U.S. patent application number 13/237643 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-14 for entertainment ride.
This patent application is currently assigned to David Michaels. The applicant listed for this patent is David Michaels. Invention is credited to David Michaels.
Application Number | 20130065699 13/237643 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47830344 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130065699 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Michaels; David |
March 14, 2013 |
ENTERTAINMENT RIDE
Abstract
An entertainment ride that includes a plurality of vessels. In
one embodiment, the vessels may be shaped as spherical vessels and
may be attached to robotic armatures that move the vessels such
that the movement resembles a flowering bloom.
Inventors: |
Michaels; David; (London,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Michaels; David |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
Michaels; David
London
GB
|
Family ID: |
47830344 |
Appl. No.: |
13/237643 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13228270 |
Sep 8, 2011 |
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13237643 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
472/39 ;
472/136 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63G 1/10 20130101; A63G
1/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
472/39 ;
472/136 |
International
Class: |
A63G 31/02 20060101
A63G031/02; E04H 3/10 20060101 E04H003/10 |
Claims
1. An entertainment ride comprising: a hub that includes at least
one room for entertainment; a plurality of drivable arm members
connected to and extending from the hub; and a plurality of
vessels, wherein each vessel is capable of holding one or more
patrons and is attached to one of the drivable arm members amongst
the plurality such that each drivable arm member has one of the
vessels attached thereto; wherein the plurality of drivable arm
members move the vessels in a manner resembling a blooming
flower.
2. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 1, wherein the hub
is cylindrically shaped.
3. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 2, wherein the
cylindrically shaped hub is modeled after a soda can.
4. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 3, wherein the
plurality of drivable arm members are shaped or designed to
resemble straws or a plurality of cans stacked end-to-end.
5. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 1, wherein the hub
includes an internal staircase or elevator for patrons to access
the at least one room for entertainment.
6. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 1, wherein the at
least one room for entertainment is not fully enclosed.
7. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
plurality of drivable arm members are asymmetrically positioned
around the hub.
8. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
plurality of drivable arm members are symmetrically positioned
around the hub.
9. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
plurality of drivable arm members are rotatable about a first axis,
rotatable about a second axis, and are capable of telescoping or
otherwise translating.
10. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 9, wherein the
plurality of drivable arm members are configured to rotate around
the hub.
11. An entertainment ride comprising: a drivable hub that includes
one or more brand names affixed to an exterior thereof and at least
one room for entertainment, wherein the one or more brand names is
intrinsic to the shape of the hub; a plurality of drivable arm
members connected to and extending from the hub; and a plurality of
vessels, wherein each vessel is capable of holding one or more
patrons and is attached to one of the drivable arm members amongst
the plurality such that each drivable arm member has one of the
vessels attached thereto; a track for which the drivable hub is
configured to move along; and a plurality of load stations that
enable patrons to board the plurality of vessels.
12. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 11, wherein the
hub is cylindrically shaped and modeled after a soda can.
13. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 12, wherein the
plurality of drivable arm members are shaped or designed to
resemble straws or a plurality of cans stacked end-to-end.
14. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 11, wherein the at
least one room for entertainment is not fully enclosed.
15. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 11, wherein the
plurality of drivable arm members are asymmetrically or
symmetrically positioned around the hub.
16. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 11, wherein the
track is continuous, non-continuous, or free range.
17. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 11, wherein the
plurality of load stations are also unload stations.
18. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 11, wherein the
one or more of the vessels are geodesic spheres.
19. A method for operating an entertainment ride comprising:
providing a drivable hub that includes a plurality of drivable arm
members connected to and extending from the hub, wherein each
drivable arm member has a vessel capable of holding one or more
patrons attached at its distal end; moving each drivable arm member
in unison from a first state to a second state, wherein the
transition from the first state to the second state resembles
flowering bloom, and wherein the first state for a first drivable
arm member is a different first state when compared to the first
state for a second drivable arm member.
