Patent Publication Number: US-9895617-B2

Title: Slide entry system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/680,544, entitled “SLIDE ENTRY SYSTEM”, filed Apr. 7, 2015 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and equipment utilized to provide amusement park experiences. 
     Water parks seek to provide a variety of ride experiences for park visitors, including bumper or raft rides, water slides, log rides, water coasters, and lazy rivers. A typical water slide begins in a small pool at the top of the slide, where a rider begins their descent by traveling to the edge of the pool. Certain types of water slides may incorporate narrative-driven effects to enhance the ride experience. For example, the ride may incorporate a building or setting not typically associated with a water ride, such as a bomb shelter or alien landscape. A ride on a water slide may be initiated after a gate or other barrier of an entry system is removed from blocking entry to the ride path to allow a rider to enter the actual slide. It is now recognized that certain entry systems may provide additional appeal to riders by adding thrilling aspects to ride entry, which may, for example, coordinate with thematic components or effects of the slide to add elements of surprise and exciting sensations. 
     SUMMARY 
     Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, a water slide entry system is provided. The entry system includes an entry platform configured to support a rider above a water slide entry; an enclosure defining an enclosed space about the platform configured to at least partially enclose the rider when the rider is positioned on the entry platform; and a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid to a predetermined fill level within the enclosure. The water slide entry system also includes a control system configured to: receive a signal that the rider is positioned on the entry platform; provide instructions to the fluid delivery system to deliver the fluid within the enclosure when the rider is positioned on the entry platform; and trigger the entry platform to release the rider into the water slide entry. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving a signal that a rider is positioned on an entry platform, wherein the entry platform is positioned within an enclosure and above a water slide; activating a fluid flow in the enclosure to partially fill the enclosure to a predetermined fluid level; and opening the entry platform to release the rider into the water slide when the fluid reaches the predetermined fluid level. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving a signal that a rider is positioned on an entry platform, wherein the entry platform is positioned within an enclosure and above a water slide; activating a fluid flow in the enclosure for a predetermined time period; and opening the entry platform to release the rider into the water slide after the predetermined time period has expired. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a water slide including a slide entry system in accordance with present techniques; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a slide entry system with an entry platform in the open configuration after the rider has been released into the water slide in accordance with present techniques; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a system for implementing a slide entry system in accordance with present techniques; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a slide entry system in which the fluid fills a cavity in the enclosure wall in accordance with present techniques; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a slide entry system in which the fluid fills the enclosed space in accordance with present techniques; and 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a method of activating fluid flow features of the slide entry system in accordance with present techniques. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure relates to slide entry systems that may be used in conjunction with amusement park rides. Water slides (e.g., chutes) are typically designed for riders to enter legs first from an entry pool, with the rider entering the entry at his own pace. To enhance the speed and excitement of the rider&#39;s entry into the water slide, present embodiments use a trap door entry. For example, a rider may enter an enclosure that is suspended above the slide. Once the rider is properly positioned, a trap door underneath the rider&#39;s feet is opened, and the rider falls directly into the slide entry. Because the rider does not control the precise moment that the trap door opens, an element of surprise is introduced that increases the excitement associated with ride. Indeed, a water slide in accordance with present embodiments may initiate when a trap door in the floor of the entry system opens to release a rider from an erect or reclining position down a water slide. The combination of the physical sensation of the floor falling out from beneath the rider in combination with the element of surprise within the narrative of the ride is thrilling. 
     Provided herein are slide entry systems that incorporate one or more features that may enhance a water slide entry for the rider and, that, in certain embodiments, may be incorporated into water slides that use a trap door or other platform-based entry. In one embodiment, the slide entry system includes an enclosure that surrounds an entry platform. After the rider is positioned within the enclosure, the enclosure starts to fill with water. Although the rider is aware that the enclosure will open and release into the slide before water rises above his head, the experience of watching the water levels rise may increase the excitement associated with the ride. In addition, the enclosure may agitate the water, or the water may include additives (e.g., soap, dye) to create visual effects. Such visual effects may not only enhance the rider&#39;s experience, but may also create visual excitement for those waiting in line, making the ride and waiting in the ride queue more appealing to park visitors. 
