ENTERTAINMENT RIDE

Abstract

An entertainment ride that includes a plurality of vessels. In one embodiment, the vessels may be shaped as spherical vessels and may be attached to robotic armatures that move the vessels such that the movement resembles a flowering bloom.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/228,270, filed on Sep. 8, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This description relates to an entertainment ride.

BACKGROUND

Delivering a novel ride experience to consumers is important for business. The novelty serves to attract new consumers to try a ride that they have not experienced before. In addition, the novelty serves to attract consumers who have experienced the ride before because it is the only one of its kind.

Entertainment rides come in many forms. For example, thrill rides are generally intended to excite consumers and usually allow the consumers to experience positive gravitational forces. These rides require each consumer to be safely locked into place by, for example, an over-the-shoulder or lap harness. These rides are common at amusement parks, carnivals, fairs, and the like. In addition, rides of a more relaxing degree have been developed for riders who seek a less adrenaline-inducing experience or otherwise excite riders in a different context. However, riders tend to become tired of a ride after riding it too many times because the experience remains the same.

Thus, there is a need to reach a consumer at a much deeper level to go beyond the normal and into the new. There is a need to present consumers with an experience that is impressionable and long lasting to battle what may otherwise fade in the midst of alternatives. There is also an opportunity to employ the entertainment ride in a context to enhance advertising efforts.

The present disclosure addresses these and other needs.

SUMMARY

Briefly, and in general terms, the present disclosure is directed to an entertainment ride. In certain embodiments, an entertainment ride includes a hub. The hub may have at least one room for entertainment. The entertainment ride also includes a plurality of drivable arm members that may connect to and extend from the hub. The entertainment ride also includes a plurality of vessels. In one embodiment, each vessel may connect to a single drivable arm member. In other embodiments, each vessel may connect to a plurality of arm members.

In certain embodiments, a method for operating an entertainment ride includes providing a drivable hub that includes a plurality of drivable arm members connected to and extending from the hub. In one embodiment, each drivable arm member has a vessel capable of holding one or more patrons that is attached to the distal end of the drivable arm member. In one embodiment, the method entails moving each drivable arm member in unison from a first state to a second state. The transition from the first state to the second state may, in certain embodiments, resemble a flowering bloom. The first state for a first drivable arm member may be a different first state when compared to the first state for a second drivable arm member. Otherwise stated, though each drivable member may be moved in unison, their positioning, speed, movement, and the like may be different. For example, a first group of drivable arm members may symmetrically (or asymmetrically in certain embodiments) move in relation to the hub. A second group of drivable arm members may also symmetrically (or asymmetrically in certain embodiments) move in relation to the hub. The first and second group of drivable arm members may move differently or in the same way. In one embodiment, the drivable arm members corresponding to the first group may be elevated at a first height and extended a first distance when in a first state. The drivable arm members corresponding to the second group may be elevated at a second height and extended a second distances when in the first state. In certain embodiments, the first and second height and distance measurements may be the same. When progressing from the first to the second state, the first group may progress toward the second state in a different way than the second group. For example the first group may lower and extend the drivable arm members quicker than those in the second group. Doing so provides the illusion of a flowering bloom having different length, tiered “pedals.”

The foregoing summary does not encompass the claimed invention in its entirety, nor are the embodiments intended to be limiting. Rather, the embodiments are provided as mere examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of an entertainment ride.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the entertainment ride shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another front view of one embodiment of an entertainment ride showing various positions of the robotic armatures and the orbs around the hub.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an orb capsule associated with one embodiment of an entertainment ride.

FIG. 5 is a view depicting the access point into an orb capsule associated with one embodiment of an entertainment ride.

FIG. 6 is another top view of an embodiment of the entertainment ride shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings and, more particularly to FIGS. 1-6, there are shown various embodiments of an entertainment ride 100.

More specifically, FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an embodiment of an entertainment ride 100 that includes a hub 102 and a plurality of robotic armatures 130, each having a proximal end 132 and distal end 134. At the proximal end 132, each robotic armature 130 connects to the hub 102. At the distal end 134, each robotic armature 130 has an orb, capsule, or vessel 150 coupled thereto.

