Anti-Gravity Attraction System with Lever Assembly

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

Entertainment venues, such as theme parks or amusement parks, have been created to provide guests with various immersive experiences. Traditional systems and methods for providing such experiences may include various features that impart movement, for example, to a passenger vessel (e.g., operable to receive and transport at least one passenger). It is now recognized that, for various reasons, improved systems and methods for imparting movement are desired. For example, certain traditional ride features for imparting movement may be undesirably perceptible by the passenger(s), which can prevent desired immersion in the environment. Similarly, certain of these features may hinder desirable ride sensations provided to the passenger(s), which also may reduce or negatively affect an immersive experience of the passenger(s). Additionally or alternatively, certain of these features may be expensive, may require complicated and/or time-consuming installation, maintenance, or repair processes, and the like.

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from embodiments set forth below.

In an embodiment, an attraction system includes an arm having a first end and a second end with a passenger vessel coupled to the first end of the arm. The passenger vessel is configured to receive at least one passenger therein. A fulcrum is engaged with the arm and disposed between the first end of the arm and the second end of the arm. A counterweight is disposed on a segment of the arm between the second end of the arm and the fulcrum, where the counterweight is movable across the segment of the arm. A vehicle is coupled to and/or integrated with the fulcrum, where the vehicle is configured to be moved along a vehicle path.

In an embodiment, an attraction system includes an arm having a first end and a second end with a passenger vessel coupled to the first end of the arm. The passenger vessel is configured to receive at least one passenger therein. A fulcrum is engaged with the arm and disposed between the first end of the arm and the second end of the arm. An arm path is coupled to the second end of the arm and configured to enable the second end of the arm to move along the arm path. The movement of the second end of the arm along the arm path is configured to impart movement of the passenger vessel opposing the direction.

In an embodiment, a method of operating an attraction system includes receiving a passenger in a passenger vessel coupled to a first end of an arm. The arm includes a second end opposing the first end, and the arm is engaged with a fulcrum between the first end and the second end. The method also includes controlling a movement of the second end of the arm and, by way of the fulcrum, the first end of the arm. The method also includes controlling an additional movement of a vehicle (e.g., along a vehicle path), where the vehicle is coupled to and/or integrated with the fulcrum.

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

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

The present disclosure relates generally to attraction systems, such as ride systems employed in an amusement park, and more particularly to a lever assembly of the attraction system, where the lever assembly is employed to impart movement to a passenger vessel of the attraction system. Presently disclosed embodiments, which are described in detail below, may be employed in the attraction system to enhance an immersive experience of the passenger(s), for example, by providing a perception of anti-gravity or weightlessness to the passenger(s). Other technical benefits include improved interaction of the passenger(s) of the attraction system and/or other guests (e.g., of the amusement park) with each other, with the attraction system, or with both.

In accordance with the present disclosure, an attraction system includes a lever assembly having a fulcrum and an arm engaged with (e.g., coupled to or integrated with) the fulcrum. A passenger vessel (e.g., a cabin, a harness, a pod, a frame, a suit) configured to receive one or more passengers may be coupled to the arm. For example, the passenger vessel may be coupled to a first end of the arm. A movement mechanism may be employed at or adjacent to a second end of the arm opposing the first end of the arm. The movement mechanism may cause a movement of the second end of the arm (e.g., in a direction) and, by way of the fulcrum, an opposing movement of the first end of the arm (e.g., in an opposing direction). The movement mechanism may include, for example, a counterweight disposed on a segment of the arm between the second end of the arm and the fulcrum, where the counterweight is movable along the segment to cause the above-described movement of the second end of the arm and opposing movement of the first end of the arm. For example, movement (e.g., translation) of the counterweight across the segment of the arm may change a weight distribution and/or a center of gravity or mass on the arm relative to a position of the fulcrum, thereby causing the movement of the second end of the arm and the opposing movement of the first end of the arm. In some embodiments, an actuator (e.g., hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, electronic actuator, etc.) may be coupled to the counterweight or otherwise employed to move (e.g., translate) the counterweight along the segment of the arm.

