Gap blocking systems and methods for amusement park attractions

Abstract

To provide systems and methods for blocking access to gaps in amusement park ride systems.SOLUTION: A gap blocking system includes a loading platform. The loading platform has a gap separating a first portion of the loading platform from a second portion of the loading platform. A ride vehicle is coupled to a transport extending through the gap. The gap blocking system also includes a panel assembly coupled to the loading platform and comprising a plurality of panels, where each panel of the plurality of panels is coupled to a respective biasing mechanism coupled to the first portion of the loading platform and configured to bias each panel towards a closed configuration in which each panel extends radially away from the first portion of the loading platform.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 827,144, entitled "FALL HAZARD PREVENTION SYSTEMS FOR AMUSEMENT PARK ATTRACTIONS," filed March 31, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 849,542, entitled "FALL HAZARD PREVENTION SYSTEMS FOR AMUSEMENT PARK ATTRACTIONS," filed May 17, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 858,663, entitled "FALL HAZARD PREVENTION SYSTEMS FOR AMUSEMENT PARK ATTRACTIONS," filed June 7, 2019, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

[0002] (Technical field) FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to amusement ride systems for amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for blocking access to gaps in certain amusement ride systems. [Background technology]

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the inventive technique described and / or claimed herein. The discussion herein 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. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0004] Recently, there has been an increased interest in increasing the efficiency of passenger (e.g., guest) loading onto ride vehicles of amusement park attractions. Accordingly, some attractions may include a riding system having a loading platform that allows passengers to load or unload onto the ride vehicle while the ride vehicle moves along a loading path. Certain locations along the riding platform are typically permanently blocked with barriers (e.g., handrails) to prevent guests from exiting the riding platform and moving, for example, onto the attraction's track or another location where the guest should not be. Other locations along the riding platform may include uncovered gaps that are not permanently blockable with barriers. For example, such uncovered gaps generally allow the ride vehicle and / or components propelling the ride vehicle to move along the ride path without interfering with the ride platform. However, passengers loading / unloading from the ride vehicle and / or other guests walking across the ride platform may lose items in such uncovered gaps along the ride platform. Summary of the Invention

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

[0006] In one embodiment, a gap blocking system includes a ride platform having a gap separating a first portion of the ride platform from a second portion of the ride platform. A ride vehicle is coupled to a transport extending through the gap, the transport configured to advance the ride vehicle along a ride path adjacent to the ride platform. The gap blocking system also includes a panel assembly coupled to the ride platform and including a plurality of panels, each panel of the plurality of panels coupled to a respective biasing mechanism coupled to the first portion of the ride platform, the biasing mechanism configured to bias each panel toward a closed configuration in which each panel extends radially away from the first portion of the ride platform. The gap block system also includes a stationary post coupled to the ride platform and disposed within the gap, the stationary post configured to contact and apply an opposing force to at least one individual panel of the plurality of panels to overcome the biasing force of the biasing mechanism and move the at least one individual panel from a closed configuration to an open configuration to expose a portion of the gap to allow entry of the ride vehicle into the exposed portion of the gap.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method of operating a gap blocking system includes providing a plurality of panels extending radially from a ride platform to block access to a gap formed between portions of the ride platform. The method also includes moving a moveable portion of the ride platform to bring at least one individual panel of the plurality of panels into contact with a stationary post coupled to the ride platform, the contact overcoming a biasing force of a biasing mechanism of the at least one individual panel to move the at least one individual panel from a closed configuration to an open configuration, the contact causing the at least one individual panel to slide above or below an adjacent panel. The method also includes controlling a ride vehicle to enter an opening providing access to the gap created by the at least one individual panel in the open configuration.