In the embodiment shown, the hub 102 is the center of the entertainment ride 100. However, in certain embodiments, the hub 102 need not be or act as the center of the ride. In the embodiment shown, the hub 102 includes a base 103 having a first platform 104 at a first level 105 positioned below a second platform 106 at a second level 107. The first platform 104 is connected to the second platform 106 by structural support 108. In certain embodiments, the second level 107 may correspond to ground level. The perimeter of both the first platform 104 and the second platform 106 may be circular in nature. Extending from the first platform 104 may be a spiral staircase 111 that circles upward around a support column 110, through the second platform 106, to an observation room 112. In certain embodiments, the hub 102 may include an elevator rather than a staircase to enable patron access to the observation room 112 from the first level 105.

In the embodiment shown, the observation room 112 extends circumferentially outward at the top of the spiral staircase 111. The observation room may include seating, tables, rails, and the like for patrons. The observation room 112 may also include a restaurant, bar, kiosk, etc. Though a roof 114 covers the observation room 112 in the embodiment shown, other embodiments may be without the roof 114 with attention paid to making the observation room 112 weather resistant in such embodiments. In yet other embodiments, the observation room 112 may be complemented by a deck or balcony with railing of adequate height. The deck or balcony may extend around the entire perimeter of the observation room 112 or may have one or more non-contiguous locations that extend beyond the confines of the observation room 112.

In certain embodiments, the observation room 112 may be rotatable about the central, vertical axis. In yet other embodiments, the observation room 112 may be translatable about the central, vertical axis.

Also in certain embodiments, the hub 102 may be movable. In the embodiment shown, the first platform 104 and/or the second platform 106 are movable by a drive unit (not shown) along a track 115. The track 115 includes a docking location or home station 116 where patrons are granted access to the observation room 112 via the staircase 111 on the first level 104 and/or second level 106. The docking location 116 may also serve to signify that the entertainment ride 100 is complete once the hub 102 returns to that location. The track 115 may be hidden or otherwise submerged under water, such as a fountain lagoon 116, to enhance the aesthetic quality of the entertainment ride 100. Hiding or otherwise submerging the track 115 under water may also serve to dissipate any heat generated by the mechanics of moving the hub 102 along the track 115. The track 115 may be continuous (e.g., a circle or oval track) or non-continuous (e.g., a line track that does not connect end-to-end such as an arc) in nature. In embodiments where track 115 is continuous, the hub 102 may only move along the track in a first direction 117, a second direction 118, or a combination of both. In embodiments where track 115 is non-continuous, the hub 102 may move to end 119 of track 115 in a first direction 117 and return to the docking location 116 by traveling in a second direction 118. In certain embodiments, the end 119 of track 115 may also constitute a docking location or home station 116.

In other embodiments, hub 102 is configured to float and may be propelled, pushed, pulled, or the like. In embodiments where the hub 102 floats, guide rails (not shown) may be implemented along a track 115 to prevent the hub 102 from tipping over or swaying more than a predetermined number of degrees. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in the embodiments where hub 102 floats, the base 103 may be designed as a hull with a single platform, e.g. the second platform 106. The interior of the hull may house one or more drive units and/or ballast tanks. The ballast tanks may be dynamic such that on windy days, the ballast tanks may automatically be adjusted accordingly to compensate for influences by the wind thereby affording greater stability. In certain embodiments, the hub 102 may not be limited by a track (i.e., the hub, powered by one or more drive units, may travel through, for example, a fountain lagoon in any direction).

Referring now to the plurality of robotic armatures 130, each robotic armature may be connected to the hub 102 at the proximal end 132. In the embodiment shown, the proximal end 132 may be attached to the second platform 106. In certain embodiments, the second platform 106 or a portion thereof may be rotatable. In such embodiments, the rotatability of the second platform 106 enables each robotic armature 130 to rotate around the hub 102 via its connection to the second platform. Support members (not shown) may extend from the underside of the second platform 106 to a rotatable member (not shown) associated with the first platform 104 to provide structural support. In certain embodiments, each robotic armature 130 may be connected to the second platform in a symmetrical pattern. In other embodiments, each robotic armature may be connected to the second platform in an asymmetric pattern.

