Abstract:
An amusement park ride that combines the features of multiple park rides into one. The amusement park ride has a car, a base, and a platform. The car is configured to ride on the rails of a standard roller coaster track. The base has a track segment to receive the car from a roller coaster track and braking system to secure the car on the base. The platform has multiple hydraulic lifts that allows the car to have six degrees of freedom so as to function as a motion simulator. The platform can also move along a track or the ground to function as a dark ride. The locking magnetic brake can release the car either forwards or backwards, or dispatch the car onto one of multiple segments of track to offer a variety of combinations of alternating roller coaster, motion simulator, and dark rides.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to a vehicle for an amusement park ride that combines the technologies and experiences of a roller coaster, motion simulator, and dark ride in a novel, fluid, and versatile fashion. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Theme parks and amusement parks over the years have strived to create immersive, fluid themed attractions such as dark rides, roller coasters, and simulators. Particularly in recent years, these theme parks have introduced attractions which combine these different types of ride experiences. Unfortunately, these ambitious amalgamations can lack realism or variability due to the limits of their technological systems, including their ride vehicles. For example, to combine the sensations of a roller coaster and a motion simulator, some rides use shaker tables under roller coaster track segments, which provide a less realistic experience than the standard motion simulator vehicle. 
     For the foregoing reasons there is a need for a vehicle that more effectively, seamlessly, and realistically combines a roller coaster, motion simulator, and dark ride. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention is directed to an amusement park ride vehicle that allows a patron to ride multiple rides at an amusement park while sitting in a single vehicle. The ride vehicle comprises a car configured to seat one or more riders, a pod to receive the car, and a base upon which the pod is mounted, the base configured to move along a surface. The base comprises a lift mechanism to create rolling, pivoting, and rotating motion for the pod and car. The base also comprises wheels to allow for translational movement. Therefore, with the base, the ride vehicle can experience six degrees of freedom. 
     The pod has a track segment extending forwardly and rearwardly past the outer perimeter of the pod that allows a ride vehicle to ride capable of riding on a roller coaster ride to ride onto the pod. The pod also has a braking system to stop the car once properly positioned on the pod. 
     To enhance the ride experience, the ride vehicle can have numerous options, such as surround-sound speakers, stadium-seat-style seating, a steering mechanism, and screens to play an audiovisual work related to the ride at hand. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention with the car and the pod shown in cross section down the longitudinal axis 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the transition vehicle. 
         FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the transition vehicle with a portion of the base removed to reveal the motor. 
         FIG. 4  shows a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     The invention of the present application is directed towards an amusement park ride vehicle  100  for a versatile amusement park ride that allows a patron to experience a variety of amusement park ride types in a single vehicle. With reference to the Figures, the ride vehicle  100  comprises a car  102  configured to seat one or more riders and a transition vehicle  200  that allows the car  102  to experience six degrees of freedom. The transition vehicle  200  is configured to secure the car  102  and send the car  102  from one ride to another. By way of example only, a rider may get into the car  102  and be taken through a roller coaster ride. Upon completion of the roller coaster ride, the car  102  rolls onto the transition vehicle  200 . The transition vehicle  200  can then take the rider through a dark ride. Upon completion of the dark ride, the transition vehicle  200  may stop in a simulator room having a projection screen. An audiovisual recording can be played showing an action scene from a first person&#39;s viewpoint. The transition vehicle  200 , equipped with a lift mechanism  254  can mimic the motion seen by the rider to feel as if the rider is actually in the action scene. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , the car  102  may be any general amusement park car capable of holding one or more riders. By way of example only, the car  102  may be a general roller coaster car. Preferably, the car  102  comprises a body  104  having one or more compartments  106   a - c  to hold one or more riders, and a plurality of track wheels  108  configured to ride on a track  10 . The body  104  may further have a restraint system  110   a - c  to keep the riders in their respective compartments, such as a seatbelt, shoulder harness, lap bar, an over-the-shoulder restraint, and the like, or any combination thereof. 