[0008] In one embodiment, a gap block system includes a ride platform having a gap separating a first portion of the ride platform from a second portion of the ride platform, the first portion of the ride platform including a movable portion, the gap block system includes a panel assembly including a plurality of panels coupled to the movable portion and configured to rotate with the rotating turntable, each panel of the plurality of panels coupled to a respective biasing mechanism coupled to the first portion of the ride platform, the biasing mechanism configured to bias each panel toward a closed configuration in which each panel extends radially away from the first portion of the ride platform, the plurality of panels being arranged to alternate between the first type of panels and the second type of panels such that when the plurality of panels is in the closed configuration, a first type of panel is positioned to overlap a portion of a respective top surface of an adjacent panel of the second type.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic top view of one embodiment of a portion of a vehicle system that may include a gap block system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle system that may include a gap block system according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of one embodiment of a portion of a gap block system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a ride vehicle entry point into a boarding path of a ride system including a gap block system according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a ride vehicle ingress interaction with a panel assembly in a ride system including a gap block system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a perspective bottom view of one embodiment of an upper-type panel of a panel assembly for use in conjunction with a gap block system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a perspective bottom view of one embodiment of a lower-type panel of a panel assembly for use in conjunction with a gap block system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. These described embodiments are merely examples of the technology of the present disclosure. In addition, in order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described herein. As with any engineering or design project, it will be appreciated that the development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made to achieve the developer's particular goals, which may vary from implementation to implementation, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but will nevertheless be routine undertakings of design, fabrication and manufacture for those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0012] 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 element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Further, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "embodiments" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the listed features.

[0013] Certain amusement park attractions may include ride systems that allow passengers to board and / or disembark from ride vehicles of the attraction while the ride vehicles are moving along the ride system. When the ride vehicles enter the ride area of ​​the attraction, the ride vehicles slow down, but may continue to move at a relatively slow speed along a track or path while passengers exit the vehicles and as new passengers board the vehicles. The system may include ride platforms having moving parts. The ride platforms may include turntables, conveyor belts, or, as described below, in-line or linear platforms that are stationary or move relative to a fixed portion of the ride platform, e.g., configured to rotate about an axis (e.g., a central vertical axis) about which the vehicles move. In one embodiment, a stationary outer platform or wall may be positioned around a portion or substantially all of the turntable to form a gap between the moving part and the outer platform or wall. The gap may define a ride path along which the ride vehicles may travel during boarding and / or disembarking of passengers from the ride vehicles. Portions of the gap adjacent to or surrounding the ride vehicle may cause passengers to lose items (e.g., keys, coins, cell phones) within the gap. Although certain embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the context of a turntable ride platform, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are applicable to other configurations of ride platforms, such as conveyor systems that may be implemented in linear or non-linear configurations.

[0014] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a gap blocking system configured to block access to a gap while also allowing the ride vehicles to travel along or through the gap during operation of the ride system. Additionally, the gap blocking system allows entry of individual ride vehicles from an attraction path to a ride path while maintaining a majority of the gap closed. As provided herein, the gap blocking system includes a passive panel assembly. The panel assembly is configured to block a gap between a first section of the ride platform (e.g., ride turntable, belt, linear motion platform) and a second or outer section of the ride platform to substantially eliminate or close a gap that may exist, yet still allow the ride vehicles to travel along the gap during operation of the ride system. For example, the panel assembly can be coupled to the turntable and includes a plurality of panels configured to rotate about the same axis with the turntable. The panels can be biased toward a closed configuration in which the individual panels extend to a receiving surface of the outer platform via a spring, cam profile gasket, or other biasing mechanism. When an opposing force is applied to one or more individual panels, the panels transition from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Thus, a gap blocking system including the panel assemblies can allow ride vehicles to move along the ride system to pick up and / or drop off passengers at any suitable location along the turntable, while access to the gap is substantially blocked by the passive panels. These and other features are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0015] While this disclosure describes embodiments of gap blocking systems (e.g., panel assemblies) configured for use in an amusement park setting, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments of the gap blocking systems can be implemented to selectively block various gaps that may be present in a variety of industrial settings. For example, the embodiments of the gap blocking systems discussed herein can be used to block access to gaps that may be present in various conveyor systems or other devices utilized to move components along a path (e.g., a track).

