Ring carousel ride

BACKGROUND

p-00021. Field of the Description

p-0003The present description relates, in general, to amusement and theme park rides, and, more particularly, to a carousel ride system with independently driven, concentric rings that each support passenger vehicles/rider conveyance devices and/or support ride elements (such as line of sight or line of fire obstacles/shields, set or environmental pieces enhancing the ride experience, game elements such as targets or the like, and so on).

p-00042. Relevant Background

p-0005Amusement and theme parks are popular worldwide with hundreds of millions of people visiting the parks each year. Park operators continuously seek new designs for rides that attract and continue to entertain guests. Many rides have been utilized for many years with the only changes being cosmetic such as changing theme elements (e.g., to have images and vehicles from a popular movie, television show, or video game) or vehicle designs. Such cosmetic changes do not change the ride experience to any degree as the vehicle moves in the same way, at the same speeds (or ranges of speeds), and over the same predictable path.

p-0006For example, the traditional carousel ride is over one hundred years old and is still provided in nearly every amusement park. A carousel or merry-go-round is an amusement park ride that includes a rotating circular platform, which is also used as the loading platform. On the circular platform, numerous vehicles or rider conveyance devices (or just “seats”) are provided and are supported on posts or poles. For example, a conventional carousel may provide rows of wooden horses or other animals mounted on posts. A central rotating hub is used to rotate the circular platform often to looped circus or other music. When the platform is rotated about the central hub (or a rotation axis passing there through), all or many of the horses or other vehicles are moved up and down via gear work or other mechanical devices connected to the mounting post/poles to simulate galloping or other movement of the vehicles.

p-0007While still popular, most carousel rides do not provide any interactivity and become very predictable. The ride is generally operated at a single rotation speed and the vehicles (via the supports/posts) are moved up and down in a fixed pattern. This results in a relatively generic experience with a common (among all carousels), repeating dynamic profile. Riders most often will only ride a carousel once due to this predictability and lack of excitement. Park operators and ride designers continue to search for a way to create a new carousel ride that provides a more exciting and variable ride experience, such as with less predictable vehicle movements, enhanced storytelling opportunities, and/or rider interactivity, so as to encourage new riders to try the new carousel ride and to increase repeat ridership.

p-0008Another issue with many carousel rides is difficulty with loading and unloading. Typically, the movement of the vehicles up and down is provided mechanically in a fixed or rigid manner such that at the end of each ride many of the vehicles (such as a horse) are not positioned in an ideal load/unload position. In fact, about one third of the vehicles will likely be at their highest position above the circular platform. Many riders, including the very young and elderly, may have difficulty getting into or onto such a vehicle during loading at the start of a ride and may also have difficulty getting out of or down off of the vehicle during unloading at the end of the ride. Hence, park operators and ride designers are also faced with the challenge of enhancing the load/unload operation of a carousel ride.

SUMMARY

p-0009The present invention addresses the above problems by providing a new type of ride for use in amusement and theme parks that retains the desirable features and the footprint of existing carousels while providing a more varied and interactively appealing ride. The new ride described may be labeled a ring carousel ride because the ride includes two or more ring-shaped vehicle support surface that are concentric and that are independently driven. For example, each support surface may be an upper, planar surface of a ring or ring-shaped body, and each ring may be paired with a circular track by guides (that support the ring and also keep the ring aligned with the track). Then, one or more drive systems (e.g., a motor and a traction wheel) may be attached to the ring and abut (with a drive element such as the traction wheel) a surface of the track such that when the drive systems are operated the ring is moved about a center or rotation axis of the ride at one or more rotation rates (e.g., a range of RPMs defined by a motion or ride profile provided by a controller).

p-0010The rings may be driven independently in the same or different directions and at the same or differing speeds. In this manner, the supported vehicles may move in opposite directions or in the same directions but at differing speeds throughout a ride experience provided by the new ring carousel ride. Further, each vehicle may be individually positioned (e.g., at a height relative to a load/unload surface of the associated ring) to further enhance the ride experience (e.g., since not tied to a motion profile repeated each rotation can move through a motion profile that extends beyond one rotation of the ring about the center axis) and improve operational efficiency (e.g., return all vehicles to load/unload position at end of ride).

p-0011More particularly, a carousel ride is provided that includes: (1) an inner ring assembly including a first ring supporting a number of rider conveyance elements and a drive system operable to rotate the first ring about a center axis of the carousel ride; and (2) an outer ring assembly including a second ring, concentric to the first ring, supporting a number of rider conveyance elements and a drive system operable to rotate the second ring about a center axis of the carousel ride.

p-0012In some embodiments during a portion of a ride operation of the carousel ride (e.g. for at least a portion of a ride), the drive system of the inner ring assembly operates to rotate the first ring at a first rotation rate, and the drive system of the outer ring assembly operates to rotate the second ring at a second rotation rate differing from the first rotation rate. This may be used, for example, to provide a racing experience or to change interaction between riders as differing rider conveyance elements (e.g., a carousel horse or the like) are adjacent to each other during the ride. In some cases during a portion of a ride operation of the carousel ride, the drive system of the inner ring assembly operates to rotate the first ring in a clockwise direction about the center axis and the drive system of the outer ring assembly operates to rotate the second ring in a counterclockwise direction.

p-0013According to another aspect, the inner ring assembly may include a first ring-shaped track adjacent the first ring and a plurality of guide assemblies retaining the drive system of the inner ring assembly in contact with the first ring-shaped track. Likewise, the outer ring assembly may further include a second ring-shaped track adjacent the second ring and a plurality of guide assemblies retaining the drive system of the outer ring assembly in contact with the ring-shaped track. Also, the first ring may include a planar top surface with the rider conveyance elements being supported above the top surface of the first ring. Similarly, the second ring may include a planar top surface with the rider conveyance elements being supported above the top surface of the second ring. In such cases, the top surfaces of the first and second rings may be substantially coplanar or be offset from each other (e.g., tiered).

