阅读说明：本技术 用于游乐园景点的间隙阻挡系统和方法 (Gap blocking system and method for amusement park attractions ) 是由 J·A·贝尔通切罗 M·D·小拉塞尔 F·C·小万赖特 B·博尔格曼 D·科亚茨 M·戈登 于 2020-03-05 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种间隙阻挡系统包括装载平台,所述装载平台具有将装载平台的第一部分从装载平台的第二部分分开的间隙。乘坐运载器耦接到延伸通过间隙的运输工具。间隙阻挡系统还包括板件组件,所述板件组件耦接到装载平台并包括多个板件,其中,多个板件中的每个板件耦接到相应偏置机构,所述偏置机构耦接到装载平台的第一部分,并且配置成将每个板件朝向闭合配置偏置,在所述闭合配置中,每个板件远离装载平台的第一部分径向延伸。(A gap blocking system includes a loading platform having a gap separating a first portion of the loading platform from a second portion of the loading platform. The ride vehicle is coupled to a vehicle that extends through the gap. The gap blocking system also includes a plate assembly coupled to the loading platform and including a plurality of plates, wherein each plate of the plurality of plates is coupled to a respective biasing mechanism coupled to the first portion of the loading platform and configured to bias each plate toward a closed configuration in which each plate extends radially away from the first portion of the loading platform.)

1. A gap blocking system, comprising:

a loading dock having a gap separating a first portion of the loading dock from a second portion of the loading dock;

a ride vehicle coupled to a transport extending through the gap, wherein the transport is configured to propel the ride vehicle along a loading path of the loading platform;

a plate assembly coupled to the loading platform and including a plurality of plates, wherein each plate of the plurality of plates is coupled to a respective biasing mechanism coupled to the first portion of the loading platform and configured to bias each plate toward a closed configuration in which each plate extends radially away from the first portion of the loading platform; and

a stationary post coupled to the loading platform and located within the gap, wherein the stationary post is configured to contact and exert an opposing force on at least one individual panel of the plurality of panels to overcome a biasing force of the biasing mechanism and move the at least one individual panel out of the closed configuration into an open configuration to expose a portion of the gap to permit the ride-on vehicle to enter into the exposed portion of the gap.

2. The gap blocking system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of panels overlaps an adjacent panel such that a top surface of one panel is partially covered by a first adjacent panel and a second adjacent panel when the one panel and the adjacent panel are in the closed configuration.

3. The gap blocking system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of plates comprises a first set of plates and a second set of plates, wherein the plate assembly alternates between plates in the first set and plates in the second set such that individual plates in the first set are adjacent to and overlap individual plates in the second set when in the closed configuration.

4. The gap blocking system of claim 3, wherein the first set of plates comprises plates having a first thickness and the second set of plates comprises plates having a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

5. The gap blocking system of claim 4, wherein the plates of the first set do not contact a bottom surface of any plate of the second set when the plates of the first set are in the closed configuration or in the open configuration.

6. The gap blocking system of claim 5, wherein the plates in the first set comprise a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface has a lower coefficient of friction than the top surface.

7. The gap blocking system of claim 1, wherein each respective plate is configured to pivot to transition between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

8. The gap blocking system of claim 7, wherein each plate of the plurality of plates is configured to pivot from a maximum radial extension in the closed configuration to the open configuration in which each plate is not at the maximum radial extension in response to the opposing force of the stationary post.

9. The gap blocking system of claim 7, wherein a portion of each plate is located below or within the first portion of the loading platform, and wherein a lateral edge of each respective plate tapers toward the pivot point in the portion of each plate located below or within the first portion of the loading platform.

10. The gap blocking system of claim 1, wherein the ride vehicle comprises a plow configured to be at least partially within the gap and to apply a force to maintain the at least one individual plate in the open configuration after the at least one individual plate rotates with the first portion of the loading platform away from the stationary post.

11. The gap blocking system of claim 1, wherein the stationary post is located at a junction of an attraction path and the loading path to overcome the biasing force of the biasing mechanism and move the at least one separate panel out of the closed configuration into the open configuration to expose the portion of the gap to permit the ride vehicle to enter into the exposed portion of the gap.