[0016] 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an amusement park ride system 10 (e.g., an attraction). The ride system 10 includes a ride system 12 that facilitates boarding and / or disembarking of passengers (e.g., amusement park guests) onto ride vehicles 14 of the ride system 10. For example, passengers may board the ride vehicles 14 at the ride system 12, travel along an attraction path 16 of the ride system 10, and then return to the ride system 12 to disembark from the ride vehicles 14. While traveling along the attraction path 16, passengers may be exposed to a variety of experiences, such as virtual reality, alternate reality, environmental interaction, multiple ride paths, water features, special effects, and the like. It should be noted that portions of the ride system 10, such as the attraction path 16, have been purposefully simplified to focus on aspects of the ride system 12.

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

[0018] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the turntable 18 is at least partially circumscribed by an outer platform 28 (e.g., a second portion of the ride platform 17) that is configured to remain stationary relative to the axis 20 in some embodiments. The outer platform 28 may be spaced apart from the turntable 18 such that a gap 30 is formed between an inner edge 32 of the outer platform 28 and an outer edge 34 of the turntable 18. The attraction path 16 may be coupled to a ride path 36 that extends around the axis 20 along the gap 30. In particular, the ride path 36 may extend along the gap 30 between a starting end 38 and a terminal end 40. In one embodiment, the ride path 36 may form a portion of the entire attraction path 16. As discussed in more detail below, passengers may board and / or disembark from the ride vehicle 14 along the ride path 36. The portion of the turntable 18 that is positioned adjacent to the ride path 36 at a particular time is referred to herein as the ride zone 42 of the ride system 12 (e.g., the ride zone 42 may refer to the area of ​​the turntable 18 outlined by the dashed line as shown).

[0019] The ride vehicles 14 may move in a direction of travel 44 along the attraction path 16. The ride vehicles 14 may enter the ride path 36 via an entrance avenue 50 (e.g., a path or passageway) that may be formed within the outer platform 28. In some embodiments, the ride path 36 extends about an axis 20 of the turntable 18 (e.g., the ride path 36 has a radius extending from the axis 20). In this manner, the ride vehicles 14 may move in conjunction with (i.e., together or at the same speed as) the turntable 18 along the length of the ride path 36. For example, while traveling along the ride path 36, the ride vehicles 14 may move about the axis 20 at substantially the same speed as the rotational speed of the turntable 18 about the axis 20. In this manner, the position and orientation of each of the ride vehicles 14 along the ride zone 42 of the turntable 18 may remain substantially constant. In other words, each ride vehicle 14 can maintain a temporarily fixed position relative to the circumference of the turntable 18 while traveling along the ride path 36 and while the turntable 18 rotates about the axis 20. In this manner, the ride system 12 can substantially maintain the orientation of the turntable 18 relative to the ride vehicle 14, which may include seats facing the outer edge 34, while the ride vehicle 14 moves along the ride path 36. Thus, passengers can board or disembark from a ride vehicle 14 to a boarding zone 42 without having to walk along a particular ride vehicle 14 to match the speed of the ride vehicle 14 during such boarding / disembarking procedures. It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the speed of each of the ride vehicles 14 along the ride path 36 can be slower than the average speed of the ride vehicles 14 along the remainder of the attraction path 16. The passive design of the components of the gap blocking system provided herein can accommodate different travel speeds and still achieve gap protection. Once the boarding / disembarking procedures are completed, the ride vehicle 14 may exit the boarding path 36 via an exit avenue 62 adjacent the starting end 40 of the attraction path 16 .

[0020] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, an entrance ramp 64 may extend between an entrance 66 of the ride system 10 and the stationary portion 26 of the ride system 12. In some embodiments, the entrance ramp 64 may be any suitable angled path, which may include stairs, a substantially flat inclined surface, an escalator, an elevator, or any combination thereof. Thus, a guest may enter (e.g., walk) from the entrance 66 into the stationary portion 26 while a particular ride vehicle 14 or other movable component of the ride system 12 moves about the axis 20 (e.g., down the entrance ramp 64). Generally, a guest may enter the stationary portion 26 into the boarding zone 42 of the turntable 18 and then board a particular one of the ride vehicles 14 traveling along the boarding zone 42. It should be understood that to exit the ride system 10, a guest may exit the ride vehicle 14 into the boarding zone 42, walk toward the stationary portion 26, and then exit the ride system 12 via the entrance ramp 64.

