Path transfer scenic spot system for amusement park

Abstract

An amusement park spot system includes a first track, a second track configured to move relative to the first track, one or more ride vehicles configured to move along the first track and toward the second track, and one or more carriages coupled to the second track. The one or more brackets are configured to receive the one or more ride vehicles from the first track and move along and / or around the second track to drive movement of the one or more ride vehicles along and / or around the second track.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 444,706, filed on February 10, 2023, entitled “PATH TRANSFER ATTRACTION SYSTEM FOR AMUSEMENT PARK,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Background Art

[0003] This paragraph is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of technology that may be related to the various aspects of the present disclosure described below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be understood in this light and not as admissions of prior art.

[0004] Amusement parks include various features to provide entertainment to visitors and patrons. For example, an amusement park may include an attraction system, which may include ride vehicles. Visitors may be positioned within the ride vehicles, and the ride vehicles may travel along a path. The movement of the rides, such as along the path, may provide entertainment to the visitors. For example, the movement of the ride vehicles carrying the visitors may give the visitors various sensations and / or transport the visitors to various locations. The attraction system may also provide performance effects to entertain the visitors within the ride vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following describes an overview of certain embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are presented solely to provide the reader with a brief overview of these specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be described below.

[0006] In an embodiment, an amusement park attraction system includes: a first track, a second track configured to move relative to the first track, one or more ride vehicles configured to move along the first track and toward the second track, and one or more carriages coupled to the second track. The one or more carriages are configured to receive the one or more ride vehicles from the first track and move along and / or around the second track to drive movement of the one or more ride vehicles along and / or around the second track.

[0007] In an embodiment, an amusement park attraction system includes a first track, a second track, and one or more ride vehicles configured to move along the first track, transition from the first track to the second track, and move along the second track. The second track is configured to rotate relative to the first track, thereby driving rotation of the one or more ride vehicles relative to the first track as the one or more ride vehicles move along the second track.

[0008] In an embodiment, an attraction system for an amusement park includes a first track, a guide, a second track, and one or more ride vehicles configured to move along the first track, transition from the first track to the second track, and move along the second track. The second track is configured to move along the guide when the one or more ride vehicles move along the second track. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park attraction system according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an amusement park attraction system having a ride vehicle configured to travel along a track according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an amusement park attraction system having a ride vehicle configured to transition between different tracks according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an amusement park attraction system having a ride vehicle configured to travel along a track according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an amusement park attraction system having a ride vehicle configured to transition between different tracks according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an amusement park attraction system having a ride vehicle configured to travel along a track according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park attraction system according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0017] Figure 8 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for operating an amusement park attraction system according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] 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. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0019] One or more specific embodiments are described below. In order to provide a brief description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be recognized 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 complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be recognized that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but will nevertheless be a routine task of design, construction, and manufacture for a person of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0020] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "substantially," "substantially," and the like are intended to convey that the value of a property being described is likely to be within a relatively small range of property values, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, when a property value is described as being "approximately" equal to (or, for example, "substantially similar to") a given value, this is intended to convey that the property value is likely to be within + / - 5%, within + / - 4%, within + / - 3%, within + / - 2%, within + / - 1%, or even a closer range of the given value. Similarly, when a given feature is described as being "substantially parallel" to another feature, "substantially perpendicular" to another feature, etc., this is intended to convey that the given feature is within + / - 5%, within + / - 4%, within + / - 3%, within + / - 2%, within + / - 1%, or even a closer range of having the described property, such as being parallel to another feature, being perpendicular to another feature, etc. Mathematical terms such as "parallel" and "perpendicular" should not be interpreted rigidly in a strict mathematical sense, but rather should be interpreted in the manner in which one of ordinary skill in the art would interpret the terms. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that two lines that are substantially parallel to each other are parallel to a substantial extent, but may have slight deviations from being completely parallel.

[0021] The present disclosure is directed to amusement parks or theme parks. An amusement park may include various attraction systems, such as rides (e.g., roller coasters), theatrical performances, set designs, performers, and / or decorative elements, to provide entertainment to visitors. The attraction systems may employ different features to provide unique experiences for visitors. For example, an attraction system may include a ride vehicle that moves along a path (e.g., a track). The ride vehicle may carry visitors, and the movement of the ride vehicle may give the visitors a sense of movement, thereby providing entertainment to the visitors.

[0022] To meet the growing expectations of visitors, it is desirable to provide amusement park visitors with entertainment in more unique ways. In other words, attraction systems that provide entertainment to visitors in unique ways can improve visitor satisfaction. As an example, a ride vehicle that moves along a path in a unique way can bring a new sense of movement to the visitors in the ride vehicle and provide the visitors with a unique experience.

[0023] Therefore, it is now recognized that the creative and improved ways in which ride vehicles can be moved (e.g., along a path) can provide entertainment to visitors in a unique way to increase visitor satisfaction. Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an attraction system having a ride vehicle that is configured to switch between different tracks and move in various ways (e.g., directions) along and / or around each track. For example, the attraction system may include a first track (e.g., a transfer track) along and / or around which the ride vehicle can move. The first track can guide the ride vehicle toward a second track (e.g., an intermediate track). The ride vehicle can then move along and / or around the second track, which can guide the ride vehicle to a third track (e.g., a receiving track), and the ride vehicle can move along and / or around the third track. In an embodiment, the ride vehicle can be switched from the first track to a carriage coupled to the second track. The carriage can be configured to move along and / or around the second track to drive the movement of the ride vehicle along and / or around the second track. The carriage may also be configured to cause other movements of the ride vehicle, such as rolling, yaw, and / or pitching, when driving the ride vehicle along and / or around the second track. In additional or alternative embodiments, the second track may be configured to move relative to the first track and / or relative to the second track. By way of example, the second track may be configured to rotate relative to the first track and / or relative to the second track. Thus, the second track and / or the carriage may cooperatively drive different movements of the ride vehicle. The transition of the ride vehicle between different tracks and / or the various movements of the ride vehicle caused by the different tracks may provide a unique experience to entertain visitors.

