Gap sealing system and method for amusement park attractions

Abstract

To provide systems for blocking access to gaps in certain amusement park ride systems.SOLUTION: A ride vehicle 14 is coupled to a transport part extending through a gap 30. A guardrail assembly having a plurality of guardrail units is coupled to a first portion, where the guardrail units are configured to transition between a first position and a second position. The guardrail units are configured to block access to the gap 30 when in the first position. The ride vehicle 14 includes an engagement feature part configured to interface with an individual guardrail unit of the guardrail units to selectively transition the individual guardrail unit from the first position to the second position. The individual guardrail unit is configured to permit the ride vehicle 14 to occupy a guest-accessible position adjacent to or on a loading platform 17 in the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 827,144, entitled "Fall Hazard Protection System for Amusement Park Attractions," filed March 31, 2019; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 849,542, entitled "Fall Hazard Protection System for Amusement Park Attractions," filed May 17, 2019; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 858,663, entitled "Fall Hazard Protection System for Amusement Park Attractions," filed June 7, 2019, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] (Technical field) FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to amusement park ride systems for amusement parks. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for blocking access to gaps in certain amusement park ride systems. [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] In recent years, there has been increasing interest in improving the efficiency with which passengers (e.g., guests) board ride vehicles of amusement park attractions. Accordingly, some attractions may include ride systems having ride platforms that allow passengers to disembark from and / or board the ride vehicles while the ride vehicles move along a ride path. Certain locations along the ride platforms are typically permanently sealed with barriers (e.g., handrails) to prevent guests from exiting the ride platform and, for example, to prevent guests from moving onto the attraction's tracks or other prohibited locations. Other locations along the ride platforms may include open gaps that are not permanently sealable with barriers. For example, such open gaps typically allow the ride vehicles and / or components that move the ride vehicles to proceed along the ride path without interfering with the ride platforms. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, passengers boarding and disembarking ride vehicles and / or other guests walking across the ride platform may lose items in such uncovered gaps along the ride platform. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The following summarizes certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the present disclosure. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure; rather, these embodiments are intended merely to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0007] In one embodiment, a gap closure system includes a ride platform having a gap separating a first portion of the ride platform from a second portion of the ride platform. A ride vehicle is coupled to a transport extending through the gap, the transport configured to propel the ride vehicle along a ride path adjacent to the ride platform. The gap closure system also includes a guardrail assembly coupled to the first portion of the ride platform and including a plurality of guardrail units configured to transition between a first position and a second position, the plurality of guardrail units configured to block access to the gap when in the first position. The ride vehicle includes an engagement feature configured to interlock with an individual guardrail unit of the plurality of guardrail units to selectively transition the individual guardrail unit from the first position to the second position. The individual guardrail unit is configured to allow the ride vehicle to occupy a guest-accessible position adjacent to or on the ride platform in the second position.

[0008] In one embodiment, a gap closure system includes a ride platform having a gap separating a first portion of the ride platform from a second portion of the ride platform. A ride vehicle is coupled to a transport extending through the gap, the transport configured to propel the ride vehicle along a ride path of the ride platform. The gap closure system includes a panel assembly coupled to the ride platform. The panel assembly includes a plurality of panels, each panel of the plurality of panels coupled to a respective actuator configured to selectively transition the panel between a first position and a second position. Each panel of the plurality of panels is configured to block access to a portion of the gap in the first position and to expose a portion of the gap in the second position to allow a ride vehicle to occupy a guest-accessible position on or adjacent to the ride platform. In the guest-accessible position, the ride vehicle extends across a radial dimension of the gap to block access to the portion of the gap.

[0009] In one embodiment, a method of operating a gap closure system for an amusement park attraction includes transitioning a plurality of panels of a ride platform to an extended position with a plurality of actuators to cover a gap in the ride platform and prevent access to the gap. The method also includes detecting that a ride vehicle approaching the ride platform from the ride track is within a threshold distance of the gap. The method further includes transitioning a corresponding panel of the plurality of panels to a retracted position with at least one of the actuators to expose a portion of the gap to allow the ride vehicle to enter the gap and occupy a guest-accessible location along the ride platform, wherein a chassis of the ride vehicle overlaps a radial dimension of the gap at the guest-accessible location to prevent access to the portion of the gap.

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure can be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a portion of a ride system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ride system according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of a turntable for a ride system having a guardrail assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a portion of a turntable for a ride system having a guardrail assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a turntable for a ride system having a guardrail assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]1 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a portion of a ride system for a ride system having a guardrail assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a portion of a ride system for a ride system having a guardrail assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a portion of a ride system for a ride system having a guardrail assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a portion of a ride system for a ride system having an actuated panel assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a panel array of an actuated panel assembly for a ride system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a portion of a ride system for a ride system having an actuated panel assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be 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 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 be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0013] 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. In addition, it should be understood that 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.

[0014] Certain amusement park attractions may include a ride system that allows passengers to board and / or disembark the attraction's ride vehicles while the ride vehicles travel along the ride system. When the ride vehicles enter the ride area of ​​the attraction, they slow down but can continue to move at a relatively slow speed along a track or path while passengers disembark and as new passengers board. The system may include a ride platform configured as a turntable or, as described below, as a linear platform, where the ride platform is stationary or configured to rotate about an axis along which the vehicles travel (e.g., a central vertical axis). A stationary outer platform may be positioned around some or substantially all of the turntable to form a gap between the turntable and the outer platform. The gap may define a ride path along which the ride vehicles may travel as passengers board and / or disembark from the ride vehicles. In some embodiments, the ride vehicles may travel along the ride path at a speed substantially equal to the rotational speed of the turntable. That is, the rotational speed of the ride vehicle about the axis can substantially match the rotational speed of the turntable such that relative movement between the ride vehicle and the turntable is substantially imperceptible. Accordingly, the edge of the turntable can be substantially stationary relative to the edge of a particular ride vehicle to allow passengers to board or disembark from a ride vehicle without having to walk along the ride vehicle to adjust to the vehicle's speed during such boarding / disembarking activity. In this manner, the ride system can facilitate passengers' boarding and disembarking from non-stationary ride vehicles. However, in gaps adjacent to or otherwise surrounding the ride vehicle, passengers may lose items (e.g., keys, coins, cell phones) in the gap.

[0015] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a gap closure system configured to block access to a gap while still allowing a ride vehicle to move along or through the gap during operation of the ride system. For example, in some embodiments, the gap closure system includes an actuatable guardrail assembly (e.g., a guardrail assembly) disposed around the perimeter of a ride platform. The guardrail assembly includes a plurality of guardrail units, each of which is configured to selectively transition between an extended position in which the guardrail unit blocks guest access to the gap and a retracted or retracted position in which the guardrail unit allows the ride vehicle to occupy a guest-accessible position along the turntable. In the guest-accessible positions of the ride vehicles, the respective chassis of the ride vehicles are configured to block guest access to the gap. Thus, the guardrail units can be configured to block guest access to any portion of the gap that is not occupied by the ride vehicle and to which guest access is not blocked by a component of the ride vehicle (e.g., the respective chassis of the ride vehicle). As described herein, in some embodiments, the guardrail units can be configured to transition between their respective extended and retracted positions in response to engagement (e.g., physical contact) with features of the vehicle. That is, in embodiments, the vehicle directly contacts an individual guardrail unit to move it from the extended position to the retracted position. Indeed, in some embodiments, the guardrail assembly can be a passive actuation system that can be operated without requiring the use of dedicated actuators to adjust the guardrail units.

