OSCILLATING FEATURE FOR WATERSLIDE ATTRACTION

A waterslide attraction includes an entrance; an exit; and an oscillating feature disposed between the entrance and the exit, the oscillating feature operable to receive a rider through the entrance travelling in a first direction, oscillate the rider within the oscillating feature along an oscillating path substantially aligned with the first direction, and discharge the rider through the exit in a second direction offset from the first direction.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to an amusement attraction apparatus, and more specifically, to a water ride attraction operable to cause riders to oscillate within a feature of the water ride attraction.

BACKGROUND

Waterslide attractions typically provide riders with a thrilling experience of speed and lateral force upon the body as the riders slide on the attraction. A stream of water is commonly flowed along a flume from an entrance location to an exit location. A rider slides along the flume due to the stream of water, either with or without a ride vehicle, and experiences excitement as they travel from the entrance location to the exit location along with the flow of water.

In many instances, a waterslide may occupy a large area to create both a thrilling and drawn out experience for the riders. Some aspects of waterslides to increase a thrill experienced by the riders may include extending the waterslide beyond a linear path through a tube. In such approaches, the size of features that cause variations to the path that the riders experience while traversing the feature is often rather significant relative to the other aspects of the waterslide, which may limit installation locations and/or increase costs associated with such waterslides.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are various embodiments that relate to various configurations for applying oscillatory motion to riders of a waterslide attraction.

A waterslide attraction is disclosed and includes an entrance; an exit; and an oscillating feature disposed between the entrance and the exit, the oscillating feature operable to receive a rider through the entrance travelling in a first direction, oscillate the rider within the oscillating feature along an oscillating path substantially aligned with the first direction, and discharge the rider through the exit in a second direction offset from the first direction.

Other aspects and advantages of the described embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps.

Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect.

Additionally, various attributes can be expressed as “substantially X”, “about X”, “approximately X”, etc. (e.g., “substantially vertical”, “about vertical”, “approximately vertical”, etc.). When such attributes are expressed, it should be understood that the attribute may not be exactly X (e.g., exactly vertical) but can fall within an operating tolerance capable of achieving the same result.

Waterslides are designed to create thrilling, exciting, and/or fun experiences for riders by transporting the riders from an elevated waterslide entrance to a waterslide exit. In at least some aspects of the present disclosure, a waterslide may include an oscillating feature disposed in a substantially vertical orientation, which may reduce an amount of space occupied by the waterslide. As such, a waterslide including the oscillating feature may be installed in smaller spaces relative to the prior approaches and/or may use less materials relative to the prior approaches due to the compact size. Alternatively, or additionally, the shape of the oscillating feature may facilitate riders oscillating within the oscillating feature, adding to the fun and thrill of the waterslide. The oscillating feature having a compact size may also enable the riders thereof to achieve higher angles of oscillation relative to the prior approaches (e.g., that include a larger feature) at the same speeds. Numerous examples of different oscillating feature geometries are provided herein.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an oscillating feature 100 for a waterslide, arranged in a substantially vertical orientation. The oscillating feature 100 can have a substantially toroid-like geometry but can lack the through hole normally present on a toroid. In other aspects, a hole may be formed through the oscillating feature, as described in further detail below. As illustrated, a rider of the waterslide may enter the oscillating feature 100 along an initial slide path 102 that may include a drop into the oscillating feature 100. As part of the drop into the oscillating feature 100, the rider may experience an increase in downward g-forces as the rider proceeds along the initial slide path 102 toward a bottom of the oscillating feature 100. Due to the shape of the oscillating feature 100, the rider may continue through the oscillating feature 100 along the initial slide path 102 and begin to ascend up a back wall thereof (e.g., a wall disposed opposite of the entrance to the oscillating feature 100). The rider may continue up the back wall until a near-vertical orientation, which may cause a feeling of weightlessness to the rider, after which the rider may oscillate back toward the entrance of the oscillating feature 100 continuing along the initial slide path 102. In such a configuration, the rider may oscillate a number of times within the oscillating feature 100, until the rider changes directions and exits the oscillating feature 100.

As illustrated, an exit of the oscillating feature 100 may be substantially perpendicular (or offset an amount from perpendicular) to a direction of travel of the rider at an opening leading into the entrance of the oscillating feature 100, and/or the exit of the oscillating feature 100 may be at or proximate to a bottom portion of the oscillating feature 100. As such, the rider having entered the oscillating feature 100 via the entrance may oscillate a number of times (e.g., two oscillations, three oscillations, four oscillations, etc.) along the initial slide path 102 within the oscillating feature 100 until the rider slows enough to change directions (e.g., alter the path of the rider from the initial slide path 102 to an exit slide path 104, or in other words, from substantially parallel to the entrance to substantially parallel to the exit, wherein the exit may be about perpendicular to the entrance) and exit the oscillating feature 100.

The change of direction from the initial slide path 102 to the exit slide path 104 may be caused in part by the geometry of the oscillating feature 100 (e.g., the oscillating feature 100 may be tilted from vertical (90 degrees) such that the exit may point more in a direction of a ground (see FIGS. 5A-C)) and/or a flow of the water from the entrance to the exit. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, the oscillating feature 100 may include one or more injectors operable to output water substantially parallel to the exit of the oscillating feature 100 (e.g., along the exit slide path 104), which may contribute to the rider within the oscillating feature 100 changing directions from the initial slide path 102 to the exit slide path 104 and exiting the oscillating feature 100.