20. The method as set forth in claim 19, further comprising moving
each drivable arm member in unison from the second state to a third
state, wherein the transition from the second state to the third
state resembles a wave revolving around the drivable hub, and
wherein the second state for the first drivable arm member is a
different second state when compared to the second state for the
second drivable arm member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/228,270, filed on Sep. 8, 2011, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This description relates to an entertainment ride.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Delivering a novel ride experience to consumers is important
for business. The novelty serves to attract new consumers to try a
ride that they have not experienced before. In addition, the
novelty serves to attract consumers who have experienced the ride
before because it is the only one of its kind.
[0004] Entertainment rides come in many forms. For example, thrill
rides are generally intended to excite consumers and usually allow
the consumers to experience positive gravitational forces. These
rides require each consumer to be safely locked into place by, for
example, an over-the-shoulder or lap harness. These rides are
common at amusement parks, carnivals, fairs, and the like. In
addition, rides of a more relaxing degree have been developed for
riders who seek a less adrenaline-inducing experience or otherwise
excite riders in a different context. However, riders tend to
become tired of a ride after riding it too many times because the
experience remains the same.
[0005] Thus, there is a need to reach a consumer at a much deeper
level to go beyond the normal and into the new. There is a need to
present consumers with an experience that is impressionable and
long lasting to battle what may otherwise fade in the midst of
alternatives. There is also an opportunity to employ the
entertainment ride in a context to enhance advertising efforts.
[0006] The present disclosure addresses these and other needs.
SUMMARY
[0007] Briefly, and in general terms, the present disclosure is
directed to an entertainment ride. In certain embodiments, an
entertainment ride includes a hub. The hub may have at least one
room for entertainment. The entertainment ride also includes a
plurality of drivable arm members that may connect to and extend
from the hub. The entertainment ride also includes a plurality of
vessels. In one embodiment, each vessel may connect to a single
drivable arm member. In other embodiments, each vessel may connect
to a plurality of arm members.
[0008] In certain embodiments, a method for operating an
entertainment ride includes providing a drivable hub that includes
a plurality of drivable arm members connected to and extending from
the hub. In one embodiment, each drivable arm member has a vessel
capable of holding one or more patrons that is attached to the
distal end of the drivable arm member. In one embodiment, the
method entails moving each drivable arm member in unison from a
first state to a second state. The transition from the first state
to the second state may, in certain embodiments, resemble a
flowering bloom. The first state for a first drivable arm member
may be a different first state when compared to the first state for
a second drivable arm member. Otherwise stated, though each
drivable member may be moved in unison, their positioning, speed,
movement, and the like may be different. For example, a first group
of drivable arm members may symmetrically (or asymmetrically in
certain embodiments) move in relation to the hub. A second group of
drivable arm members may also symmetrically (or asymmetrically in
certain embodiments) move in relation to the hub. The first and
second group of drivable arm members may move differently or in the
same way. In one embodiment, the drivable arm members corresponding
to the first group may be elevated at a first height and extended a
first distance when in a first state. The drivable arm members
corresponding to the second group may be elevated at a second
height and extended a second distances when in the first state. In
certain embodiments, the first and second height and distance
measurements may be the same. When progressing from the first to
the second state, the first group may progress toward the second
state in a different way than the second group. For example the
first group may lower and extend the drivable arm members quicker
than those in the second group. Doing so provides the illusion of a
flowering bloom having different length, tiered "pedals."
[0009] The foregoing summary does not encompass the claimed
invention in its entirety, nor are the embodiments intended to be
limiting. Rather, the embodiments are provided as mere
examples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of an entertainment
ride.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the entertainment
ride shown in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is another front view of one embodiment of an
entertainment ride showing various positions of the robotic
armatures and the orbs around the hub.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an orb capsule
associated with one embodiment of an entertainment ride.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a view depicting the access point into an orb
capsule associated with one embodiment of an entertainment
ride.
[0015] FIG. 6 is another top view of an embodiment of the
entertainment ride shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings
and, more particularly to FIGS. 1-6, there are shown various
embodiments of an entertainment ride 100.
[0017] More specifically, FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an embodiment of an
entertainment ride 100 that includes a hub 102 and a plurality of
robotic armatures 130, each having a proximal end 132 and distal
end 134. At the proximal end 132, each robotic armature 130
connects to the hub 102. At the distal end 134, each robotic
armature 130 has an orb, capsule, or vessel 150 coupled
thereto.
