Ride system with vehicle support for suspension and floating operation

Abstract

To provide a ride system with a vehicle support.SOLUTION: A ride system includes a ride vehicle made of a buoyant material configured to float in a liquid. A bogie of the ride system includes a vehicle support positioned under the ride vehicle, and the bogie is configured to travel along a track. An extender is coupled to the vehicle support and coupled to the ride vehicle. The extender is configured to transition between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration to allow the ride vehicle to float in the liquid within a range of motion relative to the vehicle support.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This disclosure claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 020,210, entitled "RIDE SYSTEM WITH VEHICLE SUPPORT FOR SUSPENSION AND FLOATING OPERATION," filed May 5, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0002] (Technical field) The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and equipment used in conjunction with amusement park rides. [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 present disclosure, which are 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. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0004] Since the early 20th century, amusement parks (or theme parks) have grown considerably in popularity. Certain amusement park rides may include water rides configured to transport passengers only along a waterway. Other amusement park rides may include roller coaster rides configured to transport passengers only along a track having a carriage. However, these single-environment ride formats may unintentionally limit the passenger experience. Accordingly, it is now recognized that improved amusement park rides with multiple modes of transportation to enhance the guest experience may be desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Certain embodiments within the scope of the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure; 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] According to one embodiment, a ride system includes a ride vehicle made of a flotation material configured to float in a liquid. A bogie of the ride system includes a vehicle support positioned below the ride vehicle, the bogie configured to move along a track. An extender is coupled to the vehicle support and to the ride vehicle. The extender is configured to transition between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration to allow the ride vehicle to float in the liquid within a range of motion relative to the vehicle support.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a ride system includes a ride track including an aerial portion and an underwater portion. The ride system's track extends along a path, and a bogie is configured to engage the track and move along the track. Further, a ride vehicle of the ride system is configured to transport passengers, and a vehicle support of the bogie is positioned below the ride vehicle and configured to support the ride vehicle through the aerial portion of the ride path. Further, an extender couples the ride vehicle to the vehicle support. The extender is configured to retract and secure the ride vehicle relative to the vehicle support through the aerial portion of the ride path. Additionally, the extender is configured to extend and retract in response to the floating of the ride vehicle positioned within the liquid through the underwater portion of the ride path.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a method of operating a ride system includes positioning a ride vehicle within a body of liquid using a bogie coupled to the ride vehicle via a vehicle support, the vehicle support coupled to the ride vehicle via an extender. The method further includes transitioning the extender from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration when the ride vehicle becomes buoyant in the liquid. The method further includes enabling the ride vehicle to move within a motion envelope defined by the retracted configuration and the extended configuration when the ride vehicle is subjected to buoyant forces in the liquid.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle system according to the present disclosure; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an extender for coupling a ride vehicle to a vehicle support in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an extender for coupling a ride vehicle to a vehicle support in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an extender for coupling a ride vehicle to a vehicle support in accordance with the present disclosure, showing a locking feature of the extender; FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic overhead view of a ride vehicle and vehicle support having a triangular arrangement of extenders in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a side view of a bogie holding a ride vehicle in a suspended configuration with extenders in a retracted configuration in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side view of a bogie with the ride vehicle positioned in the submerged portion of the vehicle and the ride vehicle submerged to the fully extended position of the extenders, in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 8]FIG. 1 is a side view of a bogie with the ride vehicle located in the submerged portion of the vehicle and in a floating mode of operation, in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a side view of a carriage including a motion platform with the ride vehicle in a suspended mode of operation, according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle system including a vehicle path having an aerial portion and an underwater portion in accordance with the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described herein. It will be appreciated that, as with any engineering or design project, the development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made in order to achieve the developer's particular goals, which may vary from implementation to implementation, including compliance with system- and business-related constraints. It will further be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0012] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the invention, 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. In addition, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0013] The present disclosure provides, among other things, embodiments of ride systems having both underwater and aerial portions, each portion corresponding to a different mode of vehicle operation. For example, the ride system may include a ride vehicle functioning as a boat floating along a waterway in the underwater portion and a roller coaster moving along an aerial track in the aerial portion. Amusement park ride attractions typically include either a boat configured to float along a waterway or a coaster configured to move along a track, but not both. However, these single types of attractions, and sometimes predictable ride types, may limit passenger enjoyment. Some amusement park rides aim to further engage passengers by utilizing ride vehicles that move along a track that may include both underwater and submerged portions. However, simply transitioning between the aerial and submerged track may unintentionally limit the ride experience. Indeed, while in the submerged portion, passengers do not experience the full floating effect associated with being in an actual boat because the ride vehicle is confined to the submerged track. In reality, the result of a confined ride vehicle can be a slow, predictable roller coaster ride that may come into contact with water. Accordingly, provided herein are ride attractions that include one or more transitions between ride types, including airborne (or suspended) portions and submerged (or floating) portions where the enjoyable floating of the ride vehicle is experienced. In certain embodiments, each ride type may be independently distinct such that the transitions between ride types are unexpected. Indeed, according to embodiments of the present invention, each transition between ride types serves to increase the level of surprise and entertainment for passengers.

[0014] In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure include ride vehicles configured to float on water (representing any form of fluid or liquid) while coupled to a bogie vehicle support coupled to a ride track. Specifically, the ride vehicle may be coupled to the vehicle support via an extender (e.g., a piston) that allows the vehicle to float (e.g., be submerged) while at least partially submerged. As used herein, a submerged component generally refers to a component positioned completely below the water's upper surface, and a submerged or partially submerged component generally refers to a component that is at least partially below the water's upper surface, thereby allowing the component to float above and / or within the water's upper surface. This configuration allows the ride vehicle to easily transition between the aerial and submerged portions of the ride system. For example, while the ride vehicle is floating on the submerged portion of the ride, passengers may not notice the upcoming change in ride format to a suspended or aerial portion. In fact, the bogie (and its connection to the ride vehicle) can be camouflaged, allowing the ride vehicle to appear to passengers as a boat that is unable to transition to an airborne vehicle form. However, once the ride vehicle leaves the water, the extenders can fold, locking the ride vehicle to the bogie for the aerial portion of the vehicle and allowing the ride vehicle to interconnect with the vehicle support of the bogie. In some embodiments, this interconnection action can include operation of a locking feature (e.g., hydraulic latch, pull down of a hydraulic actuator) that secures the ride vehicle to the vehicle support. Once the ride vehicle is seamlessly coupled to the bogie, the bogie can carry the ride vehicle along the ride track while pitching, yaw, and / or roll the ride vehicle, thereby further increasing the thrill factor for passengers. Note that the transition between the airborne and underwater vehicle portions can occur in either direction in accordance with this embodiment and in a thrilling manner for passengers.In some embodiments, the ride vehicles may pass (or appear to pass) along physical tracks below the ride vehicles to further confuse and thrill passengers as they transition into visually identifiable aerial and / or submerged portions of the ride system.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ride system 10 including a bogie 12 and a ride vehicle 14. As shown, the bogie 12 includes a wheel assembly 16 configured to couple to a track 18. The bogie 12 further includes a vehicle support 20 (e.g., yoke, armature), which couples to the ride vehicle 14 via an extender 22. The extender 22, which may include a piston, an actuator (e.g., hydraulic, electric), an airbag, or any other suitable height-adjustable mechanism, operates to allow the ride vehicle 14 to move with multiple degrees of freedom relative to the vehicle support 20. For example, the extender 22 can expand and contract to reach different lengths (represented by arrows 24) to allow the ride vehicle 14 to move in a natural manner in response to flotation. In fact, when the ride vehicle 14 is located in water, buoyancy forces can be applied differently to the extender 22 at various locations along the ride vehicle 14, and the extender 22 can adjust (e.g., expand or contract) accordingly. In this manner, passengers may feel as if the ride vehicle 14 is freely floating on the water, while in reality, the ride vehicle 14 remains secured to the bogie 12 via the extenders 22. In some embodiments, the ride system 10 may incorporate an overhead structure 26 (e.g., a canopy) that serves to obstruct passenger views of the wheel assemblies 16 and other elements of the bogie 12, thereby further contributing to the passenger's immersive experience. That is, passengers may feel as if they are riding in a boat that is controlled entirely by the forces (e.g., flotation) associated with the water. The ride vehicle 14 may be formed of any suitable material configured to contribute to the flotation of the ride vehicle 14 and to establish an appropriate centering above the center of gravity of the ride vehicle 14. Furthermore, it should be noted that the shape of the ride vehicle 14 should not be limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the ride vehicle 14 may be in the shape of a sailboat capable of carrying any suitable number of passengers.

[0016] The ride vehicle 14 is configured to float when located in water, such as that found in the underwater portion of the ride attraction (e.g., a flume). As described above, this floating is enabled by the extenders 22, which allow a range of movement of the ride vehicle 14 relative to the vehicle support 20. The extenders 22 can function independently of each other in a purely mechanical manner, such as by responding to buoyancy forces and gravity. In some embodiments, the extenders 22 can operate in dual modes (e.g., passive and active modes). In the passive mode, the extenders 22 passively enable movement caused by buoyancy forces (e.g., while the ride vehicle 14 is in the water), and in the active mode, they can operate as a motion base that moves the ride vehicle 14 in various degrees of freedom relative to the vehicle support 20. As will be appreciated, these buoyancy forces also facilitate efficient movement of the ride vehicle 14 in the active mode by offsetting at least a portion of the weight of the ride vehicle 14. 2, 3, and 4, the extender 22 can include a variety of different extender types and configurations having an extended configuration 30 (e.g., greater than 50% extended) and a retracted configuration 32 (e.g., less than 50% retracted) of the extender components 34 (e.g., piston arms and piston housings). The difference between the extended configuration 30 and the retracted configuration 32 can define a motion envelope within which adjustments can be made between the position of the vehicle support 20 and the ride vehicle 14 to accommodate float. As shown in FIG. 5, described below, the extender 22 can be distributed relative to the ride vehicle 14 in a manner that allows for rocking motion, such as side-to-side rocking and fore-and-aft rocking.

[0017] Looking more closely at FIG. 2 , the extender 22 is illustrated as a piston 38, where each extender component 34 includes a piston arm 40 (e.g., an extension portion) and a piston housing 41 (e.g., a housing portion). The pistons 38 operate to transition substantially linearly between the extended configuration 30 and the retracted configuration 32. The piston arms 40 may be rigid or flexible and may be actuated using various types of power (e.g., electric, combustion-based, hydraulic). Furthermore, each piston 38 may be actuated using any of a variety of mechanisms 42 (e.g., winch, hydraulic, motor). For example, the pistons 38 may be fluid-actuated (e.g., hydraulic or gas-actuated), ratcheted, or screw-actuated. In other embodiments, the pistons 38 may use other mechanisms (e.g., a winch) to eject and / or retract the piston arms 40, which may be flexible in such embodiments. For example, each piston 38 may include a winch in the piston housing 41 that extends or retracts the piston arm 40 relative to the piston housing 41. In either case, the piston 38 may operate to retract the piston arm 40 or to lock the piston arm 40 to maintain the ride vehicle 14 in a substantially fixed configuration relative to the vehicle support 20.

[0018] In FIG. 3 , the extenders 22 each include a base receptacle 44 (e.g., housing portion) and a connector insert 46 (e.g., extension portion) that cooperate to enable a guided transition between the extended configuration 30 and the retracted configuration 32. The base receptacle 44 of each extender 22 is shown connected to the vehicle support 20, and the corresponding connector insert 46 is coupled to the ride vehicle 14. The connector insert 46 of each extender 22 is shown deployed away from the ride vehicle 14 to illustrate its geometry, with lines 47 intended to represent the coupling between the connector insert 46 and the ride vehicle 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the base receptacle 44 has a cylindrical geometry and the connector insert 46 has a conical geometry, which cooperate to facilitate initial engagement therebetween and, when brought together, guide the connector insert 46 into a locking engagement with the base receptacle 44. Other geometries (e.g., pyramidal and prismatic) are similarly encompassed by this embodiment. The connector insert 46 may include a substantially rigid rod 48 or a substantially flexible cord 50 (e.g., steel cable, flexible cable) that allows corresponding movement of the ride vehicle 14 relative to the vehicle support 20 when in the extended configuration 30. For example, a flexible cord 50 (which can be retracted or ejected using a winch 51) relative to the rigid rod 48 may provide additional range of motion. However, both embodiments may provide range of motion in multiple directions (X, Y, and Z) when in the extended configuration 30. When the base receptacle 44 and connector insert 46 are fully secured in the retracted configuration 32, the nature of their engagement may prevent substantial relative movement between the ride vehicle 14 and the vehicle support 20. Indeed, as long as the connector insert 46 is retained in the base receptacle 44 along the Z direction (e.g., via tension on the flexible cord 50 provided by the winch 51), the receptacle may be prevented from moving in either the X or Y direction.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 4 , the extenders 22 may be coupled to the ride vehicle 14 via a hinged or flexible coupling 52 (e.g., ball and socket coupling, spherical bearing) to allow for different orientations of the ride vehicle 14 based on different configurations of the various extenders 22 (e.g., pistons 38). In some embodiments, the coupling 54 to the vehicle support 20 may also be hinged or flexible, such as a ball and socket coupling. Additionally, as shown schematically in FIG. 4 , a locking feature 58 (e.g., an automatic lock or an actuatable lock) may be utilized to secure the extender 22 in a desired orientation or configuration. For example, the locking feature 58 may include a hydraulic seal mechanism that blocks the flow of hydraulic fluid to hold the pistons 38 in the retracted configuration 32 or the extended configuration 30. As another example, the locking features 58 may include an actuation rod extending through the extender components (e.g., the piston arm 40 and piston housing 41, or the base receiver 44 and connector insert 46) to physically block relative motion between the fixed extender components 34, thereby locking the extender 22 in a desired configuration. These locking features 58 may be monitored to confirm a locked or unlocked state. For example, the locking features 58 may communicate with a process controller to notify the process controller of the locked or unlocked state of the locking features 58, thereby allowing the process controller to continue, stop, or adjust vehicle functions based on the received sensor data.

[0020] Figure 5 is a schematic overhead view of the ride system 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 5 shows three extenders 22 coupled in a distributed arrangement at three locations between the ride vehicle 14 and the vehicle support 20 to counteract moments in the ride vehicle 14. While some embodiments may provide more flexibility and / or more extenders 22 at more connection points, the illustrated embodiment limits moments about the X-axis 72 and Y-axis 74 of the ride vehicle 14. However, some rocking motion is permitted to provide passengers with a floating motion experience in the ride vehicle 14. For example, distributing the extenders 22 in the illustrated triangular arrangement allows for a certain amount of lateral rocking, as represented by arrow 76 (e.g., about the X-axis 72), and fore-aft rocking, as represented by arrow 78 (e.g., about the Y-axis 74), as well as combinations thereof, as the extenders 22 respond to buoyancy and gravity forces by extending and retracting to various lengths, such as linearly parallel to the Z-axis 80. It should further be understood that the extenders 22 can be coupled between the ride vehicle 14 and the vehicle support 20 to allow any suitable range of motion therebetween. For example, a pannar rod or track bar can be utilized to provide three degrees of freedom, while a Stewart platform can be utilized to provide six degrees of freedom.

[0021] 5, when it is desired to actively move the ride vehicle 14 relative to the vehicle support 20, actuators 82 separate from the extenders 22 can be employed as a controllable motion base. These actuators 82 can be completely disconnected from the ride vehicle 14 when not in operation so as not to interfere with the passive effect allowed by the extenders 22, such as when the ride vehicle 14 is floating in water. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, the extenders 22 can operate as both active actuators and passive fixation mechanisms in certain embodiments. In embodiments in which the extenders 22 are operable to actively manipulate the relative positioning of the ride vehicle 14 relative to the vehicle support 20, the additional actuators 82 can be omitted or included for additional functionality.

[0022] 6, 7, and 8 include side views of the ride system 10 in various stages of operation, including operation of the ride vehicle 14 as a suspended ride vehicle (FIG. 6), operation with the ride vehicle 14 partially submerged (e.g., flooded) but with the extender 22 fully extended (FIG. 7), and operation with the ride vehicle 14 in a floatation mode (FIG. 8). Additionally, FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 each include a representation of extender operation 88 illustrating the state of the extender 22 during each operational mode of the ride system 10. The representation of extender operation 88 is illustrated as a piston in the extended configuration 30 and the retracted configuration 32. These representations of extender operation 88 are intended to generally reflect the nature of extender operation during various portions of the vehicle. However, these operations are not limiting and may include any of numerous variations in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, during operation of the ride vehicle 14 as a suspended ride vehicle (FIG. 6), the extenders 22 may be locked in the extended configuration 30 instead of the retracted configuration 32 shown.

[0023] The bogies 12 can carry the ride vehicles 14 along the track 18 between various stages of operation illustrated in Figures 6, 7, and 8. As mentioned above, Figure 6 illustrates the ride system 10 operating with the ride vehicles 14 suspended, such as during the aerial portion of the ride. In this mode of operation, the representation of extender operation 88 shows the extenders 22 each in the retracted configuration 32. This configuration can occur as a natural result of the bogies 12 lifting the ride vehicles 14 out of the water so that buoyancy forces no longer push the ride vehicles 14 away from the vehicle support 20. Gravity therefore pushes the ride vehicles 14 toward the vehicle support 20, causing the extenders 22 to fold into the retracted configuration 32. As previously discussed, the geometric and / or structural aspects of the extender components 34 can facilitate and cause this natural coupling between the extender components 34 in the retracted configuration 32. For example, the rigid piston arms 40 can be pushed into the piston housing 41 by gravity. However, in one embodiment, the extender 22 can also be actuated (e.g., winched, ratcheted, hydraulically pulled) to the retracted configuration 32. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, the extender 22 (or other actuators 82) can be configured to operate (e.g., between the extended and retracted configurations 30, 32) such that the ride vehicle 14 can be operated to pitch, yaw, and roll. In another embodiment, the ride vehicle 14 is configured to pitch, yaw, and roll due to actuators extending between the body of the bogie 12 and the vehicle support 20. Furthermore, aspects of the motion of the ride vehicle 14 (e.g., pitch and roll) can be controlled by the orientation of the track 18. For example, the track 18 can cause the entire bogie 12, along with the ride vehicle 14, to pitch and roll in response to the orientation and curvature of the track 18.

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates that the bogie 12 and tracks 18 position the ride vehicle 14 in a submerged or partially submerged position within the ride channel 92. Specifically, the bogie 12 and tracks 18 are positioned relative to the channel 92 so that the ride vehicle 14 is submerged to a level that corresponds to the extenders 22 being fully extended in the extended configuration 30. Thus, the representation of extender movement 88 in FIG. 7 shows both extenders 22 fully extended. Note that this condition can occur when the ride vehicle 14 is only partially submerged, as well as when the extenders 22 are submerged. However, in other embodiments, the extenders 22 can be configured such that maximum extension of the extenders 22 does not occur unless the ride vehicle 14 is fully submerged or free-floating due to its own buoyant nature. Compared to the illustrated embodiment, such an embodiment provides a greater range of motion within which the ride vehicle 14 can float and naturally respond to buoyancy forces.

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates that the bogies 12 and tracks 18 position the ride vehicle 14 in a floating mode of operation within the ride channel 92. Specifically, the bogies and tracks are positioned relative to the channel 92 such that the ride vehicle is submerged to a level corresponding to the range of motion of the extenders 22 between being fully extended in the extended configuration 30 and being fully retracted in the retracted configuration 32. To reflect this positioning, the representation of the extender movement 88 shows one extender 22 fully extended in the extended configuration 30 and one extender 22 fully retracted in the retracted configuration 32. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the channel 92 is depicted as varying in depth. For example, waves 94 are depicted as causing inconsistencies in the configuration of the extenders 22 based on their relative floatation with respect to the ride vehicle 14. Thus, the extenders 22 are depicted as providing movement that correlates with changes in the channel 92 to provide a more authentic and immersive floating experience for passengers.

