Movable platform for pathways

Abstract

The amusement park attraction system includes a user path extending through at least a portion of the amusement park attraction system, a rail extending along the user path, and a platform slidably and rotatably coupled to the rail, the platform configured to translate along the rail to position the platform relative to the user path, and the platform configured to rotate relative to the user path to adjust between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 000,297, "MOVABLE PLATFORM FOR A PATH," filed March 2, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] The present application relates to a movable platform for a pathway. [Background technology]

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, as 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 this description is to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0004] Amusement parks include various features that provide unique experiences for park guests. For example, an amusement park may include various attraction systems such as roller coasters, motion simulators, drop towers, performance shows, log flumes, etc. Guests may travel through pathways to any of these attraction systems to experience the attraction system. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be noted 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 present disclosure. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0006] In one embodiment, the amusement park attraction system includes a user path extending through at least a portion of the amusement park attraction system, a railing extending along the user path, and a platform slidably and rotatably coupled to the railing, the platform configured to translate along the railing to position the platform relative to the user path, and the platform configured to rotate relative to the user path to adjust between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.

[0007] In one embodiment, a sub-path system for an amusement park attraction includes a support panel, a platform coupled to the support panel, and a mount configured to couple the support panel to a rail of the amusement park attraction, the mount configured to translate along the rail to move the support panel and the platform relative to the rail.

[0008] In one embodiment, an amusement park attraction system includes a user path extending through the amusement park attraction system, the user path including a rail, and the amusement park attraction system includes a secondary path and / or a bridge system. The secondary path and / or bridge system includes a support panel configured to be movably coupled to the rail and a platform movably coupled to the support panel. The platform is movable relative to the support panel to transition the secondary path and / or bridge system between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The amusement park attraction system also includes ride vehicles configured to extend at least partially across the user path, the secondary path and / or bridge system configured to be in the deployed configuration when the ride vehicles extend at least partially across the user path such that the platform extends at least partially above the ride vehicles.

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

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an attraction system having a user path and a secondary path system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a portion of an attraction system having an auxiliary path system in a deployed configuration, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a portion of an attraction system having a secondary path system in a deployed configuration, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a portion of an attraction system having a secondary path system in a stowed configuration, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a secondary path system having a ramp in a deployed configuration, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a secondary path system having a ramp in a partially stowed configuration, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a secondary path system having a ramp in a stowed configuration, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0012] When describing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, 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 incorporate the recited features.

[0013] The present disclosure relates to systems (e.g., auxiliary paths and / or bridge systems) that facilitate traversal of a path (e.g., a user path). In one embodiment, the present disclosure can be implemented in an attraction system for an entertainment facility, such as an amusement park. Illustratively, the attraction system can include ride vehicles that can move (e.g., along a track) to entertain passengers in the ride vehicles. The attraction system can include user paths that can be used by guests of the entertainment facility, passengers in the ride vehicles, attraction system operators, attraction system technicians, or any other suitable users to traverse the attraction system. For example, the user paths may lead to entrances and / or exits of the attraction system.

[0014] In some situations, a ride vehicle may be configured to be positioned adjacent to a user path during at least a portion of a ride cycle or operation. The ride vehicle may also include features that may extend across the user path, such as when the ride vehicle is adjacent to the user path. As such, ride vehicle features may impede traversal of the user path. For example, a user may be forced to step over and / or walk around a feature in order to move along the user path. In another example, certain items, such as strollers, wheelchairs, or carts, may be forced to be lifted and carried around a feature in order to move along the user path. Thus, the location of a feature that intersects the user path may reduce the traversability of the user path.

[0015] Thus, there is a need for a system that facilitates traversing features to improve traversability of a user path. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a secondary path and / or bridge system that may be movable relative to the user path. In one embodiment, the secondary path system may include a platform that can be lifted from the user path. The platform may be movable along the user path to move the platform to a desired position relative to the feature, such as a position where the platform extends substantially above the feature, thereby allowing a user to pass over and traverse the feature. In this manner, the platform may be adjusted based on the position of the feature relative to the user path. Additionally or alternatively, the secondary path system may be adjustable between an deployed configuration and a stowed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the platform may extend at least partially across the user path to facilitate traversing vehicle features. In the stowed configuration, the platform would not extend across the user path to reduce the space (e.g., physical area) occupied by the secondary path system. For example, the secondary path system may be in a stowed configuration so as not to obstruct traversal of the user path when vehicle features do not cross the user path. In other words, the secondary path system can be in a stowed configuration when the user does not need to traverse a vehicle feature. Additionally, the stowed configuration can allow the platform to be more easily moved relative to the user path. Thus, the secondary path system can be in a stowed configuration to facilitate moving the platform to a desired location before transitioning the secondary path system to the deployed configuration to allow the platform to facilitate traversal of a vehicle feature.

