DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] A preferred embodiment of the invention appears below. While exemplary embodiments are discussed below, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations can be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should be understood to only be representative and that the scope of the present invention should be limited only by the elements of the claims set forth herein and their equivalents.

[0049] FIG. 1 depicts a front view 100 of an exemplary embodiment of a looping swing 101 as can be integrated as part of the present invention. FIG. 1 depicts front view 100 of looping swing 101 including two vertical supports 102a and 102b. Journaled at upper ends 104a, 104b of the vertical supports 102a, 102b are hubs 106a, 106b of parallel swing arm outriggers 108a, 108b, which can be driven in a direction-of-rotation-reversing manner and with regulated speed of rotation by one or more motors 10a-d (collectively 110). Motors 110 can be electric. In one exemplary embodiment, swing arm outriggers 108a, 108b can be coupled at the substantial midpoints of outriggers 108a, 108b, by a shaft (not shown), at axis 112 of rotation. In another exemplary embodiment, the outriggers 108a, 108b are not coupled together by a shaft.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, opposite the hubs 106a, 106b, the outriggers 108a, 108b can include counter pieces 108c, 108d on which can be coupled counterweights 114a, 114b. The counterweights 114a, 114b can be of a dimension such that the total weight of counterweights 114a, 114b corresponds to the total weight of passenger gondola 116 with approximately half occupancy. The passenger gondola 116 can be journaled in swinging fashion at pendulum arms 118a, 118b in the free ends of the outriggers 108a, 108b, respectively, about an axis 119 extending parallel to the axis 112. The pendulum arms 118a, 118b are short in comparison with the outriggers 108a, 108b. Rotation of passenger gondola 116 about axis 119 with respect to outriggers 108a, 108b can be driven by one or more motors 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d. Brakes 122a, 122b such as, e.g., disc brakes with calipers can be included in an exemplary embodiment. Brake 122a can be used to influence the rotation of outriggers 108a, 108b about axis 112. In one exemplary embodiment, brake 122a in combination with one or more location sensors 124a (not shown) and/or motors 110 can be used to programmably control stopping and starting rotation of outriggers 108a, 108b at any position of rotation about the axis 112. Brake 122b can be used, associated with hubs 106a, 106b and 106c, bearings 124a, 124b to influence the rotating movement of the passenger gondola 116 about axis 119. The brake 122b can be used to lock the pendulum arms 118a, 118b at a predetermined angular position relative to the outriggers 108a, 108b. Brake 122b, in combination with one or more sensors (not shown) and/or motors 110,120 can be used to programmatically control stopping and starting rotation of the passenger gondola 116 relative to outriggers 108a, 108b about axis 119. Three rows 126 of seats 128 for seating, e.g., approximately 70 or more passengers can be arranged at different heights in theatrical terrace fashion in the passenger gondola 116.

[0051] In one exemplary embodiment, if gondola 116 is hung in a swinging pendulum rotatable fashion with relation to the swing arm outriggers 108a, 108b, then a motor 110 giving rotation to the swing arm outriggers 108a, 108b will also cause the gondola to rotate relative to the swing arm outriggers. By using a braking mechanism to hold a position of the gondola 116, relative to the swing arm outriggers 108a, 108b, and then rotating the swing arm outriggers 108a, 108b, then the gondola 116 can be made to rotate relative to the swing arm outriggers 108a, 108b by effect of gravitational force as described at length in the '566 patent discussed above, the contents of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Thus, a motor 110 driving the rotation of the swing arm outriggers 108a, 108b can in effect also be driving rotation of the gondola 116. In another exemplary embodiment, a separate motor 120 can be used to cause rotation about the swing axis 119 by gondola 116.

[0052] FIG. 2 depicts a side view 200 of the looping swing 101 of FIG. 1. The arrangement of the seats 128 relative to the axis 119 of the swing is shown in FIG. 2. The seats 128 of the back row of seats 128 can include head rests 202. The head rests 204 of the second row of seats 128 can be arranged somewhat lower, can be staggered and can lie correspondingly lower than the back row and directly under the axis 119 of the swing. The head rests 206 of the front tow can lie similarly in front and below the second row of seats 128, and can lie in front of axis 119.