[0018] In the embodiment shown, the hub 102 is the center of the
entertainment ride 100. However, in certain embodiments, the hub
102 need not be or act as the center of the ride. In the embodiment
shown, the hub 102 includes a base 103 having a first platform 104
at a first level 105 positioned below a second platform 106 at a
second level 107. The first platform 104 is connected to the second
platform 106 by structural support 108. In certain embodiments, the
second level 107 may correspond to ground level. The perimeter of
both the first platform 104 and the second platform 106 may be
circular in nature. Extending from the first platform 104 may be a
spiral staircase 111 that circles upward around a support column
110, through the second platform 106, to an observation room 112.
In certain embodiments, the hub 102 may include an elevator rather
than a staircase to enable patron access to the observation room
112 from the first level 105.
[0019] In the embodiment shown, the observation room 112 extends
circumferentially outward at the top of the spiral staircase 111.
The observation room may include seating, tables, rails, and the
like for patrons. The observation room 112 may also include a
restaurant, bar, kiosk, etc. Though a roof 114 covers the
observation room 112 in the embodiment shown, other embodiments may
be without the roof 114 with attention paid to making the
observation room 112 weather resistant in such embodiments. In yet
other embodiments, the observation room 112 may be complemented by
a deck or balcony with railing of adequate height. The deck or
balcony may extend around the entire perimeter of the observation
room 112 or may have one or more non-contiguous locations that
extend beyond the confines of the observation room 112.
[0020] In certain embodiments, the observation room 112 may be
rotatable about the central, vertical axis. In yet other
embodiments, the observation room 112 may be translatable about the
central, vertical axis.
[0021] Also in certain embodiments, the hub 102 may be movable. In
the embodiment shown, the first platform 104 and/or the second
platform 106 are movable by a drive unit (not shown) along a track
115. The track 115 includes a docking location or home station 116
where patrons are granted access to the observation room 112 via
the staircase 111 on the first level 104 and/or second level 106.
The docking location 116 may also serve to signify that the
entertainment ride 100 is complete once the hub 102 returns to that
location. The track 115 may be hidden or otherwise submerged under
water, such as a fountain lagoon 116, to enhance the aesthetic
quality of the entertainment ride 100. Hiding or otherwise
submerging the track 115 under water may also serve to dissipate
any heat generated by the mechanics of moving the hub 102 along the
track 115. The track 115 may be continuous (e.g., a circle or oval
track) or non-continuous (e.g., a line track that does not connect
end-to-end such as an arc) in nature. In embodiments where track
115 is continuous, the hub 102 may only move along the track in a
first direction 117, a second direction 118, or a combination of
both. In embodiments where track 115 is non-continuous, the hub 102
may move to end 119 of track 115 in a first direction 117 and
return to the docking location 116 by traveling in a second
direction 118. In certain embodiments, the end 119 of track 115 may
also constitute a docking location or home station 116.
[0022] In other embodiments, hub 102 is configured to float and may
be propelled, pushed, pulled, or the like. In embodiments where the
hub 102 floats, guide rails (not shown) may be implemented along a
track 115 to prevent the hub 102 from tipping over or swaying more
than a predetermined number of degrees. Those of ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate that in the embodiments where hub 102
floats, the base 103 may be designed as a hull with a single
platform, e.g. the second platform 106. The interior of the hull
may house one or more drive units and/or ballast tanks. The ballast
tanks may be dynamic such that on windy days, the ballast tanks may
automatically be adjusted accordingly to compensate for influences
by the wind thereby affording greater stability. In certain
embodiments, the hub 102 may not be limited by a track (i.e., the
hub, powered by one or more drive units, may travel through, for
example, a fountain lagoon in any direction).
