Abstract:
An interactive fountain is suitable for installation in a spray or water park partially submerged in a swimming or wading pool. The fountain includes a body having an upper surface sized to support at least one user in a position standing or sitting thereon. The support structure may be formed in situ, or preformed off-site from precast materials. Two or more water nozzles are positioned within the support structure. The water nozzles are connected to a source of water under pressure, as well as to each other by means of a water conduit, whereby in use, water flows from the water source along the conduit and outwardly from each nozzle as a discharged jet, spray or other such stream of water. The water nozzles are configured to permit a user to partially or fully block or obstruct the nozzles, as for example, by the user putting his hand or foot over the nozzle such that when a nozzle is blocked, water is redirected to other non-obstructed water nozzles.

Description:
SCOPE OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an interactive play fountain, and more particularly a water fountain having a number of interconnected water nozzles which, when obstructed or blocked by a user&#39;s hand, foot or body, results in the redirection of water flow to other unobstructed nozzles, as discharged water streams of different intensity and/or pressure. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Recreational installations at water parks or spray parks typically consist of one or more raised structures upon which water nozzles are mounted, so as to emit a discharge stream of water on the park users. U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,471 to Briggs discloses a conventional structure adapted for water park installation, and which includes as interactive play elements, tipping water buckets and user actuated water cannons. 
     While the play structure of Briggs permits users to interact or engage in participatory play with the individual water features, the size and overall cost of the Briggs water park structure makes it impractical for installation in smaller water parks or locations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an inexpensive water fountain which permits interactive water play by one or more users, whereby the users can alter the water spray pattern and/or intensity from the fountain. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a prefabricated water fountain which includes a number of water nozzles, each adapted to emit a discharge stream therefrom, and which may be easily and inexpensively installed in a spray park, water park, wading or swimming pool or other suitable area. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a robust interactive play structure, which may be easily manufactured and installed and which is adapted to support a number of users standing thereon. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a mound-shaped fountain which is adapted for participatory play by one or more users, and may be placed in a number of possible locations, including without restriction upon the bottom of a wading pool projecting partially above the water surface, directly on the ground, or in a position raised above the ground as a part of a raised platform or play structure. 
     In furtherance of at least some of the foregoing objects, the present invention provides for an interactive fountain which is suitable for installation in a park, spray park or water park (hereinafter collectively and generally referred to as a water park) and/or partially submerged in a swimming or wading pool. The fountain includes a supporting structure or body having an upper surface sized to support at least one, and preferably multiple users in a position standing, sitting and/or lying thereon. The support structure may be formed in situ, as for example by pouring concrete or other castable materials into a prepared form, or from asphalt. Most preferably, however, the support structure is preformed off-site, as by way of non-limiting example, from a precast concrete fiberglass, elastomeric material, resins, plastics or other suitable castable materials. Two or more, and preferably at least four water nozzles are positioned within the support structure. The water nozzles are connected to a source of water under pressure, as well as to each other by means of a water conduit, whereby in use, water flows from the water source along the conduit and outwardly from each nozzle as a discharged jet, spray or other such stream of water. 
     The water nozzles are configured to permit a user to partially or fully block or obstruct the nozzles, as for example, by the user putting his hand or foot over the nozzle. When a nozzle is blocked, the flow of water is redirected from the blocked nozzle to one or more other non-obstructed water nozzles, flowing therefrom as discharge streams of increased intensity or pressure. 
     More preferably, the water nozzles and the water conduit providing the interconnection between the nozzles are recessed either flush within or beneath the upper surface of the fountain supporting structure, so as to not present protuberances which could otherwise injure a user. 
     The water fountain is adapted to be erected in a number of possible environments including without restriction on a platform raised above the ground, as for example, on an elevated surface of the type of play structure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,471 to Briggs. Where a preformed support structure is to be used, the fountain may be erected by placing the supporting structure directly upon a prepared concrete or asphalt slab, or any other such ground surface. 