[0021] The ride vehicles 14 move along the ride path in a track-based or trackless system. In one embodiment, each of the ride vehicles 14 moving along the ride path 36 can be associated with a respective transport 70 configured to propel the ride vehicle 14 about the axis 20 along the ride path 36, as shown in FIG. 2. In certain embodiments, the transport 70 can be located partially below the turntable 18 and / or the outer platform 28 and coupled to the particular ride vehicle 14 via a support structure that extends through the gap 30. In effect, the gap 30 can allow the transport 70 to couple to and propel the corresponding ride vehicle 14 along the ride path 36. Unfortunately, the gap 30 can cause guests boarding and / or disembarking the ride vehicle 14, or guests walking adjacent to the ride path 36, to accidentally lose items in the gap 30 by dropping the particular item (e.g., keys, coins, cell phone) into the gap 30. Accordingly, the embodiments of the ride system 10 discussed herein include a gap block system 72 configured to substantially block guest access to the gap 30. More specifically, the gap block system 72 is configured to selectively block guest access to portions of the gap 30 that are not occupied by components of the ride vehicles 14 or are otherwise covered by the ride vehicles 14 (e.g., covered by the respective chassis of the ride vehicles 14). Thus, the gap block system 72 can allow the ride vehicles 14 to travel continuously along the ride path 36 while substantially eliminating the possibility of a guest losing an item in the gap 30.

[0022] 1, the disclosed gap blocking system 72 can accommodate irregular spacing between the ride vehicles 14. In contrast to less flexible or non-configurable types of systems, the passive gap blocking system 72 does not rely on predictable spacing between the ride vehicles 14. Thus, the gap blocking system 72 provides the benefits of gap blocking for variable speeds or variable spacing between the ride vehicles 14.

[0023] To better illustrate the transport 70 and to facilitate subsequent discussion of the gap block system 72 used in conjunction with the transport 70, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ride system 12. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the transport 70 is disposed in a space 74 below the turntable 18 and / or outer platform 28 and engaged with a guide track 76. The guide track 76 may extend around a frame 78 that supports the turntable 18 and allow the transport 70 to be propelled along the guide track 76 about the axis 20. In some embodiments, the guide track 76 and the ride path 36 may comprise the same path or track structure. A robotic manipulator 80 may couple the transport 70 to one of the ride vehicles 14 to allow the transport 70 to move the ride vehicle 14 along the ride path 36. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the robotic manipulator 80 may include a support structure 84 (e.g., a shaft) that extends through the gap 30 and engages the ride vehicle 14. In this manner, the support structure 84 may facilitate coupling of the ride vehicle 14 to the transport 70 disposed beneath the turntable 18 and / or outer platform 28. For clarity, it should be understood that as used herein, “ride vehicle” may refer to any one or combination of the ride vehicles 14 (e.g., any one of the ride vehicles 14), the robotic manipulator 80, and / or the components of the transport 70. The ride vehicle 14 may include a vehicle controller that controls movement of the vehicle 14 and its drive components to move the transport vehicle 70 on and along the ride path 36.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of the ride system 10 including a panel assembly 100 used in conjunction with the gap blocking system 72 and functioning to block a gap (e.g., gap 30 in FIG. 2). As described below, the panel assembly 100 includes a plurality of panels 104 configured to block a portion of the gap that is not occupied by a component of the ride vehicle 14 or that is temporarily opened to allow the ride vehicle 14 to enter the ride path. Thus, the panel assembly 100 of the gap blocking system 72 can ensure that the gap remains covered during operation of the ride system 10. The panel assembly 100 includes a plurality of individual panels 104 coupled to a first section (e.g., turntable 18) of the ride platform 17 and configured to extend between the first section and a second section (e.g., outer platform 28) in a first or closed configuration to at least partially cover the gap. In an embodiment in which the first section rotates, rotation of the turntable 18 causes the plurality of panels to rotate with the turntable 18. Each individual panel 104 of the plurality of panels includes a biasing mechanism 106 that biases the panel 104 toward the outer section 28. As shown in FIG. 4, the stationary posts 110 are positioned to extend from the ride platform into the ride path 36. As disclosed herein, the gap blocking system 72 creates a partial opening 108 that exposes the gap at the vehicle entry point, meaning that the ride vehicle 14 can passively enter the ride path 36 and no actuating equipment is required to create or maintain the opening 108. The stationary posts 110 can be positioned along the ride path to create the opening 108 behind a barrier or in an area 120 at the end of the station that is inaccessible to guests.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vehicle entry point into the opening 108. As described, the gap block system 72 includes passive panels 104 distributed around the outer diameter / edge of the turntable 18. The panels 104 are arranged to alternate between a first type 122 and a second type 124, as discussed in more detail in FIGS. 6-7, such that each panel 104 of the first type 122 is in direct contact with an adjacent panel 104 of the second type 124 around the circumference of the turntable 18. The panels 104 of the first type 122 may generally be arranged as an interrupted top layer such that a lateral edge 128 of the panel 104 of the first type 122 overlaps a top surface 130 of the panel 104 of the second type 124. The percentage of overlap may be at least 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 25%, or 50% of the surface area of ​​the top surface 130 of the panel 104 of the second type 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the side edges 128 of the first type 122 of the panels 104 are spaced apart from the side edges 128 of adjacent panels 104 of the first type 122, leaving at least a portion of the top surface 130 of the second type 124 of the panels 104 exposed. Thus, in the default closed configuration, the panels 104 of the first type 122 do not directly contact other panels of the first type 122. Similarly, the panels 104 of the second type 124 do not directly contact each other in the closed configuration. However, as discussed herein, to assume an open configuration, the panels 104 can move relative to each other to contact non-adjacent panels 104 or panels of the same type. The top surface 130 can be relatively smooth to facilitate sliding movement with adjacent panels.

[0026] The panels 104 may maintain their radial orientation as a default or closed configuration in the absence of a gas shock (e.g., spring) load and opposing forces. However, each individual panel 104 may rotate out of the closed configuration and rotate back to the default closed configuration when the opposing forces are removed. As the turntable rotates, each panel 104 then contacts a fixed mast or stationary post 110 that is attached to the ride platform 104 and fixed relative to any rotating part (e.g., the turntable 18). This creates vehicle entry openings 108, allowing vehicles 14 to enter the ride path without necessarily having a uniform or controlled separation distance between the vehicles 14. As each panel 104 or group of adjacent panels 104 rotates in response to contact with the stationary post 110, new openings 108 are passively created in a continuous manner and then passively closed in the absence of any vehicles 14 entering the ride path at the openings 108. The ride vehicle 14 enters downstream adjacent a stationary post 110. The stationary post 110 may include a plow structure 140 sized and shaped to rotate a desired number of panels 104 to create the opening 108. The size and shape of the plow structure 140 may depend on the size and shape of the components of the ride vehicle 14 (e.g., the support shaft 84) that extend through the gap 30.

[0027] As mentioned above, the panels 104 are coupled to the turntable 18 and spaced apart about the periphery of the turntable 18. Thus, the panels 104 can rotate with the turntable 18. Each panel 104 can be configured to transition between a default extended or closed configuration, illustratively shown as panel 104b, in which the panel 104b extends across the gap 30 to substantially cover a respective portion of the gap 30, and an at least partially retracted or open configuration, illustratively shown as panel 104a, in which the open panel 104a creates an opening 108 to expose a respective portion of the gap 30. When the panels 104 contact the stationary posts 110, the panels slide out of the closed configuration above and below each other (depending on their placement). In the illustrated embodiment, the radially outermost distal edge 146 of the panel 104 contacts the plow 140 of the stationary post 110 to initiate movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration. In one embodiment, the panel 104 can rotate beneath the turntable 18 to create the opening 108 .

