Patent Description:
Theme park or amusement park ride attractions have become increasingly popular. Some traditional rides may include multi-passenger vehicles that travel along a fixed path. In addition to the excitement created by the speed or change in direction of the vehicles as they move along the path, the vehicles themselves may generate special effects, such as sound and/or motion effects. Different documents disclosing amusement systems having vehicles travelling along a tube or path are known from <CIT> or <CIT>. However, in these traditional rides, the vehicles may travel only in a forward and/or rearward direction along the path. Accordingly, there is a need to develop new rides to provide passengers with unique motion and visual experiences.

In one embodiment, a system comprises a capsule, a drum of the capsule comprising a wall defining a chamber, and an additional drum of the capsule. The drum is disposed within the additional drum. The system comprises a drive system configured to drive rotation of the drum about a central axis of the drum and relative to the additional drum. The drive system is configured to drive forward or rearward movement of the capsule along a track. The central axis of the drum is parallel to a direction of travel of the forward and rearward movement of the capsule along the track.

The drive system may include a first rolling element configured to contact a radially-outer surface of the drum to enable the first rolling element to drive rotation of the drum about the central axis. The drive system may include a frame and a second rolling element. The frame may be coupled to a radially-outer surface of the additional drum and may be configured to support the second rolling element. The second rolling element may be configured to contact a radially-inner surface of the track to enable forward and rearward movement of the capsule along the track.

In one embodiment, a method comprises disposing a drum of a capsule within an additional drum of the capsule. The drum comprises a wall defining a chamber. The method comprises driving rotation of the drum, via a drive system, about a central axis of the drum and relative to the additional drum. The method comprises driving forward or rearward movement of the capsule, via the drive system, along a track. The central axis of the drum is parallel to a direction of travel of the forward and rearward movement of the capsule along the track.

Further, to the extent that certain terms such as annular, spherical, radial, axial, circumferential, parallel, and so forth are used herein, it should be understood that these terms allow for certain deviations from a strict mathematical definition, for example to allow for deviations associated with manufacturing imperfections and associated tolerances.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to amusement park ride attractions. More specifically, embodiments are directed to a capsule ride system having a capsule configured to move along a track. During a ride cycle of the capsule ride system, passengers may enter onto a platform designed for passenger restraint while the capsule is in an open position. The platform may move along a platform track internal to a drum (e.g., circular or octagonal cylinder) of the capsule to close the capsule. In one embodiment, the platform is locked into place within the drum. Once the capsule is in a closed position, the capsule may proceed to drive forward and/or rearward along the track. Further, the capsule ride system may include a drive system to drive rotation of the capsule about a central axis of the capsule. Because the platform holding the passengers may lock into the drum, the drive system may drive both the drum and the platform to rotate. As such, the passengers may experience rotation around a central axis simultaneously with and/or separately from forward and/or rearward motion during the ride cycle. Further, media and/or a narrative associated with the motion of the capsule may create a motion simulator experience that allows passengers to simultaneously imagine the sights, sounds, and motions of an experience, such as flying a plane in a barrel-roll. At the conclusion of the ride cycle, the platform may move along the platform track internal to the drum to open the capsule and enable passengers to exit the capsule.

<FIG> illustrates a capsule ride system <NUM>. The capsule ride system <NUM> may include a track <NUM>, which may resemble an open trough. The track <NUM> may be assembled in various configurations. For example, in one embodiment, the track may form hills, dips, and/or turns, as depicted in <FIG>. In one embodiment, the track <NUM> may be configured in a spiral or corkscrew arrangement, and/or it may create a loop (e.g., continuous or closed loop). Further, in one embodiment, the construction of the track <NUM> may utilize tube-like sections (e.g., annular sections) resembling hollow cylinders in conjunction with and/or instead of open trough sections. The illustrated track <NUM> includes a curved wall; however, it should be appreciated that the track <NUM> may have any suitable geometry, such as a flat wall or flat portions. Further, the capsule ride system <NUM> may include one or more capsules <NUM> for use with the track <NUM>. In one embodiment, the capsules <NUM> have a cylindrical shape that fits within and generally corresponds to the curvature of a radially-inner surface of the track <NUM>. In one embodiment, the capsules <NUM> may move in a forward and/or rearward direction along the track <NUM>, as well as rotate about a central axis of the capsule <NUM>. In one embodiment, the track <NUM> may include an area to load and unload passengers, which may involve opening the capsule <NUM>, as will be described in greater detail below.