12. A method of operating a gap blocking system, comprising:

providing a plurality of plates extending radially from a loading platform to block access to a gap formed between portions of the loading platform;

moving a moving portion of the loading platform to bring at least one individual plate of the plurality of plates into contact with a stationary post coupled to the loading platform, wherein the contact overcomes a biasing force of a biasing mechanism of the at least one individual plate to cause the at least one individual plate to move from a closed configuration into an open configuration, wherein the contact causes the at least one individual plate to slide over or under an adjacent plate; and

controlling a ride vehicle access opening that provides access to the gap created by the at least one individual panel in the open configuration.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the loading platform is a turntable, and further comprising:

rotating the turret to move the at least one individual panel out of contact with the stationary post and to move a different panel into contact with the stationary post to cause the different panel to move from the closed configuration into the open configuration.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

controlling the ride vehicle to travel along the loading path at about the same speed as the moving portion of the loading platform such that the ride vehicle maintains contact with the at least one separate panel after the at least one separate panel moves out of contact with the stationary posts.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

contacting an adjacent panel of the at least one individual panel with a plow structure of the ride vehicle to cause the adjacent panel to move at least partially from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the contacting causes the at least one individual panel to slide over an adjacent panel.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the contacting causes the at least one individual panel to slide under an adjacent panel.

18. A gap blocking system, comprising:

a loading platform having a gap separating a first portion of the loading platform from a second portion of the loading platform, wherein the first portion of the loading platform comprises a moving portion; and

a plate assembly coupled to the moving portion and including a plurality of plates configured to rotate with the moving portion, wherein each plate of the plurality of plates is coupled to a respective biasing mechanism that is coupled to the first portion of the loading platform and configured to bias each plate toward a closed configuration in which each plate extends radially away from the first portion of the loading platform, wherein the plurality of plates are arranged to alternate between plates of a first type and plates of a second type such that when the plurality of plates are in the closed configuration, the plates of the first type are positioned to overlap portions of respective top surfaces of adjacent plates of the second type.

19. A gap blocking system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the loading platform comprises a turntable or a wire loading arrangement.

20. The gap blocking system of claim 18, wherein the second portion of the loading platform comprises a slot configured to receive the plurality of panels when the plurality of panels are in the closed configuration.

Background

The present disclosure relates generally to amusement park ride systems for amusement parks. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for blocking access to gaps in certain amusement park ride systems.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art, which are described and/or claimed below, which may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Recently, there has been increased interest in improving the efficiency of loading passengers (e.g., guests) into ride vehicles at attractions of an amusement park. Thus, some attractions may include a loading system having a loading platform that permits passengers to be unloaded from and/or loaded into the ride carrier as the ride carrier moves along a loading path. Certain locations along the loading platform are typically permanently blocked with obstacles (e.g., railings) to prevent a guest from moving out of the loading platform and onto, for example, a track of an attraction or a location where another guest should not be. Other locations along the loading platform may include uncovered gaps that cannot be permanently blocked with obstacles. For example, such uncovered gaps typically permit the ride vehicle and/or components that propel the ride vehicle to travel along the loading path without interfering with the loading platform. However, passengers loaded/unloaded from the ride vehicle and/or other guests walking across the loading platform may lose items in such uncovered gaps along the loading platform.

Disclosure of Invention

The following outlines certain embodiments that are commensurate in scope with the present disclosure. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather these embodiments are intended to provide only a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may include various forms, which may be similar or different from the embodiments set forth below.

In an embodiment, the gap blocking system includes a loading platform having a gap separating a first portion of the loading platform from a second portion of the loading platform. The ride vehicle is coupled to a transport extending through the gap, wherein the transport is configured to propel the ride vehicle along a loading path adjacent the loading platform. The gap blocking system also includes a plate assembly coupled to the loading platform and including a plurality of plates, wherein each plate of the plurality of plates is coupled to a respective biasing mechanism coupled to the first portion of the loading platform and configured to bias each plate toward a closed configuration in which each plate extends radially away from the first portion of the loading platform. The gap blocking system also includes a stationary post coupled to the loading platform and located within the gap, wherein the stationary post is configured to contact and exert an opposing force on at least one individual panel of the plurality of panels to overcome the biasing force of the biasing mechanism and move the at least one individual panel out of the closed configuration into the open configuration exposing a portion of the gap to permit the ride-on vehicle to enter into the exposed portion of the gap.