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear view of an oscillating feature 150, which includes an illustration of the compact design of the oscillating feature 150. For example, as the oscillating feature 150 may remain compact in the substantially toroidal shape along the initial slide path (e.g., not expand like a spherical, conical, triangular, and/or other expanding shape), the rider may oscillate within the oscillating feature 150 along the initial slide path. FIG. 1B also shows a geometry of a first section of an exit flume 152 as it branches off of oscillating feature 150. In particular, FIG. 1B shows how the first section of exit flume 152 has a gradual downward curvature 154 that guides a rider of oscillating feature 150 out of oscillating feature 150 and in to exit flume 152.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an example waterslide including an oscillating feature 200 and exemplary inlet and outlet flumes 202 and 204, respectively. As illustrated, a rider may slide down the waterslide to the entrance of oscillating feature 200 and may enter the oscillating feature 200 on the initial slide path. The rider may oscillate within oscillating feature 200 in a direction substantially aligned with the initial slide path until the rider exits oscillating feature 200 via the exit flume 204, as described herein, and the rider proceeds along within the exit flume 204.

FIG. 2B shows a top down view of an oscillating feature 210 illustrating an intersection of an entrance flume 212 with oscillating feature 210 such that a rider can be oriented in a first direction 214 when entering oscillating feature 210. FIG. 2B also shows how an exit flume 216 intersects with oscillating feature 210 such that the rider when exiting the oscillating feature 210 through the exit flume 216 can be oriented in a second direction 218. In this particular embodiment, first direction 214 is oriented substantially orthogonally with respect to second direction 218. FIG. 2B also shows how oscillating feature 210 can be oriented such that an oscillating slide path 220 of the rider is substantially aligned with the first direction 214. The portion of oscillating feature 210 supporting oscillating slide path 220 will generally have a concave geometry that keeps the oscillations substantially aligned with direction 214 when looking down on oscillating feature 210. This differs from a more spherically shaped oscillating feature in which a direction of oscillation can vary over the course of the time spent by a rider within the oscillating feature. In aspects wherein the oscillating feature 210 is designed to support a rider without an inner tube, the oscillating feature 210 could have a width of between about 2-10 feet, and more specifically between about 2-5 feet, for example and without limitation. An oscillating feature 210 designed to support a rider or riders on an inner tube or raft can have a width or diameter of between about 12-30 feet for example and without limitation. In some aspects, the oscillating feature 210 can define a width or diameter of about 17 feet when supporting one- or two-person inner tubes or three-person rafts, and the oscillating feature 210 can define a width or diameter of about 23 feet when supporting six-person rafts, for example and without limitation. In other aspects, the oscillating feature 210 can have any other suitable dimensions, and the dimensions recited above should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure.

FIG. 2C shows a top down view of an oscillating feature 230 illustrating an intersection of an entrance flume 232 with oscillating feature 230 such that a rider can be oriented in a first direction 234 when entering oscillating feature 230. FIG. 2C also shows how an exit flume 236 intersects with oscillating feature 230 such that the rider when exiting oscillating feature 230 can be oriented in a second direction 238. In this particular embodiment, first direction 234 is offset from second direction 238. The offset shown in FIG. 2C is about 45 degrees; however it should be appreciated this offset could vary between about 30 and 150 degrees depending on a desired configuration of a waterslide. FIG. 2C also shows how an oscillating slide path 240 can be aligned with direction 234. Oscillating slide path 240 can generally have a concave geometry that remains generally aligned with direction 234 when looking down on oscillating feature 230. This differs from a more spherically shaped oscillating feature in which a direction of oscillation can vary over the course of the time spent by a rider within the oscillating feature 230.

FIG. 2C also shows how oscillating slide path 240 can extend back in to entrance flume 232. This allows for a relatively small oscillating feature 230 to establish a large amount of oscillation to improve an experience enjoyed by the rider. This amount of oscillation can be achieved by configuring entrance flume 232 such that the rider achieves a large amount of velocity prior to entering oscillating feature 230. Once the rider enters oscillating feature 230 and rides up a side of oscillating feature 230 opposite entrance flume 232, the rider's potential energy is transformed back into kinetic energy that can carry the rider back out of oscillating feature 230 and temporarily back into entrance flume 232.

As used herein, an oscillating feature may include a torus-like shape, but may include other non-circular or circular cross-sectional shapes (taken along a plane substantially parallel with the page) as well. For example, FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate various oscillating features 300, 310 that may include non-circular cross-sectional shapes (taken along the plane substantially parallel with the page). In some instances, changes to the cross-sectional shape of the oscillating feature (taken along either of the plane substantially parallel with the page or a plan substantially perpendicular to the page) may contribute to changes to vehicle/rider dynamics within the oscillating feature and/or changes to water flow within the oscillating feature. Some examples of non-circular cross-sections may include, but not be limited to, a flat-bottomed circular cross-section, a flat-bottomed V-shape cross-section, variations of an elliptic cross-section, and others.

