Segment-type bending system for amusement park attractions

Abstract

A segmented bending system comprises multiple linkages joined together in a stacked array. Additionally, the segmented bending system comprises multiple rotational assemblies joined together to extend through the multiple linkages. The multiple rotational assembly comprises multiple cam members, each cam member among the multiple cam members extends into its respective opening formed in the corresponding linkage among the multiple linkages. At least one cam member among the multiple cam members is offset circumferentially from at least one other cam member among the multiple cam members around the central axis of the multiple rotational assembly.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to the various aspects of the present invention described and / or claimed below. It is believed that this discussion will help provide background information to enable the reader to better understand the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, these statements should be read in this light and should not be understood as an acknowledgment of prior art.

[0002] The amusement park may include various attractions that provide enjoyment to guests. For example, the amusement park may include a ride attraction in which a ride vehicle transports one or more guests along a path passing by one or more animated figures (e.g., figures having one or more actuators that can be controlled to move figure components). Animated figures may include a robot assembly that can be themed to look like a living creature (e.g., an assembly of one or more actuators themed to look like a dragon). The amusement park may additionally or alternatively include other types of attractions, such as a haunted house attraction in which one or more guests walk along a path passing by one or more animated figures (e.g., themed robot figures) or a character attraction in which one or more guests interact with one or more animated character heads (e.g., worn by human actors). In fact, amusement parks may include a variety of different types of attractions equipped with different types of entertainment elements, and at least some of the entertainment elements (e.g., animated figures, animated character heads, mechanical structures) may include moving components to provide visual effects.

[0003] A summary of specific embodiments disclosed in this specification is presented below. It should be understood that these embodiments are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In practice, this disclosure may include various embodiments not specified below.

[0004] In one embodiment, the segmented bending system comprises multiple linkages joined together in a stacked array. The segmented bending system also comprises multiple rotational assemblies joined together to extend through the multiple linkages. The multiple rotational assembly comprises multiple cam members, each cam member of the multiple cam members extends into its own opening formed in a corresponding linkage among the multiple linkages. At least one cam member among the multiple cam members is offset circumferentially from at least one other cam member among the multiple cam members around the central axis of the multiple rotational assembly.

[0005] In one embodiment, the segment-type bending system comprises a first segment having a first linkage and a first rotation assembly. The segment-type bending system also comprises a second segment having a second linkage coupled to the first linkage and a second rotation assembly coupled to the first rotation assembly. The first rotation assembly comprises a first cam member configured to engage with a first opening of the first linkage to drive the first linkage to bend in a first direction in response to the first rotation assembly rotating circumferentially around the axis of the segment-type bending system, and the second rotation assembly comprises a second cam member configured to engage with a second opening of the second linkage to drive the second linkage to bend in a second direction in response to the first rotation assembly rotating circumferentially.

[0006] In one embodiment, the segmented bending system comprises a first linkage and a first rotational assembly, wherein the first rotational assembly comprises a first ball joint, a first cup supporting the first ball joint, and a first cam member extending from the first cup into a first opening formed in a first bar of the first linkage. The segmented bending system also comprises a second linkage and a second rotational assembly, wherein the second rotational assembly comprises a second ball joint, a second cup supporting the second ball joint, and a second cam member extending from the second cup into a second opening formed in a second bar of the second linkage, the second opening being offset from the first opening in the circumferential direction. The segmented bending system further comprises a drive system configured to drive the circumferential rotation of the first rotational assembly such that the first linkage and the first rotational assembly are bent in a first bending direction and the second linkage and the second rotational assembly are bent in a second bending direction different from the first bending direction.

[0007] In connection with various embodiments of the present disclosure, various improvements to the features described above may be made. Additional features may also be incorporated into these various embodiments. Such improvements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals indicate the same parts throughout the drawings: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an attraction that can be used in an amusement park according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bending system that can be used in the attraction of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a part of the bending system of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a part of the bending system of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a part of the bending system of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the bending system is in a bending configuration; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a multidirectional bending system that can be used in the attraction of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0009] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be understood that, as with any engineering or design project, when developing such an actual implementation, numerous implementation-related decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, and that these may vary from implementation to implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that while such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, they may nevertheless be routine tasks of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for a person skilled in the art who benefits from this disclosure.

[0010] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms “one,” “the above,” and no articles are intended to mean that there is one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “comprising,” and “having” are used in a comprehensive sense and imply that there may be additional elements in addition to those listed. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that include the cited features. It should be noted that numerical terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used to distinguish components to facilitate discussion, and that these numerical terms may be used or assigned differently to different elements in the claims. Additionally, specific numbers (e.g., 90 degrees, 180 degrees) and / or dimensions (e.g., parallel, perpendicular) are used to facilitate discussion and are intended to include deviations (e.g., to account for tolerances such as manufacturing tolerances).

