod to move at least forward or backward along the closed-loop track using a drive system, the drive system including rolling elements located beneath the pod; And Driving the pod to rotate about a central axis of the pod using the drive system, wherein the drive system includes spherical tires located beneath the pod, the spherical tires being configured to enable the forward or backward movement and the rotation to occur simultaneously, and wherein the central axis of the pod is aligned with a direction of travel of the forward or backward movement of the pod along the closed-loop track.

5. A ride system, comprising: A pod including a wall that surrounds a central axis of the pod such that the wall defines a chamber configured to accommodate passengers; A drive system configured to drive rotation of the pod about the central axis and configured to drive the pod to move at least forward or backward along a closed-loop track, wherein the central axis of the pod is aligned with a direction of travel of the forward or backward movement of the pod along the closed-loop track; And A platform configured to support the passengers within the chamber, wherein the platform is configured to move along a platform track within the chamber to adjust the platform between a first position and a closed position, in the first position, at least a portion of the platform is positioned outside the pod to enable the passengers to load onto the platform, and in the closed position, the platform is positioned inside the pod to enable the passengers to be enclosed within the chamber.

6. A system, comprising: A cabin; A pod of the cabin, the pod including a wall that defines a chamber; A platform of the cabin that supports restraints for passengers and is configured to fit within the chamber; And A drive system, which includes rolling elements located below the cabin and is configured to drive the rotation of the cabin about a central axis of the cabin and is configured to drive the cabin to move at least forward or backward along a closed-loop track, wherein the central axis of the cabin is parallel to the direction of travel of the forward or backward movement of the cabin along the closed-loop track.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the platform is supported on platform tracks within the cylinder.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the cabin includes an additional drive system configured to drive the movement of the platform along the platform tracks to adjust the platform between an open position and a closed position relative to the cylinder.

9. The system according to claim 6, wherein the cabin includes a locking assembly configured to lock the platform in a closed position within the cylinder.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the lock assembly comprises: A power source configured to supply power to a lock of the locking assembly to maintain the lock in a locked position; and a biasing member configured to drive the platform from the closed position to the open position in response to an interruption of power from the power source.

11. The system according to claim 6, including a screen positioned with the cylinder, wherein the screen is configured to display images.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the screen includes a curved screen coupled to an inner surface of the cylinder.

13. The system according to claim 6, including a counterweight configured to facilitate the rotation of the cabin.

14. The system according to claim 6, including a controller configured to receive input from an input device and configured to control the drive system to adjust parameters related to the movement of the cabin based on the input.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the parameters include the frequency of rotation of the cabin, the rate of rotation of the cabin, the speed of movement of the cabin along the closed-loop track, or any combination thereof.

16. The system according to claim 6, wherein the drive system includes a frame supporting a first rolling element configured to contact a radially outer surface of the cylinder to drive the rotation of the cabin about the central axis.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the frame of the drive system supports a second rolling element configured to contact an inner surface of the closed-loop track to drive the forward or backward movement of the cabin relative to the closed-loop track.

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

19. A system, comprising: A closed-loop track; A cabin, which includes passenger restraints and a screen configured to display images to passengers supported by the restraints; and A drive system, which includes rolling elements located below the cabin and is configured to drive the rotation of the cabin about the central axis of the cabin and is configured to drive the cabin to move at least forward or backward along the closed-loop track, wherein the central axis of the cabin is parallel to the direction of travel of the forward or backward movement of the cabin along the closed-loop track.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the cabin includes: A cylinder that defines a chamber, wherein the cylinder includes a door flush with the outer wall of the cylinder; And A platform configured to support the passenger restraint.

21. The system according to claim 19, wherein the screen includes a curved screen positioned on the inner surface of the cabin.

22. The system according to claim 19, including a controller configured to receive an input from an input device and configured to control the drive system to adjust parameters related to the movement of the cabin based on the input.

23. The system according to claim 19, including a battery configured to be charged inductively and configured to supply power to the drive system.

24. The system according to claim 19, wherein the cabin includes: A platform configured to support the passenger restraint; And A plurality of actuators configured to contact the platform to drive the movement of the platform relative to the cabin.

25. A method, including: Positioning a platform supporting a passenger restraint within a chamber defined by the walls of a cabin; Driving the cabin to move at least forward or backward along a closed-loop track using a drive system including rolling elements located below the cabin; and Driving the rotation of the cabin about the central axis of the cabin using a drive system including rolling elements located below the cabin, wherein the central axis of the cabin is parallel to the direction of travel of the forward or backward movement of the cabin along the closed-loop track.

26. A system, including: A cabin; A cylinder of the cabin, which includes walls defining a chamber; A platform of the cabin that supports a restraint for a passenger and is configured to be assembled within the chamber, wherein the platform is supported on a platform track within the cylinder; And A drive system, which includes rolling elements located below the cabin and is configured to drive the rotation of the cabin about the central axis of the cabin and is configured to drive the cabin to move at least forward or backward along a track, wherein the central axis of the cabin is parallel to the direction of travel of the forward or backward movement of the cabin along the track.

27. A system, including: A cabin; A cylinder of the cabin, which includes walls defining a chamber; A platform of the cabin that supports a restraint for a passenger and is configured to be assembled within the chamber; A lock assembly configured to lock the platform in a closed position within the cylinder; And A drive system, which includes rolling elements located below the cabin and is configured to drive the rotation of the cabin about the central axis of the cabin and is configured to drive the cabin to move at least forward or backward along a track.

28. A system, including: A cabin; The cylinder of the cabin, which includes a wall defining a chamber; The platform of the cabin, which supports restraints for passengers and is configured to be assembled within the chamber; And A drive system, which includes rolling elements located below the cabin and is configured to drive the rotation of the cabin about a central axis of the cabin and is configured to drive the cabin to move at least forward or backward along a track, wherein the drive system includes a frame supporting a first rolling element configured to contact a radially outer surface of the cylinder to drive the rotation of the cabin about the central axis.

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