Abstract:
The present invention relates to an interactive ride, such as a flume within a flume. In one embodiment, a water ride can include a first flume ride and a second flume ride. The first flume ride can include a first middle section, while the second flume ride can include a second flume section. The second flume ride can pass through the first flume ride by having the second middle section pass through the first middle section. Thus, the second middle section can be located within the first middle section. The first middle section and the second middle section can form a pass-through section. The second flume ride can be partially supported by the first flume ride.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/347,332, filed on May 21, 2010, entitled “FLUME WITHIN A FLUME,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a method and system for a water ride attraction having multiple flume rides in which one or more flumes rides pass within another flume ride. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Conventional flume rides involve a user sliding down a flume, usually with the aid of water. However, as flume rides have evolved, users have demanded more sensory stimulation. In response, water ride manufacturers have added flumes with twists and turns, or which soar high in the air to allow an aerial view of the water park. However, users still demand greater thrills, stimulation, and interaction. Notably humans have a desire to interact with each other. Unfortunately conventional flume rides allow little interaction between users. Thus, there is a need for a more interactive ride, such as a flume within a flume. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention relates to an interactive ride, such as a flume within a flume. In one embodiment, a water ride can include a first flume ride and a second flume ride. The first flume ride can include a first middle section, while the second flume ride can include a second flume section. The second flume ride can pass through the first flume ride by having the second middle section pass through the first middle section. That is, the second middle section can be located within the first middle section. The first middle section and the second middle section can form a pass-through section. 
         [0007]    This can allow, for example, for users in the first flume ride and the users in the second flume ride to pass near each other, allowing for an interactive experience. The users in the second flume section can see, for example, the users in the first flume ride passing by below them. Furthermore in some embodiments, the first flume ride and/or the second flume ride can be formed completely or partially from substantially transparent material. This can allow greater interaction between the users of the first flume ride and the users of the second flume ride as the users from each of the flume rides may be able to see each other. 
         [0008]    In other embodiments, the first flume ride can be formed from an opaque material to simulate the appearance of a dark channel or cave. This can heighten the user senses such that when the users from the first flume and the users from the second flume pass by each other, additional excitement is felt by the users from the first flume and/or the users form the second flume. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, the present invention is a water ride attraction including a first flume ride, and a second flume ride, wherein the second flume ride passes through the first flume ride at a pass-through section, and the second flume ride is located within the first flume ride at the pass-through section. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, the present invention is a water ride attraction including a first flume ride including a first middle section, and a second flume ride including a second middle section located within the first middle section, wherein the first middle section and the second middle section form a pass-through section, and the second flume ride passes through the first flume ride at the pass-through section. 
         [0011]    In yet another embodiment, the present invention is a water ride attraction including a first flume ride including a first middle section formed from a substantially transparent material, the first middle section having a ring section and support units, wherein the ring section and the support units cooperate to support the first middle section, and a second flume ride including a second middle section formed from the substantially transparent material, and located within the first middle section, wherein the first middle section and the second middle section form a pass-through section, and the second flume ride passes through the first flume ride at the pass-through section. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a water ride attraction according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a water ride attraction according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of a water ride attraction according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of a water ride attraction according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of a water ride attraction according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a pass-through section in a water ride attraction according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of a pass-through section in a water ride attraction according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is schematic diagram of a pass-through section in a water ride attraction according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is schematic diagram of a pass-through section in a water ride attraction according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is schematic diagram of a connection unit in a pass-through section of a water ride attraction according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is schematic diagram of a pass-through section in a water ride attraction according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is schematic diagram of a connection unit in a pass-through section of a water ride attraction according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings and pictures, which show the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration and its best mode. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. Moreover, any of the functions or steps may be outsourced to or performed by one or more third parties. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component may include a singular embodiment. 
         [0026]    As seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 , and/or  FIG. 5 , the present invention can include, for example, a water ride attraction  100 . The water ride attraction can include, for example, a flume ride  102  and a flume ride  104 . The flume ride  102  and the flume ride  104  each include, for example, an entrance section, such as an entrance section  106  and an entrance section  108 , respectively. The flume ride  102  and the flume ride  104  also each include, for example, an exit section, such as an exit section  110  and an exit section  112 , respectively. Thus, a user will enter the flume ride  102  through the entrance section  106  and exit the flume ride  102  through the exit section  110 , while the user will enter the flume ride  104  through the entrance section  108  and exit the flume ride  104  through the exit section  112 . The exit section  110  and/or the exit section  112  can feed into one or more pools allowing the user to gently splash into a body of water. In one embodiment, the flume ride  102  and the flume ride  104  can include for example, a common entrance section and/or a common exit section. In addition, the flume ride  102  and the flume ride  104  need not be the same length, but can instead, for example, have different lengths. 
         [0027]    The flume ride  102  pass through the flume ride  104 , for example, at a pass-through section  114 . The pass-through section  114  includes, for example, a middle section  116  and a middle section  118 . The middle section  116  is part of the flume ride  102 , while the middle section  118  is part of the flume ride  104 . The pass-through section  114  allows users of the flume ride  102  and the flume ride  104  to pass by each other, and possibly view each other, while remaining in the flume ride  102  or the flume ride  104 , respectively. Thus, middle section  116  and/or the middle section  118  can be completely or partially formed from transparent, substantially transparent, or partially transparent material. This can allow more visual interaction between the users of the flume ride  102  and/or the flume ride  104 . 