p-0014In some embodiments of the carousel ride, the inner ring assembly may further include a vehicle positioning mechanism associated with each of the rider conveyance elements. In this way, each of the vehicle positioning mechanisms may be configured to be independently operable so as to move the associated rider conveyance element through a range of heights according to a motion profile, which may differ among the conveyance elements (e.g., provide a milder experience for some rings of a carousel ride and more thrill motion in others or allow guests to select the experience level individually or even directly control the motion of their vehicle). The motion profile is used to define the range of heights (such as control signals provided by a ride control system executing a ride program), and this motion profile may extend over more than one full rotation of the inner ring about the center axis. In some embodiments, the vehicle positioning mechanisms operate concurrently at an end of a ride operation of the carousel ride to position all of the rider conveyance elements in a load/unload position (such as their lowest elevation) to enhance the load/unload operation and ease of use by all riders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

p-0015<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a top perspective view of a ring carousel ride (or, more simply, a carousel ride) with four concentric and independently supported and driven rings or ring-shaped platforms each supporting a set of passenger vehicles (shown, in this example, as horses);

p-0016<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a bottom perspective view of the carousel ride of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> with the base or platform removed to expose the underside of each of the four track assemblies including the bottom of each circular track and components for driving and guiding the ring-shaped platforms or rings;

p-0017<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates schematically another embodiment of a carousel ride showing use of three rings to show that the upper (or load/unload) surface may be of differing width and to show that the ring upper surfaces may be moved independently from each other at the same rotation rate or different rates and/or in the same direction or different directions;

p-0018<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a side perspective view of the carousel ride of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> with the body of the outer ring assembly (or, simply, the outer ring) removed to show ring guide assemblies used to maintain the outer ring on and aligned with its track structure and to show ring drive assemblies used to cause the outer ring to move on the track structure and rotate about the center axis of the ride (independently of other rings and at the same or differing speeds/directions);

p-0019<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> provides a partial view of the ride of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> showing additional detail of a guide assembly and a drive assembly of the inner ring assembly (or first of four ring assemblies) of the ride;

p-0020<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a partial view of the ride similar to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> showing details of a vehicle positioning or movement mechanism providing individual, independent movement of each vehicle (that may be independent of the particular position of the platform/ring relative to the center axis in contrast to prior cam-based vehicle movement designs);

p-0021<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is another partial view of the ride similar to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 6</figref> showing the vehicle positioning mechanism in additional detail;

p-0022<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a partial illustration of another embodiment of a ring carousel ride of the present description showing use of an intermediary ring assembly to provide game/environment elements adjacent to vehicle rings and, in this case, to rotate in an opposite direction (e.g., CW while the vehicles rotate on their rings in a CCW direction);

p-0023<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrate another ring carousel ride further illustrating concepts of the invention showing rider control over the height and angular orientation of their vehicle during ring rotation; and

p-0024<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a block diagram showing a carousel ride including a ride control system or controller to control operation of the ring drives and the vehicle actuators.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

p-0025The description is generally directed to a new carousel-type ride that provides enhanced passenger or rider interactivity and varied experiences. The ride or ride system may be thought of as a ring carousel ride or a carousel with two or more, independently driven, concentric rings/ring platforms each with a number of individually actuable/positionable vehicles (or rider/passenger conveyance elements). This is in contrast to a traditional carousel ride in which there is a single load/unload platform that is rotated about a central hub and, in which, the vehicles or horses are not individually positionable/controllable but are positioned with a fixed cam arrangement to move up and down.

p-0026In some embodiments, each ring can be driven at different speeds (or rates of rotation about a central or rotation axis) and/or in opposite directions to create a unique ride experience. For example, the independently driven rings may be used to provide a realistic racing experience that includes passing and head-to-head racing (and, in some cases, near misses). Further, the ring carousel ride may be used to provide novel gaming and interactive experiences such as by use of the relative motion between rings allowing proximate vehicles to be moved or changed (e.g., in contrast to traditional carousels, the vehicles on your left and right may be changing on a continuous or selective basis throughout the ride).

p-0027Prior to describing specific embodiments, it may be useful to provide an overview of embodiments of the concentric-rings carousel ride concept(s). Each ring is arranged to be independent (e.g., to be able to move separately from adjacent/other rings of the ride), and each ring is constrained to, and runs on, a fixed track structure. The rotation of each ring is independently driven by a drive assembly such as by an electric propulsion system that may include one or more pacer, pinch, and/or magnetic drives. Also, each ring is constrained on its track by a guide assembly. In some embodiments, the guide assembly is a caster arrangement with load and side guide wheels that support the normal load of the ring and also keep the ring aligned with the fixed track structure positioned below the ring (and vehicles supported on the rotating/rotatable ring). Each ring can be driven continuously or selectively (or even stopped during a ride while other rings continue to move such as for an obstacle/game element ring) in either direction (e.g., clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CCW) about the central/rotation axis of the ride).

p-0028A set of vehicles or passenger conveyance elements/devices are mounted or supported on each ring or ring platform. In some embodiments, motion of individual rider conveyance elements relative to the rotating ring is incorporated into the design of the ride, and such motion may include heave, yaw, rotation, and up/down movements of the vehicles. Motion of the individual vehicles may be realized with a vehicle positioning mechanism or actuator provided for each vehicle that may be separately controlled/operated to change the position of the vehicle (in an independent or synchronized (controlled by a ride controller and ride programming/software programs)) as the ring it is attached to rotates about the center axis of the ride. For example, but not as a limitation, each vehicle may be associated with an electric motor/drive system. In such electric motor/drive implementations, power and control signals may be transferred to the individual rings through track mounted bus bars, slip rings, or the like. Drive units may also be mounted onto the fixed track structure with hardwired connections. Some embodiments, in contrast, may utilize a conventional mechanical cam system to control up/down (other) movements of the vehicles of a ring, but the use of multiple rings can allow differing movements of vehicles in each ring (e.g., a tame/mild ride on one ring, an intermediate/less mild ride on a second ring, and a wild/thrill ride on a third ring) of the ride to provide differing experiences within a single carousel ride.