[0016] With the above in mind, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an attraction system 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the attraction system 50 includes a plurality of ride vehicles 52 coupled together (e.g., by links) and configured to travel along a ride path 54. The ride path 54 may be a track that guides the movement (e.g., direction, speed, and / or orientation) of the ride vehicles 52 through the attraction system 50. In additional or alternative embodiments, the ride path 54 may generally include a surface along which each ride vehicle 52 may travel (e.g., manually by a guest 58) rather than guiding the path of travel of the ride vehicles 52. In further embodiments, the attraction system 50 may not have a ride path 54, and the ride vehicles 52 (e.g., motion simulators) may not substantially move between locations within the attraction system 50. Additionally, each ride vehicle 52 may accommodate one or more guests 58 of the attraction system 50. As an example, each ride vehicle 52 may include a restraint 60, such as a lap bar, configured to securely secure a guest 58 within the ride vehicle 52 during operation of the attraction system 50 (e.g., as the ride vehicle 52 moves along the ride path 54).

[0017] The illustrated attraction system 50 also includes a user path 62, which may be a platform or other passageway that allows guests 58 to move through the attraction system 50 outside of the ride vehicle 52, for example, from an entrance to the attraction system 50 and / or to an exit of the attraction system 50. As one example, the user path 62 may be part of a boarding station (e.g., a start section of the ride path 54) where guests 58 can enter the ride vehicle 52, and / or the user path 62 may be part of a disembarking station (e.g., an end section of the ride path 54) where guests 58 can exit the ride vehicle 52. As another example, the user path 62 may be part of a different section of the attraction system 50 (e.g., a middle section of the ride path 54) where guests 58, operators, technicians, or other users of the attraction system 50 can move outside of the boarding or disembarking stations.

[0018] In one embodiment, at least one of the ride vehicles 52 may include one or more features 64 extending from the ride vehicle 52. For example, the features 64 may be structural features of the ride vehicle 52 (e.g., supports, mounts, extensions) implemented to provide greater entertainment for guests 58. During operation of the attraction system 50, the ride vehicles 52 may be positioned adjacent to the user path 62 such that the features 64 may extend across the user path 62. For example, the user path 62 may extend close to the ride path 54, and the features 64 may block a portion of the user path 62 as the ride vehicle 52 travels along the ride path 54. As a result, the features 64 may prevent users from easily passing through the user path 62.

[0019] As such, the user path 62 may include a secondary path and / or bridge system 66 that assists the user in traversing the feature 64 and passing through the user path 62. For example, the secondary path system 66 may include a platform 68 that assists the user in climbing over the feature 64. The platform 68 may be adjustably (e.g., slidably) positioned relative to the user path 62. In one embodiment, the platform 68 may be adjustably coupled to a railing 70 that extends along the user path 62. In additional or alternative embodiments, the platform 68 may be adjustably coupled to another portion of the user path 62 (e.g., the floor). In either case, the platform 68 may translate relative to the user path 62 along a lateral axis 71 to adjust the placement of the platform 68 relative to the user path 62. In this manner, the platform 68 may move (e.g., relative to the lateral axis 71) to be substantially aligned with the feature 64, thereby allowing the platform 68 to more easily traverse the user path 62 based on the position of the feature 64 relative to the user path 62.

[0020] Additionally, the auxiliary path system 66 may be adjustable between a stored configuration and a deployed configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary path system 66 is in a stored configuration in which the platform 68 cannot extend across the user path 62. As an example, the platform 68 may be folded adjacent the railing 70. The stored configuration of the auxiliary path system 66 may therefore allow for easier passage of the platform 68 relative to the user path 62 (e.g., translation along the lateral axis 71) and / or facilitate improved passage of the user path 62 when the features 64 do not extend across the user path 62. In the deployed configuration of the auxiliary path system 66, the platform 68 may extend across the user path 62 to allow a user to more easily traverse the features 64. Thus, the auxiliary path system 66 may be transitioned from the stored configuration to the deployed configuration when the features 64 extend across the user path 62 and the platform 68 is in a desired position relative to the features 64 along the lateral axis 71.