     In the preferred embodiment, there may be three rows of compartments  106   a ,  106   b ,  106   c . Each compartment may have a seat  112   a - c  for the riders to sit and enjoy the ride. In some embodiments, seats  112   a - c  may not be necessary and the riders can stand and enjoy the ride. In embodiments with seats  112   a - c , the seats  112   a - c  may be arranged as stadium-style seating with a second row seat  112   b  elevated higher than a first row seat  112   a , and a third row seat  112   c  higher than the second row seat  112   b  so that riders in the second and third row seats  112   b ,  112   c  can see over riders in front of them. 
     Preferably, each compartment  106   a - c  is equipped with speakers  114   a - c , such as surround sound speakers. The speakers  114   a - c  are positioned somewhere near the rider&#39;s head. For example, the speakers  114   a - c  may be on a dividing wall between compartments, on the back rest  116   a - c  of the seats  112   a - c , or on the headrests. The speakers  114   a - c  can be used for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to, providing the audio component of a dark ride or a simulation ride, announcements, instructions, other forms of entertainment, and the like. 
     The track wheels  108  on the car  102  are configured to allow the car  102  to ride along tracks  10  of a ride (referred to as ride tracks). Typically the track wheels  108  are attached to the car  102  on its bottom side. This allows the car  102  to ride on top of the ride tracks  10 . However, some cars  102  may have the track wheels  108  attached to the top side of the car  102  to allow the car  102  to ride below the tracks  10 . The car  102  may be equipped with multiple sets of track wheels strategically placed to enhance performance and safety of the ride. Each set of track wheels  108  may comprise any one or more of a road wheel  120  positioned on top of the track  10 , an upstop wheel  122  positioned below the track  10 , a guide wheel  124  position on the inside or outside of the track  10 , and any combination thereof. Preferably, each set of track wheels  108  comprises one of each type of wheel. Preferably, the car  102  has at least two sets of wheels  108 , one on each side (left and right) of the car. More preferably, the car  102  has one or more sets of wheels  108  at each of the corners of the car. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment, the car  102  should have at least four sets of wheels  108 , but can have more sets, for example, in the middle on the left and right sides. 
     In order for the rider to experience a different ride while remaining in the same car  102 , the car  102  is mountable on a transition vehicle  200 . The transition vehicle  200  is capable of moving from one ride station to another as well as providing motion for the car  102  with at least six degrees of freedom to allow the rider to experience rolling (or pivoting) from side to side, swiveling (or yawing) left and right, tilting (or pitching) forward and backward, elevating and descending up and down, moving forward and backward, moving left and right, and any combination thereof while on the transition vehicle  200 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the transition vehicle  200  comprises a pod  204  to receive the car  102 , and a base  250  to provide motion for the car  102 . The pod  204  has a track segment  206  mounted on the pod  204 , and a braking system  208  associated with the track segment  206 . The pod  204  can be any foundational structure sufficient to hold a car  102 . The pod  204  has a floor  210  having a top side  212  and a bottom side  213  opposite the top side  212 , the top and bottom sides  212 ,  213  are bound by an outer perimeter  214 . The track segment  206  and braking system  208  are securely mounted on the top side  212  of the floor  210 . In some embodiments, extending upwardly from opposing sides of the outer perimeter  214  is a pair of walls  216 . Thus, the walls  216  and the floor  210  define a channel  218  into which the car  102  can enter and exit. In the preferred embodiment, the pod  204  may be dome-shaped with the channel  218  cut out in the middle so as to define the two opposing walls  216 . 
     In some embodiments, the wall  216  or portions of the wall  216  on the inside may comprise a screen  219  capable of displaying an audiovisual work. The audiovisual work may correspond with the current ride in progress, thereby providing additional environmental scenery to enhance the ride experience. In some embodiments, the screen  219  may extend up from the outer perimeter  214  of the pod  204  rather than being on the walls  216  of the pod  204 . The objective is to prevent the riders from seeing past the screen  219  so that they are forced to see the screen  219  during one of the rides in which the car  102  is still in the pod  204 . However, when the riders move to a ride that does not require the transition vehicle  200 , then the riders&#39; views are no longer obstructed to the side. Therefore, a pair of screens  219  is attached on opposite sides of the transition vehicle  200  adjacent to the sides of the pod  204  so as not to obstruct the car&#39;s ability to move in and out of the pod  204 . 
