Amusement park attraction system

Abstract

The attraction system includes a vehicle configured to move along a path, the vehicle including a bogie configured to engage the path, a base coupled to the bogie, an appendage coupled to the base and configured to drive about or along a first axis relative to the base, a support coupled to the appendage and configured to drive about or along a second axis relative to the appendage, and a seat coupled to the support and configured to secure a patron therein.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 385,825, entitled "Amusement Park Attraction System," filed December 2, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] 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.

[0003] Amusement parks include various features for entertaining guests or patrons. For example, an amusement park may include an attraction system having vehicles. Guests may be located within the vehicles, and the vehicles may move along a path. The movement of the ride, such as along a path, may entertain guests. For example, the movement of the vehicles carrying guests may provide various sensations to guests and / or transport guests to various locations. The attraction system may also provide show effects to entertain guests located within the vehicles. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is provided below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these particular embodiments, and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects not set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, an attraction system includes a vehicle configured to move along a path, the vehicle including a bogie configured to engage the path, a base coupled to the bogie, an appendage coupled to the base and configured to drive about or along a first axis relative to the base, a support coupled to the appendage and configured to drive about or along a second axis relative to the appendage, and a seat coupled to the support and configured to secure a patron.

[0006] In one embodiment, a vehicle of the attraction system includes a bogie configured to move along a path of the attraction system, a base coupled to the bogie, a seat configured to secure a guest, the seat being adjustable between one or more first configurations and one or more second configurations, the seat being configured to support a standing guest in the seat in the one or more first configurations and a seated guest in the seat in the one or more second configurations, and an appendage coupled to the base and configured to rotate about one or more axes to rotate the seat about the one or more axes.

[0007] In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a support and a seat configured to support a passenger in the vehicle. The seat includes a seat back, a seat pan configured to transition the seat between one or more first configurations and one or more second configurations, and a linkage configured to couple the seat back to the support. The linkage is configured to adjust the seat back away from the support to rotate and / or translate the seat pan along or about a first direction, and the linkage is configured to adjust the seat back toward the support to rotate and / or translate the seat pan in a second direction.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park attraction system according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle of an attraction system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG.

[0011] [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle of an attraction system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG.

[0012] [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle of an attraction system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG.

[0013] [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle of an attraction system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG.

[0014] [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle of an attraction system with the vehicle's seats in an extended configuration, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle for an amusement park attraction system, with the vehicle's seats in a retracted configuration, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating an attraction system according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating an attraction system according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0018] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean the presence of 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. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also contain the recited features.

[0019] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In the interest of brevity in describing these embodiments, not all features of the implementations are described herein. It will be understood that the development of any such implementation, as in any engineering or design project, requires numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made to achieve the developer's particular objectives, including compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. Moreover, it will be understood 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.

[0020] As used herein, terms such as "approximately," "typically," and "substantially" are intended to convey that a described property value is within a relatively small range of that property value, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, when a property value is described as "approximately" equal to (or, e.g., "substantially similar to") a particular value, this is intended to convey that the property value is within + / - 5%, + / - 4%, + / - 3%, + / - 2%, + / - 1%, or closer to the specified value. Similarly, when a particular feature is described as being "substantially parallel" to another feature, "typically perpendicular" to another feature, etc., this is intended to convey that the feature has the described property of being parallel to the other feature, perpendicular to the other feature, etc., within + / - 5%, + / - 4%, + / - 3%, + / - 2%, + / - 1%, or closer to the specified value. Mathematical terms such as "parallel" and "perpendicular" should not be construed rigidly in the strict mathematical sense, but instead as one of ordinary skill in the art would interpret such terms. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that two lines that are substantially parallel to one another are parallel to a substantial degree, but that there may be some deviation from exact parallelism.

[0021] The present disclosure is directed to entertainment or theme parks. Amusement parks may include various attraction systems for entertaining guests, such as vehicles (e.g., roller coasters), theatrical shows, set designs, performers, and / or decorative elements. The attraction systems may employ different functions to provide unique experiences for guests. For example, an attraction system may include a vehicle with a vehicle that moves along a path, such as a track. The vehicle transports guests, and the movement of the vehicle can provide a sense of movement to the guests transported by the vehicle, entertaining the guests.

[0022] To meet increasing customer expectations, more unique ways to entertain guests at amusement parks are desired. In other words, attraction systems that entertain guests in unique ways can increase guest satisfaction. As an example, it is desirable for an attraction system with vehicles to give guests positioned within the vehicles a new sensation of movement, thereby providing guests with a unique experience.