In one embodiment, a method of operating a gap blocking system includes the step of providing a plurality of plates extending radially from a loading dock to block access to a gap formed between portions of the loading dock. The method further includes moving a moving portion of the loading platform to bring at least one individual plate of the plurality of plates into contact with a stationary post coupled to the loading platform, wherein the contact overcomes a biasing force of a biasing mechanism of the at least one individual plate to cause the at least one individual plate to move from a closed configuration into an open configuration, wherein the contact causes the at least one individual plate to slide over or under an adjacent plate. The method further includes controlling the ride vehicle access opening that provides access to a gap created by the at least one individual panel in the open configuration.

In an embodiment, a gap blocking system includes a loading platform having a gap separating a first portion of the loading platform from a second portion of the loading platform, wherein the first portion of the loading platform includes a moving portion. The gap blocking system includes a plate assembly coupled to the moving portion and including a plurality of plates configured to rotate with the rotating turret, wherein each plate of the plurality of plates is coupled to a respective biasing mechanism coupled to the first portion of the loading platform and configured to bias each plate toward a closed configuration in which each plate extends radially away from the first portion of the loading platform, wherein the plurality of plates are arranged to alternate between plates of the first type and plates of the second type such that when the plurality of plates are in the closed configuration, plates of the first type are positioned to overlap portions of respective top surfaces of adjacent plates of the second type.

Drawings

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

fig. l is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a portion of a ride system that may include a gap dam system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ride system that may include a gap blocking system according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a portion of a gap blocking system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 is a perspective view of a ride carrier entry point into a loading path for a ride system including a gap blocking system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

figure 5 is a perspective view of a ride vehicle entering into interaction with a panel assembly in a ride system including a gap blocking system according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective bottom view of an embodiment of a top-type plate for a plate assembly used in conjunction with a gap blocking system according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

fig. 7 is a perspective bottom view of an embodiment of a lower-profile plate of a plate assembly for use in conjunction with a gap blocking system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. These described embodiments are merely examples of the technology of the present disclosure. In addition, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. In addition, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

Some amusement park attractions may include a loading system that permits passengers to be loaded into and/or unloaded from ride vehicles at the attraction as the ride vehicles travel along the loading system. The ride vehicle may slow as it enters the loading area of the attraction, but continues to move at a relatively low speed along the track or path as passengers leave the vehicle and as new passengers load onto the vehicle. The system may include a loading platform having a moving portion. The loading platform may comprise a turntable, a conveyor belt, or as discussed below, such as an in-line or linear platform that is stationary or configured to move relative to a fixed portion of the loading platform, for example to rotate about an axis about which the carrier moves (e.g. a central vertical axis). In an embodiment, a stationary outer platform or wall may be disposed about part or substantially all of the turntable to form a gap between the moving part and the outer platform or wall. The gap may define a loading path along which the ride vehicle may travel during unloading and/or loading of passengers from the ride vehicle. The portion of the gap adjacent to or otherwise surrounding the ride vehicle may permit the passenger to lose an item (e.g., key, coin, cell phone) in the gap. While certain embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in the context of a turntable loading platform, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments may be applied to other configurations of loading platforms, such a conveyor system, which may be implemented in a linear or non-linear configuration.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gap blocking system configured to block access to a gap while also permitting a ride vehicle to move along or within the gap during operation of the loading system. Further, the gap blocking system permits each ride vehicle to enter from the attraction path into the loading path while maintaining the majority of the gap closed. As provided herein, a gap blocking system includes a passive plate assembly. The panel assembly is configured to block a gap between a first section of the loading platform (e.g., loading turntable, belt, linear motion platform) and a second or outer section of the loading platform to substantially eliminate or close the gap that may exist while still permitting the ride-on vehicle to travel along the gap during operation of the loading system. For example, the plate assembly includes a plurality of plates that may be coupled to the turntable and configured to rotate with the turntable and about the same axis. The plates may be biased via springs, cam profile shims, or other biasing mechanisms toward a closed configuration in which the individual plates extend to a receiving surface on the outer platform. When opposing forces are applied to one or more of the individual panels, the panels transition from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Thus, the gap blocking system including the panel assembly may permit the ride vehicle to travel along the loading system to receive and/or unload passengers at any suitable location along the turntable, while access to the gap is substantially blocked by the passive panel. These and other features will be described below with reference to the drawings.

