FLOATING WATER FEATURE ATTRACTION

A floating water feature for use in a body of water is disclosed. The floating water feature includes at least one waterslide assembly having a flume defining a substantially descending path, and a ramp coupled to the flume at a terminating end. The ramp has a launch point, where a person is launched upward and outward into a body of water.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of this document relate generally to a floating water feature.

BACKGROUND

Conventional commercial waterslides are a popular form of recreation, providing people fun as well as refreshment from the heat. Waterslides can be found in locations ranging from large waterparks to hotels and public or private swimming pools. The large size and engineering involved in making a commercial waterslide has resulted in these slides typically being constructed in waterparks, resorts or large hotels, which provide a steady stream of consumers. However, the same conditions that drive people to waterparks also spurs many people to congregate at lakes or other large bodies of water. Yet despite the demand, these large bodies of water often lack the infrastructure or the crowd size needed to make the installation of a conventional permanent waterslide physically or economically feasible.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a floating water feature for use in a body of water may include at least one waterslide assembly, each waterslide assembly comprising: a flume having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and further comprising a beginning end and a longitudinal midline defining a substantially descending path from the beginning end to a terminating end; and a ramp having an upper surface with an entrance and an exit, a longitudinal midline, and a launch point, wherein at least a majority of the entrance is coupled with at least a majority of the top surface of the flume at the terminating end and wherein the launch point is the point along an ascending portion of the longitudinal midline whose tangent forms the smallest obtuse angle with respect to a surface of the body of water.

Particular embodiments may include any or all of the following:

The floating water feature may also include a floating platform comprising a float support assembly coupled to at least one float that is buoyant.

The floating water feature may also include a main deck coupled to and positioned above the floating platform.

The floating water feature may also include at least one elevated deck positioned above the main deck and coupled to at least one of the main deck and the floating platform, each of the at least one elevated deck connected to the main deck by a plurality of steps.

The beginning end of the flume may be coupled to one of the at least one elevated decks. The terminating end of the flume may be closer to the floating platform than the beginning end.

Each of the at least one waterslide assembly may further include a slide foundation comprising at least one brace coupled to the bottom surface of the flume. A slide support assembly including a plurality of beams may couple the slide foundation of each of the at least one waterslide assembly to the floating platform. At least some of the plurality of beams of the slide support assembly may be interconnected between the floating platform and the slide foundation of each of the at least one waterslide assemblies. The plurality of beams of the slide support assembly may be vertical, and may be in a single line. For each of the at least one waterslide assembly, the flume may be modular and include a plurality of flume segments releasably coupled to each other and to the slide foundation. The couplings between the float support assembly and the at least one float, the couplings between the main deck and the floating platform, the couplings between each flume and the slide foundation, and the couplings between each ramp and the floating platform may all be releasable couplings made through reusable couplers.

The flume and ramp of each of the at least one waterslide assembly may be shaped such that a tangent of the top surface of the terminating end of the flume taken at the longitudinal midline is substantially parallel to a tangent of the entrance of the upper surface of the ramp taken at the longitudinal midline.

For each of the at least one waterslide assembly, the tangent of the ramp taken at the launch point may form a launch angle with respect to the surface of the body of water between 140 and 175 degrees.

For each of the at least one waterslide assembly, the substantially descending path may have an average angle between 35 and 40 degrees with respect to the surface of the body of water.

For at least one ramp, the launch point may be at least two feet above a lowest point along the longitudinal midline of the upper surface of the ramp.

The ramp of each of the at least one waterslide assembly may be releasably coupled to the floating platform.

For each of the at least one waterslide assemblies the flume may include a cross section that is substantially flat with retaining sidewalls. Alternatively, for each of the at least one waterslide assemblies the flume may include a cross section that is concave and curvilinear.

According to another aspect, a floating water feature for use in a body of water may include at least one floating platform including a float support assembly coupled to at least one float that is buoyant. At least one main deck may be coupled to and positioned above the floating platform. At least one elevated deck may be positioned above the main deck and coupled to at least one of the main deck and the floating platform, each of the at least one elevated deck connected to the main deck by a plurality of steps. At least one waterslide assembly may be included, each waterslide assembly including: a flume having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a beginning end coupled to one of the at least one elevated decks and a longitudinal midline defining a substantially descending path from the beginning end to a terminating end that is closer to the floating platform than the beginning end; and a ramp having an upper surface with an entrance and an exit, a longitudinal midline, and a launch point, wherein at least a majority of the entrance is coupled with at least a majority of the top surface of the flume at the terminating end and wherein the launch point is the point along an ascending portion of the longitudinal midline whose tangent forms the smallest obtuse angle with respect to a surface of the body of water.