p-0029In some preferred embodiments, the motion of the rider conveyance elements or vehicles is through the use of electric motors/drive systems. Such systems, provided in a way that each vehicle may be separately positioned relative to the rotating ring, make possible significant improvements over a traditional carousel experience. As a first example, the drive systems may be programmed (such as via an onboard or offboard ride control system (or ride programs run by such a control system or its hardware processors (e.g., executing programs or computer code devices in computer readable medium/memory))) to stop all the vehicles at their lowest positions to facilitate loading and unloading so as to address operational issues with traditional carousels where a horse/vehicle may stop at a high position. Secondly, the ride profiles (e.g., defining movement of vehicles) may be programmed/designed to create non-repeating sequences that are longer than a single rotation of the ride (or turntable). For example, the motion of a vehicle could get progressively more intense as the ride progresses, with or without movements/motion being repeated from one rotation to the next (in contrast to a traditional carousel in which the vehicle movement is fixed and is repeated each and every rotation of the platform). As a third example, custom ride profiled may be selected by the passengers/riders such as to suit their ability or ride preferences (e.g., mild, wilder, extreme, or the like) such as by making a selection when entering/mounting a vehicle or by selecting a carousel ring dedicated to a type of ride experience (e.g., the mild outer ring or the extreme inner ring or the like). As a fourth example, each rider may be provided direct rider control over the vehicle drive/positioning system via a user input device associated with each vehicle.

p-0030<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> illustrate (with top and bottom perspective views) a ring carousel ride <b>100</b> according to one embodiment that provides vehicles mounted to or supported on four ring-shaped, independently driven, vehicle support surfaces. As will become clear from the following description, the ring-shaped surfaces (and corresponding vehicles) may be rotated in the same or differing directions about a central or rotation axis <b>107</b> of the ride <b>100</b> (e.g., in a CW or CCW direction about axis <b>107</b>). The surfaces of ride <b>100</b> are shown to have the same width but differing widths may be utilized such as narrower rings for providing obstacles or other game elements or providing set or other environmental elements that enhance the ride experience (e.g., to suit a ride's theme or the like).

p-0031<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows that the ride <b>100</b> may include a platform or base <b>105</b> upon which two or more ring assemblies may be positioned or supported so as to provide two or more rotating ring-shaped surfaces. As shown, the ride <b>100</b> includes four ring assemblies <b>110</b>, <b>130</b>, <b>140</b>, <b>150</b> that are used to provide first, second, third, and fourth rotating ring surfaces (or inner and outer rings with two intermediary rings, in this case). For ease of explanation, the components of inner or first ring assembly <b>110</b> are discussed in detail with it being understood that ring assemblies <b>130</b>, <b>140</b>, <b>150</b> would include similar components and have similar operations. During operation, each of the ring assemblies <b>110</b>, <b>130</b>, <b>140</b>, <b>150</b> may be operated independently or in concert to provide a unique carousel-based ride experience. This is shown with arrows <b>126</b> on the first ring assembly <b>110</b> and the arrow <b>146</b> on the third ring assembly that illustrate that each ring surface may be moving in one or two directions (CW or CCW) about the axis of rotation <b>107</b> of the ride and at the same or differing speeds (V₁may equal V₂or differ from V₂). This is achieved by providing separate supports for the ring surfaces (or rings with top or load/unload surfaces) and separate ring drive systems for each ring surface (or each ring).

p-0032To these ends, ring assembly <b>110</b> is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> to include a track or track structure <b>112</b> and a ring body or, simply, a ring <b>114</b>. The ring <b>114</b> is supported on an upper surface <b>113</b> of the track <b>112</b>, and both the ring <b>114</b> and track surface <b>113</b> are circular in shape or are ring shaped (e.g., a circular with a particular width). The ring <b>114</b> is supported upon the track surface <b>113</b> by a number of ring drive systems <b>118</b> (e.g., two, three, or more such ring drive systems) that are typically rigidly attached to a lower surface <b>117</b> of the ring <b>114</b> and roll upon (or rollably engage) the track surface <b>113</b>. To maintain the ring <b>114</b> upon the track <b>112</b>, the ring assembly <b>110</b> also includes a number (e.g., two, three, or more) guide assemblies <b>119</b>. These assemblies <b>119</b> also are generally rigidly attached to the lower surface <b>117</b> of the ring <b>114</b> and roll upon a portion(s) of the track <b>112</b>. But, as with the drive assemblies <b>118</b>, the guide assemblies <b>119</b> may be fixed to the track <b>112</b> and rollably (or slidingly) engage the ring <b>114</b>. Typically, the ring drive assemblies <b>118</b> and ring guide assemblies <b>119</b> will be equidistally spaced about the track <b>112</b> and ring <b>114</b>, but this arrangement is not a requirement.