[0016] Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to a gap closure system that includes an actuatable panel assembly. The panel assembly is configured to selectively seal a gap between a platform (e.g., a ride turntable) and an outer platform to substantially eliminate or close a gap that may exist, while still allowing a ride vehicle to proceed along the gap during operation of the ride system. For example, the panel assembly includes a plurality of panels that can be coupled to a turntable and configured to rotate about an axis therewith. The panels can be associated with respective actuators configured to selectively transition the panels from an extended position to a retracted position to unblock (e.g., uncover) a portion of the gap along which a ride vehicle is positioned and to block (e.g., cover) other portions of the gap not occupied by the ride vehicle. Thus, the panel system can allow a ride vehicle to proceed along the ride system to accept and / or disembark passengers at any appropriate location along the turntable, while guest access to the gap is substantially blocked by the actuatable panel. These and other features are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] While this disclosure describes embodiments of gap closure systems (e.g., actuatable guardrail assemblies, actuatable panel assemblies) configured for use in an amusement park environment, it is important to note that it should be appreciated that the disclosed embodiments of the gap closure systems can be implemented to selectively block access to various gaps that may exist in various industrial environments. For example, embodiments of the gap closure systems described herein can be used to block access to gaps that may exist in various conveyor systems or other devices utilized to move components along a path (e.g., track).

[0018] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park ride system 10 (e.g., an attraction). Ride system 10 includes a ride system 12 that facilitates the boarding and / or disembarking of passengers (e.g., amusement park guests) onto ride vehicles 14 of ride system 10. For example, passengers may board ride vehicle 14 via ride system 12, travel along an attraction path 16 of ride system 10, and return to ride system 12 to disembark from ride vehicle 14. While traveling along attraction path 16, passengers may be subjected to a variety of experiences, such as virtual reality, alternate reality, environmental interaction, multiple ride paths, water features, special effects, etc. It should be noted that portions of ride system 10, such as attraction path 16, have been intentionally simplified to focus on aspects of ride system 12.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, ride system 12 includes ride platform 17 having a turntable 18 (e.g., a first portion of ride platform 17) configured to rotate (e.g., at a substantially constant rotational speed) about axis 20. However, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can also be used with stationary ride platforms that do not rotate. In the illustrated embodiment, turntable 18 is substantially circular and rotates in a clockwise direction 22 about axis 20. However, in other embodiments, turntable 18 can have any suitable shape that can correspond to the theme of ride system 10 and can rotate in a counterclockwise direction about axis 20. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, turntable 18 can be replaced with a belt or other track system (e.g., a linear platform and associated track system) configured to travel along a linear path or along another predetermined path (e.g., an asymmetrical path). In some embodiments, turntable 18 can include a stationary portion 26 disposed therein, the stationary portion 26 being configured not to rotate about axis 20. That is, the turntable 18 may include a generally annular shape, and the turntable 18 may be disposed about the stationary portion 26 such that the turntable 18 may rotate about the axis 20 relative to the stationary portion 26 .

[0020] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the turntable 18 is at least partially surrounded by an outer platform 28 (e.g., a second portion of the ride platform 17), and in some embodiments, the outer platform 28 is configured to remain stationary relative to the axis 20. The outer platform 28 may be spaced apart from the turntable 18 such that a gap 30 is formed between an inner edge 32 of the outer platform 28 and an outer edge 34 of the turntable 18. The attraction path 16 may be coupled to a ride path 36 that extends along the gap 30 around the axis 20. In particular, the ride path 36 may extend along the gap 30 between a terminal end 38 and a starting end 40 of the remaining attraction path 16. Thus, the ride path 36 may form a portion of the entire attraction path 16. As described in more detail below, passengers may board and / or disembark from the ride vehicle 14 along the ride path 36. The portion of the turntable 18 that is positioned adjacent to the ride path 36 at a particular time will be referred to herein as the ride zone 42 of the ride system 12 (e.g., the ride zone 42 may refer to the area of ​​the turntable 18 outlined by the illustrated phantom lines).

[0021] The ride vehicles 14 may travel along the attraction path 16 in a direction of travel 44. The ride vehicles 14 may enter the ride path 36 via an entranceway 50 (e.g., a path or walkway) that may be formed in the outer platform 28. In some embodiments, the ride path 36 extends about the axis 20 of the turntable 18 (e.g., the ride path 36 has a radius extending from the axis 20). Thus, the ride vehicles 14 may travel in conjunction with (i.e., together with or at the same speed as) the turntable 18 along the length of the ride path 36. For example, while traveling along the ride path 36, the ride vehicles 14 may travel at a speed about the axis 20 that is substantially the same as the rotational speed of the turntable 18 about the axis 20. In this manner, the position and orientation of each of the ride vehicles 14 along the ride zone 42 of the turntable 18 may remain substantially constant. In other words, each ride vehicle 14 may maintain a temporarily constant position relative to the periphery of the turntable 18 while traveling along the ride path 36 and while the turntable 18 rotates about the axis 20. In this manner, the ride system 12 may substantially maintain the orientation of the turntable 18 relative to the ride vehicles 14, and the ride vehicles 14 may include seats that face the outer edge 34 while the ride vehicles 14 travel along the ride path 36. Thus, passengers may board or disembark from ride vehicles 14 onto or from ride vehicles 14 onto the ride zone 42 without having to walk along a particular ride vehicle 14 to adjust to the speed of the ride vehicle 14 during this boarding / disembarking activity. It should be understood that in certain embodiments, the speed of each of the ride vehicles 14 along the ride path 36 may be less than the average speed of the ride vehicles 14 along the remainder of the attraction path 16. Once the boarding / disembarking activity is complete, the ride vehicle 14 may exit the ride path 36 via an exit road 62 adjacent the starting end 40 of the attraction path 16 .

[0022] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, an entrance ramp 64 may extend between an entrance 66 of the ride system 10 and the stationary portion 26 of the ride system 12. In some embodiments, the entrance ramp 64 may be any suitable inclined path, and the entrance ramp 64 may include stairs, a substantially flat inclined surface, an escalator, or some combination thereof. Thus, a guest may enter (e.g., ascend) the stationary portion 26 from the entrance 66 while a particular ride vehicle 14 or other moving component of the ride system 12 travels around the axis 20 (e.g., down the entrance ramp 64). Generally, a guest may ascend from the stationary portion 26 into the ride zone 42 of the turntable 18 and then board a particular one of the ride vehicles 14 traveling along the ride zone 42. It should be understood that to exit the ride system 10, a guest may exit the ride vehicle 14 onto the ride zone 42, walk toward the stationary portion 26, and then exit the ride system 12 via the entrance ramp 64.