Particular embodiments may include any or all of the following:

Each of the at least one waterslide assembly may further include a slide foundation comprising at least one brace coupled to the bottom surface of the flume. A slide support assembly including a plurality of beams may couple the slide foundation of each of the at least one waterslide assembly to the floating platform. At least some of the plurality of beams of the slide support assembly may be interconnected between the floating platform and the slide foundation of each of the at least one waterslide assemblies. The plurality of beams of the slide support assembly may be vertical, and may be in a single line. For each of the at least one waterslide assembly, the flume may be modular and include a plurality of flume segments releasably coupled to each other and to the slide foundation. The couplings between the float support assembly and the at least one float, the couplings between the main deck and the floating platform, the couplings between each flume and the slide foundation, and the couplings between each ramp and the floating platform may all be releasable couplings made through reusable couplers.

The flume and ramp of each of the at least one waterslide assembly may be shaped such that a tangent of the top surface of the terminating end of the flume taken at the longitudinal midline is substantially parallel to a tangent of the entrance of the upper surface of the ramp taken at the longitudinal midline.

For each of the at least one waterslide assembly, the tangent of the ramp taken at the launch point may form a launch angle with respect to the surface of the body of water between 140 and 175 degrees.

For each of the at least one waterslide assembly, the substantially descending path may have an average angle between 35 and 40 degrees with respect to the surface of the body of water.

For at least one ramp, the launch point may be at least two feet above a lowest point along the longitudinal midline of the upper surface of the ramp.

The ramp of each of the at least one waterslide assembly may be releasably coupled to the floating platform.

For each of the at least one waterslide assemblies the flume may include a cross section that is substantially flat with retaining sidewalls. Alternatively, for each of the at least one waterslide assemblies the flume may include a cross section that is concave and curvilinear.

According to still another aspect, a floating water feature for use in a body of water may include at least one floating platform, each floating platform comprising a float support assembly coupled to at least one float that is buoyant. At least one main deck may be coupled to and positioned above one of the at least one floating platforms. At least one elevated deck may be positioned above and coupled to each of the at least one floating platforms, each of the at least one elevated deck connected to the main deck by a plurality of steps. At least one waterslide assembly may be included, each waterslide assembly comprising: a flume having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a beginning end coupled to one of the at least one elevated decks and a longitudinal midline defining a substantially descending path from the beginning end to a terminating end that is closer to one of the at least one floating platforms than the beginning end; and a ramp having an upper surface with an entrance and an exit, a longitudinal midline, and a launch point, wherein at least a majority of the entrance is coupled with at least a majority of the top surface of the flume at the terminating end and wherein the launch point is the point along an ascending portion of the longitudinal midline whose tangent forms the smallest obtuse angle with respect to a surface of the body of water.

Particular embodiments may include any or all of the following:

Each of the at least one waterslide assembly may further include a slide foundation comprising at least one brace coupled to the bottom surface of the flume. A slide support assembly including a plurality of beams may couple the slide foundation of each of the at least one waterslide assembly to the floating platform. At least some of the plurality of beams of the slide support assembly may be interconnected between the floating platform and the slide foundation of each of the at least one waterslide assemblies. The plurality of beams of the slide support assembly may be vertical, and may be in a single line. For each of the at least one waterslide assembly, the flume may be modular and include a plurality of flume segments releasably coupled to each other and to the slide foundation. The couplings between the float support assembly and the at least one float, the couplings between the main deck and the floating platform, the couplings between each flume and the slide foundation, and the couplings between each ramp and the floating platform may all be releasable couplings made through reusable couplers.

The at least one floating platform may include at least a first, second, and third floating platform, the main deck being coupled to the first floating platform, and further including a first elevated deck and a first waterslide assembly. The slide support assembly of the first waterslide assembly may include at least a first beam coupling the slide foundation to the first floating platform and a second beam coupling the slide foundation to the third floating platform. The ramp of the first waterslide assembly may be releasably coupled to the second floating platform, and the first, second, and third floating platforms may be coupled to each other proximate the surface of the body of water via a framework.

For each of the at least one waterslide assembly, the longitudinal midline of the flume combined with the longitudinal midline of the ramp may be between 5 and 30 meters long.

The substantially descending path of at least one flume may be curvilinear. Alternatively, the substantially descending path of at least one flume may be rectilinear.

According to yet another aspect, a floating water feature for use in a body of water may include a floating platform comprising a float support assembly coupled to at least three high-density polyethylene pontoons that are buoyant. A main deck may be coupled to and positioned above the floating platform. At least a first and second elevated deck, may each be positioned above and coupled to the floating platform, each of the at least two elevated decks connected to the main deck by a plurality of steps. At least a first, second, and third waterslide assembly may also be included. Each waterslide assembly may include: a flume having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a beginning end coupled to one of the at least two elevated decks and a longitudinal midline defining a substantially descending path from the beginning end to a terminating end that is closer to the floating platform than the beginning end; a slide foundation including at least one brace coupled to the bottom surface of the flume; and a ramp having an upper surface with an entrance and an exit, a longitudinal midline, and a launch point, wherein at least a majority of the entrance is coupled with at least a majority of the top surface of the flume at the terminating end and wherein the launch point is the point along an ascending portion of the longitudinal midline whose tangent forms the smallest obtuse angle with respect to a surface of the body of water, the flume and ramp shaped such that a tangent of the top surface of the terminating end of the flume taken at the longitudinal midline is substantially parallel to a tangent of the entrance of the upper surface of the ramp taken at the longitudinal midline. Also included is a slide support assembly including a plurality of beams coupling the slide foundation of each of the at least one waterslide assemblies to the floating platform. The first waterslide assembly is coupled to the first elevated deck, and the second and third waterslide assemblies are coupled to the second elevated deck.

Particular embodiments may include any or all of the following:

The ramp of each of the at least three waterslide assemblies may be releasably coupled to the floating platform

The first elevated deck may be between 2 and 10 meters above the main deck, the second elevated deck may be between 2 and 8 meters above the first elevated deck, and each of the at least two elevated decks may be at least 1.2 square meters in area.

Each ramp of the at least three waterslide assemblies may be composed of steel having an upper surface composed of the same material as the top surface of the flume.

A water pump may be included having an output proximate the beginning end of the flume of each of the at least three waterslide assemblies. The water pump may further include an input beneath the floating platform at least 1 meter away from an edge of the floating platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Contemplated herein is a floating water feature having one or more waterslide assemblies made up of a downward sloped flume coupled with an upward sloped ramp that launches a person off the end of the waterslide and into the body of water away from the floating water feature. As will be discussed below, the ramps may be interchangeable, such that some slides can be configured to launch people higher in the air, while others may shoot people further away from the floating water feature.

According to various embodiments, the floating water feature may include, but does not have to include, sufficient structure to accommodate an admission kiosk and lifeguard stations for example, allowing the feature to be used in a commercial setting in circumstances and locations that would not be feasible to commercialize with traditional water features (e.g. lack of infrastructure, population is too seasonal, etc.).

In some embodiments, the floating water feature may be “beached” or otherwise accessible by walking from the shore to the main deck either with or without the aid of a gangway. The floating water feature may also be connected to a dock, pier, or other structure jutting out into the body of water. The floating water feature may also be anchored to the bottom of the body of water, or to objects above water or on or near the shore, according to various embodiments. In some cases, the floating water feature may be positioned in the water and be surrounded entirely by water, similar to a swim platform, thereby requiring swimming or boats to reach the floating water feature. This flexibility in how the floating water feature is deployed allows for it to be adapted for use in various locations without requiring the construction of new infrastructure.

FIGS. 1 through 6show various views of a non-limiting example of a floating water feature100. Specifically,FIG. 1is a perspective view,FIG. 2is a top view,FIG. 3is a back view,FIG. 4is a side view,FIG. 5is a top view, andFIG. 6is a bottom view. As shown, the floating water feature100comprises a floating platform102, a main deck106, at least one elevated deck108connected to the main deck106by a plurality of steps110, and at least one waterslide assembly112. The non-limiting example shown inFIG. 1has three waterslide assemblies. Other embodiments may have one, two, three, four, five, or more waterslide assemblies, as shall be discussed below.

Each waterslide assembly112comprises a flume114with a beginning end118connected to an elevated deck108and a terminating end120connected to a ramp112. The waterslide assembly112also comprises a slide foundation300, to be discussed further with respect toFIG. 3. The waterslide assemblies112will be discussed in greater detail below.

As shown, the floating water feature100is entirely supported by one or more floating platforms102. Some embodiments, such as those shown inFIGS. 1 and 9, may be built upon a single floating platform102, while other embodiments, such as that shown inFIG. 13, may utilize more than one floating platform102.

The floating platform102is capable of supporting the weight of the floating water feature100because it is supported by one or more floats104that are buoyant. Examples of floats104include, but are not limited to pontoons, floats, barges, hulls, dock buoyancy aids, or other hollow structures providing buoyancy whether airtight or not. As a specific example, in one embodiment, floats104may be pontoons600composed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which may also be modular. Pontoons made from plastic are economical, resist corrosion, and have excellent buoyancy properties. HDPE, polyethylene or polypropylene are not the only plastics that will function as a buoyant pontoon. Other types of plastic pontoons (using existing plastics and/or composites or plastics and/or composites developed in the future) may support the floating platform, such as PVC (inflatable or not), PVC composites (inflatable or not), HDPE composites (inflatable or not), and the like. Pontoons may also be constructed of steel or aluminum or wood for example, in the case of hulls or barges for examples. Other floatation devices such as square “dock floats”, “dock cubes” or barge or hull sections may also be used as floats104.

According to various embodiments, the floating platform102may have a generally rectangular, square, other rectilinear shape, oval, or irregular shape (in a plan view). Some embodiments having generally straight waterslide assemblies112may include a floating platform102with a length that is 2 to 8 times the width (e.g., 2.5-7 times, 3-6 times, or 3-4.5 times). In some embodiments, the floating platform102has a length of 15-50 meters (m) and a width of 5-10 meters. In other embodiments, the floating platform112has a length of 5-25 meters and a width of 2-6 m. As a specific example, the floating platform102may have a length of 80 feet and a width of 20 feet.