The proximal end 132 of each robotic armature 130 may be rotatable about a vertical axis at joint 136 such that the robotic armature is able to move side-to-side. Each robotic armature 130 may also be rotatable about a horizontal axis at joint 138 such that the robotic armature is able to move up and down. Additionally, each robotic armature 130 may be extended, or otherwise translatable, such that the distal end 134 may be moved while the proximal end 132 remains mounted to the hub 102. In the embodiment shown, each robotic armature 130 may be telescoping in nature to achieve extension of the distal end 134. In this regard, each robotic armature 130 may have a stationary telescoping member 140 and one or more movable telescoping members 142. In certain embodiments, a hydraulic system (not shown—internal to the robotic armature) and a pulley system 144 may be used to achieve movement and stability of the movable telescoping members 142 with respect to the stationary telescoping member 140. In the embodiment shown, the orbs 150 may be extendable to reach a height beyond 10 stories.

In certain embodiments, each robotic armature 130 may have a length of about 30 feet when the distal end 134 is not extended; and a length of about 150 feet when the distal end is fully extended. In other embodiments, the distance may be less than or greater than 30 feet when the distal end is not extended; and also less than or greater than 150 feet when the distal end is fully extended, provided that the appropriate structural support is provided. In yet other embodiments, each robotic armature 130 need not be uniform in dimension and even function. For example, certain embodiments may include non-extendable robotic armatures amidst extendable robotic armatures. A first robotic armature or group of robotic armatures may be extendable to a first position whereas a second robotic armature or group of robotic armatures may be extendable to a second position. The first position may be greater than or less than in distance than the second position.

In the embodiment shown, thirty-two robotic armatures 130 are connected to the hub 102. Other embodiments may have less or greater than thirty-two robotic armatures 130, and may be configured around the hub 102 (or a plurality of hubs) differently.

Each robotic armature 130 has an orb, capsule, or vessel 150 connected thereto. In certain embodiments, the orb 150 may be rotatably connected to the distal end 134 such that the orb is rotatable about a vertical axis. The orb, capsule, or vessel 150 may be of any shape capable of safely holding patrons. For example, the vessel 150 may be a platform having walls extending upward along the perimeter with an open top. The walls may stop at a height where they may be considered rails in certain embodiments. The platform may be square, rectangular, triangular, oval, or any other shape

Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, the orb 150 is depicted as being spherical in shape having an exterior and an interior. Of course, other embodiments may include different shapes or a combination of different shapes. For example, a first group of robotic armatures 130 may have a spherical orb 150 attached thereto whereas a second group of robotic armatures 130 may have a cuboidal orb attached thereto.

The spherical orb 150 depicted in FIGS. 1-6 is connected to the distal end 134 at the base 151. The spherical wall 152 may be transparent or translucent in nature and may include a plurality of support members 153. In the embodiment shown, the support members 153 form a plurality of geodesic triangles such that the spherical orb 150 is a geodesic sphere. Transparent or translucent material ensures that patrons may look through the spherical wall 152 to appreciate the environment outside of the orb 150. In certain embodiments, one or more geodesic triangles may be of different material than others. For example, some geodesic triangles may be transparent while others may be translucent. In yet other embodiments, some geodesic triangles may be opaque amidst transparent and/or translucent geodesic triangles. Not only does the material of the spherical orb 150 affect the aesthetic quality of it as well as the ability for patrons to look through it, it also affects how sunlight interacts with it. Thus, in certain embodiments, one or more of the geodesic triangles may be electronically controlled smart glass (e.g., variable tint glass and switchable liquid crystal glass), may have a film placed thereon, or may be perceived as a certain color based on its material properties. The film may comprise a plurality of small dots positioned such that the further one gets from the film; the more difficult it becomes to see through the film. For example, a patron inside the orb 150 may be able to look to the outside with ease. However, an outsider looking at the orb 150 may not be able to see through the spherical wall 152. Instead, the outsider perceives a design 157 (not shown) on the orb 150 due to the film. The design 157 may be associated with one or more brands (e.g., trade indicia, trademarks, product packaging, etc.) so that patrons and non-patrons associate the orb 150 with a certain enterprise, service, product, and the like.

