Rotating Platform Coaster

Abstract

An apparatus for an amusement park includes a bogie carriage system that moves along a ride path, a platform coupled to the bogie carriage system, and a plurality of seats coupled to a surface of the platform, the platform being rotatable relative to the bogie carriage system about a guide axis, and the plurality of seats being rotatable with the platform about the guide axis.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 827,690, entitled "ROTATING PLATFORM COASTER," filed April 1, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods utilized to provide an amusement park experience. [Background technology]

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be related to various aspects of the present technology described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background 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. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Amusement parks often include attractions that incorporate a simulated racing environment between attraction participants. For example, these attractions may have cars or trains in which guests race each other along a path (e.g., dueling coasters, go-karts). The incorporation of a competitive environment can provide additional entertainment value to guests as well as increase versatility so that guests can enjoy the attraction multiple times. However, some systems increase the cost and complexity of the attraction by including multiple track segments that provide the simulated racing environment. It is now recognized that it would be desirable to provide improved systems and methods for simulated racing attractions that increase guest excitement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The following describes several embodiments that are within the same scope as the subject matter of the original claims. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the disclosure may include a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0006] According to one embodiment, an apparatus for an amusement park includes a bogie bogie system configured to move along a ride path, a platform coupled to the bogie bogie system and configured to rotate relative to the bogie bogie system about a guide axis, and a plurality of seats coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a system includes a bogie bogie system configured to guide movement along a vehicle path, a platform coupled to the bogie bogie system and configured to rotate relative to the bogie bogie system about a guide axis, a plurality of seats coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis, a first actuator configured to rotate the platform about the guide axis, and a second actuator configured to rotate the platform about a tilt axis oriented transversely to the guide axis.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a system includes a track defining a vehicle path, a bogie bogie system coupled to the track and configured to guide movement along the vehicle path, a platform coupled to the bogie bogie system and configured to rotate relative to the bogie bogie system about a guide axis, a first seat coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis, and a second seat coupled to the surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis, wherein rotation of the platform adjusts a first position of the first seat and a second position of the second seat relative to each other along the vehicle path.

[0009] 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 with like numerals throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a rotating platform ride vehicle in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an embodiment of a motion system for a rotating platform ride vehicle in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an embodiment of a motion system for a rotating platform ride vehicle in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating platform ride vehicle in a first position according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating platform ride vehicle in a second position according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a rotating platform ride vehicle at the end of a track in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a rotating platform ride vehicle at the end of a track in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating platform ride vehicle having a gimbal system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In order to concisely describe these embodiments, not all of the features of the implementations may be described herein. It should be understood that in the development of any such implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's particular goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. Moreover, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but are routine undertakings of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0012] Amusement park attractions involving competitive environments (e.g., races between passengers) may be limited by the physical constraints of the attraction's footprint and the amount of control over the ride experience. For example, ride vehicles (e.g., go-karts) on a multi-lane track may interact with one another, but these interactions are typically based on individual passengers, thus limiting the nature of the experience (e.g., these vehicles are typically configured to travel at relatively slow speeds compared to other amusement park rides). These isolated track sections (e.g., roller coaster tracks) may have individual ride vehicles where passengers sit during the attraction. Unfortunately, these multiple isolated track sections may increase the cost of building and operating the attraction. Also, the increased amount of variables associated with multiple isolated tracks, each with individual ride vehicles, may increase the complexity of the control systems associated with creating a competitive environment. Additionally, having ride vehicles on separate track sections may make it difficult to simulate certain interactions (e.g., one ride vehicle overtaking another or sharing a lane with another ride vehicle) because it may require the track sections to blend or intersect with one another.

[0013] The embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to facilitating a simulated racing attraction in a manner that gives guests the ability and / or illusion of control over the outcome of a competition (e.g., a race or sporting event). As used herein, simulated racing can mean directing a ride vehicle (e.g., a platform-type ride vehicle) along a track at variable speeds, allowing the positions of the seats (e.g., sub-vehicles) that secure the guests within the ride vehicle to move relative to one another. The ride vehicle can include multiple seats (e.g., pods, vehicles, or other features consistent with the theme of the simulated racing attraction) that can be located on a platform that is configured to rotate relative to the track or ride path along which the ride vehicle travels. In some embodiments, guests can tilt or otherwise adjust their position to rotate the platform. Thus, guests can feel that a particular guest's movement has caused them to be positioned ahead of other guests relative to the ride path. In other embodiments, the rotation of the platform can be caused by guest interaction with various features located along the ride path (e.g., the track). For example, a guest may utilize an interaction device mounted on the ride vehicle to aim the device at targets located along the ride path, thereby collecting points when the device is properly positioned and / or activated. Having collected points, a guest may then interact with features on the ride vehicle (e.g., buttons, throttles, pedals) to cause the platform to rotate. In yet another embodiment, platform rotation is independent of guest interaction and may occur at various points along the ride path.