     The track segment  206  is essentially a segment of a ride track  10 , such as a roller coaster track. The ride track  10  may have to be modified so as to have a free start end  12  and a free finish end  14 , rather than being one continuous loop. The free start end  12  and the free finish end  14  defining a gap  16  therebetween. The track segment  206  has a front end  220  and a back end  222 . The distance from the front end  220  to the back end  222  defines the length of the track segment  206 . The dimensions of the gap  16  is substantially similar to the dimensions of the track segment  206 . Therefore, when the track segment  206  is inserted into the gap  16 , the ride track  10  essentially becomes one continuous loop. The track segment  206  may also be attached to the pod  204  in a manner that provides spacing above, below, and to the sides of the track segment  206 . This allows the track wheels  108  of the car  102  to roll onto the track segment  206  without interference from the pod  204 . 
     In order for the track segment  206  to be inserted into the gap  16 , the track segment  206  is secured to the floor  210  inside the channel  218 . Preferably, the front and back ends  220 ,  222  of the track segment  206  project out past the outer perimeter  214  of the pod  204  at the front and the back ends of the pod  204 . This allows the track segment  206  to align with and connect to the ride track  10  without interference from the pod  204 . In some embodiments, the track segment  206  may extend out to the outer perimeter of the pod on opposite sides. The dimensions of the pod  204  may be such that the pod  204  fits inside the gap  16  of the ride track  10 . Thus, when the pod  204  is inserted inside the gap  16  of the ride track  10 , the track segment  206  is aligned with and forms a continuous relationship with the ride track  10 . In some embodiments, the track segment  206  may be shorter than the dimensions of the pod  204  so as to leave a space in between the front and back ends  220 ,  222  and the perimeter edge  214  of the pod  204 . The space accommodates the terminal ends  12 ,  14  of the ride track  10 . Thus, when the track segment  206  is inserted inside the gap  16 , the terminal ends  12 ,  14  of the ride track  10  may lie on to of the floor  210  ( FIG. 4 ) in the space so as to connect with the track segment  206 . Since the terminal ends  12 ,  14  of the ride track  10  are housed inside the pod  204 , this prevents unnecessary rotational movement of the pod  204  since the terminal ends  12 ,  14  of the roller coaster track  10  would abut against the walls  216  of the pod  206 . 
     To facilitate the alignment of the track segment  206  to the ride track  10 , sensors  207  may be attached to the track segment  206  and at the ends  12 ,  14  of the ride track  10 . The sensors  207  communicate or detect each other to determine a proper connection. For example, the sensors may attract one another or detect their proximity to facilitate the alignment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the braking system  208  is operatively connected to the pod  204 , either through direct attachment to the pod  204 , or through the track segment  206 . The braking system  208  can be any system that can halt the movement of the car  102  while the car  102  is inside the pod  204 . For example, the braking system  208  may be in the form of a retractable projection into the channel  218  at the front end, the back end, both ends of the channel  218 , or anywhere therebetween. For example, the retractable projection may be gates, bars, straps, chains, fences, locks and the like that can obstruct the movement of the car  102  or the track wheels  108  of the car  102 . The braking system  208  may also be in the form of a magnetic braking system. For example, an electromagnet located in between the track segment  206  along the longitudinal axis may be used stop the movement of the car  102  and secure the car  102  in position in the pod  204 . Preferably, the braking system  208  is equipped with a fail-secure mechanism that keeps the brakes on or locked in the event of a power failure. 
     To provide movement for the pod  204 , the pod  204  is placed on top of a base  250 . The base  250  is configured to move along a surface for translational movement (i.e. movement along the three coordinate axes) as well as rotational movement (i.e. rotation about the three coordinate axes). In general, the base  250  is configured to provide at least 6 degrees of freedom with regards to the types of movements it can perform. 
     The base  250  comprises a foundation  252 , a lift mechanism  254  mounted on the foundation  252  and connected to the pod  204 , and a plurality of wheels  290  attached to the bottom side of the foundation  252 . The foundation  252  provides the structural support for the lift mechanism  254  as well as providing the mechanism for transporting the pod  204  from one location to another location. The foundation  252  may be any flat, rigid structure to support the pod  204  and the car  102 . For example, the foundation  252  may be a sturdy plate made of metal, wood, plastic, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the foundation  252  may be circular in shape; however, any shape can be used, such as square, rectangular, triangular, and the like. 
