Gap Block System and Method for Amusement Park Attractions

Abstract

To provide systems and methods for blocking access to gaps in amusement park ride systems.SOLUTION: A gap blocking system includes a loading platform. The loading platform has a gap separating a first portion of the loading platform from a second portion of the loading platform. A ride vehicle is coupled to a transport extending through the gap. The gap blocking system also includes a panel assembly coupled to the loading platform and comprising a plurality of panels, where each panel of the plurality of panels is coupled to a respective biasing mechanism coupled to the first portion of the loading platform and configured to bias each panel towards a closed configuration in which each panel extends radially away from the first portion of the loading platform.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims priority and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 827,144, filed Mar. 31, 2019, entitled “FALL HAZARD PREVENTION SYSTEMS FOR AMUSEMENT PARK ATTRACTIONS”; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 849,542, filed May 17, 2019, entitled “FALL HAZARD PREVENTION SYSTEMS FOR AMUSEMENT PARK ATTRACTIONS”; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 858,663, filed Jun. 7, 2019, entitled “FALL HAZARD PREVENTION SYSTEMS FOR AMUSEMENT PARK ATTRACTIONS”, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0002] (Technical Field) The present disclosure generally relates to amusement park ride systems for amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for blocking access to a gap in a particular amusement park ride system.

Background Art

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of technologies that may be related to various aspects of the techniques of the invention described and / or claimed herein. The discussion here is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information that facilitates a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, these descriptions should be read in light of this point and it should be understood that they are not an admission of prior art.

[0004] Recently, there has been growing interest in improving the efficiency of passenger boarding (e.g., guests) onto ride vehicles at amusement park attractions. Therefore, some attractions may include a boarding system with a loading platform that allows passengers to board or alight from ride vehicles while the ride vehicles move along a loading path. Certain locations along the loading platform are typically permanently blocked by barriers (e.g., handrails) to prevent guests from leaving the loading platform and moving, for example, to the attraction's track or another location where guests should not be. Other locations along the loading platform may include uncovered gaps that cannot be permanently blocked by barriers. For example, such uncovered gaps generally allow ride vehicles and / or components propelling the ride vehicles to move along the loading path without interfering with the loading platform. However, passengers boarding / alighting from ride vehicles and / or other guests walking across the loading platform may lose items in such uncovered gaps along the loading platform. [Overview of the project]

[0005] Specific embodiments corresponding to the scope of this disclosure are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather to provide an overview of specific disclosed embodiments. In fact, this disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments described below.

[0006] In one embodiment, the gap blocking system includes a passenger platform having a gap separating a first portion of the passenger platform from a second portion. A vehicle is coupled to a transport extending through the gap, the transport being configured to move the vehicle along a passenger path adjacent to the passenger platform. The gap blocking system also includes a panel assembly coupled to the passenger platform and comprising a plurality of panels, each panel being coupled to a biasing mechanism coupled to the first portion of the passenger platform, the biasing mechanism being configured to bias each panel toward a closed configuration in which each panel extends radially away from the first portion of the passenger platform. The gap block system also includes a stationary post coupled to the boarding platform and positioned within the gap, the stationary post contacting at least one individual panel of a plurality of panels and applying an opposing force, overcoming the biasing force of the biasing mechanism, and moving at least one individual panel from a closed configuration to an open configuration, thereby exposing a portion of the gap, allowing a vehicle to enter the exposed portion of the gap.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for operating a gap-blocking system includes the step of providing a plurality of panels extending radially from the passenger platform to block access to a gap formed between portions of the passenger platform. The method also includes the step of moving a movable portion of the passenger platform to bring at least one individual panel of the plurality of panels into contact with a stationary post coupled to the passenger platform, the contact overcoming the biasing force of a biasing mechanism of at least one individual panel to move at least one individual panel from a closed configuration to an open configuration, the contact causing at least one individual panel to slide above or below an adjacent panel. The method also includes the step of controlling a vehicle to enter an opening that provides access to the gap created by at least one individual panel in an open configuration.