[0023] The ride vehicles 14 travel along a ride path in a tracked or trackless system. In one embodiment, each of the ride vehicles 14 traveling along the ride path 36 may be associated with a respective transport unit 70, as shown in FIG. 2 , which is configured to move the ride vehicle 14 along the ride path 36 about the axis 20. In certain embodiments, the transport unit 70 may be located partially below the turntable 18 and / or outer platform 28 and may be coupled to a particular ride vehicle 14 via a support structure extending through the gap 30. In effect, the gap 30 may allow the transport unit 70 to couple to the corresponding ride vehicle 14 and move the ride vehicle 14 along the ride path 36. Unfortunately, the gap 30 may cause guests boarding and / or disembarking the ride vehicle 14 or otherwise walking in close proximity to the ride path 36 to inadvertently lose certain items (e.g., keys, coins, cell phones) in the gap 30. Accordingly, the embodiments of ride system 10 described herein include a gap sealing system 72 configured to substantially prevent guest access to gap 30. More specifically, gap sealing system 72 is configured to selectively prevent guest access to portions of gap 30 that are not occupied by components of or otherwise covered by ride vehicle 14 (e.g., not covered by the respective chassis of ride vehicle 14). Thus, gap sealing system 72 can allow ride vehicle 14 to continue traveling along ride path 36 while substantially eliminating the possibility that a guest will lose an item in gap 30.

[0024] To better illustrate the transport portion 70 and to facilitate the following description of the gap closure system 72 as used in conjunction with the transport portion 70, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ride system 12. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the transport portion 70 is positioned in a space 74 below the turntable 18 and / or outer platform 28 and engages a guide track 76. The guide track 76 may extend around a frame 78 that supports the turntable 18 and may enable the transport portion 70 to move along the guide track 76 about the axis 20. In some embodiments, the guide track 76 and the ride path 36 may comprise the same path or track structure. A robotic manipulator 80 may couple the transport portion 70 to one of the ride vehicles 14 (hereinafter referred to as ride vehicle 82) to enable the transport portion 70 to move the ride vehicle 82 along the ride path 36. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the robotic manipulator 80 may include a support structure 84 (e.g., a shaft) that extends through the gap 30 and engages the ride vehicle 82. Thus, the support structure 84 can help couple the ride vehicle 82 to the transport portion 70 positioned below the turntable 18 and / or outer platform 28. For clarity, it should be understood that as used herein, "ride vehicle" can refer to any one or combination of the ride vehicle 82 (e.g., any one of the ride vehicles 14), the robotic manipulator 80, and / or the components of the transport portion 70.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the turntable 18, illustrating an embodiment of the gap closure system 72. For example, in some embodiments, the gap closure system 72 includes a guardrail assembly 100 having a plurality of individual guardrail units 102. The guardrail units 102 are positioned around the periphery of the turntable 18 and are coupled to the turntable 18. To this end, each of the guardrail units 102 can rotate with the turntable 18 about an axis 20 (e.g., in a clockwise direction 22). As described below, the guardrail units 102 are configured to block (e.g., obstruct) guest access to the gap 30 while simultaneously allowing the ride vehicle 14 to travel along the ride path 36 during operation of the ride system 12. Each of the guardrail units 102 can be constructed of one or more rails 104 (e.g., tubing) made from aluminum, stainless steel, a polymeric material, or other suitable material.

[0026] In one embodiment, each of the guardrail units 102 can be configured to selectively transition between a respective extended position 106 (e.g., a first position) and a respective retracted position 108 (e.g., a second position), as shown in FIG. 5 . In the extended position 106, the guardrail units 102 can be positioned proximate the outer edge 34 of the turntable 18 and can be configured to extend generally perpendicular (e.g., along the axis 20) or orthogonal thereto away from an associated plane of the surface 110 of the turntable 18. Thus, in the extended position 106, the guardrail units 102 can block (e.g., obstruct) a guest's access to the gap 30, trapping the guest within the ride zone 42. That is, the guardrail units 102 can block a guest from gaining access to the gap 30, thereby reducing or substantially eliminating the possibility that a guest will lose an item (e.g., keys, coins, cell phone) in the gap 30. As described in detail below, each of the guardrail units 102 can be configured to translate along a respective radial dimension of the turntable 18 to selectively retract (e.g., sink) below the turntable 18 to transition to a retracted position 108. In the retracted position 108, the guardrail units 102 enable the ride vehicles 14 to occupy a guest-accessible position along the ride zone 42 to allow guests to board or disembark the particular ride vehicle 14. It should be understood that when the ride vehicles 14 are in a guest-accessible position along the ride zone 42, the respective chassis or other components of the ride vehicles 14 can block guest access to the gap 30. Thus, in particular, the guardrail assembly 100 can be configured to block guest access to portions of the gap 30 that are not blocked or otherwise obstructed by the ride vehicle 14 itself. The guardrail units 102 can be configured to operate independently of one another so that retraction of an individual guardrail unit 102 does not cause an adjacent guardrail unit 102 to operate.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a portion of ride system 12, showing one of guardrail units 102 (hereinafter referred to as guardrail unit 114). In the illustrated embodiment, guardrail unit 114 is in extended position 106, such that guardrail unit 114 is positioned substantially adjacent outer edge 34 and extends generally vertically (e.g., along an axis parallel to axis 20) to block guest access to gap 30. However, it should be understood that guardrail unit 114 can extend at an angle to form an acute or obtuse angle with surface 110. In some embodiments, guardrail unit 114 can include multiple rail sections 116 hinged (e.g., pivotable) to one another at respective hinge points 118. As described below, rail sections 116 allow guardrail unit 114 to articulate between various intermediate positions to facilitate lowering of guardrail unit 114 below turntable 18.

[0028] In some embodiments, the lower rail section 120 (e.g., the bottom portion of the rail section 116) includes a roller assembly 122 configured to engage a track assembly 123 of the turntable 18. The track assembly 123 can be positioned directly below the turntable 18 (e.g., coupled to the underside of the turntable 18) and configured to rotate with the turntable 18 about the axis 20. The track assembly 123 engages the roller assembly 122 to maintain the circumferential position of the guardrail unit 114 relative to the turntable 18, while simultaneously allowing the guardrail unit 114 to translate radially along the turntable 18 (e.g., relative to the axis 20). As described above, to this end, the track assembly 123 can allow the guardrail unit 114 to selectively transition between the extended position 106 and the retracted position 108. It should be appreciated that roller assembly 122 may include one or more bearings, bushings, wheels or casters, polymer pads, or any other suitable device or assembly that enables roller assembly 122 to engage with and translate along track assembly 123.

[0029] 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an embodiment of ride system 12, showing guardrail unit 114 in reverse position 108. In some embodiments, lower rail section 120 or other suitable portion of guardrail unit 114 may include a push plate 124 coupled thereto. Push plate 124 is configured to engage with an engagement feature 126 of a particular ride vehicle 14, such as ride vehicle 82, when ride vehicle 82 enters ride path 36. Engagement feature 126 may include one or more shafts or beams, elongated plates, and / or other suitable protrusion or protrusions extending outward from ride vehicle 82.