<FIG> provides an illustration of the capsule <NUM> in an open position. To facilitate discussion, the capsule <NUM> and its components may be described with reference to an axial axis or direction <NUM>, a radial axis or direction <NUM>, and a circumferential axis or direction <NUM>. In the open position, the capsule <NUM> may allow passengers to enter onto a platform <NUM> that the capsule <NUM> may support on a platform track <NUM> within a drum <NUM>. The drum <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> may have a curved annular wall that defines a chamber within the capsule <NUM>. The platform track <NUM> may include rails capable of supporting one or more platform wheels <NUM> (e.g., wheels, slides). The platform wheels <NUM> may be capable of securing to and/or moving along the platform track <NUM>. For example, the platform wheels <NUM> may engage with the platform track <NUM> such that the platform wheels <NUM> may remain secured to the platform track <NUM> in the event that the platform <NUM> is inverted (e.g., the capsule <NUM> is rotated). That is, the platform wheels <NUM> may contain extensions that may lock into the platform track <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the platform wheels <NUM> may roll between a set of parallel rails on the platform track <NUM> so that each platform wheel <NUM> is secured between an upper and lower rail of the platform track <NUM>. In one embodiment, the platform <NUM> may contain a mechanism (e.g., a set of columns) that may couple to the drum <NUM> to secure the platform <NUM> in place while the capsule <NUM> rotates. Further, the platform <NUM> may contain restraints <NUM> to secure passengers. The restraints <NUM> may include a seat, a seat belt, a lap bar, an overhead restraint pulled down to cover the torso, and/or any combination thereof to restrain or support each passenger as the capsule <NUM> travels along the track <NUM>. Further, the number of restraints <NUM> on the platform <NUM> may determine the size of the chamber defined by the drum <NUM> and the resulting dimensions of the capsule <NUM>. As such, increasing the number of restraints <NUM> in a row may increase the radius of the capsule <NUM>, while increasing the number of rows of restraints <NUM> may increase the length of the capsule <NUM>. After the passengers are loaded and restrained securely, the platform <NUM> may move along the platform track <NUM> in the direction of arrow <NUM> to a closed position, as shown in <FIG>. In one embodiment, a platform drive system <NUM> may drive the movement of the platform <NUM> along the platform track <NUM>. For example, the platform drive system <NUM> may include one or more motors configured to drive rotation of the platform wheels <NUM>, thereby driving the movement of the platform <NUM>. In one embodiment, the platform <NUM> may couple to a mechanical winch that may be used to control movement of the platform <NUM> along the platform track <NUM>.

Further, to lock the capsule <NUM> into a closed position, thereby securing the platform <NUM> inside the drum <NUM> and sealing the chamber of the drum <NUM>, the capsule <NUM> may have a lock mechanism <NUM>. The lock mechanism <NUM> may include a mechanical lock and key configuration to securely lock the platform <NUM> into the drum <NUM>. In one embodiment, the lock mechanism <NUM> may be driven by motors. Additionally, or in the alternative, the lock mechanism <NUM> may utilize a magnetic and/or electro-magnetic locking system. For example, in one embodiment, the lock mechanism <NUM> may contain an electro-magnet coupled to the platform <NUM> and/or the drum <NUM>. When the electro- magnet is powered, it may lock the platform <NUM> in place in the drum <NUM> by utilizing magnetic forces. In one embodiment, the lock mechanism <NUM> may also include a biasing member and/or a failsafe mechanism to drive the platform <NUM> in a direction opposite arrow <NUM> from the closed position to the open position in case of power failure, mechanical issues, and/or the like. For example, in one embodiment, the capsule <NUM> may contain a mechanical lever coupled to the lock mechanism <NUM> that may be utilized to disengage the platform <NUM> from the drum <NUM>.