[0021] In one embodiment, the auxiliary path system 66 can be manually adjusted. For example, a user, such as an operator, technician, or guest, can manually move the platform 68 relative to the user path 62 and / or manually transition the platform 68 between the stowed and deployed configurations. In additional or alternative embodiments, the attraction system 50 can include a control system 72 (e.g., an electrical controller) configured to operate the auxiliary path system 66. The control system 72 can include memory 74 and processing circuitry 76, such as a microprocessor. The memory 74 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 some other non-transitory computer-readable medium that contains instructions to operate the attraction system 50, such as operating the auxiliary path system 66. The processing circuitry 76 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 some combination thereof, configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 74 to control the attraction system 50. Such instructions may enable the processing circuitry 76 to move the platform 68 relative to the user path 62. For example, the platform 68 may include an actuator 78, and the control system 72 may output control signals instructing the actuator 78 to move the platform 68 relative to the user path 62 to align with the feature 64 and / or to transition the auxiliary path system 66 between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.

[0022] In two embodiments, the control system 72 can be configured to receive user input for operating the attraction system 50. For example, the control system 72 can include a user interface with which a user, such as an operator and / or a guest of the attraction system 50, can interact to operate the attraction system 50. In additional or alternative embodiments, the control system 72 can operate the attraction system 50 automatically without receiving user input. To this end, the attraction system 50 can include sensors 79 configured to monitor operating parameters of the attraction system 50. Illustratively, the sensors 79 can be configured to monitor the position of the feature 64 relative to the user path 62, the position of the ride vehicle 52 along and / or relative to the ride path 54, the position of the platform 68 relative to the user path 62, the operating time of the attraction system 50 that can be indicative of the position of the feature 64 relative to the user path 62, another suitable operating parameter, or some combination thereof. The sensors 79 can transmit data indicative of the operating parameters to the attraction system 50, and the control system 72 can cause the actuators 78 to move the platform 68 (e.g., to align with the feature 64 and / or to enter the deployed configuration) based on the data to facilitate passage along the user path 62. Illustratively, in response to receiving sensor data indicating that the feature 64 of one of the ride vehicles 52 extends at least partially across the user path 62, the control system 72 can instruct the actuators 78 to move the platform 68 to transition the secondary path system 66 to the deployed configuration.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of one embodiment of the attraction system 50, in which the secondary path system 66 is in a deployed configuration such that the platform 68 extends at least partially across the user path 62. The secondary path system 66 may also include a support panel 102 configured to movably couple to a rail 70 of the user path 62, such that the support panel 102 moves along the rail 70, thereby moving the platform 68 relative to the rail 70 and relative to the user path 62. It should be noted that the support panel 102 may have any suitable structure for coupling to the rail 70 and the platform 68. While the illustrated embodiment includes three rails 70, additional or alternative embodiments may include any suitable number of rails 70, such as one rail, two rails, or four or more rails 70. At least one of the rails 70 may be coupled to the support panel 102 to support the secondary path system 66. The platform 68 may be movable relative to the support panel 102 to transition between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. To this end, the auxiliary path system 66 may include a hinge 104 that rotatably couples the platform 68 and the support panel 102 together. Thus, the platform 68 may rotate (e.g., fold and unfold) relative to the support panel 102. For example, in the illustrated deployed configuration, the platform 68 is oriented to be substantially perpendicular to the support panel 102. As a result, the platform 68 may extend above the user path 62 about the vertical axis 106 and may be generally parallel to the user path 62 to facilitate passage therethrough. In additional or alternative embodiments, the platform 68 may move relative to the support panel 102 in some other suitable manner. By way of example, the platform 68 may translate linearly relative to the support panel 102 and / or move in a telescoping manner. In either case, the platform 68 may be movable relative to the support panel 102 to transition the auxiliary path system 66 between the deployed and stowed configurations.

