Waterslide with angled transition

The present disclosure provides a waterslide comprising an upstream flume segment having a first cross-section, the upstream flume segment defining a first slide path, and a downstream flume segment having a second cross-section different than the first cross-section, the downstream flume segment defining a second slide path. The waterslide further comprises an angled transition linking the upstream flume segment to the downstream flume segment, wherein the angled transition defines a discontinuity between the upstream and downstream flume segments, thereby defining an inflection between the first and second slide paths.

BACKGROUND

Waterslides are popular ride attractions for water parks, theme parks, family entertainment centers and destination resorts. The popularity of waterslide rides has increased dramatically over the years, and park patrons continue to seek out more and more exciting and stimulating ride experiences. Thus, there is an ever present demand for different and more exciting waterslide designs that offer riders a unique ride experience and that give park owners the ability to draw larger crowds to their parks.

Waterslides generally include an inclined water conveying course having an entry at an upper end and an exit pool or other safe landing structure at a lower end with a flow of water between the entry and the exit. A waterslide user slides down the course under the influence of gravity, with or without a conveyance means such as a flexible plastic mat, tube or raft. The water provides cooling fun for the ride participants, and also acts as a lubricant so as to increase the speed of the rider down the flume. Generally, the slide course is arranged along a sinuous or serpentine path with a series of bends, twists and turns which enhance the amusement value of the waterslide.

Typically a waterslide is formed from a plurality of straight and curved (“macaroni-shaped”) concave flume segments, connected together in an end to end relationship to define the inclined waterslide course. The flume segments can be closed tubes or open channels. The waterslide can comprise a mixture of different types of flume segments. For example, FIG. 1 of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2005/0282643 shows a waterslide comprising closed tube and open channel flume segments.

Often waterslide flume segments are fabricated from plastic or fiberglass resin composites and furnished with flanges via which they are bolted or otherwise fastened together. Most commonly the flume segments each consist of a constant cross-section and are either straight or swept along a straight or curved two- or three-dimensional space curve. In many cases the flume cross-section is circular. The linked cross-sections are typically congruent at their ends, thereby creating a composite path having, at all points, tangent vectors substantially normal to the cross-section of the flume or flume segments. Therefore it can be said that a typical waterslide flume consists of a generally constant cross-section swept across a continuous and smooth path.

It is not uncommon to connect flume segments having different cross-sections in a single waterslide. This is accomplished by use of a component known as a transition. A conventional transition is a generally straight segment of flume having at one end a cross-section identical to that of a first flume segment, and at the other end a cross-section identical to that of a second flume segment, with the first and second flume segments having a substantially constant cross-section along their length. The transition may be used to couple first and second straight flume segments or first and second curved flume segments, or a straight segment to a curved segment.

FIGS. 1 and 2depict portions of prior art waterslides incorporating known transitions between flume segments having different cross-sections. For instance,FIG. 1depicts a portion of a waterslide100having a transition130that connects a first upstream curved flume segment110having a first cross-sectional size and shape to a second downstream curved flume segment120having a larger and different cross-sectional size and shape. The transition130is a straight flume segment piece with a cross-section that changes along its length. Each cross-section of transition130is generally disposed perpendicular to a path which joins, in a continuous and smooth fashion, the slide path of first flume segment110and second flume segment120. In this manner, the transition130provides a continuous, smooth composite slide path between the curved flume segments110and120. Thus, cross-sections taken of the transition130(perpendicular to the slide path) between end flanges140and150(which are typically used to attach the transition130to the first and second flume segments110and120, respectively) comprise generally smoothly modifying blends of the cross-sections of first flume segment110and second flume segment120, thereby providing a safe and smooth ride path for the rider.

