Abstract:
An alternative propulsion or motive force for the riders of water features based on generated waves. A wave generator may be used to propel individuals or vessels within a chute for recreation or transportation. In one form, a pool or container having a body of water is configured to support an artificial wave generator. Portions of the waves generated in a pool may be captured in a variety of ways by chutes for stand-alone rides or for portions of chutes in water slides. Alternatively, a wave generator may generate a wave directly within a chute so long as the chute provides sufficient water and proper hydrodynamic characteristics to support a ridable wave.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/632,278, filed Dec. 1, 2004. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to water rides or activities. More particularly, the present invention is a recreational water feature incorporating artificially generated waves or swells as a means of propulsion for riders.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Millions of individuals visit water parks every year to enjoy, among other attractions, various types of water slides, flumes, etc. In particular, water slides are generally known in the field as providing recreation involving water based motion or rides.  
         [0004]     One common and simple category of water slides involves a sloping chute by which gravity draws a stream of water down the slide. The chute is typically manufactured from fiberglass full or half round segments that are fastened together. Water is pumped to the high point and then released into the chute. Individuals who climb to the top of the slide carry a potential energy that enables them to slide down the water slide chute at a desired speed, such that the potential energy is converted to kinetic energy. The water reduces friction and may propel the riding individual. Some slides (e.g., personal raft slides) provide mats to improve the sliding action, while other slides (e.g., body slides) permit individuals to slide down without a mat. Straight and steep slides are sometimes referred to as speed slides; the steep angle, the absence of diversions or curves, and the effect of a consistent fluid flow layer reduce the influence of friction on the rider.  
         [0005]     A second category of water slides is sometimes referred to as the serpentine slide. This slide converts the potential energy of the height of entry into kinetic energy, some velocity as the rider travels a tortuous path. Because of the effect of friction and loss of energy caused by changing different directions (i.e., acceleration) away from a simple fall, serpentine slides may be limited to slower speeds. In addition, in some cases the water flow may not be adequate throughout the slide for the individual to remain at speed. Thus, some serpentine slides may introduce water in at various points to reduce friction and assist in propelling the individual sliding. This may be accomplished by solenoid or control valves that provide localized discharges or “gushes” of water. Some serpentine slides may also begin at great heights in order to increase the amount of original potential energy and to overcome the tortuous path.  
         [0006]     A modification of the serpentine slide is the introduction of a bowl slide; a bowl slide is simply a bowl shaped portion of the slide into which an individual enters while carrying some speed in a roughly tangential direction. Inertia carries the individual initially along a circular path within the bowl slide. Gravity and friction reduce the speed along this circular path until the individual falls into the center of the bowl where a hole releases them into a pool.  
         [0007]     Another modification of the serpentine slide is the introduction of significant elevations or inclines within the serpentine path after initial access. Traditional waterslides lacked the means for imparting additional energy to the individual once they entered the slide—the course of the slide was traveled by expending potential energy. Elevations were small and limited because each incline consumed energy and reduced speed. Some slides seek to overcome the loss of energy by using pressurized water jets to impart additional energy to the sliding individual. For example, some methods are directed to imparting energy to sliding individuals by injection of high velocity water jets. This approach must balance energy imparted with avoidance of water build up and the potential for shock to the sliding individual. Water jets involve localized energy transfers solutions that risk causing some discomfort for the rider. However, water jets have enabled waterslides that explore somewhat roller coaster-like designs. Further, the imparting of additional energy extends the duration of a water slide.  
         [0008]     Another way of extending the duration of a sliding experience is to introduce other activities within the water slide to create a multifaceted water based experience. This is not an imparting of energy to the rider, but the addition of various features. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,782 also to Lochtefeld is described a loop with unidirectional flow connected to several water rides. Within the loop was disclosed a “sheet wave” generator combining submersible propeller pumps forcing a sheet of water up a proprietary incline suitable for boogie or body boards (See U.S. Pat. No. 4,954,014, to Sauerbier, et al.) Individuals could move from activity to activity, including various types of water slides that discharged into the loop. While this invention combined slides or activities to enable an individual to remain in the water, it did not introduce a new way of injecting energy into any single water slide.  