[0008] In one embodiment, the gap block system includes a passenger platform having a gap separating a first portion of the passenger platform from a second portion of the passenger platform, the first portion of the passenger platform including a movable portion. The gap block system includes a panel assembly including a plurality of panels coupled to the movable portion and configured to rotate with a rotary turntable, each panel of the plurality of panels being coupled to a biasing mechanism coupled to the first portion of the passenger platform, the biasing mechanism being configured to bias each panel toward a closed configuration extending radially away from the first portion of the passenger platform, and the plurality of panels being arranged alternately between the first type of panels and the second type of panels such that when the plurality of panels are in a closed configuration, the first type of panels are arranged to overlap with a portion of the upper surface of each adjacent second type panel.

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

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic top view of one embodiment of a vehicle system that may include a gap block system according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle system that may include a gap block system according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a schematic top view of one embodiment of a gap block system according to the aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the vehicle entrance point to the boarding path of a boarding system including a gap block system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the vehicle entry interaction between a panel assembly and a vehicle in a vehicle system including a gap block system, according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a perspective bottom view of one embodiment of an upper type panel of a panel assembly for use in conjunction with a gap block system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a perspective bottom view of one embodiment of a lower type panel of a panel assembly for use in conjunction with a gap block system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] One or more specific embodiments of this disclosure are described below. These described embodiments are merely examples of the technology of this disclosure. In addition, not all features of actual implementations may be described herein in order to provide a concise description of these embodiments. It should be understood that, as with any engineering or design project, in developing any such actual implementation, a number of implementation-specific decisions will need to be made to achieve the specific goals of the developer, which may differ from implementation to implementation, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but nevertheless, to those skilled in the art who are interested in this disclosure, it is a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacturing.

[0012] When introducing elements of the various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to indicate the presence of one or more elements. The terms “equip,” “include,” and “have” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements other than those listed may exist. Furthermore, it should be understood that any reference in this disclosure to “one embodiment” or “embodiment” is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the listed features.

[0013] Certain amusement park attractions may include a boarding system that allows passengers to board and / or disembark from the attraction's ride vehicles while the ride vehicles are moving along the boarding system. As the ride vehicles enter the attraction's boarding area, the ride vehicles decelerate but can continue to move at a relatively low speed along the track or path while passengers disembark and as new passengers board. The system may include a boarding platform with a movable part. The boarding platform may include a turntable, a conveyor belt, or an inline or linear platform, as described below, which is stationary or moves relative to a fixed part of the boarding platform, configured to rotate around an axis (e.g., a central vertical axis) on which the vehicle moves. In one embodiment, a stationary outer platform or wall may be positioned around part or substantially all of a turntable to form a gap between the movable part and the outer platform or wall. The gap can define a boarding path on which the ride vehicles can move while passengers are boarding and / or disembarking from the ride vehicles. Gaps adjacent to or surrounding a vehicle can cause passengers to lose items (e.g., keys, coins, mobile phones) within the gap. While specific embodiments of this disclosure are described in relation to a turntable boarding platform, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are applicable to other configurations of boarding platforms, such as conveyor systems, which can be implemented in linear or nonlinear configurations.

[0014] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a gap-blocking system configured to block access to a gap while allowing a ride vehicle to move along or through the gap during the operation of a ride system. Furthermore, the gap-blocking system allows individual ride vehicles to enter the ride path from the attraction path while maintaining closure of most of the gap. As provided herein, the gap-blocking system includes a passive panel assembly. The panel assembly is configured to block a gap between a first section of the ride platform (e.g., a ride turntable, belt, linear moving platform) and a second or outer section of the ride platform, thereby substantially eliminating or closing any gap that may exist. Nevertheless, it allows a ride vehicle to move along the gap during the operation of the ride system. For example, the panel assembly includes a plurality of panels that can be coupled to a turntable and are configured to rotate together with the turntable on the same axis. The panels can be biased, via springs, cam-profile gaskets, or other biasing mechanisms, toward a closed configuration in which the individual panels extend toward the receiving surface of the outer platform. When an opposing force is applied to one or more individual panels, these panels transition from a closed configuration to an open configuration. Therefore, a gap-blocking system including a panel assembly can allow a vehicle to move along the boarding system and pick up and / or disembark passengers at any suitable location along the turntable, while access to the gap is substantially blocked by the passive panel. These and other features are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0015] While this disclosure describes embodiments of gap-blocking systems (e.g., panel assemblies) configured for use in amusement park settings, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments of gap-blocking systems can be implemented to selectively block various gaps that may exist in various industrial settings. For example, embodiments of gap-blocking systems discussed herein can be used to block access to gaps that may exist in various conveyor systems or other devices used to move components along a path (e.g., a track).