[0014] Also, in some embodiments, the ride path (e.g., track) may include dead ends that appear to the guest as a break in the ride path, thereby increasing the excitement of the guest. The ride vehicle (e.g., platform ride vehicle) may approach the dead end in a first direction of travel and rotate to redirect the guest to face a second direction of travel opposite the first direction of travel. The ride vehicle may then begin traveling from the dead end along the ride path in the second direction of travel. Additionally or alternatively, the dead end of the ride path may simulate the boundary of a stadium or other suitable environment consistent with a simulated racing attraction. As a non-limiting example, the ride path may be configured to move the guest near a goal located at an outer boundary of the stadium. The guest may then attempt to gain a score when located near the goal by making a gesture using a physical component (e.g., a ball) and / or interacting with a simulated component (e.g., a hologram or video).

[0015] Additionally, in some embodiments, a ride vehicle (e.g., a platform-type ride vehicle) may be configured to move along a ride path (e.g., a track) and rotate about an axis that is substantially transverse to the movement of the ride vehicle along the ride path, and / or tilt or move about an axis that defines the movement of the ride vehicle along the ride path. Thus, the ride vehicle may be configured to have multiple degrees of movement to further enhance the guest experience. In some embodiments, the seats of the ride vehicle may include a gimbal system that allows the guest's position (e.g., viewpoint or field of view) to be maintained relative to the movement of the ride vehicle along the ride path (e.g., the guest continuously faces the direction of travel of the ride vehicle). For example, an actuator that controls a ring of the gimbal system may maintain the guest's field of view or viewpoint in the direction of travel of the ride vehicle along the ride path. In other embodiments, the gimbal system may also be utilized to provide additional degrees of movement by moving individual seats relative to the platform during a simulated racing attraction.

[0016] With this in mind, FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a ride vehicle 10. The ride vehicle 10 includes a seat 12 coupled to a platform 14 configured to move in an operating direction 18 along a ride path 16 (e.g., a track). While the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrates a substantially straight ride path 16, in other embodiments, the ride path 16 may be arcuate, circular, polygonal, or any other shape capable of simulating a road or a path of travel (e.g., a river). For example, the ride path 16 may include S-curves and hairpin turns to enhance the excitement provided to passengers during operation. In some embodiments, the platform 14 may be coupled to the ride path 16 via a bogie or rollers (e.g., wheels) configured to couple to a structure 20 (e.g., a rail, track, or another suitable component) of the ride path 16 to enable movement in an operating direction 18 along the ride path 16. In yet another embodiment, the structure 20 of the ride path 16 may be disposed within a slot or groove below the ground surface 22 (e.g., a textured race surface) such that the structure 20 of the ride path 16 is substantially hidden from the view of the guests. In other words, the structure 20 may be blocked from the viewpoint of the guests in the seats 12 by the ground surface 22.

[0017] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the platform 14, and thus the seats 12, are configured to rotate in a first rotational direction 26 (e.g., clockwise with respect to FIG. 1) and a second rotational direction 28 (e.g., counterclockwise with respect to FIG. 1) about a guide axis 24. As described in detail below, the rotation of the seats 12 and the platform 14 about the guide axis 24 can allow the positions of the seats 12 to be adjusted relative to one another, which can create the illusion of one seat 12 moving forward in front of another seat 12 in a race or other competitive scenario. Additionally, the rotation of the platform 14 about the guide axis 24 can change the guest's perspective of the ride path 16. It will be appreciated that while the illustrated embodiment includes four seats 12 disposed on the platform 14, in other embodiments, there can be one, two, three, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more than ten seats 12.