While the present disclosure describes embodiments of a gap blocking system (e.g., a plate assembly) as configured for use in an amusement park setting, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosed gap blocking system may be implemented to selectively block access to various gaps that may be present in various industrial settings. For example, embodiments of the gap blocking system discussed herein may be used to block access to gaps that may be present in various conveyor systems or other devices used to move components along a path (e.g., a track).

Turning now to the drawings, figure l is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a ride system 10 (e.g., attraction) for an amusement park. The ride system 10 includes a loading system 12 that facilitates the loading and/or unloading of passengers (e.g., guests at an amusement park) into a ride vehicle 14 of the ride system 10. For example, passengers may be loaded into the ride vehicle 14 at the loading system 12, may travel along the attraction path 16 of the ride system 10, and may return to the loading system 12 to be unloaded from the ride vehicle 14. While traveling along the attraction path 16, the passenger may be exposed to various experiences, such as virtual reality, alternate reality, environmental interaction, multiple ride paths, water characteristics, special effects, and so forth. It should be noted that to focus on aspects of the loading system 12, portions of the ride system 10 (e.g., the attraction path 16) have been intentionally simplified.

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

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the turntable 18 is at least partially defined by an outer platform 28 (e.g., a second portion of the loading platform 17), which in some embodiments, the outer platform 28 is configured to remain stationary relative to the axis 20. The outer platform 28 may be spaced from the turntable 18 such that a gap 30 is formed between an inner edge 32 of the outer platform 28 and an outer edge 34 of the turntable 18. The attraction path 16 may be coupled to a load path 36 that extends along the gap 30 and about the axis 20. In particular, the loading path 36 may extend along the gap 30 between a starting end 38 and a terminating end 40. In one embodiment, the load path 36 may form part of the overall sight path 16. As discussed in detail below, passengers may be loaded into and/or unloaded from the ride carrier 14 along the loading path 36. The portion of the turntable 18 located adjacent to the loading path 36 at a particular point in time will be referred to herein as a loading zone 42 of the loading system 12 (e.g., the loading zone 42 may indicate an area of the turntable 18 delineated by the illustrated dashed line).