In this regard, the entertainment ride 100 disclosed herein may be complemented by the teachings disclosed in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/228,270, entitled Branded Entertainment Complex, filed on Sep. 8, 2011. For example, shape of one or more of the orbs 150 and/or the hub 102 may be based on the brand associated therewith. For example, an orb or the hub branded for CHEERIOS® cereal may be cuboidal in shape. An orb or the hub branded for WHEAT THINS® crackers may be cuboidal in shape. An orb or the hub branded for PEPSI® soda may be cylindrical in shape. An orb or the hub branded for TOBLERONE® chocolate may be shaped like a triangular prism. An orb or the hub branded for LINDT® LINDOR TRUFFLES® chocolate may be spherically shaped, such as the one shown in FIGS. 1-6. An orb or the hub branded for LINDT® LINDOR TRUFFLES® chocolate may also be shaped as the vessel that holds the chocolates (e.g., large bag, box, or individual wrapping around each chocolate). An orb or the hub may be branded based on the one or more brands associated with the entertainment complex disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/228,270, entitled Branded Entertainment Complex, filed on Sep. 8, 2011. In this regard, the goodwill of an enterprise may be further enhanced and promoted while providing an attraction and the ultimate branding experience to patrons and even non-patrons (e.g., people passing by such as locals or tourists). In either case, the entertainment ride 100 brings people into a particular geographic area that they may not otherwise travel to. As such, the disclosure also provides economic opportunities far beyond those directly associated with the entertainment ride 100.

With respect to the electronically controlled smart glass, in certain embodiments, it may vary from a first, transparent state to a second, translucent state. In other embodiments, the smart glass may have more than one state of translucency (e.g., clear and varying degrees of dark tint). In yet other embodiments, the smart glass may vary in clarity from clear to opaque. In embodiments where some or all geodesic triangles are smart glass, the translucency or opacity may be controlled by an operator of the entertainment ride 100, a patron, or be automatic (e.g., based on time of day). For example, patrons may control one or more geodesic triangles associated with the orb 150. In this regard, the geodesic triangles may be grouped such that a first group of geodesic triangles may correspond to the top of the orb 150 and a second group of geodesic triangles may correspond to those below the first group. The first group, for example, may be controlled so that it is tinted whereas the second group may be controlled so that it is clear. The smart glass associated with each orb 150 may be dependent or independent of the smart glass associated with other orbs.

With respect to automatic control, the glass may be electronically controlled so that the wall 152 is tinted during the day. At night, the glass may be electronically controlled so that it is clear. In this regard, patrons may be protected from the sun during midday but still be afforded the opportunity to look out of the orb 150. Yet at night, patrons may be afforded the opportunity to look through a tint-free or otherwise clear wall 152 to ensure the orb 150 does not filter out nighttime light.

Each orb 150 also has an access point 154. As shown, the access point 154 may be a door that swings inward or outward. In certain embodiments, the access point 154 may be a door that slides rather than swings. Interior to the orb is a floor 156 that may line up with the bottom of the access point 154 to provide patrons access into and out of the orb 150 without having to step-up or step-down. The floor may be opaque, transparent, or translucent in nature. Extending upward from the floor 156 may be rails 158 to provide patrons the means to stabilize themselves should they desire to do so. In certain embodiments, the floor 156 may be rotatable or have rotatable sections built into the floor. The orb 150 may also be complemented by interior seating, such as benches, chairs, or the like. The orb 150 may also be complemented by one or more visual and/or audio displays. One or more lights may be positioned below the floor 156. Different lighting effects may be achieved in this regard. For example, light applied to an opaque floor will result in a different visual display that light applied to a transparent or translucent floor. One or more lights and/or video displays may be positioned above the floor 156. Appropriate fixtures may be attached to the interior of the wall 152, the floor 156, or the rails 158 to enable such features. One or more of the orbs 150 may provide patrons with a restaurant experience. For example, patrons may eat at a table within the orb 150 during the ride. One or more of the orbs 150 may also provide a lounge environment such that patrons may enjoy the ride while sipping their favorite beverage or while playing their favorite game. In certain embodiments, one or more of the orbs 150 may be outfitted with a console gaming machine such as the XBOX 360® and/or a casino gaming machine such as a slot machine, video poker machine, and the like.

Referring now to the size of each of the orbs 150, each may be 18 feet in diameter in the embodiment shown. A diameter of 18 feet may allow up to about 20-30 patrons per orb, depending on their size and weight. However, in other embodiments, each of the orbs 150 may be less than 18 feet in diameter or greater than 18 feet in diameter. In yet other embodiments, the orbs 150 may be of different sizes and even shapes. For example, a first orb or group of orbs may correspond to a first diameter, and a second orb or group of orbs may correspond to a second diameter or even a different shape, e.g. a cuboid or prism.