Additionally or alternatively, the movement mechanism may include, for example, an arm path (e.g., an arm track or guide) coupled to (e.g., slidably engaging, abutting, translationally coupled to) the second end of the arm and along which the second end of the arm travels. In some embodiments, a bogey may be employed to interface the second end of the arm with the arm path. Curvature of the arm path may cause the movement of the second end of the arm and, by way of the fulcrum, the opposing movement of the first end of the arm. In general, the movement mechanism (e.g., counterweight, arm path) may enable the lever assembly to impart an anti-gravity or weightlessness sensation experienced by the passenger(s) in the passenger vessel coupled to the first end of the arm, as described in greater detail with reference to the drawings.

In some embodiments, a control system including one or more controllers is employed to control movement of the passenger vessel, for example, by controlling the movement mechanism(s) described above. The control system may include a manually operable controller that is used to control, for example, the movement mechanism in real-time during a cycle of the attraction system. In some embodiments, a guest (e.g., of an amusement park employing the attraction system) may handle and operate the manually operable controller. The guest, for example, may handle and operate the manually operable controller while observing the attraction system in operation. In some embodiments, the passenger(s) disposed in or on the passenger vessel may handle and operate the manually operable controller. Additionally or alternatively, pre-programmed movement mechanism instructions (e.g., pre-programmed counterweight movement instructions) may be entered to the control system, such as to an automation controller, prior to operation (e.g. a cycle) of the attraction system. In some embodiments, movement of the movement mechanism, such as the counterweight or the arm path, may be based on one or more characteristics associated with the attraction system and detected by sensors of the control system. Such characteristic(s) may include a speed or velocity characteristic of the passenger vessel and/or other aspect(s) of the attraction system, an acceleration or deceleration characteristic of the passenger vessel and/or other aspect(s) of the attraction system, a weight characteristic of the passenger vessel, the passenger(s), and/or other aspect(s) of the attraction system, a position characteristic of the passenger vessel, the movement mechanism (e.g., counterweight), and/or other aspect(s) of the attraction system, a position of a center of gravity or mass on the arm (e.g., relative to a position of the fulcrum), or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, an aspect of the lever assembly, such as the fulcrum, is coupled to and/or integrated with a vehicle of the attraction system. The vehicle may be movable along a vehicle path (e.g., a vehicle track) such that the lever assembly is moved along the vehicle path (e.g., together with the vehicle) by way of the coupling between (or integration of) the fulcrum and the vehicle. A configuration (e.g., curvature) of the vehicle path may be employed to move the vehicle in various directions, such as a height (e.g., elevation) direction. Additionally or alternatively, the attraction system may include a carousel configuration configured to move the lever assembly (including the passenger vessel coupled to the arm thereof) in a circular direction. In some embodiments, the movement of the vehicle and/or the movement corresponding to the carousel configuration may be coordinated with the movement imparted to the passenger vessel by way of the movement mechanism (e.g., counterweight, arm path). Such movement coordination may enhance the anti-gravity, weightlessness, and/or other perception(s) or sensation(s) experienced by the passenger(s) in the passenger vessel. These and other aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

Turning now to the drawings,is a block diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system(e.g., a ride system employed in an amusement park) including a lever assembly. The lever assemblyin the illustrated embodiment includes an arm, a fulcrumengaged with the arm, a passenger vesselcoupled to an end of the arm, and a movement mechanismfor controlling a movement of the armabout the fulcrum. The movement mechanismmay be coupled to the armat or adjacent to an end of the armopposite to the passenger vessel. That is, the passenger vesselmay be coupled to a first endof the armand the movement mechanismmay be coupled to the armat or adjacent to a second endof the arm(e.g., between the second endof the armand the fulcrum) opposing the first endof the arm. As shown, the fulcrumengages the armbetween the first endand the second end.

In general, the movement mechanismis configured to cause a movement of the second endof the arm(e.g., in a direction) and, by way of the fulcrum, an opposing movement of the first endof the armand the passenger vesselcoupled thereto (e.g., in an opposing direction). As described in detail below, such movement of the armmay impart a feeling of anti-gravity or weightlessness to one or more passengers received by the passenger vesselin certain embodiments and/or operating conditions. As described below and with reference to later drawings, this feeling of anti-gravity or weightlessness (or other perceptions) experienced by the passenger(s) may be enhanced by other aspects (e.g., movement of other parts) of the attraction system.