     While the disclosed embodiments are generally described in the context of water rides, water slides, or rides that include a water component, it should be understood that the slide entry systems as provided herein may also be used in conjunction with other types of rides, such as platform-based free fall rides. For example, rather than opening the entry platform and releasing a rider into a slide (e.g., water slide), the entry systems as provided herein may be used to release the rider and entry platform together as in a free-fall ride. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a water ride  10  with a slide entry system  12  as provided herein. As shown, the water ride  10  may include a ride environment  14  that, in certain embodiments, may provide narrative features to enhance the ride experience for rider  16  as well as those observers  20  who may be queuing for the water ride  10 . In the depicted environment, the rider  16  is positioned within the slide entry system  12  on an entry platform  22  that suspends the rider  16  above an entrance to a water slide  24 . The entry platform  22  is within an enclosure  26  such that the rider  16 , when in position on the entry platform  22 , is generally isolated from the rest of the ride environment  14  in an enclosed space  30  defined by the walls  32  of enclosure  26 . Such an arrangement may allow the rider  16  to prepare for the sudden entry into the water slide  24  when the entry platform is triggered without distractions from the observers  20 . In addition, the sound and physical isolation within the enclosure  26  may increase the sense of anticipation for the rider  16 . In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the walls  32  may be formed from a clear or translucent material that allows both the rider  16  and the observers  20  to view one another. 
     The slide entry system  12  may also include features that direct fluid flow into and/or within the enclosure  26  to provide the visual image of the enclosed space  30  filling with water or other fluids (e.g., fog, foam, slime effects). Not only is this thrilling for the rider  16 , but the image of the rider  16  being enclosed in a fluid-filled space may also provide excitement to the observers  20 . For example, the water effect may be part of the water ride narrative. In one example, the ride environment  14  supports a narrative in which a villain captures live specimens for study or dissection. The ride environment  14  may include additional enclosures  36  that are not linked to the water slide  24 , but instead are shaped to resemble specimen containers with formaldehyde-preserved monsters (e.g., creature  38 ). The rider enclosure  26  may also be formed in a similar manner such that it appears that the rider  16  is an additional specimen in the lab when positioned in the enclosure  26 . Audio or other effects may be provided to narrate to the rider  16  and/or the observers  20  that the water is a preservative to preserve the rider and that the observers  20  will be preserved next. In another embodiment, the enclosure may form a coffin to support a vampire-based ride narrative. In such an embodiment, the rider  16  may be a newly-converted vampire and the fluid may be dyed to resemble blood. 
     The water may fill the enclosure from any suitable inlet, which may be positioned to support the narrative or to create additional effects for the rider  16 . For example, the fluid inlet port or ports  40  may be positioned on or at the level of the entry platform  22 , which may facilitate the visual effect of water filling from the bottom of the enclosure  26 . Such an effect may support a narrative that the rider  16  is in a race against time to escape enclosure  26  before the water reaches his head. It should be understood that, as provided herein, the fluid only partially fills the enclosure  26  (e.g., does not fill higher than the rider&#39;s knees or waist). In one embodiment, the volume of the enclosed space  30  of the enclosure  26  may be configured to fill to a predetermined level of (e.g. retain the fluid until the rider  16  is released) up to 10%, 25%, 30%, 40%, or 50% fluid by volume. For example, at a 50% predetermined fill level, 50% of a total volume in the enclosed space is taken up with fluid. In one embodiment, as depicted, the fluid inlet ports  40  may be integrated within a ceiling or top  42  of the enclosure  26 . Such an arrangement may provide the advantage of creating a rain or deluge visual effect with the fluid. In particular, such an effect may require less fluid by volume to create dramatic visual effects more quickly within the enclosure  26  relative to an embodiment in which the water fills from the bottom of the enclosure  26 . Such an embodiment may be advantageous for rides that typically have long queues and high rider-throughput requirements. In addition, by positioning the fluid inlet ports at or near the top  42  of the enclosure  26 , the force of the water streaming down within the enclosed space  30  may also serve to agitate additives within the fluid, e.g., detergents or dyes, to create foam and/or color effects. Accordingly, the fluid inlet ports  40 , regardless of their position, may release the fluid under suitable pressure, depending on the desired effects (e.g., agitation, rainfall effects). Further, by creating a shower of fluid, the rider  16  may be fully soaked within the enclosure even before entering the slide  24 , which may be more thrilling and enjoyable for the rider  16  as well. 