[0024] Taking the foregoing into account, Figure 1 FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system 50 (such as a roller coaster, dark ride, or water ride) that can be used in conjunction with the disclosed embodiments. The attraction system 50 includes a ride vehicle 52 in which guests can be positioned during operation of the attraction system 50. The ride vehicle 52 can be configured to travel (e.g., translate) along and / or around a track system 54. The track system 54 can include multiple tracks, such as one or more exit tracks 56, one or more receiving tracks 58, and one or more intermediate tracks 60. These tracks may be referred to herein as tracks 56, 58, 60. The ride vehicle 52 can be configured to transition between and travel along and / or around each of the tracks 56, 58, 60. The tracks 56, 58, 60 can cause the ride vehicle 52 to move in different ways, such as in different directions (e.g., linear, rotational), which may not be easily achieved with a single track (e.g., a single, integrated, monolithic track). In an embodiment, the ride vehicle 52 may initially travel along and / or around an exit track 56. The exit track 56 may guide the ride vehicle 52 onto an intermediate track 60, and the ride vehicle 52 may travel along and / or around the intermediate track 60. The intermediate track 60 may guide the ride vehicle 52 onto a receiving track 58, and the ride vehicle 52 may travel along and / or around the receiving track 58. In this manner, the ride vehicle 52 may travel from the exit track 56 to the intermediate track 60, and then to the receiving track 58.

[0025] It should be noted that the track (e.g., tracks 56, 58, 60) can include any of a variety of different path structures, wherein the ride vehicle 52 is configured to engage with any of the various different path structures directly (e.g., via the wheels of the ride vehicle 52) or indirectly (e.g., via a bracket system coupled to the track and the ride vehicle 52). In an embodiment, the track can include a beam or a group of beams having cross-sectional geometric features that facilitate engagement with the wheel system of the ride vehicle 52 or the intermediate transfer mechanism (e.g., roller coaster wheels including running wheels, top stop wheels, and guide wheels). Depending on the embodiment, one track can be different from another track. For example, the exit track 56 can have different characteristics than the intermediate track 60 and can even engage with different features of the ride vehicle 52 or a separate transfer mechanism. For example, the features of the track can include or cooperate with the bracket system, as will be discussed further below. In additional or alternative embodiments, the ride vehicle 52 may be moved or transferred between other components, such as, for example, open ride paths, cabins, cables, or supports (that do not include coupling or fastening features) using the techniques discussed herein.

[0026] In an embodiment, the ride vehicle 52 may be directly engaged with (e.g., coupled to) any one of the tracks 56, 58, 60, and the tracks 56, 58, 60 may contact the ride vehicle 52 to guide movement of the ride vehicle 52. In additional or alternative embodiments, an intermediate member, referred to as a carriage system 61, may be used to guide movement of the ride vehicle 52 along and / or around any one of the tracks 56, 58, 60. By way of example, a base 62 of the carriage system 61 may be directly engaged with (e.g., coupled to) one of the tracks 56, 58, 60, and the base 62 may be configured to move (e.g., translate, rotate) along and / or around the corresponding track 56, 58, 60. A carriage 64 of the carriage system 61 may be coupled to the base 62, and movement of the base 62 along and / or around the corresponding track 56, 58, 60 may drive movement of the carriage 64 along and / or around the corresponding track 56, 58, 60. The bracket 64 can be configured to receive and secure to the ride vehicle 52. As such, when the ride vehicle 52 is coupled to the bracket 64, movement of the base 62 along and / or around one or more of the corresponding tracks 56, 58, 60 can further drive movement of the ride vehicle 52 along and / or around the corresponding tracks 56, 58, 60. In one embodiment, the bracket 64 can also be configured to move (e.g., rotate, translate) relative to the base 62, thereby driving corresponding movement of the ride vehicle 52 relative to the base 62. Thus, as the ride vehicle 52 moves along and / or around the corresponding tracks 56, 58, 60, the bracket 64 can cause additional movement of the ride vehicle 52. The bracket 64 can also release the ride vehicle 52 to allow it to engage with a track or another bracket 64. It should be noted that each of the several tracks (e.g., tracks 56, 58, 60) may include a respective carriage system 61, and the ride vehicle 52 may be transferred between these carriage systems 61 as the ride vehicle 52 progresses through the entire ride route or path.

[0027] Additionally, in one embodiment, any of the tracks 56, 58, 60 may be configured to move relative to one another. Relative movement between the tracks 56, 58, 60 may also cause movement of the ride vehicle 52. In this manner, the ride vehicle 52 may move along and / or around the corresponding track 56, 58, 60, and the corresponding track 56, 58, 60 may drive additional movement of the ride vehicle 52. For example, one of the tracks 56, 58, 60 may be coupled to a guide 66, and the tracks 56, 58, 60 may be configured to move along and / or around the guide 66. By way of example, the attraction system 50 may include a controller 68 (e.g., an automation controller, a programmable controller, an electronic controller, a cloud computing system, control circuitry) configured to operate the attraction system 50. The controller 68 may include a memory 70 and a processor 72 (e.g., processing circuitry). The memory 70 may include volatile memory (such as random access memory (RAM)) and / or non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM), an optical drive, a hard drive, a solid-state drive, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium that includes instructions for operating the attraction system 50). The processor 72 may be configured to execute such instructions. For example, the processor 72 may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general-purpose processors, or any combination thereof. The controller 68 may be communicatively coupled to the actuator 74 (e.g., representing one or more actuators), such as an electromechanical actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or a pneumatic actuator, and the controller 68 may instruct the actuator 74 to drive the movement of the rails 56, 58, 60 along and / or around the guide 66.

