A ride system includes a base, a ride vehicle, a platform assembly positioned between the base and the ride vehicle, and an extension mechanism coupled to the platform assembly and positioned between the base and the ride vehicle. The platform assembly includes a first platform, a second platform, and six legs extending between the first platform and the second platform, and the platform assembly is configured to actuate each of the six legs so as to move the first platform relative to the second platform in different configurations based on which of the six legs is actuated. The extension mechanism is configured to extend and contract so as to move the ride vehicle away from and toward, respectively, the base of the ride system.

A ride system includes a base, a ride vehicle, a platform assembly positioned between the base and the ride vehicle, and an extension mechanism coupled to the platform assembly and positioned between the base and the ride vehicle. The platform assembly includes a first platform, a second platform, and six legs extending between the first platform and the second platform, and the platform assembly is configured to actuate each of the six legs so as to move the first platform relative to the second platform in different configurations based on which of the six legs is actuated. The extension mechanism is configured to extend and contract so as to move the ride vehicle away from and toward, respectively, the base of the ride system.

A motion simulator ride assembly including a motion base and a rider support assembly positioned beneath and coupled to the motion base. The rider support assembly includes a plurality of rider support units each including a saddle having a leading end, a tail end, and a superior surface that may support a rider in a facedown position and a restraint system that may secure the rider onto the rider support. The restraint system includes a rotating restraint having an attachment point on the saddle, and the rotating restraint may move relative to the superior surface to move the rotating restraint from an unrestrained configuration to a restrained configuration, and the rotating restraint may abut against a posterior surface of a torso of the rider when the rotating restraint is in the restrained configuration. The motion simulator ride assembly also includes a display screen that may project a simulated environment. The display screen is positioned below the motion base.

A motion simulator ride assembly including a motion base and a rider support assembly positioned beneath and coupled to the motion base. The rider support assembly includes a plurality of rider support units each including a saddle having a leading end, a tail end, and a superior surface that may support a rider in a facedown position and a restraint system that may secure the rider onto the rider support. The restraint system includes a rotating restraint having an attachment point on the saddle, and the rotating restraint may move relative to the superior surface to move the rotating restraint from an unrestrained configuration to a restrained configuration, and the rotating restraint may abut against a posterior surface of a torso of the rider when the rotating restraint is in the restrained configuration. The motion simulator ride assembly also includes a display screen that may project a simulated environment. The display screen is positioned below the motion base.

The multifunctional device has slide and ladder portions easily connectable for use together as a self-supporting unit, and easily detachable for use separately on other equipment or for compact storage or transport. When set-up for use as a self-supporting unit, the ladder and slide portions are hooked together by a double-hook/double-axle connection system that does not allow the angle between the ladder and slide to change any significant amount during normal use of the set-up device. Yet, quick disconnection may be done when the weight of the user is removed, by purposely lifting and pivoting the portions, and then unhooking their top ends from each other. When disconnected from each other, the ladder and/or the slide portion (and preferably both) may be connected/hooked to another object(s), for example, a trampoline or a play equipment platform or other specially-adapted elevated structure, for climbing up to, and sliding down from, said trampoline/platform.

The multifunctional device has slide and ladder portions easily connectable for use together as a self-supporting unit, and easily detachable for use separately on other equipment or for compact storage or transport. When set-up for use as a self-supporting unit, the ladder and slide portions are hooked together by a double-hook/double-axle connection system that does not allow the angle between the ladder and slide to change any significant amount during normal use of the set-up device. Yet, quick disconnection may be done when the weight of the user is removed, by purposely lifting and pivoting the portions, and then unhooking their top ends from each other. When disconnected from each other, the ladder and/or the slide portion (and preferably both) may be connected/hooked to another object(s), for example, a trampoline or a play equipment platform or other specially-adapted elevated structure, for climbing up to, and sliding down from, said trampoline/platform.

This mechanism for driving motions of a surface of spherical, ellipsoidal, plane, or other shape comprises a pair of drive wheels mounted on a freely pivoting frame, each wheel being driven by its own bidirectional motor. The motors and the active electronics of an angle encoder are mounted in an associated fixed frame, so no slip rings or other rotating connections are needed for motor power and control, or for determining the rotation angle of the pivoting frame. Control of the motors provides differential rotation of the two wheels to effect controlled rotation of the pivoting frame, and therefore of wheel direction. This avoids the use of a separate motor for changing the direction of motion of the surface. All parts of the mechanism driving wheel rotation are enclosed by the pivoting frame or the fixed frame.

This mechanism for driving motions of a surface of spherical, ellipsoidal, plane, or other shape comprises a pair of drive wheels mounted on a freely pivoting frame, each wheel being driven by its own bidirectional motor. The motors and the active electronics of an angle encoder are mounted in an associated fixed frame, so no slip rings or other rotating connections are needed for motor power and control, or for determining the rotation angle of the pivoting frame. Control of the motors provides differential rotation of the two wheels to effect controlled rotation of the pivoting frame, and therefore of wheel direction. This avoids the use of a separate motor for changing the direction of motion of the surface. All parts of the mechanism driving wheel rotation are enclosed by the pivoting frame or the fixed frame.

A ride system for an amusement park includes a platform of the ride system that rotates about a guide axis along a direction of travel of the platform. A motion system is included and drives movement of the platform. One or more seats are coupled to the platform, wherein the one or more seats move with the platform and relative to the platform. At least one sensor detects a position of at least one seat of the one or more seats and provides data indicative of the position. A controller receives the data indicative of the position and controls the motion system to rotate the platform about the guide axis based on the data indicative of the position.