[0023] Referring now to the plurality of robotic armatures 130,
each robotic armature may be connected to the hub 102 at the
proximal end 132. In the embodiment shown, the proximal end 132 may
be attached to the second platform 106. In certain embodiments, the
second platform 106 or a portion thereof may be rotatable. In such
embodiments, the rotatability of the second platform 106 enables
each robotic armature 130 to rotate around the hub 102 via its
connection to the second platform. Support members (not shown) may
extend from the underside of the second platform 106 to a rotatable
member (not shown) associated with the first platform 104 to
provide structural support. In certain embodiments, each robotic
armature 130 may be connected to the second platform in a
symmetrical pattern. In other embodiments, each robotic armature
may be connected to the second platform in an asymmetric
pattern.
[0024] The proximal end 132 of each robotic armature 130 may be
rotatable about a vertical axis at joint 136 such that the robotic
armature is able to move side-to-side. Each robotic armature 130
may also be rotatable about a horizontal axis at joint 138 such
that the robotic armature is able to move up and down.
Additionally, each robotic armature 130 may be extended, or
otherwise translatable, such that the distal end 134 may be moved
while the proximal end 132 remains mounted to the hub 102. In the
embodiment shown, each robotic armature 130 may be telescoping in
nature to achieve extension of the distal end 134. In this regard,
each robotic armature 130 may have a stationary telescoping member
140 and one or more movable telescoping members 142. In certain
embodiments, a hydraulic system (not shown--internal to the robotic
armature) and a pulley system 144 may be used to achieve movement
and stability of the movable telescoping members 142 with respect
to the stationary telescoping member 140. In the embodiment shown,
the orbs 150 may be extendable to reach a height beyond 10
stories.
[0025] In certain embodiments, each robotic armature 130 may have a
length of about 30 feet when the distal end 134 is not extended;
and a length of about 150 feet when the distal end is fully
extended. In other embodiments, the distance may be less than or
greater than 30 feet when the distal end is not extended; and also
less than or greater than 150 feet when the distal end is fully
extended, provided that the appropriate structural support is
provided. In yet other embodiments, each robotic armature 130 need
not be uniform in dimension and even function. For example, certain
embodiments may include non-extendable robotic armatures amidst
extendable robotic armatures. A first robotic armature or group of
robotic armatures may be extendable to a first position whereas a
second robotic armature or group of robotic armatures may be
extendable to a second position. The first position may be greater
than or less than in distance than the second position.
[0026] In the embodiment shown, thirty-two robotic armatures 130
are connected to the hub 102. Other embodiments may have less or
greater than thirty-two robotic armatures 130, and may be
configured around the hub 102 (or a plurality of hubs)
differently.
[0027] Each robotic armature 130 has an orb, capsule, or vessel 150
connected thereto. In certain embodiments, the orb 150 may be
rotatably connected to the distal end 134 such that the orb is
rotatable about a vertical axis. The orb, capsule, or vessel 150
may be of any shape capable of safely holding patrons. For example,
the vessel 150 may be a platform having walls extending upward
along the perimeter with an open top. The walls may stop at a
height where they may be considered rails in certain embodiments.
The platform may be square, rectangular, triangular, oval, or any
other shape
[0028] Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, the orb
150 is depicted as being spherical in shape having an exterior and
an interior. Of course, other embodiments may include different
shapes or a combination of different shapes. For example, a first
group of robotic armatures 130 may have a spherical orb 150
attached thereto whereas a second group of robotic armatures 130
may have a cuboidal orb attached thereto.
[0029] The spherical orb 150 depicted in FIGS. 1-6 is connected to
the distal end 134 at the base 151. The spherical wall 152 may be
transparent or translucent in nature and may include a plurality of
support members 153. In the embodiment shown, the support members
153 form a plurality of geodesic triangles such that the spherical
orb 150 is a geodesic sphere. Transparent or translucent material
ensures that patrons may look through the spherical wall 152 to
appreciate the environment outside of the orb 150. In certain
embodiments, one or more geodesic triangles may be of different
material than others. For example, some geodesic triangles may be
transparent while others may be translucent. In yet other
embodiments, some geodesic triangles may be opaque amidst
transparent and/or translucent geodesic triangles. Not only does
the material of the spherical orb 150 affect the aesthetic quality
of it as well as the ability for patrons to look through it, it
also affects how sunlight interacts with it. Thus, in certain
embodiments, one or more of the geodesic triangles may be
electronically controlled smart glass (e.g., variable tint glass
and switchable liquid crystal glass), may have a film placed
thereon, or may be perceived as a certain color based on its
material properties. The film may comprise a plurality of small
dots positioned such that the further one gets from the film; the
more difficult it becomes to see through the film. For example, a
patron inside the orb 150 may be able to look to the outside with
ease. However, an outsider looking at the orb 150 may not be able
to see through the spherical wall 152. Instead, the outsider
perceives a design 157 (not shown) on the orb 150 due to the film.