     Most preferably, however, the supporting structure of the water fountain is provided as a generally dome-shaped fiberglass or elastomeric mound which is adapted for placement on the bottom of a wading or splash pool. In such a configuration, the mound preferably has a maximum height selected at between about 0.1 and 1.0 meters, so as to extend partially or wholly above the water surface of the pool. At least part or all of the upper surface of the fountain supporting structure may also be provided with a non-slip coating or embossed with a non-slip texture for enhanced safety. 
     The supporting structure itself may be formed into a fanciful shape, including without restriction, the shape of a fictitious or actual animal, as well as castles or other possible play structures or themes. If desired, other features may be incorporated into or provided on the upper surface of the support structure, such as play slides, water cannons, water bikes, or the like. 
     Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention resides in a waterpark amusement device including 
     a support structure having upper surface sized to support at least one user standing or sitting thereon, 
     a plurality of water nozzles, each disposed substantially in said support structure and open to an outlet orifice formed in said upper surface, said outlet orifice having a size and shape selected to enable said orifice to be substantially blocked by a user&#39;s hand or foot, 
     a pressurized water source, and 
     a water supply conduit providing fluid communication between said pressurized water source and said nozzles to permit water flow from said water source therealong and outwardly from said nozzles as a pressurized stream, the water supply conduit providing a fluid connection between said nozzles whereby the blockage of a first one of said nozzles by said user redirects said water flow to one or more other of said nozzles. 
     In another aspect, the present invention resides in an interactive waterpark fountain comprising, 
     a pressurized water source, 
     a support structure configured to support a plurality of users thereon, a plurality of water nozzles recessed substantially in said body, said nozzles each including an outlet orifice and being provided in fluid communication with said water source and each other, such that when said nozzles are unobstructed pressurized water flows from said water source and outwardly from the outlet orifice of each of said nozzle as a pressurized stream, and whereby the obstruction of the orifice of a first of said nozzle by a user to substantially prevent the flow of water therefrom redirects said water flow from one or more remaining unobstructed nozzles as a pressurized stream of greater intensity. 
     In a further aspect, the present invention resides in combination, a user interactive spray fountain, a wading pool for retaining a desired volume of water therein, and a pressurized water source, 
     the spray fountain including, 
     a support structure disposed in a partially submerged position in said pool and being configured to support a plurality of users standing thereon, 
     a plurality of water nozzles disposed at least partially in said support structure, and 
     a pressurized water source, 
     a conduit providing fluid communication between said water source and said nozzles, said conduit further interconnecting said nozzles whereby when said nozzles are unobstructed water flows from said water source and outwardly from each of said nozzles as a discharge stream under a first pressure, and whereby the obstruction of one of said nozzles by a user&#39;s hand or foot to restrict the flow of water therefrom redirects said water flow to the remaining unobstructed nozzles as discharge streams of a second pressure greater than said first pressure. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Reference will now be had to the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an interactive water park fountain in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention installed on a concrete foundation; 
     FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the fountain of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 shows an enlarged partial view of the fountain shown in FIG. 2, illustrating one manner of blocking a water nozzle to redirect the fountain spray; 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the fountain of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic top view of the water fountain in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; and 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic side view of the fountain of FIG. 5 installed within a wading pool. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates best a water park fountain  10  which has been erected on a concrete pad  8 . As will be described, the fountain  10  is adapted for interactive and participatory water play with a number of individual users  12  standing, sitting or lying thereon. As shown best in FIG. 2, the fountain  10  includes a generally dome-shaped support structure or body  14 , a water nozzle assembly  16 , a water conduit assembly  18  for supplying water flow to the nozzle assembly  16  and a source of pressurized water  20 . 