The ride vehicle 14 may travel in a travel direction 44 along the attraction path 16. The ride vehicle 14 may enter the loading path 36 via an access channel 50 (e.g., a path or passageway), which access channel 50 may be formed within the outer platform 28. In some embodiments, the loading path 36 extends about the axis 20 of the turntable 18 (e.g., the loading path 36 has a radius extending from the axis 20). Thus, the ride vehicle 14 may travel along the length of the loading path 36 in conjunction with the turntable 18 (i.e., with the turntable 18 or at the same speed as the turntable 18). For example, when traveling along the loading path 36, the ride vehicle 14 may travel about the axis 20 at substantially the same speed as the rotational speed of the turntable 18 about the axis 20. In this manner, the position and orientation of each of the ride vehicles 14 along the loading zone 42 of the turntable 18 may remain substantially constant. In other words, each ride vehicle 14 may maintain a temporarily fixed position relative to the periphery of the turntable 18 while traveling along the loading path 36 and while the turntable 18 rotates about the axis 20. In this manner, the loading system 12 may substantially maintain the orientation of the turntable 18 relative to the ride vehicle 14, and the ride vehicle 14 may include seats facing toward the outward edge 34 as the ride vehicle 14 travels along the loading path 36. Thus, passengers may board a ride vehicle 14 from the loading zone 42 or may be unloaded from a ride vehicle 14 onto the loading zone 42 without having to walk along a particular ride vehicle 14 during such loading/unloading process to adjust to the speed of the ride vehicle 14. It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the respective speeds of the ride vehicles 14 along the loading path 36 may be less than the average speed of the ride vehicles 14 along the remainder of the attraction path 16. The passive design of the components of the clearance blocking system as provided herein is able to accommodate different travel speeds and still achieve clearance protection. When the loading/unloading process is complete, the ride vehicle 14 may exit the loading path 36 via an exit lane 62 adjacent the starting end 40 of the attraction path 16.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the entrance ramp 64 may extend between an entrance 66 of the ride system 10 and the stationary portion 26 of the loading system 12. In some embodiments, the entrance ramp 64 may be any suitable angled path, which may include steps, a substantially flat angled surface, an escalator, an elevator, or any combination thereof. Thus, guests may enter the stationary portion 26 from the entrance 66 (e.g., walk onto the stationary portion 26) as some ride vehicles 14 or other moving components of the loading system 12 travel about the axis 20 (e.g., under the entrance ramp 64). Typically, a guest may take a step from the stationary portion 26 onto the loading area 42 of the turntable 18 and then board a particular one of the ride vehicles 14 traveling along the loading area 42. It should be appreciated that to exit the ride system 10, a guest may be unloaded from the ride vehicle 14 onto the loading area 42, walk toward the stationary portion 26, and then may exit the loading system 12 via the entrance ramp 64.

The ride vehicle 14 travels along a loading path in a track-based or trackless system. In an embodiment, each of the ride vehicles 14 traveling along the loading path 36 may be associated with a respective transport 70, as shown in fig. 2, the respective transport 70 configured to propel the ride vehicle 14 along the loading path 36 and about the axis 20. In certain embodiments, the transport 70 may be partially disposed below the turntable 18 and/or outer platform 28 and may be coupled to a particular ride vehicle 14 via a support structure that extends through the gap 30. In practice, the gap 30 may permit the transport 70 to couple to the corresponding ride carrier 14 and to advance the corresponding ride carrier 14 along the loading path 36. Unfortunately, the gap 30 may permit guests who are unloaded and/or loaded from the ride carrier 14 or otherwise travel adjacent the loading path 36 to accidentally lose certain items (e.g., keys, coins, cell phones) in the gap 30 by dropping the items into the gap 30. Accordingly, embodiments of the ride system 10 discussed herein are equipped with a gap blocking system 72, the gap blocking system 72 configured to substantially block guest access to the gap 30. More specifically, the clearance blocking system 72 is configured to selectively block access by guests to portions of the clearance 30 not occupied by components of the ride vehicle 14 or otherwise covered by the ride vehicle 14 (e.g., covered by a respective chassis of the ride vehicle 14). Thus, the gap blocking system 72 may permit the ride carrier 14 to move continuously along the loading path 36 while substantially eliminating the possibility of guests losing items in the gap 30.

Further, the disclosed gap blocking system 72 is able to accommodate irregular spacing between ride vehicles 14, as shown in fig. 1. The passive gap blocking system 72 does not rely on predictable spacing between ride vehicles 14 as compared to less flexible or configurable types of systems. Thus, the gap blocking system 72 provides the benefit of gap blocking with variable speed or spacing between ride vehicles 14.