The design 157 may be associated with one or more brands (e.g.,
trade indicia, trademarks, product packaging, etc.) so that patrons
and non-patrons associate the orb 150 with a certain enterprise,
service, product, and the like.
[0030] In this regard, the entertainment ride 100 disclosed herein
may be complemented by the teachings disclosed in commonly owned
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/228,270, entitled Branded
Entertainment Complex, filed on Sep. 8, 2011. For example, shape of
one or more of the orbs 150 and/or the hub 102 may be based on the
brand associated therewith. For example, an orb or the hub branded
for CHEERIOS.RTM. cereal may be cuboidal in shape. An orb or the
hub branded for WHEAT THINS.RTM. crackers may be cuboidal in shape.
An orb or the hub branded for PEPSI.RTM. soda may be cylindrical in
shape. An orb or the hub branded for TOBLERONE.RTM. chocolate may
be shaped like a triangular prism. An orb or the hub branded for
LINDT.RTM. LINDOR TRUFFLES.RTM. chocolate may be spherically
shaped, such as the one shown in FIGS. 1-6. An orb or the hub
branded for LINDT.RTM. LINDOR TRUFFLES.RTM. chocolate may also be
shaped as the vessel that holds the chocolates (e.g., large bag,
box, or individual wrapping around each chocolate). An orb or the
hub may be branded based on the one or more brands associated with
the entertainment complex disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/228,270, entitled Branded Entertainment Complex, filed on
Sep. 8, 2011. In this regard, the goodwill of an enterprise may be
further enhanced and promoted while providing an attraction and the
ultimate branding experience to patrons and even non-patrons (e.g.,
people passing by such as locals or tourists). In either case, the
entertainment ride 100 brings people into a particular geographic
area that they may not otherwise travel to. As such, the disclosure
also provides economic opportunities far beyond those directly
associated with the entertainment ride 100.
[0031] With respect to the electronically controlled smart glass,
in certain embodiments, it may vary from a first, transparent state
to a second, translucent state. In other embodiments, the smart
glass may have more than one state of translucency (e.g., clear and
varying degrees of dark tint). In yet other embodiments, the smart
glass may vary in clarity from clear to opaque. In embodiments
where some or all geodesic triangles are smart glass, the
translucency or opacity may be controlled by an operator of the
entertainment ride 100, a patron, or be automatic (e.g., based on
time of day). For example, patrons may control one or more geodesic
triangles associated with the orb 150. In this regard, the geodesic
triangles may be grouped such that a first group of geodesic
triangles may correspond to the top of the orb 150 and a second
group of geodesic triangles may correspond to those below the first
group. The first group, for example, may be controlled so that it
is tinted whereas the second group may be controlled so that it is
clear. The smart glass associated with each orb 150 may be
dependent or independent of the smart glass associated with other
orbs.
[0032] With respect to automatic control, the glass may be
electronically controlled so that the wall 152 is tinted during the
day. At night, the glass may be electronically controlled so that
it is clear. In this regard, patrons may be protected from the sun
during midday but still be afforded the opportunity to look out of
the orb 150. Yet at night, patrons may be afforded the opportunity
to look through a tint-free or otherwise clear wall 152 to ensure
the orb 150 does not filter out nighttime light.
