ZIPPERED LOOSE ARTICLE NETTING

Abstract

A system includes an attraction platform and a netting system configured to capture loose articles cast from the attraction platform. The netting system includes a first structural member, a second structural member, a net extending between the first structural member and the second structural member, and a zipper interface extending between the first structural member and at least a portion of the net.

Description

BACKGROUND

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 or amusement parks, have been created to provide guests with various immersive experiences. These entertainment venues may include various attractions, such as rides (e.g., rollercoasters), shows, games, and the like, some of which employing a ride system (e.g., ride assembly) configured to move guest(s) along a ride path (e.g., track, flume), show effects configured to enhance the immersive experiences of the guest(s), etc.

In certain attractions, such as those employed at elevation, loose articles on the attraction, including loose articles on the persons of the guests enjoying the attraction, may fall or otherwise be cast from the attraction toward relatively inaccessible areas, heavily trafficked areas (e.g., guest pathways, other portions of the attraction, etc.), and/or other areas. While traditional attractions may employ techniques to retrieve loose articles, such techniques are cumbersome, expensive, and time-consuming. Accordingly, improved systems and methods are desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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, a system includes an attraction platform and a netting system configured to capture loose articles cast from the attraction platform. The netting system includes a first structural member, a second structural member, a net extending between the first structural member and the second structural member, and a zipper interface extending between the first structural member and at least a portion of the net.

In an embodiment, a netting system for an amusement park attraction includes a first structural member, a second structural member, and a net configured to extend between the first structural member and the second structural member. The net includes at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is configured to be coupled to the first structural member. The netting system also includes a zipper interface configured to couple the first portion of the net and the second portion of the net in a zipped configuration.

In an embodiment, a method of operating a netting system of an attraction includes coupling a first portion of a net with a first structural member extending from a platform of the attraction. The method also includes coupling a second portion of the net with the first portion of the net via a zipper interface in a zipped configuration. The method also includes coupling the net with a second structural member extending from the platform of the attraction. The method also includes decoupling the first portion of the net from the second portion of the net via the zipper interface in an unzipped configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is top down schematic view of an attraction including a netting system configured to capture loose articles fallen or otherwise cast from the attraction, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is top down schematic view of an attraction including a netting system configured to capture loose articles fallen or otherwise cast from the attraction, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is side schematic view of the attraction of FIG. 1, wherein the first zipper interface is in an unzipped configuration and a second zipper interface is in a zipped configuration, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is side schematic view of the attraction of FIG. 1, wherein the first zipper interface and a second zipper interface are in zipped configurations, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is side schematic view of an attraction including a netting system disposed lower than a platform of the attraction, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective schematic view of a portion of the attraction of FIG. 1, including a drawstring, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic view of a portion of the attraction of FIG. 1, including an actuator system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top down schematic view of a portion of the netting system of the attraction of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of operating a netting system of an attraction, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 attractions, such as entertainment or amusement park attractions. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a netting system. The netting system may include a netting assembly. The netting system may be employed to capture loose articles fallen or otherwise cast from an area (e.g., a platform, such as a track) of the attraction, and wherein the netting system may include a net and a zipper interface corresponding to the net. The zipper interface may be configured to improve, relative to traditional embodiments, techniques related to retrieval of the loose articles from the net of the netting system.

For example, in accordance with the present disclosure, the attraction may include a platform. In some embodiments, the platform may include a track traversed (e.g., traveled along) or configured to be traversed by a ride vehicle of the attraction. In other embodiments, the platform may include a staging area or audience area associated with a show of the attraction. Structural members (e.g., poles, beams, etc.) may extend from the platform and/or underneath the platform. For example, a first structural member and a second structural member may extend from the platform in a common direction. A net may extend between and/or be coupled to the first structural member and/or the second structural member. A first zipper interface of the net may extend adjacent to the first structural member. Additionally or alternatively, a second zipper interface of the net may extend adjacent to the second structural member.