[0011] The present disclosure relates to a bending system comprising multiple segments that operate to provide a bending effect (e.g., a curling effect) cumulatively. For example, the bending system may comprise multiple segments that operate to provide a bending effect to parts of an animated figure (e.g., a robot's finger, a dragon's tail) within an amusement park attraction. Advantageously, the bending system may include an arrangement of components and / or operational features of the components, as well as components that provide sufficient durability for the bending system to repeatedly move between a straight configuration (e.g., a non-curling configuration) and a bending configuration (e.g., a curling configuration). Additionally, the bending system may be compact so that the bending system can be used within relatively small structures or various entertainment elements (e.g., animated figures, animated character heads, mechanical structures).

[0012] With the foregoing in mind, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an attraction (10) (e.g., a ride attraction) that may be used in an amusement park. The attraction (10) may include a ride vehicle (12) that can travel along a ride path (14) (e.g., a track). As the ride vehicle (12) travels along the ride path (14), it may pass through one or more entertainment elements (16). The ride vehicle (12) may include one or more seats (18) arranged to carry one or more guests in the ride vehicle (12).

[0013] It should be understood that the ride vehicle (12) may not move along the ride path (14), but instead, the ride vehicle (12) may be stationary or may move (e.g., tip, spin, rise, fall) without traversing the ride path (14) (e.g., without moving forward or backward along the ride path (14). Additionally, it should be understood that one or more entertainment elements (16) may have any suitable form (e.g., any type of animated figure, animated character head, or mechanical structure) and may be used in any of the different types of attractions within the amusement park (e.g., haunted house attraction, character attraction, musical or theatrical show) or in any of the various environments outside the amusement park.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a bending system (20) (e.g., a segmented bending system). The bending system (20) may be used in the attraction (10) of FIG. 1, for example, in one or more entertainment elements (16) of the attraction (10) of FIG. 1. However, it should be understood that the bending system (20) may be used in any type of attraction or any type of entertainment element of the environment. In one embodiment, the bending system (20) may be used on a body part of an animated figure (e.g., a dragon's tail) to bend or curl the body part of the animated figure. The bending system (20) may be covered with a cover (e.g., cloth, fabric, plastic) to hide the segments of the bending system (20) from view and / or provide a desired appearance (e.g., for the body part of the animated figure).

[0015] For ease of discussion, the bending system (20) may be described with reference to an axial axis or direction (22), a transverse axis or direction (24), and a circumferential axis or direction (26). As illustrated, the bending system (20) may include a power / control system (28, e.g., an electronic system) that transmits power / control signals to a drive system (30) (e.g., a motor). The bending system (20) may also include a base structure (e.g., a base linkage), a multi-linkage (34), and an end structure (e.g., an end linkage) located between a first end (e.g., a proximal end) and a second end (e.g., a distal end). The base structure (32), the multi-linkage (34), and the end structure (36) are joined in a stacked arrangement at least partially through fasteners (44) (e.g., pins). The fastener (44) enables relative movement between components, such as relative movement between adjacent linkages (34) (e.g., rotation around the transverse axis (24)). Each linkage (34) includes a bar (38) (e.g., a transverse extension bar) as well as a bracket (48) on the opposite transverse end of the bar (38). The fastener (44) joins the brackets (48) of adjacent linkages (34) to each other. It should be recognized that the base structure (32) and / or end structure (36) may have the same or different shape (e.g., form) as the multiple linkages (34).

[0016] As illustrated, the base structure (32) may support and / or accommodate the drive system (30). Each linkage of the multiple linkages (34) (including the end structure (36)) may be associated with its own rotation assembly (50), and the rotation assembly (50) is in a stacked arrangement to extend through the multiple linkages (34). Each linkage (34) (including the end structure (36)) and its respective rotation assembly (50) may be considered to form a segment of the bending system (20). Thus, the illustrated bending system (20) includes six segments. However, the bending system may include any number of segments (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more).

[0017] Each rotational assembly (50) comprises a ball joint (52), a cup (54), and a cam member (56) extending (e.g., radially outward) from the cup (54) into an opening (58) formed in the bar (38) of the linkage (34). The ball joint (52) and the cup (54) are stacked in an alternating pattern and end-to-end butt manner (e.g. along the axial line (22) / in a coaxial straight configuration). For clarity of imagery, only specific components of the rotational assembly (50) of the linkage (34) adjacent to the base structure (32) in FIG. 2 are numbered, but it should be understood that each rotational assembly (50) contains the same components. The rotational assemblies (50) are mechanically coupled to each other (e.g., in a stacked arrangement) and rotate together to provide coordinated movement (e.g., bending movement) of the segments of the bending system (20).

[0018] Additional features and operational characteristics of the bending system (20) of FIG. 2 can be understood by referring to FIG. 3-5. In particular, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a part of the bending system (20) of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a part of the bending system (20) of FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a part of the bending system (20) of FIG. 2 in a bending configuration (e.g., curling configuration).