[0030] As the ride vehicle 82 approaches the turntable 18 from the entranceway 50, the engagement features 126 may engage (e.g., physically contact) the push plate 124 and urge the push plate 124 in a radially inward direction 127. The engagement features 126 may be coupled to a chassis 128 of the ride vehicle 82, a portion of the robotic manipulator 80 (e.g., the support structure 84), the transport portion 70, or a combination thereof. In either case, engagement of the push plate 124 with the engagement features 126 may cause articulation of the hinge points 118, allowing each of the rail sections 116 to sequentially retract below the turntable 18. Thus, the guardrail units 114 may gradually transition from the extended position 106 to the retracted position 108 as the ride vehicle 82 approaches the turntable 18 (e.g., as the ride vehicle enters the boarding path 36).

[0031] For example, in some embodiments, each of the hinge points 118 may include a biased hinge (e.g., a hinge assembly with an integral spring) that is biased to rest in a substantially linear configuration. That is, the biased hinge may be biased (e.g., by an integral spring) to align each of the rail sections 116 generally parallel to one another when the guardrail unit 114 is in the extended position 106. Thus, the biased hinge may be configured to maintain the rail sections 116 in a substantially vertical orientation (e.g., with respect to the surface 110 of the turntable 18) when the guardrail unit 114 is in the extended position 106. The biased hinge may articulate (e.g., via the engagement feature 126) as the guardrail unit 114 is urged from the extended position 106 to the retracted position 108 to allow the rail sections 116 to continuously recess below the turntable 18. For example, the hinge points 118 may continuously slide along the outer edge 34 of the turntable 18 as they translate along the track assembly 123 in a radially inward direction 127, resulting in articulation of the biased hinges, and thus the individual rail sections 116. By allowing such articulation of the rail sections 116, the biased hinges may ensure that the guardrail units 114 do not interfere with (e.g., contact) components of the ride vehicle 82 when transitioning from the extended position 106 to the retracted position 108, or vice versa. In some embodiments, a suitable support structure 129 (e.g., a guide ring) may be positioned around the guardrail units 114 near the turntable 18 to ensure that the distal end portions 130 of the guardrail units 114 do not follow a rotating arc in a radially outward direction 132 as the individual rail sections 116 continuously sink below the turntable 18. In this manner, cooperation between the engagement features 126, the track assembly 123, the hinge points 118, and the support structure 129 can allow the guardrail unit 114 to gradually sink under the turntable 18 as the ride vehicle 82 approaches the turntable 18.It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the guardrail assembly 100 may be configured to retract into a slot or cavity formed in the turntable 18 instead of recessing below the turntable 18 (e.g., instead of recessing below the underside of the turntable 18) when transitioning to the retracted position 108. In either case, in the retracted position 108, the guardrail unit 114 may be invisible or otherwise inaccessible to guests located within the ride zone 42, allowing the ride vehicle 82 to occupy a guest-accessible location along the ride path 36.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the rail sections 116 can be configured to selectively engage (e.g., couple) and disengage (e.g., separate) relative to one another at hinge points 118 to enable articulation of the rail sections 116 during transition of the guardrail unit 114 between the extended position 106 and the retracted position 108. For example, in some embodiments, a particular one of the rail sections 116 can include a first end having a male coupler and a second end having a female coupler. The male coupler of a particular rail section 116 can be configured to selectively engage (e.g., at one of the hinge points 118) with a respective female coupler of an adjacent rail section 116. A resilient wire, spring mechanism, and / or other suitable device or mechanism can be configured to extend through each of the rail sections 116 and can be coupled, for example, to the distal end portion 130 of the top rail section 136 (e.g., the top of the rail section 116) and the bottom end portion 138 of the bottom rail section 120. Thus, the elastic wire can apply and maintain a compressive force between each of the rail sections 116, which may be appropriate to maintain engagement between the male and female couplers of the rail sections 116 when the guardrail unit 114 is in the extended position 106.

[0033] In fact, when the guardrail unit 114 is in the extended position 106, the engagement of the male and female couplers of each of the rail sections 116 can allow the rail section 116 to extend substantially perpendicularly from the turntable 18. The elastic wire extending through the rail sections 116 can ensure that the respective male and female couplers do not disengage from each other (e.g., due to tampering by a visitor) while the guardrail unit 114 is in the extended position 106. As the guardrail unit 114 sinks below the turntable 18, the rail sections 116 can successively disengage from each other at the hinge points 118 (e.g., due to contact with the outer edge 34 of the turntable 18) to allow the guardrail unit 114 to sink below the turntable 18. In particular, the engagement features 126 can apply sufficient force to the guardrail units 114 to stretch a resilient wire within the rail sections 116 to allow the male and female couplers of each of the rail sections 116 to successively disengage from one another during subsidence of the guardrail units 114. This successive separation of the rail sections 116 thus allows for articulation between the respective rail sections 116. The resilient wire can be configured to successively re-engage the male and female couplers of each of the rail sections 116 as the guardrail units 114 transition from the retracted position 108 to the extended position 106.

[0034] In some embodiments, the spring 140 can be positioned between the support 142 and the push plate 124 to bias (e.g., push) the support 142 (e.g., a component of the turntable 18) away from the push plate 124. Thus, when the ride vehicle 82 exits the boarding path 36 (e.g., through the exit way 62), the spring 140 can urge the guardrail unit 114 in the radially outward direction 132 along the track assembly 123. That is, the spring 140 can urge the guardrail unit 114 toward the extended position 106 when the engagement feature 126 advances outward from the turntable 18. It should be appreciated that the spring force of the spring 140 can be selected such that when the guardrail unit 114 is in the extended position 106, a guest cannot urge the guardrail unit 114 downward toward the retracted position 108. Additionally, in other embodiments, hydraulic push rods or other suitable actuators (e.g., pneumatic actuators, linear actuators) may be used in addition to or instead of springs 140 to transition guardrail units 114 from retracted position 108 to extended position 106.

[0035] In some embodiments, the shock absorber 144 can be coupled to the support 142 in addition to the spring 140. The shock absorber 144 can be configured to limit the extension rate of the guardrail unit 114 (e.g., the rate at which the guardrail unit 114 translates from the retracted position 108 to the extended position 106). In particular, the shock absorber 144 can control the rate at which the guardrail unit 114 translates from the retracted position 108 to the extended position 106 when the engagement features 126 translate in the radially outward direction 132 (e.g., when the ride vehicle 82 exits the boarding path 36 through the exit way 62), and the push plate 124 can translate in the radially outward direction 132 at a rate that is slower than the rate at which the engagement features 126 translate in the radially outward direction 132. In some embodiments, a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor) can be located near the push plate 124 and configured to monitor the position of the push plate 124, and therefore the position of the guardrail unit 114. In some embodiments, such sensors can help generate an alarm, for example, if the ride vehicle 82 exits the boarding path 36 but the guardrail unit 114 is not detected transitioning from the retracted position 108 to the extended position 106.