[0018] Further, in some embodiments, the seat 12 may be configured to move relative to the platform 14 along a slot 29 formed in the platform 14. For example, the seat 12 may be coupled to gears, belts, wheels, and / or another suitable device that may enable movement of the seat 12 relative to the platform 14 along the slot 29. Thus, the seat 12 may move along the slot 29 to provide another degree of mobility. Thus, the seat 12 may be guided along the slot 29 to change the position of the seats 12 relative to each other and relative to the vehicle path 16. For example, the first seat 30 may be located generally forward of the second seat 32. However, the first seat 30 may be moved in a direction 34 opposite the direction of motion 18 relative to the platform 14, and the second seat 32 may be moved in the direction of motion 18 such that the second seat 32 is moved forward of the first seat 30 relative to the vehicle path 16. Thus, the position of any of the seats 12 may be adjusted to simulate a given seat 12 moving forward or backward of the other seat 12 relative to the vehicle path 16 and / or the direction of motion 18. Although the slot 29 is shown as linear in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, in other embodiments, the slot 29 can be curved, wavy, or include other features that move the seat 12 relative to the platform 14.

[0019] 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a motion system 40 configured to drive the movement and / or rotation of the ride vehicle 10. The motion system 40 is movably coupled to the structure 20 of the ride path 16 (e.g., a pair of rail tracks) via a bogie bogie 42. In some embodiments, the bogie bogie 42 can include or be coupled to a motor (e.g., an electric motor) that drives the rotational motion of wheels 44 of the bogie bogie 42 to propel the ride vehicle 10 along the ride path 16 in the operating direction 18 (and / or the opposite direction 34). Thus, the seats 12 and platform 14 can move along the ride path 16 to simulate a racing environment or other competitive environment (e.g., a sporting event). In other embodiments, the bogie bogie 42 can move along the structure 20 of the ride path 16 via gravity and / or any other suitable technique for driving the ride vehicle 10 along the ride path 16. Additionally, a body 46 of the bogie bogie 42 is coupled to and supports the wheels 44. As will be appreciated, the body 46 of the bogie 42 may be formed from a metal (e.g., steel) or a composite material (e.g., including carbon fiber), etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 46 is coupled to an actuator 48 that enables rotation of the platform 14 about the guide axis 24, thereby adjusting the circumferential position of the seat 12 relative to the guide axis 24.

[0020] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the actuator 48 includes a gear assembly 50 and a motor 52 configured to drive the rotational movement of the platform 14 about the guide axis 24. For example, the gear assembly 50 can be a yaw drive that transfers the rotational movement between the interlocking gears. In some embodiments, the platform 14 can be coupled to a guide 54 via the gear assembly 50 and one or more supports 56. The guide 54 is coupled to the bogie 42 and is thus configured to move in the operating direction 18 along the ride path 16. A gap 58 can be formed between the guide 54 and the platform 14 that can reduce friction between the platform 14 and the guide 54 when the platform 14 rotates relative to the guide 54. In other embodiments, the actuator 48 can also be a rotary actuator configured to drive the rotation of the platform 14 upon receiving a signal from a control system 60. The rotation of the platform 14 can adjust the positions of the seats 12 relative to one another, thereby providing the illusion of one seat 12 overtaking another during a race or other competitive environment (e.g., a sporting event).

[0021] In some embodiments, the platform 14 includes a sensor 62 configured to detect a circumferential position of the platform 14 relative to the guide 54. The sensor 62 may therefore also be used to determine a circumferential position of the seat 12 relative to the guide 54. For example, the sensor 62 may include a Hall effect sensor, a capacitance displacement sensor, an optical proximity sensor, an inductive sensor, a string potentiometer, an electromagnetic sensor, or any other suitable sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor 62 is configured to transmit a signal to a (e.g., local and / or remote) control system 60 indicative of a position of the platform 14 and / or the seat 12. The control system 60 may therefore use feedback from the sensor 62 to adjust the position of the platform 14 about the guide axis 24 (e.g., when rotation of the platform 14 is enabled).

[0022] As mentioned above, the motion system 40 can include a control system 60 configured to control the movement and / or rotation of the platform 14. The control system 60 includes a controller 64 having a memory 66 and one or more processors 68. For example, the controller 64 can be an automation controller that can include a programmable logic controller (PLC). The memory 66 is a non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable medium (not just a signal) that can include executable instructions that can be executed by the processor 68. That is, the memory 66 is an article of manufacture configured to interface with the processor 68.

