Abstract:
An apparatus or method for draining fluid from an amusement attraction while helping prevent substantial portions of fluid from splashing out of the attraction. The apparatus may be an end component for a shutdown lane that has one or more areas or catch basins for flowing the fluid thereon or therethrough. Various sidewalls, hills, ridges, and/or drainage surfaces may be implemented by or on the end component to ideally keep water from splashing outside of the end component and to help maintain rider safety as the rider slides towards the end component. One or more stages of drainage areas or surfaces may be utilized for the end component. The apparatus may be in the form of an end component, a larger portion of an attraction, such as a shutdown lane, or discrete components that may be connected within or to a portion of an attraction.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/254,586, filed on Nov. 12, 2015, entitled “WAVE CATCHING SHUTDOWN LANE END,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for catching waves or water on an amusement attraction. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for catching waves or water at the end (e.g., connected with a shutdown lane) of a waterslide attraction. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Waterslides or other amusement attractions frequently use water or other fluids to help move or allow riders to slide along the attraction. This water or fluid may be used as a lubricant to more easily facilitate a sliding movement along the attraction, whether in conjunction with a ride vehicle (e.g., an inflatable raft) or without any ride vehicle (e.g., just the rider themselves). In order to help advance a rider along the attraction and to assist in making the attraction more exciting, riders travel at a quick rate of speed along the attraction. As the rider approaches the end of the attraction, their speed of travel must be slowed so that they can safely exit from the attraction. Typically, this slowing is facilitated either via a pool or other body of water at the end of the attraction into which the riders are deposited or dumped into and/or an elongated “shutdown lane” that acts to provide a distance that the rider slides along as their speed slows. Once the rider has stopped moving at the end of the attraction, the rider may then safely exit the attraction, either through standing up and stepping out of the shutdown lane and/or swimming out of the pool or other body of water. 
         [0006]    In order to conserve water and lower operational costs, water from the shutdown lane, pool, and/or other body of water is typically pumped or otherwise transferred to the beginning of the water attraction and used as the previously described lubrication. Thus, in an ideal attraction, water used as lubrication and/or in the shutdown lane or body of water at the end of the attraction is conserved and thus available for reuse. Typically, however, some water is splashed out of the attraction, often when a shutdown lane is used since the sliding motion of the rider sometimes causes water in the shutdown lane to splash up and out of the confines of the shutdown lane. It would thus be desirable to have a more efficient manner to slow a rider down in a shutdown lane that also helps conserve water by retaining as much water as possible within the confines of the attraction for recirculation. Ideally, such an apparatus or method would provide an end component for a shutdown lane that reduces risk of injury to a rider as the rider slides towards the end component while also helping maintain a substantial amount of water from splashing out of the shutdown lane and/or end component due to the rider&#39;s sliding motion there-towards. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present invention is related to an apparatus and method for capturing fluid at an end of a portion of an amusement attraction. In one embodiment, an apparatus for draining fluid in an amusement attraction may include a first surface, a second surface, disposed adjacent to the first surface, at least a portion of the second surface being porous, a sidewall connected with the first surface and the second surface, and a connecting area disposed between the first surface and the second surface configured to receive fluid that does not flow through the porous portion of the second surface. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, a system for removing fluid from an amusement attraction may include a first surface, and a second surface configured to be located adjacent to the first surface, at least a portion of the second surface being porous, wherein a connecting area is configured to be located between the first surface and the second surface for receiving fluid that does not flow through the porous portion of the first surface or the porous portion of the second surface. 