Alternatively, or additionally, elliptical and/or logarithmic curves may be employed in conjunction with rounded polygons as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, with the oscillating feature 300 of FIG. 3A including a rounded triangular shape and the oscillating feature of FIG. 3B including a rounded square shape. In these and other embodiments, the oscillating feature may include any of the aforementioned shapes and/or cross-sections, and/or may include combinations of any of the shapes and/or cross-sections. In some embodiments, the curvature of the oscillating feature can be varied to provide a desired change in velocity that affects the amount or nature of oscillation. For example the gently rounded triangular geometry of the oscillating feature 300 shown in FIG. 3A allows the rider to transition from a curved oscillatory motion to a linear one providing for a more varied ride experience. Similarly, the rectangular geometry of the oscillating feature 310 of FIG. 3B allows the rider to transition rapidly to a near vertical orientation when oscillating near a back end 312 of oscillating feature 310.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 3A, and 3B, the oscillating feature 100, 150, 200, 210, 230, 300, 310 may include a solid exterior central portion. Alternatively, or additionally, any of the previously described oscillating features 100, 150, 200, 210, 230, 300, 310 and/or other example aspects of the oscillating feature may include an aperture disposed in the middle thereof, which may include various implementations. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, the oscillating feature 320 may include an aperture 322 through the middle thereof that may include an annular opening to an inner portion of the oscillating feature 320. As such, the annular opening to the inner portion may allow sounds from the riders to be heard and/or seen by bystanders around the waterslide. Alternatively, or additionally, the annular opening may allow additional light into the oscillating feature 320 for additional visibility for the riders. In some instances, the annular opening may include a translucent cover to allow light inside the oscillating feature 320 while limiting debris and other objects from entering the oscillating feature 320. In some instances, the annular opening (and/or other exterior portions of the oscillating feature 320) may include clear windows to allow additional light and/or to allow spectators to view the riders within the inner portion of oscillating feature 320.

Alternatively, or additionally, as illustrated with oscillating feature 330 in FIG. 3D, an aperture 332 may be closed relative to the inner portion of the oscillating feature 330 to reduce the amount of light within the oscillating feature 330, which may add to the thrill the rider experiences on the waterslide. In some instances, special effects may be added to the oscillating feature 330, such as lighting and/or sounds. For example, the oscillating feature 330 may include the aperture 332 that is closed relative to the inner portion and may include lighting on an inner surface of the oscillating feature 330 to provide light to the rider within the oscillating feature 330.

In some instances, visual effects may be added to an aperture of the oscillating feature. For example, a windmill/turbine may be included in the aperture that may provide a visual effect to the spectators. Alternatively, or additionally, in instances in which lighting and/or sound effects are included in the oscillating feature, the windmill/turbine may be operable to generate electricity to run or contribute to operating the lighting and/or sound effects. This space within the oscillating feature can also be used to display information or project imagery to be viewed by a rider within the oscillating feature. For example, timing information or the rider's position relative to another rider on another slide path can be displayed to provide a more competitive aspect to the waterslide attraction.

An upper portion or ceiling of the oscillating feature may be non-rideable (e.g., the rider would not traverse the upper portion of the oscillating feature) which may allow for the upper portion to include various shapes and/or functionality harder to incorporate into the lower portion of the oscillating feature. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3E, an upper portion of oscillating feature may include decorative fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) components 342 giving oscillating feature 340 a more fanciful appearance. In some embodiments, the FRP components 342 can be formed from a material that provides less structural reinforcement than the material used to form a base or lower portion of the oscillating feature. In some configuration the use of different materials to form the upper portion can provide an oscillating feature with a lighter overall design. Alternatively, or additionally, the upper portion may include tensioned fabric over a framework, which may be visually similar to the FIG. 3E embodiment, but may include less FRP than the FIG. 3E embodiment.

In another example, as illustrated in FIG. 3F, an oscillating feature 350 may include a cutout or channel 352 in the upper portion that may support another slide or another oscillating feature crossing over the top of the oscillating feature 350 parallel with the exit of the oscillating feature 350. In another example, the upper portion of the oscillating feature 350 may be operable to allow a second waterslide to cross over the top thereof parallel with the entrance of the oscillating feature 350 (e.g., opposite the direction illustrated in FIG. 3F).

In another example, an upper oscillating feature could be stacked directly atop a lower oscillating feature, or a lower portion of the upper oscillating feature could even protrude into an upper portion of the lower oscillating feature. Such a configuration could allow a rider of the lower oscillating feature to view oscillation of a rider within the upper oscillating feature in the event the upper oscillating feature is at least partially formed from transparent or translucent material(s) (such as transparent panels, for example).

In another example, and as depicted in FIG. 3G, the upper portion may be removed/open, which may allow additional light into the inner portion of the oscillating feature and/or may facilitate additional interaction between the rider and spectators. While FIG. 3G shows an oscillating feature 360 with an opening spanning an angle 362 of about 150-160 degrees, it should be appreciated that the angular measure of the opening may be smaller or larger depending, for example and without limitation, on a speed of the rider entering the oscillating feature. For example, angles of between about 30 degrees and 180 degrees are also possible. In some embodiments, multiple openings could be arranged in the upper portion of oscillating feature 360 in order to provide light within oscillating feature 360.

FIG. 3H illustrates an oscillating feature 370 with a structural support 372 (shown in dashed lines) that may be added to the oscillating feature 370 to support various slides passing through the aperture 376 thereof (see FIG. 9 as an example). As illustrated, structural support portion 372 may be positioned below oscillating feature 370 and can include a yoke 374 (shown in dashed lines) to support a slide through aperture 376 of the oscillating feature 370. In instances in which a slide passes above the upper portion of the oscillating feature (e.g., FIG. 3F), similar supports may be added to the upper portion to support the additional slides. For example, structural support 372 can be made of a different material than oscillating feature 370 allowing it to suitably support any additional slides or other structures.

In some example aspects, the oscillating feature may include water management within the inner portion thereof which may contribute to controlling the rider/vehicle dynamics within the oscillating feature. For example, dewatering may occur in the entry transition and/or within the oscillating feature in the floor to avoid rider impacts with puddles or waves therein. Alternatively, or additionally, re-watering may be provided from pumps and/or redirected or recirculated water from previous dewatering, which may be used as part of the rider exiting the oscillating feature.