In operation of the entertainment ride 100, the hub 102 is able to receive patrons when positioned at docking location 116. Patrons may access the observation room 112 via the staircase 111 on the first level 104 and/or second level 106. To access one of the orbs 150 positioned on one of the robotic armatures 130, a patron may proceed to one or more load/unload locations 146. In certain embodiments, one or more unload stations may be located on a third level 147 and/or a fourth level 148 above the second level 106. Thus, patrons may be left with a feeling of entering a floating orb because the orb is elevated while the patron boards. This adds to the celestial nature for which the entertainment ride 100 is designed. As a safety measure, the robotic armatures 130 may not be movable when docked at an unload/load stations 146.

In certain embodiments, patrons may be required to purchase the right to access the entertainment ride 100. The right may come in the form of a ticket. The ticket may indicate the time and day or a period of time that the patron may access the entertainment ride 100. For example, a patron may purchase the right to access the observation room 112 but not one of the orbs 150, and vice versa. A patron may also purchase an all-inclusive pass to access all components of the entertainment, e.g. one or more of the orbs 150 and the observation room 112. In certain embodiments, the entertainment ride 100 may be associated with a hotel or entertainment complex. Patrons of the hotel or entertainment complex may be provided access to the entertainment ride 100 free of charge or at a discounted rate. For example, a patron may show proof that he or she is staying at the hotel or has made a purchase at the entertainment complex, such as providing a room key or receipt, to access the entertainment ride 100. In certain embodiments, a database may be created such that the first ride for any patron is free. In this regard, the entertainment ride 100 provides an incentive to visit the geographic locale associated with the entertainment ride itself, e.g. the hotel or entertainment complex. In other embodiments, a patron's access may be dependent on a status associated with a player card corresponding to one or more casinos.

In embodiments where a track 115 is employed, the hub 102 may move along it once all patrons have “boarded” or are otherwise appropriately situated. The hub 102 may return to the docking station 116 when deemed complete, in emergency situations, or in other programmed situations. The hub 102 may also return to a second docking station 116, such as end 119 in a non-continuous track 115. In certain embodiments, a central processing unit may control all moving components such as, for example, each robotic armature 130, the hub 102, the rotatable member 109, the floor 156, moving light displays, the access point 154, and the like. The central processing unit may also control all non-moving components such as, for example, the electronically controlled smart glass, non-moving light displays, and the like. In other embodiments more than one processing unit may be used. For example, a first processing unit may control the robotic armatures and the orbs attached thereto whereas a second processor may control movement of the hub 102.

All moving and non-moving components of the entertainment ride 100 may operate independent or dependent of one or more other moving and/or non-moving components. For example, a first robotic armature 130 may be precluded from rotating and/or extending the corresponding orb to a second position from a first position if the second position would result in the first robotic armature 130 or corresponding orb impacting a second robotic armature 130 or the orb corresponding thereto. In certain embodiments, one or more of the robotic armatures 130 may be mechanically limited to prevent collisions or unwanted positioning. In another example, the electronically controlled smart glass may be controlled so that its tint is dependent on the location of the orb or robotic armature corresponding thereto. The electronically controlled smart glass may also be controlled based on the location of the hub 102.

In yet another example, one or more orbs 150 may come together at the hub 102 (or otherwise be positioned as close to the center as possible) to then proceed outward again to resemble a flowering blossom or bloom during the ride. In yet another example, one or more orbs 150 may be programmed to rise and fall to resemble a wave circling the hub 102. In even yet a further example, one or more orbs 150 may be programmed to randomly move about, may move in unison, or may not move in unison. In certain embodiments, the entertainment ride 100 is complemented by an audio broadcast. The audio may be dependent or independent of the location and/or movement of one or more orbs 150. Additionally or alternatively to audio, a visual display such as lights may complement the entertainment ride 100. Similar to the audio, the visual display may also be dependent or independent of the location and/or movement of one or more orbs 150.

In certain embodiments, the entertainment ride 100 has one or more stages. Each stage may be programmed or entirely random. For example, as the hub 102 leave the docking station 116, the robotic armatures 130 may be programmed to move randomly about. A second stage may be programmed to move the robotic armatures 130 and corresponding orbs 150 about in pursuant to a regimented design, such as a “flowering bloom” or “wave.”