The passenger vesselmay include, for example, one or more ride cabins, harnesses, seats, or the like. In general, the passenger vesselis configured to receive and/or restrain one or more passengers of the attraction system. Thus, it should be understood that the passenger vesselis not limited to an enclosed or open-air cabin, but may include any suitable assembly for restraining and/or containing the passenger(s) during operation (e.g., a cycle) of the attraction system. The movement mechanismmay include, for example, a counterweight movable (e.g., translatable) along a segment of the arm(or portion thereof) extending from the second endof the armto the fulcrum. In such embodiments, the movement mechanismmay include an actuator (e.g., hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, electronic actuator, etc.) configured to move the counterweight along the above-described segment of the arm. Other types and/or componentry of the movement mechanism(e.g., an arm track coupled to the second endof the arm), which are described in detail below and with reference to later drawings, are also possible in accordance with the present disclosure.

A control systemof the attraction systemmay be employed to control the movement mechanism, such as the counterweight and/or the actuator corresponding to the counterweight, the arm path, etc. As shown, the control systemmay include one or more controllershaving processing circuitry, memory circuitry, and communication circuitry. The memory circuitryis configured to store instructions thereon that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitryto perform various functions. As an example, the processing circuitrymay execute instructions stored in the memory circuitryto communicate with (e.g., control) various aspects of the attraction systemby way of the communication circuitry. The control systemmay also include one or more sensorsconfigured to detect one or more characteristics associated with the attraction system. The characteristic(s) detected by the sensor(s)may include, for example, a speed or velocity characteristic (e.g., of the passenger vessel, the movement mechanism, a vehicle(e.g., wheeled vehicle) of the attraction systemconfigured to be moved along a vehicle pathvia a vehicle propulsion and/or braking assembly, etc.), an acceleration or deceleration characteristic (e.g., of the passenger vessel, the movement mechanism, the vehicle, etc.), a weight characteristic (e.g., of the passenger vessel, the passenger(s) within the passenger vessel, etc.), a position characteristic (e.g., of the passenger vessel, the movement mechanism, the vehicle, a center of gravity or mass on the armrelative to, for example, the fulcrum, etc.), a status of the vehicle propulsion and/or braking assemblyconfigured to control movement of the vehiclealong the vehicle path(e.g., a track), or some other characteristic(s) associated with the attraction systemor an environmentin which the attraction systemis disposed.

In certain embodiments, the controller(s)may be configured to control aspects of the attraction systembased on sensor feedback from the sensor(s), where the sensor feedback is indicative of any one or any combination of two or more of the characteristics referenced above. As an example, the controller(s)may be configured to control the movement mechanismbased on the sensor feedback, the vehiclebased on the sensor feedback, or both. In some embodiments, the controller(s)include pre-programmed instructions (e.g., entered thereto prior to a cycle of the attraction system) for controlling certain aspects of the attraction system, either with or without consideration of the sensor feedback.

Additionally or alternatively, the controller(s)may include a manually operable controller for controlling certain aspects of the attraction system. As an example, a guest (e.g., of an amusement park in which the attraction systemis employed) may handle and operate the manually operable controller to control the movement mechanismcoupled to the armand, by extension, movement of the passenger vesselcoupled to the armduring operation (e.g., a cycle) of the attraction system. That is, the manually operable controller may enable the guest to control movement of the passenger vesselin real-time (e.g., as the guest observes the attraction systemand the passenger vesselthereof). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the manually operable controller may be handled and operated by the passenger(s) of the attraction system(e.g., positioned in the passenger vessel), thereby enabling them to control movement of the passenger vessel. In this way, the attraction systemmay enable improved interaction with the attraction systemby the passenger(s) participating in the attraction systemand/or other guests observing the attraction system. In other embodiments, the manually operable controller may be handled and employed by a different entity (e.g., an operator or attendant of the attraction system) to control movement of the movement mechanismcoupled to the armand, thus, the passenger vesselcoupled to the arm.