FIGS. 4A-C illustrate the rotation of oscillating feature 400 about an axis 402 substantially parallel to an exit 404 (i.e., extending into the page in the present view) of the oscillating feature 400 (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the axis of the entrance direction). Variations to the exit axis 402 may provide variations to the amount of drop-in into the oscillating feature 400 with little to no changes to the parts of the oscillating feature 400. Such adjustments may vary the ride intensity and/or compatibility with varying entrance speeds into the oscillating feature 400. A first orientation of oscillating feature 400 as shown in FIG. 4A may correspond to a standard configuration with a balanced drop and standard incoming speed. A second orientation of oscillating feature 400 as shown in FIG. 4B can have less drop than the configuration shown in FIG. 4A, but may support a higher incoming speed. A third orientation of oscillating feature 400 as shown in FIG. 4C can establish an increased drop relative to FIG. 4A, and may support a lower incoming speed.

FIGS. 5A-C illustrate the rotation of an oscillating feature 500 about an axis 502 substantially parallel to the entrance direction (i.e., extending into the page in the present view). Variations to the entrance axis 502 may contribute to changes to the dynamics of the water flow through the oscillating feature 500 and/or to the rider within the oscillating feature 500. For example, the oscillating feature 500 of FIG. 5B may cause a slower exit of the rider from the oscillating feature 500 relative to the oscillating feature 500 of FIG. 5A, while the oscillating feature 500 of FIG. 5C may cause a faster exit of the rider from the oscillating feature 500 relative to the oscillating feature 500 of FIG. 5A.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate different oscillating feature variations. FIG. 6A shows an oscillating feature 600 that can be configured to accommodate the passage of a rider without an inner tube with relatively smaller entrance and exit openings 602 and 604, respectively. FIG. 6B shows an oscillating feature 610 with larger entrance and exit openings 612 and 614, respectively, which can be better suited for accommodating passage of a rider on an inner tube into and out of oscillating feature 610. The variations may blend the typically-circular flume into the complex shape of the oscillating feature 600,610. FIG. 6B also illustrates how the oscillating feature 610 can have a contoured exit opening. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate variations in the size of entrance openings 602,612 and exit openings 604,614 sized to connect with different entrance and exit flume sizes.

FIG. 6C shows a cutaway view of an oscillating feature 620 to illustrate in greater detail the portion of oscillating feature 620 that supports oscillation of the rider within oscillating feature 620. In particular, a portion 622 of oscillating feature 620 arranged near an entrance leading into oscillating feature 620 can have a concave geometry that helps to keep a rider centered and moving in a predefined direction of orientation within oscillating feature 620. FIG. 6C also shows how a base portion 624 of oscillating feature 620 can have a more flattened geometry that allows movement of a rider off of the portion of oscillating feature 620 that supports oscillation of the rider and out an exit (not depicted in FIG. 6C) once the rider's velocity has slowed sufficiently to allow for a change in direction. Oscillating feature 620 can also include one or more water jets to help redirect and get riders moving out of oscillating feature 620 once a velocity of the rider slows below a threshold velocity. A curvature of the portion of oscillating feature 620 defining the oscillating path of the rider can change gradually to maintain the rider on a desired path without the rider experiencing a noticeable or jarring change. FIG. 6C also illustrates how oscillating feature 620 could be attached with a large variety of different entrance and exit paths and that oscillating feature 620 would not necessarily be attached to entrance and exit flumes but could also be attached to open slides having a variety of widths and dimensions allowing for a greater amount of ride variation. For example, a relatively wide slide could be attached to and extend along a width of an open side of oscillating feature 620, thereby allowing a rider to leave oscillating feature 620 in a variety of different locations.

FIG. 7 illustrates a particular waterslide including a portion thereof configured to pass through an aperture of an oscillating feature 700 included in the particular waterslide. As depicted, entrance flume 702 passes through the aperture defined by oscillating feature 700 prior to delivering a rider into the entrance of oscillating feature 700. Alternatively, or additionally, an unrelated waterslide may be operable to pass through the aperture of the oscillating feature 700.

FIGS. 8A-8E show how an oscillating feature can be incorporated into various other waterslides or attraction features. FIG. 8A shows how in another embodiment, a queue line 802 for a water slide may pass through the aperture of an oscillating feature 800. In conjunction with an opening to the inner portion and/or windows into the inner portions, the queued riders may be able to view the rider within the oscillating feature 800 as they are positioned within the aperture defined by oscillating feature 800. As part of the queueing line (or independently from the queueing line), the aperture may include a viewing platform 804 to allow spectators to stand in the aperture and view/interact with the rider within the oscillating feature 800.

FIGS. 8B-8E show a playground 810 incorporating an oscillating feature 812. Oscillating feature 812 is attached to and receives riders entering oscillating feature 812 through an entrance flume 814. Riders are able to enter entrance flume 814 by climbing a series of stairs 816 to reach waterslide entrance opening 818. The playground 810 can include a bridge or crawl tube 820 extending through an aperture defined by oscillating feature 810. In some embodiments, and as depicted in FIG. 8B, bridge 820 can be formed from optically transparent material that allows a guest within a portion of bridge 820 disposed within the aperture of oscillating feature 812 to view a rider disposed within oscillating feature 812 prior to the rider leaving oscillating feature 812 through exit flume 822. While a transparent tube 820 only tall enough to accommodate a guest crawling therethrough is depicted, it should be appreciated that a larger oscillating feature 812 can accommodate a larger bridge or tube 820, allowing children or adults to walk through. In some embodiments, the bridge, tube 820, and/or oscillating feature 812 can include water jets configured to spray guests utilizing the bridge or tube 820.