[0024] The secondary path system 66 may also include a step 108 coupled to the platform 68. The step 108 may enable a user to transition from the user path 62 to the platform 68. To this end, the step 108 may be positioned between the user path 62 and the platform 68 relative to the vertical axis 106 in the deployed configuration of the secondary path system 66. While the illustrated secondary path system 66 includes two steps 108 (e.g., one step 108 positioned on opposite sides of the platform 68), additional or alternative secondary path systems 66 may include any suitable number of steps 108, such as multiple steps 108 on opposite sides of the platform 68. The secondary path system 66 may have the same number of steps on opposite sides of the platform 68 or different numbers of steps on opposite sides of the platform 68 to enable a user to traverse the feature 64 of the ride vehicle 52 of FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, the step 108 may be movably coupled to the platform 68. For example, the step 108 may be configured to rotate and / or translate relative to the platform 68 to move between a stored configuration and an extended configuration. By way of example, the step 108 may be in an extended configuration while the secondary path system 66 is in the deployed configuration to facilitate passage of the user path 62, and the step 108 may be in a retracted configuration while the secondary path system 66 is in the stowed configuration to make the secondary path system 66 more compact and / or facilitate adjustment of the secondary path system 66 along the lateral axis 71.

[0025] Additionally, the illustrated auxiliary path system 66 includes a support barrier 110 positioned offset from the support panel 102 along a longitudinal axis 111. The support barrier 110 can facilitate passage through the auxiliary path system 66 by partially surrounding the platform 68 (e.g., with the support panel 102 and the railing 70) to maintain a user on the platform 68. For example, a user can grasp the support barrier 110 while passing through the platform 68 for support. In one embodiment, the support barrier 110 can be configured to removably couple to the platform 68. For example, the platform 68 can include a slot or opening (e.g., a through-hole, opening, groove) into which the extension 112 (e.g., a leg) of the support barrier 110 can be inserted when the auxiliary path system 66 is in the deployed configuration. The slot can prevent movement of the support barrier 110 relative to the platform 68, thereby allowing the support barrier 110 to provide support for passage through the platform 68. To transition the secondary path system 66 from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration, the support barrier 110 can be removed from the slot, thereby allowing the platform 68 to rotate toward the support panel 102. In additional or alternative embodiments, the user path 62 can include a similar slot or opening into which the extension 112 can be inserted to position the support barrier 110 adjacent to the platform 68 and provide support for passing through the platform 68. In further embodiments, the support barrier 110 can be part of the secondary path system 66. Illustratively, the support barrier 110 can be rotatably and / or translatably coupled to the platform 68. Thus, the support barrier 110 can be configured to rotate and / or translate relative to the platform 68 to move between the stowed and extended configurations based on the configuration of the secondary path system 66. In either case, the support barrier 110 can be implemented when the secondary path system 66 is in the deployed configuration, and the support barrier 110 can be retracted when the secondary path system 66 is in the stowed configuration.

[0026] 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a portion of the attraction system 50 with the auxiliary path system 66 in a deployed configuration. As shown in FIG. 3 , in the deployed configuration, the steps 108 and / or platform 68 may be positioned above the feature 64 of the ride 52 along a vertical axis 106 (e.g., the vertical axis 106 extending through the feature 64), allowing a user to more easily traverse the feature 64 using the auxiliary path system 66. Specifically, the feature 64 may be positioned with a gap between the user path 62 and the platform 68 along the vertical axis 106, allowing the feature 64 to be cleared by a user using the auxiliary path system 66 while traversing the user path 62. In the deployed configuration, the surface 128 of the platform 68 (e.g., the surface on which the user steps) may face generally vertically upward.

[0027] The illustrated support panel 102 may be coupled to the first rail 70a via a first mounting portion 130 of the support panel 102. The first mounting portion 130 may include a base 132 coupled (e.g., fixedly coupled) to the support panel 102. The first mounting portion 130 may also include wheels 134 rotatably coupled to the base 132. The wheels 134 may engage the first rail 70A and may rotate to drive the first mounting portion 130 and the support panel 102 to move relative to the first rail 70A along the lateral axis 71, thereby moving the auxiliary path system 66 relative to the user path 62. For example, each of the wheels 134 may include a groove formed such that the wheel 134 captures the geometry of the first rail 70A, thereby preventing unwanted movement (e.g., rotational movement about the lateral axis 71) of the support panel 102 relative to the first mounting portion 130 and first rail 70A. While the illustrated first mounting portion 130 includes two wheels 134, additional or alternative first mounting portions 130 may include any number of wheels 134, such as one wheel 134 or three or more wheels 134. Further, the first mounting portion 130 may include a roller 136 rotatably coupled to the base 132. The roller 136 may also rotate to engage the first rail 70A and allow adjustment of the auxiliary path system 66 relative to the first rail 70A along the horizontal axis 71. Further, the roller 136 may be configured to abut the first rail 70A, thereby providing additional support to prevent undesired movement of the first mounting portion 130 relative to the first rail 70A.