[0019] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a portion of the bending system (20) includes multiple linkages (34) connected in a stacked arrangement via fasteners (44). For ease of discussion, three links (34) are described in detail herein. In particular, the first linkage (34, 60), the second linkage (34, 62), and the third linkage (34, 64) are stacked on top of each other. The first linkage (34, 60) and the second linkage (34, 62) are joined via their respective pairs of fasteners (44) extending through the opening of the bracket (48). The second linkage (34, 62) and the third linkage (34, 64) are joined via their respective pairs of fasteners (44) extending through the opening of the bracket (48).

[0020] Each of the first linkage (34, 60), the second linkage (34, 62), and the third linkage (34, 64) includes its own rotational assembly (50). Each rotational assembly (50) includes a ball joint (52), a cup (54), and a cam member (56). However, to better illustrate other specific features, such as a slot (66) formed within the ball joint (52) and configured to receive a slot pin (68), the cup (54) and cam member (56) of the first linkage (34, 60) are omitted in FIG. 3. It should be understood that each ball joint (52) of the bending system (20) may include a slot (66) configured to receive a slot pin (68). However, in some cases, the slot (66) and the slot pin (68) are oriented in different directions along the stack of the rotational assembly (50). For example, the slot (66) and slot pin (68) of the ball joint (52) (e.g., all other ball joints (52) in all other linkages (34)) in the first linkage (34, 60), sink linkage (34, 60), etc. are oriented as shown in the exploded view of the rotational assembly (150) in the first linkage (34, 60) of FIG. 3 (e.g., perpendicular to the transverse axis (24) in a straight configuration), and the slot (66) and slot pin (68) of the ball joint (52) (e.g., all other ball joints (52) in all other linkages (34)) in the second linkage (34, 62) and the fourth linkage (34), etc. are oriented with respect to the slot (66) and slot pin (68) of the ball joint (52) in the first linkage (34, 60), sink linkage (34, 60), etc. It is oriented at 90 degrees (e.g., aligned with the transverse axis (24) in a straight configuration). This can provide stability when the bending system (20) is adjusted between a straight configuration and a bending configuration. Additionally, the slot pin (68) can engage with a slot pin opening (70) formed in the cup (54) supporting the ball joint (52) (e.g., on the side wall of the cup (54)), as best illustrated in the third linkage (34, 64).Additionally, a pin (72) extending from a cup (54) in one linkage (34) can engage with a pin opening (74) formed in a ball joint (52) in an adjacent linkage (34) (e.g., on the side wall of the ball joint (52)). For example, a pin (72) extending from a cup (54) in a third linkage (34, 64) can engage with a pin opening (74) formed in a ball joint (52) in a second linkage (34, 62).

[0021] For convenience of discussion, FIG. 4 will be described as having the first linkage (34, 60) and the second linkage (34, 62) of FIG. 3. As illustrated, the rotational assembly (50) of the first linkage (34, 60) includes a ball joint (52), a cup (54), and a cam member (56). The ball joint (52) includes a slot (66) that accommodates a slot pin (68), and the cup (54) includes a slot pin opening (70) that accommodates a slot pin (68). Thus, when the ball portion of the ball joint (52) is supported within a recess (e.g., a hollow) of the cup (54) and the slot pin (68) is positioned through the slot (66) and the slot pin opening (70), the slot pin (68) can drive the ball joint (52) to rotate with the cup (54) in the circumferential direction (26). However, the ball joint (52) may have limited movement with respect to the cup (54) (e.g., rotation around an axis perpendicular to the center axis of the slot pin (68)) to facilitate bending of the bending system (20).

[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the cam member (56) may comprise multiple parts such as an extension (80) extending from the cup (54) (e.g., a transverse extension), a sleeve (82) (e.g., an annular sleeve), and a cap (84) extending through the sleeve (82) to be joined to the extension (80) (e.g., via a screw (86)). This configuration allows the sleeve (82), which contacts the surface defining the opening (58), to be formed of a material having wear resistance or other properties that provide durability to the bending system (20). Additionally or alternatively, this configuration allows the sleeve (82) to be efficiently replaced for maintenance work. However, it should be understood that the cam member (56) may have any suitable form extending from the cup (54) into the opening (58) (e.g., a one-piece structure; formed integrally with the cup (54)).

[0023] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the cup (54) of the second linkage (34, 62) includes a pin (72) that engages with a pin opening (74) within the ball joint (52) of the first linkage (34, 60). In particular, the cup (54) of the second linkage (34, 62) may include a connector (90) (e.g., an axial extension) that extends (e.g., along the axial line (22)) down from the second linkage (34, 62) and / or through the opening of the bar (38) of the first linkage (34, 60) after assembly. This position allows the pin (72) extending from the connector (90) of the cup (54) in the second linkage (34, 62) to engage with the pin opening (74) of the ball joint (52) in the first linkage (34, 60). Accordingly, the slot pin (68) and pin (72) provide a mechanical link between adjacent rotating assemblies (50). The mechanical link enables the rotation of one rotating assembly (50) to drive the rotation of all rotating assemblies (50) (e.g., through the drive system (30) of FIG. 1; in the circumferential direction (26)). It should be understood that the features of the linkage (34) and rotating assembly (50) described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 may be included in other linkages (34) and other rotating assemblies (50) of the bending system (20).