As mentioned above, the attraction systemmay also include the vehicleconfigured to be moved along the vehicle path, for example, via the vehicle propulsion and/or braking assembly. In some embodiments, the vehiclemay be coupled to the fulcrumof the lever assembly. In this way, as the vehicleis moved along the vehicle path, the lever assembly(including the passenger vessel) is also moved along the vehicle pathtogether with the vehicle. In some embodiments, the controller(s)and corresponding features described above are configured to control movement (e.g., acceleration, deceleration, speed or velocity, directionality, etc.) of the vehiclealong the vehicle path, for example, by controlling the vehicle propulsion and/or braking assembly. In some embodiments, movement of the vehiclealong the vehicle pathmay be coordinated with the movement of the movement mechanism(and, thus, movement imparted to the passenger vesselby way of the lever assembly) to provide and/or enhance the anti-gravity, weightlessness, or other sensations or perceptions experienced by the passenger(s) in the passenger vessel.

While much of the discussion above relates to a counterweight corresponding to the movement mechanism(e.g., where the counterweight is movable across a segment of the armextending between the second endof the armand the fulcrum), in certain embodiments, an arm path (e.g., arm track) may be used as the movement mechanism. The counterweight and the arm path are illustrated (and described in greater detail with respect to) later drawings. In embodiments employing the arm path, the second endof the armmay be coupled to (e.g., engaged with, abutting, etc.) the arm path corresponding to the movement mechanism. The arm path may include various curvatures followed by the second endof the arm(e.g., as the lever assemblymoves along the vehicle pathby way of the coupling between the fulcrumand the vehicle). As the armfollows the arm path, a movement of the second endand an opposing movement of the first endenabled by the fulcrumimparts a movement to the passenger vessel. Detailed aspects of embodiments including the counterweight corresponding to the movement mechanismand the arm path corresponding to the movement mechanismare illustrated in later drawings and described in detail below. In general, the attraction systemof the present disclosure is configured to improve ride sensations (e.g., a feeling of anti-gravity and/or weightlessness) experienced by the passenger(s) situated at or in the passenger vessel, among other technical benefits over traditional configurations (e.g., improved interaction with the attraction system, reduced ride complexity and cost associated with the attraction system, etc.).

is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment the attraction systemof, where the movement mechanismfor controlling the movement of the armabout the fulcrumincludes a counterweight, and the vehicleof the attraction systemis coupled to (and/or forms a part of) the fulcrumof the lever assemblyand configured to move along the vehicle path. For example, the vehiclemay move along the vehicle pathin a direction. As shown, the vehicle pathmay include a substantially flat portion(e.g., a portion having substantially constant elevation) and/or one or more variable portions(e.g., one or more portions having variable elevation). Thus, the directionthe vehicletravels may be variable through certain portions of the vehicle path, as shown. In some embodiments, the vehiclemay be capable of traveling in the directionand opposite to the direction(e.g., forwards and backwards).

By way of a coupling between (or integration of) the vehicleand the fulcrumof the lever assembly, the lever assembly(including the armand the passenger vesselcoupled to the first endof the arm) also moves along the vehicle pathtogether with the vehicle. Movement imparted to the passenger vesselby way of the lever assembly, described in detail below, may be coordinated in certain embodiments with movement of the vehiclealong the vehicle path. Such movement coordination may, in certain embodiments, provide and/or enhance sensations (e.g., anti-gravity sensations, weightlessness sensations, etc.) experienced by the passenger(s) at the passenger vessel.

As previously described, the counterweightcorresponding to the movement mechanismmay be moved (e.g., translated) across a segmentof the arm, where the segmentextends between the fulcrumand the second endof the arm. As shown, the counterweightmay be moved in a first directionand a second directionopposing the first direction. An actuator(e.g., hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, electronic actuator, etc.) may be employed to cause the movement of the counterweightin the first directionand the second direction. In some embodiments, multiple actuators may be employed (e.g., one for movement of the counterweightin the first direction, and another for movement of the counterweightin the second direction).

