Looping saucer amusement attraction and method for making the same

A waterslide feature for providing a looping travel path for a rider traveling thereon and method for making the same. The waterslide feature may be in the shape of a tilted bowl or saucer that provides a 360 degree travel path for a rider around the waterslide feature. The rider may experience a feeling of weightlessness at one or more locations (e.g., art apex) of the travel path. The rider may be provided into the tilted bowl by way of an entrance (e.g., flume) and may be received from the tilted bowl by way of an exit (e.g., flume). The orientation of the entrance and exit may be in any of a variety of configurations, such as side-by-side or over-under. Colored fiberglass, lighting dements, and other features may be included to enhance the visual or other impact of the waterslide feature to riders and/or spectators.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an amusement attraction apparatus and method. More particularly, the present invention relates to a water ride attraction and method whereby riders to travel thereon in a looping travel path.

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. One type of water ride includes a riding surface in the shape of a bowl that is positioned horizontally upon the ground or other surface, whereby a rider enters the bowl along a side of the bowl and exits via an opening in the bottom of the bowl. For example, a pool of water may be positioned underneath the bowl such that a rider falls through the opening in the bottom of the bowl and splashes into the pool of water below. Water parks and other facilities containing waterslide attractions often must regularly introduce new water rides or in order to maintain customer appeal and interest.

Thus, an improved waterslide that introduces new concepts, features, or slidepaths for a rider is desired. Such an improved waterslide may provide riders with a ride experience that such riders have not encountered before, thereby driving excitement and sales at locations, such as waterparks, which install such a waterslide. The improved waterslide would ideally contain one or more novel slidepaths that a rider would travel while riding upon the waterslide. The improved waterslide would ideally be visually interesting for both bystanders and riders.

SUMMARY

The present invention is related to a method and apparatus relating to a tilted waterslide feature. In one embodiment, a waterslide feature may include a tilted ride surface for supporting a rider thereon, an entrance, connected with the ride surface, for providing a rider onto the ride surface, an exit, connected with the ride surface, for receiving a rider from the ride surface, wherein the ride surface is configured to cause the rider to travel in a looping travel path from the entrance to the exit.

In another embodiment, a method for providing a waterslide feature may include providing a tilted ride surface for supporting a rider thereon, providing an entrance, connected with the ride surface, for a rider to enter onto the ride surface, providing an exit, connected with the ride surface, for a rider to exit from the ride surface, and moving the rider in a looping travel path covering substantially 360 degrees from the entrance to the exit.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1shows a waterslide feature100and at least one rider105riding upon the waterslide feature100. The at least one rider may ride upon the waterslide feature100via a ride vehicle as illustrated (e.g., foam pad, inflatable device, etc.) or may ride upon the waterslide feature100without any ride vehicle in alternative embodiments. In one embodiment the waterslide feature100may be incorporated within a larger waterslide attraction (e.g., is one sliding feature among others that are encountered by the at least one rider105as the at least one rider105travels along a full travel path from an initial enhance of the larger waterslide attraction to a final exit of the larger waterslide attraction). In another embodiment, the waterslide feature100may be substantially the only feature such that the waterslide feature100is the waterslide attraction itself.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 1, an entrance flume120may connect with the waterslide feature100in order for the at least one rider105traveling along the entrance flume120to enter into the waterslide feature100. Although a flume is shown inFIG. 1, any of a variety of possible entrances may be used in alternative embodiments (open slides, free-falling drops, etc.). If the waterslide feature100is incorporated as part of a larger waterslide attraction, the entrance flume120may be connected to other, prior waterslide features (e.g. other waterslide features that are the same or similar to waterslide feature100to create a sequential travel path through multiple waterslide features100). In other embodiments, different waterslide features (e.g., corkscrews or any of a variety of other elements) may be used. Similarly, as illustrated inFIG. 1, an exit Hume130may connect with the waterslide feature100in order for the at least one rider105traveling on the waterslide feature100to exit from the waterslide feature100and travel to an exit for the waterslide or be transported to further elements of the waterslide. Although a flume is shown inFIG. 1, any of a variety of possible exits may be used in alternative embodiments (open slides, vertical drops, etc.). Moreover, although only one entrance and one exit are shown inFIG. 1and other figures, alternative embodiments may use any of a variety of numbers of entrances and/or exits.