[0036] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the ride vehicle 82 may be configured to engage the respective push plates 124 of two or more guardrail units 102 as the ride vehicle 82 enters the boarding path 36. In such embodiments, the ride vehicle 82 may cause the retraction of some of the guardrail units 102 sequentially or in a staggered manner according to the techniques described above. For example, to better illustrate, FIG. 6 is a top schematic diagram of a portion of the ride system 12 illustrating the sequential engagement of the engagement features 126 with the first push plate 150 of the first guardrail unit 152, the second push plate 154 of the second guardrail unit 156, and the third push plate 158 of the third guardrail unit 160 as the ride vehicle 82 enters the boarding path 36. Thus, the first, second, and third guardrail units 152, 156, 160 may sequentially retract below the turntable 18 to transition from their respective extended positions 106 to their respective retracted positions 108. 7 , the first, second, and third guardrail units 152, 156, 160 can rotate with the ride vehicle 82 about axis 20 (e.g., while in the reverse position 108) to allow guests to board or disembark from the ride vehicle 82 along the ride zone 42. It should be appreciated that the first, second, and third guardrail units 152, 156, 160 can extend sequentially from beneath the turntable 18 and transition to their respective extended positions 106 when the ride vehicle 82 exits the ride path 36 through the exit way 62 (e.g., when the engagement features 126 sequentially disengage from the first, second, and third push plates 150, 154, 158).

[0037] In some embodiments, the guardrail units 102 can be sized such that when the ride vehicle 82 is in an aligned position 166 along the ride path 36 (e.g., relative to the turntable 18), a particular guardrail unit 102 (e.g., guardrail units 152, 156, 160) positioned along the length 168 of the ride vehicle 82 is transitioned to its respective retracted position 108. Thus, substantially all of the length 168 of the ride vehicle 82 is accessible to guests along the ride zone 42, but portions of the gap 30 located in front of and behind the ride vehicle 82 are blocked by the respective guardrail units 102 in the extended position 106. It should be appreciated that the guardrail units 102 can be sized such that even when the ride vehicle 82 is in a position 170 that is not aligned relative to the turntable 18, as shown in FIG. 8, the space 172 between the ride vehicle 82 and an adjacent guardrail unit 102 in the extended position 106 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8) can be insufficient to allow guest access to the gap 30.

[0038] While certain disclosed embodiments are described in the context of multiple guardrail units 102, the disclosed gap closure system 72 may additionally or alternatively include an actuated panel system as generally illustrated herein. FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a portion of a ride system 12 illustrating another embodiment of a gap closure system 72 including an actuated panel system 200. As described below, actuated panel system 200 includes multiple panels 202 configured to selectively seal portions of gap 30 that are not occupied by components of or otherwise not covered by ride vehicle 14 (e.g., not covered by the respective chassis of ride vehicle 14). Thus, actuated panel system 200 can ensure that gap 30 remains covered from guests by ride vehicle 82 or panels 202 during operation of ride system 12.

[0039] In some embodiments, the panels 202 can be coupled to the turntable 18 and spaced apart around the periphery of the turntable 18. Thus, the panels 202 can rotate with the turntable 18 about the axis 20. Each of the panels 202 can be configured to transition between an extended position 206 (e.g., a first position) in which the panel 202 extends across the gap 30 to cover or substantially cover a respective portion of the gap 30, and a retracted position 208 (e.g., a second position) in which the panel 202 does not cover (e.g., exposes) a respective portion of the gap 30. In some embodiments, the panels 202 can be configured to translate radially relative to the turntable 18 (e.g., relative to the axis 20) between the extended position 206 and the retracted position 208. For example, to transition to the extended position 206, the panel 202 can translate in a radially outward direction 132 toward the outer platform 28. To transition to the retracted position 208, the panels 202 may translate in a radially inward direction 127 to subside below the turntable 18 and / or enter a cavity within the turntable 18. As described below, each of the panels 202 may be associated with a suitable actuator configured to transition the panel 202 between the extended position 206 and the retracted position 208 based on one or more parameters of the ride system 12.

[0040] In some embodiments, the radially outermost edges of the panels 202 can be configured to extend below the outer platform 28 or into a groove formed in the outer platform 28 when the panels 202 are in the extended position 206. Thus, the panels 202 can span the gap 30 completely across the entire radial dimension of the gap when in the extended position 206. In some embodiments, each of the panels 202 can include a particular geometric shape that aids in covering the gap 30 and / or engaging within the outer platform 28 when the panels 202 are in the extended position 206. For example, the panels 202 can include a generally trapezoidal or generally arcuate shape that allows the panels 202 to abut and / or overlap each other in the extended position 206 to substantially cover the gap 30 (e.g., reduce or substantially eliminate the space between adjacent panels 202).

[0041] In some embodiments, the actuated panel system 200 may include a plurality of brushes 210 coupled to a wall or other structure disposed along the inner edge 32 of the outer platform 28 and extending radially toward the axis 20 of the turntable 18. The brushes 210 may be configured to engage (e.g., overlap, physically contact) the panel 202 when the panel 202 is in the extended position 206. In this manner, the brushes 210 may ensure that any space that may remain between the inner edge 32 of the outer platform 28 and the radially outermost edge of the panel 202 in the extended position is substantially covered. Furthermore, the brushes 210 may be biased as the panel 202 moves, allowing movement of the panel 202 relative to the brushes 210. In one embodiment, the brushes 210 may span a portion of the gap 30 to facilitate shortening the overall length (e.g., radial dimension relative to the axis 20) of the panel 202. That is, in the extended position 206, the panel 202 may be configured to extend to the brush 210 instead of the inner edge 32 of the outer platform 28. Thus, in some embodiments, such a brush 210 configuration may reduce the actuation time required to transition the panel 202 between the extended position 206 and the retracted position 208. In certain embodiments, an additional brush may be coupled to the radially outermost edge of the panel 202 in addition to or instead of the brush 210 coupled to the inner edge 32 of the outer platform 28.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a top view of an embodiment of a portion of ride system 12, showing a portion of a panel 202 (hereinafter referred to as a panel array 218) of actuated panel system 200. To better illustrate panel array 218, turntable 18 has been removed from the illustrated embodiment of ride system 12. In some embodiments, each of panels 202 includes a respective frame 220 configured to couple panel 202 to a suitable support structure 222 of turntable 18 (e.g., a structure below surface 110 of turntable 18). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each frame 220 includes a first frame rail 224 and a second frame rail 226 coupled to support structure 222 and extending generally radially from axis 20. Each panel 202 includes a pair of guides 228 configured to engage with corresponding first and second frame rails 224, 226 to enable translational movement of panel 202 relative to turntable 18. In particular, a respective actuator 230 associated with each of the panels 202 may be configured to selectively translate the panel 202 along the first and second frame rails 224, 226 between the extended position 206 and the retracted position 208. By way of example, the actuators 230 may include an electric actuator (e.g., a linear actuator), a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a mechanical actuator (e.g., a threaded shaft), or any other suitable actuator that enables individual adjustability of the panels 202. However, in other embodiments, a single actuator may be used to adjust the positions of two or more of the panels 202.