[0016] Here, in each figure, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an amusement park ride system 10 (e.g., an attraction). The ride system 10 includes a ride system 12 that facilitates the boarding and / or disembarking of passengers (e.g., amusement park guests) into and out of the ride vehicle 14 of the ride system 10. For example, a passenger can board the ride vehicle 14 using the boarding system 12, travel along the attraction path 16 of the ride system 10, and then return to the boarding system 12 to disembark from the ride vehicle 14. While traveling along the attraction path 16, passengers may be exposed to a variety of experiences, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, environmental interaction, multiple ride paths, water features, special effects, and the like. Note that parts of the ride system 10, such as the attraction path 16, have been intentionally simplified to focus on the aspects of the boarding system 12.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the ride system 12 includes a ride platform 17 having a turntable 18 (e.g., a first part of the ride platform 17) configured to rotate about an axis 20 (e.g., at a substantially constant rotational speed). However, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be used with a stationary ride platform that does not rotate. In the exemplary embodiment, the turntable 18 is substantially circular and rotates clockwise 22 about the axis 20. However, in other embodiments, the turntable 18 can be any suitable shape that can correspond to the theme of the ride system 10 and can rotate counterclockwise about the axis 20. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the turntable 18 can be replaced with a belt or other track system (e.g., a linear platform and associated track system) configured to move along a linear path or another predetermined path (e.g., an asymmetric path). In some embodiments, the turntable 18 may include a stationary portion 26 located thereon that is not configured to rotate about the axis 20. In other words, the turntable 18 can have a substantially annular shape and can be positioned around the stationary part 26, and as a result, the turntable 18 can rotate around the axis 20 relative to the stationary part 26.

[0018] As shown in the exemplary embodiments, the turntable 18 is at least partially circumscribed by an outer platform 28 (e.g., a second portion of the ride platform 17) configured to remain stationary relative to the axis 20 in some embodiments. The outer platform 28 can be positioned spaced apart from the turntable 18, so that a gap 30 is formed between the inner edge 32 of the outer platform 28 and the outer edge 34 of the turntable 18. The attraction path 16 can be coupled to a ride path 36 that extends around the axis 20 along the gap 30. In detail, the ride path 36 can extend along the gap 30 between a starting end 38 and an ending end 40. In one embodiment, the ride path 36 can form part of the entire attraction path 16. As will be discussed in detail below, passengers can board and / or disembark from the ride vehicle 14 along the ride path 36. A portion of the turntable 18 positioned adjacent to the passenger path 36 at a given point in time is referred to herein as the passenger zone 42 of the passenger system 12 (for example, the passenger zone 42 can be an area of ​​the turntable 18 outlined by the dashed lines shown in the illustration).

[0019] The ride vehicle 14 can move in the direction of travel 44 along the attraction path 16. The ride vehicle 14 can enter the ride path 36 via an entrance avenue 50 (e.g., a path or passage) that can be formed within the outer platform 28. In some embodiments, the ride path 36 extends around the axis 20 of the turntable 18 (e.g., the ride path 36 has a radius extending from the axis 20). In this way, the ride vehicle 14 can move along the length of the ride path 36 in conjunction with (i.e., together with or at the same speed as) the turntable 18. For example, while traveling along the ride path 36, the ride vehicle 14 can move around the axis 20 at substantially the same speed as the rotational speed of the turntable 18 around the axis 20. In this way, the position and orientation of each ride vehicle 14 along the ride zone 42 of the turntable 18 can remain substantially constant. In other words, each ride vehicle 14 can maintain a temporarily fixed position relative to the circumference of the turntable 18 while traveling along the ride path 36 and while the turntable 18 rotates around the axis 20. In this way, the ride system 12 can substantially maintain the orientation of the turntable 18 relative to the ride vehicles 14, which may include seats facing the outer edge 34, while the ride vehicles 14 are moving along the ride path 36. Thus, passengers can board a ride vehicle 14 from a ride zone 42 or alight from a ride vehicle 14 to a ride zone 42 without having to walk along a particular ride vehicle 14 to match the speed of the ride vehicle 14 during such boarding / alighting procedures. It should be understood that in certain embodiments, the speed of each ride vehicle 14 along the ride path 36 may be slower than the average speed of the ride vehicles 14 along the rest of the attraction path 16. The passive design of the components of the gap blocking system provided herein can accommodate different travel speeds and still achieve gap protection. Once the boarding / alighting procedure is complete, the ride vehicle 14 can exit the boarding route 36 via the exit avenue 62 adjacent to the starting end 40 of the attraction route 16.