FIG. 8C shows another view from a different perspective of playground 810 and how guests are able to ascend stairs 816 to reach entrance flume 812. FIG. 8C also shows how playground 810 includes a slide 824 not routed through oscillating feature 812. In some embodiments, slide 824 can be a waterslide and can be accessible by way of stairs 816. In other embodiments, slide 824 is a conventional slide allowing for mixed use of playground 810.

FIG. 8D shows a side view of playground 810, and FIG. 8E shows a close-up view of tube 820. It should be appreciated that, while tube 820 is shown having a particular curved geometry, various bridge and tube geometries are possible and considered to be within the scope of the disclosure. For example, a flat tube or a bridge with an open top are also possible variations that could extend through the aperture of oscillating feature 812. Other configurations can include monkey bars or other playground attraction pathways that extend through the aperture of the oscillating feature 812.

FIG. 9 illustrates a waterslide attraction 900 that includes a first waterslide 902 and a second waterslide 904. In some embodiments, waterslide attraction 900 can include between three and ten waterslides that can be interconnected. Other aspects can include more or fewer waterslides. As depicted, waterslide 902 can extend through an aperture defined by an oscillating feature 906 of waterslide 904. Waterslide 904 extends through an aperture of oscillating feature 908 of waterslide 902. As described, any other waterslide (that includes an oscillating feature or not) may be configured to pass through the aperture of any oscillating feature. Arranged in such a configuration as FIG. 9, multiple waterslides including the oscillating features 906 and 908 may allow multiple riders to race one another and both experience the oscillating features 906 or 908 on their own respective waterslide.

FIG. 10 illustrates a waterslide attraction 1000 that includes waterslides 1002 and 1004 that are proximate to one another. Waterslides 1002 and 1004 each include two oscillating features. A first oscillating feature 1006 of waterslide 1002 is adjacent to and in side-by-side, abutting contact with a second oscillating feature 1008 of waterslide 1004. In this way, riders entering oscillating features 1002 and 1004 enter their respective oscillating features 1006,1008 on a collision path until a back wall of the oscillating features 1006,1008 redirects them along an oscillating path. This can be particularly thrilling when the oscillating features 1006,1008 are formed of optically transparent or translucent materials. In some embodiments, a length of an entrance flume 1010 is equivalent to and substantially the same length as a length of an entrance flume 1012 such that two riders having substantially the same characteristics (e.g., height, weight, etc.) would arrive at oscillating features 1006 and 1008 at about the same time. Various portions of the oscillating features 1006,1008 can abut one another. In some instances, the mirrored oscillating features 1006,1008 may be joined together and/or may share common parts. In some embodiments, oscillating features 1006 and 1008 can be joined in a manner such that they provide reciprocal structural support.

In certain implementations, one or more acoustic tubes or channels can be established between oscillating features 1006 and 1008 such that riders within the oscillating features 1006,1008 can communicate. For example, one or more channels can extend between oscillating features 1006 and 1008 to improve the ability of riders to communicate effectively. In other embodiments, portions of the abutting oscillating features 1006,1008 may be open (e.g., either with transparent and/or semi-transparent windows or open air) to allow multiple riders to interact with one another while in their respective oscillating features 1006,1008.

Waterslides 1002 and 1004 further include oscillating features 1014 and 1016 respectively. Oscillating feature 1014 is shown connected with oscillating feature 1006 by intermediary flume 1018. Oscillating feature 1016 is shown connected with oscillating feature 1008 by intermediary flume 1020. Oscillating features 1014 and 1016 are arranged in end-to-end abutting contact in an orientation such that exit flumes 1022 and 1024 exit their respective oscillating features 1014,1016 in opposing directions. Oscillating features 1014 and 1016 are arranged such that their respective oscillating slide paths are adjacent to one another and lie in first and second planes, respectively, that are oriented in a substantially parallel configuration. In some embodiments, one or more openings can extend between oscillating features 1014 and 1016.

FIG. 11A illustrates another exemplary waterslide 1100 that includes multiple oscillating features 1102 and 1104. In some instances, oscillating feature 1104 may be located near a ground or support surface such that the amount of structural supports included to support the oscillating feature 1104 may be reduced. FIG. 11B illustrates that one or both of the oscillating features 1102,1104 may also be suspended up in the air (for example, by one or more supports 1105), higher than a typical location for an oscillating feature. Further, FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate that a waterslide 1100 may be operable to support multiple oscillating features 1102,1104 therein.

FIG. 12 illustrates the oscillating feature 1200 in accordance with another example aspect of the present disclosure. The oscillating feature 1200 can be similar to the oscillating feature 300 shown in FIG. 3A. In the present aspect, the oscillating feature 1200 can define a rounded, inverted triangular shape having substantially linear sidewalls 1210 and substantially curved corners 1220. The substantially linear sidewalls 1210 can comprise a first sidewall 1210a, a second sidewall 1210b, and a third sidewall 1210c. The third sidewall 1210c can extend along an upper end 1215 of the oscillating feature 1200. The substantially curved corners 1220 can comprise a bottom corner 1220a and a pair of upper corners 1220b,c.

The oscillating feature 1200 can comprise an entrance flume 1230 into an interior 1235 of the oscillating feature 1200 and an exit flume 1240 from the interior 1235 of the oscillating feature 1200. The exit flume 1240 can be separate and distinct from the entrance flume 1230. In some aspects, either or both of the entrance flume 1230 and the exit flume 1240 can be formed as substantially tubular structures, as shown. In some aspects, either or both of the entrance flume 1230 and the exit flume 1240 may define an open top. In the present aspect, the entrance flume 1230 can be connected to the second sidewall 1210b, and the exit flume 1240 can be connected to the bottom corner 1220a. The entrance flume 1230 and/or the exit flume 1240 can be located elsewhere in other aspects.