FIG. 2depicts a plan view of a portion of a waterslide200with a transition230linking first and second straight flume segments210and220, wherein the first, upstream flume segment210has a narrower cross-section than the second, downstream flume segment220. The transition230is similar to the transition130used to link the curved flume segments inFIG. 1in that the transition230is a straight flume segment with a cross-section that changes gradually along its length. Each cross-section of transition230is generally disposed perpendicular to the approximate linear ride path and direction of movement of the rider (shown as arrow260) defined by the straight flume segments210and220. As such, the transition230provides a continuous, smooth composite slide path between the straight flume segments. As shown inFIG. 2, the transition230may be generally curved as it extends outwardly from the first flume segments210to the second flume segment220, or it may instead define a substantially straight outwardly-extending section that extends from the narrower flume segments210to the wider flume segment220. In commonly used transitions, a curve joining the outward normals of the end faces of a transition is generally straight when viewed in plan.

Waterslides are distinct from many other amusement rides in that the actual path of a rider contains additional degrees of freedom beyond strict adherence to a path largely parallel to the slide path of the flumes in the waterslide. The rider (optionally on a raft or other conveyance device) can slide from side-to-side within the flume, while having an average direction of travel in the direction of the slide path. In most designs this side-to-side motion is inevitable due to the shape of the flume and the plan view of the slide path. In order for a rider to follow the slide path precisely, the flume underneath the path of the rider would need to tilt such that the normal acceleration due to a curved path of a rider moving at any velocity is counteracted entirely by the angle of the supporting surface with respect to the direction of gravity. As the flume does not rotate, the rider must translate across-the cross-section until the previously mentioned force balance is achieved. Certain waterslide rides rely entirely on the excitement of climbing a flume wall and then sliding downwards and then in some cases up another flume wall and so on in this side-to-side manner.

It is common in waterslides to use side-to-side oscillation and the attendant rise up the wall of the flume to create a safe yet more exciting ride experience. Oscillation is typically created by turns in the slide path of a waterslide. This generally requires long stretches and large radius turns in the slide path, using a large surface area of slide surface. Conventionally, wider flumes are used to permit larger side-to-side motion with higher upward displacements.

FIG. 3depicts a plan view of a portion of a prior art waterslide300in which a first straight flume segment310is linked to the second straight flume segment320of the same cross-section, by a turn330. The turn330may be defined by a separate flume segment, or instead, it maybe formed as a portion of either one of the straight flume segments. The approximate ride path and direction of movement of the rider is shown as arrow360. As the rider moves into turn330, a continuation of the rider's original path directs the rider up the interior wall of turn330. As the rider is now up a slope on the turn330, the rider is urged by gravity in a downward direction pointing into the center of the turn. As the rider travels downhill toward the center of the flume segment320, the rider also continues to traverse the ride path and turns the corner.

Thus, the turn330and the flume segments310and320, in addition to defining a generally curved path of travel, also define a downward path component due to the concave or tubular wall shape of the flume segments. This downward path component is transverse to the curved slide path, so when the rider has completed the turn, and has returned to straight flume320, the rider continues to travel in a side-to-side manner. The side-to-side component of velocity remains as an overshoot, creating an oscillating ride path360. Thus, as the rider travels around turn330centrifugal forces move the rider across flume320, creating an oscillation which is sustained in the ride path360for some distance after turn330.

In order to create sufficient linear speed prior to the turn to create this side-to-side oscillation, a rider must have accelerated sufficiently, for example, by moving downhill from a certain height, thus creating a need for tall waterslide structures. In many waterslides the rider does not move side-to-side very much in the first few turning flume sections. Often, a straight section prior to a turn features an increase in grade and subsequent decrease in grade, creating a dropping section, to increase speed, thereby shortening the required straight.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a waterslide comprising an upstream flume segment having a first cross-section, the upstream flume segment defining a first slide path, and a downstream flume segment having a second cross-section different than the first cross-section, the downstream flume segment defining a second slide path. The waterslide further comprises an angled transition linking the upstream flume segment to the downstream flume segment, wherein the angled transition defines a discontinuity between the upstream and downstream flume segments, thereby defining an inflection between the first and second slide paths.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to an angled waterslide transition which connects two flume segments of different cross-sectional dimensions (shape and/or size). However, rather than having a continuous, smooth slide path of cross-section normals associated with cross-sections of the transition as it is traversed from upstream to downstream, there is a discontinuity creating an inflection. Also, the ride path, as it crosses the boundary between the transition and the downstream flume segment, is not perpendicular to the cross-section of the downstream flume segment. Therefore, the angled waterslide transition, as will be described below, creates a slide path which is continuous, but not smooth, thereby creating an oscillating, side-to-side ride path in the flume segment that is downhill of the angled transition.