Movement of the counterweightin the first direction(i.e., toward the second endof the armand away from the fulcrum) may move a center of gravity or mass on the armtoward the second endof the armand away from the fulcrum, which causes the second endof the armto move in a direction(e.g., downward direction) and, by way of the fulcrum, the first endof the arm(along with the passenger vesselcoupled thereto) to move in an opposing direction(e.g., upward direction). Further, movement of the counterweightin the second direction(i.e., away the second endof the armand toward the fulcrum) may move a center of gravity or mass on the armaway the second endof the armand toward the fulcrum, which causes the second endof the armto move in an additional direction(e.g., additional upward direction) and, by way of the fulcrum, the first endof the arm(along with the passenger vesselcoupled thereto) to move in an additional opposing direction(e.g., additional downward direction). The above-described movement enables a variance of an anglebetween the armand the fulcrum(e.g., an axisof the fulcrum). For example, in certain embodiments, the anglemay be varied between 1 degree (or greater than 1 degree) and 89 degrees (or less than 89 degrees) during a cycle of the attraction system.

In some embodiments, the passenger vesselincludes an interiorin which a view within the passenger vesselis partly obstructed. For example, the passenger vesselmay include a solid framewith windowsformed in a portion thereof, such that the view (e.g., of the external environment) from the interioris only unobstructed through the windows. As shown, the windowsmay face away from, for example, the arm, the fulcrum, and the movement mechanism(e.g., the counterweight). In this way, much of the componentry employed for movement of the passenger vesselis hidden from view to the passenger(s) within the interiorof the passenger vessel. These features may enhance an immersive experience of the passenger(s). Other features described in detail with reference to later drawings may be additionally or alternatively employed to block certain componentry from view.

is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the attraction systemof, where the movement mechanismincludes an arm path(e.g., arm track) coupled to (e.g., engaged with) the arm. In the illustrated embodiment, the fulcrumextends between the passenger vesseland the arm path. Further, the vehicleof the attraction systemis coupled to (or is integrated with) the fulcrumof the lever assemblyand is configured to move along the vehicle path. As previously described, the vehicle pathmay include the substantially flat portion, the variable portion, or both. In, the second endof the armis coupled to (e.g., engaged with) the arm pathvia a bogey(e.g., wheeled bogey). Other mechanisms for coupling (e.g., engaging) the second endof the armand the arm pathare also possible in accordance with the present disclosure. As the bogeyat the second endof the armmoves along (e.g., through) the arm path(e.g., based on movement of the vehiclealong the vehicle path), the second endof the armis moved in the direction(s),, which imparts movement to the first endof the armin the opposing direction(s),, respectively, by way of the fulcrum.

In some embodiments, the armis slidably engaged with the fulcrum. Accordingly, even if a distancebetween the arm pathand the axisof the fulcrumis substantially constant through a duration of the attraction system, the bogeymay remain engaged with the arm path. Additionally or alternatively, the arm pathmay include various curvatures that vary the distancebetween the arm pathand the axisof the fulcrumthrough a duration of the attraction system. In this or other ways, as the second endof the armmoves in the direction(s),, the bogeymay remain engaged with the arm path.

While a configuration of the arm pathmay be pre-defined, in certain embodiments, the arm pathmay be controllably moved to a changed position. For example, as shown, the arm pathmay be coupled to a frame structure(e.g., truss structure), such as to vertical beamsof the frame structure, via boltsor other coupling mechanisms (e.g., adhesive, welds, etc.). One or more actuators(e.g., motors) may be employed to move the boltsvia, for example, beltsengaged with the actuatorsand the bolts. In this way, the arm pathmay be moved to various positions to change the arm path configuration. The above-described features of the arm pathand/or movement thereof may be employed to maintain contact between the second endof the arm(e.g., the bogey) and the arm pathduring a cycle of the attraction system, to facilitate customizable ride configurations improving an immersive experience of the passenger(s) at the passenger vessel, or both.

is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the attraction systemof, where the movement mechanismincludes the arm path(e.g., arm track or guide) coupled to the arm. In, the fulcrumis positioned between the arm pathand the passenger vessel. In, the arm pathis spatially aligned with (e.g., extends over a topof) the fulcrum. Otherwise, certain aspects ofdescribed above are substantially similar to certain aspects illustrated in. For example, in, the frame structurealso included inmay be employed for changing a position of the arm path. Other mechanisms for changing an arm path configuration are also possible and described in greater detail below.