         [0028]    Furthermore, in some embodiments, the flume ride  104  can be formed, for example, from an opaque material such that the middle section  118  is substantially dark inside. This can allow for a different feeling and can heighten the senses as users pass by each other in the dark or substantially reduced lighting. In yet another embodiment, the flume ride  104  can be formed, for example, from a translucent material such that light can enter into the middle section  118 . In addition, the flume ride  102 , and/or the flume ride  104  can also include various audio or visual entertainment equipments such as lights, video screens, speakers, or any other equipment that would set the mood for the riders passing through the pass-through section  114 , and/or provide entertainment for the riders passing through the pass-through section  114 . 
         [0029]    This can be a thrilling experience for the users of the flume ride  102  and/or the flume ride  104 . Since the users of the flume ride  102  and the flume ride  104  will remain in their respective flume rides, the user in the flume ride  102  will not enter the flume ride  104 , and the user in the flume ride  104  will not enter the flume ride  102 . In addition, the flume  102  can be partially or wholly within the flume ride  104 . However in one embodiment, the flume ride  102  can intersect, for example, the flume ride  104 . In another embodiment, the flume ride  102  can be connected to, for example, the flume ride  104 . In additional, multiple flumes can pass through one another, connect with one or another, and/or intersect one or another. 
         [0030]    The pass-through section  114  can be seen in more detail, for example, in  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7 , and/or  FIG. 8 . As can be seen in  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7 , and/or  FIG. 8 , the middle section  116  of the flume ride  102  pass through the middle section  118  of the flume ride  104 . As can be seen, the middle section  118  is larger than the middle section  116  to allow the middle section  116  to pass through the middle section  118 . Thus, the middle section  116  is contained within the middle section  118 . The user for the flume ride  104  traverses on the middle section  118 , while the user for the flume ride  102  traverses on the middle section  116 . 
         [0031]    The middle section  118  includes, for example, tube sections  130 . A ring section  120  is connected to every other tube section  130 . The ring section  120  can include, for example, an outer ring  122 , an inner ring  126 , a bridge  124 , and support units  128 . The bridge  124  can connect, for example, the outer ring  122  to the inner ring  126 . The support units  128  provide support for the ring section  128  and can also, for example, anchor the ring section  128  to the ground. In general, the ring section  120  provides support for the middle section  118 , and/or the pass-through section  114 . 
         [0032]    The ring section  120  can also provide support for the middle section  116  by being attached, for example, to the middle section  116  as shown in  FIG. 7 . In  FIG. 7 , the ring section  120  is attached to a plate  132 . The plate  132  can be attached directly to the ring section  120  through, for example, a section which has been cut out in the middle section  118 . This allows the plate  132  to traverse from an exterior of the middle section  118  to an interior of the middle section  118 . The plate  132  is attached through cables  134  to a pipe  152 . The pipe  152  can be hollow or solid. The pipe  152  can be bent to substantially conform, to a shape of the middle section  116 , which is located inside the middle section  118 . In one embodiment, the pipe  152  can be connected to the middle section  116 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 9  depicts an embodiment of the pass-through section  114 . As can be seen in  FIG. 9 , the middle section  116  is supported by a pipe  136 . In one embodiment, the pipe  136  can be attached to the middle section  116 . The pipe  136  can be conformed, for example, to a shape of the middle section  116 . The pipe  136  can be hollow or filled. The pipe  136  is connected to a connection unit  138 . The connection unit  138  provides a connection between the middle section  116  and the ring section  120 . 
         [0034]    The connection unit  138  can be seen, for example, in  FIG. 10 . In the connection unit  138 , the pipe  136  is connected to a pipe  140 . The pipe  140  is connected on one end to the pipe  136  and on another end to the ring section  120 . The pipe  140  and the pipe  136  sandwich the middle section  118  and are attached to each other through connection plates  144  and fasteners  142 . Thus, in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 , the ring section  120  provides support to the middle section  116  in addition to the middle section  118  using, for example, the pipe  136 , the pipe  140 , and/or the connection unit  138 . In  FIG. 9 , two connection units  138  are used to connect the pipe  136  to the ring section  120  and to support the middle section  116 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 11  depicts an embodiment of the pass-through section  114 . As can be seen in  FIG. 11 , the middle section  116  is attached to the pipe  136  using a support section  150 . In addition, instead of being curved to closely approximately the shape of the middle section  116 , the middle section  116  includes a flat section  148 . The flat section  148  is connected to the support section  150 . Furthermore, instead of two connection units  138 , three connection units  138  are used to connect the pipe  136  to the ring section  120  and to support the middle section  116 . In one embodiment, a curved section  146  is connected to the pipe  136  and/or the connection units  138 . The connection unit  138  can also be seen, for example, in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0036]    Although several support structures are disclosed to support the middle section  116 , other types of support structures may be used, which can control a swinging of the middle section  116 . This can include, for example, cloth material, soft material, rigid material, and/or any other types of materials which can control a swinging of the middle section  116 . In one embodiment, a more rigid material can reduce a swinging of the middle section  116 . 
         [0037]    In addition, other types of support structures may be used, which allows the middle section  116  to be supported by the ring section  120 . This can reduce an amount of stress on the middle section  118 , allowing the middle section  118  to be built from a variety of materials. Also, the ring section  120  can increase an amount of support provided to the middle section  116  without substantially increasing an amount of materials or space needed. 
         [0038]    The previous description of the disclosed examples is provided to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosed methods and apparatus. Various modifications to these examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed method and apparatus. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.