[0033] Each orb 150 also has an access point 154. As shown, the
access point 154 may be a door that swings inward or outward. In
certain embodiments, the access point 154 may be a door that slides
rather than swings. Interior to the orb is a floor 156 that may
line up with the bottom of the access point 154 to provide patrons
access into and out of the orb 150 without having to step-up or
step-down. The floor may be opaque, transparent, or translucent in
nature. Extending upward from the floor 156 may be rails 158 to
provide patrons the means to stabilize themselves should they
desire to do so. In certain embodiments, the floor 156 may be
rotatable or have rotatable sections built into the floor. The orb
150 may also be complemented by interior seating, such as benches,
chairs, or the like. The orb 150 may also be complemented by one or
more visual and/or audio displays. One or more lights may be
positioned below the floor 156. Different lighting effects may be
achieved in this regard. For example, light applied to an opaque
floor will result in a different visual display that light applied
to a transparent or translucent floor. One or more lights and/or
video displays may be positioned above the floor 156. Appropriate
fixtures may be attached to the interior of the wall 152, the floor
156, or the rails 158 to enable such features. One or more of the
orbs 150 may provide patrons with a restaurant experience. For
example, patrons may eat at a table within the orb 150 during the
ride. One or more of the orbs 150 may also provide a lounge
environment such that patrons may enjoy the ride while sipping
their favorite beverage or while playing their favorite game. In
certain embodiments, one or more of the orbs 150 may be outfitted
with a console gaming machine such as the XBOX 360.RTM. and/or a
casino gaming machine such as a slot machine, video poker machine,
and the like.
[0034] Referring now to the size of each of the orbs 150, each may
be 18 feet in diameter in the embodiment shown. A diameter of 18
feet may allow up to about 20-30 patrons per orb, depending on
their size and weight. However, in other embodiments, each of the
orbs 150 may be less than 18 feet in diameter or greater than 18
feet in diameter. In yet other embodiments, the orbs 150 may be of
different sizes and even shapes. For example, a first orb or group
of orbs may correspond to a first diameter, and a second orb or
group of orbs may correspond to a second diameter or even a
different shape, e.g. a cuboid or prism.
[0035] In operation of the entertainment ride 100, the hub 102 is
able to receive patrons when positioned at docking location 116.
Patrons may access the observation room 112 via the staircase 111
on the first level 104 and/or second level 106. To access one of
the orbs 150 positioned on one of the robotic armatures 130, a
patron may proceed to one or more load/unload locations 146. In
certain embodiments, one or more unload stations may be located on
a third level 147 and/or a fourth level 148 above the second level
106. Thus, patrons may be left with a feeling of entering a
floating orb because the orb is elevated while the patron boards.
This adds to the celestial nature for which the entertainment ride
100 is designed. As a safety measure, the robotic armatures 130 may
not be movable when docked at an unload/load stations 146.
[0036] In certain embodiments, patrons may be required to purchase
the right to access the entertainment ride 100. The right may come
in the form of a ticket. The ticket may indicate the time and day
or a period of time that the patron may access the entertainment
ride 100. For example, a patron may purchase the right to access
the observation room 112 but not one of the orbs 150, and vice
versa. A patron may also purchase an all-inclusive pass to access
all components of the entertainment, e.g. one or more of the orbs
150 and the observation room 112. In certain embodiments, the
entertainment ride 100 may be associated with a hotel or
entertainment complex. Patrons of the hotel or entertainment
complex may be provided access to the entertainment ride 100 free
of charge or at a discounted rate. For example, a patron may show
proof that he or she is staying at the hotel or has made a purchase
at the entertainment complex, such as providing a room key or
receipt, to access the entertainment ride 100. In certain
embodiments, a database may be created such that the first ride for
any patron is free. In this regard, the entertainment ride 100
provides an incentive to visit the geographic locale associated
with the entertainment ride itself, e.g. the hotel or entertainment
complex. In other embodiments, a patron's access may be dependent
on a status associated with a player card corresponding to one or
more casinos.
[0037] In embodiments where a track 115 is employed, the hub 102
may move along it once all patrons have "boarded" or are otherwise
appropriately situated. The hub 102 may return to the docking
station 116 when deemed complete, in emergency situations, or in
other programmed situations. The hub 102 may also return to a
second docking station 116, such as end 119 in a non-continuous
track 115. In certain embodiments, a central processing unit may
control all moving components such as, for example, each robotic
armature 130, the hub 102, the rotatable member 109, the floor 156,
moving light displays, the access point 154, and the like. The
central processing unit may also control all non-moving components
such as, for example, the electronically controlled smart glass,
non-moving light displays, and the like. In other embodiments more
than one processing unit may be used. For example, a first
processing unit may control the robotic armatures and the orbs
attached thereto whereas a second processor may control movement of
the hub 102.