As used herein, the term “slide path” refers to the path formed by linking the outward normals of the flume segment cross-sections. The term “ride path” refers to the approximate path a rider would take when sliding down the waterslide or flume. In preferred embodiments, the term “flume segment” refers to a portion of the waterslide course that has a substantially constant cross-section along its length (unless otherwise noted).

Referring toFIGS. 4A-4C, an exemplary embodiment of a waterslide400having angled transitions430and435formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. Although the waterslide400may include any suitable arrangement and combination of flume segments, the waterslide400includes an entry490at the top, uphill portion of the waterslide400. The rider enters the waterslide400at the entry490, slides through curved narrow tube flume segment410and enters a substantially larger diameter curved tube flume segment420via the angled transition430. As the rider moves through large diameter flume segment420the ride path oscillates from side-to-side up and down the interior walls of flume segment420. The rider exits flume segment420via a conventional transition440, slides through another narrow curved tube flume segment415, and enters another large diameter curved tube flume segment425via another angled transition435. Again as the rider moves through flume segment425, the ride path oscillates from side-to-side up and down the interior walls of flume segment425. The rider exits flume segment425via another conventional transition445, slides through another narrow tube flume segment460to the waterslide exit495.

Referring toFIG. 5, a portion of a waterslide500comprising an exemplary embodiment of an angled waterslide transition530formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. Such an angled transition530can be used with the waterslide400described above or with any other suitable waterslide structure. The waterslide500comprises an upstream curved flume segment510and a downstream curved flume segment520having a larger and differently shaped cross-section. Flume segments510and520each comprise a short straight segment510aand520a, respectively which are linked by angled transition530.

The angled transition530may be comprised of one or more transition segments. In the illustrated embodiment, the angled transition530includes a contoured segment550that increases in cross-sectional size as it extends from the smaller, upstream flume segment510atowards the larger, downstream flume segment520a, and an angled segment560that joins the downstream flume segment520awith the contoured segment550. At upstream edge532, the angled transition530typically has a flange matching the shape of a corresponding flange on the upstream flume segment510a, and at downstream edge536the angled transition530typically has a flange matching the shape of a corresponding flange the downstream flume segment520a. Similarly, typically flanges are used to join the other segments that make up the waterslide portion500.

Although curved flume segments510and520straighten as they meet transition530, with the inclusion of straight segments510aand520a, when viewed in plan, upstream flume segment510is sharply angled with respect to downstream flume segment520, and angled transition530is shaped and contoured to join the flume segments with a smooth ride surface. The approximate direction of the slide path at the entrance532to angled transition530is indicated with dashed line570. The approximate direction of the slide path at the exit536from angled transition530is indicated with dashed line575. Rather than having a continuous, smooth slide path of cross-section normals associated with cross-sections of angled transition530between its upstream and downstream ends (located at edge or flange532and edge or flange536respectively), there is a discontinuity creating an inflection shown at580.

The effect of this discontinuity is to introduce a rider, traveling generally in the direction defined by the slide path570of the upstream (smaller) flume segment510into the downstream (larger) flume segment520, at a substantial angle to the slide path575of the downstream flume segment520, causing the rider to have a substantial transverse velocity as they enter downstream flume segment520. This angle is defined between the slide paths570and575at the inflection point580, and is shown as angle “A” inFIG. 4. Preferably the angle A between slide paths570and575is at least 30°. In preferred embodiments it is substantially larger and can approach 90°. In some waterslide designs it could even exceed 90°.