As further illustrated by <FIG>, in one embodiment, actuators <NUM> may couple to the platform <NUM> to cause motion of the platform <NUM> relative to the capsule <NUM>. To couple to the platform <NUM>, the actuators <NUM> may engage with the platform <NUM> once the platform <NUM> is securely locked into the drum <NUM>. As such, as the platform <NUM> moves along the platform track <NUM> in the direction of arrow <NUM> to the closed position, the platform <NUM> may slide over the actuators <NUM>. In one embodiment, actuators <NUM> may cause the platform <NUM> to shake (e.g., vibrate) and/or tilt. The actuators <NUM> may further cause the platform <NUM> to shift along the axial axis or direction <NUM>, the radial axis or direction <NUM>, the circumferential axis or direction <NUM>, or a combination, thereof. As such, the platform <NUM> may be repositioned. Thus, in one embodiment, as the capsule <NUM> rotates or moves along the track <NUM>, the platform <NUM> may additionally or alternatively move. Further, it should be appreciated that the actuators <NUM> may be positioned in any suitable location to cause motion of the platform <NUM>. In one embodiment, for example, the actuators <NUM> may additionally or alternatively be located beneath and/or within the platform track <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a rear panel <NUM> is coupled to the platform <NUM>. Further, the rear panel <NUM> may support a battery <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may provide power to components of the capsule <NUM>. These components may include the lock mechanism <NUM>, the platform drive system <NUM>, and additional components that will be discussed in further detail. The additional components may include, for example, a drive system <NUM> provided to drive forward, rearward, and/or rotational movement of the capsule <NUM> and/or one or many screens <NUM> that provide media to passengers within the drum <NUM>, among other things. In one embodiment, the battery <NUM> may be configured to charge via induction. As such, inductive charging pads and/or other charging components may be incorporated into the track <NUM> to charge the battery <NUM> while the capsule <NUM> is engaged with the track <NUM>. These pads may be localized in a single area of the track <NUM>, such as a passenger loading zone, so that the battery <NUM> may charge while the capsule <NUM> is stationary (e.g., while passengers are loaded onto the platform <NUM>). Thus, the capsule <NUM> may remain on the track <NUM> to charge its battery <NUM>, and as such, the capsule <NUM> may complete multiple ride cycles with its components powered by a periodically recharged battery <NUM>. Additionally, or in the alternative, the capsule ride system <NUM> may contain a capsule charging station separate from the track <NUM> used in the ride cycle. The charging station may contain inductive charging pads and/or components to charge the capsule <NUM> via wireless and/or wired charging, respectively. In one embodiment, the capsule <NUM> may be removed from the track <NUM> to charge in the charging station and may be returned to the track <NUM> after the battery <NUM> has at least enough charge for the capsule <NUM> to complete a ride cycle.

As noted above, the platform <NUM> may travel in the direction of arrow <NUM> relative to the drum <NUM> to transition the capsule <NUM> from the open position shown in <FIG> to the closed position shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, a portion of the track <NUM> has been removed so that the capsule <NUM> is in full view. In the closed position, the rear panel <NUM> contacts (e.g., is recessed within) the drum <NUM> (e.g., an annular surface at a rearward end of the drum <NUM>), and the platform <NUM> is enclosed within the chamber defined by the rear panel <NUM> and the drum <NUM>. Once the capsule <NUM> is in the closed position, the capsule <NUM> may begin to move along the track <NUM> of the capsule ride system <NUM>. The drive system <NUM> may drive the movement of the capsule <NUM> in a forward direction <NUM> and/or rearward direction <NUM>, along the axial axis <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the drive system <NUM> may rotate the capsule about its central axis <NUM> (e.g., a central longitudinal or axial axis).

Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, a door <NUM> may be provided in a wall (e.g., a side wall) of the capsule <NUM> to facilitate ingress or egress of passengers. As such, the door <NUM> may be utilized while the platform <NUM> is locked within the drum <NUM>, and/or the door may be utilized in one embodiment in which the platform <NUM> is fixed relative to the drum <NUM> (e.g., the platform <NUM> is not moveable and/or the capsule <NUM> is devoid of the platform track <NUM>). That is, the door <NUM>, when opened, may allow passengers into and out of the drum <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>. The door <NUM> may sit flush to an outer wall of the drum <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> and may contain a handle <NUM> flush to the outer wall (i.e., not protruding radially outwardly from the outer wall) so that the door may not interfere with the drive system and/or the motion of the capsule <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the drive system <NUM> may include a bogie <NUM> (e.g., chassis or frame) and a first rolling element <NUM>, such as spherical tires. The bogie <NUM> may resemble a cart. The bogie <NUM> may support motors (e.g., spherical induction motors) and coupling elements that drive rotation of the first rolling element <NUM> and a second rolling element <NUM>, such as spherical tires or wheels. In one embodiment, the drive system <NUM> may contain separate systems to drive the rotation of the first rolling element <NUM> and the second rolling element <NUM>, respectively. Further, different types of systems may be used to drive each of the rolling elements (i.e., the first rolling element <NUM> and the second rolling element <NUM>). For example, the first rolling element <NUM> may include spherical tires, and the drive system <NUM> may include spherical induction motors and coupling elements suitable to drive the motion of the first rolling element <NUM> in any direction. The spherical induction motors may include curved inductors configured to cause the first rolling element <NUM> to rotate in any direction. The second rolling element <NUM> may, for example, be a wheel coupled to different coupling elements in the drive system <NUM> and a separate motor configured to rotate the second rolling element <NUM> in the forward direction <NUM> and/or rearward direction <NUM>. In one embodiment, the first rolling element <NUM> may make contact with a radially-outer surface (e.g., curved annular surface) of the drum <NUM> to drive rotation of the capsule <NUM>. The capsule may rotate in a first direction <NUM> or a second direction <NUM>, opposite the first direction <NUM>, about the central axis <NUM> of the drum <NUM>. For example, as the drive system <NUM> controls the motors to rotate the first rolling element <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> about a central axis <NUM> (e.g., a central longitudinal or axial axis) of the first rolling element <NUM>, the capsule <NUM> may rotate in the second direction <NUM> about its central axis <NUM>. Likewise, as the first rolling element <NUM> spins in the second direction <NUM>, the capsule <NUM> may rotate in the first direction <NUM>. Further, in one embodiment, the capsule <NUM> may further include a counter-balance <NUM> (e.g., weight) to aid in balancing the capsule <NUM> during rotation and facilitating this rotation of the capsule <NUM>, while alleviating stresses on the drive system <NUM> and its components (e.g., the bogie <NUM>, the first rolling element <NUM>, and the second rolling element <NUM>).

While the first rolling element <NUM> and the second rolling element <NUM> are shown as spherical tires, it should be appreciated that the first rolling element <NUM> and/or the second rolling element <NUM> may be motor-driven tires (e.g., ring-shaped tires mounted on an axle driven by a motor) oriented relative to the capsule <NUM> to drive forward and/or rearward motion and/or rotation.

Further, to drive the forward <NUM> and/or rearward <NUM> movement of the capsule <NUM>, the drive system <NUM> may control motors coupled to the second rolling element <NUM> that is in contact with a surface (e.g., a radially-inner surface of a curved wall) of the track <NUM>. In one embodiment, the drive system <NUM> may additionally or alternatively incorporate water, air, magnets, and/or other driving forces to propel the forward <NUM> and/or rearward <NUM> motion of the capsule <NUM>. For example, in one embodiment, the capsule <NUM>, along with the first rolling element <NUM> used to rotate the capsule <NUM>, may be supported on a raft driven forward <NUM> or rearward <NUM> by a stream of water in place of the illustrated bogie <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the rolling elements <NUM> and/or <NUM> may additionally or alternatively be coupled to the track <NUM>. For example, one or many portions of the track <NUM> may contain rolling elements <NUM> and/or <NUM> that cause the capsule to move forward <NUM> and/or rearward <NUM> and/or to rotate in the first <NUM> or second direction <NUM> about the central axis <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>, respectively. In such embodiments, a drive system (e.g., having motors) may be provided to drive the motion of the rolling elements <NUM> and/or <NUM>.