p-0033During operation of the ride <b>100</b>, the drive assemblies <b>118</b> will generally be concurrently operated, such as in response to control signals from an offboard ride controller, to roll upon the surface <b>113</b> in a CW or CCW direction and at a particular rotation rate. In other words, each of the drives <b>118</b> is operated similarly to move the ring <b>114</b> about the rotation axis <b>107</b>. The ring <b>114</b> includes an upper or load/unload surface <b>116</b> and operation of the drives <b>118</b> causes the surface <b>116</b> to rotate as shown with arrow <b>126</b> about axis <b>107</b> at a particular velocity, V₁. As noted above, this may be the same or differ from other ring velocities, such as the velocity, V₂, of the surface of ring assembly <b>140</b> so as to achieve desired ride experiences (e.g., a racing effect, a gaming experience, differing thrill levels in each ring <b>110</b>, <b>130</b>, <b>140</b>, <b>150</b>, and so on). In this manner, each of the ring assemblies <b>110</b>, <b>130</b>, <b>140</b>, <b>150</b> may be operated independently of the movements/operations of other ring assemblies <b>110</b>, <b>130</b>, <b>140</b>, <b>150</b>. In portions of a ride, though, the rings <b>110</b>, <b>130</b>, <b>140</b>, <b>150</b> may be driven separately but to a similar effect. For example, it may be desirable to start a ride <b>100</b> with all rings <b>110</b>, <b>130</b>, <b>140</b>, <b>150</b> moving a single direction and a similar speed and then change the speed(s) of one or more of the rings to achieve a desired effect.

p-0034Each ring assembly <b>110</b>, <b>130</b>, <b>140</b>, <b>150</b> also includes a number of passenger vehicles or rider conveyance elements (e.g., carousel horses or the like), and these vehicles are mounted on or supported by the rings of each assembly <b>110</b>, <b>130</b>, <b>140</b>, <b>150</b> so as to rotate about the axis <b>107</b> with the rings (e.g., in the same direction and same velocity or RPMs as the ring-shaped surface). This can be seen with inner ring assembly <b>110</b>. The ring assembly <b>110</b> includes a plurality of vehicles <b>120</b> that are supported above the top surface <b>116</b> of the ring <b>114</b> by a post or pole <b>122</b>. In some embodiments, the vehicles <b>120</b> (or a portion thereof) may be stationary, but, in many embodiments, the post <b>122</b> is further linked to a vehicle positioning mechanism/assembly <b>123</b>. The vehicle positioning mechanism <b>123</b> is configured to operate to position the vehicle <b>120</b> relative to the ring surface <b>116</b> such as by moving the vehicle up and down as shown with arrow <b>124</b> to change the height of the vehicle <b>120</b> (e.g., from a lowest or lower load/unload position to one or more higher positions such to move the vehicle <b>120</b> through a motion profile defined for a particular ride or operating design for ride <b>100</b>).

p-0035The vehicle <b>120</b> may be rigidly affixed to the post/pole <b>122</b> or be attached for rotation <b>125</b> about the pole's axis <b>123</b>. The rotation or other movement of the vehicle <b>120</b> about or relative to the pole <b>122</b> may be performed by operation of the vehicle positioning assembly <b>123</b> to rotate the pole <b>122</b> and attached vehicle <b>120</b>. In other cases, the vehicle <b>120</b> may be moved <b>125</b> by the riders/passengers of the vehicle <b>120</b> operating an input device associated with the vehicle <b>120</b>. Likewise, the operation of the vehicle positioning assembly <b>123</b> may be in response to a ride controller (not shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) providing control signals or may be in response to a rider operating a vehicle-based user input device (e.g., allow the rider to control/change <b>124</b> the height of the vehicle <b>120</b> and/or to control the angular orientation <b>125</b> of the vehicle <b>120</b> relative to the vehicle axis <b>123</b>).

p-0036In this manner, each of the vehicles <b>120</b> of each ring assembly <b>110</b>, <b>130</b>, <b>140</b>, <b>150</b> may be individually and/or independently positioned vertically <b>124</b> and angularly <b>125</b> relative to a rotation axis <b>123</b>. This is a significant improvement over prior carousels as it allows the vehicles <b>120</b> to all be positioned <b>124</b> in a load/unload position at the beginning/end of a ride and also allows for unique ride experiences as the vehicles may be moved in unpredictable manners such as based on a motion profile that may last more than one rotation of the ring surface about axis <b>107</b> or differently for each ring (or within a ring).

p-0037<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates the ride <b>100</b> from a bottom perspective. In the illustration, the base or platform <b>105</b> has been removed to show the track structures of the four ring assemblies <b>110</b>, <b>130</b>, <b>140</b>, <b>150</b>. It can be seen that the track structure <b>112</b> of the inner ring <b>110</b> is separate from the other tracks and defines a circular path of a first diameter about the rotation axis <b>107</b>. Then, moving from inner assembly <b>110</b> to outer ring assembly <b>150</b>, each track structure defines a different and separate circular path with second, third, and fourth diameters (each increasing in size) about the rotation axis <b>107</b>. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is also useful for illustrating that each ring assembly <b>110</b>, <b>130</b>, <b>140</b>, <b>150</b> uses a plurality of ring guides, ring drives, and vehicle positioning mechanisms (such as those shown at <b>118</b>, <b>119</b>, and <b>123</b>, respectively, for ring assembly <b>110</b>) to achieve the independent driving/motion of the rings in the ride <b>100</b> as well as the individual actuation of each vehicle (such as vehicle <b>120</b> with vehicle positioning mechanism <b>123</b>).

p-0038As can be seen from studying <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, the carousel ride <b>100</b> is composed of multiple, concentric, independently driven rings that can be moved at different speeds and/or in different directions. This allows the ride <b>100</b> to be operated for passing, racing, or near-miss experiences. The vehicles (such as vehicle <b>120</b>) may be electrically actuated (or otherwise individually positionable) to follow show-programmed and/or vehicle rider-controlled/initiated motion as well as to be moved to their lowest position for load/unload. Each ring is supported on and guided by a circular track structure.