         [0009]    In still another embodiment, a shutdown lane for a water attraction may include an elongated flume for flowing a fluid therealong, a first surface connected within the elongated flume, a second surface connected within the elongated flume and positioned adjacent to the first surface, at least a portion of the second surface being porous, and a lower area disposed between the first surface and the second surface configured to receive at least a portion of the fluid that does not flow through the porous portion of the second surface. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    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: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of a wave catching shutdown lane end, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 1B  shows a front view of a portion of a wave catching shutdown lane end, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 1C  shows a front view of a portion of a wave catching shutdown lane end, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  shows a side view of a wave catching shutdown lane end, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a wave catching shutdown lane end, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a wave catching shutdown lane end, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    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. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view  100  of a wave catching shutdown lane end  102 . The end  102  may be connected to (or integral with) a shutdown lane  104  of a waterslide or other amusement attraction. For example, the waterslide or other amusement attraction may allow a rider to slide along a path from one location (e.g., a rider entrance) to a second location (e.g., a rider exit) of the attraction. The shutdown lane  104  may be provided for the purposes of slowing the rider down after travel upon the attraction to facilitate the rider&#39;s exiting from the attraction. Thus, the end  102  of the shutdown lane  104  may aid in conserving water, as discussed in greater detail below, which is flowing along the shutdown lane  104 . In an alternative embodiment, the end  102  may be connected and/or integral with components other than a shutdown lane  104 . 
         [0019]    As illustrated, the end  102  may include a first surface  106  disposed at and/or adjacent to a first portion  110  (e.g., a front or forward portion) of the end  102 . For example, if water or fluid is flowing along the shutdown lane  104  towards the end  102 , the water or fluid would encounter the first surface  106  (e.g., a front surface) initially upon encountering the end  102 . The first surface  106  may be porous (e.g., may include a grating) in order to allow all or some of the water or other fluid flowing along the shutdown lane  104  to pass through the first surface  106 . Alternative embodiments may use any of a variety of porous materials and/or configurations for fluid pass-through. For example, a part of the first surface  106  may be porous  199  while another part of the first surface may be non porous  198 , as illustrated in one configuration in  FIG. 1C ). In still other embodiments, for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the first surface  106  may not be porous such that no fluid may pass through it. 
         [0020]    In certain embodiments, the first surface  106  may allow the water or other fluid to be removed from the shutdown lane  104  and transported to a reservoir, channel, pipe, or other chamber or component (e.g., positioned beneath the end  102 ) that permits the water to be pumped (e.g., using fluid pumps, pressurized components, or other equipment) to another portion of the attraction (e.g., to a top location, such as a rider entrance location). In this fashion, fluid used with the attraction may be all or partially conserved such that all or some of the fluid is re-used or replenished along the attraction. Such operation may save cost in the form of water usage bills, in addition to being more environmentally friendly. 
         [0021]    Moreover, such operations may also provide a number of other benefits—may reduce splashing at an end of the attraction, may allow other users or participants in the vicinity of the attraction to be nearer to the end of the attraction without getting wet to allow for better footprint management of the attraction and/or its pathways, may allow for better observation of the attraction by individuals located nearby without undesirably being splashed or otherwise inconvenienced, etc. For example, the water or other fluid may travel through the porous surface or grating of the first surface  106 , be directed through a sleeve or other fluid directing element attached with or adjacent to the end  102 , and flowed into a sump pit or other retaining area. As previously mentioned, in certain embodiments, the first surface  106  may not be porous (e.g., may be configured to allow water or other fluid to flow thereover instead of passing therethrough) yet the end  102  may still aid in fluid conservation as discussed in greater detail herein. 
         [0022]    The first surface  106  may be angled (e.g., a lower portion  107  of the first surface  106  may be disposed at a location in front of an upper portion  108  of the first surface  106 ). The angle of the first surface  106  may be constant or may vary at different points along the first surface  106 . Such a configuration may permit for more efficient flow of water through and/or over the first surface  106 , reducing the amount of water or fluid that is splashed, due to abrupt contact with the first surface  106 , for example, outside of the shutdown lane  104  and/or end  102 . In an alternative embodiment, the first surface  106  may be more horizontal or vertical than the specific embodiment illustrated. 
         [0023]    One or more side elements  120  may extend along all or a portion of the first surface  106 , for example, to aid in desired water low through or over the first surface  106 . The side elements  120  may be disposed on two opposing sides of the first surface  106  and/or may be curved (e.g., convex and/or concave) along some or all of their portions in order to flow water or other fluid along an ideal or desired path. The first surface  106  may be planar and/or may be configured in any of a variety of orientations or configurations in alternative embodiments (e.g., all or a portion may be curved, such as with a convex or concave shape, and/or may include angles or portions that abruptly lie within a different plane from adjacent angles or portions). 
