Zippered waste disposal net

Abstract

The system includes an attraction platform (32) and a net system (12) configured to capture ejected items thrown from the attraction platform (32). The net system (12) includes a first structural member (14), a second structural member (24), a net (16) extending between the first structural member (14) and the second structural member (24), and a zipper joint (18) extending between the first structural member (14) and at least a portion of the net (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 525,870, filed on July 10, 2023, entitled "ZIPPERED LOOSE ARTICLE NETTING", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Background Art

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects that may be related to the various aspects of the present disclosure described and / or claimed below. This disclosure is thought to help provide background information to make it easier for the reader to understand the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that this description is to be read from this perspective and is not an admission of prior art.

[0003] Entertainment facilities such as theme parks or amusement parks are created to provide guests with various immersive experiences. These entertainment facilities may include various attractions such as rides (e.g., roller coasters), shows, games, etc., some of which use ride systems (e.g., ride assemblies) configured to move guests along ride paths (e.g., tracks, waterways), or show effects configured to enhance the immersive experience of guests.

[0004] In certain attractions, such as those used at heights, released articles on the attraction, including those above guests enjoying the attraction, may fall or be released from the attraction towards relatively inaccessible areas, areas with high traffic (e.g., guest walkways, other parts of the attraction, etc.), and / or other areas. Conventional attractions can use techniques to recover released articles, but such techniques are cumbersome, costly, and time - consuming. Therefore, improved systems and methods are desired. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The following summarizes specific embodiments that correspond to the scope of the subject matter originally claimed. A summary of the specific embodiments disclosed herein is provided below. It should be understood that these embodiments are presented solely to provide the reader with a brief overview of these specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may encompass a variety of embodiments that may be similar to or different from those described below.

[0006] In one embodiment, the system includes an attraction platform and a net system configured to capture ejected items thrown from the attraction platform. The net system includes a first structural member, a second structural member, a net extending between the first structural member and the second structural member, and a zipper joint extending between the first structural member and at least a portion of the net.

[0007] In one embodiment, a net system for an amusement park attraction includes a first structural member, a second structural member, and a net configured to extend between the first and second structural members. The net includes at least a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured to be coupled to the first structural member. The net system also includes a zipper joint configured to connect the first portion of the net and the second portion of the net in a closed zipper configuration.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method for operating an attraction net system includes the step of connecting a first portion of the net to a first structural member extending from the attraction platform. The method also includes the step of connecting a second portion of the net to the first portion of the net via a zipper joint in a closed zipper configuration. The method also includes the step of connecting the net to a second structural member extending from the attraction platform. The method also includes the step of detaching the first portion of the net from the second portion of the net via a zipper joint in an open zipper configuration.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, where similar letters throughout the drawings represent similar parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic top view of an attraction, including a net system configured to capture ejected objects that fall or are thrown from the attraction, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram, viewed from above, of an attraction that includes a net system configured to capture ejected objects that fall or are thrown from the attraction, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side view of the attraction shown in Figure 1, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, in which the first zipper joint is in an open zipper configuration and the second zipper joint is in a closed zipper configuration. [Figure 4] This is a schematic side view of the attraction shown in Figure 1, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, in which the first zipper joint and the second zipper joint are in a closed zipper configuration. [Figure 5] This is a schematic side view of an attraction, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, which includes a net system positioned lower than the attraction's platform. [Figure 6]This is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the attraction in Figure 1, including a pull rope, according to one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the attraction shown in Figure 1, including an actuator system, according to one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram, viewed from above, of a portion of the network system of the attraction shown in Figure 1, according to one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for operating an attraction's network system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] One or more specific embodiments are described below. Not all features of actual implementations are described herein in order to provide a concise description of these embodiments. It should be recognized that, as with any industrial design or design project, the development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the specific goals of the developers, including compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary between implementations. Furthermore, it should be recognized that while such development work can be complex and time-consuming, it will still be a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0012] When describing elements of the various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to indicate that there are one or more elements. The terms “equipped with,” “contains,” and “have” are intended to be comprehensive and to indicate that there may be further elements other than those described. In addition, it should be noted that any reference in this disclosure to “one embodiment” or “one embodiment” is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments incorporating similarly referred features.