[0023] The controller 64 receives feedback from the sensors 62 and / or other sensors that detect the relative position of the motion system 40 along the ride path 16. For example, the controller 64 may receive feedback from the sensors 62 indicative of the position of the platform 14, and therefore the seats 12, relative to the guides 54. Based on this feedback, the controller 64 may adjust the operation of the ride vehicle 10 to simulate a race or other competition. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller 64 is communicatively coupled to the motor 52 of the actuator 48. Based on the feedback from the sensors 62, the controller 64 may command the motor 52 to drive rotation of the gear assembly 50, which may rotate the platform 14 and change the position of the seats 12 relative to one another.

[0024] 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pivot motion system 70 that can be utilized to couple the platform 14 to the structure 20 of the ride path 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 14 and guide 54 are coupled to a pivot structure 72. The platform 14 can be rotationally driven about a ride path axis 74 via an actuator 76 of the pivot motion system 70. As a result, a guest in a seat 12 of the platform 14 can be positioned in different positions about an axis 78 that is substantially transverse to the ride path axis 74. In some embodiments, the pivot motion system 70 allows the platform 14 and / or guide 54 to rotate about the ride path axis 74 when the ride vehicle 10 approaches a turn or curve in the ride path 16, thereby simulating the vehicle entering a curve.

[0025] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 , the pivot motion system 70 includes a pivot structure 72 that allows the platform 14 and guide 54 to move in a first vertical direction 82 and / or a second vertical direction 84 via an actuator 76. For example, the actuator 76 may include a telescopic arm controlled by a motor 85 that extends and retracts in the first vertical direction 82 and the second vertical direction 84, respectively. The actuator 76 may thus adjust the vertical position of the platform 14 and / or guide 54. In some embodiments, some of the actuators 76 may extend in the first vertical direction 82 while the position of other actuators 76 is substantially maintained. The platform 14 and / or guide 54 may thus be disposed at an angle 86 relative to the pivot structure 72 and / or the ground 22. The angle 86 may allow the platform 14 to tilt to simulate the ride vehicle 10 entering a curve or other feature of the ride path 16. Although the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 shows a pivot motion system 70 having three actuators 76, in other embodiments, the pivot motion system 70 can include any suitable number of actuators 76 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more than 10 actuators 76).

[0026] In some embodiments, the actuators 76 may be coupled to a controller 64 that may activate and / or deactivate the one or more actuators 76 to move the platform 14 and / or guides 54 in the first and second vertical directions 82, 84. The controller 64 may receive feedback from sensors 87 to determine the position of the platform 14 and / or guides 54 relative to the pivot structure 72 and send one or more signals to the actuators 76 to adjust the position of the platform 14 and / or guides 54 to a desired position.

[0027] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the ride vehicle 10 includes seats 12 for guests. The seats 12 may include restraints 88 (e.g., shoulder restraints, lap bars, seat belts) that secure the guests to the seats 12 as the ride vehicle 10 moves, rotates, and / or is otherwise manipulated throughout the operation duration of the ride. In some embodiments, the seats 12 may be coupled to the platform 14 of the ride vehicle 10 via respective bases 90 and respective joints 92. The joints 92 may allow for the platform 14 of the ride vehicle 10 and / or rotation of the seats 12 relative to the platform 14. For example, each joint 92 may have an actuator 94 (e.g., a motor) coupled thereto that adjusts the position of the respective seats 12. In some embodiments, the seats 12 may be configured to maintain the position of the guests relative to the structure 20 (or ground 22) of the ride path 16 as the platform 14 moves and / or rotates throughout the operation duration of the ride. Additionally or alternatively, the seats 12 may rotate independent of the position of the platform 14. Additionally, the seats 12 may be linearly actuated from the platform 14 of the ride vehicle 10. For example, each base 90 may include a telescoping segment 96 coupled to an actuator 94, thus enabling the seats 12 to move toward and away from the platform 14 of the ride vehicle 10.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, the joint 92 between the base 90 and the seat 12 can rotate through guest interaction. For example, the guest can shift their weight to rotate the seat 12 relative to the base 90. In some embodiments, the guest can shift their weight to rotate the platform 14 to simulate a change in the guest's position (e.g., one guest appears to be in front of the rest of the guests). The guest's movement can physically rotate the platform 14 about the guide axis 24. Additionally or alternatively, the rotation of one or more seats 12 can be detected by the sensor 98, causing the controller 64 to activate the actuator 48 (e.g., the gear assembly 50 and the motor 52) to rotate the platform 14. Thus, guest interaction can ultimately cause the platform 14 to rotate.