[0028] In an embodiment, the guide 66 can physically guide the movement of the rails 56, 58, 60. For example, the guide 66 can include a guide rail, a channel, and / or a slide that can be coupled to the rails 56, 58, 60, and the physical coupling between the rails 56, 58, 60 and the guide 66 can guide or manipulate the movement of the rails 56, 58, 60 in a particular manner (e.g., a particular direction) along and / or around the guide 66. In additional or alternative embodiments, the rails 56, 58, 60 can guide the movement of the rails 56, 58, 60 along and / or around the guide 66 via different techniques. The controller 68 can receive input data indicating the position of the tracks 56, 58, 60 relative to the guide 66 (e.g., light (such as visible light, infrared light, ultraviolet light emitted by or reflected from the guide 66), data output via a wired or wireless connection, sound emitted by or reflected from the guide 66, radio waves emitted by or reflected from the guide 66). Based on the input data, the controller 68 can instruct the actuator 74 to drive the tracks 56, 58, 60 along and / or around the guide 66 to guide the tracks 56, 58, 60 to move along and / or around the guide 66 in a specific manner. As a result, the ride vehicle 52 can move along and / or around the tracks 56, 58, 60 and can move along and / or around the guide 66. Such composite movement of the ride vehicle 52 (eg, movement via one or more of the tracks 56 , 58 , 60 in combination with the guides 66 ) may provide a unique experience for guests within the ride vehicle 52 .

[0029] The controller 68 may also instruct the actuator 74 to cause movement of the ride vehicle 52. As an example, the actuator 74 may be a motor (e.g., of the ride vehicle 52) and may cause the ride vehicle 52 to move along and / or around any of the tracks 56, 58, 60. As another example, the actuator 74 may drive relative movement between any of the tracks 56, 58, 60. As yet another example, the actuator 74 may drive movement of the base 62 along and / or around the corresponding track 56, 58, 60. Furthermore, the actuator 74 may drive movement of the carriage 64 relative to the base 62. The controller 68 may instruct the actuator 74 to cause any suitable movement of the ride vehicle 52 to provide entertainment to the guests. In additional or alternative embodiments, the movement of the ride vehicle 52 may be caused without being actively driven by the actuator 74. By way of example, the movement of the ride vehicle 52 may be caused naturally. For example, gravity, inertia, and / or momentum may cause movement of the ride vehicle 52 along and / or around any of the tracks 56, 58, 60, movement of the tracks 56, 58, 60 relative to each other, movement of the base 62 relative to the corresponding track 56, 58, 60, and / or movement of the carriage 64 relative to the base 62. It should be noted that the actuator 74 may represent one or more actuators that may operate in conjunction or individually to facilitate movement of components of the attraction system 50 (e.g., the ride vehicle 52, tracks 56, 58, 60, and / or carriage system 61).

[0030] Furthermore, the attraction system 50 may include show effects 76 that can be activated to provide further entertainment to the guests. Show effects 76 may include, for example, at least one of visual outputs (e.g., images, video, light beams), audio outputs (e.g., music, sound effects), fluid outputs (e.g., mist effects, fog effects, smoke effects, fountains), solid outputs (e.g., confetti), or animated figures. For example, the ride vehicles 52 may move guests to different locations along the track system 54, and certain show effects 76 adjacent to the ride vehicles 52 may be activated (e.g., via the controller 68) to provide entertainment to the guests. Thus, the movement of the ride vehicles 52 and the activation of the show effects 78 may work together to provide entertainment to the guests. Additionally or alternatively, the show effects 76 may visually obscure certain components of the attraction system 50, such as any of the tracks 56, 58, 60. For example, the show effects 76 may provide a visual overlay (e.g., a layer of output light) and / or a physical overlay (e.g., colored fluid drops) to hide the visibility of any of the tracks 56, 58, 60. In this way, guests may not be able to see any of the tracks 56, 58, 60 during operation of the attraction system 50. As a result, the movement of the ride vehicles 52 may appear more realistic, mysterious, or unexpected, thereby further enhancing the experience provided to the passengers.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an attraction system 50. The illustrated attraction system 50 includes a rollout track 56, two intermediate tracks 60, and a receiving track 58. The ride vehicle 52 is coupled to the rollout track 56 and is configured to move along and / or around the rollout track 56 and toward the first intermediate track 60A. For example, the ride vehicle 52 may directly engage or contact the rollout track 56 (e.g., a guide rail of the rollout track 56). The illustrated first intermediate track 60A is coupled to a base 62, and the base 62 is coupled to first brackets 64, 64A. The rollout track 56 may be aligned with the first brackets 64, 64A in a manner that allows the ride vehicle 52 to move out of engagement with the rollout track 56 and into engagement with the first brackets 64, 64A. Specifically, the ride vehicle 52 can be configured to move in a first direction 100 (e.g., a first linear direction, a tangential direction) toward the first bracket 64, 64A and toward the first intermediate track 60A. The ride vehicle 52 can engage with the bracket 64, 64A (e.g., a guide rail member shaped like the rollout track 56) and then be secured to or in the bracket 64, 64A using a lock.