     In one embodiment, the slide entry system  12  may include a specialized fluid inlet port  40   a  among the fluid inlet ports  40  dedicated to adding a second fluid to the fluid flow and that is supplied from a different fluid source than the main fluid inlet ports  40 . For example, in one embodiment, a ride narrative may include a projected or holographic image of a blade entering the enclosure  26  after the fluid flow has been initiated. The specialized fluid inlet port  40   a  may then flow red dyed fluid into the accumulated fluid in the enclosed space  30  to create the visual effect of blood within the enclosure  26 . In another embodiment, the specialized fluid inlet port  40   a  may be an air port that, once the fill level of the water or other fluid has reached a desired level, may inject air into the fluid to create whirlpool or turbulence effects. In another embodiment, individual fluid inlet ports  40  may be configured to switch fluid sources via valve controls to provide more flexibility in positioning specialized fluid ports  40   a  at various positions within the enclosure  26 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a slide entry system  12  after the entry platform  22  has released the rider  16  into the water slide  24 . In the depicted embodiment, the entry platform  22  is positioned within a supporting platform  46 . In operation, the rider  16  assumes a position with both feet on the entry platform  22 . In other embodiments, the entry platform  22  may form all or most of the bottom surface of the enclosure  26 . Once the rider  16  is in place, the entry platform  22  is triggered to open. The entry platform  22  may be implemented in any suitable configuration to facilitate quick release of the rider  16  through an opening  48  formed in the open configuration. In one embodiment, the entry platform  22  and other components of the enclosure  26  (e.g. the walls, door, etc.) may be configured to be sealed against water egress to facilitate fluid filling and/or retention until being triggered. Accordingly, the entry platform mechanics and other components may also be configured to seal the enclosure  26  and the weight of the fluid volume in the enclosure  26  is complete as well as the weight of the rider  16 . That is, during operation when the rider  16  is present, the enclosure  26  may be designed to seal the fluid at various fill levels, including at a desired fill level. 
     The opening  48  is open to the water slide  24  and is suitably sized and shaped to permit the rider  16  to fall into the water slide  24 . Although the depicted embodiment is shown with the enclosure  26  generally upright, it should be understood that the enclosure  26  may be angled or positioned to place the rider  16  at an angle when positioned for release into the water slide  24 . For example, a back surface  50  of the enclosure  26  may be inclined to match an angle of the water slide  24  such that the rider  16  is released into the water slide at an angle generally matched to the angle of the water slide  24 . Such an embodiment may allow the rider  16  to reach higher speeds more quickly within the water slide  24 . It should also be noted that at least some of the accumulated water within the enclosure will enter the slide with the rider. 
     The entry platform  22  may include a trap door or doors  54  coupled to a frame  56 . In the depicted embodiment, the trap door  54  includes two separable doors that are simultaneously triggered to drop within the opening  48  to release the rider  16 . Other embodiments may be implemented with a single door. Further, while the trap door  54  may open downward towards the water slide  24 , in other embodiments, the entry platform  22  may slide horizontally relative to the enclosure  26  to create the opening  48  and release the rider  16 . The mechanical components of the entry platform  22  may be configured such that any hinges or other features that facilitate opening of the trap door  54  are located outside of the enclosed space  30  to avoid interference with slide entry or contact with the rider  16 . The enclosure  26  may include certain features to permit a ride technician to position the rider  16  at the entry. For example, the side or front walls  32  of the enclosure  26  may be coupled to the back surface  50  by hinges  58  to swing open (e.g., using a handle  59 ) and allow entry to the enclosed space  30 . In the depicted embodiment, the side or front walls include fluid inlet ports  40  positioned about the circumference of the enclosure  26  and at different heights relative to the entry platform. Alternatively or additionally, the back surface  50  may include one or more fluid inlet port  40 . The fluid may be directed to flow from the fluid inlet ports  40  around the rider  16  from several directions, which may provide an enjoyable or thrilling experience. In addition, the fluid flow from various fluid inlet ports  40  may be activated at different times to provide different effects. 