[0043] Although the panel 202 has been described as translating radially relative to the turntable 18, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the panel 202 can move along any suitable path or motion profile to transition between the extended position 206 and the retracted position 208. Indeed, it should be understood that the actuator 230 can transition the panel 202 between the extended position 206 and the retracted position 208 in any suitable manner. That is, instead of translating the panel 202 radially (e.g., relative to axis 20) between the extended position 206 and the retracted position 208, the actuator 230 can be configured to pivot, tilt, rotate, or otherwise move the panel 202 between the extended position 206 and the appropriate retracted position 208 (e.g., a position directly vertically below the surface of the turntable 18). For example, in some embodiments, the actuator 230 can be configured to pivot the panel 202 between the extended position 206 and the corresponding retracted position 208 about a respective transverse axis (e.g., an axis extending along the plane of the turntable 18). Additionally, as described below, the actuators 230 may be configured to translate circumferentially about the axis 20 to transition some or all of the panels 202 between their respective extended and retracted positions 206 and 208. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, one or more of the panels 202 and corresponding actuators 230 may be coupled to the outer platform 28 instead of the turntable 18.

[0044] The following discussion continues with reference to FIG. 9 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, ride system 12 may include a controller 234 that may be configured to selectively transition particular ones of panels 202 between extended position 206 and retracted position 208 based on one or more parameters of ride system 10, as described below. In practice, controller 234 may be operatively connected to actuators 230 via electrical lines and / or other suitable wired or wireless communication links and configured to selectively activate each of actuators 230. Controller 234 may include communications circuitry 236, a processor 240, and memory 243. Processor 240 may include a microprocessor that is capable of executing software that controls components of ride system 12, such as actuators 230, drive motors for turntable 18, transport 70, and / or any other suitable components of ride system 12 and / or ride system 10. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, controller 234 may be integrated with or include a portion of a central ride control system for ride system 10.

[0045] Processor 240 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or some combination thereof. For example, processor 240 may include one or more reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processors. Memory 243 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). Memory 243 may store information such as control software, look-up tables, configuration data, etc. For example, memory 243 may store processor-executable instructions, including firmware or software, executed by processor 240, such as for actuator 230, the drive motor of turntable 18, transport 70, and / or any other suitable component of ride system 12 and / or ride system 10. In some embodiments, memory 243 is a tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable medium capable of storing machine-readable instructions executed by processor 240. The memory 243 may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or semiconductor storage medium, or a combination thereof.

[0046] In some embodiments, the controller 234 may be configured to determine the location of the ride vehicles 14 along the attraction path 16 and / or the ride path 36 based on sensor data obtained from various sensors in the ride system 10. By way of example, such sensors may include respective tracking sensors 242 (e.g., global positioning system [GPS] sensors) coupled to each of the ride vehicles 14 and in communication with the controller 234. However, it should be appreciated that various other sensors may be used in addition to or in place of the tracking sensors 242 to monitor the position of each of the ride vehicles 14 along the attraction path 16 or the ride path 36. The controller 234 may be configured to maintain the panels 202 in the extended position 206 along portions of the turntable 18 that are not positioned adjacent to any one of the ride vehicles 14. Accordingly, portions of the gap 30 along such portions of the turntable 18 may remain covered (e.g., inaccessible to guests) during operation of the ride system 12.

[0047] When the controller 234 determines that one of the ride vehicles 14, such as the ride vehicle 82, is approaching the boarding path 36 (e.g., approaching the gap 30 from the entranceway 50), it can instruct one or more of the panels 202 to transition to their respective retracted positions 208, such that the support structure 84 of the robotic manipulator 80 can enter and follow the gap 30 during boarding / exiting operations of the ride vehicle 82. That is, the support structure 84 can be positioned within a space 244 (e.g., a portion of the gap 30) formed between the front adjacent panel 246 and the rear adjacent panel 248 in their respective extended positions 206, such that the support structure 84 does not interfere with the panels 202 when the ride vehicle 82 and the panels 202 collectively rotate about the axis 20. As an example, in some embodiments, the controller 234 may instruct (e.g., via control signals sent to corresponding actuators 230) the three panels 202 adjacent to the ride vehicle 82 to transition to the reversed position 208 when the ride vehicle 82 enters the boarding path 36. In particular, in certain embodiments, the controller 234 may initiate sequential or staggered reverse movements of a first panel 250, a second panel 252, and a third panel 254 of the three panels 202 when the ride vehicle 82 enters the boarding path 36. The chassis 128 of the ride vehicle 82 may include exterior dimensions sufficient to cover a portion of the gap 30 (e.g., space 244) exposed by the three panels 202 in the reversed position 208. That is, in some embodiments, the chassis 128 may be configured to overlap the radial dimension of the gap 30 when the ride vehicle 82 is in the boarding path 36, such that the ride vehicle 82 may block guest access to the space 244. Thus, gap 30 can remain substantially inaccessible to guests when ride vehicle 82 , panel 202 , and turntable 18 rotate about axis 20 .

[0048] In certain embodiments, the controller 234 can retract multiple panels (e.g., first, second, and third panels 250, 252, 254) positioned directly beneath the ride vehicle 82 to create a buffer zone positioned between the support structure 84 of the robotic manipulator 80 and each of the panels 202 (e.g., the front and rear adjacent panels 246, 248) positioned in front of and behind the support structure 84. The buffer zone can ensure that small variations between the rotational speed of the turntable 18 along the gap 30 and the travel speed of the transport portion 70 do not result in interaction (e.g., physical contact) between the support structure 84 and the front and rear adjacent panels 246, 248. Furthermore, as described below, the buffer zone can ensure that relative movement of the ride vehicle 82 with respect to the turntable 18, which may occur if operation of the ride system 10 is unexpectedly stopped, does not result in engagement between components of the ride vehicle 82 (e.g., the support structure 84) and the front or rear adjacent panels 246, 248.

[0049] In one embodiment, the controller 234 can control the adjustment of the panels 202 (e.g., transition the panels 202 between the extended position 206 and the retracted position 208) based on feedback from respective tracking sensors 242 coupled to each of the panels 202, in addition to or instead of feedback from the respective sensors 256 associated with each panel 202. For example, in some embodiments, the sensors 256 can include inductive sensors, photoelectric sensors, ultrasonic sensors, various other proximity sensors, radio frequency (RF) modules, or combinations thereof. The sensors 256 can be configured to detect the ride vehicles 82 as they enter or approach the ride path 36. For example, the sensors 256 can be configured to detect the support structure 84 of the robotic manipulator 80 as the ride vehicle 82 enters or approaches the ride path 36. That is, the sensors 256 can be configured to determine whether the support structure 84 and / or other suitable components of the ride vehicles 82 are within a threshold distance of the corresponding panel 202. Upon determining that the ride vehicle 82 is within a threshold distance of a particular panel 202, the controller 234 can transition the particular panel 202, and in some embodiments, one or more adjacent panels 202, from the extended position 206 to the retracted position 208. In this manner, the controller 234 can enable the support structure 84 to extend through an uncovered section of the gap 30 (e.g., space 244) when entering the ride path 36. Thus, the transport 70, in cooperation with the robotic manipulator 80, can push the ride vehicle 82 along the ride path 36, while the sections of the gap 30 positioned forward and backward of the chassis 128 of the ride vehicle 82 remain covered and inaccessible to guests.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the controller 234 may continuously or periodically (e.g., after a predetermined time interval) monitor the position of the ride vehicle 82 along the ride path 36 (e.g., based on feedback from the tracking sensors 242 and / or the sensors 256). Upon determining that the ride vehicle 82 is exiting the ride path 36, such as when the ride vehicle 82 approaches or enters the exit way 62, the controller 234 may instruct the three panels 202 (e.g., the first, second, and third panels 250, 252, 254) to return to their respective extended positions 206. By way of example, in some embodiments, the controller 234 may extend the first panel 250, the second panel 252, and the third panel 254 to their respective extended positions 206 in a staggered or sequential manner via commands sent to the corresponding actuators 230.