[0020] As shown in the exemplary embodiments, the entrance ramp 64 may extend between the entrance 66 of the ride system 10 and the stationary section 26 of the passenger system 12. In some embodiments, the entrance ramp 64 may be any suitable angled path, which may include stairs, a substantially flat inclined surface, an escalator, an elevator, or any combination thereof. Thus, guests can enter the stationary section 26 from the entrance 66 (e.g., by walking) while a particular ride vehicle 14 or other movable component of the passenger system 12 moves around the axis 20 (e.g., under the entrance ramp 64). Generally, guests can enter the stationary section 26 from the stationary section 26, board the boarding zone 42 of the turntable 18, and then board one of the particular ride vehicles 14 that travel along the boarding zone 42. To exit the ride system 10, guests can disembark from a ride vehicle 14 into the boarding zone 42, walk towards the stationary section 26, and then exit the passenger system 12 via the entrance ramp 64.

[0021] The vehicle 14 moves along a boarding path in a truck-based or truckless system. In one embodiment, each of the vehicles 14 moving along the boarding path 36 can be associated with a respective transport 70 configured to propel the vehicle 14 around the axis 20 along the boarding path 36, as shown in FIG. 2. In certain embodiments, the transport 70 can be partially disposed under (directly below) the turntable 18 and / or the outer platform 28 and can be coupled to a particular vehicle 14 via a support structure extending through the gap 30. Indeed, the gap 30 can enable the transport 70 to couple to and propel the corresponding vehicle 14 along the boarding path 36. Unfortunately, the gap 30 can cause guests boarding and / or alighting from the vehicle 14, or guests walking adjacent to the boarding path 36, to accidentally lose items in the gap 30 by dropping a particular item (e.g., a key, a coin, a mobile phone) into the gap 30. Accordingly, embodiments of the boarding system 10 discussed herein include a gap blocking system 72 configured to substantially block guest access to the gap 30. More specifically, the gap blocking system 72 is configured to selectively block guest access to portions of the gap 30 that are not occupied by components of the vehicle 14 or otherwise covered by the vehicle 14 (e.g., covered by each chassis of the vehicle 14). Accordingly, the gap blocking system 72 can enable the vehicle 14 to move continuously along the boarding path 36 while substantially eliminating the possibility that a guest will lose an item in the gap 30.

[0022] Furthermore, the disclosed gap blocking system 72 can accommodate irregular spacing between vehicles 14, as shown in Figure 1. In contrast to systems of low flexibility or inflexibility, the passive gap blocking system 72 does not depend on predictable spacing between vehicles 14. Thus, the gap blocking system 72 offers the advantages of variable-speed or variable-spacing gap blocking between vehicles 14.