         [0009]     Further, some inventors have proposed water features involving inserting a structure shaped with a wave profile into flowing water within a channel. This feature is not a means of propulsion, but a feature of interest. As the water flows over the structure, it may give the appearance of a wave and support some activities, such as riding a tethered or spring mounted surfboard. Of course, this approach relies on placing structure within the area of activity in the channel, limiting its usefulness for certain activities. A rider falling into a channel with flowing water might strike the structure or the tethering apparatus. Accordingly, the speed of a rider of a water slide and the vulnerability of the rider renders this feature more appropriate for facilities other than water slides.  
         [0010]     Thus, each of these features is limited in the means of propulsion, which is usually by the force of gravity (i.e., on both the individual and the water), or by the force of supplemental pressurized water gushes or jets. Alternative forms of propulsion would improve the variety of water slides features and extend the duration of the water slide.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The present invention is directed to providing an alternative means of propulsion or motive force for the riders of water features. In particular, the following discloses an invention capable of providing propulsion to individuals within a chute from recreationally attractive artificially generated waves or swells. A pool or container having a body of water is configured to support an artificial wave generator, as is known in the art and explained further herein. For example, a wave generator and pool may be located within and integrated into the design of a water slide or stand alone chute, such that the portion of swells or waves is captured within the chute to provide motive force for a sliding individual over some portion of the chute. An inclining bottom of the chute renders the wave ridable or breaking as opposed to merely a swell.  
         [0012]     Waves may be generated for propulsion along one or more chutes, which chutes may then proceed in a variety of directions, straight or curved, using techniques known to those in the field, such as full round pipe, etc.  
         [0013]     In one embodiment, a chute may be located within a larger wave pool, such that waves may enter an open ended portion of one or more chutes. With an open aspect of the water slide or chute placed in the path of a wave, the generated waves or swells flows into and runs along the chute, propelling the water sliding rider. Once a chute has isolated a wave portion within the sides of the chute, the chute may then curve or change directions, using techniques known to those in the field. If the waves run longitudinally along an extended straight portion of the chute, a greater amount of energy may be transferred to the rider than if the chute direction changes. Chutes may also be arranged in parallel, enabling riders to race each other; the present invention may be incorporated into or engaged with other water slide features, or may be provided independently.  
         [0014]     In another embodiment, a chute may provide a perforated lower section that supports a rider while permitting a wave to enter the chute; after such entry, the perforations may end and the chute may then constrain the wave.  
         [0015]     Alternatively, chutes able to contain a significant quantity of water may be combined with some forms of smaller wave generators, where such wave generator could generate a wave directly within the chute. For example, a recessed wave generating pneumatic discharge tube, as described further below, could generate a wave in a chute while not interfering with the sliding activities of a rider. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention incorporated into a water slide.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the embodiment in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the embodiment in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a wave racing embodiment of the present invention having multiple chutes open to a generated wave.  
         [0020]      FIG. 5A  is a schematic of a chute with an integrated wave generator.  
         [0021]      FIG. 5B  is an illustration of a wave racing embodiment incorporating the design in  FIG. 5A .  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is an example of the present invention in which a chute has perforations.  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is another example of the present invention incorporated into a water slide.  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a chute open to a wave and a point of chute entry.  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  is a top view of a large scale embodiment of the present invention employed as a ride and/or transportation.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]     Preferably the wave generator used in the present invention will not interfere with the chute, will be scalable to various sizes or applications, will be remotely controllable, and will be capable of generating ridable waves. Embodiments of the present invention may include one or more pneumatic wave cannons for the generation of waves, as may be desired for the application. Ocean surface waves are primarily created by winds that cause variations in surface pressure. Wind duration, strength, and surface coverage area contribute to the resulting wave. A wave cannon is a wave generating device as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,393 to Carnahan et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference. In short, the wave cannon transfers energy from the escape of compressed air to water to create swells or waves. When used in conjunction with appropriate hydrodynamic bottom contour, the wave can be rendered ridable or breaking. Other devices for the generation of ridable waves may serve in the present invention, depending on the configuration of the facility and the desired effect. Importantly, the wave generation technology should not require structure that could interfere with the activity of the individuals or vessels within the chutes, particularly while sliding. In addition, the wave generator should preferably be capable of being scaled to a small or large size, controlled remotely, and recessed so as to present little structural intrusion into the chute. Those wave generators that require structure inserted into a body of flowing water, such as a wave form or body, would generally interfere with sliding. In addition, wave generators that are not scalable may be inappropriate for some water slide applications. Therefore, preferably the wave generator will be non-interfering, scalable, remotely controllable, and capable of generating ridable waves, such as a wave cannon.  