     Once the rider  16  is in place, the ride technician may then provide the appropriate input to trigger the entry platform  22 . In another embodiment, the entry platform  22  may be triggered based on signals from one or more sensors that assess rider position or presence. Accordingly, the slide entry system  12  may operate under a control system  60 , as shown in the block diagram of  FIG. 3 . The control system  60  may include a processor  62 , which may include one or more processing devices, and a memory  64  storing instructions executable by the processor  62 . The memory  64  may include one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media. By way of example, such machine-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by the processor  62  or by any general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. The control system  60  may also include communications circuitry  66  and/or input and output circuitry  68  to facilitate communication with other components of the slide entry system  12 . In addition, the control system  60  may be coupled, either directly or wirelessly, to an operator input device or operator interface  70  that, in operation, may be used by a ride technician to provide input used to control one or more ride features. As noted, the operator interface  70 , or other components of the system  12 , may be located remotely from the control system  60  in certain embodiments and may be, for example, implemented on a mobile device. 
     The control system  60  may control the opening and closing of the entry platform  22 . For example, the entry platform  22  may include a mechanical controller  72  that allows the door (e.g., trap door  54  of  FIG. 2 ) to open. In one embodiment, the mechanical controller may control a latch. Upon receiving a signal from the control system  60 , the mechanical controller  72  opens the latch, for example by retracting a pin or controlling an electromagnet, to allow the door to fall open. The mechanical controller  72  may also control a motor that brings the door back to the entry platform  22  to prepare for the next rider  16 . 
     The signal to trigger the entry platform  22  may be based at least in part on a signal from a ride technician that the rider  16  is correctly positioned on the entry platform  22 . Alternatively or additionally, the slide entry system  12  may include one or more sensors  74  that provide input to the entry platform triggering. For example, the entry platform may include a pressure sensor that provides feedback that a rider  16  within an allowed or expected weight range is on the entry platform  22 . Other sensors  74  that may provide feedback that the rider is in place include optical sensors, camera or facial recognition sensors, etc. In one embodiment, the ride technician may provide a trigger signal (e.g., by pressing a button or providing feedback via the operator interface  70 ), and the control system  60  may be configured to only trigger the entry platform  22  when the sensor or sensors  74  provide signals that confirm that the rider is in place. If the sensor or sensors  74  do not indicate that the rider  16  is in place, the entry platform  22  will override the ride technician signal and not trigger. In addition, the sensor or sensors  74  may include other types of sensors that assess fluid fill levels, fluid pressure, etc. 
     The control system  60  may also control a fluid delivery system  78  that activates and/or stops delivery of fluid to the enclosure  26 . The fluid delivery system  78  includes one or more fluid sources  80  in fluid communication with one or more fluid inlet ports  40 . Upon receiving a signal from the control system  60 , the fluid delivery system  78  may open the flow of fluid to the enclosure  26 , e.g., by opening a valve to release the fluid. Accordingly, the fluid delivery system  78  may include suitable flow control elements, such as valves configured to be operated under control of the control system  60 . In one embodiment, the fluid delivery system  78  may be configured to release a second fluid type at a particular time point under the control of the control system  60 . In addition, the control system  60  may also control deactivation of fluid flow and/or fluid draining. In one embodiment, the fluid flow is automatically shut down and/or drained if the fill level rises above a predetermined level, which may be determined by one or more of an operator input or a sensor feedback. 
     In certain embodiments, the slide entry system  12  may also include one or more special effects systems  84  under control of the control system  60 . Such special effects may include light effects, motion effects, sound effects, image effects etc. A special effects system  84  may be configured to coordinate with the fluid effects as provided herein. For example, sound effects of rushing water may be triggered concurrently with the fluid flow to create the overall impression of a deluge of water rushing into the enclosure  26 . In other embodiments, the special effects system  84  may be configured to agitate the fluid within the enclosure to create waves. 