p-0039<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates schematically an embodiment of a ring carousel ride <b>300</b>, which may implemented similarly to the ride <b>100</b> (e.g., with similar vehicles and drive/guide/positioning devices and so on). Ride <b>300</b> is shown to include three ring assemblies including an inner ring assembly <b>310</b>, an intermediary or middle ring assembly <b>320</b>, and an outer ring assembly <b>330</b>. Each ring assembly is configured (as discussed with reference to ride <b>100</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>) to provide a rotating (or rotatable) ring-shaped surface <b>312</b>, <b>322</b>, <b>332</b> that rotates in a CW or CCW direction about a central axis <b>305</b> of the ride <b>300</b>. The rotations or circular motions of the surfaces <b>312</b>, <b>322</b>, <b>332</b> are shown to be at one of the three velocities/rotation rates, V₁, V₂, or V₃, and in either a CW or CCW direction with arrows <b>314</b>, <b>324</b>, <b>334</b>.

p-0040The ride <b>300</b> differs from ride <b>100</b> in that a fewer number of rings are included showing that ride embodiments may have two or more concentric rings. The ride <b>300</b>, more significantly, differs from ride <b>100</b> in that the ring surfaces <b>312</b>, <b>322</b>, <b>332</b> each have differing widths. Specifically, the width, W₁, of the inner ring surface <b>312</b> is greater than the width, W₂, of the middle ring surface <b>322</b>, which, in turn, is greater than the width, W₃, of the outer ring surface <b>332</b>. This may be useful to provide vehicles of differing size and/or shape on different rings such as on ring assemblies <b>310</b> and <b>320</b>. The use of a smaller width ring surface <b>332</b> as provide in ring assembly <b>330</b> may be useful for supporting non-vehicle elements such as obstacles and other game elements and/or ride environment/theming objects/elements.

p-0041Returning again to the ride <b>100</b>, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates the ride <b>100</b> with the outer ring of assembly <b>150</b> removed so as to illustrate the drive and guide components of ring assembly <b>150</b>. As shown, the ring assembly. <b>150</b> includes a track or track structure <b>452</b> with a top or upper surface <b>454</b> and a side surface <b>455</b> (here, the outer side surface but this is not required to practice the invention). The ring assembly <b>150</b> includes two or more (e.g., at least three may be preferred in some cases) ring drive assemblies or systems <b>460</b> spaced apart and attached to the ring (not shown) of assembly <b>150</b>. Each of the drive systems <b>460</b> include a wheel or roller that is pivotally supported in the system <b>460</b> and contacts the upper track surface <b>454</b> to support the ring (not shown). When the wheels are driven, the ring, which is attached to the drive systems <b>460</b>, is caused to move on the circular path defined by the track <b>452</b> or its upper surface <b>454</b>. To keep the drive assemblies <b>460</b> on the surface <b>454</b>, the ring assembly <b>150</b> includes a plurality (e.g., two to five or more (as shown)) of guide assemblies <b>470</b>. The guide assemblies <b>470</b> are affixed to the ring (not shown) of ring assembly <b>150</b> and also engage both the top surface <b>454</b> and the side surface <b>455</b> of track <b>452</b>. Opposing guide assemblies <b>470</b>, hence, retain the interconnected ring (not shown) in rolling (or sliding in some cases) engagement with track <b>452</b>. Each of the other ring assemblies <b>110</b>, <b>130</b>, and <b>140</b> would be similarly driven and retained on their dedicated track structures.

p-0042As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, each ring is moved along a paired or associated track (e.g., a fixed track or guide) by at least three ring guide assemblies and at least one ring drive system. These assemblies may be mounted to the track or to the ring structure depending on configuration and/or other design requirements. Power and control may be hardwired (if track mounted) or provided through bus bars/slip rings (if ring mounted).

p-0043<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> provides a detailed view of a portion of the ride <b>100</b>. Particularly, a portion of the inner or first ring assembly <b>110</b> is shown from below or looking upward from the base or platform <b>105</b> toward the lower surface <b>117</b> of the ring <b>114</b>. As shown, the ring <b>114</b> further includes a pedestal or ring base <b>514</b> extending downward from the lower surface <b>117</b> (e.g., a rigidly affixed or integral mounting and support structure that may be shaped similarly to the track <b>112</b> but a mirror image (e.g., facing downward whereas track <b>112</b> projects or faces upward, in this embodiment)).

p-0044The ring assembly <b>110</b> includes the drive system <b>118</b>, the ring guide assembly <b>119</b>, and the vehicle positioning mechanism <b>123</b>. The drive system <b>118</b> may include a motor <b>520</b> that is mounted to a face or lower surface <b>515</b> of the ring base <b>514</b> via mounting plate <b>521</b>. The drive system <b>118</b> also includes a traction wheel <b>522</b> that is selectively driven <b>523</b> (in either direction and at a range of velocities or RPM) to roll the supported ring <b>114</b> along a circular path on the upper support surface <b>113</b> of track <b>112</b>. In some cases, the wheel <b>522</b> may ride in a groove on surface <b>113</b>. In the illustrated embodiment of ride <b>100</b>, though, the guide assembly <b>119</b> is used to retain the wheel <b>522</b> on the surface <b>113</b> of track <b>112</b>.

p-0045To this end, the guide assembly <b>119</b> includes one, two, or more idling load wheels <b>562</b> riding on upper track surface <b>113</b> (to guide and provide normal/vertical load support for ring <b>114</b>) and one, two, or more side guide wheels <b>564</b> abutting sidewall/surface <b>512</b> of track <b>112</b> that cause the ring <b>114</b> to rotate in a circle defined by the track <b>112</b> via sidewall <b>512</b>. The wheels <b>562</b>, <b>564</b> are supported for rotation (e.g., on axles or pins) in a frame <b>560</b>, which, in this example, is rigidly affixed to the lower surface <b>515</b> of ring base <b>114</b>. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> also shows that the vehicle positioning/movement mechanism <b>123</b> is supported by the ring <b>114</b> such as via a mounting assembly extending through ring <b>114</b>.

p-0046<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 and 7</figref> are partial views of ride <b>100</b> similar to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> showing the drive <b>118</b> and guide <b>119</b> but also showing in detail one embodiment of a vehicle positioning (motion) mechanism <b>123</b>. The vehicle positioning mechanism <b>123</b> may be configured to rotate the vehicle <b>120</b> or to at least move the vehicle <b>120</b> vertically up and down relative to the top (or load/unload) surface <b>116</b> of the ring <b>114</b>. In <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, the embodiment of mechanism <b>123</b> is shown to provide up and down or vertical positioning. To this end, the mechanism <b>123</b> includes an actuator (e.g., a motor) <b>670</b> that is rigidly attached to the ring base <b>514</b> via mounting plate <b>672</b>.

p-0047The actuator <b>670</b> is selectively operable (such as via control signals from a user input device associated with vehicle <b>120</b> and/or from a ride control system) to rotate <b>675</b> a drive wheel <b>674</b>. A mechanical linkage <b>676</b> is provided to convert the rotation <b>675</b> of the wheel <b>674</b> to cause a lower or drive post <b>678</b> to move vertically up and down as shown with arrow <b>124</b>, and the vehicle mounting post/pole <b>122</b> is connected to post <b>678</b> (or is simply an extension of post <b>678</b>). Hence, pole <b>122</b> which may extend through ring <b>114</b> is actuated to move up and down through a motion profile while the ring <b>114</b> is rotated about the center axis of the ride <b>100</b>.

p-0048<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates that a mounting element <b>788</b> may be used to facilitate mounting of the pole <b>122</b> (and interconnected vehicle <b>120</b>) to ring <b>114</b>. The mounting element <b>788</b> may include bearings or bearing surfaces facilitating sliding movement of the pole <b>122</b> through the ring <b>114</b> as drive post <b>678</b> is moved <b>124</b> up and down by actuator <b>670</b> of vehicle positioning mechanism <b>123</b>. A stop <b>786</b> may be provided to limit travel of the pole <b>122</b> to a maximum vertical height, and another stop (not shown) may be used to limit lower travel to a load/unload position. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> also shows mounting of ring drive <b>118</b> and guide assembly <b>119</b> to the ring <b>114</b> (or its base <b>514</b>) to allow the ring <b>114</b> to be driven to move over track <b>112</b> (e.g., with drive or traction wheel of drive <b>118</b> abutting the track surface <b>113</b>).

p-0049As can be seen, the ring carousel <b>100</b> includes a unique vehicle actuation system for the vehicles <b>120</b> of each ring <b>110</b>, <b>130</b>, <b>140</b>, <b>150</b>. Vehicles <b>120</b> are mounted to fixed position around the rotatable rings <b>114</b> and are also each connected to a vehicle actuation system or mechanism <b>123</b>. The vehicle actuation system <b>123</b> is configured and/or designed to be able to move the vehicle <b>120</b> through a vertical range of motion. Each system <b>123</b> is connected to a vehicle <b>120</b> through a mounting element <b>778</b> and mechanical linkage <b>676</b>, <b>678</b>, <b>786</b> that limits the range and defines the direction of vehicle motion <b>124</b>. Power and control may be provided to the actuator/motor <b>670</b> through bus bars or slip rings. Control/input devices associated with the vehicle <b>120</b> may be operated to, at least in part, control operation of the actuator/motor <b>670</b>.

p-0050Providing a vehicle positioning mechanism or system <b>123</b> for each vehicle provides a number of advantages when compared to traditional carousels. The mechanism <b>123</b> allows use of programmable motion profiles to control the actuator <b>670</b> and define vertical motion <b>124</b>. For example, the motion profiles may be relatively standard oscillations or more complex and/or interesting motion waveforms that may extend beyond one, two, or more rotations of the ring about the ride's center axis. Further, use of mechanism <b>123</b> allows rider controlled motion and/or interactive response to gaming by the vehicle's rider or to rider input. Still further, use of mechanisms <b>123</b> allows the ride <b>100</b> to be designed to return all of the vehicles <b>120</b> to a load/unload position, e.g., move the vehicles <b>120</b> to a consistent, predictable, and safe load/unload position at the vehicle's lowest height relative to the top surface <b>116</b> (or another convenient loading position) of ring <b>114</b> to facilitate rider/passenger entry and exit from the ride <b>100</b>.

p-0051The use of two or more concentric rings that are independently driven and that may be used to support individually actuated vehicles opens up a large number of new ride design opportunities. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates one embodiment of a ring carousel ride <b>800</b> achievable due to the use of independently-driven, concentric rings. The ride <b>800</b> adapted for riders to be able to interact with other riders and/or game elements, and the riders and game elements may be varied throughout the ride's operation such as by moving some of the rings at differing speeds and/or in differing directions.

p-0052To this end, ride <b>800</b> includes three ring assemblies shown as inner or first ring assembly <b>810</b>, middle/intermediate or second ring assembly <b>820</b>, and outer or third ring assembly <b>830</b>. The first and third ring assemblies <b>810</b>, <b>830</b> are shown to include rings <b>812</b>, <b>832</b> that are rotated in the same direction as shown with arrows <b>813</b>, <b>833</b> (but, in the ride <b>800</b> these may also be opposite directions) at velocities, V₁and V₃. The ride <b>800</b> includes vehicles <b>814</b> and <b>834</b> with seating for riders <b>815</b>, <b>835</b>, and the vehicles <b>814</b>, <b>834</b> are supported upon rings <b>812</b>, <b>832</b> to rotate <b>813</b>, <b>833</b> with the rings <b>812</b>, <b>832</b>.

p-0053The velocities, V₁and V₃, of the rings <b>812</b>, <b>832</b> may be substantially equal such that the riders <b>815</b>, <b>835</b> are adjacent each other throughout the ride to allow ongoing competition or interaction. Such interaction may include operation of user input/game devices <b>816</b>, <b>836</b> associated with vehicles <b>814</b>, <b>834</b>, e.g., squirt guns, laser devices, and so on. In other cases, though, the velocities, V₁and V₃, differ for at least portions of the operation of the ride <b>800</b> such that the orientation of the vehicles <b>814</b>, <b>834</b> relative to each other varies and/or such that other vehicles (not shown) are positioned proximate or adjacent to vehicles <b>814</b>, <b>834</b> to allow the riders <b>815</b>, <b>835</b> to interact/compete with different riders during a single operation of the ride <b>800</b>. Differing the velocities, V₁and V₃, is readily achievable as explained above through control of the ring drives associated with the concentric and independently driven rings <b>812</b>, <b>832</b>.

p-0054While rings <b>812</b>, <b>832</b> are used to move vehicles <b>814</b>, <b>834</b> through the ride <b>800</b>, the ride <b>800</b> also includes a non-vehicle ring assembly <b>820</b>. The assembly <b>820</b> includes a ring <b>822</b> that is rotated <b>823</b> in a direction opposite of the vehicle rings <b>812</b>, <b>832</b> (but, in some embodiments, this may be the same direction for at least part of the ride operation). The non-vehicle ring <b>822</b> is used to support a show, game, or ride element <b>826</b> (e.g., a targeting obstacle or shield). By having the ring <b>822</b> rotating <b>823</b> in an opposite direction, the riders <b>815</b>, <b>835</b> have to time operation of their game devices <b>816</b>, <b>836</b> so as to avoid the obstacle <b>826</b> so as to strike the other vehicle <b>814</b>, <b>834</b> or its riders <b>815</b>, <b>835</b>. In other cases, the element <b>826</b> may simply be a ride environmental or theme component enhancing enjoyment of the ride <b>800</b> and/or may be a target element for a game played on the ride <b>800</b> (e.g., the riders <b>815</b>, <b>835</b> may be encouraged to aim the devices <b>816</b>, <b>836</b> at the element <b>826</b> and carefully time operation of the devices <b>816</b>, <b>836</b> for fun and/or to increase their game score). Since the non-vehicle or obstacle ring assembly <b>820</b> is separately driven, the ring <b>822</b> may be used to position the obstacle <b>826</b> between or relative to one or both of the vehicles <b>814</b>, <b>834</b> in any desired manner (e.g., in an unpredictable manner).

p-0055<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates another embodiment of a concentric ring carousel ride <b>900</b>. An outer ring assembly <b>910</b> and an inner ring assembly <b>920</b> are provided in the ride <b>900</b>. Each may be configured as discussed above to have rings that are concentric and are independently driven in the same or different directions and at the same or different velocities as shown with arrows <b>916</b>, <b>926</b>. Each ring assembly <b>910</b>, <b>920</b> includes one or more vehicles <b>912</b>, <b>922</b> that are supported so as to move <b>916</b>, <b>926</b> along a circular path with the rings of the assemblies <b>910</b>, <b>920</b>. Each vehicle <b>912</b>, <b>922</b> is supported on a pole <b>913</b>, <b>923</b> and are separately positioned or moved up and down. Further, though, each vehicle <b>912</b>, <b>922</b> may be rotated <b>915</b>, <b>925</b> about the axis of the pole <b>913</b>, <b>923</b> in one or both directions. Such movement may be controlled by a ride control system (such as through operation of a vehicle positioning mechanism (not shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>)) and/or may be responsive to rider input on a device associated with the vehicles <b>912</b>, <b>922</b>. This allows the riders to change their angular orientation during rotation of the rings of assemblies <b>910</b>, <b>920</b> such as to change their view, to increase the thrill of the ride <b>900</b> by adding a spin feature, and/or to interact with numerous riders of other vehicles (e.g., to participate in an ongoing game).

p-0056<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates in block diagram form an embodiment of a ride <b>1000</b> that may be used to implement aspects of the present invention. For example, the control and communication features of ride <b>1000</b> may be used with ride <b>100</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. As shown, the ride <b>1000</b> may include two or more ring assemblies <b>1010</b> used to provide independently driven, concentric, rotating ring surfaces upon which vehicles are supported to rotate with the ring surfaces about a center or rotation axis. Each ring assembly <b>1010</b> includes one or more ring drives <b>1012</b> that are operable such that the ring surface is rotated in one of two rotation directions <b>1014</b> (e.g., CW or CCW) and at one or more rotation rates <b>1016</b> (e.g., over a range of RPM defined by a motion profile and/or control signals <b>1050</b>, or the like). Further, each ring assembly <b>1010</b> includes a number of vehicle actuators <b>1020</b> that are each associated with a vehicle on the ring of assembly <b>1010</b>, and each actuator <b>1020</b> is operable to operate per a received motion profile (or control signals <b>1055</b>) such as to move a vehicle up and down through a number of heights relative to a ring surface. Each of the actuators <b>1020</b> may be operated separately in the same or in differing ways (e.g., the same to place the vehicles in load/unload positions, differently to create a desired ride experience, and so on).