[0023] To better illustrate the transport 70 and facilitate the subsequent discussion of the gap block system 72 used in conjunction with the transport 70, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ride system 12. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the transport 70 is disposed in the space 74 below the turntable 18 and / or the outer platform 28 and is engaged with the guide track 76. The guide track 76 extends around the frame 78 that supports the turntable 18 and can enable the transport 70 to propel along the guide track 76 around the axis 20. In some embodiments, the guide track 76 and the ride path 36 can include the same path or track structure. The robotic manipulator 80 can couple the transport 70 to one of the passenger vehicles 14 to enable the transport 70 to move the passenger vehicle 14 along the ride path 36. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the robotic manipulator 80 can include a support structure 84 (e.g., a shaft) that extends through the gap 30 and engages the passenger vehicle 14. Thus, the support structure 84 can facilitate coupling the passenger vehicle 14 to the transport 70 disposed below the turntable 18 and / or the outer platform 28. For clarity, as used herein, "passenger vehicle" can refer to any one or a combination of the passenger vehicle 14 (e.g., any one of the passenger vehicles 14), the robotic manipulator 80, and / or components of the transport 70. The passenger vehicle 14 can include a vehicle controller that controls the movement of the vehicle 14 and its drive components to move the transport vehicle 70 on and along the ride path 36.

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic top view of one embodiment of a ride system 10, which includes a panel assembly 100 used in conjunction with a gap-blocking system 72 to function as a blocker for a gap (e.g., gap 30 in Figure 2). As described below, the panel assembly 100 includes a plurality of panels 104 configured to block portions of the gap that are not occupied by components of the ride vehicle 14 or that can be temporarily opened to allow the ride vehicle 14 to enter the ride path. Thus, the panel assembly 100 of the gap-blocking system 72 ensures that the gap remains covered while the ride system 10 is in operation. The panel assembly 100 includes a plurality of individual panels 104 coupled to a first section of the ride platform 17 (e.g., a turntable 18) and configured to extend between the first section and a second section (e.g., an outer platform 28) in a first configuration or closed configuration for at least partially covering the gap. In embodiments in which the first section rotates, the rotation of the turntable 18 causes the plurality of panels to rotate with the turntable 18. Each individual panel 104 of the multiple panels includes a biasing mechanism 106 that biases the panel 104 toward the outer section 28. As shown in Figure 4, the stationary post 110 is positioned to extend from the boarding platform into the boarding path 36. As disclosed herein, the gap block system 72 generates a partial opening 108 that exposes the gap at the vehicle entrance point, allowing the vehicle 14 to passively enter the boarding path 36, meaning that no operating equipment is required to generate or maintain the opening 108. The stationary post 110 can be positioned along the boarding path to create the opening 108 behind the barrier or within an area 120 at the station end that is inaccessible to guests.

[0025] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle entry point to the opening 108. As described, the gap block system 72 includes passive panels 104 distributed around the outer diameter / edge of the turntable 18. The panels 104 are arranged alternately between a first type 122 and a second type 124, as will be examined in more detail in Figures 6-7, so that each panel 104 of the first type 122 is in direct contact with an adjacent panel 104 of the second type 124 around the circumference of the turntable 18. The panels 104 of the first type 122 can generally be arranged as an interrupted top layer such that the lateral edge 128 of the first type 122 panel 104 overlaps the top surface 130 of the second type 124 panel 104. The overlap percentage can be at least 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 25%, or 50% of the surface area of ​​the top surface 130 of the second type 124 panel 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the side edge 128 of the first type 122 panel 104 is spaced apart from the side edge 128 of the adjacent first type 122 panel 104, and at least a portion of the upper surface 130 of the second type 124 panel 104 is exposed. Thus, in the default closed configuration, the first type 122 panel 104 does not directly contact other first type 122 panels. Similarly, the second type 124 panels 104 do not directly contact each other in the closed configuration. However, to assume an open configuration as discussed herein, the panels 104 can move relative to each other and come into contact with non-adjacent panels 104 or panels of the same type. The upper surface 130 can be made relatively smooth to facilitate sliding motion with adjacent panels.