[0024] When operated, the bending system (20) may be configured to be adjusted from a straight configuration (e.g., non-curling configuration) such as the straight configuration shown in FIGS. 2 through 4 to a bending configuration such as the bending configuration shown in FIG. 5. Advantageously, the bending system (20) may be adjusted from a straight configuration to a bending configuration in response to a control signal controlling the drive system (30) of FIG. 1 to rotate the cup (54) of the linkage (34) (e.g., first linkage (34, 60)) adjacent to the base structure (32) in the circumferential direction (26). As a result of the mechanical link between the linkage (34) (including the base structure (32) and the end structure (36)) and the mechanical link between the rotation assembly (50), when the cup (54) in the linkage (34) adjacent to the base structure (32) is rotated, the segments are bent together, and the bending system (20) achieves a bending configuration.

[0025] More specifically, when the cup (54) rotates in the linkage (34) adjacent to the base structure (32), the cup (54) drives the cam member (56) to rotate in the circumferential direction (26). The cam member (56) is located within the opening (58) of the bar (38) of the linkage (34), and the cam member (56) drives the linkage (34) to bend by sliding within the opening (58) (e.g., through rotation in the fastener (44)). For example, the cam member (56) is repositioned within the opening (58) from a first transverse end portion of the opening (58) located circularly from the cup (54) (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3) to a middle portion of the opening (58) closer to the cup (54) (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5). It should be recognized that the cam member (56) may be repositioned within the opening (58) from the first transverse end portion of the opening (58) to the second transverse end portion of the opening located near the cup (54) in order to provide a greater bend than shown in FIG. 5.

[0026] The cam member (56) and the opening (58) operate to convert the rotation of the cam member (56) around the circumferential axis (26) into the rotation of the linkage (34) around the transverse axis (24), and each linkage (34) is configured to move in this way so that the bending system (20) can reach a bending configuration. Additionally, each ball joint (52) rotates within the recess of the cup (54) that supports it so that the bending system (20) can reach a bending configuration. Thus, in the bending configuration, each ball joint (52), the cup (54) above the ball joint (52) (which engages with the ball joint (52) via the connector (90) and / or pin (72) shown in FIG. 4), and the linkage (34) of the ball joint (52) are bent together (e.g., in a plane) with respect to the linkage (34) below the ball joint (52). Each ball joint (52), the cup (54) above the ball joint, and the adjacent linkage (34) are bent together at a predetermined angle with respect to the adjacent linkage (34) below the ball joint (52), and each subsequent or stacked linkage (34) and the components of the rotating assembly (50) are bent in this manner (e.g., the linkage (34) is bent at a predetermined angle with respect to the adjacent linkage (34)) so that the bending system (20) is bent or curled along its length.

[0027] The bending system (20) can be configured to bend in a first direction (e.g., forward / outside the page; by the rotation of the linkages (34) in the first direction around the transverse axis (24)) as shown in FIG. 5 when the rotating assemblies (50) rotate in the circumferential direction (26), and the bending system (20) can be configured to bend in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., backward / inside the page; by the rotation of the linkages (34) in the second direction around the transverse axis (24)) when the rotating assemblies (50) rotate in the opposite direction to the circumferential direction. In particular, in FIG. 5, only specific components of some rotating assemblies (50) are numbered to clarify the image. Also, to clarify the image, parts of the cam member (56) and the cup (54) of the first linkage (34, 60) are omitted.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a multidirectional bending system (120). The bending system (120) may be used in the attraction (10) of FIG. 1, for example, in one or more entertainment elements (16) of the attraction (10) of FIG. 1. However, it should be understood that the bending system (120) may be used in any type of attraction or any type of entertainment element of the environment. In one embodiment, the bending system (120) may be used on a body part of an animated figure to bend or curl a body part of the animated figure (e.g., a dragon's tail). The bending system (120) may be covered with a cover (e.g., cloth, fabric, plastic), which may hide segments of the bending system (120) from view and / or provide a desired appearance (e.g., a body part of the animated figure).

[0029] For ease of discussion, the bending system (120) may be described with reference to an axial axis or direction (122), a transverse axis or direction (124), and a circumferential axis or direction (126). The bending system (120) may also be described with reference to a central axis (128) parallel to the axial axis (122). It should be understood that the bending system (120) may include a power / control system (e.g., an electronic control system) that transmits power / control signals to a drive system (e.g., a motor), such as the power / control system (28) and drive system (30) of FIG. 2.

[0030] The bending system (120) may also include a base structure and an end structure, such as the base structure (32) and the end structure (36) of FIG. 2. Between the base structure and the end structure, the bending system (120) may include multiple linkages (134) (e.g., brackets). The multiple linkages (134) may be joined in a stacked arrangement through fasteners (e.g., pins), such as the fastener (44) of FIG. 2, which can extend through aligned openings (146) within the multiple linkages (134). As illustrated, each of the multiple linkages (134) may be associated with a respective rotation assembly (150), and the rotation assembly (150) is formed in a stacked arrangement so as to extend through the multiple linkages (134). Each linkage (134) and its respective rotational assembly (150) may be considered to form a segment of the bending system (120). Thus, the illustrated bending system (120) includes six segments. However, the bending system may include any number of segments (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more).

[0031] Each rotational assembly (150) comprises a ball joint (152), a cup (154), and a cam member (156) extending from the cup (154) into the opening (158) of the linkage (134). In the linear configuration shown in FIG. 6, the ball joint (152) and the cup (154) may be centered around a central axis and / or stacked along the central axis (128) (e.g., coaxially) (e.g., end-to-end butt; alternating pattern). However, as shown in FIG. 6, the linkages (134) and rotational assemblies (150) may be formed and arranged in various ways relative to each other to provide bending in a number of different directions (e.g., different planes; around different axes). For ease of discussion, the linkage (134) will be referred to as the first linkage (134, 160), the second linkage (134, 162), the third linkage (134, 164), the fourth linkage (134, 166), the fifth linkage (134, 168), and the sixth linkage (134, 170). The first linkage (134, 160) and the rotational assembly (150) of the first linkage (134, 160) may be identical to the first linkage (34, 60) and the rotational assembly (50) of the first linkage (34, 60) of FIG. 3-5. In FIG. 6, the cup (154) and cam member (156) of the rotating assembly (150) of the first linkage (134, 160) are omitted for clarity of the image.

[0032] Additionally, the rotational assembly (150) of the second linkage (134, 162) may be identical to the rotational assembly (50) of the second linkage (34, 62) of FIG. 3-5, and the cam member (156) of the rotational assembly (150) of the second linkage (134, 162) may be located within the opening (158) of the second linkage (134, 162). Furthermore, as illustrated, the opening (158) of the first linkage (134, 160) and the opening (158) of the second linkage (134, 162) are aligned with each other (e.g., at the first transverse side of the central axis (128); stacked along the axis line (122) in a straight configuration). Accordingly, the first linkage (134, 160) and the second linkage (134, 162) can be bent as shown in FIG. 5.

[0033] However, the second linkage (134, 162) may differ from the second linkage (34, 62) of FIG. 3-5 in that the second linkage (134, 162) has an opening (158) on the first transverse side of the central axis (128) and a bar (190) (e.g., a transverse extension bar) having a portion (192) extending on the second transverse side of the central axis (128). This shape allows the second linkage (134, 162) to be coupled (e.g., stacked adjacently) to the third linkage (134, 164). In particular, this shape enables the second linkage (134, 162) to accommodate the rotational assembly (150) of the third linkage (134, 164), and the rotational assembly (150) of the third linkage (134, 164) includes a cam member (156) on the second transverse side of the central axis line (128) (e.g., offset by 180 degrees from the cam member (156) of the rotational assembly (150) of the second linkage (134, 162). The cam member (156) of the rotational assembly (150) of the third linkage (134, 164) extends through the opening (158) of the third linkage (134, 164) located on the second transverse side of the central axis (128) (e.g., offset by 180 degrees from the opening (158) of the second linkage (134, 162)). Thus, the third linkage (134, 164) can be bent in a different direction (e.g., a direction different from the first linkage (134, 160) and the second linkage (134, 162)). In particular, the first linkage (134, 160) and the second linkage (134, 162) are bent in a first direction around the transverse axis (124), whereas the third linkage (134, 164) is bent in a second direction around the transverse axis (124). It should be recognized that other variations of the angle of the cam (56) relative to the cup (54), for example, other variations to provide different amounts and / or degrees of movement in each linkage (134), may be implemented.

[0034] As illustrated, the fourth linkage (134, 166) and the rotational assembly (150) of the fourth linkage (134, 166) are similar in that the cam member (156) of the rotational assembly (150) of the fourth linkage (134, 166) is located on the second transverse side of the central axis (128). The cam member (156) of the rotational assembly (150) of the fourth linkage (134, 166) extends through the opening (158) of the fourth linkage (134, 166) located on the second transverse side of the central axis (128). Accordingly, the fourth linkage (134, 166) can be bent in the same direction as the third linkage (134, 164) and in a different direction (e.g., different from the first linkage (134, 160) and the second linkage (134, 162)).