p-0057The ride <b>1000</b> also includes a ride control system or ride controller <b>1030</b>. The control system <b>1030</b> functions to transmit control signals to the ring drive to control operation of the ring drive <b>1012</b> of each ring assembly, and these signals may be selected in part by position and other ride data provided by the ring assembly to the ride control system <b>1030</b>. Both such signals are shown as drive control communications <b>1050</b> that may be transmitted in a wired or wireless manner. Also, the control system <b>1030</b> functions to transmit control signals to vehicle actuators <b>1020</b> (which may be stored as shown at <b>1022</b> or otherwise buffered for use by actuator <b>1020</b>), and the control system <b>1030</b> may select such positioning signals/motion profiles <b>1022</b> based on feedback or ride data received from ring assembly <b>1010</b>. These communications are shown as vehicle positioning signals <b>1055</b> and, again, these may be wired or wireless communications.

p-0058The ride control system <b>1030</b> includes one or more hardware processors (or central processing units (CPUs)) <b>1032</b> that execute or run software, programming, and/or code devices (e.g., code on computer readable medium that cause a computer/control system to perform particular functions. For example, the CPU <b>1032</b> may execute a ride program <b>1036</b> to provide the ride control functions described herein. These functions may include accessing memory <b>1040</b> managed by or accessible by CPU <b>1032</b> to select and retrieve a vehicle motion profile from a plurality of such profiles defining motion of each vehicle of a ring assembly <b>1010</b>. The CPU <b>1030</b> may then operate one or more input/output devices to transmit the chosen profile <b>1046</b> as vehicle positioning signals <b>1055</b> to direct operation of a vehicle actuator <b>1020</b> based on the motion profile <b>1022</b>. The motion profile <b>1022</b> may define an up and down movement from a load/unload position through a range of heights and/or may cause the vehicle to be rotated or otherwise moved (e.g., vibrated). The ride program <b>1036</b> may also cause the CPU <b>1032</b> to access memory <b>1040</b> to select and retrieve a ring drive profile from one or more profiles <b>1042</b>. Then, the CPU <b>1032</b> may operate an I/O device <b>1034</b> to transmit the drive control signals <b>1050</b> to the ring drive <b>1012</b> to rotate the ring in a particular direction <b>1014</b> and at a particular velocity (or range of velocities) <b>1016</b>.

p-0059Although the invention has been described and illustrated with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the combination and arrangement of parts can be performed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as hereinafter claimed. For example, the illustrated embodiments shows each of the top or upper surfaces (rotating surfaces) of the rings to be substantially coplanar (i.e., within several inches of each other). However, in some embodiments, the rings may be configured to provide tiered rotating surfaces that are still independently driven but that are not coplanar.

p-0060Also, the illustrated rides showed rings supporting vehicles from below or underneath. The description is not limited to such an arrangement as the concepts described herein are also well suited to use with vehicles supported from above (hanging vehicles) and rings provided above the vehicles. In such as arrangement, the guide assemblies likely would be configured to provide vertical support (support for normal loading) of the vehicles rather than the drive assemblies as in the illustrated examples. Still further, the guide assembly and the drive assembly may be combined into a single assembly or system, with the particular implementation of the drive assembly and guide assembly not being limiting of the invention.

p-0061The ring carousel ride described provides a number of advantages over previous carousels that are due to the described differences and unique aspects. The rings may be driven a differing and varying rotation rates about the center axis (e.g., an inner ring may start at a slower rate at the initial stages of a ride and then speed up to be faster than an adjacent middle/interior ring and so on) to deliver realistic racing experiences that are not possible with conventional carousels. Vehicles such as horses can change position by a full length or more for more realistic racing effects. Additionally, the ride system may be programmed such that the vehicles to the left and right of each vehicle change throughout the ride for enhanced interaction between riders of the vehicles (e.g., passing by different people, playing a game involving different riders (e.g., squirting water at differing riders, targeting different vehicles in an interactive ride/video game, and so on), and the like. The carousels described herein provide opportunities for new types of guest experiences with a relatively simple ride system and, significantly, within a small footprint (e.g., the same or a similar footprint as a conventional carousel ride). No overhead canopy is required, a central rotating structure or hub is not required, and a pole extending above the vehicles is not required.

p-0062With the addition of individually actuated vehicle positioning elements (e.g., electrically actuated devices linked to a mounting post/pole), riders can safely board vehicle at a lowered “home” position to which the vehicles are returned at the end of a ride. Vehicles can move in customizable and unpredictable (to the riders) ways. Horses/vehicles on adjacent rings can “race” as the relative rotation rate between the rings is changed during the operation of the ride (such as by the ride controller providing differing control signals to ring drive assemblies based on execution of a ride program/software and/or input from a human ride operator). Vehicle motion may be programmed to follow interesting show profiles and/or controlled (at least in part) by each vehicle's rider/passenger.

p-0063Thrill/excitement at different radii (or in different rings) may be balanced such as by causing the inner rings to run faster than outer rings (e.g., the rate of rotation of the rings is progressively faster from outer to inner ring or vice versa). Alternatively, the rotation rate may differ among the rings in some unpredictable manner (e.g., randomly selected at the beginning or during the operation of the ride from two or more rotation rates). Likewise, the direction of the rotation may vary among the rings and may be changed during the ride to achieve desired game or ride experiences.

p-0064The ring carousel rides allow for new and interesting guest interactions since the rides have the capability of moving many vehicles past each other. This provides opportunities for interactive and gaming activities (target different vehicles with a vehicle mounted “gun” such as a water gun to drench different riders or laser gun to obtain game points) in configurations that do not resemble traditional carousels. New gaming opportunities and unpredictable motion make the ring carousel ride a unique experience that will encourage riders to repeat the ride more often (e.g., not just once as is common with traditional carousels). The same carousel ride may be configured and programmed to provide differing experiences such as by adding story elements where things go “wrong” or magically transform the experience such that riders do not get the expected ride even though they entered a ride that had some of the appearances of a traditional carousel (e.g., their vehicle may suddenly slow down or stop and even change direction while other vehicles on different rings continue in the other direction).