[0038] All moving and non-moving components of the entertainment
ride 100 may operate independent or dependent of one or more other
moving and/or non-moving components. For example, a first robotic
armature 130 may be precluded from rotating and/or extending the
corresponding orb to a second position from a first position if the
second position would result in the first robotic armature 130 or
corresponding orb impacting a second robotic armature 130 or the
orb corresponding thereto. In certain embodiments, one or more of
the robotic armatures 130 may be mechanically limited to prevent
collisions or unwanted positioning. In another example, the
electronically controlled smart glass may be controlled so that its
tint is dependent on the location of the orb or robotic armature
corresponding thereto. The electronically controlled smart glass
may also be controlled based on the location of the hub 102.
[0039] In yet another example, one or more orbs 150 may come
together at the hub 102 (or otherwise be positioned as close to the
center as possible) to then proceed outward again to resemble a
flowering blossom or bloom during the ride. In yet another example,
one or more orbs 150 may be programmed to rise and fall to resemble
a wave circling the hub 102. In even yet a further example, one or
more orbs 150 may be programmed to randomly move about, may move in
unison, or may not move in unison. In certain embodiments, the
entertainment ride 100 is complemented by an audio broadcast. The
audio may be dependent or independent of the location and/or
movement of one or more orbs 150. Additionally or alternatively to
audio, a visual display such as lights may complement the
entertainment ride 100. Similar to the audio, the visual display
may also be dependent or independent of the location and/or
movement of one or more orbs 150.
[0040] In certain embodiments, the entertainment ride 100 has one
or more stages. Each stage may be programmed or entirely random.
For example, as the hub 102 leave the docking station 116, the
robotic armatures 130 may be programmed to move randomly about. A
second stage may be programmed to move the robotic armatures 130
and corresponding orbs 150 about in pursuant to a regimented
design, such as a "flowering bloom" or "wave."
[0041] In one embodiment, a plurality of the robotic armatures 130
may be in a first, "closed bloom" position. The robotic armatures
130 in this position may be non-extended, but fully elevated such
that each of the orbs 150 cannot achieve further height unless the
corresponding robotic armature is extended. In some embodiments,
the plurality consists of all the robotic armatures 130 in the
entertainment ride 100. In other embodiments, the plurality of the
robotic armatures 130 in the non-extended, but fully elevated
position does not consist of all the robotic armatures 130. For
example, in these embodiments, a second plurality of robotic
armatures 130 may be in a second, "closed bloom" position. The
robotic armatures 130 in this position may be in a non-extended or
an extended position and either be in non-elevated or elevated
position. Having the second plurality of the robotic armatures 130
and corresponding orbs 150 at a different starting point (i.e., the
second, "closed bloom" position) creates depth to the "bloom" by
creating "pedals" of varying degree. In certain embodiments, the
first "closed bloom" position may only correspond to a single
robotic armature, the second "closed bloom" position may only
correspond to a single robotic armature, a third "closed bloom"
position may only correspond to a single robotic armature or even a
plurality of the robotic armatures, and the like.
[0042] Next, the entertainment ride 100 "blooms" by executing
"blooming" movements. For example, one or more robotic armatures
130 may simultaneously lower and extend each orb 150 to resemble an
opening bloom as time progresses. This movement may correspond to
those robotic armatures in the first closed bloom position, the
second closed bloom position, another closed bloom position, a
different position altogether, or a combination thereof to create
"pedals" of varying degree with different movement. In certain
embodiments, one or more robotic armatures may move according to a
different blooming movement. For example, one or more robotic
armatures may (1) lower but not extend the corresponding orb 150;
(2) lower and retract the corresponding orb 150; (3) raise and
retract the corresponding orb 150; (4) raise and extend the
corresponding orb 150; and the like. Otherwise stated, one or more
robotic armatures may employ any mechanically feasible combination
of rotating, raising, lowering, extending, and retracting. The rate
of rotating, raising, lowering, extending, and retracting may be
the same or different for each robotic armature or group of robotic
armatures. The rate of rotating, raising, lowering, extending, and
retracting may be dynamic such that it is programmable to change
based on conditions such as the weather, position or state of other
components associated with the entertainment ride 100, and the
like.