[0026] Panel 104 can maintain a radial orientation in its default or closed configuration when a gas shock (e.g., spring) load is applied and there is no opposing force. However, each individual panel 104 can rotate out of the closed configuration and can be rotated back to the default closed configuration when the opposing force is removed. As the turntable rotates, each panel 104 then contacts a stationary mast or stationary post 110, which is attached to the boarding platform 104 and fixed to any rotating part (e.g., turntable 18). This creates an opening 108 for vehicle entry, allowing vehicles 14 to enter the boarding path without necessarily having a uniform or controlled spacing between vehicles 14. Since each panel 104 or group of adjacent panels 104 rotates in response to contact with the stationary post 110, new openings 108 are continuously and passively created and then passively closed when there are no vehicles 14 entering the boarding path through the opening 108. The vehicle 14 enters the downstream side adjacent to the stationary post 110. The stationary post 110 may include a plow structure 140 of a size and shape such that a desired number of panels 104 are rotated to produce an opening 108. The size and shape of the plow structure 140 may depend on the size and shape of the components of the vehicle 14 (e.g., support shaft 84) extending through the gap 30.

[0027] As described above, the panels 104 are coupled to the turntable 18 and are spaced apart around the turntable 18. Thus, the panels 104 can rotate with the turntable 18. Each panel 104 can be configured to transition between a default extended or closed configuration, shown exemplary as panel 104b, in which panel 104b extends across the gap 30 and substantially covers each portion of the gap 30, and a at least partially retracted or open configuration, shown exemplary as panel 104a, in which the open panel 104a creates an opening 108 that exposes each portion of the gap 30. When a panel 104 contacts the stationary post 110, the panels slide out of the closed configuration from each other (depending on their arrangement). In the illustrated embodiment, the radially outermost distal edge 146 of panel 104 contacts the plow 140 of the stationary post 110, initiating the movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration. In one embodiment, the panel 104 can rotate below the turntable 18 to generate an opening 108.

[0028] In some embodiments, the radially outermost distal edge 146 of panel 104 can be configured to extend below the outer platform 28, or to extend into a receiving surface or groove 152 within the outer platform 28 when panel 104 is in the extended position. Thus, panel 104 can fully span the radial dimension of the gap 30 when in the extended position. That is, the maximum radial extension of individual panels 104 is in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, each of the panels 104 can have a geometric shape that facilitates covering the gap 30 and / or engaging with the outer platform 28 when panel 104 is in the extended position. For example, panels 104 may include a substantially trapezoidal or substantially arched shape that allows panels 104 to abut and / or overlap each other in the extended position and substantially cover the gap 30 (e.g., mitigating or substantially eliminating the space 104 between adjacent panels). Furthermore, the panel 104 and / or groove 152 can be sized and shaped such that the panel moves within the groove 152 while the turntable 18 rotates and makes minimal contact with the surface of the groove 152. However, if weight is applied to the upper surfaces 130, 134 of the panel, the lower surface 154 can provide structural support to the panel 104.

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the panel assembly 100 of the gap block system 72. When the vehicle 14 enters the passenger path 36, the vehicle 14 and the turntable 18 can rotate at approximately the same speed as the vehicle 14 travels. The vehicle moves away from the stationary post 110 at the entrance opening 108. However, one or more rotating panels in the open configuration, for example, panel 104a, reach a plow structure 156 present on the vehicle 14, as shown overall in Figure 5, and rotate with the vehicle 14. The plow structure is coupled to a support shaft 84 and is generally located below the seat 160 of the vehicle 14. Passive contact with the plow structure 156 maintains panel 104a in the open configuration at least partially as the vehicle 14 moves along the passenger path 36. The plow structure 156 can be formed from a flexible material to reduce the impact on panel 104 during contact.

[0030] The transition of panel 104a between the closed and open configurations can be facilitated by a biasing mechanism 106 coupled to each panel 104. Each panel 104 is coupled to a spring-loaded rod 164 at a joint 168, allowing the panel 104 to reorient itself relative to the rod 164 at the joint 168, enabling the panel to connect within the plane of the floor surface and between the open and closed configurations. The ends 170 of the rod 164 can allow for additional small movements of the panel 104 in other planes. However, in one embodiment, the panel 104 is coupled to a turntable 18 so that even within these individual ranges of motion, the panel 104 does not extend above the upper surface of the boarding platform. Such movement can be constrained by a cage 174 or other structure. Unless an opposing force is applied to overcome the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 106, the panel is biased to return to the default closed configuration. It should be understood that the biasing mechanism 106 may be a preferred spring-based or other mechanism (e.g., a passive mechanism) that allows movement to the open configuration when in contact with the stationary post 110 (Figure 4) under normal operation of the system 10, and allows return to the closed configuration via rotation when no opposing force is present.