[0035] When these various different segments are stacked in this manner and used together (e.g., alternating bending directions), the bending system (120) can be bent back and forth along the length of the bending system (120) (e.g., like a sine wave in a side view). Although two segments bent in a first direction and two segments bent in a second direction are shown, it should be understood that any number of linkages (134) can be combined with each other in any arrangement or pattern to provide a wave configuration. For example, any number of linkages (134) (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) can be stacked in succession to be bent in the first direction, and any number of linkages (134) (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) can be stacked in succession to be bent in the second direction. Additionally, the linkage (134) can be stacked to provide any number of waves (e.g., alternating crests and troughs, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more).

[0036] Referring to FIG. 6, the fifth linkage (134, 168) may have a cross-shaped structure. The cross-shaped structure may be formed by a first bar (200) (e.g., a transverse extension bar) and a second bar (202) (e.g., a crossbar) that crosses the first bar (200) (e.g., vertically). The first bar (200) extends transversely between brackets (204) that extend axially to be coupled to the fourth linkage (134, 166), and the second bar (202) extends between brackets (206) that are coupled to the sixth linkage (134, 170). The rotational assembly (150) of the fifth linkage (134, 168) includes a cam member (156) extending into an opening (158) formed in the first bar (200) of the fifth linkage (134, 168) at a second transverse side of the central axis (128). Accordingly, the fifth linkage (134, 168) can be bent in the same direction as the third linkage (134, 164) and the fourth linkage (134, 166) and in a different direction (e.g., different from the first linkage (134, 160) and the second linkage (134, 162).

[0037] The cross-shaped structure of the fifth linkage (134, 166) allows the fifth linkage (134, 168) to be joined (e.g., stacked adjacently) to a sixth linkage (134, 170) which includes a crossbar (210) that crosses (e.g., vertically) the first bar (200) of the fifth linkage (134, 168). In particular, this shape allows the second bar (202) of the fifth linkage (134, 166) and the crossbar (210) of the sixth linkage (134, 170) to be joined to each other (e.g., through their respective brackets (206, 212). The cam member (156) of the rotational assembly (150) of the sixth linkage (134, 170) may extend into an opening (158) formed in the crossbar (210) of the sixth linkage (134, 170) which is offset from the opening (158) formed in the second bar (202) of the fifth linkage (134, 168) (e.g., between 0 and 360 degrees; between 90 and 180 degrees; about 90 degrees). The cam member (156) of the rotational assembly (150) of the sixth linkage (134, 170) is offset from the cam member (156) of the rotational assembly (150) of the fifth linkage (134, 168) (e.g., between 0 and 360 degrees, between 90 and 180 degrees, about 90 degrees). When operated, the sixth linkage (134, 170) may be bent in a different direction (e.g., a different plane; different from the other linkage (134) shown in FIG. 6). For example, when the rotating assemblies (150) rotate in the circumferential direction (126), the sixth linkage (134, 170) may rotate around an axis crossing the transverse axis (124), and the other linkages (134) may rotate around the transverse axis (124). It should be recognized that the offset may be any suitable offset (e.g., between 0 and 360 degrees, between 90 and 180 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees) to provide various bending and movements of the linkage (134).

[0038] Accordingly, various visual effects and bending types (e.g., curling) may be provided by various combinations of the bending system (120) and / or the components disclosed herein. As previously stated, the arrangement of the linkages (134) is merely exemplary, and other arrangements, such as other arrangements to provide different bending directions, wave bending, 90-degree rotation, etc., may be conceived. Additionally, any number of linkages (134) (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more) may be stacked so as to be bent in one direction, and then any number of linkages (134) (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more) may be stacked so as to be bent in another direction. Features described with reference to FIGS. 1-6 may be combined in a suitable manner. For example, a segment of FIG. 6 may have some of the features of a segment of FIGS. 2-5, and vice versa. It should be understood that the bending system (20, 120) can be operated in harmony with the attraction (10) of FIG. 1 and / or repeatedly (e.g., back and forth between a straight configuration and a bending configuration; periodically; according to a timer) based on the position of the ride vehicle (12) within the attraction (10), etc.

[0039] While the embodiments disclosed herein may be subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific forms disclosed. The present disclosure encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as defined in the following appended claims.