The waterslide feature100may be shaped in any of a variety of ways, such as a bowl, a sphere or part of a sphere, or any of a variety of other possible shapes (e.g., shapes having angled walls instead of curved or smooth surfaces). As shown inFIG. 1, the waterslide feature100may include a body made up of a flat surface102and a curved surface103that extends upwardly from the flat surface102at the border or perimeter170of the surface102. Although the surface102is illustrated as completely flat inFIG. 1, in an alternative embodiment, the surface102may be shaped in any of a variety of different shapes (e.g., curved, angled, etc.). Likewise, although the surface103is illustrated as curved inFIG. 1, in an alternative embodiment, the surface103may be shaped in any of a variety of different shapes (e.g., angled, substantially vertical, etc.). In still other embodiments, there may be no determinable difference or demarcation between surface102and103such that there is one, smooth ride surface comprising both surface102and103(e.g., a smooth bowl, sphere, etc.).

A travel path110for the at least one rider105is shown inFIG. 1for the waterslide feature100. In one embodiment, this travel path110may extend from an opening of the entrance flume120, around all or a portion of the surface103of the waterslide feature100, and then into an opening of the exit flume130. Although an exemplary looping travel path110is shown inFIG. 1is shown whereby the at least one rider105only travels along the waterslide feature100on the surface103, in an alternative embodiment, the at least one rider105may travel on a travel path that extends across other surfaces (e.g., the surface102) of the waterslide feature100. As shown, the waterslide feature100consists of a tilted or angled shape (e.g., a tilted bowl or saucer shape), such that the travel path110takes a rider from a lowest point160of the waterslide feature (e.g., where the entrance flume120provides entry into the waterslide feature100) up and around, in a looping fashion, the one or more surfaces (e.g., surface102and/or surface103) of the waterslide feature100, back to the lowest point160of the waterslide feature100(e.g., where the exit flume130provides exit from the waterslide feature100). In this fashion, the travel path110may take the rider on a substantially 360-degree looping travel path. For example, the at least one rider105may experience a brief feeling of weightlessness at the top (i.e., the apex) of the 360-degree arc along the surface103. In an alternative embodiment, the travel path110of the waterslide feature100may vary and form any desired travel path (e.g., less than or greater than 360 degrees). For example, this may be accomplished by altering the positioning of connection of either or both of the entrance flume120and/or the exit flume130with the waterslide feature100. In any of the alternative travel paths, a feeling of weightlessness at a top portion of the travel path may still be maintained.

The travel path110may be predetermined for the at least one rider105, for example via the establishment of a guide, channel, or other depression150within a surface (e.g., surface103) of the waterslide feature100, This guide150may be formed, in one embodiment, such that one or more wails or elevated portions (e.g., ridges, hills, bumps, etc.) act to maintain the at least one rider105within a particular area of the surface such that the travel path1.10is known and/or pre-established for the at least one rider105. In certain embodiments, the guide150may be established via other manners, for example, usage of materials and/or coatings having different coefficients of friction in order to cause the at least one rider105to be maintained in a predetermined part of the waterslide feature100. In such an embodiment, rider enjoyment and/or predictability of ride operation may be better maintained since the positioning of the at least one rider105on the waterslide feature100is already planned. In an alternative embodiment, the travel path110may not be predetermined, allowing for the at least one rider105to travel in a variety of travel paths which may differ on a given ride upon the waterslide feature100depending upon any of a variety of possible inputs (e.g., rider weight, water velocity, water volume, rider positioning, number of riders, etc.).

The above-described tilted shape (e.g., tilted bowl or tilted saucer) of the waterslide feature100may be maintained via a structural framework180that includes a plurality of connected beams, poles, posts, or other structural element(s) that are configured to orient the waterslide feature100in its tilted, yet stable, configuration. Any of a variety of potential angles of tilt may be used in differing embodiments, such as the substantially 45-degrees of tilt illustrated inFIGS. 1, 3, and others. Other embodiments may include angles of tilt that are less than or greater than the angle of tilt specifically illustrated in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1, 3, and others. Although the embodiment ofFIG. 1and others, illustrates the waterslide feature100located in close proximity to a ground, in alternative embodiments shown in other figures herein, the waterslide feature100may be disposed at any of a variety of elevations (e.g., sunken into the ground and/or elevated higher in the air). The surfaces (e.g., surface102and/or surface103, etc.) of the waterslide feature may be made of any of a variety of materials (e.g., fiberglass, such as colored fiberglass).