[0043] Though one or more of the orbs 150 may be lowered and
extended after the initial closed bloom position(s), the orbs may
achieve a greater height than that initially presented. This may
occur, for example, where the rate of extending the robotic
armature causes the orb to rise above its starting point
notwithstanding that the robotic armature is also being
simultaneously lowered.
[0044] Following the "blooming" movement of the robotic armatures
130, the entertainment ride 100 may be in "full bloom." Following
the "full bloom," the entertainment ride may reverse the blooming
process, conduct a different regimented movement, conduct one or
more randomized movements, conduct one or more regimented movements
amidst one or more randomized movements, and the like. For example,
one or more robotic armatures 130 may be staged at their next
location for preparation of the next regimented move sequence. This
may be done while other robotic armatures move randomly about to
"hide" the staging process. The "full bloom" itself may be used as
a starting point or constitute the first stage for another
regimented movement sequence such as the "wave." In the "wave,"
robotic armatures may rise and fall together around the hub 102 to
simulate one or more "waves" or pulsating "ripples" (e.g. smaller
waves in sequence that may resemble the pulsating movement of the
lateral fins on a cuttlefish.
[0045] The entertainment ride 100 may be complemented by one or
more visual displays, one or more audio broadcasts, one or more
electronically controlled smart glass displays, and any combination
thereof.
[0046] For example, a first light show may constitute a visual
display that corresponds to the "closed bloom." In certain
embodiments, the first light show may be of low intensity (e.g.,
slow movement, inactive lights, dull colors, and the like). When
the entertainment ride 100 "blooms," the first light show may
progress into a second light show of greater intensity to
accentuate the blooming process (e.g., faster movement, less
inactive lights, all lights are active, brighter more vibrant
colors, and the like). Different lighting schemes may complement
different "pedals" (i.e., robotic armatures 130 and orbs 150). For
example, a first group of robotic armatures and orbs interspersed
between a second group of robotic armatures and corresponding orbs
may be associated with different lighting schemes. The first group
may be lit a first color (e.g., white) and the second group be lit
a second color (e.g., pink). In such an embodiment, the net effect
results in a spectacular bloom having interspersed white and pink
pedals. Audio may be broadcasted in addition to or in place of the
visual display. Just as the visual display may vary or stay the
same throughout the entertainment ride 100, so too may the audio
broadcast. For example, the audio broadcast may vary in volume,
tempo, song, and the like.
[0047] In another example, one or more light shows may constitute a
visual display that corresponds to the "wave" or pulsating
"ripples" movement sequences. In certain embodiments, a first light
show may be blue in color so that the entertainment ride may be
associated as being oceanic. This light show may be complimented
with interspersed white light in a plurality of different areas so
that the entertainment ride may be associated as having white caps
and crashing waves.
[0048] During operation of entertainment ride 100, one or more of
the robotic armatures 130 may be configured to lower the
corresponding orb(s) 150 as low as possible or to an otherwise safe
unload position. For example, as depicted in FIG. 3, the orbs 150
may be lowered to ground level. Each of the orbs 150 may also
include emergency rope ladders or a pulley and rope system to aid
in removal of the patrons from an out-of-service orb 150.
[0049] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
entertainment ride 100 may be dynamic in the sense that the
movement of the robotic armatures 130 and the corresponding orbs
150 may be programmed and re-programmed to move about differently
thus affording the patrons a new ride experience. For example, the
entertainment ride 100 may move to resemble that of a flowering
bloom, a wave, a continuous ripple, an explosion, and implosion, a
series of angled walls falling down, etc.
[0050] The various embodiments and examples described above are
provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to
limit the claimed invention, nor the scope of the various
embodiments and examples. Those skilled in the art will readily
recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the
claimed invention without following the example embodiments and
applications illustrated and described herein, and without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention,
which is set forth in the following claims.
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