A rider can enter the interior 1235 of oscillating feature 1200 through the entrance flume 1230 and can drop into the bottom corner 1220a. The rider can oscillate within the interior 1235 of the oscillating feature 1200, travelling up and down the substantially linear first and second sidewalls 1210a,b and back and forth across the bottom corner 1220a. In such an aspect, a rider can be permitted to enter the interior 1235 at a higher entrance flume speed, as the substantially linear configuration of the sidewalls 1210 can allow gravity to slow the rider during oscillation. The oscillation can diminish over time, and the rider can then exit the oscillating feature 1200 through the exit flume 1240. In example aspects, the substantially linear sidewalls 1210 can be formed from substantially straight panels (generally indicated by bracketed arrows in FIG. 12). In some aspects, the straight panels for two or more of the linear sidewalls 1210 can be manufactured from the same mold.

FIG. 13 illustrates the oscillating feature 1300 in accordance with another example aspect of the present disclosure. The oscillating feature 1300 can be similar to the oscillating features 320 and 330 shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, respectively. In the present aspect, the oscillating feature 1300 can be formed as an elongated torus defining an elongated aperture 1305 therethrough. As such, the oscillating feature 1300 can be said to generally define a chain shape or a link shape. The oscillating feature 1300 can comprise a curved first sidewall 1310a and a curved second sidewall 1310b opposite the curved first sidewall 1310a. Each of a bottom wall 1320a and a top wall 1320b can extend between the first and second sidewalls 1310a,b.

The bottom wall 1320a can be substantially linear in the present aspect. In some aspects, the top wall 1320b can also be substantially linear. Moreover, the aperture 1305 can define an aperture bottom wall 1307a and an aperture top wall 1307b that can also be substantially linear and can be parallel to bottom wall 1320a and top wall 1320b. In some aspects, any or all of the bottom wall 1320a, the top wall 1320b, the aperture bottom wall 1307a, and the aperture top wall 1307b can be formed from substantially straight panels (generally indicated by bracketed arrows in FIG. 13). In some aspects, the straight panels for two or more of the walls 1320a,b, 1307a,b can be manufactured from the same mold.

The oscillating feature 1300 can comprise an entrance flume 1330 into the interior 1335 of the oscillating feature 1300 and an exit flume 1340 from the interior 1335 of the oscillating feature 1300. The exit flume 1340 can be separate and distinct from the entrance flume 1330. In some aspects, either or both of the entrance flume 1330 and the exit flume 1340 can be formed as substantially tubular structures, as shown. In some aspects, either or both of the entrance flume 1330 and the exit flume 1340 may define an open top. In the present aspect, the entrance flume 1330 can be connected to the first sidewall 1310a, and the exit flume 1340 can be connected to a valley 1350 of the oscillating feature 1300, generally between the curved first sidewall 1310a and the substantially linear bottom wall 1320a. The entrance flume 1330 and/or the exit flume 1340 can be located elsewhere in other aspects.

A rider can enter the interior 1335 of oscillating feature 1300 through the entrance flume 1330 and can drop into the valley 1350. The rider can oscillate within the interior 1335 of the oscillating feature 1300, travelling back and forth along the substantially linear bottom wall 1320a. In other aspects, the rider may further travel up and down either or both of the first and second sidewalls 1310a,b and/or may oscillate back into and out of the entrance flume 1330. In this aspect, the substantially linear bottom wall 1320a can provide a less abrupt change in direction of the rider at the valley 1350 of the oscillating feature 1300. The less abrupt change in direction and the linear configuration of the bottom wall 1320a can permit a rider to enter the interior 1335 at a higher entrance flume speed, as the rider's speed will be reduced as they travel along the substantially linear bottom wall 1320a, before riding the curved second sidewall 1310b. The oscillation of the rider can diminish over time, and the rider can then exit the oscillating feature 1300 through the exit flume 1340.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate front and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a pair of the oscillating features 1400a,b linked together, in accordance with another example aspects of the present disclosure. Each of the oscillating features 1400a,b can be similar to the oscillating features 320 and 330 shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, respectively. Each of the oscillating features 1400a,b can be substantially toroidal in shape and can define a substantially circular aperture 1405 through a middle of each oscillating feature 1400a,b. Each of the oscillating features 1400a,b can loop through the aperture 1405 of the other oscillating feature 1400a,b, as shown.

Each of the oscillating features 1400a,b can define a first side 1410 and an opposite second side 1420. The second side 1420 of the first oscillating feature 1400a can pass through the aperture 1405 of the second oscillating feature 1400b, and the second side 1420 of the second oscillating feature 1400b can pass through the aperture 1405 of the first oscillating feature 1400a. An exit flume 1440 of each oscillating feature 1400a,b can be separate and distinct from an entrance flume 1430 thereof. For example, the entrance flume 1430 to each oscillating feature 1400a,b can be formed at the corresponding first side 1410 thereof, and the exit flume 1440 from each oscillating feature 1400a,b can be formed at a corresponding bottom end 1445 thereof, at a valley 1450 of the oscillating feature 1400a,b.

In some aspects, the exit flume 1440 of the first oscillating feature 1400a can extend in a first direction X (shown in FIG. 14B), and the exit flume 1440 of the second oscillating feature 1400b can extend in a substantially opposite second direction Y (shown in FIG. 14B). In some aspects, either or both of the entrance flume 1430 and the exit flume 1440 can be formed as substantially tubular structures, as shown. In some aspects, either or both of the entrance flume 1430 and the exit flume 1440 may define an open top.