Floats104may be separate from one another, may be coupled together, or may be integrated joined together into a unitary member. For example, floats104of the floating platform102may be coupled to each other through a float support assembly604(seeFIG. 6), which may also serve as an effective structure to which the rest of the floating water feature100may be attached. The floats104may be attached to the float support assembly604in a variety of ways. For example, in one embodiment, the floats104may each have one or more flanges along the top configured to bolt onto a steel beam. As an option, the steel beam may run perpendicular to the floats104, which may be elongated (e.g. pontoons, hulls, etc.). In some embodiments, the float support assembly604may comprise a plurality of beams that couple multiple floats104into a single floating platform102.

The floating water feature100includes a main deck106attached to the floating platform102. In some embodiments, the main deck106is attached directly to the float104or floats104, while in others it is attached to the float support assembly604. In some embodiments, the main deck106may be supported by a space frame, or other form of framework, which may serve to more evenly distribute the weight held by the main deck106onto the floating platform102.

The main deck106provides an area for people (e.g., customers, employees, guests, etc.) to move about, but may have certain areas with restricted access. The main deck106may include a customer area, a waiting area, space for lines of people awaiting their turn on the waterslides, jumping or swim-up areas next to the water, or the like. An admission kiosk or other ticketing booth or location may also be located on the main deck106. The main deck106may include safety railing along the edges of the main deck106where people are not allowed to jump into the water. The main deck106may include non-slip abrasive surfaces in areas where people will walk with wet feet (e.g., rubberized coatings, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, or the like).

People reach the beginning end118of the waterslides by climbing at least one collection of steps110. The collection of steps110may be in the form of staircases, ladders, nets, climbing holds or grips (modular or affixed or integrally molded) for hands and feet, or other assemblies that allow people to get from the body of water400to the main deck106, or from the main deck106to the top of a waterslide assembly112. The steps110begin at the main deck106and rises to an elevated deck108from which a waterslide begins. According to various embodiments, the elevated decks108have sufficient area to hold at least two people (e.g., a customer and a lifeguard) and may be large enough to hold numerous customers waiting their turn on the waterslide. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the elevated decks108of the floating water feature100are each provide at least 1.2 square meters of area for people (e.g. not including safety rails, etc.).

In some embodiments having more than one elevated deck108, each elevated deck108may be accessible through a separate plurality of steps110. In other embodiments, including the non-limiting example shown inFIG. 1, people may ascend to higher elevated decks108using additional collections of steps110beginning at a lower elevated deck108.

The steps110may be coupled to one or more of a slide foundation300, the main deck106, and the floating platform102. The steps110may be supported by any of a variety of supports to form the particular collection of steps desired, including the slide support assembly406, bars, beams, columns, struts, walls, climbing walls, or other structural supports.

In some embodiments, the steps110may be located at the rear of the floating water feature100, and may overlap, forming a spiraling stairwell for example ascending up to higher decks. In other embodiments, the steps110may form a single flight staircase for example, and may follow the length of a waterslide, providing people waiting in line a view of other sliders taking their turn. Like the main deck106, the steps110may be covered with a non-slip surface such as an abrasive surface or a textured rubber surface, or the like.

The floating water feature100includes one or more waterslide assemblies112, each assembly112comprising a flume114, a ramp112, and a slide foundation300. The flume114represents the bulk of the waterslide, and is where a person builds up the speed that will allow them to launch off of the ramp122at the bottom. According to various embodiments, the flume114is a long, predominantly (though not always exclusively) downward-sloped channel adapted to direct water and people down a path. Each flume114has a top surface116and a bottom surface404opposite the top surface116. Additionally, each flume114has a beginning end118that connects to an elevated deck108, and a terminating end120that connects with a ramp112. More specifically, the top surface116of the flume114at the terminating end120(or at least a majority of the top surface116at the terminating end120) mates with an upper surface124(or at least a majority of the upper surface124) of a ramp122at the entrance126of the ramp122.

The ramp122serves to redirect a person's path upward and outward once they have built up momentum sliding down the flume114. As a specific example, in some embodiments, the ramp122and flume114are both sized and shaped such that a person is launched up into the air at least one meter above the surface402of the water400before falling in. As shown, each ramp122has an entrance126which meets with the terminating end120of a flume114, and an exit128, where a person is launched. The shape of the flume114and the ramp122, in both a longitudinal and transverse sectional sense, will be discussed in greater detail with respect toFIGS. 7, 18, 12a, and12b, below.

According to some embodiments, the ramp122may be releasably coupled to the floating platform102with reusable couplers, and is interchangeable with other ramps122, allowing for variation in the slider's experience. Conventional waterslide installations do not include ramps and are static, not changing once constructed. Interchangeable ramps122having different sizes and pitches are advantageous in that they allow for variation in what is done with a slider's kinetic energy at the end of the flume114, whether it be launching them further away from the feature100or higher into the air, or somewhere in between.

The surface of the waterslide, meaning the combined top surface116of the flume114and upper surface124of the ramp122for each waterslide assembly112, is smooth, allowing for an efficient conversion of a slider's potential energy at the elevated deck108into kinetic energy at the exit128of the ramp122. For each waterslide, a person may ride down the waterslide in their swimsuit (e.g., on back, on stomach, or sitting) or ride down on a slippery mat or flotation device (e.g., mat, inflatable tube, raft, or other slippery and buoyant device).

According to various embodiments, the top surface116of a flume114may be high-density polyethylene (HDPE), medium-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic or other polymeric material, elastomer, fiberglass, polished metal, or another smooth surface that is slippery when wet. The upper surface124of ramp122may also be any of these smooth materials as well. In some embodiments, the top surface of a flume114and the upper surface124of its accompanying ramp122may be composed of the same material, while in others the slippery surfaces may be composed of different materials. In some embodiments, these slippery surfaces may be a permanent part of the waterslide assembly112, while in others they may be replaceable. Replacement of a thin surface material may be easier and more cost effective than repairing damage to a permanent surface of a flume114or ramp122, in some instances.

In some embodiments, the upper surface124of the ramp122and the top surface116of the flume114may be covered with a single piece of material, such that the union of the two surfaces is covered by the material, providing a smoother transition. In other embodiments, the two surfaces may simply be pressed together tightly and evenly to provide a similar, smooth transition. In still other embodiments, the material of the top surface116of the flume114may extend beyond the rest of the structure of the flume114, such that it overlaps the upper surface124of the ramp122slightly, covering the union.

The ramp122itself may be constructed of steel, fiberglass, and/or other materials. In some embodiments, the upper surface124may be slippery when wet due to a coating of any of the previously mentioned materials, or other materials known in the art. In other embodiments, the upper surface124may be slippery due to the nature of the material from which the rest of the ramp122is made. For example, in one embodiment, a ramp122may be constructed out of metal, and the upper surface124may be polished metal.

According to various embodiments, the floating water feature100may further comprise a water pump140which may draw water from the body of water400or some other source and delivers it to pump outputs504at the beginning end118, or near the beginning end118, of each flume114.

The pump140may be located on, near, or under the main deck106. The pump140takes water drawn from the body of water400and delivers the water to the top portion of each waterslide assembly(s)112. One or more filters may be positioned after a pump input602and before the pump140to filter the water.

According to various embodiments, the pump input602for the pump140may be located beneath the main deck108and at least 1 meter away from the edges606of the floating platform102to reduce strong currents near the edges of the floating platform102which could be dangerous to swimmers. In some embodiments, the pump input602is located at the end of a pipe or conduit positioned in the water away from the floating water feature100by at least 5 meters. The pump140may be powered from an array of rechargeable batteries, power delivered from on-shore, solar panels coupled to the floating water feature, and/or gas or propane generator(s).

In some embodiments, electrical power may also be supplied to included lighting, audio speakers, a sound system, and an admission kiosk for example. Power may also be supplied to lifeguard stations positioned at the top of the waterslides and on the main deck106(e.g., providing power to communications or alarms at the lifeguard stations). If the floating water feature100also includes storage, restrooms, or an office, electrical power can be supplied to these structures as well.

In addition to the disclosed waterslide assemblies112, other recreational water activities can be conducted from the floating platform. For example, any one of the following can be added: a rope swing, a diving board, a cliff jump, a catapult, “The Blob” bag jump, a corkscrew slide, and the like.

In each waterslide assembly112, the flume114is supported by a slide foundation300. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a slide foundation300is the structure that is directly coupled to the flume114, and through which the flume114is supported above the main deck106. In some embodiments, the slide foundation300may be coupled to the bottom surface404of the flume114, while in other embodiments the slide foundation300may couple to the flume114through other surfaces (e.g. clamping onto the edges of the flume114, bonding with the top surface116of the flume114, etc.).

In some embodiments, the slide foundation300may be a series of braces302coupled to the bottom surface404of the flume114. See, for example,FIG. 3. Such a slide foundation300may be useful in embodiments where the flume114has structure of its own (e.g. a concave fiberglass flume, etc.). In other embodiments, the slide foundation300may comprise a surface, or a partial surface (e.g. a surface with holes, etc.) on which a less substantial flume114may be supported. For example, a flume114comprising a flexible sheet of material bordered by inflatable bumpers could be unfurled and secured to a slide foundation300that provides a flat or curved surface to give the flexible sheet form and support the weight of the water and the sliders. As an option, such a surface may be perforated to reduce the wind drag exerted on the waterslide assembly112when the floating water feature100is not in use, preventing damage, tipping, or a runaway waterslide.

Various bars, beams, columns, struts, space frames, trusses, or other structural supports may be used as part of the slide foundation300. In some embodiments, the slide foundation300is constructed of metal (e.g., steel or aluminum alloys) and may have a lattice structure to reduce the amount of wind drag of the entire waterslide assembly112. In some embodiments, the slide foundation300includes a space frame substantially parallel to the slope of the flume114. See, for example,FIGS. 9 and 10.

The slide foundation300of each waterslide assembly112is coupled to the floating platform102through a slide support assembly406. In some embodiments, each waterslide assembly112may have its own, separate slide support assembly406. In other embodiments, multiple, or even all, waterside assemblies112of a floating water feature100may be coupled to the floating platform102through a single slide support assembly406. See, for example,FIG. 4, which shows three waterslide assemblies112being supported by a single slide support assembly406, which is made up of a plurality of beams408joining the various slide foundations300with the floating platform102.

In some embodiments, the beams408of the slide support assembly406may be substantially vertical with respect to the floating platform102, directly supporting the weight of the slide assemblies112above them. In other embodiments, one or more of the beams408may be oriented at an angle with respect to the floating platform102that is not perpendicular.

In some embodiments, the beams408of the slide support assembly406may be interconnected at points between the floating platform102and the slide foundation300, creating a framework or lattice. See, for example,FIGS. 9 and 10. In other embodiments, the beams408of the slide support assembly406may stand independent of each other (other than coupling to the same waterslide assemblies112above and floating platform102below). See, for example,FIG. 4, where the beams408of the slide support assembly406are each thick, vertical poles that form a single line centered beneath the three waterslide assemblies112being supported.

The slide support assembly406is coupled to one or more slide foundations300belonging to one or more waterslide assemblies112. According to some embodiments, the slide support assembly406is also coupled to floating platform102indirectly through the main deck106, or directly coupling to one or more floats104or a float support assembly604of the floating platform102. In some embodiments, the slide support assembly406may also support other structures, such as steps110, elevated decks108, and the like.

According to various embodiments, the floating water feature100may be, to some degree, modular. Modularity, in this case meaning “built up from and able to be broken down into pieces”, gives the floating water feature100an advantage over conventional waterslide installations of similar size and scope, which are generally built permanently affixed to surrounding infrastructure, and are at the mercy of whatever people travel to the slide. The floating water feature100, however, may be moved as is (or disassembled and moved) to various bodies of water, creating larger demand in each body of water due to scarcity while able to reach people in a variety of locations.

There are various degrees of modularity. For example, some or all of the flumes114of the waterslide assemblies112may be modular. In some embodiments, the flumes114may be constructed with: interlocking fiberglass, plastic, HDPE/FRP, and the like segments200(see, for example,FIG. 2).

The interlocking fiberglass, plastic, HDPE/FRP, and the like segments200may be removable segments that can stack and roll on top of each other to be lowered to the bottom of the waterslide assembly112. As a specific example, the flume segments200may lock to the slide foundation300using a tab connected to the bottom surface404of the flume114(or each flume segment200). This tab may penetrate the face of a surface of the slide foundation300, after which a spring-loaded bolt locks them in place. Other connections may include bolting or hooking into the slide structure as shown in some of the other attached figures.

In other embodiments, a flume114may be modular in the sense that they can take on a different shape, such as a shape more appropriate for transport or storage. For example, flexible sheets such as a vinyl or plastic slide with inflatable side bumpers, or a polymerized and slippery surface, such as those previously discussed above, may be rolled up and/or deflated after decoupling from a slide foundation300.

In some embodiments, all or a majority of the floating water feature100or the waterslide assembly112is constructed in a modular fashion using bolts or other reusable couplers304(e.g. removable fasteners, etc.) instead of permanent welds. Modular construction allows the modular elements to be disassembled when not in use (e.g., during cold seasons, during off-peak vacation seasons, or in anticipation of high wind). For example, some or all of a waterslide assembly112, float support assembly604, main deck106, and floating platform102, may be disassembled and stored during cold weather to reduce sun or weather damage to the stored structures. An entirely modular construction allows the floating water feature100to be disassembled and moved from location to location to service a number of different lakes, marinas, or other bodies of water.

FIG. 5shows a top view of the floating water feature100ofFIG. 1. A longitudinal midline is indicated for the flume114(i.e. midline600) and ramp122(i.e. midline602) of one of the waterslide assemblies112. In the context of the present description, a longitudinal midline refers to the line or path traced along the intersection of the highest surface (e.g. top surface116, upper surface124) with a longitudinal plane (or surface, for waterslide assemblies112providing a ride that is substantially nonlinear in all three dimensions instead of just two) that bisects the flume114or ramp122. These midlines provide a useful context in which to characterize the path that the waterslide assembly112takes, or in other words, the path that a person rides along as they use the waterslide assembly112.

FIG. 7is a side view of the longitudinal midlines500and502of an exemplary waterslide assembly112. It should be noted that for demonstrative purposes, some aspects of the midlines shown inFIG. 7might differ slightly from the midlines pointed to inFIG. 5.