[0032] Once the ride vehicle 52 is properly engaged with the brackets 64, 64A, further movement can be imparted to the ride vehicle 52 via the base 62. In practice, the base 62 can be configured to move along and / or around the first intermediate rail 60A, such as in a second direction 102 (e.g., a second linear direction, a radial direction) toward the receiving rail 58 and transverse to the first direction 100. Thus, the ride vehicle 52 can move along and / or around the first intermediate rail 60A in a direction that is different from the direction of movement along and / or around the rollout rail 56. In an embodiment, the rollout rail 56 and the receiving rail 58 can be positionally fixed relative to each other. However, in an embodiment, the first intermediate rail 60A can be configured to move in a third direction 104 (e.g., a rotational direction) relative to the rollout rail 56 and / or relative to the receiving rail 58. For example, the first intermediate rail 60A can be coupled to a first guide 66A (e.g., an inner guide). In an embodiment, the first guide 66A can extend around the axis of rotation 106 in a circular or elliptical configuration. The first intermediate rail 60A can be configured to travel along, around, and / or with the first guide 66A. For example, at least one bogie 107 can be coupled to the first guide 66A and to the first intermediate rail 60A. The bogie 107 can move along and / or around the first guide 66A and drive movement of the first intermediate rail 60A, which is coupled to the bogie 107, along and / or around the first guide 66A. As such, the first intermediate rail 60A can be configured to rotate about the rotation axis 106 in the third direction 104, thereby driving the first carriage 64A and the ride vehicle 52 coupled to the first carriage 64A in the third direction 104 about the rotation axis 106. Thus, the ride vehicle 52 can travel in the second direction 102 and / or in the third direction 104 while coupled to the first carriage 64A. It should be noted that in embodiments, one or both of the intermediate rails 60A, 60B may be coupled to or integrated with the first guide 66A, which may be caused to rotate via a rotation actuator of the support structure.

[0033] In one embodiment, the first intermediate rail 60A can be coupled to and / or configured to move along and / or around a second guide 66B (e.g., an outer guide). The second guide 66B can be implemented with or without the first guide 66A. Similar to the first guide 66A, the second guide 66B can also extend about the rotation axis 106 in a circular or elliptical configuration to enable the first intermediate rail 60A to move in the third direction 104. By way of example, the first guide 66A and the second guide 66B can be concentrically aligned with each other (e.g., the rotation axis 106 can extend through the centroid of a cross-section of each guide 66A, 66B).

[0034] Additionally, the illustrated attraction system 50 includes a second intermediate track 60B. The second intermediate track 60B can be coupled to a second bracket 64B (e.g., via an additional base (not shown)), which can be configured to receive an additional ride vehicle (not shown) of the attraction system 50. The second intermediate track 60B can be further configured to rotate in a third direction 104. As an example, the intermediate tracks 60A and 60B can be positionally fixed to each other such that movement of one of the intermediate tracks 60A and 60B drives corresponding movement of the other intermediate track 60A and 60B. The operation of multiple intermediate tracks 60A and 60B can increase the efficiency of the attraction system 50 in providing entertainment to guests. By way of example, when the ride vehicle 52 moves along and / or around the first intermediate track 60A (e.g., in the second direction 102, in the third direction 104), the second intermediate track 60B can be moved to prepare to receive the additional ride vehicle (not shown). Thus, the intermediate tracks 60A, 60B can receive respective ride vehicles 52 and collectively guide the plurality of ride vehicles 52 from the rollout track 56 toward the receiving track 58. Any number of intermediate tracks 60 can be employed to accommodate the size of the attraction system 50.

[0035] As an example, after the first bracket 64A receives the ride vehicle 52, the first intermediate track 60A can move (e.g., in the third direction 104) away from the rollout track 56. During this time, the second intermediate track 60B can move (e.g., in the third direction 104) toward the rollout track 56. Then, when the first bracket 64A is still engaged with the ride vehicle 52 or is otherwise unable to receive an additional ride vehicle, the second intermediate track 60B can position the second bracket 64B to align with the rollout track 56. In this way, the second intermediate track 60B can easily receive the additional ride vehicle before the first intermediate track 60A is able to receive the additional ride vehicle. In fact, different ride vehicles 52 can move along and / or around the respective intermediate tracks 60A, 60B simultaneously. Thus, the track system 54 can easily receive ride vehicles 52 of the attraction system 50 more frequently than would be possible with the operation of a single intermediate track 60 for transferring ride vehicles 52 from the exit track 56 to the receiving track 58 .

[0036] As discussed herein, movement of the first bracket 64A along and / or around the first intermediate track 60A can drive movement of the ride vehicle 52 toward the receiving track 58. Additionally, the first intermediate track 60A can be configured to transition the ride vehicle 52 to the receiving track 58. For example, the first intermediate track 60A can align the first bracket 64A with the receiving track 58, and the ride vehicle 52 can transition from the first bracket 64A to the receiving track 58 (e.g., a guide chute, slide, or track segment with or without a bracket system). This also applies to the second bracket 64B and the second intermediate track 60B.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the first guide 66A forms or defines the opening 108, and a portion of the receiving track 58 can extend into the opening 108. Thus, the carriage 64 can be moved (e.g., in the second direction 102) toward the opening 108 and driven through the opening 108 to transfer the ride vehicle 52 onto the receiving track 58. By way of example, the first intermediate track 60A can cause the ride vehicle 52 to move along an inward spiral path toward the receiving track 58 via the second direction 102 and the third direction 104. However, it should be noted that the receiving track 58 can be positioned in any suitable manner relative to the rollout track 56 and / or the first intermediate track 60A, and the first intermediate track 60A can cause the ride vehicle 52 to move from the rollout track 56 to the receiving track 58 in any suitable direction. For example, in an embodiment, the intermediate rails 60A, 60B can travel in a linear direction relative to the rollout rail 56 and / or relative to the receiving rail 58 to align the carriages 64A, 64B with the receiving rail 58 and enable the ride vehicle 52 to transfer to the receiving rail 58. In additional or alternative embodiments, the intermediate rails 60A, 60B can be fixed relative to the rollout rail 56 and / or relative to the receiving rail 58. By way of example, the carriages 64A, 64B can drive movement of the ride vehicle 52 toward the receiving rail 58 while the intermediate rails 60A, 60B remain fixed relative to the rollout rail 56 and / or relative to the receiving rail 58.