As shown in FIG. 14B, each of the oscillating features 1400a,b can be angled relative to vertical in opposing directions. In other aspects, the angle of each oscillating feature 1400a,b can be greater or lesser than the angle depicted. Upon entering one of the oscillating features 1400a,b through the corresponding entrance flume 1430 (shown in FIG. 14A), a rider can initially oscillate along a corresponding outside riding surface 1460 of the oscillating feature 1400a,b. As the rider's speed slows and the oscillation diminishes, the rider can drift towards an inside surface 1465 of the oscillating feature 1400a,b. The exit flume 1440 can be formed at the inside surface 1465 of the oscillating feature 1400a,b, and the rider can exit the oscillating feature 1400a,b through the exit flume 1440.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a top view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a pair of the oscillating features 1500a,b linked together, in accordance with another example aspect of the present disclosure. In the present aspect, the first oscillating feature 1500a can be similar to the first oscillating feature 1400a of FIGS. 14A and 14B, but can be arranged in a substantially vertical orientation. A rider 1505 can oscillate within the first oscillating feature 1500a in a manner somewhat similar to the oscillation within the first oscillating feature 1400a. The second oscillating feature 1500b can be somewhat similar to the oscillating feature 1300 of FIG. 13, in that it is more of a chain shape or link shape, but the second oscillating feature 1500b can be arranged in a substantially horizontal orientation.

As best seen in FIG. 15A, the second oscillating feature 1500b can be twisted to generally define an upper path 1510 and a lower path 1520. At least a portion of the upper path 1510 may be elevated above the lower path 1520. Moreover, in some aspects, at least a portion of the upper path 1510 may overlap or cross over the lower path 1520 at an overlapping location 1530, as shown.

Moreover, as shown, at least a portion of the lower path 1520 can be substantially linear in some aspects. In example aspects, a rider within the second oscillating feature 1500b can ride along the lower path 1520 only, or can ride along the lower path 1520 for at least a portion of the ride, to allow the rider's speed to decrease during travel along the substantially linear portion of the lower path 1520.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate side and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an oscillating feature 1600 according to another example aspect of the present disclosure. The oscillating feature 1600 of the present aspect can be similar to the oscillating feature 150 of FIG. 1A. However, in the present aspect, the oscillating feature 1600 can comprise a pair of the exit flumes 1640a,b. The first exit flume 1640a can be arranged at a first side 1645 of the oscillating feature 1600, and the second exit flume 1640b can be arranged at a second side of 1646 of the oscillating feature 1600, opposite the first side 1645. In other aspects, either or both of the exit flumes 1640a,b can be arranged at any suitable location on the oscillating feature 1600. For example, in an alternative aspect, the exit flumes 1640a,b can be arranged adjacent to each other at the same side (e.g., the first side 1645 or the second side 1646) of the oscillating feature 1600.

According to example aspects, providing at least two or more exits 1640a,b may provide riders with the option to choose which exit 1640 they take to leave the oscillating feature 1600 or may cause riders to leave the oscillating feature 1600 from either exit 1640a,b at random. In some aspects, selecting a particular one of the exit 1640 may result in the rider being taken down a preferred path (such as a faster or more exciting path), which could be incorporated as part of a game or a competition between multiple riders. In such aspects, a valley 1650 of the oscillating feature 1600 may be substantially flat. In an alternative example aspect, one of the exits 1640 (such as the first exit 1640a) may be a faux exit, while another of the exits 1640 (such as the second exit 1640b) can be a true exit. That is, the oscillating feature 1600 may appear to have more than multiple exits 1640, but the rider may not be capable of leaving the oscillating feature 1600 through all of the apparent exits 1640. The rider can be guided to one of the true exits (such as 1640b) by the geometry of the oscillating feature 1600, by water flow within the oscillating feature 1600, by jets of water shot at the rider, etc. For example, any of the oscillating features previously described and described below may comprise one or more water jets configured to redirect the rider out of the oscillating feature once a velocity of the rider slows below a threshold velocity.

In some aspects, one or more of the faux exits (such as 1640a) can appear to be open to the environment outside of the oscillating feature 1600, giving the illusion that the rider may fall out of oscillating feature 1600. However, the rider can be prevented from falling out of the faux exit by a barrier, such as a transparent acrylic panel for example and without limitation.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of oscillating features 1700a,b, in accordance with another example aspect of the present disclosure. The oscillating features 1700a,b can be similar in arrangement to the oscillating features 1006,1008 shown in FIG. 10 and can be incorporated into the same or a similar waterslide attraction 1000. Each of the oscillating features 1700a,b can define a first side 1745 and an opposite second side 1746. Each of the oscillating features 1700a,b can further define a front end 1747, a rear end 1748, a top side 1702 and a bottom side 1704. The oscillating features 1700a,b can be arranged side-by-side and connected to one another in the present aspect. That is, the second side 1746 of the first oscillating feature 1700a can be connected to the second side 1746 of the second oscillating feature 1700b.

Each of the oscillating features 1700a,b can define an entrance flume 1730 connected to the first side 1745 thereof and an exit flume 1740 connected to the front end 1747 proximate the bottom side 1704 thereof. In the present aspect, the exit flume 1740 of the first oscillating feature 1700a can extend substantially in the same direction as the exit flume 1740 of the second oscillating feature 1700b. In other aspects, the entrance flume 1730 and/or the exit flume 1740 of each of the oscillating features 1700a,b may be located elsewhere on the corresponding oscillating feature 1700a,b. For example, the exit flumes 1740 of the pair of oscillating features 1700a,b may extend in opposing directions. In a particular example aspect, one of the exit flumes 1740 can be connected to the front end 1747 of the corresponding oscillating feature 1700a,b and the other exit flume 1740 can be connected to the rear end 1748 of the corresponding oscillating feature 1700a,b.