[0031] The panels 104 of the panel assembly 100 are arranged around the turntable 18 so as to largely or at least partially cover the space or gap between the turntable 18 and the stationary outer platform 28. The panels 104 are shaped and arranged so that the vehicle 14 and the turntable 18 can move at least partially asynchronously, and the turntable 18 can rotate faster or slower than the vehicle 14 for at least part of its movement. During asynchronous movement, the panels 104 can be deflected in either direction by the vehicle 14, so that the openings or spaces between adjacent panels remain below the vehicle. In other words, the panel assembly 100 allows the vehicle 14, which is positioned within the panel assembly 100, to move backward or forward. Thus, the plow structure 156 can at least partially surround the support shaft 84 and facilitate the deflection of the panels 104 in either direction. Furthermore, during a boarding system shutdown scenario, the vehicle 14 may stop or change speed to allow entry onto the boarding platform, regardless of whether the turntable 18 continues to rotate. In such cases, the spacing of the vehicle 14 can be adjusted. The disclosed technology responds to such conditions by passively adjusting the angle of the deflected panel 104 forward or backward (via deflection) so that the deflected panel 104 remains in contact with the plow structure.

[0032] Panel 104 may include features that enhance sliding or relative motion. For example, the panel may form a tail end or tapered end, so that the side edge 128 covered by the turntable 18 in the closed configuration narrows toward the rod 168. Such an arrangement reduces the surface area that could generate friction or hinder smooth transitions between configurations, while simultaneously maintaining the desired coverage of gaps in the exposed portion of panel 104.

[0033] Figure 6 shows a first type 122 panel 104 which may include additional features to facilitate transitions between configurations. The bottom surface 200 of the first type 122 panel, facing the top surface 134 (see Figure 4), may include one or more low-friction wear pads 202, or may be formed from or coated with a low-friction material. In one embodiment, the bottom surface 200 of the first type 122 panel, which slides and contacts an adjacent panel 104, may have a lower coefficient of friction with respect to the top surface 134. Furthermore, a stub shaft with bearings and mounting lugs 210 for connection to a spring assembly may be oriented substantially toward the top surface 134 so as not to interfere with the relative movement of the bottom surface and the adjacent panel 104.

[0034] Figure 7 shows a panel 104 of the second type 124. The second type 124 panel 104 can generally be similar to the first type 122 panel 104 (Figure 6), but can be thicker to support vertical loads and the layer of the first type 122 panel 104 positioned on the top surface 130 (Figure 3). In one embodiment, the second type 124 panel 104 can be at least 50%, 100%, 200%, or 300% thicker than the first type 122 panel in a dimension 210 perpendicular to its bottom surface 220. The bottom surface 220 may be pocketed or may include one or more rib structures to facilitate the support of additional weight. The second type 124 panel 104 may include downward-facing stub shafts 230 to avoid contact with other panels. The second type 124 panel 104 may include an inner wear strip 234 and / or a series of cam follower rollers 236 near the outer edge to facilitate movement in contact with the ride platform structure.

[0035] As described above, embodiments of the present disclosure can provide one or more technical effects useful for blocking access to parts of amusement park attractions where guests may accidentally lose certain personal items. In particular, embodiments of the gap blocking system 72 disclosed herein facilitate passenger boarding and alighting from non-stationary ride vehicles 14 while substantially blocking access to gaps. The technical effects and technical problems described herein are examples and not limiting. It should be noted that embodiments described herein may have other technical effects and solve other technical problems and may be used outside of amusement park environments.

[0036] While only specific features of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will likely conceive of numerous variations and modifications. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims protect all such variations and modifications that fall within the true spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that certain elements of the disclosed embodiments can be combined or interchangeable with one another.