[0029] 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams of an embodiment of the ride vehicle 10 illustrating the rotation of the platform 14 as a result of interaction by the guests. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, a first guest 120, a second guest 122, a third guest 124, and a fourth guest 126 are shown in a first position, a second position, a third position, and a fourth position relative to the direction of motion 18, respectively. As an example of how the illustrated ride vehicle 10 operates, the fourth guest 126 may tilt the seat 12 by shifting his weight forward toward the direction of motion 18. The seat 12 may then tilt toward the direction of motion 18, which may be detected by one of the sensors 98. The controller 64 may receive feedback from the sensor 98 and actuate the rotation of the platform 14 in the first rotational direction 26 and / or the second rotational direction 28 in response to the feedback.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the fourth guest 126 may actuate the rotation of the platform 14 by directing the component 128 (e.g., a handheld component, a component integrated with the seat 12, and / or another suitable device) toward a target 130 located along the ride path 16. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, the fourth guest 126 may align or otherwise orient the component 128 toward the target 130. Additionally or alternatively, the fourth guest 126 may activate a feature of the component 128 (e.g., a light emitting diode) to interact with the target 130. The fourth guest 126 may collect points based on the location of the component 128 relative to the target 130. For example, the fourth guest 126 may receive more points when directing the component 128 (e.g., a light beam emitted from the component 128) toward the center of the target 130 than when directing the component 128 (e.g., a light beam emitted from the component 128) toward the outer periphery of the target 130. The controller 64 may be communicatively coupled to the component 128, the target 130, and / or intermediate devices coupled to the component 128 and / or the target 130. The controller 64 may then actuate the rotation of the platform 14 to place the first guest 120, the second guest 122, the third guest 124, and the fourth guest 126 in positions corresponding to the number of points collected by each guest. Additionally, the guests 120, 122, 124, 126 may interact with an activator (e.g., a button, pedal, or throttle) upon collecting a target amount of points, which may actuate the rotation of the platform 14 to place the guest who interacted with the activator in the first position.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, the fourth guest 126 may move to a first position as a result of an interaction with the seat 12 and / or the target 130. Thus, the platform 14 may rotate approximately 180 degrees (e.g., within 10%, within 5%, within 1% of) in the first rotational direction 26 or the second rotational direction 28 relative to the position of the platform 14 shown in FIG. 4. While the above description has generally focused on guest interactions causing rotation of the platform 14, in other embodiments, the rotation of the platform 14 may be based on the position of the platform 14 along the ride path 16. For example, the controller 64 may be configured to receive feedback from sensors 134 disposed along the ride path 16 to determine the position of the platform 14. The controller 64 may then actuate the rotation of the platform 14 based on the position of the platform 14 relative to the ride path 16 (e.g., upon detection by the sensors 134). In yet another embodiment, rotation of the platform 14 about the guide axis 24 may be actuated as a result of guest interaction, the position of the platform 14 along the ride path, the timing between the most recent rotations of the platform 14, any parameter (e.g., random rotation), or a combination thereof.

[0032] In some embodiments, the motion direction 18 of the platform 14 can change along the ride path 16. For example, the ride path 16 can include a dead end 150 (e.g., an end or break in the structure 20) that the platform 14 can reach as it travels along the ride path 16. FIG. 6 is a plan view of such an embodiment in which the platform 14 is located at the dead end 150 in a first position 152. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, the platform 14 is located near a distal end 154 of the structure 20 (e.g., a rail or track) of the ride path 16. Upon reaching the dead end 150, the motion of the ride vehicle 10 and platform 14 stops, allowing the ride vehicle 10 and platform 14 to be substantially stationary and facing the motion direction 18. In other words, the ride vehicle 10 and platform 14 stop moving in the motion direction 18 along the ride path 16 when they reach a position near the dead end 150.