Introducing a discontinuity of the type described above within an angled transition is accomplished in certain embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5, by sweeping the cross-section of the downstream flume segment upstream and sectioning it at some angle to define an angled segment. For instance, the downstream flume segment520is swept upstream towards the upstream flume segment510and sectioned at an upstream edge565to define the angled segment560which forms part of the angled transition530. The angled segment560meets the contoured segment550at upstream edge565and meets the straight portion520aof the downstream flume segment520at the downstream edge536. The downstream edge536is generally perpendicular to the slide path575of the downstream flume segment520ato provide a substantially straight, smooth transition between the angled segment560and the remainder of the downstream flume segment520.

The upstream edge565of angled segment560is generally perpendicular to the slide path570of the upstream flume segment510. In other words, the section plane introduced by the upstream edge565defines an angle between the downstream flume slide path575and the section plane at their point of intersection. As such, the angled segment560provides a continuation of the slide path570defined by the upstream flume segments510and510a. Provided that the cross-section of the downstream flume segment520being cut by the section plane at edge565is bilaterally symmetrical, so too will be the edge565of resulting angled section560exposed by the section plane as well as the upstream cross-section of the angled transition530.

Although the angled transition530is described above as comprising a contoured segment550that increases in cross-sectional size, and an angled segment560that joins the contoured segment550with the downstream flume segment520a, it should be appreciated that the angled transition530may instead be formed by any other suitable combination of pieces or segments. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the angled transition530may instead be formed as a single unitary piece or segment. In addition, the size, cross-sectional shape, and angle between the upstream flume segment510and the downstream flume segment520is for illustration purposes only. Thus, it should be appreciated that the angled transition530described above as well as the other angled transition embodiments described throughout the present disclosure may be adapted for use with various flume segments and waterslide assemblies.

FIG. 6depicts a plan view of a portion of a waterslide600similar to that illustrated and described with reference toFIG. 5. Waterslide portion600comprises an angled transition630linking two flume segments610and620, the upstream flume segment610having a smaller cross-section than downstream flume segment620. Angled transition630comprises a contoured segment650extending from the upstream flume segment610, and an angled segment660joining the contoured segment650and the downstream flume segment620. The approximate ride path and direction of movement of the rider is shown as arrow690. As the rider exits transition630and enters flume620, a continuation of the rider's original path directs the rider up the wall of flume620and creates an oscillating ride path690which is sustained for some distance after transition630.

FIG. 7illustrates a plan view of another embodiment of a portion of a waterslide700comprising an angled transition730linking two flume segments710and720, the upstream flume segment710having a smaller cross-section than downstream flume segment720. The angled transition730is shown as a contoured, unitary segment that connects the upstream flume segment710with the downstream flume segment720, similar to the angled transitions described above, to create the discontinuity between the flume segments710and720. In the illustrated embodiment, the angled transition730is formed as one unitary segment; however, it should be appreciated that the angled transition730may instead be formed by combining two or more segments to define the same or a substantially similar discontinuity between the flume segments710and720. In any event, the approximate ride path and direction of movement of the rider, as indicated by arrow790, shows a similar, oscillating ride path in the downstream flume segment720to that shown inFIG. 6above with respect to angled transition630.

FIG. 8illustrates a plan view of another embodiment of a portion of a waterslide800comprising an angled transition830linking two flume segments810and820, the upstream flume segment810having a smaller cross-section than downstream flume segment820. The angled transition830is similar to that described above with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6in that an angled segment860is defined at the upstream end of the downstream flume segment820. However, the angled segment is integrally formed with the downstream flume segment820. Moreover, only a single contoured segment850couples the angled transition segment860with the upstream flume segment810. The approximate ride path and direction of movement of the rider, as indicated by arrow890, shows a similar, oscillating ride path in the downstream flume segment820.