[0040] The technologies presented and claimed in this specification are referenced and applied to specific embodiments of a material and practical nature that expressly improve the art, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Additionally, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as “~ means for performing [function]” or “~ step for performing [function]”, such elements shall be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in a different manner, such elements are not intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC § 112(f). Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described below. [Exemplary Embodiment] (Embodiment 1) A segmented bending system comprising: a plurality of linkages joined together in a stacked array; A segment bending system comprising a plurality of rotating assemblies joined together to extend through the plurality of linkages, wherein the plurality of rotating assemblies each include a plurality of cam members, and each cam member of the plurality of cam members extends into a respective opening formed in a corresponding transverse extension bar of a corresponding linkage among the plurality of linkages, so that when the plurality of rotating assemblies rotate, the plurality of linkages are driven to bend relative to each other. (Embodiment 2) A segment bending system in the first embodiment, wherein each rotating assembly of the plurality of rotating assemblies includes a ball joint and a cup supporting the ball joint. (Embodiment 3) A segment bending system in the second embodiment, wherein the segment bending system comprises a pin configured to engage with the ball joint and the cup to block relative movement in the circumferential direction between the ball joint and the cup. (Embodiment 4) A segment bending system in the third embodiment, wherein the pin includes a slot pin disposed within a slot of a ball of the ball joint and passing through a slot pin opening formed in the side wall of the cup.(Embodiment 5) A segment-type bending system in which, in the fourth embodiment, the slot is configured to allow the ball joint to rotate about the cup around a rotation axis perpendicular to the pin center axis of the slot pin. (Embodiment 6) A segment-type bending system in which, in the first embodiment, the plurality of rotation assemblies are stacked end-to-end so as to extend through the plurality of linkages. (Embodiment 7) A segment-type bending system in which, in the first embodiment, each linkage of the plurality of linkages comprises a lateral extension bar, a first bracket at a first transverse end of the lateral extension bar, and a second bracket at a second transverse end of the lateral extension bar. (Embodiment 8) A segment-type bending system in which, in the first embodiment, the plurality of linkages are joined together in a stacked arrangement through a fastener that joins the brackets of adjacent linkages of the plurality of linkages together. (Embodiment 9) A segment-type bending system in which, in the first embodiment, the plurality of rotation A segment-type bending system that drives the plurality of rotational assemblies to rotate and bend the linkages relative to each other in response to the first rotational assembly of the assembly rotating circumferentially around the central axis of the plurality of rotational assemblies. (Embodiment 10) A segment-type bending system in the first embodiment, wherein at least one cam member among the plurality of cam members is offset circumferentially around the central axis of the plurality of rotational assemblies from at least one other cam member among the plurality of cam members.(Embodiment 11) A segment-type bending system comprising: a first segment including a first linkage and a first rotation assembly; and a second segment including a second linkage coupled to the first linkage and a second rotation assembly coupled to the first rotation assembly; A segment-type bending system comprising: a first rotation assembly including a first cam member configured to engage with a first opening of a first linkage to drive a first linkage to bend in response to circumferential rotation of the first rotation assembly; and a second rotation assembly including a second cam member configured to engage with a second opening of a second linkage to drive a second linkage to bend in response to circumferential rotation of the first rotation assembly. (Embodiment 12) A segment-type bending system in the 11th embodiment, wherein the first rotation assembly includes a first ball joint and a first cup supporting the first ball joint, and the first cam member extends outwardly from the first cup. (Embodiment 13) A segment-type bending system in the 12th embodiment, wherein the first rotation assembly includes a first ball joint and a first cup supporting the first ball joint, and the first cam member extends outwardly from the first cup. (Embodiment 14) A segment-type bending system in the 12th embodiment, wherein the first ball joint and the first cup are configured to engage with a slot pin to block relative circumferential movement between the first ball joint and the first cup. In an embodiment, the segment-type bending system comprises a second rotating assembly including a second ball joint and a second cup supporting the second ball joint, and the second cam member extending outwardly from the cup. (Embodiment 15) In an embodiment 14, the segment-type bending system comprises a pin configured to engage with the first ball joint and the second cup to block relative movement in the circumferential direction between the first ball joint and the second cup.(Embodiment 16) In a segment-type bending system, a first linkage and a first rotational assembly — the first rotational assembly comprises a first ball joint, a first cup supporting the first ball joint, and a first cam member extending from the first cup into a first opening formed in a first bar of the first linkage — and a second linkage and a second rotational assembly — the second rotational assembly comprises a second ball joint, a second cup supporting the second ball joint, and a second cam member extending from the second cup into a second opening formed in a second bar of the second linkage, wherein the second opening is offset from the first opening in a circumferential direction around the axis line of the segment-type bending system — and; A segment bending system comprising a driving system configured to drive the circumferential rotation of the first rotation assembly so that the first linkage and the second linkage bend around the transverse axis of the segment bending system. (Embodiment 17) A segment bending system in the 16th embodiment, wherein the first rotation assembly and the second rotation assembly are joined to each other through a pin that blocks relative movement in the circumferential direction of the first rotation assembly and the second rotation assembly. (Embodiment 18) A segment bending system in the 17th embodiment, wherein the first ball joint and the second cup are joined to each other through the pin. (Embodiment 19) A segment bending system in the 16th embodiment, wherein when the first rotation assembly rotates in the circumferential direction, the first ball joint rotates within the first cup to bend the first linkage and the first rotation assembly around the transverse axis. (Embodiment 20) A segment bending system in the 16th embodiment, wherein The second opening is a segment-type bending system offset from the first opening with respect to the circumferential direction.