     While certain embodiments of the disclosure have provided slide entry systems  12  that facilitate fluid flow within the enclosed space  30  formed by the enclosure  26 , the fluid flow may also be directed into a cavity  100  in the walls  32  of the enclosure  26 , as shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 4 . In one embodiment, the fluid flows into the cavity  100  and does not enter the enclosed space  30 . Such an embodiment allows the rider  16  to remain dry and may also require less fluid volume to achieve. In addition, because the rider  16  and the fluid do not come into direct contact, the cavity  100  may fill to levels above the rider&#39;s head to create an illusion that the rider  16  is submerged in fluid within the enclosure  26 . In other embodiments, the fluid flow into the cavity  100  may be combined with fluid flow within the enclosed space  30  to create layered effects. For example, the fluid in the cavity  100  may have different refractive properties than the fluid in the enclosed space  30 . Further, filling the cavity  100  in conjunction with filling the enclosed space  30  provides a combined impact on riders&#39; senses. In one embodiment, the cavity  100  fills and also drains directly into the enclosed space  30  at a slower rate, allowing the cavity  100  to fill but also allowing the rider  16  to experience fluid flowing from the translucent walls  32  of the enclosure  26 . 
     As provided herein, the enclosure  26  of the slide entry system  12  may partially fill with fluid. The fluid may be released with the rider  16  into the water slide  24  or, in certain embodiments, may be separately drained to avoid adding any dyes or foams to the general pool of water. In addition, the enclosure may include one or more drainage systems that maintain fluid at desired fill levels.  FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a slide entry system  12  that includes integral fluid drainage. In the depicted embodiment, the fluid inlet port  40  facilitates fluid inflow into the enclosed space  30 , for example upon receiving a signal from a weight or impedance sensor  74  that confirm the presence of the rider  16  in the enclosure  26 . An outlet port  110 , positioned above a desired fill level  108 , drains any fluid above the desired fill level  108 . In one embodiment, the outlet port  110  is an overflow drain or a valve configured to open when a fluid pressure is above a certain level. In other embodiments, the outlet port or ports  110  may be under processor control (e.g., by the control system  60 ) to open based on feedback from one or more fluid level sensors  74 . The outlet port  110  may also be configured to drain directly into the water slide  24 . In one embodiment, the outlet port  110  may be positioned in a bottom surface  112  of the enclosure  26  and configured to drain based on a signal that the fluid level is above the desired fill level  108 . 
     The drainage may also be configured based on the presence and type of fluid or fluid additives. For example, fluid that is dyed or that is not water may be separately drained to keep such fluid isolated from the general pool of water. In configurations in which the fluid is drained directly into the water slide, color effects may be created or enhanced by using colored lights. The depicted embodiment also shows a light source  114  positioned proximate to the entry platform  22  on the bottom surface  112  and configured to emit light into the fluid. In this manner, the fluid may be lit to take on certain colors without the use of dye, which may dye the riders&#39; own clothes and may dye the general pool of water for the ride. In addition, the light may be a black light that facilitates fluorescent effects within the enclosure  26 . The light source  114  may also be employed within the cavity  100  to achieve similar results. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a method  120  of operating the slide entry system  12 . As noted, the system  12  may receive a signal that the rider is positioned within the enclosure  26  (block  122 ). The signal may be one or both of an operator input or a sensor feedback. Upon receipt of the signal, fluid flow within the enclosure is activated (block  124 ). As noted, the fluid flow  124  may be under processor-based control of the control system  60 . In addition, any accompanying special effects may also be activated concurrently with the fluid flow. The fluid flow may be under volume or time control. That is, in one embodiment, the fluid flow is maintained until a desired fill level is reached, which may be determined based on operator input and/or sensor feedback. In another embodiment, the fluid flow may continue until expiration of a timer. For example, the timer may be set based on a predetermined volume of the enclosed space  30 , an average displacement of the rider  16 , the flow rate of the fluid inlet ports  40 , and a desired fill level (e.g., a fill level that fills to no higher than waist height for the shortest possible rider). In a specific embodiment, the fill level may be dynamically adjusted based on the anatomy of an individual rider  16 . Once the desired fill level is achieved, the entry platform  22  is triggered to release the water into the water slide (block  126 ). The trigger may be automatic, e.g., based on a feedback signal that the fill level has been reached or that the timer has expired. In one embodiment, the trigger may be based on an operator input. For example, a ride technician may make a visual assessment of the fill level and trigger the entry platform  22  accordingly. 
     While only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. Further, it should be understood that components of various embodiments disclosed herein may be combined or exchanged with one another. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.