[0023] It is therefore recognized that creative and improved ways for vehicles to move (e.g., along a path) can entertain guests in unique ways and increase guest satisfaction. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to attraction systems having vehicles configured to move and provide different sensations of movement to guests positioned within the vehicles. For example, the vehicle can include a bogie configured to move along a path. The vehicle can include an appendage coupled to a base of the bogie and a support coupled to the appendage. The appendage can be configured to move about or along a first axis relative to the base, and the support can be configured to move about or along a second axis relative to the appendage. For example, the first axis can extend along or parallel to the direction of movement of the bogie along the path, and the second axis can extend intersecting the first axis. In one embodiment, movement about or along the first and / or second axis can be natural (e.g., as a result of gravity, inertia, momentum). In addition, or in alternative embodiments, movement about the first axis and / or the second axis can be driven, such as via instructions provided by a controller. Such movement of the vehicle can provide different sensations of movement to passengers located in their seats for their enjoyment. The sensations of movement caused by movement of the vehicle about the first axis and / or the second axis can provide a unique experience to the passengers.

[0024] Furthermore, the seats of the vehicles can be adjusted between different configurations, such as an extended configuration to accommodate patrons standing in the vehicle and a retracted configuration to accommodate patrons sitting in the vehicle. The different seat configurations allow patrons to position themselves in different ways, such as preferred or chosen by the patron. Different patron positions in the vehicle can allow the patron to experience different sensations of movement. In this way, the attraction system can provide different experiences to each patron during a single ride cycle, such that different patrons in the same vehicle can sit or stand and have different ride experiences.

[0025] With the foregoing in mind, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an attraction system 50, such as a roller coaster, dark ride, water ride, or the like, that can be used in conjunction with the disclosed embodiments. The attraction system 50 includes a vehicle 52 configured to move (e.g., translate) along a path 54. In one embodiment, the path 54 can include a track 100 to which the vehicle 52 is coupled. In additional or alternative embodiments, the path 54 can include a conventional area (e.g., a floor, ground, fluid, ceiling) along which the vehicle 52 travels. For example, the vehicle 52 can include a bogie 56 that engages with the path 54 (e.g., via wheels, rollers, a sliding surface, a ground surface, a magnet, a cam or camshaft, or a hull). The vehicle 52 can also include a base 58 coupled to the bogie 56. The vehicle can further include an appendage 60 coupled to the base 58 and a support 62 coupled to the appendage 60. A seat 64 can be coupled to the support 62 and configured to secure a passenger 65 such that the vehicle 52 can carry the passenger 65. Movement of the bogie 56 therefore drives movement of the base 58, appendages 60, supports 62, and seats 64, thereby enabling movement of passengers 65.

[0026] The base 58 may be fixedly coupled to the bogie 56 such that movement of the bogie 56 along the path 54 drives corresponding movement of the base 58 along the path 54. In one embodiment, the appendage 60 may be rotationally or translatably coupled to the base 58. As one example, the appendage 60 may rotate about a first axis 124 that extends along or generally parallel to the direction of movement of the vehicle 52 along the path 54 (e.g., forward, backward). As another example, the appendage 60 may rotate about an axis that extends at any angle relative to the direction of movement of the vehicle 52 along the path 54. Additionally, the support 62 may be rotatably coupled to the appendage 60. For example, the support 62 may rotate about a second axis 126 that extends transversely (e.g., perpendicular, diagonal) relative to the direction of movement of the vehicle 52 along the path 54. The support 62 may also, or alternatively, rotate about an axis that extends at any other angle relative to the direction of movement of the vehicle 52 along the path 54. Rotation of appendage 60 relative to base 58 and / or rotation of support 62 relative to appendage 60 may drive corresponding movement of seats 64 and passengers 65 positioned within seats 64. In this manner, movement of vehicle 52 along path 54, rotation of appendage 60 relative to base 58, and / or rotation of support 62 relative to appendage 60 may cooperate to provide a sensation of movement for passengers 65.

[0027] In one embodiment, the vehicle 52 may include an actuator 66 (e.g., a motor, a linear actuator, a rotary actuator). The actuator 66 may be configured to drive the movement of different components of the vehicle 52. By way of example, the actuator 66 may drive the movement of the bogie 56 along the path 54, the rotation of the appendage 60 relative to the base 58, and / or the rotation of the support 62 relative to the appendage 60. Thus, the appendage may be configured to drive relative to the base 58 and / or the support 62 may be configured to drive relative to the appendage 60. In additional or alternative embodiments, the vehicle 52 does not include an actuator 66, and instead, the movement of the bogie 56 along the path 54, the rotation of the appendage 60 relative to the base 58, and / or the rotation of the support 62 relative to the appendage 60 may be naturally induced by gravity (e.g., induced transversely or transversely to the direction of movement of the vehicle 52 along the path 54), inertia, and / or momentum.