[0053] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a top view 300 of the looping swing 101 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary staggered layout of passenger seating. The staggered layout allows each passenger to clearly view the theatrical entertainment that can be displayed before the passenger according to the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a front view 400 illustrating a cross-section of an exemplary enclosure 401 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention enclosing the looping swing ride 101 in an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 also depicts an exemplary pre-show theatre 402 with a door 404 for providing entrance to the looping swing ride 101 completely enclosed within enclosure 401. The door can enable the enclosure to be fully impermeable to light during operation of the looping swing ride 101. Additional doors, (not labeled) can be used to exit the enclosure 401. FIG. 4 further depicts, in an exemplary embodiment, pneumatically retractable loading ramps 406a, 406b for providing passenger entry to and exit from, respectively, the looping swing ride 101. In the exemplary embodiment of looping swing ride 101 shown in FIG. 4, entrance to the ride is external to the ride, and is separate from exit from the ride to allow simultaneous exit and entrance by previous and new passengers, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment shown, enclosure 401 can include a slanted or tilted roof for ease of drainage of the enclosure 401. The enclosure 401 can be of substantially cubic, spherical, cylindrical or other boxed shape. However, other shapes could also be used such as, e.g., a sphere, hemisphere, a cylinder, half cylinder, a rectangular box, or dome. The enclosure 401 can also be made impermeable to external light. In an exemplary embodiment of enclosure 401, the enclosure 401 can include one or more theatrical scenes through which the passenger can be moved via riding the looping swing 101.

[0055] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a side view 500 of a programmably controlled theatrical experience where looping swing 101 travels starting and stopping in rotation in a programmably controlled manner from position A502 through position L524. The looping swing ride 101 can move through the positions A502-L524 by rotating the swing arm outriggers 108 about first axis 112 and/or by rotating passenger gondola 116 about swing axis 119, in synchronization with theatrical elements. Exemplary theatrical elements include theatrical scenes including, e.g., elements 526, 528, and 530 which can include, e.g., any combinations of special effects such as, e.g., lights, lasers, sounds, video, content, animation, music, audio, smoke, steam, fire, water, other liquids and other gases.

[0056] The entertainment experience of the present invention can include, in an exemplary embodiment, a software programmable master show control system (“show control system”) which can be interfaced to any of various software programmable subsystem control systems to allow programmably controlling the ride experience. An exemplary a subsystem could include the looping swing ride 101 which can include a software programmable ride control system (“ride control system”). The ride control system can be accessed by the show control system to, e.g., enable programmably synchronizing ride rotations of the looping swing ride 101 with other theatrical elements being controlled by the show control system. In an exemplary embodiment, the ride control system can include a programmable software application programmable interface (API). The ride control system can be coupled via the API to the show control system. The show control system can control the ride using the ride control system and can control other subsystems including, e.g., theatrical elements and other ride/show subsystems via other software programmable interfaces. Thus, using the show control system, an administrator can program the looping swing ride 101 using the ride control system. For example, the administrator can make the ride start and stop in synchronization with theatrical elements. As programmed by the show control system, the ride control system can start movement of the ride by, e.g., energizing motors that can drive rotation of the swing arm outriggers relative to the vertical supports, or that can drive rotation of the gondola relative to the swing arm outriggers. The ride control system can use sensors to identify the position of the swing arm outriggers relative to the vertical supports of the ride while in rotation. Similarly, the ride control system can use the sensors to identify the rotational position of the gondola in relation to the swing arm while rotating. The ride control system can then stop the rotation of the swing arm outriggers relative to the vertical supports by using one or more braking mechanisms. The ride control system can similarly use a braking mechanism to start or stop the rotation of the gondola relative to the swing arm outriggers.

[0057] The programmable show control system allows varying a passenger's ride experience. Advantageously, this allows for example the ride experience to be varied in such ways as, e.g., age categorization, rating tiers, intensity, length, and moderation. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the ride experience can be programmably controlled to run in a variety of fashions or modes including, e.g., a G-rated fashion, a PG-rated fashion, and/or an R-rated fashion. For example, a ride may run at a slower rate for one passenger group, and at a faster rate for another passenger group. In addition to the ride, theatrical elements can be programmably varied to tailor a ride experience for different audience group category types. For example, the ride experience can vary so as to be be tailored for children during afternoon hours, for teens during evening hours, and for adults over 21, for example, after 10 pm. In the children's ride experience, for example, special effects and water elements might be eliminated, i.e., moderating the experience in comparison to a normal operating mode, while for the teenager's experience the special effects and water elements could, e.g., be increased and a fire element could be added, i.e. intensifying the experience.