The flume114of a waterslide assembly112may have a variety of shapes, so long as the general path (hereinafter described by discussing longitudinal midlines) is substantially descending. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, substantially descending means that the path is predominantly downward, but may have portions that are flat or even slightly inclined, so long as the deviations from a downward slope are not large enough to disrupt a slider's journey from the elevated deck108to the water below. As a rough approximation, it may be said that such a path is, on average, descending.

In some embodiments, the shape of the longitudinal midline500of a flume114may be curvilinear, meaning consisting of curved lines. In other embodiments, the shape of the longitudinal midline500may be rectilinear, meaning consisting of straight lines. Some midlines500may be compound curves having an inflection point, such as an ogee curve. Other midlines500may be segments of a circular curve, while still others may be portions of various conic sections. In some embodiments, the longitudinal midline500of a flume114does not have any discontinuities, providing a smooth ride, while in others the midline500may have one or more discontinuities or sharp changes in slope that results in a small “hop” before the big launch off the ramp122at the bottom. Additionally, ramps122may have any of the above-described shapes, except ramps122may be either substantially flat, or substantially ascending, on average, depending on the desired ending to the waterslide assembly112.

As previously discussed, the ramp122serves as the launching structure that ejects a person upward and outward. In some embodiments, where the ramp122launches a slider upward to some degree, the midline502of the ramp122may be described as having an ascending portion714at, or proximate to, the exit128. Within the ascending portion714, the ramp122has a launch point712, which is the point along the ascending portion714of the longitudinal midline502whose tangent forms the smallest obtuse angle with respect to the surface402of the body of water400. In other words, the launch point712is the point along the midline502with the sharpest upward angle. Put differently, the launch point712would be the point of separation between an object speeding down the slide and the ramp122, if gravity were no longer a factor after the potential energy of the object has reached its minimum.

Some ramps122may curve downward towards the exit128after the launch point712, to ensure a smooth transition for the slider, while others may terminate at the launch point712with a sharp drop-off. In other embodiments, where the slider is not intended to be launched into the air, but instead launch outward or even downward into the water, the ramp122may not have an ascending portion714nor a launch point712.

According to various embodiments, and as previously discussed, at least a majority of the top surface116of the terminating end120of the flume114is butted up against, or coupled with, at least a majority of the upper surface124of the entrance126of the ramp122, to provide a smooth ride and prevent injury to the slider. Put differently, the tangent706taken along the midline500of the flume114and the tangent708taken along the midline502of the ramp122, at that point of the flume114and ramp122meeting, are substantially parallel. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, substantially parallel means parallel to within 15 degrees. As previously discussed, in some embodiments, a slight discontinuity at the union of ramp122and flume114may be compensated for with covering the union with a portion of slippery material.

The flumes114and ramps122may have any of a variety of pitches or slopes. In some embodiments, the flume114may be sloped at an average angle of15-50degrees with respect to the surface of water, or between 35 and 40 degrees, and in a specific embodiment may have an average angle704of approximately 37 degrees. In other embodiments, the average angle may vary from 30 to 50 degrees and may have variable curvature. In some embodiments, ramp122may have a launch angle700(i.e. the angle of the tangent taken at the launch point712, with respect to the surface of the water) between 140 and 175 degrees, or between 130 and 178 degrees.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the ramp122may have a downward-sloped portion and an upward sloped portion at the end. See, for example, the ramps122shown inFIG. 1. In other embodiments, the ramp122may be entirely upward. See, for example, the ramps122ofFIG. 10.

In a number of embodiments, the floating water feature100may include two or more separate waterslide assemblies112with flumes114having different average angles704and/or ramps122having different launch angles700. See, for example,FIG. 8, which shows a close-up of the three ramps of the floating water feature100ofFIG. 1. Each of the three ramps122has a different launch angle.

In some embodiments, the midline path of a waterslide assembly112may be essentially linear in one dimension. See, for example, the paths of the slides shown inFIGS. 1, 9, and13. In other embodiments, a waterslide assembly112may be non-linear in all three dimensions, meaning that in addition to sliding forward and up and down, there is some side to side motion, or even turns and complete reversals. In some embodiments, a flume114may be essentially planar (i.e. essentially linear in one dimension), and may be paired with a ramp122that sends the slider off at an angle with respect to the plane of the flume114. This may be advantageous, as it may be used to spread out sliders as they are launched outward, preventing collisions and facilitating a quicker evacuation from the landing area so other sliders may proceed. In other embodiments, a non-planar flume114may be paired with an essentially planar ramp122. Of course, in still other embodiments, the flume114and ramp122may both be either planar or non-planar. Furthermore, the ramps122and/or flumes114may be of different lengths, or midline lengths, in some embodiments, while in others the ramps122and/or flumes114may be similar or identical.