[0028] The illustrated support panel 102 can additionally or alternatively be coupled to the second rail 70B via a second mounting portion 138. The second mounting portion 138 can include a base 140 and rollers 142 rotatably coupled to the base 140. The rollers 142 can engage the second rail 70B and can rotate to allow the support panel 102 to move relative to the second rail 70B. The illustrated rollers 142 are not shaped to capture the geometry of the second rail 70B (e.g., do not have grooves), but additional or alternative rollers 142 can be implemented to capture the second rail 70B. In further embodiments, the second mounting portion 138 can include a different number of rollers 142, such as two or more rollers 142 configured to engage the second rail 70B. In either case, the joint between the second rail 70B and the second mounting portion 138 prevents undesired relative movement between the second rail 70B and the support panel 102, which can also prevent undesired relative movement between the first rail 70A and the support panel 102.

[0029] It should also be noted that the first mounting portion 130 and / or the second mounting portion 138 may include a lock 144 that can be actuated to maintain the position of the support panel 102 relative to the rail 70 along the horizontal axis 71. The lock 144 may include a latch, a clamp, a push pin, a clip, a stopper, another type of lock (e.g., a mechanical lock, an electronically controlled magnetic lock), or some combination thereof. For example, the lock 144 may prevent the wheels 134, the rollers 136, and / or the rollers 142 from rotating, thereby preventing movement of the support panel 102 along the rail 70. In one embodiment, the lock 144 may be manually adjustable by a user to allow or prevent movement of the support panel 102 relative to the rail 70. In additional or alternative embodiments, the lock 144 may be automatically adjustable. For example, control system 72 in FIG. 1 may be communicatively connected to an actuator of lock 144 and may output a control signal that causes the actuator to adjust lock 144 based, for example, on data transmitted by a sensor (e.g., sensor 79 in FIG. 1) that indicates that platform 68 is in a desired position relative to user path 62, feature 64, barrier 70, or some combination thereof.

[0030] Although the illustrated secondary path system 66 includes mounting portions 130, 138 having wheels 134, rollers 136, and rollers 142, respectively, additional or alternative secondary path systems 66 may have mounting portions 130, 138 that may otherwise enable movement along the rail 70. For example, the mounting portions 130, 138 may include guides (e.g., sleeves, tubes) that capture the rail 70, the rail 70 may have slots through which the mounting portions 130, 138 may extend and move therealong, and / or the joint between the mounting portions 130, 138 may include some other suitable structure that enables movement of the support panel 102 relative to the rail 70 along the transverse axis 71.

[0031] 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of the attraction system 50 with the secondary path system 66 in a stowed configuration. Illustratively, the secondary path system 66 can be transitioned to the stowed configuration when a feature of the ride vehicle does not intersect the user path 62 and / or when the user does not wish to travel over the feature. To transition the secondary path system 66 to the stowed configuration, the platform 68 can be rotated (e.g., folded) toward the support panel 102 so that the platform 68 extends along and / or against the support panel 102, thereby generally aligning with the support panel 102 (e.g., the surface 128, FIG. 3 , on which the user walks is substantially parallel to the vertical axis 106 and / or faces toward or abuts the support panel 102 and / or the rail 70). As a result, the platform 68 does not extend across or obstruct the user path 62. Additionally, steps 108 may be moved relative to platform 68 along lateral axis 71 to substantially overlap platform 68, rather than extending away from platform 68. In this manner, secondary path system 66 occupies a smaller physical footprint in the stowed configuration than in the deployed configuration. Accordingly, secondary path system 66 may be more easily moved relative to barrier 70 and / or may facilitate easier passage along user path 62 when ride vehicle features do not intersect user path 62.