is schematic perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of an arm path adjustment assemblycorresponding to the movement mechanismof the attraction systemof, where the arm path adjustment assemblyincludes various selectable arm paths,,coupled to a rotatable unit, each of the arm paths,,including a different configuration (e.g., different curvatures). As shown, the rotatable unitincludes an axisand is configured to rotate (e.g., in a circumferential direction) about the axis. An actuator(e.g., a motor) may be employed to rotate the rotatable unitabout the axis. In this way, the first arm path, the second arm path, and the third arm pathmay be selected for engagement with the second endof the arm(e.g., the bogey). By enabling changeable arm path configurations as described above, an immersive experience of passengers may be improved over traditional configurations.

is a schematic top-down view of an embodiment of the attraction systemof, where the attraction systemincludes a carousel configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the carousel configuration includes a curvilinear (e.g., circular) vehicle pathalong which the vehicleof the attraction systemis configured to travel. The lever assemblymay operate in the same or similar manner as described above with respect to earlier drawings. Other implementations of the carousel configuration are also possible. For example,is a schematic top-down view of an embodiment of the attraction systemof, where the attraction systemincludes a rotatable carousel configuration. In, the fulcrummay be formed by a wall(e.g., inner wall) of the attraction systemvia an openingin the wall, where the openingis configured to receive the arm. The wallmay be rotatable about a central axisand relative to a stationary platformvia, for example, an actuator(e.g., a motor). In this way, the wallmay itself be referred to as a vehicle, and the circular path along which the walltravels may be referred to as a vehicle path.

Although not specifically illustrated in, it should be understood that the control systemof the attraction systemofmay be employed in any of the embodiments illustrated in, as outlined in the discussion of the embodiment of the attraction systemof. That is, the control systemmay be employed for any or all movement of various movable features of the attraction system(s)illustrated in. As previously described, such control via the control systemmay be pre-programmed, based on sensor data indicative of operating and/or environmental characteristics, based on guest and/or passenger inputs, or any combination thereof.

is a process flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a methodof operating an attraction system, such as the attraction systemof, employing a lever assembly configured to provide and/or enhance a perception of anti-gravity or weightlessness experienced by one or more passengers. An order of the steps in the methodillustrated inmay indicate the sequence of a particular embodiment but should not be taken as implying a sequence of every embodiment of the method, as other orders are also possible. Further, in certain embodiments, the methodmay exclude certain steps illustrated inand described below, and/or may include other steps not illustrated inand not described below.is merely an embodiment of the method, although other embodiments of the methodin accordance with the present disclosure are also possible.

As shown, the methodincludes receiving (block) a passenger in the passenger vessel coupled to a first end of an arm, where the arm includes a second end opposing the first end and the arm is engaged with a fulcrum between the first end and the second end. As previously described, the passenger vessel may include one or more ride cabins, harnesses, seats, or the like, and may be configured to receive one or more passengers.

In the embodiment illustrated in, the methodalso includes acquiring (block) sensor data indicative of one or more operational and/or environmental characteristics. As previously noted, certain steps of the method, including block, may be excluded in certain embodiments of the method. In embodiments of the methodemploying block, one or more sensors are configured to detect one or more operational and/or environmental characteristics, such as a speed, velocity, acceleration, deceleration, movement direction, or position characteristic (e.g., of the passenger vessel or other aspects of the attraction system described in detail below, such as a movement mechanism employed for controlling movement of the arm, a ride vehicle coupled to the fulcrum, etc.), a weight characteristic (e.g., of the passenger vessel, the passenger(s) within the passenger vessel, etc.), a status of a vehicle propulsion and/or braking assembly, and/or some other characteristic(s) associated with the attraction system or an environment (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) in which the attraction system is disposed. Any singular characteristic referenced above, or combination of characteristics referenced above, may be captured in the sensor data. One or more other characteristics included in the sensor data are also possible.