The floating water feature100may have any of a variety of sizes, though the size of the floating platform102is typically defined by the weight of the rest of its components and anticipated weight of people and pumped water, in light of the type and number of floats104being employed. As a specific example, in one embodiment, a floating water feature100may have two elevated decks108: a first elevated deck130, which is between 2 and 10 meters above the main deck106, and a second elevated deck132, which is between 2 and 8 meters above the first elevated deck130. The floating water feature100may further comprise three waterslide assemblies112: a first waterslide assembly134coupled to the first elevated deck130, and a second136and third138waterslide assembly coupled to the second elevated deck132. Each of the three waterslide assemblies112may have a total path length, meaning the longitudinal midline500of the flume114combined with the longitudinal midline502of the ramp122, of between 5 and 30 meters. Furthermore, the ramps122may have launch points712that are at least two (2) feet, three (3) feet, four (4) feet, five (5) feet, six (6) feet, and more above a lowest point710(meaning the point closest to the surface of the water) of the longitudinal midline502of the ramp122. It should be clear to those skilled in the art that variations in number of waterslide assemblies112, number of elevated decks108, size of floating platform102, as well as the size, shape, and length of the flumes114and ramps122are available using the structures contemplated herein.

FIGS. 9-11are various views of a non-limiting example of another embodiment of a floating water feature900. Specifically,FIG. 9is a perspective view,FIG. 10is a side view, andFIG. 11is a top view. As shown, in other embodiments, the floating water feature900may make use of different ramps122, slide foundations300, slide support assemblies406, and flumes114, as has been discussed above.

FIGS. 12aand 12bare sectional views of two different embodiments of a flume114. Specifically,FIG. 12ais the sectional view of a flume114taken along line A-A ofFIG. 5, andFIG. 12bis the sectional view of a flume114taken along line B-B ofFIG. 11. As shown, the flumes114of a floating water feature100,900, may have a variety of transverse cross sections. In some embodiments, the transverse cross section1200of a flume114may be concave and curvilinear. In other embodiments, the transverse cross section1202of a flume114may be substantially flat (i.e. a majority of the cross section is linear within 10 degrees) and may be bounded by retaining sidewalls1204to prevent a slider from separating from the slide prematurely, possibly resulting in harm to them, other sliders, or bystanders. It should be understood that other flume transverse sectional shapes might be used, as is known in the art of waterslides.

FIG. 13is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of yet another embodiment of a floating water feature1300. Depending upon the embodiment, a floating water feature1300may make use of more than one floating platform102that may or may not be separated from each other, or may use just one floating platform102that may be in a “T”, “V”, “Y”, “A”, “U”, “H”, “X”, and the like shape for example.

As particularly shown inFIG. 13, some embodiments of the floating water feature1300employ a first floating platform1302, a second floating platform1304, and a third floating platform1306, which are separated from each other. The floating water feature1300also comprises a first elevated deck130coupled to a first waterslide assembly134whose ramp122is releasably coupled to the second flotation platform1304. The slide support assembly406comprises at least a first beam1308coupling the slide foundation300to the first floating platform1302and a second beam1310coupling the slide foundation300to the third floating platform1306. In other embodiments, additional beams may be employed to couple the slide foundation300to the first and third floating platforms1302and1306, respectively.

The minimalist structure of the floating water feature1300ofFIG. 13may be further strengthened by connecting the three floating platforms to each other by a framework at or near the surface of the water and/or above the surface of the water, to prevent them from spreading apart and lowering the elevated deck downward until the structure fails. In some embodiments, the floating platforms may be connected by a framework to each other directly, while in others they may be connected by a framework using a central point or hub, to more evenly distribute the forces. Such a framework connection may be made using one or more cables, one or more rails, a combination of rails and cables, or other framework structures able to resist pulling forces known in the art. As particularly shown inFIG. 13and for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure, such a framework connection may be made using a framework of rails1312and1314that directly connect floating platforms1302,1304, and1306to each other.

Embodiments of the floating water feature1300such as the one shown inFIG. 13may be advantageous over other embodiments in certain circumstances. The minimal structure makes it easier to disassemble, transport, and assemble, requires less material potentially making it less expensive to manufacture, and allows it to be employed in smaller bodies of water, such as larger pool areas of resorts and community pools, water parks, rivers, ponds, and the like. However, the minimal structure may make it difficult to employ other features that facilitate commercialization, such as an admission kiosk. It should be recognized that the use of multiple floating platforms102might be adapted to other embodiments of the floating water feature, such as floating water features100and900.

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods, and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation. For example, some or all of the components of a disclosed floating water feature could be formed of materials that may or may not be rigid or completely rigid materials, such as inflatable materials, such as PVC, PVC composite, HDPE, HDPE composites, other plastic materials, other composite materials, and the like.

While this disclosure includes a number of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the DRAWINGS and have herein been described in detail particular embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosed concepts to the embodiments illustrated.

Where the above examples, embodiments and implementations reference examples, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that other floating water features, manufacturing methods and examples could be intermixed or substituted with those provided. In places where the description above refers to particular embodiments of a floating water feature, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these embodiments and implementations may be applied to other floating water features and other recreational features as well. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.