[0032] The auxiliary path system 66 may also include a lock 170 that can be used to maintain the auxiliary path system 66 in the stowed and / or deployed configurations. In one example, the lock 170 may prevent movement of the platform 68 relative to the support panel 102, and / or the lock 170 may prevent movement of the step 108 relative to the platform 68. The lock 170 may be manually and / or automatically adjustable. In either case, the lock 170 may be released to allow the auxiliary path system 66 to transition between the stowed and deployed configurations, and / or engaged to maintain the auxiliary path system 66 in the stowed and / or deployed configurations.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a secondary path system 66 having a ramp 200 in an unfolded configuration. The illustrated secondary path system 66 includes a ramp 200 extending from a platform 68 instead of steps to facilitate passage. The ramp 200 may generally slope from the platform 68 toward the user path. As such, the ramp 200 may allow certain items, such as strollers or carts, to travel over features of the ride vehicle without being lifted to overcome the feature. In the illustrated embodiment, the ramp 200 extends out from the opposite side of the platform 68. For example, a first ramp 200A may extend out from a first side 202 of the platform 68, and a second ramp 200B may extend out from the first ramp 200A. In the unfolded configuration, the second ramp 200B may abut the user path such that the ramp 200 extends from the user path to the platform 68. Further, in the deployed configuration of the secondary path system 66, the third ramp 200C can extend out from a second side 204 opposite the first side 202 of the platform 68, and the fourth ramp 200D can extend out from the third ramp 200C to abut the user path. In one embodiment, the ramps 200 can extend out from the platform 68 symmetrically. To this end, the first ramp 200A can have a similar geometry (e.g., similar length, similar width) with respect to the third ramp 200C, and / or the second ramp 200B can have a similar geometry with respect to the fourth ramp 200D. In additional or alternative embodiments, the ramps 200 can extend out from the platform 68 asymmetrically. For example, each of the ramps 200 may have a different geometry and / or there may be a different number of ramps 200 extending out from opposite sides 202, 204 of the platform 68. Further, although the illustrated secondary path system 66 includes four ramps 200, additional or alternative secondary path systems 66 may include any suitable number of ramps 200.Illustratively, the number of ramps 200 may be based on the height of the platform 68 relative to the user path to provide an appropriate slope extending from the user path to the platform 68 to facilitate passage of the auxiliary path system 66.

[0034] The illustrated platform 68 further includes a support 206 that can extend away from the platform 68 to abut the user path in the deployed configuration of the secondary path system 66. The support 206 can help lift the platform 68 above the user path along the vertical axis 106, thereby reducing forces acting on the joints between the support panel 102 and the rail (e.g., the first mounting portion 130 and / or the second mounting portion 138 in FIG. 3 , which are coupled to the support panel 102). The ramp 200 can include a support 208 that abuts the user path in the deployed configuration of the secondary path system 66. The support 208 can facilitate lifting the ramp 200 off the user path, thereby preventing undesired movement (e.g., deflection) of the ramp 200. In the illustrated secondary path system 66, the first ramp 200A and the third ramp 200C each include a respective support 208, although additional or alternative secondary path systems 66 can include any suitable number of supports 208. For example, the second ramp 200B and / or the fourth ramp 200D can each include a separate support 208, an individual ramp 200 can include multiple supports 208, or a ramp 200 can include any suitable number of supports 208 for lifting and supporting the ramp 200.

[0035] In one embodiment, the ramps 200 may be movable relative to one another to transition the secondary path system 66 between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration. By way of example, the second ramp 200B may be hinged to the first ramp 200A, and / or the fourth ramp 200D may be hinged to the third ramp 200C. Thus, for example, to transition the secondary path system 66 between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration, the second ramp 200B may rotate relative to the first ramp 200A, and / or the fourth ramp 200D may rotate relative to the third ramp 200C. For example, to transition the secondary path system 66 from the deployed configuration toward the stowed configuration, the second ramp 200B can rotate about the longitudinal axis 111 in a first direction 212 relative to the first ramp 200A, and / or the fourth ramp 200D can rotate about the longitudinal axis 111 in a second direction 214 relative to the third ramp 200C. In one embodiment, the supports 206, 208 can also be adjustable (e.g., telescoping, rotatable) to transition the secondary path system 66 from the deployed configuration toward the stowed configuration. In either case, transitioning the secondary path system 66 toward the stowed configuration can reduce the physical footprint occupied by the secondary path system 66.

[0036] 6 is a front view of an embodiment of the secondary path system 66 having the ramp 200 in a partially stowed configuration. Specifically, the illustrated partial stowed configuration includes the second ramp 200B rotated to abut against the first ramp 200A and the fourth ramp 200D rotated to abut against the third ramp 200C. In this manner, the ramp 200 may not abut against the user path. Furthermore, the supports 208 are rotated to abut against and / or extend along the first ramp 200A and the third ramp 200C, respectively, rather than extending to abut against the user path, and the supports 206 are rotated to abut against and / or extend along the platform 68, rather than extending away from the platform 68 to abut against the user path. In this manner, the secondary path system 66 may occupy a substantially reduced physical footprint in the partially stowed configuration relative to the physical footprint it occupies in the deployed configuration.