Although a specific embodiment has been shown inFIG. 1for the waterslide feature100, any of a variety of other possible features or functionality may be included and/or removed from a waterslide feature in other embodiments. For example, although the waterslide feature100showcases a tilted bowl configuration with an open top, an alternative embodiment may be a fully enclosed waterslide feature (e.g., a closed saucer, sphere, etc.). Likewise, a waterslide feature may include additional functionality, such as lighting characteristics, that may add to rider or spectator enjoyment For example, lights (e.g., light-emitting diodes) may be connected with and/or implanted within or underneath one or more surfaces (e.g., surface102and/or surface103) of the waterslide feature100. Such lighting may be configured to illuminate through one or more of the surfaces (e.g., transparent or semi-transparent surfaces) of the waterslide feature100. For example, lighting may be configured to illuminate in order to visually illustrate the travel path110for the at least one rider105(e.g., may illuminate prior to, during, and/or after the at least one rider105has travelled upon the corresponding surface). Such an illuminated indication of the travel path110may be performed with sequential lighting (e.g., a series of lights illuminate sequentially as a rider approaches and/or traverses a surface of the waterslide feature100) in certain embodiments. Sound and/or tactile features (e.g., vibration, etc.) may additionally be used in certain embodiments of the waterslide feature100in addition to, or in replacement of lighting features.

FIG. 2Ashows a top-down view of a waterslide feature200having a side-by-side entrance/exit configuration. Certain features and/or operation of the waterslide feature200may be the same or similar to those discussed elsewhere in this application. As shown, an entrance flume210delivers riders into the waterslide feature200by way of an entrance opening215. Similarly, an exit flume220receives riders from the waterslide feature200by way of an exit opening225. A rider travels along a travel path230from the entrance opening215to the exit opening225. The entrance opening215and the exit opening225are oriented with respect to one another in a side-by-side configuration, whereby the entrance opening215and the exit opening225are next to or adjacent to one another, but are not overlapping one another (i.e., the entrance flume210or entrance opening215does not obscure the exit opening225when viewed from a top perspective).

In contrast toFIG. 2A,FIG. 2Bshows a top-down view of a waterslide feature250having an over-under entrance/exit configuration. Certain features and/or operation of the waterslide feature250may be the same or similar to those discussed elsewhere in this application. As shown, an entrance flume260delivers riders into the waterslide feature250by way of an entrance opening265. Similarly, an exit flume270receives riders from the waterslide feature250by way of an exit opening275. A rider travels along a travel path280from the entrance opening265to the exit opening275. The entrance opening265and the exit opening275are oriented with respect to one another in an over-under configuration, whereby the entrance flume260or entrance opening265overlaps with and obscures at least a portion of the exit opening275. Any of a variety of possible configurations between entrance and exit locations or delivery positions may be used in alternative embodiments.

FIG. 3shows a perspective view of a waterslide feature300having an exemplary water spray feature310. Certain features and/or operation of the waterslide feature300may be the same or similar to those discussed elsewhere in this application. The water spray feature310may include one or more conduits (e.g.,5pipes, etc.) that are configured to spray or otherwise dispose water onto at least a portion of a surface of the waterslide feature300. This disposal of water may be configured to dump or spray upon riders as they traverse the ride and/or may be used to provide additional waterflow upon the waterslide feature300(e.g., to aid in establishing or providing a travel path for riders as they traverse the waterslide feature). Although a specific water spray feature310having a particular orientation, positioning, and/or operation is explicitly illustrated inFIG. 3, other embodiments may include a variety of possible water features (e.g., waterfalls, spouts, guns, etc.) as desired. In certain embodiments, a logo, name, or other visual indicia330may be provided upon a surface of the waterslide feature309(e.g., along a central surface that riders loop around). In certain embodiments, the waterslide feature300may be positioned adjacent to a viewing area320to allow for greater spectator engagement.

FIG. 4Ashows a perspective view of a waterslide feature400having theming and having common features with other water attractions. Certain features and/or operation of the waterslide feature400may be the same or similar to those discussed elsewhere in this application. As explicitly illustrated inFIG. 4A, a particular theme410(e.g., a dragon theme) has been provided for the waterslide feature400and includes various additional water spray features (e.g., sprays of water emitting from a jet located within themed “teeth” of a dragon).

In addition,FIG. 4Aillustrates that the waterslide feature400may be provided in combination with other waterslide attractions, such that the waterslide feature400and the other waterslide attraction share common features, such as a splash pool420used as a final exiting feature after riders traverse the waterslide feature490.FIG. 4Bsimilarly shows a perspective view of a waterslide feature450, but utilizing different theming for the waterslide feature450(e.g., a volcanic theme) and includes various additional water spray features (e.g., upward shooting sprays of water from jets located within the riding surface of the waterslide feature450), Certain features and/or operation of the waterslide feature450may be the same or similar to those discussed elsewhere in this application. Indeed, any of a variety of possible theming may be used as desired in alternative embodiments.