[0013] This disclosure generally relates to attractions such as those in theme parks or amusement parks. More specifically, this disclosure is directed to netting systems. A netting system may include a net assembly. A netting system can be used to capture ejected items that have fallen or been thrown from an area of ​​an attraction (e.g., a platform such as a track), and a netting system may include a net and a zipper joint corresponding to the net. The zipper joint may be configured to improve the technology for retrieving ejected items from the net of the netting system compared to conventional embodiments.

[0014] For example, according to this disclosure, an attraction may include a platform. In some embodiments, the platform may include a track on which the attraction's rides traverse (e.g., travel) or are configured to traverse. In other embodiments, the platform may include a staging area or audience area related to the attraction's show. Structural members (e.g., poles, beams, etc.) may extend from and / or below the platform. For example, a first structural member and a second structural member may extend from the platform in the same direction. A net may extend between the first structural member and / or the second structural member and / or be coupled to the first structural member and / or the second structural member. A first zipper joint of the net may extend adjacent to the first structural member. Additionally or alternatively, a second zipper joint of the net may extend adjacent to the second structural member.

[0015] As an example, embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first portion of the net, a second portion of the net, and a third portion of the net, the first portion extending between a first structural member and a first zipper joint, the second portion extending between a first zipper joint and a second zipper joint, and the third portion extending between a second zipper joint and a second structural member. The first portion of the net may be connected to the first structural member, for example, via one or more first rings, clips, clamps, etc., and the third portion of the net may be connected to the second structural member, for example, via one or more second rings, clips, clamps, etc. While the majority of this disclosure describes transitioning a first zipper joint and / or a second zipper joint between various closed and open configurations of a zipper, it should be noted that parts of the first ring (e.g., clips, clamps, etc.) and / or parts of the second ring (e.g., clips, clamps, etc.) can release the clipping from the first and second structural members, respectively, thereby detaching the net (or part thereof) from the first and / or second structural members. Transitioning a zipper joint between a closed and open configuration of a zipper may involve using an actuator system. The actuator system may include actuators such as electronic actuators, magnetic actuators, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, or any combination thereof.

[0016] Continuing the description of the zipper joints, the second part of the net can be joined to the first part of the net via the first zipper joint in the closed configuration of the zipper, and the second part of the net can be separated from the first part of the net by transitioning the first zipper joint to the open configuration of the zipper. Similarly, the second part of the net can be joined to the third part of the net via the second zipper joint in the closed configuration of the zipper, and the second part of the net can be separated from the third part of the net by transitioning the second zipper joint to the open configuration of the zipper.

[0017] Thus, the first and second portions of the net can hang down from the first structural member while the first zipper joint is in a closed zipper configuration and the second zipper joint is in an open zipper configuration. Similarly, the second and third portions of the net can hang down from the second structural member while the second zipper joint is in a closed zipper configuration and the first zipper joint is in an open zipper configuration. Note that other arrangements and / or configurations of the net system are also possible, such as the first zipper joint being directly connected to the first structural member, the second zipper joint being directly connected to the second structural member, and the entire net extending from the first zipper joint to the second zipper joint, which will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, note that multiple nets of the net system can be used in the attraction, such as a first net between the first and second structural members, and a second net between the second and third structural members.

[0018] By transitioning the first zipper joint described above to an open zipper configuration, and / or by transitioning the second zipper joint described above to an open zipper configuration, the released material captured by the net can be recovered from the net, and / or the maintenance of the net system (e.g., cleaning the net, repairing the net, replacing the net, etc.) can be improved compared to conventional embodiments. Note that in some embodiments of this disclosure, the recovery and / or maintenance procedure corresponding to the net system may include transitioning the first zipper joint and / or the second zipper joint to one or more partially open zipper configurations. Note that the reference to an open zipper configuration may include a fully open zipper configuration and a partially open zipper configuration.

[0019] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first zipper joint and / or the second zipper joint can be manually shifted to an open configuration (s) of the zipper by means of a pull string or the like that is accessible from above the net system (e.g., from an attraction platform) or from below the net system (e.g., from the ground). In other embodiments, one or more actuator systems (e.g., an actuator, an actuator assembly) can be used for the transition and / or control of the transition of the first zipper joint and / or the second zipper joint between a closed configuration (s) of the zipper and an open configuration (s) of the zipper. For example, the first actuator system is coupled to (e.g., disposed on) the first structural member and engages a first zipper of the first zipper joint (e.g., the first slider and / or the first pull tab) and is configured to move (e.g., translate) along the first structural member (e.g., in response to a first control signal) to cause the first zipper joint to transition between a closed configuration of the zipper and an open configuration of the zipper. Similarly, the second actuator system is coupled to (e.g., disposed on) the second structural member and engages a second zipper of the second zipper joint (e.g., the second slider or the second pull tab) and is configured to move (e.g., translate) along the second structural member (e.g., in response to a second control signal) to cause the second zipper joint to transition between a closed configuration of the zipper and an open configuration of the zipper.