[0037] In one embodiment, platform 68 can be configured to rotate about horizontal axis 71. For example, platform 68 can be rotated in direction 242 to abut support panel 102 so that platform 68 does not extend across the user path. Such adjustment further reduces the physical footprint occupied by secondary path system 66, thereby allowing secondary path system 66 to transition from a partial storage configuration to a fully storage configuration.

[0038] 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the secondary path system 66 having the ramps 200 in a stowed configuration in which the ramps 200 rotate to abut one another and the platform 68 rotates to abut the support panel. In this manner, the secondary path system 66 can extend generally along the horizontal axis 71 rather than along the vertical axis 111 such that the secondary path system 66 does not extend substantially across the user path. In this manner, the secondary path system 66 can facilitate traversal of the user path when features of the ride vehicle do not intersect the user path.

[0039] In additional or alternative embodiments, first ramp 200A and / or third ramp 200C may be rotatably coupled to platform 68. For example, first ramp 200A may rotate in direction 260 about vertical axis 106, and / or third ramp 200C may rotate in direction 262 about vertical axis 106. Such rotation may further reduce the physical footprint occupied by secondary path system 66. Illustratively, first ramp 200A may rotate to overlap platform 68 and / or third ramp 200C, and / or third ramp 200C may rotate to overlap platform 68 and / or first ramp 200A. Thus, in the storage configuration, the platform 68, support panel, and / or ramp 200 may be stacked on top of one another along a direction transverse to the plane formed by the longitudinal axis 106 and the horizontal axis 71. The ramp 200 may have any suitable size (e.g., smaller than the platform 68) to facilitate rotation and folding into the storage configuration.

[0040] 5-7, the ramps 200 are shown as rotating relative to one another; however, additionally or alternatively, the ramps 200 may move in any other suitable manner to transition between the stowed and deployed configurations. Illustratively, the ramps 200 may translate linearly relative to one another and / or relative to the platform 68, and the ramps 200 may move in a telescoping manner relative to one another and / or relative to the platform 68. In practice, the ramps 200 may move in any suitable manner to change the physical footprint occupied by the secondary path system 66 and / or to adjust the extension of the secondary path system 66 across the user path.

[0041] While only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize numerous modifications and variations. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the features of FIGS. 1-7 may be combined. For example, the auxiliary path system 66 of FIGS. 5-7 may include components described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 for translation along the horizontal axis 71 and / or for locking the auxiliary path system 66. Additionally, the features described herein may be used in any suitable situation or environment.

[0042] The technology shown and claimed herein refers to and applies to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that will materially improve the art, and thus are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. 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]," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). Conversely, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 50 Attraction System 52 Vehicles 54 Vehicle Routes 58 Visitors 60 Restraints 62 User Routes 64 Features 66 Auxiliary Pathway System 68 Platform 70 Fence 72 Control System 74 memory 76 Processing Circuit 78 Actuator

Claims

1. An amusement park attraction system, comprising: a user path extending through at least a portion of the amusement park attraction system; a barrier extending along the user path; a platform slidably and rotatably coupled to the rail; a ride vehicle configured to extend at least partially across the user path; Equipped with the platform is configured to translate along the rail to position the platform relative to the user path, the platform is configured to rotate relative to the user path to adjust between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, and the platform is configured to be in the deployed configuration when the ride vehicle extends at least partially across the user path. Amusement park attraction system.

2. 10. The amusement park attraction system of claim 1, wherein the platform is slidably and rotatably coupled to the fence via a support panel.

3. 3. The amusement park attraction system of claim 2, wherein the support panel includes a mounting portion, the mounting portion slidably engaged with the rail and configured for translational movement relative to the rail for translating the support panel and the platform along the rail.

4. The amusement park attraction system of claim 1 , further comprising a step of coupling to the platform.

5. 5. The amusement park attraction system of claim 4, wherein the steps are configured to translate, rotate, or both relative to the platform.

6. The amusement park attraction system of claim 1 , further comprising a ramp coupled to the platform.

7. 7. The amusement park attraction system of claim 6, wherein the ramp is configured to translate, rotate, or both relative to the platform.