To better illustrate the vehicle 70, and to facilitate subsequent discussion of a gap blocking system 72 as used in conjunction with the vehicle 70, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the loading system 12. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the transport 70 is located in a space 74 below the turntable 18 and/or outer platform 28 and engages a guide track 76. The guide track 76 may extend about a frame 78 that supports the turntable 18 and permits the vehicle 70 to advance along the guide track 76 about the axis 20. In some embodiments, guide track 76 and loading path 36 may comprise the same path or track structure. The robotic manipulator 80 may couple the transport 70 to one of the ride vehicles 14 to permit the transport 70 to move the ride vehicle 14 along the loading path 36. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical manipulator 80 may include a support structure 84 (e.g., a shaft), the support structure 84 extending through the gap 30 and engaging the ride vehicle 14. Thus, the support structure 84 may facilitate coupling the ride vehicle 14 to the transport 70 below the turntable 18 and/or outer platform 28. For clarity, it should be understood that "ride vehicle," as used herein, may refer to any one or combination of components of a ride vehicle 14 (e.g., any one of the ride vehicles 14), a mechanical manipulator 80, and/or a transport 70. The ride vehicle 14 may include a vehicle controller that controls movement of the vehicle 14 and its drive components to move the transport 70 onto the loading path 36 and along the loading path 36.

Fig. 3 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of the ride system 10 used in conjunction with the gap blocking system 72, and the ride system 10 includes a plate assembly 100 that acts to block a gap (e.g., gap 30 of fig. 2). As discussed below, the panel assembly 100 includes a plurality of panels 104, the plurality of panels 104 configured to block portions of the gap that are unoccupied by a component of the ride carrier 14 or otherwise temporarily open to allow the ride carrier 14 to enter into the loading path. Thus, the panel assembly 100 of the gap blocking system 72 may ensure that the gap remains covered during operation of the ride system 10. The panel assembly 100 includes a plurality of individual panels 104, the plurality of individual panels 104 being coupled to a first section (e.g., the turntable 18) of the loading platform 17 and configured to extend between the first section and a second section (e.g., the outer platform 28) in a first or closed configuration to at least partially cover the gap. In embodiments where the first segment rotates, rotation of the turntable 18 causes the plurality of plates to rotate with the turntable 18. Each individual plate 104 of the plurality of plates includes a biasing mechanism 106, the biasing mechanism 106 biasing the plate 104 toward the outer section 28. As shown in fig. 4, stationary posts 110 are positioned to extend from the loading platform into loading path 36. As disclosed herein, the gap blocking system 72 creates a partial opening 108 that exposes the gap at the carrier entry point to allow the ride carrier 14 to enter the loading path 36 in a passive manner, meaning that no actuation devices are required to create or maintain the opening 108. Static post 110 may be positioned along the loading path to create opening 108 behind an obstacle or within area 120 at the edge of the platform that is inaccessible to guests.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the carrier entry point into the opening 108. As discussed, the gap blocking system 72 includes passive plates 104 distributed around the outer diameter/edge of the turntable 18. The panels 104 may be arranged to alternate between a first type 122 and a second type 124, discussed in more detail in fig. 6-7, such that each panel 104 of the first type 122 is in direct contact with an adjacent panel 104 of the second type 124 about the periphery of the turret 18. The first type 122 of panels 104 may be generally arranged as an interrupted top layer such that the lateral edges 128 of the first type 122 of panels 104 overlap the top surface 130 of the second type 124 of panels 104. The percentage of overlap may be at least 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 25%, or 50% of the surface area of the top surface 130 of the second type 124 of panel 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral edges 128 of the first type 122 of panel 104 are spaced apart from the lateral edges 128 of adjacent panels 104 of the first type 122 such that at least a portion of the top surface 130 of the second type 124 of panel 104 is exposed. Thus, in the default closed configuration, the first type 122 of panel 104 does not directly contact the other panels of the first type 122. Similarly, the second type 124 of panels 104 do not directly contact each other in the closed configuration. However, as discussed herein, to assume an open configuration, the plates 104 may be moved relative to each other to make contact with non-adjacent plates 104 or plates of the same type. The top surface 130 may be relatively smooth to facilitate sliding movement with an adjacent plate.