         [0024]    The end  102  may include a second surface  136  disposed at and/or adjacent to a second portion  112  (e.g., a rear portion) of the end  102 . The second portion  112  may be further from the shutdown lane  104  than the first portion  110  (e.g., located more downstream). Thus, the second surface  136  may be disposed further away from the shutdown lane  104  than the first surface  106  and water flowing from the shutdown lane  104  would encounter the first surface  106  prior to encountering the second surface  136 . The second surface  136  may include certain features that are the same as or similar to the first surface  106 , previously discussed. The second surface  136  may be parallel or substantially parallel to the first surface  106 . 
         [0025]    For example, the second surface  136  may be porous (e.g., have a grating) that permits water or other fluid to pass therethrough, the same as or similar to the first surface  106 , as previously discussed. In certain embodiments, the second surface  136  may not be porous or may only be partially porous. Likewise, for example, the second surface  136  may be angled, the same as or similar to the first surface  106 , as previously discussed. The angle of the second surface  136  may be constant or may vary at different points along the second surface  136 . The second surface  136  may be angled according to a same angle with respect to the horizontal as the first surface  106 , or may be angled at a different angle (e.g., more or less steep) as the first surface  106 . The second surface  136  may include side elements  140  the same as or similar to those side elements  120  previously discussed with respect to the first surface  106  (e.g., one or more side elements  140  may be concave or convex shaped, may surround all or some of a perimeter of the second surface  136 , etc). 
         [0026]    The second surface  136  may be shaped and/or configured differently than the first surface  106 , for example, as illustrated. The second surface  136  may have a more parabolic or curved configuration and/or may extend to a higher elevation than the first surface  106 . A taller second surface  136  when compared to the first surface  106  may aid in containing water or other fluid within the end  102  or attraction. In such an embodiment, some or all of the water or other fluid that flows over the first surface  106 , as opposed to flowing through the first surface  106 , may encounter the second surface  136  and flow therethrough or thereon. The second surface  136  may similarly allow water or other fluid to be removed from the shutdown lane  104  by providing it to a reservoir, channel, pipe, or other chamber or component (e.g., the same or similar to previously descriptions for the first surface  106 ) that permits the water or other fluid to be pumped or otherwise provided to another portion of the attraction, such as a rider entrance location. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1B and/or 1C , one or more slots ( 181 ,  182 ,  183 ,  184 ) or other openings, that may or may not be selectively operable or closeable, may be provided in or adjacent to the first surface  106  and/or the second surface  136  (e.g., in the configurations shown in  FIGS. 1B and/or 1C ), for example, to allow for drainage of fluid that does not rise to the level of the first surface  106  and/or the second surface  136 . 
         [0027]    A sidewall  150 , that may be made up of one or multiple components, connects with the first surface  106  and/or the second surface  136 , for example, via the side elements  120  and/or  140 . The sidewall  150  may be configured to extend to a higher elevation than both the first surface  106  and/or the second surface  136 . For example, the sidewall  150  may aid in preventing water or other fluid that undesirably splashes or flows to areas outside of the boundaries of the first surface  106  and/or second surface  136  from exiting the end  102 . Thus, water or other fluid that encounters the sidewall  150  may be directed back towards either the first surface  116  and/or the second surface  136  so that it may flow therethrough and be recirculated to another portion of the attraction, as previously discussed. Although the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A  shows that the sidewall  150  extends adjacent to both the first surface  106  and the second surface  136  via a curved configuration, any of a variety of alternative shapes, dimensions, configurations, elevations, or the like may be utilized in an alternative embodiment. In certain embodiments, no sidewall  150  may be needed. For example, in one embodiment, the sidewall  150  may be curl inward along a top portion of its perimeter to further aid in keeping water from exiting the end  120 . 
         [0028]    The end  102  may be configured as a removable component or set of components that is configured to attach or connect along a seam  160  to the shutdown lane  104 . In one embodiment, a fluid control component (e.g., a weir) embedded in or connected with either the first surface  106 , the second surface  136 , or both may be used for setting the operating water depth of the shutdown lane  104 . In certain embodiments, the end  102  may be configured to similarly connect to other portions of a waterslide or other amusement attraction different from a shutdown lane  104 . For example, such a connection may allow for existing attractions to be retrofitted with the end  102 . This may allow existing attractions to benefit from the features of the present invention in addition to newly constructed attractions utilizing the end  102 . 