[0058] As an exemplary embodiment of the ride cycle begins at position A502, the ride can lurch forward to position B504 with, e.g., sounds of grinding metal as, e.g., sparks fall from above in front of the guests. The ride vertical rotation can then begin a slow rise until the looping swing ride 101 and the gondola 116 are locked into position C506 to face, e.g., a (searching eyes) light source at approximately 8 O'clock about axis 112. The gondola 116 can then suddenly release and the rotation can lurch forward into, e.g., two (2) 360 degree. rotations about axis 112, and optionally one or more rotations of gondola 116 about axis 119 until gondola 116 comes to a screeching halt at position D508 at approximately 11 O'clock, with the gondola 116 locked in an astro position F512 to, e.g., “almost impale” guests into ice stalactites at element 528. After a few seconds, the ride can again rocket forward for a couple rotations such as, e.g., shown at position G514 and then can lock in position at position H516 for the position of the gondola 116 as shown at approximately 3 O'clock at position 1518 with the gondola 116 upside down over, e.g., bursts of fire, lava, (e.g., backlit steam) coming from a volcano (theatrical set) as shown by element 530. The gondola 116 can then release and can be locked at 90 degrees relative to the swing arm outriggers vertical, while the ride can slowly lower the guests to position J520 into erupting streams of hot, bubbling lava of the element 530 (e.g., steam, fire, lighted pool, or water jets). Guests can get wet in varied degrees depending on, e.g., the ride program and seating positions, the ride can let loose with one or more other 360 degree rotations and the gondola 116 can be allowed to freely spin about swing axis 119. The ride can stop at 5 O'clock at position K522 and can lower into place at position L524 to allow guests to exit. The entrance and exit of guests can be by way of loading ramps that can be retractably positioned for entry and exit from the looping swing ride 101.

[0059] The entire experience can include synchronized programmed music, audio, special sound effects, animation, video, effects and lighting with each movement of the ride, locking and gondola positions. Each movement of the ride can be carefully choreographed to match the show scenes, action, audio, video, theatrical and special effects elements and lighting. The show control system can allow for the ride (via interface to the ride control system) and show elements to be programmed to intensify, lengthen, shorten, and/or moderate the experience. Thus, the ride experience can be tailored and varied, e.g., ad hoc in real time, or by a schedule, so as to provide up to an infinite variety of different audience experiences tailored for different audience groups.

[0060] The ride can include various theatrical elements that can be integrated and can be programmably controlled by the show control system. For example, the guest can experience various scenes as follows:

[0061] A. Scene Two—The Antechamber—602, 606

[0062] Elements can include, e.g.,: Stone archways, stone monkeys, large medallion, (combination of original movie set pieces, castings from original molds, and sculpt in place rockwork) available from The Weber Group of Louisville, Ky._ U.S.A.;

[0063] programmed lighting, available from Visual Terrain of Los Angeles_, _Calif. U.S.A.; and

[0064] mist and fog, the fog in the space can be provided by a D5 Hazer (smoke), available from Technifex, Inc. of Valencia, Calif., U.S.A.

[0065] B. Scene Three—The Brahma Shrine (pre-show)—402

[0066] Elements can include, e.g.,: Behind us a round stone door grinds shut, trapping us in the Brahma Shrine. This is a large, themed, mechanical door. The action is accompanied with realistic sound effects, available from Technifex, Inc. of Valencia, Calif., U.S.A.;

[0067] Fire pans are up-lit silks animated by mechanical fans, available from Technifex, Inc. of Valencia, Calif., U.S.A.;

[0068] Energy Vortex (front-projection screen) on a scissor lift hidden in the set, and front digital projection, available from Technifex, Inc. of Valencia, Calif., U.S.A.;

[0069] Voiceover(s), sound effects, voiceovers, and audio mix, available from The Bakery of Burbank, Calif. U.S.A.;

[0070] Music composition, score, and edit, available from Rob Pottorf of Charlotte, N.C. U.S.A.; NOTE: Audio throughout the attraction were provided by both Vendors listed above;

[0071] Video Clips were provided by Paramount Pictures of Hollywood, Calif., U.S.A.;

[0072] Video edit, was available from Blue Yonder Pictures of La Crescenta, Calif. U.S.A.; and

[0073] Stone door lifts up to reveal the ride. Themed, mechanical door, available from Technifex of Technifex, Inc. of Valencia, Calif., U.S.A.