[0033] Once the platform 14 has stopped at the dead end 150, it can rotate about the guide axis 24 in the first rotational direction 26 or the second rotational direction 28 to move the platform 14 and the seat 12 towards a second position 156 facing the direction 34. For example, FIG. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of the ride vehicle 10, platform 14 and seat 12 facing the direction 34. Thus, the platform 14 in the second position 156 is approximately 180 degrees (e.g., within 10%, within 5%, within 1%) from the first position 152 shown in FIG. 6. Thus, the platform 14 can rotate to redirect the seat 12 at the dead end 150 to allow the guest to face the direction 34. Thus, the ride vehicle 10 can then move along the structure 20 of the ride path 16 in the direction 34 and travel along the ride path 16 away from the dead end 150. In other embodiments, platform 14 may not rotate to redirect seats 12 such that guests are unable to face direction 34. Thus, guests remain facing direction 18 as ride vehicle 10 travels in direction 34, which may increase guest excitement as the course of ride vehicle 10 is not visible to the guest.

[0034] The ride vehicle 10 may be directed in a working direction 18 along the ride path 16 toward a dead end 150 and then redirect from the dead end 150 along the ride path 16 in a direction 34 opposite the working direction 18. In some embodiments, the ride path 16 may include junctions and / or transitions that may direct the ride vehicle 10 in a direction 34 along a different ride path 16 structure 20 compared to movement in the working direction 18. For example, the ride vehicle 10 may turn after reaching the dead end 150 and begin moving in the direction 34 toward a junction in the ride path 16. The ride vehicle 10 may transition to a portion of the ride path 16 structure 20 that is different compared to the portion of the ride path 16 that was traveled to reach the dead end 150. Thus, the route of the ride vehicle 10 may be different when traveling toward the dead end 150 than when traveling away from the dead end 150.

[0035] As discussed above, the seats 12 may be attached to the platform 14 via a gimbal system to provide additional mobility and / or maintain a guest's viewpoint during at least a portion of the ride path 16. For example, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of one seat 12 attached to the platform 14 via a gimbal system 170. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, the gimbal system 170 includes an inner ring 172, a middle ring 174, and an outer ring 176, each of which may be configured to rotate about various axes. For ease of explanation, the gimbal system 170 may be described in terms of a longitudinal axis 178, a lateral axis 180, and a fore-aft axis 182. In some embodiments, the inner ring 172 is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis, the middle ring 174 is configured to rotate about a lateral axis 180, and the outer ring is configured to rotate about the fore-aft axis 182. In other embodiments, the inner ring 172, the middle ring 174, and the outer ring 176 may be configured to rotate about any suitable axis.

[0036] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, the seat 12 is coupled to the inner ring 172 via a support beam 184 and is therefore configured to move with the inner ring 172. Additionally, the outer ring 176 is coupled to a support 186 coupled to the platform 14. The outer ring 176 can be coupled to the support 186 via a revolute joint 188 that facilitates rotation of the outer ring 176 about the fore-aft axis 182. Additionally, the middle ring 174 is coupled to the outer ring 176 via a revolute joint 190 that allows the middle ring 174 to rotate about the lateral axis 180. Additionally, the inner ring 172 is coupled to the middle ring 174 via a revolute joint 192 that allows rotation of the inner ring 172 about the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the inner ring 172 is coupled to the support beam 184 via static joints 194 that preclude movement of the support beam 184 and the inner ring 172 relative to one another.

[0037] In some embodiments, the gimbal system 170 can include one or more actuators 196 (e.g., motors) that control the rotation of the inner ring 172, the middle ring 174, and / or the outer ring 176. Thus, the controller 64 can be configured to actuate the movement of the rings 172, 174, 176 as the ride vehicle 10 moves along the ride path 16. In some embodiments, the gimbal system 170 is configured to maintain the position of the seat 12 relative to the ride path 16 and / or the direction of travel of the ride vehicle 10 (e.g., the direction of motion 18 and / or the direction 34). In other embodiments, the gimbal system 170 is configured to move the seat 12 in any suitable direction or orientation that enhances the guest's experience. Thus, the controller 64 can control the actuators 196 to adjust the position of the seat 12 to provide additional mobility to the ride vehicle 10.