         [0029]    As discussed,  FIG. 1A  illustrates an end  102  that utilizes two surfaces ( 106 ,  136 ) for engaging with water or other fluid of an amusement attraction. Such a two surface or dual-stage arrangement for water conservation may be modified in alternative embodiments to provide greater or fewer surfaces or stages. For example, in one embodiment, three surfaces (i.e., a three-stage arrangement) may be utilized, for example, where each of the three surfaces is disposed in front of another for flowing water or other fluid therethrough or thereover. In another embodiment, only one surface (i.e., a one-stage arrangement) may be utilized, where only a single surface is utilized for flowing water or other fluid therethrough or thereover. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to maintain as wide of a cross-sectional width for the end  102  for as long as possible (e.g., maintain a width that is the same as or similar to the cross-sectional wide of the shutdown lane  104 ) in order to efficiently and/or safely evacuate water or other fluid from the shutdown lane  104 . 
         [0030]    In still another embodiment, a cover component may extend over all or some of the second surface  136  and/or the first surface  106  such that the end  102  forms an at least partially enclosed end component. Such an at least partially enclosed end component may provide for increased capture of water that could otherwise splash out of the end  102 . Such a cover component may be manufactured all or partially of a soft material (e.g., polyurethane) and connected with one or more components of the end  102  (e.g., via glue or other adhesive and/or by mechanical means such as screws, bolts, etc.) such that any impact with the cover component by a rider would pose less risk of injury. In an alternative embodiment, any of a variety of materials may be used. Any of the previous described features may be included or used for any of the variety of possible embodiments. Elevations and/or shapes and/or other configurations of any of the surfaces used may be varied for a particular embodiment. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  shows a side view  200  of a wave catching shutdown lane end  202 . Certain features of the end  202  may be the same as or similar to those previously described. For example, the end  202  may be connected or configured to be connected to a shutdown lane or other flume or portion of a waterslide or other amusement attraction. Similar to the discussion for  FIG. 1A , the end  202  may include a first surface  206  disposed at and/or adjacent to a first portion  210  (e.g., a front portion) of the end  202 . All or some of the first surface  206  may be porous (e.g., may be a grating) in order to allow all or some of the water or other fluid flowing to the end  202  to pass through the first surface  206 . Alternative embodiments may use any of a variety of porous materials and/or configurations for fluid pass-through. In certain embodiments, the first surface  206  may not be porous or configured to allow water or other fluid to pass therethrough. 
         [0032]    The first surface  206  may be angled (e.g., a lower portion of the first surface  206  may be disposed at a location in front of an upper portion of the first surface  206 ). Such a configuration may permit for more efficient flow of water through and/or over the first surface  206 . The first surface  206  may extend from an upper elevation  270  to a lower elevation  272  and form an angle  273  with respect to the horizontal. This angle may be less than 90 degrees in certain embodiments. A porous portion of the first surface  206  may be disposed upon only a portion of the first surface  206 , for example, extending from an upper elevation  274  to a lower elevation  276 . In varying embodiments, this porous portion may cover greater (e.g., the entire first surface  206 ) or less than the entire first surface  206 , for example, as is specifically illustrated by  FIG. 4  in one embodiment. 
         [0033]    One or more side elements  220  may extend along all or a portion of the first surface  206 , for example, to aid in desired water flow through or over the first surface  206 , the same as or similar to previous discussions. The first surface  206  may be planar and/or may be configured in any of a variety of orientations or configurations in alternative embodiments (e.g., all or a portion may be curved, such as with a convex or concave shape, and/or may include angles or portions that abruptly lie within a different plane from adjacent angles or portions). 
         [0034]    The first surface  206  may rise to form a hill having the upper elevation  270 . Some or all of the water or other fluid encountering the porous portion of the first surface  206  will pass through the porous portion of the first surface. Any remaining water or other fluid may ideally be flowed over the hill towards a second surface  236  of the end  202  that is disposed at and/or is adjacent to a second portion  212  (e.g., a rear or downstream portion) of the end  202 . The second surface  236  may include certain features that are the same as or similar to the first surface  206 , previously discussed. For example, the second surface  236  may have a porous portion (e.g., have a grating) that permits water or other fluid to pass therethrough, the same as or similar to the first surface  206 . 
         [0035]    The second surface  236  may be angled (e.g., extending to a higher elevation when compared to the first surface  206 ), the same as or similar to previously discussions. In one embodiment, for example as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a lower portion of the second surface  236  may be disposed at a location in front of an upper portion of the second surface  236 . Such a configuration may permit for more efficient flow of water through and/or over the second surface  236  (e.g., such an angled surface may allow for a greater surface area for drainage). The second surface  236  may extend from an upper elevation  280  to a lower elevation  282  and form an angle  283  with respect to the horizontal. The angle  283  may be the same as or different from the angle  273  in various embodiments. This angle  283  may be less than 90 degrees in certain embodiments. A porous portion of the second surface  236  may be disposed upon only a portion of the second surface  236 , for example, extending from an upper elevation  284  to a lower elevation  286 . In varying embodiments, this porous portion may cover greater (e.g., the entire second surface  236 ) or less than the entire second surface  236  as is specifically illustrated by  FIG. 2 . 
         [0036]    One or more side elements  240  may extend along all or a portion of the second surface  236 , for example, to aid in desired water flow through or over the second surface  236 , the same as or similar to previous discussions. The second surface  236  may be planar and/or may be configured in any of a variety of orientations or configurations in alternative embodiments (e.g., all or a portion may be curved, such as with a convex or concave shape, and/or may include angles or portions that abruptly lie within a different plane from adjacent angles or portions). 
         [0037]    The second surface  236  may rise to a higher upper elevation  280  when compared to the upper elevation  270  of the first surface  206 . Some or all of the water or other fluid encountering the porous portion of the second surface  236  may pass through the porous portion of the second surface  236 . Any remaining water or other fluid may ideally be flowed (e.g., by encountering a sidewall  250  and/or by flowing downward due to or over the second surface  236 ) to a lower area  290  (e.g., a catch basin) disposed, for example, at the lower elevation  282 . The lower elevation  282  may be higher or lower (e.g., with respect to other elements of the end  202  in alternative embodiments). Moreover, although the lower elevation  282  is illustrated as horizontal and planar in  FIG. 2 , other elevations and/or shapes for the lower area  290 , including sloped, curves, angled, etc. may be used in alternative embodiments. The lower area  290  may have a length  291  that may be any of a variety of length (e.g., shorter or longer than may be specifically illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) in alternative embodiments. In certain embodiments, the length  291  may be adjustable (e.g., via telescoping or sliding surfaces, addition of separate surfaces to extend the overall length, etc.). 
         [0038]    The lower area  290  may be at any of a variety of elevations or excluded entirely from the end  202 . In certain embodiments, further drainage of water or other fluid may occur at the lower area  290  (e.g., via a porous surface in or near the lower area  290 , the same as or similar to those previously discussed). Other embodiments may collect a pool of water or other fluid at the lower area  290 . A similar lower area  292  may be disposed at the lower elevation  272 , as illustrated, or at a variety of other elevations or excluded entirely in alternative embodiments. 
         [0039]    The second surface  236  may be shaped and/or configured differently than the first surface  206 , for example, as illustrated. The second surface  236  may be larger in surface area, have a more parabolic or curved configuration and/or may extend to a higher elevation than the first surface  206 . In such an embodiment, some of all water or other fluid that flows over the first surface  206 , which does not flow through the first surface  206 , may encounter the second surface  236 . 
         [0040]    The sidewall  250  connects with the first surface  206  and/or the second surface  236 , for example, via the side elements  220  and/or  240 . The sidewall  250  may be configured to extend to a higher elevation than both the first surface  206  and/or the second surface  236 . For example, the sidewall  250  may aid in preventing water or other fluid that undesirably splashes or flows to areas outside of the boundaries of the first surface  206  and/or second surface  236  from exiting the end  202 . Thus, water or other fluid that encounters the sidewall  250  may be directed back towards the first surface  206  and/or the second surface  236  and/or another area (e.g., lower area  290  and/or lower area  292 ) so that it may flow therethrough and be recirculated to another portion of the attraction, as previously discussed. Although the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2  shows that the sidewall  250  extends adjacent to both the first surface  206  and the second surface  236  via a curved configuration, any of a variety of alternative shapes, dimensions, configurations, elevations, or the like may be utilized in an alternative embodiment. For example, in certain embodiments, the sidewall  250  may be configured to extend over the top such as to enclose all or a portion of the end  202 . In certain embodiments, no sidewall  250  may be needed. 
         [0041]    The same or similar to previous discussions, the end  202  may be configured as a removable component or set of components that is configured to attach or connect along a seam  260  to another portion of a waterslide or other attraction (e.g., the seam  260  may comprise the first portion  210  (e.g., the front portion) of the end  202 . Such a connection may allow for existing attractions to be retrofitted with the end  202 . This may allow existing attractions to benefit from the features of the present invention in addition to newly constructed attractions utilizing the end  202 . 
         [0042]    As discussed,  FIG. 2  illustrates the end  202  that utilizes two surfaces ( 206 ,  236 ) for engaging with water or other fluid of an amusement attraction. Such a two surface or dual-stage arrangement for water conservation may be modified in alternative embodiments to provide greater or fewer surfaces and/or stages. For example, in one embodiment, three surfaces a three-stage arrangement) may be utilized, for example, where each of the three surfaces is disposed in front of one another for flowing water or other fluid therethrough or thereover. In another embodiment, only one surface (i.e., a one-stage arrangement) may be utilized, where only a single surface is utilized for flowing water or other fluid therethrough or thereover. In still another embodiment, a cover component (e.g., the same as or separate from the sidewall  250 ) may extend over all or some of the second surface  236  and/or the first surface  206  such that the end  202  forms an at least partially enclosed end component. Such an at least partially enclosed end component may provide for increased capture of water that could otherwise splash out of the end  202 . Any of the previous described features may be included or used for any of the variety of possible embodiments. Elevations and/or shapes and/or other configurations of any of the surfaces used may be varied for a particular embodiment. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view  300  of a wave catching shutdown lane end  302 . Certain features of the end  302  may be the same as or similar to those previously described. For example, the end  302  may be connected or configured to be connected to a shutdown lane or other flume or portion of a waterslide or other amusement attraction. The end  302  may include a first surface  306  disposed at and/or adjacent to a first portion  310  (e.g., a front or upstream portion) of the end  302 . As illustrated, the first surface  306  may be configured such that water or other fluid flows over all or a portion of it along an upward trajectory (e.g., due to an upward sloping configuration of the first surface  306 , the same as or similar to previous discussions). Although not illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in an alternative embodiment, the first surface  306  may be entirely or partially porous such that water or other fluid is permitted to flow therethrough, for example, as previously discussed. Moreover, in an alternative embodiment, varying configurations, positions, and/or orientations of the first surface  306  may be utilized (e.g., downwardly angled or sloped, vertical, horizontal, curved, etc.). Side elements  320  may be disposed along sides (e.g., opposite sides) of the first surface  306  and provide a connection and/or an intermediate surface between the first surface  306  and a sidewall  350 . The sidewall  350  may be made up of one component or a plurality of separate components connected with one another. 
         [0044]    As shown, the first surface  306  rises to form a hill. Some or all of the water or other fluid encountering the first surface  306  may flow over the hill towards a second surface  336  of the end  302  that is disposed at and/or adjacent to a second portion  312  (e.g., a rear portion) of the end  302 . The second surface  336  may include certain features that are the same as or similar to the first surface  306 , previously discussed. For example, the second surface  336  may or may not be angled and/or entirely or partially porous for permitting water or other fluid to pass therethrough, the same as or similar as previously described. In certain embodiments, drainage areas (e.g., gratings) may be positioned on any of the first and/or second surfaces ( 306 ,  336 ) and/or at a lower area(s) adjacent to the bottom of the angled first surface  306  and/or second surface  336  such that water or other fluid that encounters the first and/or second surfaces ( 306 ,  336 ) flows down the first and/or second surfaces ( 306 ,  336 ) and subsequently drains through the lower areas. As previously discussed, this water or other fluid may then be recirculated to other portions of the amusement attraction. 
         [0045]    Similar to the side elements  320 , one or more side elements  340  may extend along all or a portion of the second surface  336 , for example, to aid in desired water flow through or over the second surface  336 , the same as or similar to previous discussions. The second surface  336  may be planar and/or may be configured in any of a variety of orientations or configurations in alternative embodiments (e.g., all or a portion may be curved, such as with a convex or concave shape, and/or may include angles or portions that abruptly lie within a different plane from adjacent angles or portions). As illustrated, the second surface  336  may rise to a higher elevation when compared to that of the first surface  306 . 
         [0046]    The second surface  336  may be shaped and/or configured differently than the first surface  306 , for example, as illustrated. The second surface  336  may be larger in surface area, have a more parabolic or curved configuration and/or may extend to a higher elevation than the first surface  306 . The sidewall  350  connects with the first surface  306  and/or the second surface  336 , for example, via the side elements  320  and/or  340 . The sidewall  350  may be configured to extend to a higher elevation than both the first surface  306  and/or the second surface  336 . For example, the sidewall  350  may aid in preventing water or other fluid that undesirably splashes or flows to areas outside of the boundaries of the first surface  306  and/or second surface  336  from exiting the end  302 . 
         [0047]    Thus, water or other fluid that encounters the sidewall  350  may be directed back towards either the first surface  306  and/or the second surface  336  and/or another area (e.g., the lower area(s) adjacent to the first and/or second surfaces ( 306 ,  336 )) so that it may be recirculated to another portion of the attraction, as previously discussed. Although the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  shows that the sidewall  350  extends adjacent to both the first surface  306  and the second surface  336  via a curved configuration, any of a variety of alternative shapes, dimensions, configurations, elevations, or the like may be utilized in an alternative embodiment. For example, in certain embodiments, the sidewall  350  may be configured to extend over the top such as to enclose all or a portion of the end  302 . In certain embodiments, no sidewall  350  may be needed. 
         [0048]      FIG. 3  also illustrates a lip  382  that is connected with the sidewall  350  for providing an additional guard against water or other fluid from exiting the confines of the end  302 . The lip  382  may a distinct component (e.g., made of a same material or a different material from the sidewall  350 ) that is affixed to the sidewall  350  or may be integral with the sidewall  350  (e.g., the sidewall  350  itself may be shaped so as to form such a lip). For example, as shown in the zoomed-in portion  380 , water or other fluid  384  that is flowed or splashed against the sidewall  350  may encounter the lip  382  to aid in directing the water or other fluid  382  to stay within the end  302  (e.g., directing it back down towards the first and/or second surfaces ( 306 ,  336 )). Although illustrated in a particular configuration surrounding a part of the second surface  336 , in an alternative embodiment, the lip may be configured differently (e.g., in different shapes, curvatures, lengths, placement, etc.) and around and/or adjacent to other portions of the end  302  (e.g., the first surface  306 ). 
         [0049]    For example, the lip  382  may be configured to substantially extend over the entire second surface  336  and/or first surface  306  in an alternative embodiment. The lip  382  may be made out of a variety of materials (e.g., soft or resilient materials, such as polyurethane) that is fastened (e.g., adhered, such as with glue) to one or more components of the end  302 . In one embodiment, one or more of the components of the end  302  may be manufactured of fiberglass. One or more slots  370  may be employed along the sidewall  350  and/or other portions or surfaces of the end  302  to encourage fluid flow along a desired path. In varying embodiments, the one or more slots  370  may be depressions or raised edges and/or may be shaped or positioned in a variety of areas. 
         [0050]    The same or similar to previous discussions, the end  302  may be configured as a removable component or set of components that is configured to attach or connect along a seam  360  to another portion of a waterslide or other attraction (e.g., the seam  360  may comprise the first portion  310  (e.g., the front portion) of the end  302 . Such a connection may allow for existing attractions to be retrofitted with the end  302 . This may allow existing attractions to benefit from the features of the present invention in addition to newly constructed attractions utilizing the end  302 . 