Additionally, in the present aspect, the top side 1702 of the first oscillating feature 1700a can be substantially open, and the top side 1702 of the second oscillating feature 1700b can substantially covered or enclosed. In such an aspect, riders in the first oscillating feature 1700a may be able to view the outside environment. In other aspects, the top side 1702 of both of the oscillating features 1700a,c can be substantially open (as shown in FIG. 18), or the top side 1702 of both of the oscillating features 1700a,b can be substantially covered or enclosed.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of oscillating features 1800a,b, in accordance with another example aspect of the present disclosure. The pair of oscillating features 1800a,b can be similar in arrangement to the pair oscillating features 1700a,b of FIG. 17. The oscillating features 1800a,b can also be similar in arrangement to the oscillating features 1006,1008 shown in FIG. 10 and can be incorporated into the same or a similar waterslide attraction 1000. The oscillating features 1800a,b can be joined together at their corresponding second sides 1846, opposite their corresponding first sides 1845. In the present aspect, a top side 1802 of each oscillating feature 1800a,b can be substantially open. In such an aspect, riders in each of the oscillating features 1800a,b may be able to view the outside environment.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of oscillating features 1900a,b, in accordance with another example aspect of the present disclosure. The oscillating features 1900a,b can be similar in arrangement to the oscillating features 1014,1016 shown in FIG. 10 and can be incorporated into the same or a similar waterslide attraction 1000. Each of the oscillating features 1900a,b can define a first side 1945, an opposite second side 1946, a front end 1947, an opposite rear end 1948, a top side 1902, and an opposite a bottom side (not shown). The oscillating features 1900a,b can be arranged end-to-end and connected to one another in the present aspect. That is, the rear end 1948 of the first oscillating feature 1900a can be connected to the rear end 1948 of the second oscillating feature 1900b.

Each of the oscillating features 1900a,b can define an entrance flume 1930 connected to the second side 1946 thereof. Each of the oscillating features 1900a,b can further define an exit flume 1940 connected to the front end 1947 proximate the bottom side thereof. In the present aspect, the exit flume 1940 of the first oscillating feature 1900a can extend in a direction substantially opposite to the exit flume 1940 of the second oscillating feature 1900b. In other aspects, the entrance flume 1930 and/or the exit flume 1940 of each of the oscillating features 1900a,b may be located elsewhere on the corresponding oscillating feature 1900a,b.

Additionally, in the present aspect, the top side 1902 of each of the oscillating features 1900a,b can be substantially open, such that riders in each of the oscillating features 1900a,b may be able to view the outside environment and be seen from outside the oscillating features 1900a,b. In other aspects, either or both of the oscillating features 1900a,b may be substantially covered or enclosed.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of oscillating features 2000a,b, in accordance with another example aspect of the present disclosure. The pair of oscillating features 2000a,b can be similar in arrangement to the pair oscillating features 1900a,b of FIG. 19. The oscillating features 2000a,b can also be similar in arrangement to the oscillating features 1014,1016 shown in FIG. 10 and can be incorporated into the same or a similar waterslide attraction 1000. The oscillating features 2000a,b can be joined together at their corresponding rear ends 2048, opposite their corresponding front ends 2047. An exit flume 2040 of each oscillating feature 2000a,b can be connected to the corresponding front end 2047 thereof. In the present aspect, the entrance flume 2030 of the first oscillating feature 2000a can be connected to a first side 2045 thereof, and the entrance flume 2030 of the second oscillating feature 2000b can be connected to a second side 2046 thereof.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate additional example aspects of oscillating features 2100,2200, respectfully. Each oscillating feature 2100,220 can be similar to the oscillating feature 360 of FIG. 3G. Each of oscillating features 2100,2200 can comprise an entrance 2130,2230 and an exit 2140,2240, respectively. Top sides 2102,2202 of the oscillating feature 2100,2200 can be substantially open, as shown. In example aspects, a substantially U-shaped channel or notch 2110,2210 can extend into the top side 2102,2202 of the oscillating feature 2100,2200, towards the bottom side 2104,2204 thereof. Each of a first side 2145,2245 and a second side 2146,2246 can extend upward alongside the corresponding channel or notch 2110,2210. In the aspect of FIG. 21, an upper end 2106 of each of the first side 2145 and the second side 2146 can terminate in a point 2108. In the aspect of FIG. 22, the upper end 2206 of each of the first side 2245 and the second side 2246 can terminate in a substantially flat edge 2208. In some aspects, the channel or notch 2110,2210 can support a waterslide or another oscillating feature crossing over the top of the corresponding oscillating feature 2100,2200.

In some instances, the variations of objects that pass through the aperture (e.g., the queue line, other slides, etc.) may be through the center of the oscillating feature. Alternatively, or additionally, the various objects that pass through the aperture may be offset from the center of the oscillating feature. In some instances, the various objects may be independent from the oscillating feature. Alternatively, or additionally, the queue line may be sealed together with the oscillating feature.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the oscillating feature as described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. The illustrations presented in the present disclosure are not meant to be actual views of any particular apparatus (e.g., device, system, etc.) or method, but are merely idealized representations that are employed to describe various embodiments of the disclosure.

Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or all operations of a particular method.

All examples and conditional language recited herein (such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used) are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.