[0038] Furthermore, although the exit track 56 and the intermediate tracks 60A, 60B comprise a generally linear configuration in the illustrated attraction system 50, in additional or alternative embodiments, the exit track 56 and / or the intermediate tracks 60A, 60B may have any other suitably shaped configuration. As an example, the exit track 56 and / or the intermediate tracks 60A, 60B may have turns or curves and may drive movement of the ride vehicle 52 in a curved or rotational direction (e.g., at least partially in the third direction 104). As another example, the exit track 56 and / or the intermediate tracks 60A, 60B may include other features, such as climbs, drops, turns, spirals, rolls, or twists.

[0039] The attraction system 50 also includes a shield 110 (e.g., a portion of the show effect 76) that can be used to hide the visibility of the track system 54 (e.g., the receiving track 58, the intermediate tracks 60A, 60B, and the guides 66A, 66B) from the exit track 56 and / or from the brackets 64A, 64B. To this end, when the ride vehicle 52 moves along and / or around the exit track 56 and / or along and / or around the first intermediate track 60A, the ride vehicle 52 can be located on or within a first side 112 (e.g., a top side) of the shield 110, and the receiving track 58, the intermediate tracks 60A, 60B, and / or the guides 66A, 66B can be located at a second side 114 (e.g., a bottom side) of the shield 110. In addition, each bracket 64A, 64B can be coupled to the intermediate rail 60A, 60B, respectively, at the second side 114, and each bracket 64A, 64B can extend from the second side 114 to the first side 112 to position the ride vehicle 52 at the first side 112 while being secured to the ride vehicle 52. As an example, the shield 110 can include a colored object (e.g., water droplets, mist, granular material) and / or a light (e.g., laser) output through the track system 54. Specifically, for example, laser light can be projected into the mist or fog to create the illusion of structure or water (e.g., a vortex). As another example, the shield 110 can include a solid, continuous object (e.g., a sheet, block, vessel, or container) that extends through the track system 54, and the object can include an opening or slot to enable the brackets 64A, 64B to extend from the second side 114 to the first side 112.

[0040] The shield 110 can reduce the visibility of various portions of the track system 54 without affecting the movement of the ride vehicle 52 (e.g., the movement of the intermediate rails 60A, 60B along and / or around the guides 66A, 66B, the movement of the carriages 64A, 64B along and / or around the intermediate rails 60A, 60B). Reducing the visibility of the shield 110 can further enhance the experience of guests in the ride vehicle 52, such as by causing the movement of the ride vehicle 52 along and / or around the track system 54 to be more realistic, mysterious, unexpected, unpredictable, or exciting. In embodiments, surface coloring and / or surface texturing of portions of the track system 54 can provide camouflage with respect to the shield 110.

[0041] Figure 3FIG2 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the attraction system 50 illustrating the transition of the ride vehicle 52 from the rollout track 56 to a first carriage 64A configured to travel along and / or around the first intermediate track 60A. For example, the first carriage 64A may include a platform 130. The platform 130 may be aligned with the rollout track 56 to enable receipt of the ride vehicle 52. For example, the first intermediate track 60A may be moved (e.g., in a third direction 104) to position the first end 132 of the first intermediate track 60A adjacent to the rollout track 56. Additionally, the base 62 may be moved to position the first carriage 64A at the first end 132 of the first intermediate track 60A to align the platform 130 with the rollout track 56. For example, rails of the rollout track 56 may be aligned with corresponding rails of the platform 130, and the ride vehicle 52 may be moved (e.g., slid) along and / or around the rails to translate from the rollout track 56 to the platform 130.

[0042] The ride vehicle 52 can then be secured to the platform 130 so that the ride vehicle 52 and the platform 130 are fixed to each other and movement of the first bracket 64A can drive movement of the ride vehicle 52. As an example, a lock 134 (e.g., of the ride vehicle 52, of the platform 130) can be actuated to secure the ride vehicle 52 and the platform 130 to each other. For example, the lock 134 can secure the ride vehicle 52 (e.g., wheels of the ride vehicle 52) to the guide rails of the platform 130. As such, movement of the first bracket 64A (e.g., driven by movement of the base 62 along and / or around the first intermediate rail 60A, driven by movement of the first intermediate rail 60A along and / or around the first guide 66A) can cause the ride vehicle 52 to move away from the roll-out track 56.

[0043] Figure 4 FIG2 is a schematic perspective view of the attraction system 50 illustrating movement of the ride vehicle 52 along and / or around the first intermediate track 60A when driven by the first bracket 64A. For example, the base 62 can move along the first intermediate track 60A from the first end 132 of the first intermediate track 60A toward the second end 160 of the first intermediate track 60A in the second direction 102. This movement of the base 62 can drive movement of the first bracket 64A and the platform 130 secured to the first bracket 64A toward the receiving track 58 (e.g., toward the axis of rotation 106, toward the first guide 66A, toward the opening 108). Additionally, the first intermediate track 60A can move in the third direction 104. As such, the ride vehicle 52 can move in both the second direction 102 and the third direction 104 when secured to the platform 130. This creates a spiral movement effect. In other words, the ride vehicle 52 moves in a spiral manner toward the axis of rotation 106.

[0044] Furthermore, the first bracket 64A can drive movement of the ride vehicle 52 relative to the base 62. By way of example, the first bracket 64A can include an extension 162 coupled to the base 62, and the platform 130 can be coupled to the extension 162. The extension 162 can be configured to move relative to the base 62 and / or the platform 130 can be configured to move relative to the extension 162. As an example, the extension 162 can be configured to extend (e.g., translate) the platform 130 toward the base 62 and / or retract (e.g., translate) the platform 130 away from the base 62, thereby adjusting the distance (e.g., height) between the ride vehicle 52 and the first intermediate track 60A. As another example, the extension 162 may be configured to rotate the platform 130 about a first axis 164 (e.g., a radial axis) or an axis parallel to the first axis 164 to induce a rolling motion of the ride vehicle 52, to rotate the platform 130 about a second axis 166 (e.g., a vertical axis) or an axis substantially parallel to the second axis 166 to induce a yaw motion of the ride vehicle 52, and / or to rotate the platform 130 about a third axis 168 (e.g., a tangential axis) or an axis substantially parallel to the third axis 168 to induce a pitch motion of the ride vehicle 52. Thus, when the ride vehicle 52 is coupled to the platform 130, the ride vehicle 52 may be moved in the second direction 102, in the third direction 104, about the first axis 164, about the second axis 166, and / or about the third axis 168 to provide different sensations of movement to guests located in the ride vehicle 52, thereby providing entertainment to the guests.

[0045] Figure 5 FIG2 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the attraction system 50 illustrating the transition of the ride vehicle 52 from the first intermediate track 60A to the receiving track 58. As an example, the base 62 can be located at the second end 160 of the first intermediate track 60A, thereby positioning the platform 130 and the ride vehicle 52 coupled thereto adjacent the opening 108 and adjacent the receiving track 58. At the second end 160, the platform 130 can be rotated in a fourth direction 190 (e.g., about the third axis 168) to align the platform 130 with a first segment 192 of the receiving track 58. For example, a guide rail of the platform 130 can be aligned with a corresponding guide rail of the receiving track 58. Additionally or alternatively, the receiving track 58 (e.g., a guide channel) can form a channel or groove, and the platform 130 can be aligned with the channel. Movement of the platform 130 in the fourth direction 190 can position the platform 130 and / or the ride vehicle 52 at least partially within the opening 108.

[0046] The ride vehicle 52 may then be coupled to and / or engaged with the aligned guide rails and may be moved along the aligned guide rails to transition from the platform 130 to the receiving track 58. By way of example, the lock 134 may be decoupled and / or disengaged to enable movement of the ride vehicle 52 relative to the platform 130. A force may then cause the ride vehicle 52 to move (e.g., translate) in a fifth direction 194 to transition the ride vehicle 52 from the platform 130 to the receiving track 58. The fifth direction 194 may intersect the first direction 100 along the roll-out track 56 and / or intersect the second direction 102 along the first intermediate track 60A. In an embodiment, gravity (e.g., applied in a downward direction) may cause the ride vehicle 52 to move in the fifth direction 194. In additional or alternative embodiments, the platform 130 may actively drive movement of the ride vehicle 52 in the fifth direction 194. For example, the platform 130 may include a conveyor or slider that may be moved to initiate movement of the ride vehicle 52 in the fifth direction 194. Movement of the ride vehicle 52 in the fifth direction 194 may cause the ride vehicle 52 to disengage from the platform 130 (e.g., a guide rail of the platform 130) and engage with the receiving track 58 (e.g., a guide rail of the receiving track 58).

[0047] After the first bracket 64A transfers the ride vehicle 52 to the receiving track 58, the first intermediate track 60A can move relative to the rollout track 56 and relative to the receiving track 58 to drive the movement of the first bracket 64A to prepare for receiving the additional ride vehicle. By way of example, the first intermediate track 60A can continue to move along the guides 66A, 66B in the third direction 104, and the base 62 can translate along the first intermediate track 60A, such as in a sixth direction 196 opposite the second direction 102, toward the first end of the first intermediate track 60A. As such, the movement of the first intermediate track 60A and the movement of the base 62 can cooperatively position the platform 130 toward alignment with the rollout track 56, so that the platform 130 can easily receive another ride vehicle 52.

[0048] Figure 61 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the attraction system 50 illustrating movement of the ride vehicle 52 along the receiving track 58. By way of example, the ride vehicle 52 can travel along a first segment 192 of the receiving track 58 in a fifth direction 194, which can extend at least partially in a downward direction. In this manner, the first segment 192 of the receiving track 58 can include a drop, and the ride vehicle 52 can move through the opening 108 via the first segment 192. Movement of the ride vehicle 52 from the platform 130 to the first segment 192 and / or along the first segment 192 can cause the ride vehicle 52 to move through the shield 110. Movement of the ride vehicle 52 through the shield 110 can provide an unexpected change of environment, further enhancing the experience of guests located in the ride vehicle 52.

[0049] In an embodiment, the receiving track 58 may further include a second segment 220 coupled to the first segment 192, and the first segment 192 and the second segment 220 may extend across one another. For example, the ride vehicle 52 may transition from the first segment 192 to the second segment 220 and travel along the second segment 220 in a seventh direction 222. The seventh direction 222 may be another radial direction, such as parallel to the direction of movement along the exit track 56 and / or parallel to the direction of movement along the first intermediate track 60A. As an example, the second segment 220 may extend toward a portion of the second guide 66B, and the ride vehicle 52 may move toward a portion of the second guide 66B in the seventh direction 222. However, the second segment 220 may position the ride vehicle 52 sufficiently away from or away from the second guide 66B to prevent contact between the ride vehicle 52 and the second guide 66B when the ride vehicle 52 travels along the second segment 220.

[0050] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system 50 having a plurality of openings 108 and a plurality of receiving tracks 58 disposed in respective openings 108 and configured to receive ride vehicles 52. By way of example, the controller 68 may be configured to instruct the actuator 74 to move the ride vehicle 52 toward any one of the receiving tracks 58 via the corresponding openings 108. For example, the ride vehicle 52 may be configured to move along and / or around the intermediate track 60, and the intermediate track 60 may be configured to move along and / or around the guide 66. Movement of the intermediate track 60 may adjust the position of the intermediate track 60 relative to the openings 108.

[0051] For example, movement of the intermediate track 60 can cause the intermediate track 60 to align with one of the receiving tracks 58, one of which is located within its corresponding opening 108. When the intermediate track 60 is aligned with the receiving track 58, movement of the ride vehicle 52 along the intermediate track 60 can enable the ride vehicle 52 to be transferred from the intermediate track 60 to the receiving track 58. The ride vehicle 52 can then travel along and / or around the receiving track 58. It should be noted that during different ride cycles, the ride vehicle 52 can be transferred from the intermediate track 60 to different ones of the receiving tracks 58. As an example, for a first ride cycle, the intermediate track 60 can transfer the ride vehicle 52 to the first receiving track 58A of the first opening 108A. For a subsequent second ride cycle, the intermediate track 60 can transfer the ride vehicle 52 to the second receiving track 58B of the second opening 108B. For a subsequent third ride cycle, the intermediate track 60 can transfer the ride vehicle 52 to the third receiving track 58C of the third opening 108C. In this way, different ride cycles can provide different experiences. For example, each receiving track 58 can guide the movement of the ride vehicle 52 in a different manner (e.g., at a different speed, in a different direction of movement). Additionally or alternatively, different show effects 76 can be provided for different receiving tracks 58. For example, a first show effect 76A including a jungle theme can be provided for the first receiving track 58A, a second show effect 76B including a desert theme can be provided for the second receiving track 58B, and a third show effect 76C including an arctic theme can be provided for the third receiving track 58C. In this way, each receiving track 58 can provide a unique experience to entertain guests.

[0052] In an embodiment, the controller 68 may receive one or more user inputs and may operate based on the user input(s) to cause the ride vehicle 52 to transfer to a specific receiving track 58. For example, the user input(s) may directly indicate a target receiving track 58, and the controller 68 may instruct the actuator 74 to move the intermediate track 60 and / or the ride vehicle 52 to transfer the ride vehicle 52 to the target receiving track 58. In additional or alternative embodiments, the controller 68 may cause the ride vehicle 52 to transfer to the specific receiving track 58 using a different technique, such as based on a random determination (e.g., provided by a random number generator).

[0053] Figure 8 is used to operate attraction systems (e.g. Figures 1 to 6 Flowchart of method 250 of attraction system 50 in FIG. Any suitable device may perform method 250. In one embodiment, the method may be performed by executing a method stored on a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium (e.g., Figure 1The operations are performed by instructions in the memory 70 of the controller 68 in the computer 200. For example, the method 250 may be performed, at least in part, by one or more software components, one or more software applications, etc. Although the method 250 is described as having operations performed in a particular order, additional operations may be performed, the described operations may be performed in an order different from that shown, and / or some of the described operations may be skipped or not performed at all.

[0054] At block 252, the ride vehicle can be guided along and / or around the rollout track. For example, the ride vehicle can be directly coupled to the rollout track (e.g., a guide rail of the rollout track) and can translate along the rollout track. The rollout track can be aligned with a carriage coupled to the intermediate track. Thus, movement of the ride vehicle along and / or around the rollout track can cause the ride vehicle to move toward the carriage.

[0055] At block 254, the ride vehicle may be transferred from the rollout track to the carriage. After the ride vehicle is transferred to the carriage, the ride vehicle and the carriage may be secured to each other. Thus, relative movement between the ride vehicle and the carriage may be locked.

[0056] At block 256, the carriage may move along and / or around the intermediate track. As an example, the base may couple the carriage to the intermediate track, and the base may move along and / or around the intermediate track to drive movement of the carriage along and / or around the intermediate track. In this way, the carriage may drive movement of the ride vehicle along and / or around the intermediate track (such as toward the receiving track). In an embodiment, the carriage may drive additional movement of the ride vehicle relative to the base and relative to the intermediate track, such as rotational movement (e.g., roll, yaw, pitch). Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate track may move relative to the rollout track. By way of example, the intermediate track may rotate, thereby driving rotation of the carriage and rotation of the ride vehicle secured to the carriage. For example, a bogie may be coupled to the intermediate track and may travel along and / or around a guide to drive movement of the intermediate track along and / or around the guide. In this manner, the ride vehicle may move along and / or around the guide together with the intermediate track. The different movements of the ride vehicles may create a sensation of movement that provides entertainment to guests located within the ride vehicles.