[0038] While only certain features of the disclosure 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 disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 10 Vehicles 12 seats 14 Platform 16 Vehicle Routes 20 Structure 22 Ground 24 Guide shaft 40 Motion System 42 Bogie 44 wheels 46 Bogie base body 48 Actuator 50 Gear Assembly 52 Motor 54 Guide 56 Support 58 Gap 60 Control System 62 Sensors 66 Memory 68 processors 70 Pivot Motion System 72 Pivot structure 74 Vehicle Route Axis 76 Actuator 78 Axis 82 First Vertical 84 Second Vertical 85 Motor 86 angle 87 Sensors 88 Restraints 90 Base 92 Joint 94 Actuator 96 Telescopic Segment 98 Sensors

Claims

1. 1. Apparatus for an amusement park, comprising: a bogie system configured to move along a vehicle path; a platform coupled to the bogie system and configured to rotate relative to the bogie system about a guide axis; a plurality of seats coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis; a sensor configured to detect a position of at least one of the plurality of seats relative to the platform; a controller configured to control a rotation of the platform based on the position of the at least one seat of the plurality of seats; An apparatus comprising:

2. the platform includes a slot, and the at least one seat of the plurality of seats is configured to move relative to the platform along the slot.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. the at least one seat of the plurality of seats is rotatably coupled to the platform; 2. The apparatus of claim 1.

4. the controller is configured to receive feedback from the sensors to determine the position of the platform; 2. The apparatus of claim 1.

5. the controller is configured to control the rotation of the platform about the guide axis based on the feedback from the sensor.

5. The apparatus of claim 4.

6. the at least one seat of the plurality of seats is coupled to the platform via a gimbal system.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

7. the gimbal system is configured to maintain a position of the at least one seat of the plurality of seats relative to the vehicle path.

7. The apparatus of claim 6.

8. an interactive component configured to be operated by a guest located at the at least one seat of the plurality of seats; a target disposed along the vehicle path and configured to interact with the interactive component; The controller comprises: receiving feedback from the interacting component, the target, or both upon actuation of the interacting component; configured to control the rotation of the platform about the guide axis based on the feedback.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

9. the platform includes a plurality of slots, and each seat of the plurality of seats is configured to move along a respective one of the plurality of slots.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

10. each seat of the plurality of seats is configured to move along the respective slot independently of other seats of the plurality of seats; 10. The apparatus of claim 9.

11. a bogie system configured to direct movement along a vehicle path; a platform coupled to the bogie system and configured to rotate relative to the bogie system about a guide axis; a plurality of seats coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis; a first actuator configured to rotate the platform about the guide axis; a second actuator configured to rotate the platform about an inclined axis oriented transversely to the guide axis; a sensor configured to determine a position of at least one seat of the plurality of seats relative to the platform; a controller configured to control the first actuator, the second actuator, or both based on the position of the at least one seat of the plurality of seats relative to the platform; A system comprising:

12. the first actuator includes a gear assembly driven by a motor; The system of claim 11.

13. the second actuator includes a pivot assembly having a pivot structure and a plurality of telescopic actuators coupled to the pivot structure; The system of claim 11.

14. the controller is configured to control the first actuator and the second actuator based on a position of the platform relative to the vehicle path. The system of claim 11.

15. the at least one seat of the plurality of seats is rotatably coupled to the platform; The system of claim 11.

16. the platform includes a third actuator configured to move the at least one seat of the plurality of seats away from the platform, toward the platform, or both. The system of claim 11.

17. the at least one seat of the plurality of seats includes a base having a telescoping segment coupled to the third actuator that enables the at least one seat of the plurality of seats to move away from the platform, toward the platform, or both; 17. The system of claim 16.

18. 1. A system for an amusement park, comprising: a trajectory defining a vehicle path; a bogie system coupled to the track and configured to direct movement along the vehicle path; a platform coupled to the bogie system and configured to rotate relative to the bogie system about a guide axis; a first seat coupled to a surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis; a second seat coupled to the surface of the platform and configured to rotate with the platform about the guide axis; a sensor configured to determine a first position of the first seat, a second position of the second seat, or both, relative to the platform; a controller configured to control a rotation of the platform based on the first position of the first seat, the second position of the second seat, or both; Equipped with A system characterized by:

19. the track includes a dead end, and the bogie system is configured to move in a first direction toward the dead end and in a second direction away from the dead end opposite the first direction.

20. The system of claim 18.

20. the platform is configured to rotate approximately 180 degrees relative to the bogie system upon reaching the dead end.

20. The system of claim 19.

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