     The body  14  of the fountain  10  is fabricated as a preformed generally dome-shaped mound made from fiberglass or an elastomeric material such as virgin rubber or recycled tire crumb. The body  14  may be solid or have a hollow interior and has a size and sufficient structural integrity to support the users  12  standing, sitting or lying on its upper surface  24 . FIG. 2 illustrates the fountain body  14  as having a substantially flat base  26  being supported directly on the ground, resting on the surface  28  of the concrete slab  8 . As shown in FIG. 4, the dome-shaped body  14  is generally circular in plan view and has a radial diameter D (FIG. 4) selected at between about 1 and 4 meters. Although the fountain body  14  could have a variety of different height configurations and/or contours, to minimize the potential that a user could slip on the upper surface  24 , the surface  24  most preferably extends as a substantially spherical segment having a maximum height selected at between 0.1 and 1 meters between the base  26  and upper surface  24 , and more preferably between about 0.1 and 0.3 meters. 
     As shown best in FIGS. 2 to  4 , the nozzle assembly  16  consists of a number of nozzles  30   a - 30   e  which are spaced from each other at spaced locations about the body  14 . As shown in FIG. 3, each of the nozzles  30  is located within a complementary sized bore  32  extending downwardly from the upper surface  24  of the support body  14 . The nozzles  30  are positioned within the bore  32 , so as to be recessed a marginal distance beneath the upper surface  24 , so as not to present a protrusion which could otherwise injure a user  12  walking on the fountain body  14 . As will be described, each of the nozzles  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d , 30   e  has an upwardly oriented outlet orifice  34  (FIG.  3 ), so as to direct a pressurized discharge stream of water  38   a , 38   b , 38   c , 38   d , 38   e  (FIG. 2) respectively therefrom in a generally upward orientation. The bore  32  and orifice  34  have a radial diameter and configuration selected to enable the orifice  34  to be blocked by a user&#39;s foot  70  (FIG. 3) or other body part to enable the user  12  to selectively prevent the discharge of water from one or more nozzles  30   a-e . Although not essential, preferably the nozzles  30   a , 30   c , 30   e  are provided with a different configuration than the nozzles  30   b , 30   d  so as to discharge water streams  38   a , 38   c , 38   e  therefrom having visually differing spray patterns than streams  38   b , 38   d.    
     The water conduit assembly  18  is shown best in FIG. 2 as including a main water supply pipe  46 , a return water pipe  48  used in the recycling of spray water, an internal conduit pipe  50  housed within the fountain body  14  and which is connected to the main supply pipe  46 , as well as providing fluid interconnection between each of the nozzles  30   a - 30   e . The pressurized water source  20  consists of a water tank  40  (FIG. 2) and an electric water pump  42 . Preferably, the pump  42  is also provided in selective fluid communication with a municipal water supply line  43 . The pump  42  is adapted to pump water from the return pipe  48  and the supply line  43 , as needed, into the tank  40  under pressure. Water thus flows under pressure from the tank  40  to the nozzles  30  under a sufficient pressure necessary to produce the desired discharge streams  38 . 
     As shown best in FIG. 2, the main water supply pipe  46  is buried beneath the surface  28  of the concrete slab  8 . The pipe  46  provides fluid communication between the water tank  40  and the internal conduit pipe  50 , whereby water flows from the tank  40  and outwardly from any unobstructed nozzles  30   a-e  via the pipe  46  and  50  as a respective discharge stream  38   a - 38   e . FIG. 2 shows the conduit pipe  50  as including a coupling  51  which projects downwardly below the bottom surface  26  of the fountain body  14  and which is adapted to link the internal conduit pipe  50  to the main water supply pipe  46 . 
     Optionally, a main valve  55  (FIG. 2) may be provided to regulate water flow along the main supply pipe  46  to selectively permit or prevent water flow from the nozzles  30   a-e . Alternately, the flow of water may be regulated by the selective activation or deactivation of the pump  42 . More preferably, a pressure relief valve  59  is also provided in fluid communication with the conduit assembly  18 . The pressure relief valve  59  is operable to divert water flow away from the nozzle assembly  16  when, for example, the water pressure in one or both of the pipes  46 , 50  exceeds a predetermined maximum threshold water pressure. 