To control the motion of the capsule <NUM> as it moves forward <NUM>, rearward <NUM>, and/or rotates in a first <NUM> or second direction <NUM>, the drive system <NUM> may be coupled to a controller <NUM> (e.g., electronic controller). The controller <NUM> may comprise suitable processing and memory components, such as a microprocessor <NUM> and a memory <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may provide logic and/or executable instructions to affect an operation of the motors in the drive system <NUM>, thereby driving the rotation of the first rolling element <NUM> and/or second rolling element <NUM> and corresponding motion of the capsule <NUM>. In one embodiment, the controller <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the platform drive system <NUM>, as well as any other suitable components in the capsule ride system <NUM>.

In one embodiment, as illustrated by <FIG> a capsule <NUM>' may include the drum <NUM> disposed within an additional drum <NUM> (e.g., annular drum). As such, the drive system <NUM>, may enable the first rolling element <NUM> to drive rotation of the drum <NUM>, while the second rolling element <NUM> may drive the movement of the capsule <NUM>' in a forward direction <NUM> and/or a rearward direction <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the drive system <NUM> may couple to an inner surface of the additional drum <NUM>. The first rolling element <NUM> coupled to the drive system <NUM> may contact the radially-outer surface of the drum <NUM> to drive rotation of the drum <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the drive system <NUM> may operatively couple to an axle <NUM> coupled to the drum <NUM>. The drive system <NUM> may include motors configured to rotate the axle <NUM> and the drum <NUM> in a first direction <NUM> and/or a second direction <NUM> about the central axis <NUM>. The drive system <NUM> may further include the bogey <NUM> coupled to a radially-outer surface of the additional drum <NUM>. The bogey <NUM> may support the second rolling element <NUM>, which may contact the radially- inner surface of the track <NUM>, to enable movement of the capsule <NUM>' in the forward direction <NUM> and/or the rearward direction <NUM> along the track <NUM>. As such, the rotation of the drum <NUM> may be driven separately from the movement of the capsule <NUM>'. However, passengers within the drum <NUM> may experience both the rotation of the drum <NUM> and the motion of the capsule <NUM>' along the track <NUM>.

<FIG> displays one embodiment of the capsule <NUM> and the drive system <NUM>. In one embodiment, the drive system <NUM> may include rolling elements <NUM> coupled to the radially outer surface of the capsule <NUM>. The rolling elements <NUM> may be positioned at discrete locations spaced circumferentially about the drum <NUM> and may extend radially outwardly from the drum <NUM> to contact the radially inner surface of the track <NUM>. In one embodiment, the rolling elements <NUM> may include spherical tires actuated by, for example, a spherical induction motor. Thus, with spherical induction motors incorporated in the drive system <NUM>, the drive system <NUM> may cause the rolling elements <NUM> to rotate in any direction. As the rolling elements <NUM> may rotate along the track <NUM> in any direction, the capsule <NUM> may propel forward <NUM>, rearward <NUM>, and/or rotate about the central axis <NUM>. For example, to move the capsule <NUM> in the forward direction <NUM>, the drive system <NUM> may rotate the rolling elements <NUM> in the forward direction <NUM> along the axial axis <NUM>. To rotate the capsule about the central axis <NUM>, the drive system <NUM> may rotate the rolling elements <NUM> along the circumferential axis <NUM>. To rotate the capsule <NUM> about the central axis <NUM> while moving the capsule <NUM> in the forward direction <NUM>, the drive system <NUM> may rotate the rolling elements <NUM> along a vector between the axial axis <NUM> and circumferential axis <NUM>. Further, with rolling elements <NUM> placed in multiple locations along the radially outer surface of the capsule <NUM>, the capsule <NUM> may rotate about the central axis <NUM> in both open, trough-like portions of the track <NUM>, as well as closed, tube-like portions of the track <NUM>.