[0028] The attraction system 50 can include or be communicatively coupled to a controller 68 (e.g., a programmable controller, an electronic controller, an automation controller, a cloud computing server, a control circuit). The controller 68 can include a memory 70 and a processor 72 (e.g., a processing circuit). The memory 70 can include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), an optical drive, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium that contains instructions for operating the attraction system 50. The processor 72 can be configured to execute such instructions. For example, the processor 72 can include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general-purpose processors, or any combination thereof.

[0029] The controller 68 can be communicatively coupled to the vehicle 52. For example, the controller 68 can be configured to direct the actuators 66 to drive movement of the vehicle 52. In one embodiment, the controller 68 includes or is communicatively coupled to a user interface (UI) 74, and the controller 68 can direct operation of the actuators 66 based on one or more inputs received via the UI 74. For example, the UI 74 can include a touchscreen, a turntable, a steering wheel, buttons, levers, joysticks, dials, a trackpad, or any other suitable component with which a guest 65 (e.g., a guest 65 located in a seat 64, a guest 65 located outside the vehicle 52) or a ride operator 75 can interact. The UI 74 transmits input based on an interaction from the guest 65 or the ride operator 75, and the controller 68 can direct operation of the actuators 66 based on the input. For example, the interaction can indicate a target or desired movement of the vehicle 52 (e.g., translation of the bogie 56, rotation of the appendage 60, rotation of the support 62), and the controller 68 can direct operation of the actuators 66 according to the target movement.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the controller 68 can be configured to direct the actuators 66 to operate based on data received from sensors 76 (e.g., position sensors, timers, optical sensors) of the attraction system 50. The data can indicate parameters of the attraction system 50, such as operation time, position or orientation of the vehicle 52 (e.g., along the path 54, relative to additional vehicles in the attraction system 50, relative to a loading or unloading station or platform 80), position of the guest 65 (e.g., within the vehicle 52), guest behavior (e.g., guest movement, force applied by the guest), etc. The controller 68 can direct the actuators 66 to operate based on the parameters indicated by the data.

[0031] Additionally, attraction system 50 may include show effects 78 that are activated to further entertain patrons 65. Show effects 78 may include, for example, at least a visual output (e.g., images, video, lights), an audio output (e.g., music, sound effects), a fluid output (e.g., mist effect, fog effect, smoke effect), a solid output (e.g., confetti), or an animated figure. For example, vehicle 52 may move patrons 65 to different locations along path 54, and a particular show effect 78 adjacent vehicle 52 may be activated (e.g., via controller 68) to entertain patrons 65. Thus, the movement of vehicle 52 and the activation of show effects 78 may coordinate to entertain patrons 65.

[0032] Additionally, in one embodiment, the seats 64 of the vehicles 52 may be adjustable between various configurations. By way of example, the seats 64 may transition between a first configuration (e.g., a seated configuration, a retracted configuration, a compact configuration) for supporting a passenger 65 normally seated within the seat 64 and a second configuration (e.g., a standing configuration, an extended configuration, an upright configuration) for supporting a passenger 65 normally standing within the seat 64. The seats 64 may also be adjusted to intermediate configurations between the first and second configurations. In one embodiment, the seats 64 may be manually adjustable between the first and second configurations, such as by an operator or technician of the attraction system 50. Additionally or alternatively, the seats 64 may be automatically adjusted between the first and second configurations. For example, the controller 68 may direct the actuators 66 to move the seats 64 between the first and second configurations. For example, the controller 68 can receive one or more inputs (e.g., via a user's (e.g., the guest 65 or the ride operator 75's) interaction with the UI 74, or via another controller 82 of the attraction system 50) and direct the actuators 66 to adjust the seats 64 based on the input. The adjustability of the seats 64 can provide a more desirable experience for the guest 65. Indeed, the guest 65 can be provided with different experiences for different configurations of the seats 64, allowing the attraction system 50 to provide the guest 65 with a more customized or individualized experience, allowing the guest 65 to select one of the particular configurations for movement of the vehicles 52 along the path 54. Furthermore, adjustments to the seating configuration can occur during a ride cycle, such that the seating configuration is dynamically changed according to the direction of the other controller 82 of the attraction system 50 based on ride conditions or a desired effect.