FIG. 5illustrates an exemplary waterslide feature according to embodiments herein. The waterslide feature may be provided in combination with other waterslide attractions and have a entrance flume502and exit flume504. The entrance and exit flumes may be open, partially or fully enclosed, and combinations thereof. The entrance flume502may be higher than the exit flume504. The entrance flume502may be on the same level as or even lower than the exit flume504. In an exemplary embodiment, the waterslide feature may include water jets508that are configured to inject water onto the curved surface510and/or travel path. The water jets may be used to control a direction of the travel path and/or a speed along the travel path. The water jets may also be used to impart or change rider direction, orientation, and/or rotation. The water jets may be used in conjunction with other ride features, such as textured or interference features to also or additional control a direction, orientation, and/or rotation of the rider on the ride surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the middle section506may be configured to maximize a weight range of riders that may be accommodated on the ride. The middle section506may therefore be elevated to create the depression or guide as described herein. The elevation of the middle section may define a shape different than an exterior perimeter of the waterslide feature such that a variable path may be taken by different riders.

FIG. 6illustrates an exemplary top view of the waterslide feature ofFIG. 5. As seen, the waterslide feature may include a middle section606adjacent the entrance flume602and exit flume604. The middle section606may be elevated with respect to the ride path610. The outer perimeter may also include an elevated curved wall612extending from the ride path610. The elevated surfaces of the middle section606and the outer wall may define a ride path610in which a rider may traverse through the waterslide feature. In an exemplary embodiment, a shape of the middle section may be different than a shape of the outer wall, such that a ride path of variable width is defined. As shown, the location of the entrance and exit flume may define a first side of the waterslide feature. The outer wall of the waterslide feature may define an outer boundary of a shape of the waterslide feature. The shape may define a major axis from the side defined by the entrance and exit flume to a side opposite the entrance and exit flume. The middle section may define an outer boundary of a shape for an interior boarder of the travel path. The interior boarder shape may define a separate major axis. The major axis of the interior boarder shape of the middle section may be off axis from the major axis of the shape of the waterslide feature as defined by the outer wall. The configurations of the outer wall shape and the middle section may be to define a rider path having a maximum width on a side of the water slide feature opposite the side defined between the entrance and exit flumes.

In an exemplary embodiment, an outer perimeter of a ride path may define a first shape and an interior perimeter of a ride path may define a second shape. The outer perimeter may be defined by an outer wall. The inner perimeter may be defined by an elevated surface relative to the ride path. The ride path may also be defined by other attributes as described such as variable frictional surfaces, bumps, flanges, boarders, walls, elevated surfaces, depreciated or indented surfaces, and any combination thereof. The ride path at the entrance flume may be a first width. The ride path may thereafter expand to a maximum. The ride path width after the maximum may thereafter reduce to a width at the exit flume. The entrance width may be less than or equal to an exit width.

As seen inFIG. 6, the outer perimeter of the waterslide feature may be defined by a plurality of radii. In an exemplary embodiment, the waterslide feature may have an outer perimeter adjacent the entrance flume and exit flume of a first radius. The waterslide feature may thereafter transition to sections of the outer perimeter of a second radius, and a middle section of the outer perimeter of a third radius. The transitions between radius, may be continuous between sections or may be stepwise discontinuous. The step-wise discontinuity may define different sections of different radius. There may be two, three, four, five, or more sections two radii, three radii, four radii, five radii, or other number. As shown, five sections of constant radii are shown having three different radius. In an exemplary embodiment, the section by the entrance and/or exit flume define a maximum radius. In an exemplary embodiment, the section in the middle between the entrance and exit flume define a minimum diameter. The sections may stepwise or continuously transition between the minimum and maximum radii sections. As shown, R1is a maximum, R3, is a minimum, and R2is between R1and R3. In an exemplary embodiment, the radii of curvatures are set to achieve an approximately constant speed of a rider or raft through the exemplary waterslide feature.

FIG. 7illustrates an exemplary side profile view of an exemplary embodiment of a waterslide feature according to embodiments described herein. As shown, the waterslide feature may define a spiral or helical path between the entrance flume and exit flume.

FIG. 8illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a waterslide feature according to embodiments described herein.FIG. 8depicts a side view of a water attraction integrating features described herein. As shown, the ride path may be angled relative to a physical horizon. In an exemplary embodiment, the waterslide feature may define a helical or spiral path about a longitudinal axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal axis is angled relative to the vertical. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle is approximately 45%. The angle may be less than 45% to vertical. The angle may be more than 45% to vertical.