[0051] In some embodiments, feedback from sensors 256 enables controller 234 to determine status information indicative of the position of one or more of panels 202. In particular, the status information may indicate whether an individual panel 202 is in its respective extended position 206 or retracted position 208. In some embodiments, actuators 230 may be configured to provide status information indicative of the position of panels 202 to controller 234 in addition to or instead of sensors 256. Thus, controller 234 may be configured to monitor the position of each of panels 202 during operation of ride system 12 using the status information. In some embodiments, controller 234 may be configured to present an alert to a ride technician or operator of ride system 10 if controller 234 determines that any of panels 202 is in an abnormal or unexpected position. As an example, the control device 234 may generate an alert (e.g., an audible alert, an alert displayed on a display visible to the operator) if it determines that a particular panel 202 (e.g., the first panel 250) remains in the reverse position 208 after a ride vehicle 14 (e.g., the ride vehicle 82) that was previously adjacent to the panel 202 has exited the boarding path 36.

[0052] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, certain of the panels 202 may be configured to translate circumferentially, instead of radially, along the turntable 18 to transition between their respective extended positions 206 and retracted positions 208. As an example, a first panel 250 may be configured to translate circumferentially along the turntable 18 in a clockwise direction 22 to transition from its respective extended position 206 to a retracted position in which the panel 250 is positioned above or below its leading adjacent panel 246. A third panel 254 may be configured to translate circumferentially along the turntable 18 in a counterclockwise direction 258 to transition from its respective extended position 206 to a retracted position in which the panel 254 is positioned above or below its trailing adjacent panel 248.

[0053] 11 is a schematic top view of some embodiments of ride system 12. In some embodiments, controller 234 may receive a command (e.g., via input from an operator) to initiate an orderly shutdown of ride system 10 (referred to herein as a first braking scenario). In executing the first braking scenario, controller 234 may gradually slow to a stop the movement of ride vehicle 14 (e.g., via a command sent to transport 70) and the movement of turntable 18 (e.g., via a command sent to the drive motor of turntable 18) to stop operation of ride system 10. In particular, to ensure that ride vehicle 14 remains aligned at a particular position relative to turntable 18 during execution of the first braking scenario, controller 234 may monitor the position of ride vehicle 14 (e.g., via sensors 242 and / or 256) within ride path 36 relative to the position of turntable 18 (e.g., monitored using sensors coupled to turntable 18 and / or feedback from the drive motor of turntable 18). That is, based on the acquired sensor feedback, the control device 234 can ensure that during execution of the first braking scenario, the rotational speed of the turntable 18 about the axis 20 is reduced at substantially the same rate as the rotational speed of the ride vehicle 14 about the axis 20 (e.g., along the ride path 36) is reduced.

[0054] In some embodiments, the ride system 10 may experience an operational disturbance or anomaly that may prompt the controller 234 to initiate a second braking scenario to more quickly stop the movement of the ride vehicles 14 and turntable 18 in order to temporarily halt operation of the ride system 10. In such embodiments, the ride vehicles 14 may slow and stop moving in a time period that is less than the time period required to slow and stop the movement of the rotating turntable 18 (e.g., due to differences in the inertia of the individual ride vehicles 14 and the inertia of the turntable 18). As a result, the turntable 18 and panel 202 may continue to move a predetermined distance relative to the ride vehicles 14 positioned along the ride path 36 after the ride vehicles 14 have stopped. That is, the turntable 18 may continue to rotate about the axis 20 in the clockwise direction 22 after the ride vehicles 14 have stopped moving along the ride path 36. Relative movement between the turntable 18 and a particular ride vehicle 14 (e.g., ride vehicle 82) within the ride path 36 may expose a portion of the gap 30 (referred to herein as the “exposed portion”), which “exposed portion” is generally covered by the chassis 128 of the ride vehicle 82 during normal operation of the ride system 10. As an example, the “exposed portion” of the gap 30 may refer to a portion of the gap 30 that is generally exposed (e.g., not covered) by the first panel 250 but that is covered by the chassis 128 of the ride vehicle 82 during normal operation of the ride system 12.

[0055] In some embodiments, the controller 234 can be configured to determine the length of the exposed portion based on the relative position of the ride vehicle 82 with respect to the turntable 18 (e.g., as determined using feedback from sensors 242 and / or 256). If the length of the exposed portion exceeds a threshold, the controller 234 can instruct one or more of the panels adjacent to the exposed portion (e.g., the first panel 250) to transition to the extended position 206 to cover the exposed portion of the gap 30. Thus, the controller 234 can ensure that substantially all of the gap 30 is covered and remains inaccessible to guests during an abnormal shutdown of the ride system 10. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the controller 234 can, for example, instruct the first panel 250 to translate in the radially outward direction 132 from its respective retracted position 208 to its respective extended position 206 to cover the exposed portion of the gap 30. However, in other embodiments, the first panel 250 may be translated circumferentially (e.g., counterclockwise 258) relative to the turntable 18 from a respective retracted position below or above the forward adjacent panel 246 to the extended position 206 to cover the exposed portion of the gap 30 during and / or after the second braking scenario.

[0056] In some embodiments, when subjected to a second braking scenario, the controller 234 may be configured to monitor the position of an extension panel (e.g., rear adjacent panel 248) positioned rearward of the support structure 84 relative to the direction of travel 44 of the ride vehicle 82. In some embodiments, if the controller 234 determines that the distance between an edge of the rear adjacent panel 248 and the support structure 84 falls below a threshold during execution of the second braking scenario, the controller 234 may send a command to transition the rear adjacent panel 248 to the corresponding reverse position 208. Thus, the controller 234 may ensure that the rear adjacent panel 248 does not engage the support structure 84 when the turntable 18 rotates relative to the ride vehicle 82 by a relatively large angular increment during the second braking scenario. In certain embodiments, the panel 202 may be configured to disconnect (e.g., detach from the turntable 18) if the panel 202 unexpectedly engages the support structure 84 and / or another portion of the ride vehicle 82. As described below, in certain embodiments, the controller 234 may be configured to send a command to transition the front adjacent panel 246 from the extended position 206 to the retracted position 208 if, for example, the distance between the support structure 84 and the front adjacent panel 246 falls below a threshold during execution of the second braking scenario.