Claims

Claim 1 A segment bending system comprising: a plurality of linkages joined together in a stacked arrangement; and a plurality of rotational assemblies joined together to extend through the plurality of linkages, wherein each rotational assembly of the plurality of rotational assemblies comprises a ball joint, a cup supporting the ball joint, and a cam member, wherein the cam member extends from the cup into an opening formed in a corresponding transverse extension bar of a corresponding linkage among the plurality of linkages, and the cup drives the cam member to slide within the opening so that the plurality of linkages can bend relative to each other. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A segment bending system according to claim 1, comprising a pin configured to engage with the ball joint and the cup to block relative movement in the circumferential direction between the ball joint and the cup. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the segment bending system comprises a slot pin disposed within a slot of a ball of a ball joint and passing through a slot pin opening formed in the side wall of a cup. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the slot is a segment-type bending system configured to allow the ball joint to rotate about the cup around a rotation axis perpendicular to the pin center axis of the slot pin. Claim 6 In claim 1, the plurality of rotational assemblies are a segment-type bending system in which they are stacked end-to-end so as to be extended through the plurality of linkages. Claim 7 A segment-type bending system according to claim 1, wherein each linkage of the plurality of linkages comprises a lateral extension bar, a first bracket at a first transverse end of the lateral extension bar, and a second bracket at a second transverse end of the lateral extension bar. Claim 8 A segment-type bending system according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of linkages are joined together in a stacked arrangement through a fastener that joins the first and second brackets of adjacent linkages of the plurality of linkages together. Claim 9 A segment-type bending system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of rotational assemblies rotate in response to the first rotational assembly of the plurality of rotational assemblies rotating circumferentially around the central axis of the plurality of rotational assemblies, thereby driving the plurality of rotational assemblies to rotate and bend the linkages relative to each other. Claim 10 A segment-type bending system according to claim 1, wherein an opening formed in a transverse extension bar of at least one of the plurality of linkages is offset from an opening formed in a transverse extension bar of at least one of the other linkages in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the plurality of rotational assemblies. Claim 11 A segment-type bending system comprises: a first segment including a first linkage and a first rotation assembly; and a second segment including a second linkage coupled to the first linkage and a second rotation assembly coupled to the first rotation assembly; wherein the first rotation assembly comprises a first ball joint, a first cup supporting the first ball joint, and a first cam member extending from the first cup into a first opening formed in a first bar of the first linkage, and in response to rotation of the first rotation assembly in a circumferential direction around the central axis of the first rotation assembly, the first cup drives the first cam member to rotate circumferentially, thereby causing the first cam member to slide within the first opening and drive the first linkage to bend, and the second rotation assembly comprises a second ball joint, a second cup supporting the second ball joint, and a second cam member extending from the second cup into a second opening formed in a second bar of the second linkage, and in response to rotation of the first rotation assembly in a circumferential direction, the A segment-type bending system in which a second cup drives a second cam member to rotate circumferentially, causing the second cam member to slide within a second opening and drive a second linkage to bend. Claim 12 delete Claim 13 A segmented bending system according to claim 11, comprising a slot pin configured to engage with the first ball joint and the first cup to block relative movement in the circumferential direction between the first ball joint and the first cup. Claim 14 delete Claim 15 A segmented bending system according to claim 11, comprising a pin configured to engage with the first ball joint and the second cup to block relative movement in the circumferential direction between the first ball joint and the second cup. Claim 16 A segment-type bending system comprises: a first linkage and a first rotational assembly — the first rotational assembly comprises a first ball joint, a first cup supporting the first ball joint, and a first cam member extending from the first cup into a first opening formed in a first bar of the first linkage —; a second linkage and a second rotational assembly — the second rotational assembly comprises a second ball joint, a second cup supporting the second ball joint, and a second cam member extending from the second cup into a second opening formed in a second bar of the second linkage, wherein the second opening is offset from the first opening in a circumferential direction around the axis line of the segment-type bending system — and a driving system configured to drive rotation of the first rotational assembly in a circumferential direction, wherein in response to rotation of the first rotational assembly in a circumferential direction, the first and second cups each drive the first and second cam members to rotate circumferentially, so that the first and second cam members A segment bending system that slides within the first and second openings respectively and drives the first and second linkages to bend around the transverse axis of the segment bending system. Claim 17 In claim 16, the segment bending system wherein the first rotation assembly and the second rotation assembly are joined together through a pin configured to engage the first ball joint and the second cup so as to block relative movement of the first rotation assembly and the second rotation assembly in the circumferential direction. Claim 18 delete Claim 19 A segment-type bending system according to claim 16, configured such that when the first rotating assembly rotates in a circumferential direction, the first ball joint rotates within a first cup to bend the first linkage and the first rotating assembly around a transverse axis. Claim 20 In claim 16, the second opening is a segment-type bending system offset from the first opening by 90 to 180 degrees with respect to the circumferential direction.

Images