The methodalso includes controlling (block) the arm (e.g., via a movement mechanism, such as a counterweight or arm path) to cause a movement of the second end of the arm and, by way of the fulcrum, an opposing movement of the first end of the arm. As previously described, controlling the arm may include controlling movement (e.g., translation) of a counterweight across a segment of the arm extending between the fulcrum and the second end of the arm, or movement of some other type of movement mechanism (e.g., arm track). In some embodiments, an actuator (e.g., hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, electronic actuator, etc.) is controlled to cause the movement (e.g., translation) of the counterweight across the segment of the arm. The actuator may be controlled, for example, by a control system (e.g., one or more controllers) in real-time and/or based on pre-programmed counterweight movement instructions. In some embodiments, the control system includes a manually operable controller handled and operated by a person (e.g., a guest of an amusement park employing the attraction system, one of the passengers of the attraction system, an attraction system operator or attendant, etc.) as a cycle of the attraction system is administered. In other embodiments, an automation controller may be employed to control the movement of the counterweight based on pre-programmed instructions and/or based on the sensor data described above with respect to block. In embodiments not employing the counterweight described above, an arm path (e.g., arm track) coupled to the second end of the arm may be employed for controlling the arm to cause the movement of the second end of the arm and, by way of the fulcrum, the opposing movement of the first end of the arm. While the arm path may include a pre-defined configuration, in some embodiments, the arm path configuration also may be controlled by the control system.

The methodalso includes controlling (block) a movement of a vehicle along a vehicle path, where the vehicle is coupled to the fulcrum. By coupling the vehicle to the fulcrum, movement of the vehicle along the vehicle path may also cause corresponding movement of the lever assembly (e.g., including at least the fulcrum coupled to the vehicle, the arm engaged with the fulcrum, and the passenger vessel). In embodiments employing the arm path (e.g., arm track) referenced above with respect to block, movement of the vehicle along the vehicle path may also cause movement of the second end of the arm along the arm path. However, it should be understood that the vehicle and vehicle path can also be employed in embodiments having the counterweight and not the arm path. In some embodiments, movement of the vehicle along the vehicle path may be controlled by the control system described above. Further, in some embodiments, movement of the vehicle along the vehicle path and movement of the arm (e.g., via the counterweight and/or the arm path) may be coordinated to enhance a perception of anti-gravity or weightlessness experienced by the passenger(s) in or at the passenger vessel.

is schematic side view of an embodiment of a portion of the attraction systemof, including a lever engagement assemblyconfigured to facilitate engagement of the armof the lever assemblywith the fulcrumof the lever assembly. As shown, the fulcrumincludes an openingconfigured to receive the arm. The openingis sized to accommodate movement (e.g., rotational movement) of the armtherein without undesirable interference of the armwith the fulcrum. In some embodiments, a pincoupled to or otherwise engaged with the fulcrum(e.g., on either side of the arm) extends through a pin opening in the arm, thereby coupling the armwith the fulcrum. The pinmay be coupled to the fulcrumvia a slotin the fulcrum. In some embodiments, the fulcrumincludes an additional instance of the sloton the opposing side of the arm(not illustrated due to perspective in). The slotenables a movementof the pintherein (e.g., up to an endof the slot) and an opposing movementof the pintherein (e.g., up to an opposing endof the slot). Because the pinextends through the arm, as previously described, the movementand the opposing movementof the pinwithin the slotalso enables translation of the armalong with the pin, in addition to rotation of the arm(e.g., about an axis of the pin) as previously described.is merely one embodiment of the engagement assembly, and it should be understood that other embodiments of the engagement assemblythat enable at least some rotation and at least some translation of the armare also possible.

is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a portion of the attraction systemof, including a bogey engagement assemblyconfigured to engage the bogey(e.g., illustrated in) associated with the armof the lever assemblywith the arm path. As shown, the bogeyincludes wheelsextending into a slotformed in the arm pathThe attraction systemmay be configured such that the bogey assemblyexerts (e.g., always exerts) an upward forceagainst the arm pathand within the slotof the arm path. In this way, contact between the wheelsof the bogeyand the arm pathis maintained through a duration (e.g., cycle) of the attraction system.

In general, embodiments described above are directed to attraction systems (e.g., ride systems, such as those employed in an amusement park) configured to provide and/or enhance a perception of anti-gravity or weightlessness experienced by passengers of the attraction system at a relatively low cost. Other technical benefits include improved interaction between passengers of the attraction system and/or between a passenger of the attraction system and a guest observing the attraction system.

While only certain features have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for [perform] ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for [perform] ing [a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).