[0026] 6, 7, and 8 each illustrate the bogie 12 as including a vehicle support 20 as a rigid and integral part of the bogie 12. In such embodiments, positioning of the ride vehicle 14 relative to the flume 92 is primarily based on positioning of the bogie 12 on the track 18, although some additional positioning can be performed using the actuatable extenders 22. However, FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the bogie 12 that includes a motion platform 102 between the body 104 of the bogie 12 and the vehicle support 20. Specifically, the motion platform 102 is represented as a Stewart platform that can be used to move the ride vehicle 14 with multiple degrees of freedom. In such an embodiment, the motion platform 102 can also operate to position the ride vehicle 14 relative to other vehicle features, such as the flume 92 or false track 96. For example, the motion platform 102 can be actuated to lower the ride vehicle 14 into the flume 92 to a position where the extenders 22 are actuated such that the ride vehicle 14 is floating and passengers can experience the buoyant force of the water in the flume 92 against the ride vehicle 14. Additionally, the motion platform 102 can move the ride vehicle relative to the false track 96 to create the impression of engaging the false track 96 and then falling. Furthermore, while the motion platform 102 is shown between the carriage 12 and the vehicle support 20, it should be understood that certain embodiments may alternatively or additionally utilize a suitable configuration of extenders 22 as a motion base, such as a Stewart platform between the ride vehicle 14 and the vehicle support 20. Indeed, by coupling six extenders 22 between the ride vehicle 14 and the vehicle support 20, the ride vehicle 14 can experience increased degrees of freedom as it moves through the water to further immerse passengers within the ride vehicle.

[0027] With the above in mind, FIG. 10 illustrates a ride system 10 (e.g., an amusement park attraction) including a plurality of ride vehicles 14 configured to travel along a path 116 of the ride system 10. The path 116 includes an underwater portion 118 having a flow path 120 (e.g., defined by a waterway). The path 116 also includes an aerial portion 124. Both the underwater portion 118 and the aerial portion 124 include tracks 18 that support the carriages 12. As discussed herein, the ride vehicles 14 are configured to float along the underwater portion 118 while dynamically engaged with the carriages 12 via extenders 22, and to be lifted and carried by the carriages 12 along the aerial portion 124 when the extenders 22 are in a fixed (e.g., retracted, locked) configuration. As the ride vehicles 14 travel along the path 116, the ride vehicles 14 may undergo various themed effects, such as animatronic showpieces, special effects, and the like. Some of these themed effects can be utilized to disguise the nature of the bogies 12 throughout the ride and the contact maintained between the ride vehicles 14 and their respective bogies 12. In other words, special effects and camouflage can be used to make the ride vehicles 14 appear to be simple boats that do not operate based on their interaction with the bogies 12.

[0028] At the start of the ride cycle, passengers may board or disembark the ride vehicle 14 from the boarding platform 132. In some embodiments, while passengers are boarding / disembarking the ride vehicle 14 from the boarding platform 132, the ride vehicle 14 may transition through a chute 134 located adjacent to the boarding platform 132. The chute 134 may narrowly permit passage of the ride vehicle 14 to facilitate passenger transition in and out of the ride vehicle 14. The chute 134 may be filled with water to provide a seafaring feel, and the vehicle supports 20 extending from the bogie 12 may be camouflaged to limit passenger identification of the nature of the interface between the bogie 12 and the ride vehicle 14 during this phase of the ride. In some embodiments, the bogie 12 may move the ride vehicle 14 forward of the boarding platform 132 at a constant speed and height to allow passengers to easily board the ride vehicle 14. This may include locking the extender 22 in a position (e.g., the reverse configuration 32) that secures the ride vehicle 14 relative to the dolly 12. In some embodiments, the dolly 12 may momentarily stop the ride vehicle 14 in front of the boarding platform 132 to allow passengers to board the ride vehicle 14. In some embodiments, a portion of the vehicle support 20 (including the extender 22) may be partially submerged or fully submerged in the water of the flow channel 120.

[0029] Once passengers board the ride vehicle 14, the bogie 12 can transition the ride vehicle 14 to a partially submerged state in the submerged portion 118 (e.g., FIG. 8 ). The ride vehicle 14 can then become floating when extenders 22 along the length of the submerged portion 118 are released or activated. Specifically, for example, pistons operating as extenders 22 and connecting the ride vehicle 14 to the vehicle support 20 of the bogie 12 can allow the ride vehicle 14 to extend and retract as it experiences the buoyant forces of the water in the submerged portion 118. Furthermore, the bogie 12 can cooperate with measured current values ​​in the submerged portion 118 to create the illusion to passengers that the ride vehicle 14 is being pulled solely by the current in the submerged portion 118. For example, the water current can be generated by a mechanical propulsion system 135, such as a water jet or propeller, positioned along the flow path 120. The current can be measured by sensors in the mechanical propulsion system 135 or other sensors and used (e.g., via the attraction controller 160) to manage the speed of the carriage 12 along the path 116. While shown at a specific point along the path 116, it should be understood that the mechanical propulsion system 135 may be located throughout the entire underwater portion 118 of the path 116. However, the motion of the ride vehicle 14 while in the underwater portion 118 can be the result of the speed of the carriage 12, and systems such as the mechanical propulsion system 135 can be omitted. Despite being driven by the carriage 12 (either in cooperation with the mechanical propulsion system 135 or alone), this embodiment can provide the feel of a real boat by allowing the extenders 22 to operate the ride vehicle 14 based on flotation. Indeed, unlike conventional simulated water rides in which tracks exist underwater, this embodiment involves the ride vehicle 14 being supported by its natural flotation in the water as the extenders 22 accommodate flotation while maintaining ultimate engagement with the carriage 12 in the underwater portion 118.

[0030] The ride vehicle 14 may generally travel along at least a portion of the flow path 120 with the front of the ride vehicle 14 generally facing the downstream direction of the flow path 120, although various orientations are contemplated by the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the ride vehicle 14 may oscillate (e.g., yaw) to some extent while traveling along the flow path 120, based on the positioning of the bogie 12 (e.g., the motion platform 102 of the bogie 12, such as a Stewart platform) or the track 18. Various configurations of the track 18 or the movement of the bogie 12 may cooperate with the flow path 120 to provide a realistic impression of floating and being guided solely by the water in the flow path 120. The bogie 12 is configured to rise relative to, and thus more directly engage, the ride vehicle 14 (e.g., via folding the extender 22) after the ride vehicle 14 has traveled the length of the underwater portion 118 and reached the transition location 136. Transitioning to the aerial portion 124 may include locking the ride vehicle 14 to the bogie 12. In some cases, this locking may include activating a feature of the extender 22 (e.g., a hydraulic device) to hold the extender 22 in a predetermined position (e.g., a reverse configuration). The bogie 12 and the track 18 are configured to cooperatively pitch, yaw, and roll the ride vehicle 14 as the ride vehicle 14 is carried along the track 18 of the aerial portion 124 by the bogie 12.

[0031] After the carriage 12 and ride vehicle 14 have traveled the length of the aerial portion 124, the carriage 12 may place the ride vehicle 14 in the submerged portion 118 of the pathway 116 and release any locking engagement between the carriage 12 and the ride vehicle 14 to allow the extender 22 to operate and to resume movement based on buoyancy forces between the ride vehicle 14 and the water in the submerged portion 118. In particular, as shown, the carriage 12 may position the ride vehicle 14 at an origin 150 in the submerged portion 118 such that the ride vehicle 14 is directed downstream along the flow path 120.

[0032] As discussed herein, operation of the ride system 10 may be controlled utilizing a controller 160 (e.g., attraction controller, ride controller). The controller 160 may be any device employing a processor 162 (which may represent one or more processors), such as an application-specific processor. The controller 160 may also include a memory device 164 that stores instructions executable by the processor 162 to perform the methods and control operations described herein in connection with the ride system 10. The processor 162 may include one or more processing devices, and the memory device 164 may include one or more tangible, non-transitory machine-readable media. By way of example, such machine-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to hold or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by the processor 162 or any general-purpose computer or special-purpose computer or other machine having a processor. For example, attraction controller 160 may be utilized to ensure locking engagement of vehicle supports 20 to ride vehicle 14, to ensure operation of extenders 22 to allow movement of ride vehicle 14 relative to carriage 12 due to flotation, to determine the direction of ride vehicle 14 as it moves along track 18, and / or to control the speed of ride vehicle 14 (e.g., by controlling carriage 12 based on the flow rate of water in underwater portion 118). Attraction controller 160 may also monitor and control aspects related to the timing of movement of ride vehicle 14 as it progresses through ride system 10.

[0033] While only certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that any of the features illustrated or described with respect to the above-described figures may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0034] The approaches presented and claimed herein refer to and apply substantial objects and specific embodiments of a practical nature that clearly improve the art of the present invention, and as such are not abstract, intangible, or theoretical in nature. Furthermore, to the extent any claim appended hereto contains one or more elements designated as "means for 'performing' a "function" or "steps for 'performing' a "function," such elements shall be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements shall not be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 10 Vehicle System 12 carts 14 Vehicles 16 Wheel assembly 18 orbit 20 Vehicle support 22 Extender 24 Extender length 26 Overhead structure

Claims

1. 1. A vehicle system comprising: a ride vehicle including a flotation material configured to float in a liquid; a bogie including a vehicle support positioned beneath the ride vehicle, the bogie configured to move along a track; an extender coupled to the vehicle support and coupled to the ride vehicle; Equipped with the extender is configured to transition between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration to allow the ride vehicle to float in the liquid within a range of motion relative to the vehicle support. A vehicle system characterized by:

2. 10. The ride system of claim 1, wherein the extender is one of a plurality of extenders coupled to the vehicle support and the ride vehicle, each extender of the plurality of extenders being individually operable to transition between a respective retracted configuration and an extended configuration.

3. The vehicle system of claim 1 , wherein the extender comprises a piston, the piston including a piston arm configured to transition out of a piston housing when the piston transitions from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

4. The vehicle system of claim 1 , wherein the extender comprises a connector insert and a base receptacle, the connector insert configured to extend into the base receptacle when the extender is in the retracted configuration.

5. The vehicle system of claim 1 , comprising a flexible cable or rigid rod movably coupling the body of the connector insert to the base receptacle.

6. The vehicle system of claim 4 , wherein the connector insert is coupled to the vehicle support and the base receptacle is coupled to the ride vehicle.

7. 10. The ride system of claim 1, wherein the extender is one of a plurality of extenders coupled to the vehicle support and the ride vehicle in a triangular arrangement, each extender of the plurality of extenders being individually operable to transition between respective retracted and extended configurations such that the ride vehicle is movable laterally and fore-aft.

8. The vehicle system of claim 1 , wherein the extender is configured to be actuated.

9. The vehicle system of claim 1 , wherein the extender comprises an extension portion and a housing portion, the extension portion configured to be retracted into the housing portion via a winch.

10. The vehicle system of claim 1 , wherein the extender comprises a piston arm and a piston housing, the position of the piston arm relative to the piston housing being configured to be adjusted via a hydraulic device.

11. 1. A vehicle system comprising: a vehicle path including an air portion and an underwater portion; a track extending along the path; a carriage configured to engage the track and move along the track; a ride vehicle configured to transport passengers; a vehicle support for the carriage positioned below the ride vehicle and configured to support the ride vehicle through the aerial portion of the ride path; an extender coupling the ride vehicle to the vehicle support; Equipped with the extender is configured to retract and secure the ride vehicle to the vehicle support through the aerial portion of the ride path, and the extender is configured to extend and retract in response to floating of the ride vehicle positioned in liquid through the submerged portion of the ride path. A vehicle system characterized by:

12. The ride system of claim 11 , wherein the carriage comprises a motion base configured to raise and lower the vehicle support relative to the track.

13. The vehicle system of claim 11 , wherein the extender is one of a plurality of extenders.

14. 14. The vehicle system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of extenders are configured to passively allow transitions between their respective extended configurations and their respective retracted configurations.

15. 14. The vehicle system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of extenders are configured to be actuated to respective extended configurations and respective retracted configurations.

16. The vehicle system of claim 11 , comprising a locking feature configured to secure the extender in a fixed configuration.

17. The vehicle system of claim 11 , wherein the extender comprises a piston, the piston including a piston arm configured to transition into and out of a piston housing.

18. 1. A method of operating a ride system, comprising: positioning a ride vehicle within a body of liquid using a bogie coupled to said ride vehicle via a vehicle support, said vehicle support being coupled to said ride vehicle via an extender; transitioning the extender from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration when the ride vehicle becomes suspended in the liquid; allowing the ride vehicle to move within a range of motion defined by the retracted configuration and the extended configuration when the ride vehicle is subjected to a buoyant force in the liquid; A method comprising:

19. 20. The method of operating a ride system as described in claim 18, comprising the step of lifting said ride vehicle out of said liquid by moving said dolly.

20. 20. The method of operating a ride system as recited in claim 19, further comprising: lifting the ride vehicle to transition the extender to a full reverse configuration.

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