As an example, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first portion of the net, a second portion of the net, and a third portion of the net, wherein the first portion extends between the first structural member and the first zipper interface, the second portion extends between the first zipper interface and the second zipper interface, and the third portion extends between the second zipper interface and the second structural member. The first portion of the net may be coupled to the first structural member via, for example, one or more first rings, clips, clamps, etc., and the third portion of the net may be coupled to the second structural member via, for example, one or more second rings, clips, clamps, etc. While much of the present disclosure describes transitioning the first zipper interface and/or the second zipper interface between various zipped and unzipped configurations, it should be noted that certain of the first rings (e.g., clips, clamps, etc.) and/or certain of the second rings (e.g., clips, clamps, etc.) may be unclipped from the first and second structural members, respectively, to decouple the net (or portions thereof) from the first structural member and/or the second structural member. Transitioning a zipper interface between zipped and unzipped configurations may include using an actuator system. The actuator system may include an actuator, such as an electronic actuator, a magnetic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or any combination thereof.

Continuing with description of the zipper interfaces, the second portion of the net may be coupled to the first portion of the net via the first zipper interface in a zipped configuration, and the second portion of the net may be decoupled from the first portion of the net by transitioning the first zipper interface to an unzipped configuration. Likewise, the second portion of the net may be coupled to the third portion of the net via the second zipper interface in a zipped configuration, and the second portion of the net may be decoupled from the third portion of the net by transitioning the second zipper interface to an unzipped configuration.

In this way, the first and second portions of the net may hang from the first structural member while the first zipper interface is in a zipped configuration and the second zipper interface is in an unzipped configuration. Likewise, the second and third portions of the net may hang from the second structural member while the second zipper interface is in a zipped configuration and the first zipper interface is in an unzipped configuration. It should be noted that other arrangements and/or configurations of the netting system, such as those in which the first zipper interface is directly coupled to the first structural member, the second zipper interface is directly coupled to the second structural member, and an entirety of the net extends from the first zipper interface to the second zipper interface, are also possible and will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Further, it should be noted that multiple nets of the netting system may be employed in the attraction, such as a first net between the first structural member and the second structural member, a second net between the second structural member and a third structural member, and so on.

By transitioning the first zipper interface described above to the unzipped configuration, and/or by transitioning the second zipper interface described above to the unzipped configuration, loose articles captured by the net may be retrieved from the net and/or maintenance of the netting system (e.g., cleaning the net, repairing the net, replacing the net, etc.) may be improved relative to traditional embodiments. It should be noted that, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, retrieval and/or maintenance procedures corresponding to the netting system may involve transitioning the first zipper interface and/or the second zipper interface to one or more partially unzipped configuration(s). It should be noted that reference to an unzipped configuration may encompass fully unzipped and partially unzipped configurations.

Further, in some embodiments, the first zipper interface and/or the second zipper interface may be transitioned to the unzipped configuration(s) manually, such as by a drawstring accessible from above the netting system (e.g., from the platform of the attraction) or below the netting system (e.g., from the ground). In other embodiments, one or more actuator systems (e.g., an actuator, actuator assembly) may be employed to transition and/or control transitioning of the first zipper interface and/or the second zipper interface between the zipped configuration(s) and the unzipped configuration(s). For example, a first actuator system may be coupled to (e.g., disposed on) the first structural member, engaged with a first zipper (e.g., a first slider and/or a first pull tab) of the first zipper interface, and configured to move (e.g., translate) along the first structural member (e.g., in response to a first control signal) to transition the first zipper interface between the zipped configuration and the unzipped configuration. Likewise, a second actuator system may be coupled to (e.g., disposed on) the second structural member, engaged with a second zipper (e.g., a second slider or second pull tab) of the second zipper interface, and configured to move (e.g., translate) along the second structural member (e.g., in response to a second control signal) to transition the second zipper interface between the zipped configuration and the unzipped configuration.

The above-described features, described in detail below along with other features according to the present disclosure, may improve loose article capture, loose article retrieval, and maintenance procedures relating to netting assemblies of various attractions (e.g., rides, shows, etc.). These and other features are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is top down schematic view of an embodiment of an attraction 10 including a netting system 12 configured to capture loose articles fallen or otherwise cast from the attraction 10, wherein the netting system 12 includes a first structural member 14 (e.g., a beam, a pole), a first net 16, and a first zipper interface 18 between a first portion 20 of the first net 16 coupled to the structural member 14 and a second portion 22 of the first net 16. As shown, the netting system 12 may also include a second structural member 24 and a second zipper interface 26 between a third portion 28 of the first net 16 and the second portion 22 of the first net 16.

The first structural member 14 and the second structural member 24 may extend in a common direction 30 from a platform 32 of the attraction 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 32 of the attraction is a track along which a ride vehicle (not shown) is configured to move. For example, the track may guide the ride vehicle in a second direction 34 transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the common direction 30 in which the first structural member 14 and the second structural member 24 extend. While the platform 32 of the attraction 10 is a track in the illustrated embodiment, it should be understood that the platform 32 may be a staging area or an audience area in other embodiments (e.g., embodiments in which the attraction 10 is or includes a show).

In the illustrated embodiment, the first zipper interface 18 and the second zipper interface 26 are both in zipped configurations, such that the first net 16 is taught and may capture loose articles fallen or otherwise cast from the platform 32 of the attraction 10 (e.g., from the ride vehicle configured to move along the track corresponding to the platform 32). During article retrieval from the first net 16 and/or during maintenance of the first net 16, the first zipper interface 18 may be transitioned to an unzipped configuration in which the first portion 20 of the first net 16 is decoupled form the second portion 22 of the first net 16. The first portion 20 of the first net 16 may remain coupled to the first structural member 14 (e.g., via one or more first rings 36) when the first zipper interface 18 is in the unzipped configuration. With the first zipper interface 18 in the unzipped configuration, the second portion 22 of the first net 16 and the third portion 28 of the first net 16 may hang from the second structural member 24 of the netting system 12. For example, the third portion 28 of the first net 16 may remain coupled to the second structural member 24 of the netting system 12 via one or more second rings 38, and the third portion 28 of the first net 16 may remain coupled to the second portion 22 of the first net 16 via the second zipper interface 26 in the zipped configuration.

Alternatively, during article retrieval from the first net 16 and/or during maintenance of the first net 16, the second zipper interface 26 may be transitioned to an unzipped configuration in which the third portion 28 of the first net 16 is decoupled form the second portion 22 of the first net 16. The third portion 28 of the first net 16 may remain coupled to the second structural member 24 (e.g., via one or more second rings 38) when the second zipper interface 26 is in the unzipped configuration. With the second zipper interface 26 in the unzipped configuration, the second portion 22 of the first net 16 and the first portion 20 of the first net 16 may hang from the first structural member 14 of the netting system 12. For example, the first portion 20 of the first net 16 may remain coupled to the first structural member 14 of the netting system 12 via the one or more first rings 36, and the first portion 20 of the first net 16 may remain coupled to the second portion 22 of the first net 16 via the first zipper interface 18 in the zipped configuration. It should be noted that, during certain article retrieval and/or maintenance procedures (e.g., repair, removal, replacement), the first zipper interface 18 and/or the second zipper interface 26 may be transitioned to partially unzipped configurations. For example, the first zipper interface 18 may be transitioned to a partially unzipped configuration such that a segment of the first portion 20 of the first net 16 may remain coupled to another segment of the second portion 22 of the first net 16. It should be noted that reference to an unzipped configuration may encompass fully unzipped and partially unzipped configurations.

Additionally or alternatively, certain of the first rings 36 and/or second rings 38, which may be referred to in certain instances of the present disclosure as clips, clamps, attachment devices, etc., may be unclipped from the corresponding first and second structural members 14, 24, respectively. For example, the first ring 36 closest to a distal end 47 of the netting system 12 and the second ring 38 closest to the distal end 47 of the netting system 12 may be unclipped from the first structural member 14 and the second structural member 24, respectively, such that the first net 16 hangs from a proximal end 49 of the netting system 12. Alternatively, the first ring 36 closest to a proximal end 49 of the netting system 12 and the second ring 38 closest to the proximal end 49 of the netting system 12 may be unclipped from the first structural member 14 and the second structural member 24, respectively, such that the first net 16 hangs from the distal end 47 of the netting system 12.

As shown, multiple nets of the netting system 12 may be employed in the attraction 10. For example, the netting system 12 may include a second net 46 and a third zipper interface 48 between a first portion 50 of the second net 46, the first portion 50 being coupled to the second structural member 24, and a second portion 52 of the second net 46. As shown, the netting system 12 may also include a third structural member 54 and a fourth zipper interface 56 between a third portion 58 of the second net 46 and the second portion 52 of the second net 46. Third rings 66 may be employed to couple the first portion 50 of the second net 46 with the second structural member 24, and fourth rings 68 may be employed to couple the third portion 58 of the second net 46 with the third structural member 54. The same or similar zipped and unzipped configurations described above with respect to the first net 16 may also be employed with respect to the second net 46. Further, any number of nets may be employed in the attraction 10 in accordance with the present disclosure.

The above-described embodiments include various net portions of each net with zipper interfaces coupling the various net portions in zipped configurations of the zipper interfaces. That is, the first net 16 includes the first portion 20 coupled to the second portion 22 via the first zipper interface 18, the first net 16 includes the third portion 28 coupled to the second portion 22 via the second zipper interface 26, the second net 46 includes the first portion 50 coupled to the second portion 52 via the third zipper interface 48, and the second net 46 includes the third portion 58 coupled to the second portion 52 via the fourth zipper interface 56. Detailed aspects of the zipper interfaces 18, 26, 48, 56 will be described with respect to later drawings. However, it first should be noted that other net arrangements employing the zipper interfaces 18, 26, 48, 56 are possible in accordance with the present disclosure.

For example, FIG. 2 is top down schematic view of an embodiment of the attraction 10 including the netting system 12 configured to capture loose articles fallen or otherwise cast from the attraction 10. In the illustrated embodiment, a first zipper interface 18 corresponding to a first net 16 is directly coupled to a first structural member 14, a second zipper interface 26 corresponding to the first net 16 is directly coupled to a second structural member 24, a third zipper interface 48 corresponding to a second net 46 is directly coupled to the second structural member 24, and a fourth zipper interface 56 corresponding to the second net 46 is directly coupled to a third structural member 54. Put differently, the first net 16 does not include net material between the first zipper interface 18 and the first structural member 14 and/or between the second zipper interface 26 and the second structural member 24, and the second net 46 does not include net material between the third zipper interface 48 and the second structural member 24 and/or between the fourth zipper interface 56 and the third structural member 54.

The zipper interfaces 18, 26, 48, 56 may be directly coupled to the structural members 14, 24, 54 in various ways. As an example, a material (e.g., a cloth material) of the first zipper interface 18 may be embedded in or otherwise extend from the first structural member 14. Alternatively, rings, clips, clamps, etc. (e.g., similar to the first rings 36 in FIG. 1) may be employed to directly couple a material (e.g., a cloth material) of the first zipper interface 18 with the first structural member 14. In other words, the embodiment in FIG. 2 is merely intended to represent one example in which a net portion does not extend, for example, between the zipper interfaces (e.g., the first zipper interface 18) and the structural members (e.g., the first structural member 14). Other net arrangements are also possible in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate embodiments of the netting system 12 in which the various zipper interfaces 18, 26, 48, 56 are in a zipped configuration. FIG. 3 is side schematic view of an embodiment of a portion of the attraction 10 of FIG. 1, wherein the first zipper interface 18 is in an unzipped configuration, such that the first portion 20 of the first net 16 is decoupled from the second portion 22 of the first net 16. With the first zipper interface 18 in the unzipped configuration, a first portion 18a of the first zipper interface 18 may be decoupled from a second portion 18b of the first zipper interface 18, wherein the first portion 18a of the first zipper interface 18 remains coupled to the first portion 20 of the first net 16, and the second portion 18b of the first zipper interface 18 remains coupled to the second portion 22 of the first net 16. With the second zipper interface 26 in the zipped configuration, the first portion 28 of the first net 16 and the second portion 22 of the first net 16 may remain coupled, and the first portion 28 and the second portion 22 may hang from the second structural member 24 (e.g., via the second rings 38 coupling the first portion 28 of the first net 16 to the second structural member 24). FIG. 4 is side schematic view of an embodiment of a portion of the attraction 10 of FIG. 1, wherein the first zipper interface 18 and the second zipper interface 26 are in the zipped configurations. That is, in FIG. 4, the first net 16 is in a position to capture loose articles 80, 82 fallen or cast from or adjacent to the platform 32 of the attraction 10, such as from a ride vehicle 84 traversing a track corresponding to the platform 32.

The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 include at least the first net 16 aligned with the platform 32 in a height direction. However, as illustrated in an embodiment of a portion of the attraction 10 in FIG. 5, the netting system 12 may be disposed underneath the platform 32 (e.g., track) of the attraction 10 relative to a height direction 90. For example, a gap 92 in the height direction 90 may be employed between the platform 32 (e.g., track) and the netting system 12. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, a rail 94 corresponding to the netting system 12 may be disposed beneath the platform 32 (e.g., track) of the attraction 10, wherein the first structural member 14 and the second structural member 24 extend from the rail 94. With the first and second zipper interfaces 18, 26 in the zipped configurations, the first net 16 may be configured to capture the loose articles 80, 82 falling or otherwise cast from or adjacent to the platform 32 (e.g., track) of the attraction 10, such as from the ride vehicle 84 moving along the platform 32. Although such an embodiment may include an additional system (e.g., an additional part, such as the rail 94), the embodiment may facilitate and/or improve article retrieval from the netting system 12, improve maintenance of the netting system 12, and/or improve safety associated with article retrieval or maintenance by way of the netting system 12 being closer to a ground 96 (e.g., relative to embodiments wherein the netting system 12 is aligned with the platform 32 of the attraction 10 along the height direction 90). Other arrangements are also possible in accordance with the present disclosure.

Various techniques, systems, devices, etc. may be employed to transition any zipper interface in accordance with the present disclosure between the zipped and unzipped configurations. For example, manual techniques may be employed, and/or automated or semi-automated techniques (e.g., employing an electronic actuator) may be employed. FIG. 6 is a perspective schematic view of an embodiment of a portion of the attraction 10 of FIG. 1, including a first drawstring 100 coupled to a first zipper 101 (e.g., a first slider and/or first pull tab) of the first zipper interface 18, and a second drawstring 102 coupled to a second zipper 103 (e.g., a second slider and/or second pull tab) of the second zipper interface 26. An operator may pull the first drawstring 100 along the first zipper interface 18 such that the first zipper 101 (e.g., the first slider and/or the first pull tab) transitions the first zipper interface 18 from the zipped configuration to the unzipped configuration (e.g., fully unzipped configuration or partially unzipped configuration). Likewise, an operator may pull the second drawstring 102 along the second zipper interface 26 such that the second zipper 103 (e.g., the second slider and/or the second pull tab) transitions the second zipper interface 26 from the zipped configuration to the unzipped configuration (e.g., fully unzipped configuration or partially unzipped configuration).

FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic view of an embodiment of a portion of the attraction 10 of FIG. 1, including an actuator system 110 configured to transition the second zipper interface 26 of the netting system 12 between a zipped configuration and an unzipped configuration. For brevity, only one instance of the actuator system 110 is shown and is configured to transition at least the second zipper interface 26, although it should be understood that another instance of the actuator system 110 may be employed with respect to the first zipper interface 18.

As shown, the actuator system 110 may be disposed on or adjacent to the second structural member 24. For example, the actuator system 110 may include a hollow cylindrical shape centered on, or otherwise coupled to, the second structural member 24. One or more controllers 112 employing processing circuitry 114 and memory circuitry 116 may be configured to instruct an activation of the actuator system 110, wherein activation of the actuator system 110 may include movement of the actuator system 110 and/or extension and/or rotation of one or more components of the actuator system. For example, the memory circuitry 116 may store instructions thereon that, when executed by the processing circuitry 114, cause the processing circuitry 114 to perform various functions, including instructing the actuator system 110 to move, extend, and/or rotate (e.g., via a control signal). The one or more controllers 112 may communicate with the actuator system 110 via a wired or wireless connection.

The actuator system 110 may be coupled to the second zipper 103 (e.g., the second slider and/or second pull tab) of the second zipper interface 26, for example, via a tether 117. A movement 118 and/or an extension of the actuator system 110 along the second structural member 24, caused by a control signal received from the controller 112, may cause the tether 117 to pull on the second zipper 103 (e.g., the second slider and/or second pull tab), which in turn may transition the second zipper interface 26 from the zipped configuration to the unzipped configuration (e.g., fully or partially unzipped configuration). It should be noted that FIG. 7 represents one example of an automated or semi-automated actuation technique, but that other automated or semi-automated actuation techniques are possible in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a top down schematic view of a portion of the netting system 12 of the attraction 10 of FIG. 1 illustrating, in particular, detailed aspects of the first zipper interface 18. The same or similar detailed aspects may be employed at the second zipper interface 26, the third zipper interface 48, the fourth zipper interface 56 described with respect to earlier embodiments (e.g., FIGS. 1-2), and/or any other zipper interfaces in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown, the first zipper interface 18 includes the first zipper 101, which may include a pull tab 130 and/or a slider 131 coupled to the pull tab 130. Further, the first zipper interface 18 includes first teeth 132 disposed on a first side 133 of the first zipper interface 18 and second teeth 134 disposed on a second side 135 of the first zipper interface 18.

Joined segments of the first teeth 132 and the second teeth 134 may be referred to as a chain 136 of the first zipper interface 18. In general, the slider 131 may be configured to receive and couple the first teeth 132 and the second teeth 134 to form the chain 136. The first side 133 of the first zipper interface 18 may include a first portion of material and the second side 135 of the first zipper interface 18 may include a second portion of the material. The material may be, for example, a durable cloth material or any other durable material suitable for presently disclosed embodiments. As shown, the first portion 20 of the first net 16 may be coupled to the first side 133 of the first zipper interface 18, and the second portion 22 of the first net 16 may be coupled to the second side 135 of the first zipper interface 18, although other arrangements in accordance with the present disclosure are also possible. It should be noted that FIG. 8 is merely one example of the first zipper interface 18, and that other types of zippers and/or zipper interface arrangements are also possible.

FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method 200 of operating a netting system of an attraction (e.g., a ride system, a show system, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the method 200 includes coupling (block 202) a net of the netting system to a first structural member via at least a first zipper interface in a zipped configuration. As previously described, the first zipper interface may be directly coupled to the first structural member, or the first zipper interface may extend between a first portion of the net and a second portion of the net, wherein the first portion of the net may be coupled to the first structural member (e.g., via first rings, first clips, first clamps, etc.).

The method 200 also includes coupling (block 204) the net to a second structural member via at least a second zipper interface in a zipped configuration. As previously described, the second zipper interface may be directly coupled to the second structural member, or the second zipper interface may extend between the second portion of the net and a third portion of the net, wherein the third portion of the net may be coupled to the second structural member (e.g., via second rings, second clips, second clamps, etc.). In some embodiments, the first structural member and the second structural member may extend in a common direction, wherein the net may extend between the first structural member and the second structural member. With the first zipper interface in the zipped configuration and the second zipper interface in the zipped configuration, the net may be in a position configured to capture loose articles fallen or otherwise cast from the attraction, such as from a platform (e.g., track) of the attraction, a ride vehicle moving along the platform (e.g., track) of the attraction, etc.

The method 200 also includes decoupling (block 206) at least a portion of the net from the first structural member by transitioning the first zipper interface to an unzipped configuration (e.g., fully unzipped configuration). As previously described, the first zipper interface may be manually transitioned to the unzipped configuration, or automated or semi-automated features (e.g., an actuator system) may be employed. With the second zipper interface in the zipped configuration and the first zipper interface in the unzipped configuration (e.g., fully unzipped configuration), the net (or a part of the net, such as the second and third portions of the net) may hang from the second structural member, enabling retrieval of loose articles previously captured by the net. In some embodiments, the second zipper interface may also be transitioned from the zipped configuration to the unzipped configuration, with the first zipper interface in either the zipped configuration or the unzipped configuration. In some embodiments, both the first zipper interface and the second zipper interface may be transitioned to the unzipped configurations (e.g., fully unzipped configurations) to replace the net (or a portion thereof, such as the second portion of the net) with a replacement.

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).

Claims

1. A system, comprising: an attraction platform; anda netting system configured to capture loose articles cast from the attraction platform, wherein the netting system comprises: a first structural member;a second structural member;a net extending between the first structural member and the second structural member; anda zipper interface extending between the first structural member and at least a portion of the net.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the net comprises an additional portion coupled to the first structural member and disposed between the portion of the net and the first structural member, wherein the zipper interface is configured to: couple the portion of the net with the additional portion of the net in a zipped configuration; anddecouple the portion of the net from the additional portion of the net in an unzipped configuration.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the additional portion of the net is coupled to the first structural member via one or more rings.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the netting system comprises an additional zipper interface extending between the second structural member and at least the portion of the net.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the net comprises an additional portion coupled to the second structural member and disposed between the portion of the net and the second structural member, wherein the additional zipper interface is configured to: couple the portion of the net with the additional portion of the net in a zipped configuration; anddecouple the portion of the net from the additional portion of the net in an unzipped configuration.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the netting system comprises: a third structural member;an additional net extending between the second structural member and the third structural member; andan additional zipper interface extending between the second structural member or the third structural member and at least an additional portion of the additional net.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein at least the first structural member or the second structural member is coupled to the attraction platform.

8. The system of claim 1, comprising: a ride vehicle; anda ride path corresponding to the attraction platform, wherein the ride vehicle is configured to traverse the ride path.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein a segment of the ride path extends in a first direction, and at least the first structural member or the second structural member extends from the segment of the ride path in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

10. The system of claim 1, comprising an actuator system configured to transition the zipper interface from a zipped configuration to an unzipped configuration in response to receiving a control signal.

11. A netting system for an amusement park attraction, comprising: a first structural member;a second structural member;a net configured to extend between the first structural member and the second structural member, wherein the net includes at least a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion is configured to be coupled to the first structural member; anda zipper interface configured to couple the first portion of the net and the second portion of the net in a zipped configuration.

12. The netting system of claim 11, comprising an additional zipper interface configured to couple the second portion of the net with a third portion of the net in an additional zipped configuration, wherein the third portion of the net is configured to be coupled to the second structural member.

13. The netting system of claim 11, comprising: a third structural member;an additional net configured to extend between the second structural member and the third structural member, wherein the additional net includes at least a third portion and a fourth portion, and the third portion is configured to be coupled to the second structural member or the third structural member; andan additional zipper interface configured to couple the third portion of the net and the fourth portion of the net in an additional zipped configuration.

14. The netting system of claim 11, wherein the first structural member comprises a first length, the second structural member comprises a second length, and the first length is substantially equal to the second length.

15. The netting system of claim 11, comprising one or more rings configured to couple the first portion of the net with the first structural member.

16. The netting system of claim 11, wherein the first structural member comprises a first pole and the second structural member comprises a second pole extending substantially parallel to the first pole.

17. A method of operating a netting system of an attraction, the method comprising: coupling a first portion of a net with a first structural member extending from a platform of the attraction;coupling a second portion of the net with the first portion of the net via a zipper interface in a zipped configuration;coupling the net with a second structural member extending from the platform of the attraction; anddecoupling the first portion of the net from the second portion of the net via the zipper interface in an unzipped configuration.

18. The method of claim 17, comprising: coupling a third portion of the net with the second structural member;coupling the second portion of the net with the third portion of the net via an additional zipper interface in an additional zipped configuration; anddecoupling the third portion of the net from the second portion of the net via the additional zipper interface in an additional unzipped configuration.

19. The method of claim 17, comprising: capturing loose articles in the net with the first portion of the net coupled to the second portion of the net via the zipper interface in the zipped configuration; andretrieving the loose articles from the net by decoupling the first portion of the net from the second portion of the net via the zipper interface in the unzipped configuration.

20. The method of claim 17, comprising decoupling the first portion of the net from the second portion of the net via the zipper interface in the unzipped configuration by instructing an electronic actuator to transition the zipper interface from the zipped configuration to the unzipped configuration.