As illustrated inFIGS. 6-8, using angled transitions rather than a conventional turn permits the use of an upstream flume segment with a much smaller cross-section while still creating a desirable oscillating ride path. For example, by comparing the ride path360shown in the prior art waterslide portion300(having a turn330) to the oscillating ride paths shown inFIGS. 6-8, it can be seen that the angled transition, in addition to coupling flume segments of different cross-sectional sizes, can provide an oscillating ride path without the need for such a steep upstream flume section.

Like flumes, the angled transitions can be formed as one unitary piece or can comprise two or more discrete panels or segments that are fastened together to form the angled transition, as noted above and described with reference to the embodiments ofFIGS. 5-8. Moreover, a portion or all of the angled transition can be formed as an integral part of one or both of the two flume segments that it links, such as, for example, the embodiment shown inFIG. 8. Preferably the flume segments and angled transitions are formed from a molded plastic or composite material. Fiberglass resin composites are particularly suitable.

FIGS. 9A-9Cdepict another embodiment of a waterslide portion900comprising an angled transition930linking two flumes910and920, the upstream flume910having a smaller cross-section than downstream flume920. The waterslide portion900and angled transition930is substantially similar to the waterslide portions500and600and angled transitions530and630described above with respect toFIGS. 5 and 6. More specifically, angled transition930comprises an angled segment960formed or secured to the upstream end of the downstream flume segment920. The angled transition930further comprises a contoured, substantially straight segment950secured to the angled segment960at edge952and secured to the upstream flume segment910at edge954.

In addition, transverse flanges or rims980and982are defined at or secured to the upstream end of the downstream flume segment920and the upstream end of the angled segment960, respectively. The flanges or rims980and982extend from the upper, open end of the downstream flume segment920/angled segment960downwardly toward the contoured segment950. The flanges or rims980and982may define a substantial continuation of wall portions984and986formed along each side of the contoured segment950. As such, the flanges or rims980and982help retain water within the waterslide portion900in the area of the angled transition930.

FIG. 10shows another embodiment of a waterslide1000incorporating an angled transition1030that joins and creates a discontinuity between an open-channel flume segment1010and a large, curved closed-tube flume segment1020. A rider enters waterslide1000at the top or entry1090, slides through series of turns in the open-channel flume segment(s)1010and enters the substantially larger diameter curved tube flume segment1020via the angled transition1030. As the rider moves through flume1020, the ride path oscillates from side-to-side up and down the interior walls of flume1020. The rider exits flume1020via a conventional transition (not shown) and continues to the waterslide exit.

It should be appreciated that one or more angled transitions of the type described herein can be used in a single waterslide to form or provide the entrance to one or more flume segments as part of a waterslide course. Moreover, waterslides comprising flume segments linked by one or more angled transitions of the type described herein can be large enough to accommodate a family raft or other multiple-rider conveyance device or can be sized so that they are suitable for a single rider or user with or without a conveyance device.

Angled transitions of the type described herein can be used to convert forward motion to combined forward and transverse motion to define an oscillating slide path for the rider in a downstream flume segment. This can offer at least some or all of the following advantages:

(i) inducing an exhilarating side-to-side motion in the downstream flume segment;

(ii) increasing the ride time and ride path length, per unit length of flume, thereby decreasing the waterslide length needed for a satisfactory ride experience;

(iii) permitting the use of narrower (less costly) flume segments in portions of the waterslide while still achieving an oscillating side-to-side ride path in other portions;

(iv) decreasing the waterslide height and/or slope required in order to achieve a particular type of ride experience; and

(v) allowing the waterslide to occupy less space (for example, a smaller footprint) and require less material (for example, fiberglass panels and support structure) in order to create a given type of ride experience.

While particular elements, embodiments and applications of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be understood, that the present disclosure is not limited thereto since modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.