In one embodiment, a plurality of the robotic armatures 130 may be in a first, “closed bloom” position. The robotic armatures 130 in this position may be non-extended, but fully elevated such that each of the orbs 150 cannot achieve further height unless the corresponding robotic armature is extended. In some embodiments, the plurality consists of all the robotic armatures 130 in the entertainment ride 100. In other embodiments, the plurality of the robotic armatures 130 in the non-extended, but fully elevated position does not consist of all the robotic armatures 130. For example, in these embodiments, a second plurality of robotic armatures 130 may be in a second, “closed bloom” position. The robotic armatures 130 in this position may be in a non-extended or an extended position and either be in non-elevated or elevated position. Having the second plurality of the robotic armatures 130 and corresponding orbs 150 at a different starting point (i.e., the second, “closed bloom” position) creates depth to the “bloom” by creating “pedals” of varying degree. In certain embodiments, the first “closed bloom” position may only correspond to a single robotic armature, the second “closed bloom” position may only correspond to a single robotic armature, a third “closed bloom” position may only correspond to a single robotic armature or even a plurality of the robotic armatures, and the like.

Next, the entertainment ride 100 “blooms” by executing “blooming” movements. For example, one or more robotic armatures 130 may simultaneously lower and extend each orb 150 to resemble an opening bloom as time progresses. This movement may correspond to those robotic armatures in the first closed bloom position, the second closed bloom position, another closed bloom position, a different position altogether, or a combination thereof to create “pedals” of varying degree with different movement. In certain embodiments, one or more robotic armatures may move according to a different blooming movement. For example, one or more robotic armatures may (1) lower but not extend the corresponding orb 150; (2) lower and retract the corresponding orb 150; (3) raise and retract the corresponding orb 150; (4) raise and extend the corresponding orb 150; and the like. Otherwise stated, one or more robotic armatures may employ any mechanically feasible combination of rotating, raising, lowering, extending, and retracting. The rate of rotating, raising, lowering, extending, and retracting may be the same or different for each robotic armature or group of robotic armatures. The rate of rotating, raising, lowering, extending, and retracting may be dynamic such that it is programmable to change based on conditions such as the weather, position or state of other components associated with the entertainment ride 100, and the like.

Though one or more of the orbs 150 may be lowered and extended after the initial closed bloom position(s), the orbs may achieve a greater height than that initially presented. This may occur, for example, where the rate of extending the robotic armature causes the orb to rise above its starting point notwithstanding that the robotic armature is also being simultaneously lowered.

Following the “blooming” movement of the robotic armatures 130, the entertainment ride 100 may be in “full bloom.” Following the “full bloom,” the entertainment ride may reverse the blooming process, conduct a different regimented movement, conduct one or more randomized movements, conduct one or more regimented movements amidst one or more randomized movements, and the like. For example, one or more robotic armatures 130 may be staged at their next location for preparation of the next regimented move sequence. This may be done while other robotic armatures move randomly about to “hide” the staging process. The “full bloom” itself may be used as a starting point or constitute the first stage for another regimented movement sequence such as the “wave.” In the “wave,” robotic armatures may rise and fall together around the hub 102 to simulate one or more “waves” or pulsating “ripples” (e.g. smaller waves in sequence that may resemble the pulsating movement of the lateral fins on a cuttlefish.

The entertainment ride 100 may be complemented by one or more visual displays, one or more audio broadcasts, one or more electronically controlled smart glass displays, and any combination thereof.

For example, a first light show may constitute a visual display that corresponds to the “closed bloom.” In certain embodiments, the first light show may be of low intensity (e.g., slow movement, inactive lights, dull colors, and the like). When the entertainment ride 100 “blooms,” the first light show may progress into a second light show of greater intensity to accentuate the blooming process (e.g., faster movement, less inactive lights, all lights are active, brighter more vibrant colors, and the like). Different lighting schemes may complement different “pedals” (i.e., robotic armatures 130 and orbs 150). For example, a first group of robotic armatures and orbs interspersed between a second group of robotic armatures and corresponding orbs may be associated with different lighting schemes. The first group may be lit a first color (e.g., white) and the second group be lit a second color (e.g., pink). In such an embodiment, the net effect results in a spectacular bloom having interspersed white and pink pedals. Audio may be broadcasted in addition to or in place of the visual display. Just as the visual display may vary or stay the same throughout the entertainment ride 100, so too may the audio broadcast. For example, the audio broadcast may vary in volume, tempo, song, and the like.