[0028] In some embodiments, the radially outermost distal edges 146 of the panels 104 can be configured to extend below the outer platform 28 or to extend into a receiving surface or groove 152 in the outer platform 28 when the panels 104 are in the extended position. Thus, the panels 104 can completely span the radial dimension of the gap 30 when in the extended position. That is, the maximum radial extension of an individual panel 104 is in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, each of the panels 104 can assume a geometric shape that facilitates covering the gap 30 and / or engaging within the outer platform 28 when the panels 104 are in the extended position. For example, the panels 104 can include a generally trapezoidal or arcuate shape that allows the panels 104 to abut and / or overlap one another in the extended position and substantially cover the gap 30 (e.g., reduce or substantially eliminate the space 104 between adjacent panels). Additionally, the panel 104 and / or groove 152 may be sized and shaped such that the panel moves within the groove 152 during rotation of the turntable 18 and minimally contacts the surfaces of the groove 152. However, the lower surface 154 may provide structural support to the panel 104 when weight is applied to the upper surfaces 130, 134 of the panel.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a panel assembly 100 of the gap block system 72. When the ride vehicle 14 enters the ride path 36, the ride vehicle 14 and turntable 18 can rotate at approximately the same speed as the ride vehicle 14 travels. The ride vehicle moves away from the stationary post 110 at the entrance opening 108. However, one or more rotating panels, such as panel 104a, in the open configuration reach a plow structure 156 present on the ride vehicle 14 and rotate with the ride vehicle 14, as generally shown in FIG. 5. The plow structure is coupled to the support shaft 84 and is generally disposed below a seat 160 of the ride vehicle 14. Passive contact with the plow structure 156 maintains the panel 104a in at least a partially open configuration as the ride vehicle 14 travels along the ride path 36. The plow structure 156 can be formed from a flexible material to reduce impact to the panel 104 during contact.

[0030] The transition of the panels 104a between the closed and open configurations can be facilitated by a respective biasing mechanism 106 coupled to each panel 104. Each panel 104 is coupled to a spring-loaded rod 164 at a joint 168, allowing the panel 104 to rotate relative to the rod 164 at the joint 168 to allow the panel to articulate in the plane of the floor surface and between the open and closed configurations. The end 170 of the rod 164 can allow additional small movement of the panel 104 in other planes. However, in one embodiment, the panels 104 are coupled to the turntable 18 such that, even within their respective ranges of motion, the panels 104 do not extend above the top surface of the ride platform. Such movement can be constrained by a cage 174 or other structure. If no opposing force is applied to overcome the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 106, the panel is biased to return to the default closed configuration. It should be appreciated that the biasing mechanism 106 may be a suitable spring-based or other mechanism (e.g., a passive mechanism) that allows movement to the open configuration upon contact with a stationary post 110 (FIG. 4) under normal operation of the system 10, and allows return to the closed configuration via rotation in the absence of an opposing force.

[0031] The panels 104 of the panel assembly 100 are disposed about the turntable 18 so as to generally cover or at least partially cover the space or gap between the turntable 18 and the stationary outer platform 28. The panels 104 are shaped and arranged to allow the ride vehicle 14 and the turntable 18 to move at least partially asynchronously, with the turntable 18 being able to rotate faster or slower than the vehicle 14 during at least a portion of its movement. During the asynchronous movement, the panels 104 can be deflected in either direction by the vehicle 14 such that the opening or space between adjacent panels remains below the vehicle. That is, the panel assembly 100 allows for backward or forward movement of the ride vehicle 14 disposed within the panel assembly 100. Thus, the plow structure 156 can at least partially surround the support shaft 84 to facilitate deflection of the panels 104 in either direction. Additionally, during a ride system shutdown scenario, the ride vehicles 14 may stop or change speed to allow entry to the ride platform regardless of whether the turntable 18 continues to rotate. In such cases, the spacing of the ride vehicles 14 may be adjusted. The disclosed technology responds to such conditions by passively adjusting the angle of the deflected panels 104 forward or backward (via deflection) so that the deflected panels remain in contact with the plow structure.

[0032] The panels 104 may include features that enhance sliding or relative motion. For example, the panels may form tail or tapered ends so that the side edges 128 that are covered by the turntable 18 in the closed configuration narrow toward the rods 168. Such an arrangement reduces surface area that may create friction or inhibit a smooth transition between configurations while maintaining the desired coverage of gaps in the portions of the panels 104 that are exposed.

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a panel 104 of the first type 122 that may include additional features to aid in transition between configurations. The bottom surface 200 of the first type 122 panel, which faces the top surface 134 (see FIG. 4), may include one or more low-friction wear pads 202 or may be formed or coated from a low-friction material. In one embodiment, the bottom surface 200 of the first type 122 panel, which slides against and contacts the adjacent panel 104, may have a lower coefficient of friction relative to the top surface 134. Additionally, a stub shaft with bearings and mounting lugs 210 for connecting to a spring assembly may be oriented generally toward the top surface 134 so as not to interfere with the relative movement of the bottom surface and the adjacent panel 104.

[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates a panel 104 of the second type 124. The panel 104 of the second type 124 may be generally similar to the panel 104 of the first type 122 (FIG. 6), but may be thicker to support vertical loads as well as a layer of the panel 104 of the first type 122 disposed on the top surface 130 (FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the panel 104 of the second type 124 may be at least 50%, 100%, 200%, or 300% thicker than the panel of the first type 122 in a dimension 210 perpendicular to its bottom surface 220. The bottom surface 220 may be pocketed or may include one or more rib structures to facilitate support of additional weight. The panel 104 of the second type 124 may include a downward stub shaft 230 to avoid contact with other panels. The panels 104 of the second type 124 may include an inboard wear strip 234 and / or a series of cam follower rollers 236 near the outboard edge to contact the ride platform structure and facilitate movement.

[0035] As noted above, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical effects useful for blocking access to portions of an amusement park attraction where guests may inadvertently lose certain personal items. In particular, embodiments of the gap blocking system 72 disclosed herein facilitate passenger entry and exit from the non-stationary ride vehicle 14 while substantially blocking access to the gap. The technical effects and technical problems described herein are by way of example and not limitation. Indeed, it should be noted that the embodiments described herein may have other technical effects and may solve other technical problems and may be used outside of an amusement park environment.

[0036] While only certain features of the invention 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 which fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure. It is further to be understood that certain elements of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another.

[0037] The technology presented and claimed herein refers to and applies to specific examples of a tangible and practical nature that clearly improve the technical field of the present invention, and is therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Moreover, when any claim appended hereto includes one or more elements designated as "means for performing a function" or "step for performing a function," such elements are intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6. However, for any claim that includes an element designated in any other manner, such elements shall not be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 14 Vehicles 16 sheets 18 Turntable 36 Boarding Route 72 Gap Block System 84 Support shaft 100 Panel assembly Panel 104a 108 Inlet opening 110 Stationary Post 128 Side edge 156 Plow Structure 168 Rod 170 End

Claims

1. 1. A gap block system comprising: a ride platform having a gap separating a first portion of the ride platform from a second portion of the ride platform; a ride vehicle coupled to a transport extending through the gap, the transport configured to propel the ride vehicle along a ride path of the ride platform; and a panel assembly coupled to the ride platform and including a plurality of panels, each panel of the plurality of panels coupled to a respective biasing mechanism coupled to the first portion of the ride platform, the biasing mechanism configured to bias each panel toward a closed configuration in which each panel extends radially away from the first portion of the ride platform; a stationary post coupled to the ride platform and disposed within the gap; Equipped with the stationary post is configured to contact and apply an opposing force to at least one individual panel of the plurality of panels to overcome a biasing force of the biasing mechanism and move the at least one individual panel from the closed configuration to an open configuration exposing a portion of the gap to permit entry of the ride vehicle into the exposed portion of the gap. Gap block system.

2. 2. The gap block system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of panels overlap adjacent panels such that a top surface of the one panel is at least partially covered by a first adjacent panel and a second adjacent panel when the one panel and the adjacent panel are in the closed configuration.