Plate 104 may be gas-impacted, such as a spring, that is loaded to maintain the radial orientation in a default or closed configuration without any opposing force. However, each individual panel 104 can be rotated out of the closed configuration, allowing them to rotate, and then return to the default closed configuration when the opposing force is removed. As the turntable rotates, each plate 104 in turn contacts a stationary bar or post 110, which stationary bar or post 110 is attached to the loading platform 104 and is fixed relative to any rotating part (e.g., the turntable 18). This creates an opening 108 for carrier access and permits carriers 14 to enter the loading path without having to have a uniform or controlled separation distance between carriers 14. As each plate 104 or group of adjacent plates 104 rotates in response to contact with the stationary posts 110, if there is no carrier 14 entering the loading path at the opening 108, a new opening 108 is continuously passively created and then passively closed. The ride vehicle 14 enters the vicinity and downstream of the stationary post 110. Stationary post 110 may include a head (row) structure 140 sized and shaped to rotate a desired number of plate members 104 to create opening 108. The size and shape of the head structure 140 may depend on the size and shape of the components (e.g., support shaft 84) of the ride vehicle 14 that extend through the gap 30.

As discussed, the plate 104 is coupled to the turntable 18 and is spaced about the periphery of the turntable 18. Thus, the plate 104 may rotate together with the turntable 18. Each plate 104 may be configured to transition between a default extended or closed configuration (illustratively shown as plate 104b, wherein plate 104b extends across gap 30 to cover or substantially cover a respective portion of gap 30) and an at least partially retracted or open configuration (illustratively shown as plate 104a, wherein open plate 104a creates opening 108 to expose a respective portion of gap 30). When the plates 104 contact the stationary posts 110, the plates slide over or under each other (depending on their arrangement) and out of the closed configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the radially outermost distal edge 146 of plate 104 contacts the head 140 of stationary post 110 to initiate movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration. In one embodiment, the plate 104 may be rotated under the turntable 18 to create the opening 108.

In some embodiments, the radially outermost distal edge 146 of the plate 104 may be configured to extend below the outer platform 28 or into a receiving surface or groove 152 formed within the outer platform 28 when the plate 104 is in the extended position. Thus, when in the extended position, the plate 104 may completely span the radial dimension of the gap 30. That is, the maximum radial extension of the individual plate 104 is in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, each of the plates 104 may exhibit a geometry that facilitates covering the gap 30 and/or engaging within the outer platform 28 when the plates 104 are in the extended position. For example, panels 104 can include a generally trapezoidal shape or a generally arcuate shape that permits panels 104 to abut and/or overlap one another in the extended position to substantially cover gap 30 (e.g., to reduce or substantially eliminate space between adjacent panels 104). Further, the panel 104 and/or the groove 152 may be sized and shaped such that the panel generally rides within the groove 152 and minimally contacts the surface of the groove 152 during rotation of the turntable 18. However, the lower surface 154 may provide structural support to the panel 104 in the event that weight is applied to the top surfaces 130, 134 of the panel.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a plate assembly 100 of the gap blocking system 72. Once the ride vehicle 14 enters the loading path 36, the ride vehicle 14 and the turntable 18 may rotate at approximately the same speed as the ride vehicle 14 travels. The ride vehicle travels away from the stationary posts 110 at the access opening 108. However, as generally illustrated in fig. 5, one or more rotating plates (e.g., plate 104 a) in an open configuration are disposed onto a plow (plow) structure 156 present on the ride vehicle 14 and rotate with the ride vehicle 14. The plow is coupled to the support shaft 84 and is generally positioned below the seat/seats 160 of the ride vehicle 14. Passive contact with the plow 156 maintains the plate 104a in the at least partially open configuration as the ride carrier 14 moves along the loading path 36. The plow 156 may be formed of a compliant material to reduce impact to the plate 104 during contact.

The transition of the plates 104a between the closed and open configurations may be facilitated by a respective biasing mechanism 106 coupled to each plate 104. Each panel 104 is coupled to a spring-loaded lever 164 at a joint 168 such that the panel 104 changes orientation relative to the lever 164 at the joint 168 to permit the panel to articulate within the plane of the floor surface and between open and closed configurations. The end 170 of the rod 164 is free to permit additional minor movement of the plate 104 in other planes. However, in one embodiment, the plate 104 is coupled to the turntable 18 such that even within their independent ranges of motion, the plate 104 does not move to extend above the top surface of the loading platform. Such movement may be constrained by a cage 174 or other structure. When no opposing force is applied to overcome the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 106, the plate is biased to return to the default closed configuration. It should be appreciated that the biasing mechanism 106 may be a suitable spring-based or other mechanism (e.g., a passive mechanism) that permits movement to an open configuration upon contact with the stationary post 110 (fig. 4) under normal operation of the system 10, and return to a closed configuration via rotation without an opposing force.