Further, with reference to <FIG>, to enhance the experience of the motion of the capsule <NUM> and/or the platform <NUM>, the motion may be associated with the narrative of a movie and/or media. To do so, in one embodiment, the drum <NUM> may contain one or more screens <NUM> positioned within it to display images. These screens <NUM> may be curved and/or coupled to the inner surface of the drum <NUM> so that the displayed images may surround the passengers to create an immersive media experience. The screens <NUM> may include any suitable type of display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma display, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, for example. The chamber of the capsule <NUM> may also contain speakers and/or devices suitable to deliver audio to passengers. The audio devices may be coupled to the drum <NUM>, the platform <NUM>, and/or any suitable location. Thus, the capsule <NUM> may provide media timed to correspond to the motion of the capsule <NUM> and/or the motion of platform <NUM>. As such, the passengers may feel like they are in an airplane, spaceship, and/or any other suitable narrative. For example, the capsule <NUM> may move forward <NUM> up a hill on the track <NUM>, as the screens <NUM> display images that relate to a narrative of a plane during take-off. As the capsule <NUM> begins to rotate along the central axis <NUM>, the media may correspond to a plane maneuvering a barrel-roll, so that passengers receive an immersive motion and media experience of a narrative, such as a plane in a chase. Further, as the actuators <NUM> shake the platform <NUM>, for example, the media may correspond to the plane experiencing turbulence.

Additionally or alternatively, passenger-controlled customization of the capsule ride system <NUM> may enhance the passengers' experience of the capsule ride system <NUM>. To customize the capsule ride system <NUM>, users (i.e., ride operators and/or ride passengers) may provide inputs (e.g., via an input device) to control parameters related to operation of the capsule <NUM> during a ride cycle. These parameters may enable users to adjust the intensity of the ride by controlling one or more factors, such as the speed at which the capsule <NUM> moves in a forward direction <NUM> and/or rearward direction <NUM>, the speed at which the capsule <NUM> rotates about the central axis <NUM>, and/or how frequently the capsule <NUM> rotates about the central axis <NUM>, among other factors. Further, the user may be able to select (e.g., via an input device) the type of media provided to the passengers during the ride cycle. For example, users may select the narrative and/or theme of images and/or other media that may be coupled to the motion of the ride. Thus, a user may customize the capsule ride system <NUM> so that the total experience of the capsule's <NUM> motion and media may be flexible and personalized.

To facilitate customization and/or updates to the ride experience, the controller <NUM> may be configured to receive an input from an input device and to control a parameter of the capsule ride system <NUM> based on the input. The input device may comprise any suitable type of display coupled to a device suitable to make selections, such as a touch screen or a keyboard. Further, the input device may be accessible to a ride operator and/or a ride passenger while positioned in the restraint <NUM>, for example. In one embodiment, the platform <NUM> within the capsule <NUM> may contain one or many input devices so that a passenger may control inputs provided to the controller <NUM> to affect a parameter of the capsule ride system <NUM>. For example, an input may instruct the controller <NUM> to display media related to an airplane in flight on the screen <NUM> within the drum <NUM>. Alternatively, the input may instruct the controller <NUM> to display media related to a spaceship flying in space on the screen <NUM> within the drum <NUM>. Further, the controller <NUM>, may communicate with the drive system <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> to adjust the rotational, forward <NUM>, and/or rearward <NUM> movement of the capsule <NUM> based on an input. In one embodiment, adjusting the movement of the capsule may involve adjusting the speed of the forward <NUM>, rearward <NUM>, and/or rotational movement of the capsule <NUM>.

With the foregoing in mind, <FIG> illustrates a flow chart of a method <NUM> for completing a ride cycle of the capsule ride system <NUM>, in accordance with embodiments described herein. Although the following description of the method <NUM> is described in a particular order, which represents a particular embodiment, it should be noted that the method <NUM> may be performed in any suitable order, and steps may be added or omitted.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>), comprising:
a capsule (<NUM>');
a drum (<NUM>) of the capsule (<NUM>') comprising a wall defining a chamber;
an additional drum (<NUM>) of the capsule (<NUM>'), wherein the drum (<NUM>) is disposed within the additional drum (<NUM>); and,
a drive system (<NUM>) configured to: drive rotation of the drum (<NUM>) about a central axis (<NUM>) of the drum (<NUM>) and relative to the additional drum (<NUM>); and, drive forward or rearward movement of the capsule (<NUM>') along a track (<NUM>),
wherein the central axis (<NUM>) of the drum (<NUM>) is parallel to a direction of travel (<NUM>) of the forward and rearward movement of the capsule (<NUM>') along the track (<NUM>).