[0057] Movement of the carriage along and / or around the intermediate track may also align the carriage with the receiving track. At block 258, the ride vehicle may be transferred from the carriage to the receiving track. In an embodiment, a carriage (such as a conveyor) may be movable to drive movement of the ride vehicle toward the receiving track. In additional or alternative embodiments, gravity may cause movement of the ride vehicle from the carriage to the receiving track.

[0058] At block 260, the ride vehicle may be guided along and / or around the receiving track. For example, after transferring from the carriage to the intermediate track, the ride vehicle may be directly coupled to the receiving track (e.g., a guide rail of the receiving track) and may translate along and / or around the receiving track. In this manner, during operation of the attraction system, the ride vehicle may move from the transfer track to the intermediate track and then to the receiving track.

[0059] During operation of the attraction system, the method 250 may be continuously executed. For example, the ride vehicle may be guided along and / or around the receiving track toward the rollout track to restart execution of the method 250. In practice, the attraction system may be operated for multiple cycles, and during each cycle, the ride vehicle may be guided along and / or around the rollout track, transferred from the rollout track to the carriage, transferred from the carriage to the receiving track, and then guided along and / or around the receiving track.

[0060] While only certain features of the disclosure have been shown and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

[0061] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to material objects and specific examples of actual nature, which 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) (the function) ..." or "step for (performing) (the function) ...", it is intended that such elements should be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not intended to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims

1. An amusement park attraction system, comprising: Track 1; a second track configured to move relative to the first track; one or more ride vehicles configured to move along the first track and toward the second track; as well as One or more carriages coupled to the second track, wherein the one or more carriages are configured to receive the one or more ride vehicles from the first track and move along and / or around the second track to drive movement of the one or more ride vehicles along and / or around the second track. 2 . The amusement park attraction system of claim 1 , comprising a third track, wherein the one or more carriages are configured to move along and / or around the second track toward the third track.

3. The amusement park attraction system of claim 2, wherein the one or more carriages are configured to transfer the one or more ride vehicles to the third track, and the one or more ride vehicles are configured to move along the third track.

4. The amusement park attraction system of claim 1 , comprising one or more guides, wherein the second track is configured to move along or with the one or more guides to drive movement of the one or more carriages and the one or more ride vehicles along the one or more guides.

5. The amusement park attraction system of claim 1 , wherein the second track is configured to rotate about a rotation axis, and the one or more carriages are configured to drive movement of the one or more ride vehicles along and / or around the second track and toward the rotation axis.

6. The amusement park attraction system of claim 1 , comprising one or more bases coupling the one or more carriages to the second track, wherein the one or more bases are configured to move along and / or around the second track to drive movement of the one or more carriages along and / or around the second track.

7. The amusement park attraction system of claim 6 , wherein the one or more carriages include one or more extensions coupled to the one or more bases and one or more platforms coupled to the one or more extensions, the one or more platforms being configured to receive the one or more ride vehicles, and the one or more extensions being configured to move the one or more platforms relative to the one or more bases, thereby driving relative movement between the one or more bases and the one or more ride vehicles received by the one or more platforms.

8. The amusement park attraction system of claim 7, wherein the one or more extensions are configured to: rolling the one or more ride vehicles relative to the one or more bases; pitching the one or more ride vehicles relative to the one or more bases; deflecting the one or more ride vehicles relative to the one or more bases; extending the one or more platforms away from the one or more bases; retracting the one or more platforms toward the one or more bases; or Any combination thereof.

9. An amusement park attraction system comprising: Track 1; Track 2; as well as One or more ride vehicles are configured to move along the first track, transition from the first track to the second track, and move along the second track, wherein the second track is configured to rotate relative to the first track, thereby driving rotation of the one or more ride vehicles relative to the first track as the one or more ride vehicles move along the second track.

10. The amusement park attraction system of claim 9, comprising one or more guides, wherein the second track is configured to move along the one or more guides to rotate relative to the first track. 11 . The amusement park attraction system of claim 10 , wherein the one or more guides define one or more openings, and the one or more ride vehicles are configured to move along the second track toward the one or more openings.

12. The amusement park attraction system of claim 11, comprising a third track, wherein the second track is configured to guide the one or more ride vehicles through the one or more openings to transition the one or more ride vehicles from the second track to the third track.

13. The amusement park attraction system of claim 12, wherein the second track is configured to rotate relative to the first track and relative to the third track.

14. An attraction system for an amusement park, the attraction system comprising: Track 1; guides; Track 2; as well as One or more ride vehicles are configured to move along the first track, transition from the first track to the second track, and move along the second track, wherein the second track is configured to move along the guide as the one or more ride vehicles move along the second track.

15. The attraction system of claim 14, comprising a plurality of third tracks, wherein the one or more ride vehicles are configured to transition from the second track to a third track of the plurality of third tracks.

16. The attraction system of claim 15, comprising a controller configured to instruct one or more actuators to: moving the second track along the guide; and The one or more ride vehicles are moved along the second track to transition the one or more ride vehicles from the second track to a third track of the plurality of third tracks.

17. The attraction system of claim 16, wherein the controller is configured to: receiving user input; and Based on the user input, the one or more actuators are instructed to move the second track along the guide and the one or more ride vehicles along the second track to transition the one or more ride vehicles to a third track of the plurality of third tracks.

18. The attraction system of claim 15, comprising a respective show effect provided for each of the plurality of third tracks.

19. The attraction system of claim 15, wherein each third track is disposed in a corresponding opening.

20. The attraction system of claim 15, wherein the first track and a third track of the plurality of third tracks are fixed relative to each other.

Images