The panel 104 of the panel assembly 100 is positioned about the turntable 18 to generally cover or at least partially cover the space or gap between the turntable 18 and the stationary outer platform 28. The panel 104 is shaped and arranged so that the ride carrier 14 and the turntable 18 can move at least partially asynchronously, and the turntable 18 can rotate faster or slower than the carrier 14 during at least a portion of its movement. During asynchronous movement, the panels 104 can be deflected by the carrier 14 in either direction so that the opening or space between adjacent panels remains below the carrier. That is, the panel assembly 100 permits reverse or forward movement of the ride carrier 14 located within the panel assembly 100. Thus, the plow 156 can at least partially encircle the support shaft 84 to facilitate deflection of the plate 104 in either direction. Further, during the ride system shutdown scenario, the ride vehicle 14 may stop or change speed to permit entry into the loading platform independent of whether the turntable 18 continues to rotate. In this case, the interval between the ride vehicles 14 may be adjusted. The disclosed technique responds to such a condition by passively adjusting the angle of the plate forward or backward (via deflection) so that the deflection plate 104 remains in contact with the plow.

Plate 104 may include features to enhance sliding or relative movement. For example, the plate may form a trailing or tapered end, whereby the lateral edge 128 covered by the turntable 18 in the closed configuration narrows towards the bar 168. This arrangement reduces the surface area that may create friction or otherwise inhibit smooth transitions between configurations, while also maintaining a desired coverage of gaps in the portions of the exposed plate 104.

Fig. 6 illustrates a first type 122 of plate 104 that may include additional features to facilitate transitioning between configurations. The bottom surface 200 of the first type 122 of plate member opposite the top surface 134 (see fig. 4) may include one or more low friction wear pads 202, or may be formed of or coated with a low friction material. In an embodiment, the bottom surface 200 of the first type 122 of plate that slides relative to the adjacent plate 104 and contacts the adjacent plate 104 may have a lower coefficient of friction relative to the top surface 134. Further, the stub shaft with bearing and attachment boss 210 for connection to the spring assembly may be oriented generally toward the top surface 134 to avoid interference with the relative movement of the bottom surface and the adjacent plate 104.

Fig. 7 illustrates a second type 124 of plate 104. The second type 124 of panels 104 is generally similar to the first type 122 of panels 104 (fig. 6), but may be thicker to support vertical loads and layers of the first type 122 of panels 104 on the top surface 130 (fig. 3). In an embodiment, the second type 124 of plate 104 may be at least 50%, 100%, 200%, or 300% thicker than the first type 122 of plate in a dimension 210 perpendicular to a bottom surface 220 thereof. The bottom surface 220 may be recessed or may include one or more rib structures to facilitate supporting additional weight. The second type 124 of plate 104 may include a downwardly oriented stub shaft 230 to avoid contact with other plates. The second type 124 of plate 104 may include an inner wear strip 234 and/or a series of cam follower rollers 236 near the outer edge to contact the loading platform structure and facilitate movement.

As set forth above, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical effects useful for blocking access to portions of an amusement park attraction where guests may accidentally lose certain personal items. In particular, embodiments of the gap blocking system 72 disclosed herein facilitate loading and unloading of passengers into the non-stationary ride vehicle 14 while substantially blocking access to the gap. It should be understood that the technical effects and technical problems in the present specification are examples and not limitations. Indeed, it should be noted that the embodiments described in this specification may have other technical effects and may be able to solve other technical problems and may be used outside amusement park settings.

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

The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to real-world and concrete examples of practical nature that significantly improve upon the current state of the art, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, 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"), it is intended that such elements be interpreted in accordance with 35 u.s.c. 112 (f). However, for any claim that contains elements specified in any other way, it is intended that such elements not be construed in accordance with 35 u.s.c. 112 (f).