[0033] 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle 52 of the attraction system 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 52 is configured to move along a track 100. For example, the bogie 56 may include wheels 102 (e.g., wheel assemblies) configured to capture the track 100, such as a rail, channel, or bar. The wheels 102 may be configured to rotate to drive movement of the bogie 56 and the rest of the vehicle 52 along the track 100. For example, the bogie 56 may be configured to rotate or translate about or along a direction 104 (e.g., a linear direction) along the track 100. In additional or alternative embodiments, the bogie 56 may be configured to move (translate or rotate) in a different direction relative to the track 100, such as by rotating about an axis that is not parallel to the track 100.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 58 of the vehicle 52 extends in a direction (e.g., vertically) away from the bogie 56 and the track 100. Additionally, a portion of the appendage 60 coupled to the base 58 may extend generally along the base 58. In one embodiment, the appendage 60 may be coupled to the base 58 at a pivot 106 adjacent an end 108 of the base 58 remote from the bogie 56. The support 62 may be coupled to another portion of the appendage 60 that extends transversely relative to the base 58, such as along the bogie 56. The support 62 may have a surface 110 to which the seat 64 may be coupled. For example, seat 64 may include a base 112 fixed to surface 110, a backrest 114 configured to support a first portion 150 of a customer (e.g., back, head, upper body), a seat pan 116 configured to support a second portion 156 of a customer (e.g., upper legs, lower body), and a plate 118 configured to support a third portion of a customer (e.g., lower legs, lower body). In one embodiment, base 112 may be fixedly coupled to support 62 such that the configuration of seat 64 (e.g., extended vs. retracted) is variable, while the orientation of seat 64 relative to support 62 (e.g., angle formed with respect to surface 110, orientation direction) is fixed. As previously described, rotation and / or rocking of support 62 may cause seat 64 to move relative to base 58.

[0035] While the illustrated vehicle 52 includes two seats 64, additional or alternative embodiments of the vehicle 52 may include one seat 64 or more than two seats 64 (e.g., three seats 64, four seats 64, or more). Further, while the illustrated vehicle 52 includes a single appendage 60 coupled to the base 58, additional or alternative embodiments may include multiple appendages 60 coupled to the base 58. For example, the vehicle 52 may include an appendage 60 coupled to a support 62 extending in a forward direction of travel of the vehicle 52, and the vehicle 52 may include another appendage 60 coupled to another support 62 extending in a rearward direction of travel of the vehicle 52.

[0036] The seat 64 may include various features to promote comfort and securement of the guest within the seat 64. As one example, the seat 64 may include a restraint 120 configured to be deployed to secure the guest's position relative to the seat 64. The restraint 120 may include an over-the-shoulder restraint coupled to the backrest 114 that rotates around the guest to capture a portion of the guest (e.g., the upper body). In one embodiment, the restraint 120 may include a separate component, such as an integrated vest, that captures the guest and provides further securement of the guest relative to the seat 64. As another example, the seat 64 may include a first pommel 122 configured to support the guest. That is, the guest may lean against the first pommel 122 while positioned within the seat 64. As a further example, the seat 64 (e.g., the backrest 114, the seat pan 116, the plate 118) may have a contour or profile to capture the guest within the seat 64. Furthermore, the seat 64 may be formed of a soft or flexible material (eg, foam, gel) to provide comfort to a passenger contacting the seat 64 .

[0037] During operation of the attraction system 50, the appendage 60 can rotate about the pivot 106 to rotate relative to the base 58. For example, the appendage 60 can rotate (e.g., roll, pitch, yaw) about a first axis 124 that extends parallel to the direction 104 of movement of the bogie 56 along the track 100. Additionally, the support 62 can rotate (e.g., roll, pitch, yaw differently than the rotation about the first axis 124) about a second axis 126 that extends transversely relative to the first axis 124 (e.g., transverse to 104). Additionally or alternatively, the appendage 60 can move along the first axis 124 and / or the support 62 can move along the second axis 126. As described herein, movement of appendage 60 about or along first axis 124 and / or rotation of support 62 about or along second axis 126 can be induced naturally, such as via gravity acting on appendage 60 and / or support 62 in a direction transverse to 104 (e.g., perpendicular to 104). For example, track 100 can have curved sections that induce lateral loads on appendage 60 and / or support 62 to drive rotation of appendage 60 about or along first axis 124 and / or rotation of support 62 about or along second axis 126. Additionally or alternatively, controller 68 can direct actuator 66 to drive appendage 60 about or along first axis 124 and / or drive support 62 about or along second axis 126, thereby being configured to actively drive rotation of appendage 60 and / or support 62. For example, the controller 68 may receive data from the sensors 76, such as data indicative of one or more inputs provided by the customer (e.g., grip force applied to a portion of the restraint 120), and the controller 68 may instruct the actuators 66 to operate based on the data.

[0038] 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the vehicle 52 of the attraction system 50. In the illustrated embodiment, a first portion 150 of the appendage 60 coupled to (e.g., extending along) the base 58 rotates about a first axis 124 and in a first rotational direction 152 relative to the base 58. Additionally, the support 62 rotates about a second axis 126 and in a second rotational direction 154 relative to a second portion 156 of the appendage 60 (e.g., extending transversely relative to the first portion 150, extending away from the base 58). The rotation of the first portion 150 of the appendage 60 about the first axis 124 and / or the rotation of the support 62 about the second axis 126 can be naturally induced (e.g., by gravity) and / or actively performed (e.g., by the actuator 66 following instructions provided by the controller 68). Furthermore, the rotation of the first portion 150 of the appendage 60 about the first axis 124 and / or the rotation of the support 62 about the second axis 126 can provide a unique sensation of movement to a guest positioned within the seat 64, which can be entertaining to the guest.

[0039] 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the vehicle 52 of the attraction system 50. In the illustrated embodiment, a first portion 150 of the appendage 60 coupled to the base 58 rotates about the first axis 124 and relative to the base 58 in a third rotational direction 180 opposite the first rotational direction 152 shown in FIG. 3. Additionally, the support 62 rotates about the second axis 126 and relative to the second portion 156 (not visible) of the appendage 60 in a fourth rotational direction 182 opposite the second rotational direction 154 shown in FIG. 3. As an example, the first portion 150 of the appendage 60 can oscillate (e.g., rock, sway) about the first axis 124 and relative to the base 58 between the first rotational direction 152 and the third rotational direction 180 of FIG. 3. Additionally, the support 62 may alternate between rotation about the second axis 126 and relative to the second portion 156 of the appendage 60 in the second rotational direction 154 of FIG. 3 (e.g., while the first portion 150 of the appendage 60 is rotating in the first rotational direction 152 of FIG. 3 ) and rotation in the fourth rotational direction 182 (e.g., while the first portion 150 of the appendage 60 is rotating in the third rotational direction 180). The movement of the first portion 150 of the appendage 60 relative to the base 58 and the support 62 and relative to the second portion 156 of the appendage 60 may provide a unique experience for the guest.

[0040] 2-4, it should be noted that the seat 64 is in an extended configuration to support a guest standing on the surface 110. For example, in the extended configuration, the backrest 114, seat pan 116, and / or plate 118 may be positioned in a normally upright position to support a standing guest 218. Indeed, the first pommel 122 may be positioned (e.g., offset from the surface 110) to support the guest and enhance the guest's comfort. Additionally, as described herein, the seat 64 may be adjusted to a retracted configuration to support a guest sitting on the seat 64.

[0041] 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the vehicle 52 of the attraction system 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat 64 is in a retracted configuration to support a guest seated in the seat 64. In one embodiment, the controller 68 can direct the actuator 66 to adjust the seat 64 to the retracted configuration, such as in response to one or more user inputs. In the retracted configuration, the seat back 114, seat pan 116, and plate 118 can be positioned to support the seated guest 244. Additionally, the restraint 120 can be deployed to secure the seated guest within the seat 64. In one embodiment, the second pommel 190 can support the guest in the retracted configuration of the seat 64.

[0042] When the seat 64 is in the retracted configuration, the first portion 150 of the appendage 60 can rotate about the first axis 124 and relative to the base 58, and the support 62 can rotate about the second axis 126 and relative to the second portion 156 of the appendage 60. In this manner, the seat 64 can move in a similar manner when in the retracted configuration as when in the extended configuration. However, because a guest is positioned differently within the vehicle 52 with the seat 64 in different configurations (e.g., different positions of the guest relative to the first axis 124 about which the first portion 150 of the appendage 60 rotates, different positions of the guest relative to the second axis 126 about which the support 62 rotates), the sensation of movement imparted to the guest can be different for different configurations of the seat 64. In this manner, the attraction system 50 can provide different experiences to guests based on the configuration of the seat 64.

[0043] 6 is a side view of a vehicle 52 of an attraction system 50 with a seat 64 in an extended configuration 200. For example, the seat 64 may include a linkage 202 coupled to the seat back 114 by a mount 204 (e.g., located on the seat back 114 opposite the side of the seat back 114 that a customer engages). In the extended configuration 200, the linkage 202 may be extended to position the seat back 114 relatively far from the surface 110 of the support 62 and / or the first portion 150 of the appendage 60. In one embodiment, the linkage 202 may be coupled to a first base 206 that is fixed to the surface 110. In the extended configuration 200, the linkage 202 may be extended further from the first base 206 to position the seat back 114 relatively far from the surface 110. For example, linkage 202 may utilize a telescoping mechanism in which multiple segments (e.g., nested segments) are configured to slide relative to one another to adjust the extended length of linkage 202, allowing the segments to extend farther from one another in expanded configuration 200. Additionally or in alternative embodiments, linkage 202 may be at least partially housed within a recess in base 112 or backrest 114 in the retracted position.

[0044] Further, the backrest 114 can be coupled to the seat pan 116 via a first joint 208, the seat pan 116 can be coupled to the plate 118 via a second joint 210, and the plate 118 can be coupled to a second base 212. In the extended configuration 200, the plate 118 is positioned away from the surface 110, and the seat pan 116 can be in a more upright position such that the plate 118 and the seat pan 116 can extend from the second base 212 to the backrest 114, which is positioned relatively far from the surface 110. That is, in the extended configuration 200, the backrest 114, the seat pan 116, and / or the plate 118 can extend normally upright from the surface 110. For example, extension of the linkage 202 can drive the seat pan 116 to rotate in a first rotational direction 214 toward an upright position.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first pommel 122 can also be coupled to the seat back 114 via a first joint 208. The first pommel 122 can be configured to rotate about the first joint 208 and relative to the seat pan 116. However, the position of the first pommel 122 can be normally fixed relative to the seat back 114 at the first joint 208. In other words, the first pommel 122 and the seat back 114 can be substantially immovable (e.g., within 5 to 10 degrees, 1 to 5 degrees, or 0 to 1 degree) relative to one another. In the extended configuration 200, the first pommel 122 can extend through the seat pan 116, such as through an opening or slot 216 formed in the seat pan 116. Extending the first pommel 122 through the seat pan 116 enables the first pommel 122 to support a standing passenger 218.

[0046] 7 is a side view of the vehicle 52 of the attraction system 50 with the seat 64 in a retracted configuration 240. As an example, to transition the seat 64 to the retracted configuration 240 (e.g., from an extended configuration), the linkage 202 can be retracted toward the first base 206 (e.g., the telescoping segments of the linkage 202 can be retracted relative to one another) to adjust the backrest 114 toward the surface 110 and / or the first portion 150 of the appendage 60. In one embodiment, the linkage 202 can move along an arcuate path 241 between the extended configuration 200 of FIG. 6 and the retracted configuration 240 to rotate the backrest 114 and the seat pan 116 relative to one another to achieve a desired posture for the seat 64. Moving the seat back 114 toward the surface 110 can drive the seat pan 116 to move toward the surface 110, such as by rotating toward the surface 110 about the first joint 208 and the second joint 210 in a second rotational direction 242 opposite the first rotational direction 214. For example, the seat pan 116 can be transversely oriented relative to the seat back 114 and / or the plate 118 to support a seated passenger 244 in the retracted configuration 240. Furthermore, moving the seat back 114 and / or the seat pan 116 toward the surface 110 can drive the plate 118 to move along the second base 212 toward the surface 110. For example, while the seat 64 is transitioning to the retracted configuration 240, the plate 118 can move in a first translational direction 246 along the second base 212 toward the surface 110, thereby driving the seat pan 116 to move along the first translational direction 246. Additionally, while the seat 64 transitions to the expanded configuration 200 of FIG. 6 , the plate 118 can move in a second translation direction 248 along the second base 212 and away from the surface 110, thereby driving movement of the seat pan 116 along the second translation direction 248.

[0047] Additionally, in the retracted configuration 240, the first pommel 122 can be positioned outside of the seat pan 116. That is, the first pommel 122 can not pass through the seat pan 116. Instead, the first pommel 122 can be positioned between the first base 206 and the second base 212. In this manner, the first pommel 122 avoids contact with the seated passenger 244, facilitating the passenger's comfortable positioning on the seat pan 116.

[0048] The seat 64 can also be adjusted to any intermediate position between the extended configuration 200 and the retracted configuration 240 of FIG. 6 . As one example, the seat 64 can be adjusted to a partially extended configuration in which the linkage 202 partially extends to move the backrest 114 away from the surface 110 and / or the first portion 150 of the appendage 60. As another example, the seat 64 can be adjusted to a partially retracted configuration in which the linkage 202 partially retracts to partially retract the backrest 114 toward the surface 110 and / or the first portion 150 of the appendage 60. In the intermediate positions, the backrest 114, the seat pan 116, and / or the plate 118 can be in a partially upright position.

[0049] As described herein, the controller 68 can be configured to instruct the actuator 66 to transition the seat 64 between the extended and retracted configurations 240. For example, the actuator 66 can be instructed to extend the linkage 202 and drive the backrest 114 away from the surface 110 and / or the first portion 150 of the appendage 60 to adjust the seat 64 to the extended configuration, and the actuator 66 can be instructed to retract the linkage 202 and drive the backrest 114 toward the surface 110 and / or the first portion 150 of the appendage 60 to adjust the seat 64 to the retracted configuration 240. Such operation of the controller 68 can be performed based on one or more user inputs indicating a desired configuration of the seat 64. Additionally or alternatively, the seat 64 can be adjusted between the extended and retracted configurations 240 via manual force, such as from an operator of the attraction system 50 or a patron.

[0050] In one embodiment, the configuration of the seats 64 may be adjustable during certain operations of the attraction system 50 and / or certain locations of the vehicles 52. For example, the configuration of the seats 64 may be adjustable at loading / unloading stations of the attraction system 50, where the movement of the vehicles 52 along the track 100 is relatively slow. However, outside of the loading / unloading stations, where the movement of the vehicles 52 along the track 100 is relatively fast, the configuration of the seats 64 may be locked or fixed. Thus, adjustment of the configuration of the seats 64 may be blocked at certain locations of the vehicles 52. In addition, or in an alternative embodiment, the configuration of the seats 64 may be adjustable throughout the operation of the attraction system 50. For example, the configuration of the seats 64 may be adjustable regardless of the location of the vehicles 52 or the speed of the vehicles 52 along the track 100. In fact, the configuration of the seats 64 may be adjusted while the vehicles 52 are moving along the track 100.

[0051] It should also be noted that the configuration of each seat 64 is independently adjustable. For example, in a vehicle 52 having multiple seats 64, any seat 64 can be in the expanded configuration 200 of FIG. 6 and any seat 64 can be in the retracted configuration 240. In fact, seats 64 in the same vehicle 52 can be in different configurations, such as to correspond to selections provided by guests. Thus, the attraction system 50 can provide a more tailored experience for each different guest in the vehicle 52.

[0052] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 270 of operating a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 52 of FIGS. 1-7) in an attraction system. Any suitable device (e.g., processor 72 of controller 68 of FIGS. 1-7) can perform method 270. In one embodiment, method 270 can be implemented by executing instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 70 of controller 68 of FIGS. 1-7). For example, method 270 can be performed, at least in part, by one or more software components, one or more software applications, etc. Although method 270 is described as having operations performed in a particular order, additional operations can be performed, described operations can be performed in an order different from that illustrated, and / or certain described operations can be skipped or not performed at all.

[0053] In block 272, a user input (e.g., one or more user inputs) is received. For example, the user input can be received through a customer's interaction with a user interface and / or a sensor in the vehicle. For example, the customer can apply a force to a sensor, and the sensor can indicate the force and provide data representing the user input.

[0054] In block 274, a target movement of the vehicle can be determined based on the user input. As one example, the user input can indicate movement of the vehicle along a path. As another example, the user input can indicate a request for a particular movement of the vehicle, such as movement of the seat about a first axis extending along or parallel to the direction of movement of the vehicle along the path. As a further example, the user input can indicate movement of the seat about a second axis extending transversely relative to the direction of movement of the vehicle along the path. Indeed, the user input can indicate various movements of the vehicle to provide a desired travel experience to the customer.

[0055] In block 276, the vehicle can be instructed to operate according to a target movement determined based on user input. For example, the vehicle can be instructed to move in a particular direction and / or at a particular speed along a route. Additionally, or alternatively, the seat can be instructed to rotate in a particular direction and / or at a particular rotational speed. In one embodiment, actuators can be instructed to cause movement of the vehicle according to the target movement, thereby providing a desired experience for the guest.

[0056] 9 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 300 for operating a vehicle of an attraction system (e.g., vehicle 52 of FIGS. 1-7). In one embodiment, a device (e.g., processor 72 of controller 68 of FIGS. 1-7) may actively perform method 300. In addition, or in an alternative embodiment, performance of method 300 may be naturally triggered. Additional operations may be performed with respect to the illustrated method 300, described operations may be performed in an order different from that illustrated, and / or certain described operations may be skipped or not performed at all.

[0057] In block 302, the vehicle's bogie can be moved (e.g., driven) along a path. For example, the bogie can translate along the path and / or rotate along the path. The path can include various profiles, such as hills, drops, turns, straight lines, etc., to vary various movement characteristics (e.g., speed, acceleration, jerk) of the bogie.

[0058] In block 304, an appendage of the vehicle can be moved (e.g., driven) relative to the base. For example, the appendage can be moved about or along an axis relative to the base. In one embodiment, the first axis can extend in a direction in which the bogie moves along the path. In additional or alternative embodiments, the first axis can extend in any other suitable direction relative to the direction in which the bogie moves along the path.