[0057] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the turntable 18 may slow and stop movement (e.g., due to a braking system included within the drive motor of the turntable 18) in a time period that is less than the time period that would be required to slow and stop the movement of the ride vehicle 14. As a result, the ride vehicle 14 may continue to move a predetermined distance along the ride path 36 relative to the turntable 18 and panel 202 after the turntable 18 has stopped. That is, the ride vehicle 14 may continue to proceed along the ride path 36 about the axis 20 in the clockwise direction 22 after the turntable 18 has stopped moving about the axis 20 (e.g., in the clockwise direction 22). The relative movement between the turntable 18 and a particular ride vehicle 14 (e.g., ride vehicle 82) within the ride path 36 may expose a portion of the gap 30 behind the ride vehicle 82 (e.g., relative to the direction of travel of the ride vehicle 82) that is typically covered by the chassis 128 of the ride vehicle 82 during normal operation of the ride system 10. Thus, in accordance with the techniques described above, the controller 234 can direct one of the panels 202 adjacent to such exposed portion of the gap 30 (e.g., the third panel 254) to transition to the extended position 206 to cover such exposed portion of the gap 30. Thus, the controller 234 can ensure that substantially all of the gap 30 remains covered and inaccessible to guests in the event of an abnormal shutdown of the ride system 10.

[0058] Additionally, in some embodiments, the controller 234 may be configured to transition the front adjacent panel 246 from the extended position 206 to the retracted position 208 if the distance (e.g., as monitored by the sensor 242 and / or the sensor 246) between the support structure 84 or another component of the ride vehicle 82 and the front adjacent panel 246 falls below a threshold value during a braking scenario, such as the second braking scenario. To this end, the controller 234 may ensure that the ride vehicle 82 does not engage (e.g., contact) the front adjacent panel 246 during such a braking procedure.

[0059] As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical effects useful for preventing access to portions of an amusement park attraction where guests may inadvertently lose certain personal items. In particular, embodiments of the gap closure system 72 disclosed herein substantially prevent guest access to the gap 30 while facilitating passenger entry and exit from the non-stationary ride vehicle 14. It should be understood that the technical effects and technical problems described herein are exemplary and non-limiting. Indeed, it should be noted that the embodiments described herein may have other technical effects, solve other technical problems, and be used outside of amusement park environments.

[0060] While only certain features of the disclosed embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure. It is further understood that certain elements of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another.

[0061] 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]

[0062] 10 Ride System 12. Boarding System 14 Vehicles 16 Attraction Route 17 Boarding Platform 18 Turntable 20 axes 22 Clockwise direction 26 Stationary part 28 Outer Platform 30 Gap 32 Common-law marriage 34 outer edge 36 Boarding Route 38 Termination 40 Starting end 42 Boarding Zone 44 Direction of travel 50 Entrance Road 62 Exit path 64 Entrance ramp 66 Entrance 72 Gap Closure System

Claims

1. a ride platform having a gap separating a first portion of the ride platform from a second portion of the ride platform; a ride vehicle coupled to a transport portion extending through the gap, the transport portion configured to propel the ride vehicle along a ride path of the ride platform; and a panel assembly coupled to the ride platform and including a plurality of panels; A gap sealing system comprising: each panel of the plurality of panels is coupled to a respective actuator configured to selectively transition the panel between a first position and a second position; each panel of the plurality of panels is configured to block a passage to the gap in the first position to prevent access to a portion of the gap; each panel of the plurality of panels configured to expose a portion of the gap in the second position to allow the ride vehicle to occupy a guest-accessible location on or adjacent to the ride platform; A gap sealing system wherein, at the guest accessible location, the ride vehicle extends beyond the top of the gap to block access to a portion of the gap.

2. 2. The gap closure system of claim 1, further comprising a control device operatively connected to the actuators, the control device configured to instruct one or more of the respective actuators to transition one or more panels of the plurality of panels from the first position to the second position upon receiving feedback indicating that the ride vehicle is approaching the gap.

3. The gap closure system of claim 2 , wherein the feedback is indicative of position data of the vehicle provided via a tracking sensor coupled to the vehicle.

4. 3. The gap sealing system of claim 2, further comprising a sensor coupled to each panel of the plurality of panels, the sensor configured to detect a component of the vehicle and provide the feedback to the controller when the sensor detects that the component is within a threshold distance from a corresponding one of the one or more panels.

5. The gap closure system of claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises a linear actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or a combination thereof.

6. 2. The gap sealing system of claim 1, wherein the first portion is a turntable configured to rotate about an axis, the second portion is an outer platform disposed around the turntable, and each panel of the plurality of panels is coupled to the turntable and configured to translate radially or circumferentially relative to the turntable to transition between the first position and the second position.

7. 7. The gap closure system of claim 6, further comprising a control device operatively connected to the actuators, the control device configured to, upon receiving sensor feedback indicating that the vehicle is within a threshold distance from one or more panels of the plurality of panels, instruct the respective actuator to transition the one or more panels of the plurality of panels to the second position to expose a portion of the gap.

8. 8. The gap sealing system of claim 7, wherein the control device is configured to receive instructions to execute a braking sequence that stops movement of the ride vehicle along the ride path and stops rotation of the turntable about the axis, and the control device is configured to determine whether the position of the ride vehicle deviates by a threshold distance relative to the turntable during execution of the braking sequence.

9. 9. The gap sealing system of claim 8, wherein the one or more panels include two or more panels of the plurality of panels, and in response to determining that the position of the vehicle has shifted by the threshold distance, the control device is configured to transition a forward-most panel relative to a direction of travel of the vehicle along the gap between the two or more panels from the second position to the first position.

10. 1. A method of operating a gap sealing system for an amusement park attraction, comprising: transitioning, with a plurality of actuators, a plurality of panels of the ride platform to an extended position to block a passageway to an opening in the ride platform and prevent access to the opening; detecting a ride vehicle approaching the ride platform from a ride track within a threshold distance of the gap; transitioning a corresponding panel of the plurality of panels to a retracted position with at least one of the actuators to expose a portion of the gap to allow the ride vehicle to enter the gap and occupy a guest-accessible location along the ride platform, wherein a chassis of the ride vehicle extends beyond the top of the gap at the guest-accessible location to block access to the portion of the gap; A method comprising:

11. rotating the plurality of panels about an axis by a turntable coupled to the panels; guiding the ride vehicle with a transport to advance with the turntable about the axis; further comprising The method of claim 10 , wherein a support structure of the transfer section is configured to extend through a portion of the gap to couple the ride vehicle to the transfer section.

12. guiding the ride vehicle toward the ride track with the transfer unit to send the ride vehicle out of the gap; transitioning the corresponding panels of the plurality of panels to their respective extended positions with the at least one actuator to re-cover a portion of the gap; The method of claim 11 further comprising:

Images