     The foundation  252  has a top side  260  and a bottom side  262 . The lift mechanism  254  is mounted on the top side  260 . Preferably, the lift mechanism  254  is a plurality of hydraulic jacks. The hydraulic jacks are strategically located on the top side  260  of the foundation  252  to provide three degrees of freedom to create, for example, rolling, swiveling, and tilting motion for the pod  204  and car  102 . By way of example only, a plurality of hydraulic jacks may be positioned along the periphery  264  of the foundation  252  in an evenly spaced apart manner. Each hydraulic jack may comprise a set of telescoping arms  270 ,  272  that allows the hydraulic jacks to lengthen and shorten. Each hydraulic jack may also have articulating arms. 
     For example, the hydraulic jacks may be attached to the foundation  252  with a coupling  274  that allows the hydraulic jack to move in a swiveling, rotating, toggling, or like manner. For example, the coupling  274  may be a universal joint, hinge, and the like. Each coupling  274  may define a vertical axis A 1  extending perpendicularly up from the foundation  252 . The hydraulic jack may toggle back and forth from one side of the vertical axis A 1  to another, rotate about the vertical axis A 1 , swivel around the vertical axis A 1  or any combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the hydraulic jacks may be directly connected to the pod  204 . In other embodiments, the hydraulic jacks may be connected to a plate  280  upon which the pod  204  may be secured. In either case, the connection of the hydraulic jacks to the pod  204  or the plate  280  may be via a movable coupling  282 , such as a universal joint, hinge, and the like. This will allow the hydraulic jacks to swivel, rotate, toggle, and otherwise move relative to the foundation  252 . 
     In embodiments in which the base  250  is attached to the pod  204  by a plate  280 , the attachment between the pod  204  and the plate  280  may be configured to allow for rotation of the pod  204  relative to the base  250 . For example, the plate  280  may comprise gears  281 , pulleys, and the like to control the rotation of the pod  204  about the base  250 . This will allow the car  102  to experience a spinning action relative to a vertical axis A 2  perpendicular to the base  250 . This will allow the rider to experience a 360 degree panoramic view. A latch system may be used to connect the plate to the pod  204  while still permitting rotation of the pod relative to the plate  280 . The latch system may have a plurality of latches  306  attached to the plate  280  and a groove  308  attached to the pod  204 . The groove  308  may be circular such that when the latch  306  attaches to the groove  308 , the pod  204  and the plate  280  cannot be separated but rotational movement relative to each other is permitted. 
     In some embodiments, any translational or rotational movement may be controlled by the ride. In some embodiments, any translational or rotational movement may be controlled by the rider. In some embodiments, any translational or rotational movement may be controllable by either the ride or the rider, or both. This way, in some rides the spinning or rotating action may be controlled by the ride, such as in a simulator ride, and in another ride, the spinning or rotating action may be controlled by the rider, such as in a dark ride. In embodiments in which the rider has control over any movement, an override feature may be provided to take control away from the rider. In order to accommodate the rider&#39;s ability to rotate or spin the car  102 , the car  102  may further comprise a steering mechanism  126  in the form of a wheel, joystick, buttons, and the like. 
     On the bottom side  262  of the foundation  252  are a plurality of base wheels  290 . The base wheels  290  allow the base  250  to move from location to location, thereby, allowing the car  102  to move from one place to another. For example, the car  102  can move from a roller coaster ride to a motion simulator station. In addition, the base wheels  290  could take the rider through a dark ride. Therefore, the base wheels  290  may comprise multiple sets of different types of wheels. For example, a set of ground wheels  292  may be designed to roll along a typical flat surface, such as the ground or the floor. These ground wheels  292  may comprise rubber treads to roll along a variety of different types of surfaces. A second set of wheels, referred to as track wheels  294 , may be configured to roll along a track, for example, in a dark ride. This set of track wheels  294  may be similar to the set of track wheels  108  attached to the car  102 . This improves the versatility of the ride vehicle  100  by allowing the ride vehicle  100  to move from ride to ride regardless of whether or not there is a track system in between the rides. 