3. 2. The gap block system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels includes a first set of panels and a second set of panels, the panel assembly alternating between panels of the first set and panels of the second set such that each panel of the first set is adjacent to and overlaps each panel of the second set when in the closed configuration.

4. 4. The gap block system of claim 3, wherein the first set of panels includes panels having a first thickness and the second set of panels includes panels having a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

5. 5. The gap block system of claim 4, wherein the first set of panels does not contact a bottom surface of any of the second set of panels when the first set of panels is in the closed configuration or the open configuration.

6. 6. The gap block system of claim 5, wherein the first set of panels includes a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface having a lower coefficient of friction than the top surface.

7. The gap block system of claim 1 , wherein each respective panel is configured to pivot to transition between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

8. 8. The gap block system of claim 7, wherein each panel of the plurality of panels is configured to pivot in response to an opposing force of the stationary post from a maximum radial extension in the closed configuration to an open configuration in which each panel is not at the maximum radial extension.

9. 8. The gap block system of claim 7, wherein a portion of each panel is disposed below or within the first portion of the ride platform, and a side edge of each respective panel tapers toward the pivot point at the portion of each panel disposed below or within the first portion of the ride platform.

10. 2. The gap block system of claim 1, wherein the ride vehicle comprises a plow structure configured to be at least partially disposed within the gap and to apply a force to hold the at least one individual panel in the open configuration after the at least one individual panel rotates away from the stationary post with the first portion of the ride platform.

11. 2. The gap block system of claim 1, wherein the stationary post is positioned at a connection between an attraction path and the ride path to overcome the biasing force of the biasing mechanism and move the at least one individual panel from the closed configuration to the open configuration exposing a portion of the gap and allowing entry of the ride vehicle into the exposed portion of the gap.

12. 1. A method of operating a gap block system, comprising: providing a plurality of panels extending radially from the ride platform to block access to gaps formed between portions of the ride platform; moving a moveable portion of the ride platform to bring at least one individual panel of the plurality of panels into contact with a stationary post coupled to the ride platform, the contact overcoming a biasing force of a biasing mechanism of the at least one individual panel to move the at least one individual panel from a closed configuration to an open configuration, the contact causing the at least one individual panel to slide above or below an adjacent panel; controlling a ride vehicle to enter an opening providing access to a gap created by the at least one individual panel in the open configuration; A method comprising:

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the ride platform is a turntable, further comprising rotating the turntable to move the at least one individual panel out of contact with the stationary post and to move another panel into contact with the stationary post to move the other panel from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising controlling the ride vehicle to move along the ride path at approximately the same speed as the movable portion of the ride platform such that the ride vehicle maintains contact with the at least one individual panel after the at least one individual panel moves out of contact with the stationary post.

15. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising contacting adjacent ones of the at least one individual panel with a plow structure of the ride vehicle to at least partially move the adjacent panels from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

16. The method of claim 12 , wherein the contact causes the at least one individual panel to slide over an adjacent panel.

17. The method of claim 12 , wherein the contact causes the at least one individual panel to slide under an adjacent panel.

18. 1. A gap block system comprising: a ride platform having a gap separating a first portion of the ride platform from a second portion of the ride platform, the first portion of the ride platform including a moveable portion; a panel assembly including a plurality of panels coupled to the movable portion and configured to rotate with the movable portion; Equipped with each panel of the plurality of panels is coupled to a respective biasing mechanism coupled to the first portion of the ride platform, the biasing mechanism configured to bias each panel toward a closed configuration in which each panel extends radially away from the first portion of the ride platform; the plurality of panels are arranged to alternate between the first type of panels and the second type of panels such that, when the plurality of panels is in the closed configuration, a first type of panel is arranged to overlap a portion of an upper surface of each adjacent panel of a second type; Gap block system.

19. 20. The gap block system of claim 18, wherein the ride platform comprises a turntable or an in-line ride configuration.

20. 20. The gap block system of claim 18, wherein the second portion of the ride platform comprises a slot configured to receive the plurality of panels when the plurality of panels are in the closed configuration.

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