         [0027]     The feature of the present invention may be configured to be stand-alone or used in conjunction with other water features. Because of the common element of a chute, it is anticipated that the present invention will be attractive for use as a ride or component of a water slide. Although the present invention may be configured to be used in conjunction with water slides, it need not necessarily be so. Thus, the description herein of use in conjunction with a water slide should not be construed as limiting.  
         [0028]     With reference to the drawings,  FIG. 1  is a first example of a water feature of the present invention incorporated into water slide  1 . One or more chutes  20  of water slide  1  pass through pool  10  without chute  20  being completely submerged. Pool  10  contains body of water  30  and is configured to support one or more wave generators  50 . Chute  20  may enter and exit pool  10  in a variety of ways. As may be seen in the side view of  FIG. 2 , generated wave  15  flows or runs in a direction along the course of chute  20  located within pool  10 . Various lines are shown representing relative levels: trough water level line  331  (trough water level  31 ), resting water level line  332  (resting water level  32 ), chute side level line  321  (top of side  21  of chute  20 ), and crest water level line  333  (crest water level  33 ). The top of sides  21  of chute  20  may be configured so as to be above resting water level  32  of body of water  30 , but below crest water level  33 , such that wave  15  may enter chute  20  at some cresting point during the wave cycle. Sides  21  of chute  20  preferably prevent riders from being moved out of chute  20  by wave  15 . Bottom  22  of chute  20  may be above or below body of water  30  resting water level  32 , depending on the flow of water within chute  20  to propel rider  2 . Thus, water slide  1  is hydraulically associated with body of water  30  in pool  10  by cresting of wave  15  and its spillage into chute  20 . For this embodiment, side  21  should permit sufficient quantity of wave  15  to be captured within chute  20  and bottom  22  of chute  20  inclines in such a manner as to render wave  15  within chute  20  ridable.  FIG. 3  is a top view of a portion of chute  20 , in which wave  15  spills into chute  20  and propels rider  2 .  
         [0029]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , multiple chutes  20  may be configured in parallel, such that sides  21  of chutes  20  may separate the water sliding riders  2  directly or through a separation space  27 . In this embodiment, riders  2  may enter chutes  20  from pool  10  through chute entry  28 . In addition, chutes  20  are open in the end to wave  15 . Chutes  20  preferably exit pool  10  after capturing portions of wave  15  within them for propelling riders  2  beyond pool  10  to any of a variety of following activities or features. Chutes  20  are parallel in this example and permit comparison or racing between riders  2 .  
         [0030]     As noted above in the first embodiment, chutes  20  may be situated at an appropriate depth in body of water  30  where chutes  20  are similarly partially submerged or swamped only during the passage of wave  15 . Wave  15  may propel multiple riders  2  along their respective chutes  20 . When generated wave  15  crests consistently across chutes  20 , riders  2  may also race each other during a particular wave  15 .  
         [0031]     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 5A , for chutes  20  capable of carrying a sufficient body of water  30 , one or more non-interfering wave generators  50  may be configured so as to discharge directly into chute  20  for independently generating wave  15  within chute  20 . Wave generator  50  preferably is scalable for use within chute  20  and does not interfere with typical water sliding activities. This example shows wave generator  50  in the form of pneumatic wave cannon  51 . In such an integrated embodiment, sides  21  and/or orientation of chute  20  will preferably provide sufficient depth at the point of wave generation to channel sufficient energy to rider  2  (not shown). Optionally, it may be desirable for generated wave  15  (not shown) for multiple chutes  20  to spill over sides  21  out of chutes  20 . Bottom  22  is shown inclined to render wave  15  ridable or breaking. Wave cannons  51  may be integrated within parallel chutes  20  and may be controlled or timed for simultaneous operation to support racing.  FIG. 5B  illustrates the present invention with chute  20  from  FIG. 5A  incorporated into a racing embodiment.  