[0059] In block 306, a support of the vehicle can be moved (e.g., driven) relative to the appendage. The support can be moved about or along a second axis relative to the appendage. The second axis can extend in a direction intersecting the first axis about which the appendage moves relative to, around, or along the base. The movement of the bogie along the path, the movement of the appendage relative to the base, and / or the movement of the support relative to the appendage can entertain a guest secured within the vehicle. For example, a guest can be secured within a seat in the vehicle, and a combination of these movements can drive the movement of the seat to provide a variety of unique sensations to the guest.

[0060] 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 and 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 invention.

[0061] The technology presented and claimed herein is not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical, since it refers to and is applied to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature, thereby providing a definite improvement in the art. Furthermore, where any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "step for [performing] ... [function]," it is intended that such elements be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). Conversely, for any claim containing an element designated in any other manner, it is intended that such element not be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. 1. A vehicle configured to travel along a route, comprising: a bogie configured to engage the path; a base coupled to the bogie; an appendage coupled to the base, the appendage configured to be driven relative to the base about or along a first axis; a support coupled to the appendage, the support configured to be driven relative to the appendage about or along a second axis; a seat coupled to said support, said seat configured to secure a passenger therein; Attraction system.

2. the seat is configured to transition between one or more first configurations and one or more second configurations; The attraction system according to claim 1 .

3. the seat includes a seat pan and is configured to adjust toward an upright position while the seat transitions from the one or more second configurations to the one or more first configurations. The attraction system according to claim 2 .

4. the appendage having a first portion extending along the base and a second portion extending away from the base, the first portion of the appendage being coupled to the base and the support being coupled to the second portion of the appendage; The attraction system according to claim 1 .

5. the first portion of the appendage is configured to rotate about the first axis and the support is configured to rotate about the second axis; The attraction system according to claim 4.

6. an actuator and a controller communicatively coupled to the actuator, directing the actuator to rotate the appendage about the first axis; directing the actuator to rotate the support about the second axis; and a controller configured to direct the The attraction system according to claim 1 .

7. The controller: receiving one or more user inputs; directing the actuator to rotate the appendage about the first axis based on the one or more user inputs; configured to direct the actuator to rotate the support about the second axis, or both; The attraction system according to claim 6.

8. A ride in an attraction system, a bogie configured to move along a path of the attraction system; a base coupled to the bogie; a seat for securing a passenger therein, the seat being adjustable between one or more first configurations and one or more second configurations, the seat being configured to support a standing passenger within the seat in said one or more first configurations and to support a seated passenger within the seat in said one or more second configurations; an appendage coupled to the base, the appendage configured to rotate about one or more axes to rotate the seat about the one or more axes.

9. a support coupled to the appendage, the seat being coupled to the support, and rotation of the appendage about the one or more axes driving rotation of the support and the seat about the one or more axes; 9. The vehicle of claim 8.

10. the seat includes a backrest and a link configured to connect the seat and the support, the link configured to expand the backrest to a position away from the support in the one or more first configurations of the seat, and the link configured to contract the backrest to a position adjacent to the seat in the one or more second configurations of the seat.

10. The vehicle of claim 9.

11. the support is configured to rotate about one or more additional axes; 10. The vehicle of claim 9.

12. 10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the appendage comprises a first portion coupled to and extending along the base and a second portion extending from the first portion, the support being coupled to the second portion of the appendage.

13. the base extends from the bogie away from the path; 9. The vehicle of claim 8.

14. A support; 1. A seat configured to support a passenger in a vehicle, comprising: The backrest and a seat pan configured to transition the seat between one or more first configurations and one or more second configurations; a seat comprising a link configured to couple the backrest and the support, the link configured to adjust the backrest away from the support and rotate and / or translate the seat pan along or about a first direction, and the link configured to adjust the backrest towards the support and rotate and / or translate the seat pan in a second direction; vehicle.

15. a plate and a base, the base being coupled to the support, and the plate being coupled to the base and the seat pan such that the base, the plate, and the seat pan adjust toward and / or to the backrest; 15. The vehicle of claim 14.

16. the seat pan is coupled to the seat back at a first joint, the seat pan is coupled to the plate at a second joint, and the seat pan is configured to rotate via the first joint and to rotate via the second joint to rotate in the first direction and the second direction.

16. The vehicle of claim 15.

17. the link is configured to move the backrest away from the support and drive movement of the plate along the base away from the support, and the link is configured to adjust the backrest towards the support and drive movement of the plate along the base towards the support.

16. The vehicle of claim 15.

18. the link is configured to expand and contract via a telescoping mechanism; 15. The vehicle of claim 14.

19. a pommel, the link configured to expand to rotate the seat pan in the first direction and drive the pommel through the seat pan.

15. The vehicle of claim 14.

20. the link moves along an arcuate path to expand and contract; 15. The vehicle of claim 14.

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