     Although FIG. 2 illustrates the water pipe  50  as being provided within the support body  14 , it is to be appreciated that in an alternate embodiment, the pipe  50  could be buried under or extend above the surface  28  of the slab  8 . 
     As shown best in FIGS. 1 and 4, where the fountain body  14  is positioned directly on a concrete slab  8  or otherwise on the ground, a collection drain  60  is most preferably provided about the periphery of the fountain body  14 . The collection drain  60  is adapted to collect and channel water discharged from the nozzles  30   a-e  into the return pipe  48 . As indicated, the return pipe  48  is provided in fluid communication with the pump  42 , whereby the electric pump  42  assists in recirculating water collected in the drain  60  to the water tank  40  under pressure. Although FIG. 4 illustrates the collection drain  60  as extending about the entire immediate peripheral surface of the fountain body  14 , it is to be appreciated that other collection drain configurations are also possible. In an alternate arrangement, the fountain body  14  could be provided on a sloping grade, which itself is configured to channel any discharged water to a remote collection drain for recirculation. 
     In operation of the fountain  10 , the valve  55  is opened and the electric pump  42  is activated to permit the pressurized water to flow from the tank  40 . Water is supplied to the fountain  10  under pressure from a water tank  40  via a main supply pipe  46 . Water flows under the desired pressure along the supply pipe  46  and into the internal pipe  50 , and then outwardly from the orifice  34  of each unobstructed nozzle  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d , 30   e  as a respective pressurized discharge stream of water  38   a , 38   b , 38   c , 38   d , 38   e.    
     As the water discharged from the nozzles  30   a-e  falls back onto the upper surface  24  of the body  14  or the surrounding concrete pad  8 , it is directed into the peripheral drain  60 . Water collected in the drain  60  is thus pumped via the electric pump  42  along the return pipe  48  and back to the water tank  40  for recirculation. 
     FIG. 3 shows best the fountain  10  as permitting interaction and participatory play with individual users  12 . In particular, the construction of the fountain  10  permits the users  12  to vary the water spray and spray intensity by the selective blocking or obstruction of an orifice  34  of one or more of the nozzles  30   a-e . By a user  12  moving his or her foot  70  (FIG. 3) to the position blocking nozzle  30   c , the user may alter the pattern and intensity of the discharge streams  38 . In particular, it is to be appreciated that upon the user  12  blocking the orifice  34  of water nozzle  30   c , water flow is redirected along the fountain pipe  50  to any remaining unblocked nozzles  30   a , 30   b , 30   d , 30   e . Furthermore, because water is supplied under pressure from the tank  40 , the reduction in the number of operating discharge nozzles  30  which occurs when one or more of the nozzle orifices  34  are blocked results in the emission of discharge streams of increased pressure and/or intensity from the remaining unblocked nozzles  30   a , 30   b , 30   d , 30   e . With the present invention, the users  12  may thus cover or uncover more or fewer nozzle orifices  34 , depending upon spray intensity which is desired. Furthermore, by positioning the nozzles  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d , 30   e  about spaced locations across the upper surface  24  of the dome-shaped body  14 , the users  12  may choose which nozzles  30  are to remain unblocked, effectively controlling the direction and/or location of the discharged water streams  38 . 
     Although FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the fountain  10  as having a generally dome-shaped configuration and being positioned directly on the ground resting on a concrete pad  8 , the invention is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that a fountain  10  having a substantially planar or other regular or irregular construction could also be used. As well, the fountain  10  could equally be mounted on an elevated surface spaced above the ground, such as on the play structure such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,471. Alternately, FIGS. 5 and 6 show another embodiment of the invention, in which like reference numerals are used to identify like components, and wherein the fountain  10  is adapted for placement in partially submerged orientation, erected on the bottom  72  of a swimming pool or wading pool  74 . 