8. 2. The amusement park attraction system of claim 1, wherein the ride vehicle comprises a feature configured to extend over the user path while positioned adjacent to the user path, the platform configured to translate along the rail to align the platform with the feature, and the platform configured to rotate relative to the user path into an deployed configuration to position the platform on the feature along a vertical axis passing through the feature, thereby facilitating traversal over the feature while it extends over the user path.

9. 2. The amusement park attraction system of claim 1, wherein the platform surface is configured to face toward the fence in the stowed configuration and to face vertically upward in the deployed configuration.

10. 1. A sub-path system for an amusement park attraction, comprising: A support panel; a platform coupled to the support panel; a mounting portion configured to couple the support panel to a rail of the amusement park attraction; a user path extending through at least a portion of the amusement park attraction; a ride vehicle configured to extend at least partially across the user path; Equipped with the platform is rotatably coupled to the support panel, the platform configured to rotate relative to the user path to adjust between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration; the mount is configured to translate along the rail to move the support panel and the platform relative to the rail; the auxiliary path system is configured to provide clearance between the platform and the user path and to provide an auxiliary path over a feature of the ride vehicle in the deployed configuration when the feature blocks the user path. Accessory pathway system.

11. 11. The auxiliary path system of claim 10, further comprising a lock, wherein the mounting portion comprises a base fixedly coupled to the support panel and a wheel rotatably coupled to the base, the wheel configured to engage the rail, rotation of the wheel drives the base and the support panel to move along the rail, and the lock configured to prevent rotation of the wheel to maintain a position of the base and the support panel relative to the rail.

12. The auxiliary pathway system of claim 10 , comprising a ramp, steps, or both movably coupled to the platform.

13. An auxiliary path system as described in claim 10, wherein in the stored configuration the surface of the platform faces toward the support panel and in the deployed configuration the surface of the platform faces vertically upward to facilitate traversing the surface of the platform.

14. An amusement park attraction system, comprising: a user path extending through the amusement park attraction system; a barrier extending along the user path; an auxiliary path and / or bridging system; a ride vehicle configured to extend at least partially across the user path; Equipped with The auxiliary path and / or the bridging system are a support panel configured to be movably coupled to the barrier; a platform movably coupled to the rail via the support panel, the platform rotating relative to the support panel to transition the sub-path and / or the bridge system between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration; Equipped with the auxiliary path and / or the bridge system are configured to be in the deployed configuration when the ride vehicle extends at least partially across the user path such that the platform extends at least partially above the ride vehicle.

15. 15. The amusement park attraction system of claim 14, wherein the platform is configured to abut the support panel in a stowed configuration of the auxiliary path and / or the bridge system and to extend across the user path in a deployed configuration of the auxiliary path and / or the bridge system.

16. 15. The amusement park attraction system of claim 14, comprising a ramp, steps, or both coupled to the platform, the ramp, steps, or both configured to extend away from the platform in a deployed configuration of the auxiliary path and / or the bridge system, and the ramp, steps, or both configured to overlap the platform in the stowed configuration of the auxiliary path and / or the bridge system.

17. 15. The amusement park attraction system of claim 14, comprising: an actuator; and a control system communicatively connected to the actuator, the actuator configured to move the platform relative to the support panels, and the control system configured to output a control signal to the actuator to cause the actuator to move the platform relative to the support panels to transition the auxiliary path and / or the bridge system between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration.

18. The control system includes: determining a position of a ride vehicle relative to the user route; and outputting a control signal to transition the auxiliary path and / or the bridge system to the deployed configuration in response to determining that the ride vehicle is at least partially extending into the user path.

18. The amusement park attraction system of claim 17, wherein the amusement park attraction system is configured as follows:

19. a control system, the control system comprising: determining a position of the feature relative to the user path; translating the mount along the rail to move the support panel and the platform relative to the rail, and outputting control signals to the mount to position the platform closer to the feature based on the location of the feature relative to the user path; outputting an additional control signal to an actuator to adjust the platform relative to the support panel to provide the gap between the platform and the user path to provide the auxiliary path over the feature blocking the user path. The auxiliary path system of claim 10 , configured as follows:

20. 11. The auxiliary path system of claim 10, comprising one or more actuators that move the platform to extend over the feature to position the feature in the gap between the platform and the user path and provide an auxiliary path for a user to move over the feature that blocks the user path.

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