FIG. 9illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a waterslide feature according to embodiments described herein.FIG. 10illustrates an elevated perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a waterslide feature according to embodiments described herein.FIG. 11illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a waterslide feature according to embodiments described herein.FIG. 12illustrates a second side view of an exemplary embodiment of a waterslide feature according to embodiments described herein.FIG. 13illustrates an exemplary front view of an exemplary embodiment of a waterslide feature according to embodiments described herein.FIG. 14illustrates a back side view of an exemplary embodiment of a waterslide feature according to embodiments described herein.FIG. 15illustrates a top side view of an exemplary embodiment of a waterslide feature according to embodiments described herein.FIG. 16illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a waterslide feature according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 15illustrates an exemplary configuration of a middle section and exterior perimeter to define a ride path of variable width. As shown, the interior middle section may define a generally egg shaped or ovoid elevated section. As shown, the exterior perimeter may define a generally ovoid or egg shaped outer shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the major axis of the middle section and a major axis of the exterior perimeter are not aligned or parallel. In an exemplary embodiment, the major axis of the middle section is approximately 45 degrees to 90 degrees to the major axis of the middle section.FIG. 15illustrates an outer perimeter defined by a continuously transitioning radius of curvature from a maximum adjacent a flume entrance and/or flume exit to a minimum and back to a maximum.

An exemplary embodiment includes a method for providing a waterslide feature having providing an entrance configured to receive a rider; providing an exit configured to discharge the rider; providing a ride surface that extends between the entrance and exit; and wherein the ride surface is configured to support and cause the rider to travel in a looping travel path from the entrance to the exit.

An exemplary embodiment may include any combination of additional features, including, for example, a flume is provided as at least one of the entrance and the exit; providing the ride surface includes providing the ride surface in the shape of a tilted bowl; providing the entrance and the exit includes connections with the ride surface at substantially the lowest elevation of the ride surface; the providing the ride surface includes the extending the ride surface above the lowest elevation of the ride surface; providing the ride surface includes further providing a guide configured to maintain the rider on a predetermined area of the ride surface as the rider moves along the looping travel path.

An exemplary embodiment includes a waterslide feature including an entrance configured to receive a rider; an exit configured to discharge the rider; and a ride surface extending between the entrance and exit and configured to support and cause the rider to travel in a looping travel path from the entrance to the exit.

An exemplary embodiment includes a waterslide feature having an entrance configured to receive a rider; an exit configured to discharge the rider; a ride surface extending between the entrance and exit and configured to support and cause the rider to travel in a substantially 360-degree looping travel path from the entrance to the exit; and the travel path including a top portion configured to cause the rider to experience weightlessness while moving across the top portion along the travel path.

The waterslide feature may have any combination of additional features such as, for example, at least one of the entrance or the exit is a flume; the ride surface is in the shape of a tilted bowl; the ride surface includes a guide for maintaining the rider on a predetermined area of the ride surface as the rider moves along the looping travel path; the guide is configured with the travel path including at least one of materials and coatings with different coefficients of friction to cause the rider to be maintained in a predetermined area of the ride surface; the entrance and the exit are connected with the ride surface at substantially the lowest elevation of the ride surface; the ride surface extends above the lowest elevation of the ride surface; the top portion is positioned above the lowest elevation of the ride surface; at least one of the entrance or the exit is a flume; the ride surface is in the shape of a tilted bowl; the entrance and the exit are connected with the ride surface at substantially the lowest elevation of the ride surface; the ride surface extends above the lowest elevation of the ride surface; the ride surface includes a guide for maintaining the rider on a predetermined area of the ride surface as the rider moves along the looping travel path; the guide is defined by an interior perimeter and an exterior perimeter, the interior perimeter and exterior perimeter defining a variable width along the length of the guide; the interior perimeter and exterior perimeter are defined by elevated surfaces above a surface defining the guide; the variable width is a minimum at the entrance and an exit; the interior perimeter defines a first ovoid shape exterior perimeter defines a second ovoid shape.

Exemplary embodiments of a waterslide features are described herein. Although described in terms of a water ride attraction and/or water slide, embodiments are not so limited. Exemplary embodiments may be used with water in which a rider goes down a flume and into an embodiment of the waterslide feature according to embodiments described herein on a sheet or layer of water. The rider may ride directly on the water through the flume and/or waterslide feature, or may ride a raft, inflatable, board, or other vehicle or surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle may support a plurality of riders. Exemplary embodiments may be used without water, and provide an amusement attraction for riding by one or more riders without water.

Although embodiments of this invention have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of embodiments of this invention as defined by the appended claims. Specifically, exemplary components are described herein. Any combination of these components may be used in any other combination. For example, any component, feature, step or part may be integrated, separated, sub-divided, removed, duplicated, added, or used in any combination and remain within the scope of the present disclosure. Embodiments are exemplary only, and provide an illustrative combination of features, but are not limited thereto.