[0020] The above-described features, together with other features of the present disclosure, will be described in detail below. These features can improve the capture of released articles, the recovery of released articles, and maintenance procedures for net assemblies of various attractions (e.g., rides, shows, etc.). These and other features are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0021] Referring to the drawings above, FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of an attraction 10 including a net system 12 configured to capture released articles that have fallen or otherwise been ejected from the attraction 10. The net system 12 includes a first structural member 14 (e.g., a beam, a pole), a first net 16, and a first zipper joint 18 between a first portion 20 of the first net 16 and a second portion 22 of the first net 16 coupled to the first structural member 14. As shown, the net system 12 can also include a second structural member 24 and a second zipper joint 26 between a third portion 28 of the first net 16 and the second portion 22 of the first net 16.

[0022] The first structural member 14 and the second structural member 24 can extend in the same direction 30 from a platform 32 of the attraction 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 32 of the attraction is a track configured for a vehicle (not shown) to move. For example, the track can guide the vehicle in a second direction 34 that is transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the same direction 30 in which the first structural member 14 and the second structural member 24 extend. It should be understood that the platform 32 of the attraction 10 is a track in the illustrated embodiment, but the platform 32 can be a staging area or an audience area in other embodiments (e.g., embodiments where the attraction 10 is a show or includes a show).

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, both the first zipper joint 18 and the second zipper joint 26 are in a closed zipper configuration, and the first net 16 is taught to capture ejected items that have fallen or been thrown off from the platform 32 of the attraction 10 (for example, from a ride vehicle configured to move along a track corresponding to the platform 32). During the retrieval of items from the first net 16 and / or during maintenance of the first net 16, the first zipper joint 18 can be converted to an open zipper configuration, in which the first portion 20 of the first net 16 is separated from the second portion 22 of the first net 16. The first portion 20 of the first net 16 can remain attached to the first structural member 14 (for example, via one or more first rings 36) when the first zipper joint 18 is in an open zipper configuration. When the first zipper joint 18 is in an open zipper configuration, the second portion 22 and the third portion 28 of the first net 16 can hang down from the second structural member 24 of the net system 12. For example, the third portion 28 of the first net 16 can remain attached to the second structural member 24 of the net system 12 via one or more second rings 38, and the third portion 28 of the first net 16 can remain attached to the second portion 22 of the first net 16 via the second zipper joint 26 in a closed zipper configuration.

[0024] Alternatively, during the retrieval of items from the first net 16 and / or during maintenance of the first net 16, the second zipper joint 26 can transition to an open zipper configuration in which the third portion 28 of the first net 16 is separated from the second portion 22 of the first net 16. The third portion 28 of the first net 16 can remain attached to the second structural member 24 (for example, via one or more second rings 38) when the second zipper joint 26 is in an open zipper configuration. When the second zipper joint 26 is in an open zipper configuration, the second portion 22 and the first portion 20 of the first net 16 can hang down from the first structural member 14 of the net system 12. For example, the first portion 20 of the first net 16 may remain connected to the first structural member 14 of the net system 12 via one or more first rings 36, and the first portion 20 of the first net 16 may remain connected to the second portion 22 of the first net 16 via the first zipper joint 18 in the closed zipper configuration. Note that during retrieval and / or maintenance procedures for a particular item (e.g., repair, removal, replacement), the first zipper joint 18 and / or the second zipper joint 26 may be transitioned to a partially open zipper configuration. For example, the first zipper joint 18 may be transitioned to a partially open zipper configuration, and a segment of the first portion 20 of the first net 16 may remain connected to another segment of the second portion 22 of the first net 16. Note that reference to an open configuration may include a fully open configuration and a partially open configuration.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, certain first rings 36 and / or second rings 38, which in certain instances of this disclosure may be referred to as clips, clamps, mounting devices, etc., can be released from the corresponding first and second structural members 14 and 24, respectively. For example, the first ring 36 closest to the distal end 47 of the net system 12 and the second ring 38 closest to the distal end 47 of the net system 12 can be released from the first structural member 14 and the second structural member 24, respectively, so that the first net 16 hangs down from the proximal end 49 of the net system 12. Alternatively, the first ring 36 closest to the proximal end 49 of the net system 12 and the second ring 38 closest to the proximal end 49 of the net system 12 can be released from the first structural member 14 and the second structural member 24, respectively, so that the first net 16 hangs down from the distal end 47 of the net system 12.