     In use, one or more riders will secure themselves with the restraint system  110  inside a car  102  mounted on a transition vehicle  200 . The first ride may be a roller coaster ride. The ride track  10  may be predominately continuous except at the beginning  12  and the end  14  where a gap  16  exists. The transition vehicle  200  will be inserted into the gap  16  so that the track segment  206  of the transition vehicle  200  aligns with the tracks  10  of the roller coaster ride. Sensors  207  may facilitate this alignment. This allows the car  102  to move on to the ride track  10  and be taken through the roller coaster ride. At the termination of the roller coaster ride, the car  102  stops on the transition vehicle  200  due to the braking system  208  in the transition vehicle  200 . The transition vehicle  200  then moves out of the gap  16  of the ride track  10  and moves to the next ride which may be a simulator ride. 
     The transition vehicle  200  may move along a set of tracks headed towards the simulator ride. Alternatively, the transition vehicle  200  may be able to roll on a set of ground wheels  292  that allow transition vehicle  200  to move along any terrain without a track. The ground wheels  292  may be automatically controlled by a central control unit. In some embodiments, the riders may have a steering mechanism  126  that can be used to maneuver the transition vehicle  200  to the next ride. 
     The transition vehicle  200  may comprise a motor  300  to create motion in the car (translational or rotational). The motor  300  may be an electric motor, a combustion engine, and the like, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the motor  300  is hidden within the base  250 . The motor  300  may be powered by typical energy sources, such as battery, gas, and fuels, or alternative energy sources, such as solar power, or any combination thereof. By way of example only, the pod  204  and/or the base  250  may comprise solar panels  302  to power the motor  300  and any other electronic device on the vehicle  100 . 
     The vehicle  100  may further comprising a navigation system  304  to allow the central control unit to determine the location of the vehicle  100  and guide the vehicle  100  to the next ride, if necessary. 
     The simulator ride is typically a ride in which the riders watch an audiovisual work while sitting in the ride vehicle  100 . While watching the audiovisual work, the ride vehicle  100  moves in a manner that corresponds with the scene of the audiovisual work from the first person&#39;s point of view. Therefore, the riders feel as if they are actually part of the scene. 
     At the simulator ride, the transition vehicle  200  may be controlled by the central control unit. The central control unit may also operate the audiovisual work. This allows the central control unit to move the car  102  in a manner that corresponds with the audiovisual work. As such, the control unit may be operatively connected to the lift mechanisms  254  of the base  250 . 
     Once the simulator ride is completed, the car  102  may be restored to its stable position and transported to the next ride by the transition vehicle  200 . The next ride may be a dark ride in which the transition vehicle  200  maneuvers through a path generally within a housing. The housing also contains a variety of characters and other material generally related to a specific theme so that the rider feels as if he is in a particular location. In the dark ride, the control unit may control the path taken by the transition vehicle  200 . The control unit may also be operatively connected to the lift mechanism  254  to control movement associated with the ride. The control unit may not only maneuver the transition vehicle  200  in the dark ride, but also move the lift mechanisms  254  in a distinct pattern to give the rider a real life experience of role-play through the themed ride. 
     This can continue on from one ride to another with unlimited possibilities. In some embodiments, patrons can arrive at an amusement park, secure themselves inside of a car  102 , and be taken through the entire park, being taken from ride to ride by the transition vehicle  200 . In some embodiments, the riders can even wait in line while sitting in their cars  102 . In some embodiments, the cars  102  may have an entertainment system to keep the riders entertained while waiting in line or being transported from one ride to another. For example, the entertainment system may comprise the speakers  114   a - c , the screens  219 , the steering mechanism  126 , and the like on the car. Other components, such as smaller monitors similar to game consoles may be provided adjacent to the steering mechanism or incorporated with the navigation system  304 . Games, trivia, movies, music, television programs, news, and the like may be played on the entertainment system to keep the riders preoccupied when not actively participating in a ride. The steering mechanism  126  or some other input device may be provided to use the entertainment system. When used with the entertainment system, the steering mechanism may be disengaged from steering the transition vehicle  200 . 
     The entertainment system can also be used to enhance the ride experience by producing sights and sounds associated with the ride itself. In some embodiments, the monitor may be a touchscreen and/or the steering mechanism  126  or some other input devices may be used to allow the rider to interact with the entertainment system. 
     The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.