         [0051]    The end  302  may utilize greater or fewer surfaces and/or greater or fewer of the features described and explicitly illustrated in an alternative embodiment. For example, greater or fewer surfaces than just the first and second surfaces ( 306 ,  336 ) may be employed for water flow and/or drainage in an alternative embodiment. A curved portion  390  of the end  302  illustrates an inward curve of the sidewall  350  adjacent to the top of the angled first surface  306 . In an alternative embodiment (for example, as seen in  FIG. 2 ) this portion may not be curved such that the sidewall  350  does not veer inward at the top of the angled first surface  306 . A sidewall that is substantially perpendicular to a plane containing the first surface at a position adjacent to the top of the first surface may provide a desirable fluid flow in certain embodiments. 
         [0052]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view  400  of a wave catching shutdown lane end  402 . Certain features of the end  402  may be the same as or similar to those previously described. For example, the end  402  may be connected or configured to be connected to a shutdown lane or other flume or portion of a waterslide or other amusement attraction. The end  402  may include a first surface  406  disposed at and/or adjacent to a first portion  410  (e.g., a front or upstream portion) of the end  402 . As illustrated, the first surface  406  may be configured such that water or other fluid flows over all or a portion of it along an upward trajectory (e.g., due to an upward sloping configuration of the first surface  406 , the same as or similar to previous discussions). 
         [0053]      FIG. 4  illustrates that the first surface  406  may include a porous portion or grate  499  such that water or other fluid is permitted to flow therethrough, for example, as previously discussed. A weir plate  497  or other component may be connected with the porous portion or grate  499  (e.g., in front of and/or behind the porous portion or grate  499 ) and may, in certain embodiments, be used to manage the amount or height of fluid or water in the end  402  or connected shutdown lane. For example, the weir plate  497  may be larger and/or extend higher in elevation with respect to the porous portion or grate  499  in order to allow for a higher elevation of fluid to flow in the shutdown lane or end  402  before it is drained via the porous portion or grate  499 . In certain embodiments, the weir plate  497  may be integral with the porous portion  499  such that the porous portion  499  and a non-porous portion form a part of one plate that makes up the first surface  406 . 
         [0054]    Other aspects of the end  402  may incorporate the same or similar features to those previously discussed. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , a second surface  436  is shown without any porous portions visible, but may be configured to drain water from the end  402  via slots or openings that are obscured from view in  FIG. 4  by the first surface  406 . In an alternative embodiment, varying configurations, positions, and/or orientations of the first surface  406  and/or the second surface  436  may be utilized (e.g., downwardly angled or sloped, vertical, horizontal, curved, etc.). 
         [0055]    Any of the embodiments previously discussed may be modified to include greater or fewer features than those specifically illustrated in their respective figures and/or modified for connection in or with various water or other amusement attractions. For example, as previously discussed, certain embodiments of the invention may be in the form of an end piece, component, or apparatus that is configured to connect to a portion (e.g., a shutdown lane) of an amusement attraction. This amusement attraction may be an existing attraction that is being retrofitted with this end piece, component or apparatus as a new component or in replacement of another component that is being removed from the attraction. 
         [0056]    Certain other embodiments of the invention may instead be in the form of an entire portion of the ride (e.g., an entire shutdown lane portion) rather than just an end component for the amusement attraction. Similar to the above, this amusement attraction may be an existing attraction that is being retrofitted with this portion or in replacement of another portion that is being removed from the attraction (e.g., replacing the entire existing shutdown lane with a new shutdown lane containing certain features described herein). Still other certain embodiments of the invention may be in the form of modular and/or discrete components that can be connected with a portion of an amusement attraction (e.g., components, surfaces, etc.) that may be connected with an end piece, shutdown lane, and/or other portion of an amusement attraction in order to include certain of the features described herein. For example, instead of providing an entire end piece or shutdown lane for an amusement attraction, certain embodiments of the invention may include surfaces (e.g., first and second surfaces) that are connected within or to an end piece or shutdown lane so as to embody the features of the invention described herein. Like the above, the end piece, shutdown lane, and/or other portion of an amusement attraction may be for an existing attraction that is being retrofitted with these one or more new components. Alternatively, rather than refurbishment of any attractions as discussed above, certain embodiments may be provided for new water or other amusement attractions. 
         [0057]    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. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the disclosed apparatus and methods. The steps of the method or algorithm may also be performed in an alternate order from those provided in the examples.