In another example, one or more light shows may constitute a visual display that corresponds to the “wave” or pulsating “ripples” movement sequences. In certain embodiments, a first light show may be blue in color so that the entertainment ride may be associated as being oceanic. This light show may be complimented with interspersed white light in a plurality of different areas so that the entertainment ride may be associated as having white caps and crashing waves.

During operation of entertainment ride 100, one or more of the robotic armatures 130 may be configured to lower the corresponding orb(s) 150 as low as possible or to an otherwise safe unload position. For example, as depicted in FIG. 3, the orbs 150 may be lowered to ground level. Each of the orbs 150 may also include emergency rope ladders or a pulley and rope system to aid in removal of the patrons from an out-of-service orb 150.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the entertainment ride 100 may be dynamic in the sense that the movement of the robotic armatures 130 and the corresponding orbs 150 may be programmed and re-programmed to move about differently thus affording the patrons a new ride experience. For example, the entertainment ride 100 may move to resemble that of a flowering bloom, a wave, a continuous ripple, an explosion, and implosion, a series of angled walls falling down, etc.

The various embodiments and examples described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimed invention, nor the scope of the various embodiments and examples. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An entertainment ride comprising:

a hub that includes at least one room for entertainment;

a plurality of drivable arm members connected to and extending from the hub; and

a plurality of vessels, wherein each vessel is capable of holding one or more patrons and is attached to one of the drivable arm members amongst the plurality such that each drivable arm member has one of the vessels attached thereto;

wherein the plurality of drivable arm members move the vessels in a manner resembling a blooming flower.

2. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 1, wherein the hub is cylindrically shaped.

3. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 2, wherein the cylindrically shaped hub is modeled after a soda can.

4. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 3, wherein the plurality of drivable arm members are shaped or designed to resemble straws or a plurality of cans stacked end-to-end.

5. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 1, wherein the hub includes an internal staircase or elevator for patrons to access the at least one room for entertainment.

6. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 1, wherein the at least one room for entertainment is not fully enclosed.

7. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 1, wherein the plurality of drivable arm members are asymmetrically positioned around the hub.

8. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 1, wherein the plurality of drivable arm members are symmetrically positioned around the hub.

9. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 1, wherein the plurality of drivable arm members are rotatable about a first axis, rotatable about a second axis, and are capable of telescoping or otherwise translating.

10. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 9, wherein the plurality of drivable arm members are configured to rotate around the hub.

11. An entertainment ride comprising:

a drivable hub that includes one or more brand names affixed to an exterior thereof and at least one room for entertainment, wherein the one or more brand names is intrinsic to the shape of the hub;

a plurality of drivable arm members connected to and extending from the hub; and

a plurality of vessels, wherein each vessel is capable of holding one or more patrons and is attached to one of the drivable arm members amongst the plurality such that each drivable arm member has one of the vessels attached thereto;

a track for which the drivable hub is configured to move along; and

a plurality of load stations that enable patrons to board the plurality of vessels.

12. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 11, wherein the hub is cylindrically shaped and modeled after a soda can.

13. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 12, wherein the plurality of drivable arm members are shaped or designed to resemble straws or a plurality of cans stacked end-to-end.

14. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 11, wherein the at least one room for entertainment is not fully enclosed.

15. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 11, wherein the plurality of drivable arm members are asymmetrically or symmetrically positioned around the hub.

16. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 11, wherein the track is continuous, non-continuous, or free range.

17. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 11, wherein the plurality of load stations are also unload stations.

18. The entertainment ride as set forth in claim 11, wherein the one or more of the vessels are geodesic spheres.

19. A method for operating an entertainment ride comprising:

providing a drivable hub that includes a plurality of drivable arm members connected to and extending from the hub, wherein each drivable arm member has a vessel capable of holding one or more patrons attached at its distal end;

moving each drivable arm member in unison from a first state to a second state, wherein the transition from the first state to the second state resembles flowering bloom, and wherein the first state for a first drivable arm member is a different first state when compared to the first state for a second drivable arm member.

20. The method as set forth in claim 19, further comprising moving each drivable arm member in unison from the second state to a third state, wherein the transition from the second state to the third state resembles a wave revolving around the drivable hub, and wherein the second state for the first drivable arm member is a different second state when compared to the second state for the second drivable arm member.