UNDERGROUND AND UNDERWATER AMUSEMENT ATTRACTIONS

• US 20130244801A1
• Filed: 03/14/2012
• Published: 09/19/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Anton Frolov
• Original Assignee: Anton Frolov
• Inventors: Frolov, Anton
• Granted Patent: US 8,727,896 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 472/61
• CPC Class Codes: A63G 1/02 with masking tunnels
• CPC Class Codes: A63G 1/24 with seats performing movements in a horizontal plane, other than circular movements
• CPC Class Codes: A63G 3/02 with floating seats
• CPC Class Codes: A63G 31/16 creating illusions of travel
• CPC Class Codes: A63G 7/00 Up-and-down hill tracks; Switchbacks

Abstract

The attraction systems include underground or underwater tunnels having a visitor transportation system with ride vehicles and multiple audio and video systems for providing an experience of three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) video installations. In addition, the attraction systems may have various special effects devices to enhance visitors'"'"' experiences. These underground or underwater tunnels may be built in cities, and especially, in historic city centers.

Claims

1. An attraction system, comprising:

a tunnel having a path adapted to be followed throughout the attraction, the tunnel being at least in part disposed underground or underwater;

at least one image displaying device configured to display images or video along the path at selected locations; and

a visitor transportation system having at least one ride vehicle, the visitor transportation system configured to move the at least one ride vehicle along the path.

2. The attraction system of claim 1, further comprising at least one audio means configured to present sounds at selected locations along the path.

3. The attraction system of claim 1, further comprising scenery positioned along the path at selected locations.

4. The attraction system of claim 1, further comprising at least one screen for displaying images or video generated by the image displaying device, the at least one screen positioned at a wall, floor, or ceiling of the tunnel at a selected location.

5. The attraction system of claim 1, further comprising at least one water spraying device configured to generate a water screen.

6. The attraction system of claim 1, wherein the at least one image displaying device comprises a video projection system.

7. The attraction system of claim 1, wherein the at least one image displaying device is configured to display a three-dimensional (3D) video.

8. The attraction system of claim 1, further comprising a water channel arranged along the path.

9. The attraction system of claim 8, wherein the water channel comprises flowing waters.

10. The attraction system of claim 8, wherein the at least one ride vehicle comprises a boat or a raft.

11. The attraction system of claim 1, wherein the visitor transportation system comprises at least one rail along the path and actuating means configured to move the at least one ride vehicle along the path, the at least one ride vehicle being in a rolling contact with the at least one rail.

12. The attraction system of claim 1, further comprising a control system configured to control motion of the at least one ride vehicle, with the at least one image displaying device based on a position of the at least one ride vehicle or at least one visitor.

13. The attraction system of claim 12, wherein the control system is further configured to control at least one audio means based on a position of the at least one ride vehicle or at least one visitor.

14. The attraction system of claim 1, further comprising a lighting system configured to generate special lighting effects along the path at selected locations.

15. The attraction system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of different paths;

and

the at least one ride vehicle is configured to follow each of the plurality of different paths alternately.

16. The attraction system of claim 1, wherein the at least one ride vehicle comprises a base, at least one passenger seat secured to the base, and wheels in rolling contact with the path.

17. The attraction system of claim 16, wherein the at least one ride vehicle further comprises one or more of an audio means for presenting sounds and video displaying means for presenting images or videos.

18. The attraction system of claim 1, further comprising one or more special effects devices, the special effects devices being configured to generate one or more of a wind, fog, smell, dust cloud, spark, and water spray.

19. An attraction system, comprising:

a tunnel having a path adapted to be followed throughout the attraction, the tunnel being at least in part disposed underground or underwater;

at least one image displaying device configured to display images or video along the path at selected locations; and

at least one travolator configured to move at least one visitor along the path.

20. A method of providing a ride experience to a visitor in a museum or entertainment park having an attraction system, the attraction system including a tunnel having a path adapted to be followed, the tunnel being at least in part disposed underground or underwater, the method comprising:

moving at least one visitor along the path;

presenting at least one image or video on one or more screens positioned along the path at selected locations; and

presenting sounds along the path at selected locations.