[0074] C. Scene Four—Heart of the Tomb (Ride Room)—401

[0075] Elements can include, e.g.,: Ride entry draw-bridge platforms—pneumatically operated steel platforms 406a, 406b, operational specifications provided by Paramount Parks of Charlotte, N.C., of U.S.A., manufactured by and available from Huss Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co., KG, of Bremen, of Germany;

[0076] Element 526—The Shiva Goddess (a 30′ tall sculpted figure);

[0077] Spray of Sparks—including a continuous-feed spark generator similar to a wire welder, available from Technifex, Inc. of Valencia, Calif., U.S.A.;

[0078] Gondola swings down with a lurch C 506—Huss ride, brake release and programming, available from Huss Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co., KG, of Bremen, of Germany;

[0079] (sound effects) as above;

[0080] Headlights—Specified by Paramount Parks of Charlotte, N.C., U.S.A., and installed on front of gondola by Huss Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co., KG, of Bremen, of Germany—used to reveal the bottom front of the Shiva;

[0081] Jewels—3″ acrylic, back-lit jewels, available from Technifex of Technifex, Inc. of Valencia, Calif., U.S.A.;

[0082] Blacklight effects, available from Technifex of Technifex, Inc. of Valencia, Calif., U.S.A.;

[0083] Phosphor-based painting provided by the Weber Group of Louisville, Ky. U.S.A.;

[0084] Searing Beams—High-intensity metal halide light source shines out of the Shiva's eyes and scans audience, available from Technifex of Technifex, Inc. of Valencia, Calif., U.S.A.;

[0085] Strobes, available from Technifex of Technifex, Inc. of Valencia, Calif., U.S.A.; and

[0086] Scene ends, and the Huss looping swing ride can suddenly swing up from A 502 and around the room; programmed to move from A 502, to B 504,to C 506, and D 508.

[0087] Element 526—The Ice Cave:

[0088] Razor Sharp Spikes of Ice; the ice shards are cast acrylic stalactites in a field on the “ceiling” which extends the entire length of the gondola, the spikes available from The Weber Group of Louisville, Ky. U.S.A.;

[0089] the spikes are internally lit with fiber optics, and the effect can be enhanced with, e.g., fine water mist such as, e.g., Mee fog and dripping water, available from Technifex of Technifex, Inc. of Valencia, Calif., U.S.A.; and

[0090] the ride is programmed to thrust the guests as if they would be impaled on the spikes, but stops “just in time” at F 512 and in the correct viewing position from at E 510, programming available from Huss Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co., KG, of Bremen, of Germany.

[0091] Element 530—The Lava Pit:

[0092] Backlit from below with red and orange, steam jets (appear to be fire) erupt all around the guests, as if to totally engulf them, available from Technifex of Technifex, Inc. of Valencia, Calif., U.S.A.;

[0093] Volcano is carved rockwork, available from The Weber Group of Louisville, Ky. U.S.A.;

[0094] Lava Pit can be a pool of water lit with red and orange from below, could include fire, and could be covered with, e.g., fine water mist, such as, e.g., Mee Fog;

[0095] the lava spits can be water jets, mist, steam, or flames, and can lit to appear to be lava and programmed to increase in height at exactly the right moment, available from Technifex of Technifex, Inc. of Valencia, Calif., U.S.A.; and

[0096] proper, programmable ride positioning from G 514 to H 516, I 518, and J 520 (location and in synchronism with theatrical elements and effects) in these scenes is crucial to a successful show—programming available from Huss Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co., KG, of Bremen, of Germany.

[0097] The Finale K522:

[0098] “all hell can break loose” as the ride accelerates and the gondola swings freely; and

[0099] all of the previously-described effects can go on continuous loop, and additional lighting effects can erupt to a crescendo of booming sound effects and music.

[0100] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a top view 600 of enclosure 401 and pre-show theatre room 402. FIG. 6 includes a tunnel 602 leading up to pre-show 402. FIG. 6 also includes an exit room 604 which can be used to allow exit from the ride into an area that can prevent the enclosure 401 from being lit up by outside light while guests exit the ride 101. FIG. 6 also depicts an exemplary ante room 606. In other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, more or less rooms or enclosures can be included.

[0101] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary illustration 700 of an exemplary storage compartment 702 for storing passenger articles. In an exemplary embodiment, the compartment 702 can be separate from the looping swing ride 101. In another exemplary embodiment (not shown) the storage compartment 702 can be integrated into the looping swing ride 101. It is again noted that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. In one exemplary embodiment, the article storage compartment 702 can include a door 704.

[0102] While the present invention has been described in connection with an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood that many modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations thereof. For example, different ride components, mechanisms, hardware, software and methods may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. While various exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should instead be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.