     In FIGS. 5 and 6, the fountain  10  is provided with a fiberglass body  14  which has an upper surface  24  to which a coating having a non-slip texture has been applied. The fountain of FIG. 5 is manufactured off-site as a preformed structure adapted to be positioned in place on the bottom  72  of the swimming pool  74  with minimal disruption and/or modification to the existing swimming pool plumbing. The body  14  is shown in FIG. 5 as having formed therein the stylized image of a hippopotamus. Furthermore, a slide  76  is integrally formed in the body  14  portion extending from an uppermost central apex  78  to its peripheral edge  80 . 
     As with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the fountain  10  includes a plurality of water nozzles  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d , 30   e , 30   f , 30   g  which are recessed into the upper surface  24  of the body  14 . The nozzles  30   a - 30   g  are interconnected to each other by a fountain pipe  50  disposed within the body  14 . The fountain pipe  50  is provided in fluid communication with the main pool water conduit  82  which is used to recirculate water into the pool  24  following its purification by the filter  84 . As a result, FIG. 6 shows the swimming pool filter  84  acting as the pressurized water source and operating to circulate water from a skimmer intake  86 , and then back into the pool  74  through the pool water jets  90  and the fountain nozzles  30 , via the conduit  82 . It is to be appreciated that where the fountain  10  is disposed in the pool  74 , water collection and recirculation may be performed solely through the pool filter  84 , without the need for a separate water collection drain and/or recirculating pump. 
     The fountain  10  shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 enables participatory play by the users in the identical manner as that described with respect to the fountain shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. 
     Although FIG. 5 illustrates the fountain  10  as including a stylized graphic representation of a hippopotamus, the invention is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that representations of other animals and/or structures may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     FIGS. 5 and 6 show best the dome-shaped body  14  as extending a maximum height of about 30 cm and having a diameter of about 3 meters. Where the fountain is to be located in a partially submerged orientation in the wading pool  74 , most preferably the fountain extends about 5 to 15 cm above the surface  95  of the water in the pool  74 . Although not essential, each of the nozzles  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d , 30   e , 30   f , 30   g  are also located on the upper surface  24  of the body  14  in positions selected so as to locate substantially above the water surface  95  when the fountain  10  and pool  74  are in normal use. This construction advantageously prevents sharply angling surfaces which, when wet, otherwise may result in a user  12  slipping whereby he or she otherwise could be injured. 
     Furthermore, while FIG. 5 illustrates the mound-shaped body  14  as incorporating an integral slide  76 , the fountain  10  could also be provided with other water play elements, including without restriction the use of tipping buckets, water cannons or other water amusement devices. 
     Although FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the body  14  of the water fountain  10  as having a generally dome-shaped mound construction, the invention is not so limited. Numerous other fountain body shapes and/or sizes are also possible depending on the intended site of installation. Furthermore, the body  14  of the water fountain  10  could equally be provided as a raised platform of almost any configuration or for that matter recessed into the ground or underlying support structure with a flat upper surface positioned flush with the adjacent terrain. 
     Although FIG. 2 illustrates the fountain  10  as including a water circulation pump  42  as being disposed at a location remote from the fountain body  14 , if desired the pump  42  could be incorporated directly within the body  14  to form the fountain as a more self-contained unit. 
     Although the preferred embodiment describes the body  14  of the fountain  10  as being preformed, the invention is not so limited. If desired, the body or support surface  14  could be fabricated directly on site, as for example by casting concrete or melted elastomeric material into the desired shape directly at the desired installation site. 
     Although FIG. 2 illustrates the fountain  10  as including a pressure relief valve  59  as relieving overpressure conditions in the conduit pipes  46 , 50 , other mechanisms to relieve overpressure may also be used. For example, the electric pump  42  could be fitted with a stall-type motor which is adapted to stop pumping water when the water pressure on the outfeed side of the pump  42  exceeds a threshold valve. 
     While FIG. 2 discloses and illustrates the fountain  10  as having five water nozzles  30   a-e , it is to be appreciated that the fountain could have more or fewer nozzles, depending on its overall size and the intended site of installation. 
     Although the detailed description describes and illustrates various preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. Many modifications and variations will now appear to a person skilled in the art. For a definition of the invention, reference may be had to the appended claims.