         [0032]     In general, the configuration of chutes  20  may be arranged to achieve a desired hydrodynamic effect. For example, an incline in bottom  22  in the same direction as that of wave  15  may be used to create normal breaker behavior within such chute  20 , similar to that seen on a beach but contained within chute  20 . If bottom  22  inclines to a peak (not shown), then this arrangement can be used to provide a natural point of termination of chute  20 ; the individual may exit chute  20  when the wave has receded or residue of wave  15  may be collected in subsequent chute  20  or basin (not shown). Residue of wave  15  may flow past a peak to continue to reduce friction as rider  2  may continue along chute  20  or to a subsequent feature.  
         [0033]     For those embodiments in which it may be desirable to preserve energy imparted to a rider  2 , then a less steep incline, with a substantially straight path for chute  20  may be appropriate. If turns in chute  20  are desired as features of interest, the available captured wave energy should be considered. In addition, the height of sides  21  of chute  20  may need to accommodate the redirection of captured portions of wave  15 . Of course, if a terminal portion of chute  20  substantially declines, then energy preservation may be less of a design consideration, depending on subsequent features 1 .  
         [0034]     In another embodiment, a lower portion of chute  20  passing through pool  10  may include smooth perforations  23 , such as slots, holes, or other openings over a predetermined distance, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Perforations  23  should be in communication with body of water  30  and permit wave  15  to pass through the structure of chute  20 , as shown in entering arrow  16  and in-chute arrow  17 , which shows possible wave motion within chute  20 . Perforations  23  may end after a predetermined distance, enabling the capture of a portion of wave  15  within chute  20 . Thus, each of wave  15  would inject a portion of wave  15  into chute  20 , propelling riders  2  along the direction of wave  15 .  
         [0035]     In an further embodiment, the present invention may be used in conjunction with other known water features; for example, water slide  1  may provide speed drops, corkscrews, serpentine paths, bowl slides, etc. (not shown) The present invention may be adapted to such features without disrupting its utility. For example, wave cannon  51  may be recessed into the bottom  22  or sides  21  of chute  20 , as shown in  FIG. 5A , with smooth opening  53  for hydraulic communication, such as grill, so that water sliding activities will not be impeded; other acceptable mechanisms for smooth opening  53  could include retractable covers, slots, screens, etc.  
         [0036]     In another aspect illustrated in  FIG. 7 , rider  2  (not shown), traveling down a prior feature or a portion of water slide  1 , such as a serpentine previous chute  25 , may be delivered directly into pool  10 ; rider  2  may continue sliding or remain in pool  10 . Preferably, the portion of previous chute  25  within pool  10  (or any connection between serpentine previous chute  25  and chute  20 ) is configured so as to avoid or withstand the energy of wave  15 , and to reduce any interference of previous chute  25  with the motion of wave  15 , as applicable. In some cases, this interference may be reduced by perforations  23 , as described above, that permit the water to move relatively unimpeded through previous chute  25 , while still supporting and constraining rider  2 . In other cases, previous chute  25  may provide a small discontinuity, break, or drop off such that rider  2  is dropped into a sufficiently deep portion of pool  10  proximate to chute  20  located within pool  10 . For example,  FIG. 8  is an alternative in which rider  2  may be dropped into plunge area  14 . Water slide  1  may include bowl slide (not shown) or other means to deliver rider  2  to plunge area  14  proximate to chute  20  within pool  10 . Arrow  18  shows the direction of wave  15 . Sides  21  of chute  20  may be flared near the chute entry  28 , or optionally may gradually rise up to the full height so as to avoid concentration of wave  15  or injury to rider  2 . Alternatively, in some embodiments it may be desired to concentrate wave  15  to enhance its effect within chute  20 .  
         [0037]     Alternatively, some embodiments will permit wave generator  50  to be recessed near the point where previous chute  25  and chute  20  come together. In that case, wave generator  50  may be triggered to discharge through smooth opening  53  when rider  2  is sensed as entering chute  20 , in an embodiment similar to that shown in  FIG. 5A .  