[0026] As shown in the figure, multiple nets of the net system 12 can be used within the attraction 10. For example, the net system 12 may include a second net 46 and a third zipper joint 48 between a first portion 50 of the second net 46 (the first portion 50 is coupled to the second structural member 24) and a second portion 52 of the second net 46. As shown in the figure, the net system 12 may also include a third structural member 54 and a fourth zipper joint 56 between a third portion 58 of the second net 46 and a second portion 52 of the second net 46. A third ring 66 can be used to connect the first portion 50 of the second net 46 to the second structural member 24, and a fourth ring 68 can be used to connect the third portion 58 of the second net 46 to the third structural member 54. Furthermore, with respect to the second net 46, the same or similar configurations as those described above for the closed and open zipper configurations for the first net 16 may be used. Furthermore, any number of nets can be used in attraction 10 according to this disclosure.

[0027] The embodiments described above include various net portions of each net, and the zipper joint connects the various net portions in the closed configuration of the zipper joint. That is, the first net 16 includes a first portion 20 connected to the second portion 22 via a first zipper joint 18, the first net 16 includes a third portion 28 connected to the second portion 22 via a second zipper joint 26, the second net 46 includes a first portion 50 connected to the second portion 52 via a third zipper joint 48, and the second net 46 includes a third portion 58 connected to the second portion 52 via a fourth zipper joint 56. Detailed embodiments of the zipper joints 18, 26, 48, and 56 will be described with reference to the drawings later. However, it should be noted that other net arrangements using the zipper joints 18, 26, 48, and 56 according to this disclosure are also possible.

[0028] For example, Figure 2 is a schematic top view of one embodiment of an attraction 10 that includes a net system 12 configured to capture any released items that fall or are thrown from the attraction 10. In the illustrated embodiment, a first zipper joint 18 corresponding to a first net 16 is directly connected to a first structural member 14, a second zipper joint 26 corresponding to a first net 16 is directly connected to a second structural member 24, a third zipper joint 48 corresponding to a second net 46 is directly connected to a second structural member 24, and a fourth zipper joint 56 corresponding to a second net 46 is directly connected to a third structural member 54. In other words, the first net 16 does not include net material between the first zipper joint 18 and the first structural member 14 and / or between the second zipper joint 26 and the second structural member 24, and the second net 46 does not include net material between the third zipper joint 48 and the second structural member 24 and / or between the fourth zipper joint 56 and the third structural member 54.

[0029] The zipper joints 18, 26, 48, and 56 can be directly connected to the structural members 14, 24, and 54 in various ways. For example, the material of the first zipper joint 18 (e.g., fabric material) can be incorporated into the first structural member 14 or extend from the first structural member 14. Alternatively, rings, clips, clamps, etc. (e.g., similar to the first ring 36 in Figure 1) can be used to directly connect the material of the first zipper joint 18 (e.g., fabric material) to the first structural member 14. In other words, the embodiment in Figure 2 is intended to simply represent one example in which no net portion extends between the zipper joint (e.g., the first zipper joint 18) and the structural member (e.g., the first structural member 14). Other net arrangements are possible according to this disclosure.

[0030] Figures 1 and 2 show embodiments of the net system 12 in which various zipper joints 18, 26, 48, and 56 are in a closed zipper configuration. Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a subset embodiment of the attraction 10 of Figure 1, in which the first zipper joint 18 is in an open zipper configuration, and the first portion 20 of the first net 16 is detached from the second portion 22 of the first net 16. When the first zipper joint 18 is in an open zipper configuration, the first portion 18a of the first zipper joint 18 can be detached from the second portion 18b of the first zipper joint 18, the first portion 18a of the first zipper joint 18 remains attached to the first portion 20 of the first net 16, and the second portion 18b of the first zipper joint 18 remains attached to the second portion 22 of the first net 16. When the second zipper joint 26 is in a closed zipper configuration, the first portion 28 and the second portion 22 of the first net 16 can remain connected, and the first portion 28 and the second portion 22 can hang down from the second structural member 24 (for example, via a second ring 38 connecting the first portion 28 of the first net 16 to the second structural member 24). Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a subset embodiment of the attraction 10 of Figure 1, where the first zipper joint 18 and the second zipper joint 26 are in a closed zipper configuration. That is, in Figure 4, the first net 16 is positioned to capture ejected items 80, 82 that have fallen or been thrown from, or are adjacent to, the platform 32 of the attraction 10, for example, from a ride vehicle 84 crossing a track corresponding to the platform 32.

[0031] The embodiment shown in Figure 1-4 includes at least a first net 16 aligned with the platform 32 in the height direction. However, as shown in some embodiments of the attraction 10 in Figure 5, the net system 12 can be positioned below the platform 32 (e.g., track) of the attraction 10 in the height direction 90. For example, a gap 92 in the height direction 90 can be used between the platform 32 (e.g., track) and the net system 12. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, a rail 94 corresponding to the net system 12 can be positioned below the platform 32 (e.g., track) of the attraction 10, with the first structural member 14 and the second structural member 24 extending from the rail 94. If the first and second zipper joints 18, 26 are in a closed zipper configuration, the first net 16 can be configured to capture ejected items 80, 82 that fall or are thrown from or adjacent to the platform 32 (e.g., track) of the traction 10, or from, for example, a ride 84 moving along the platform 32. Such embodiments may include additional systems (e.g., additional components such as rails 94), but embodiments can facilitate and / or improve the retrieval of items from the net system 12, improve the maintenance of the net system 12, and / or improve safety related to item retrieval or maintenance by bringing the net system 12 closer to the ground 96 (e.g., compared to embodiments in which the net system 12 is aligned with the platform 32 of the attraction 10 along the height direction 90). Other arrangements are also possible in accordance with this disclosure.

[0032] Various techniques, systems, devices, etc., can be used to transition any zipper joint according to this disclosure between a closed zipper configuration and an open zipper configuration. For example, manual techniques can be used, and / or automated or semi-automated techniques (e.g., using electronic actuators) can be used. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a part of the attraction 10 of Figure 1, which includes a first pull cord 100 coupled to a first zipper 101 (e.g., a first slider and / or a first pull tab) of a first zipper joint 18, and a second pull cord 102 coupled to a second zipper 103 (e.g., a second slider and / or a second pull tab) of a second zipper joint 26, wherein an operator can pull the first pull cord 100 along the first zipper joint 18 so that the first zipper 101 (e.g., a first slider and / or a first pull tab) moves the first zipper joint 18 from a closed zipper configuration to an open zipper configuration (e.g., a fully open zipper configuration or a partially open zipper configuration). Similarly, the operator can pull the second pull cord 102 along the second zipper joint 26 so that the second zipper 103 (e.g., the second slider and / or the second pull tab) moves the second zipper joint 26 from a closed zipper configuration to an open zipper configuration (e.g., a fully open zipper configuration or a partially open zipper configuration).

[0033] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a part of the attraction 10 of Figure 1, which includes an actuator system 110 configured to transition the second zipper joint 26 of the net system 12 between a closed zipper configuration and an open zipper configuration. For brevity, only one example of the actuator system 110 is shown, configured to transition at least the second zipper joint 26, but it should be understood that another example of the actuator system 110 can be used with respect to the first zipper joint 18.

[0034] As shown in the figure, the actuator system 110 can be positioned on or adjacent to the second structural member 24. For example, the actuator system 110 may include a hollow cylindrical shape centered on the second structural member 24, or it may be coupled to the second structural member 24. One or more controllers 112 using a processing circuit 114 and a memory circuit 116 may be configured to instruct the operation of the actuator system 110, and the operation of the actuator system 110 may include the movement of the actuator system 110 and / or the extension and / or rotation of one or more components of the actuator system. For example, the memory circuit 116 may store commands that, when executed by the processing circuit 114, cause the processing circuit 114 to perform various functions, including instructing the movement, extension, and / or rotation of the actuator system 110 (e.g., via control signals). One or more controllers 112 may communicate with the actuator system 110 via a wired or wireless connection.

[0035] The actuator system 110 can be coupled, for example, to the second zipper 103 (e.g., a second slider and / or second pull tab) of the second zipper joint 26 via a tether 117. Movement 118 and / or extension of the actuator system 110 along the second structural member 24, triggered by a control signal received from the controller 112, can cause the tether 117 to pull the second zipper 103 (e.g., a second slider and / or second pull tab), which in turn can transition the second zipper joint 26 from a closed zipper configuration to an open zipper configuration (e.g., a fully or partially open zipper configuration). Figure 7 shows one example of an automated or semi-automated actuation technique, but it should be noted that other automated or semi-automated actuation techniques are possible in accordance with this disclosure.

[0036] Figure 8 is a schematic top view of a portion of the net system 12 of the attraction 10 of Figure 1, showing in detail a detailed aspect of the first zipper joint 18. The same or similar detailed aspects can be used for the second zipper joint 26, third zipper joint 48, fourth zipper joint 56, and / or any other zipper joints of the present disclosure described with respect to the above embodiments (e.g., Figure 1-2). As shown, the first zipper joint 18 includes a first zipper 101 which may include a pull tab 130 and / or a slider 131 coupled to the pull tab 130. Furthermore, the first zipper joint 18 includes a first toothed portion 132 located on the first side 133 of the first zipper joint 18 and a second toothed portion 134 located on the second side 135 of the first zipper joint 18.

[0037] The connecting segment of the first toothed portion 132 and the second toothed portion 134 may be referred to as the chain 136 of the first zipper joint 18. Generally, the slider 131 can be configured to receive and connect the first toothed portion 132 and the second toothed portion 134 to form the chain 136. The first side 133 of the first zipper joint 18 may include a first portion of the material, and the second side 135 of the first zipper joint 18 may include a second portion of the material. The material may be, for example, a durable fabric material or other durable material suitable for the currently disclosed embodiments. As shown, the first portion 20 of the first net 16 may connect to the first side 133 of the first zipper joint 18, and the second portion 22 of the first net 16 may connect to the second side 135 of the first zipper joint 18, but other arrangements according to this disclosure are also possible. Please note that Figure 8 is just one example of the first zipper joint 18, and other types of zippers and / or zipper joint arrangements are also possible.

[0038] Figure 9 is a process flow diagram showing a method 200 for operating a net system for an attraction (e.g., a ride system, a show system, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, method 200 includes connecting the net of the net system to a first structural member via at least a first zipper joint of a closed zipper configuration (block 202). As described above, the first zipper joint may connect directly to the first structural member, or it may extend between a first portion of the net and a second portion of the net, and the first portion of the net may connect to the first structural member (e.g., via a first ring, a first clip, a first clamp, etc.).

[0039] Method 200 also includes connecting the net to a second structural member via at least a second zipper joint of a closed zipper configuration (block 204). As described above, the second zipper joint may be directly connected to the second structural member, or it may extend between a second portion and a third portion of the net, and the third portion of the net may be connected to the second structural member (e.g., via a second ring, a second clip, a second clamp, etc.). In some embodiments, the first and second structural members may extend in the same direction, and the net may extend between the first and second structural members. When the first zipper joint is in a closed zipper configuration and the second zipper joint is in a closed zipper configuration, the net may be positioned to capture ejected items falling from or being thrown from an attraction, such as an attraction platform (e.g., a track), or from a ride vehicle moving along an attraction platform (e.g., a track).

[0040] Method 200 also includes detaching at least a portion of the net from the first structural member by transitioning the first zipper joint to an open zipper configuration (e.g., a fully open zipper configuration) (block 206). As described above, the first zipper joint can be transitioned to an open zipper configuration manually, or an automated or semi-automated mechanism (e.g., an actuator system) can be used. When the second zipper joint is in a closed zipper configuration and the first zipper joint is in an open zipper configuration (e.g., a fully open zipper configuration), the net (or a portion of the net, such as the second and third portions of the net) can hang down from the second structural member, allowing for the retrieval of released material already captured by the net. In some embodiments, the second zipper joint can also be transitioned from a closed zipper configuration to an open zipper configuration when the first zipper joint is in either a closed zipper configuration or an open zipper configuration. In some embodiments, both the first and second zipper joints can be converted to an open zipper configuration (e.g., a fully open zipper configuration) to replace the net (or a part thereof, such as a second portion of the net) with a replacement.

[0041] While only specific features of this disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and variations will be conceivable to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that all such modifications and variations within the true spirit of the invention are protected by the appended claims.

[0042] The claimed technologies described herein refer to and apply to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical, but which certainly improve the art. Furthermore, if any of the claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as "...means for performing [function]" or "...steps for performing [function]," such elements should be interpreted in accordance with 112(f) of the United States Patent Act. On the other hand, any claim containing elements designated in any other form should not be interpreted in accordance with 112(f) of the United States Patent Act.

Claims

1. Attraction platform and A net system configured to capture ejected items thrown from the attraction platform, The first structural member and The second structural member, A net extending between the first structural member and the second structural member, A zipper joint extending between the first structural member and at least a portion of the net, A network system equipped with, Equipped with, system.

2. The net is connected to the first structural member and includes an additional portion positioned between the part of the net and the first structural member, and the zipper joint is The aforementioned part of the net and the aforementioned additional part of the net are joined together with a zipper-closure configuration. The system according to claim 1, wherein the part of the net is separated from the additional part of the net in a zipper-like configuration.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the additional portion of the net is connected to the first structural member via one or more rings.

4. The net system according to claim 1, further comprising an additional zipper joint extending between the second structural member and at least a portion of the net.

5. The net is connected to the second structural member and includes an additional portion positioned between the part of the net and the second structural member, and the additional zipper joint is The aforementioned part of the net and the aforementioned additional part of the net are joined together with a zipper-closure configuration. The system according to claim 4, wherein the part of the net is separated from the additional part of the net in a zipper-like configuration.

6. The aforementioned network system A third structural member, An additional net extending between the second structural member and the third structural member, The system according to claim 1, further comprising: an additional zipper joint extending between the second structural member or the third structural member and at least an additional portion of the additional net.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least the first structural member or the second structural member is coupled to the attraction platform.

8. Vehicles and A ride route corresponding to the aforementioned attraction platform, The system according to claim 1, comprising: a vehicle configured to traverse the vehicle path;

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the segment of the vehicle path extends in a first direction, and at least the first structural member or the second structural member extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from the segment of the vehicle path.

10. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator system configured to transition the zipper joint from a closed zipper configuration to an open zipper configuration in response to receiving a control signal.

11. It is a network system for amusement park attractions. The first structural member and The second structural member, A net configured to extend between the first structural member and the second structural member, comprising at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is configured to be coupled to the first structural member, A zipper joint configured to connect the first portion of the net and the second portion of the net in a closed zipper configuration, A network system equipped with these features.

12. The net system according to claim 11, further comprising an additional zipper joint configured to connect the second portion of the net and the third portion of the net in a closed configuration of an additional zipper, wherein the third portion of the net is configured to be connected to the second structural member.

13. A third structural member, An additional net configured to extend between the second structural member and the third structural member, comprising at least a third portion and a fourth portion, wherein the third portion is configured to be coupled to the second structural member or the third structural member, The net system according to claim 11, further comprising an additional zipper joint configured to connect the third portion of the net and the fourth portion of the net in a closed configuration of an additional zipper.

14. The net system according to claim 11, wherein the first structural member has a first length, the second structural member has a second length, and the first length is substantially equal to the second length.

15. The net system according to claim 11, further comprising one or more rings configured to connect the first portion of the net to the first structural member.

16. The net system according to claim 11, wherein the first structural member comprises a first pole, and the second structural member comprises a second pole extending substantially parallel to the first pole.

17. A method for operating the attraction's network system, The steps include connecting the first portion of the net to a first structural member extending from the attraction platform, The steps include: connecting the second portion of the net to the first portion of the net via a zipper joint having a closed zipper configuration; The steps include connecting the net to a second structural member extending from the platform of the attraction, The steps include: separating the first portion of the net from the second portion of the net via the zipper joint having an open zipper configuration; A method that includes this.

18. The steps include connecting the third portion of the net to the second structural member, The steps include: connecting the second portion of the net to the third portion of the net via an additional zipper joint of an additional zipper closing configuration; The method according to claim 17, comprising the step of separating the third portion of the net from the second portion of the net via the additional zipper joint of an additional zipper opening configuration.

19. The steps include capturing the released article within the net with the first portion of the net which is connected to the second portion of the net via the zipper joint of the closed configuration of the zipper, The method according to claim 17, comprising the step of recovering the discharged article from the net by separating the first portion of the net from the second portion of the net via the zipper joint of the open zipper configuration.

20. The method according to claim 17, comprising the step of separating the first portion of the net from the second portion of the net via the zipper joint in the open configuration of the zipper by instructing an electronic actuator to move the zipper joint from a closed configuration of the zipper to an open configuration of the zipper.

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