[0037] The technologies presented and claimed herein are based on and applied to tangible objects and practical properties that clearly improve the art of the present invention and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification includes one or more elements designated as “means for performing a certain function” or “steps for performing a certain function,” such elements are intended to be construed under § 112(v) of the United States Patent Act. However, with respect to any claim that includes elements designated in any other manner, such elements shall not be construed under § 112(f) of the United States Patent Act. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 14. Vehicles 16 sheets 18 Turntables 36. Boarding Route 72 Gap Block System 84 Support shaft 100 Panel Assembly 104a Panel 108 Inlet opening 110 Stationary Post 128 Side edge 156 Plow structure 168 rods 170 End

Claims

1. It is a gap block system, A boarding platform having a gap that separates a first portion of the boarding platform from a second portion of the boarding platform, A panel assembly including a plurality of panels configured to rotate together with the boarding platform, Equipped with, Each of the plurality of panels is coupled to a biasing mechanism configured to be coupled to the boarding platform and to bias each panel toward a closed configuration extending radially away from the boarding platform, and the plurality of panels are arranged such that when the plurality of panels are in the closed configuration, the first panel is positioned overlapping with a portion of the upper surface of a second panel of the plurality of panels that is adjacent to the first panel of the plurality of panels, The first panel is coupled to the biasing mechanism at the joint and is configured to change orientation at the joint so that the first panel moves from the closed configuration to an open configuration in which it is at least partially retracted to expose the gap. Gap block system.

2. The gap block system according to claim 1, wherein the first panel is positioned to overlap the upper surface of the third panel, and the third panel is positioned adjacent to the first panel such that the third panel and the second panel are spaced apart from each other when the first panel, the second panel and the third panel are in the closed configuration.

3. The gap block system according to claim 1, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises at least a spring, a spring load rod, or a cam profile gasket.

4. The gap block system according to claim 1, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a free end positioned below the boarding platform, and the free end is configured to move in response to a biasing force applied to the first panel.

5. The gap block system according to claim 1, wherein the boarding platform includes a turntable or an inline boarding configuration.

6. The gap block system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of panels has the same shape relative to one another.

7. The gap block system according to claim 1, wherein the first panel includes a tapered end.

8. A gap blocking method, The steps include providing a plurality of panels extending radially from the boarding platform to block access to a gap separating a first portion of the boarding platform from a second portion of the boarding platform, A step of rotating the boarding platform such that at least one of the plurality of panels overcomes the biasing force of the biasing mechanism of the at least one panel, thereby moving the at least one panel from a closed configuration in which the at least one panel extends radially away from the boarding platform to substantially cover the gap, to an open configuration in which the at least one panel is at least partially retracted to expose the gap, wherein the at least one panel slides at least partially above or below an adjacent panel to move to the open configuration. Methods that include...

9. The method according to claim 8, comprising the step of controlling a vehicle to enter an opening that provides access to a gap created by the at least one individual panel in the open configuration.

10. The method according to claim 9, comprising the step of controlling the vehicle to move along a boarding path at a speed substantially equal to the rotational speed of the vehicle platform, such that the vehicle maintains contact with the at least one individual panel after the at least one individual panel has moved to the open configuration.

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of bringing the second panel of the plurality of panels into contact with a plow structure coupled to the vehicle, in order to move the second panel from the closed configuration to the open configuration in at least a portion of the plurality of panels.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein the at least one individual panel slides above the adjacent panel.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein the at least one individual panel slides below the adjacent panel.

14. The method according to claim 8, wherein at least one individual panel is of the first type and the adjacent panel is of the second type.

15. The method according to claim 8, wherein the at least one individual panel has a different thickness from the adjacent panel.

16. It is a gap block system, A boarding platform having a gap that separates a first portion of the boarding platform from a second portion of the boarding platform, Vehicles and A panel assembly comprising a plurality of panels configured to be coupled to the boarding platform and to rotate together with the boarding platform, Equipped with, The boarding platform is configured to move a first panel from a closed configuration in which the first panel overlaps with a portion of the upper surface of a second panel among the plurality of panels adjacent to the first panel, to an open configuration in which the first panel is deflected through contact with the structure to form an opening that allows the vehicle to enter, in order to block access to the gap. Gap block system.

17. The gap blocking system according to claim 16, wherein the first panel is coupled to a biasing mechanism that biases the first panel in the closed configuration to block access to the gap when it is not deflected.

Images