         [0038]     Conventional methods of entering water features associated with the present invention are preferable; however, the entering method chosen should suit the application. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for one or more entrances  5  to be located near or in pool  10  or chute  20 . For example, for designs in which chute  20  has integrated or dedicated wave cannons  51 , rider  2  may enter from over side  21  of chute  20  during a coordinated pause in operation of wave cannon  51 , so long as sides  21  are low enough. For an embodiment of water slide  1  having pool  10  between discrete features or portions of water slide  1 , a simple approach may be entrance  5  in the form of a ladder to chute entry  28  within pool  10 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . This approach may permit rider  2  (not shown) to begin, end, or resume riding water slide  1  from pool  10 . As noted above, sides  21  of chutes  20  may rise and close gradually to avoid injury in the event of wave  15  occurring prior to rider  2  (not shown) fully taking position within chute  20 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . If water slide  1  is designed for mats, then entrance  5  could be adapted to use of such devices, as is known in the art. Other arrangements (not shown), such as access platforms or steps, may also be appropriate depending on the application.  
         [0039]     The exit of rider  2  from water features associated with the present invention is also preferably according to conventional arrangements. However, as noted above, for example, the present invention may also be adapted to deliver rider  2  to another feature or portion of a water slide  1  for subsequent sliding activities. The rider  2  need only retain sufficient momentum to complete sliding along chute  20  to the next feature. Of course, chute  20  should retain sufficient water and rider  2  should retain sufficient momentum. For example, as chute  20  inclines within the pool  10 , then chute  20  may peak and then decline so as to carry rider  2  on remaining water to reach a follow on portion of chute  20  in water slide  1 . Of course, pool  10 , body of water  30 , and chute  20  may be configured for a desired retention of water for pool  10  or for a desired transfer of water from body of water  30  to chute  20  and subsequent features. In some cases, after completion of riding the present invention, supplemental water jets (not shown) may be desirable to carry rider  2  to another feature or portion of water slide  1 , as is known in the art. In an example of termination, rider  2  may be discharged from chute  20  directly into a separate plunge pool having exit  6  as shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0040]     Preferably, discharge of wave generators  50  will be controlled or timed. For example, for those embodiments providing wave cannon  51  for racing in chutes  20  or for other themed scenarios, generation of wave  15  may be controlled to support such activities.  FIG. 5A  illustrates compressed air system  60  for support of wave cannons  51 , using air compressor  61  and pressure storage tank  62 . Preferably, compressed air system  60  is linked to control system  70  for control of wave cannons  51  through control valve  74  and control panel  72 . Thus, wave cannons  51  may be controlled manually or automatically. Control panel  72  includes discharge button  73  for manual discharge and various indications, as may be appropriate for the application. Control system  70  preferably includes variable pressure adjust  77  for wave cannons  51  from compressed air system  60 . Variable charging of wave cannon  51  enables waves  15  of a variety of size and frequency, so as to match the age, size, and athletic level of rider  2 , or to the conditions of a scenario theme. Preferably, control of wave cannon  51  may be automated or scripted through a computer processor  80  to activate wave cannon  51  as well as other features. Such a system may be linked with sensors detecting presence of riders  2 , water levels, the weight of rider  2 , etc.  
         [0041]     Because of the scalability of some wave generators  50 , such as wave cannon  51 , the present invention may be employed in a variety of sizes and configurations. The above descriptions have concentrated on individual rider  2  within chute  20 ; in particular, the description referred to examples of use with water slide  1  as being a likely embodiment. However, the present invention may apply to different embodiments, including those using single or multi-person vessels configured to operate within a larger embodiment of chute  20 .  
         [0042]     In the example of  FIG. 9 , vessels  200  ride waves  15  along chute  20 . This embodiment illustrates a ride that may also be used for transportation between two or more points within an amusement park. For stability purposes, vessels  200  may be multi-hulled, such as a catamaran. Wave generators  50  generate ridable waves  15  within body of water  30  along chute  20 . Preferably, bottom  22  (not shown) inclines for the portion of chute  20  designated as inclining portion  202 . Peaks in bottom  22  may be located at arrows  203 , after which bottom  22  may decline or drop off such that wave  15  dissipates and vessel  200  slows. Station  201  may be a boat house, terminal, pier, or other facility where riders  2  (not shown) can embark or debark from vessels  200 .  
         [0043]     The above examples should be considered to be exemplary embodiments, and are in no way limiting of the present invention. Thus, while the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof.