Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Slide Attraction
BACKGROUND
[0001] Conventional rides and amusement attractions can use a
ride surface to move a
rider, alone or with a ride vehicle, through a desired ride path. The ride may
use flumes and
tubes in which a rider is moved from a higher elevation to a lower elevation
along a path dictated
by the shape of the ride surface. Coming up with unique and interesting ride
experiences is the
pinnacle of ride design.
SUMMARY
[0002] Exemplary embodiments described herein include unique ride
structures. The
ride structures may be used within an amusement attraction. For example, an
amusement
attraction may include a ride surface for transporting a rider thereon. The
ride surface may
include one or more flumes, tubes, or other sliding surface. The ride surface
may define an
inclined curved segment along the ride path from the entrance to the exit of
the amusement
attraction.
[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the ride surface may include an
inclined curved
segment for deflecting a rider up a first incline of the inclined curved
surface followed by a
second incline of the inclined curved surface. Exemplary embodiments may
permit a double
high wall experience in a small footprint.
[0004] Exemplary embodiments may include a ride surface having an
inclined curved
segment. The inclined curved segment may be configured such that a rider along
the inclined
curved segment from an inlet segment to an exit segment travel defines a
travel path. Tn an
exemplary embodiment, the travel path crosses over itself In an exemplary
embodiment, the
travel path crosses over itself more than once. In an exemplary embodiment,
the travel path
approximates a figure &.
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DRAWINGS
[0005] FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate an exemplary ride attraction
incorporating a contoured
section according to embodiments described herein.
[0006] FIGS. 2-4 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a contoured
section according to
embodiments described herein.
DESCRIPTION
[0007] The following detailed description illustrates by way of
example, not by way of
limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly
enable one skilled in the
art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments,
adaptations, variations,
alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed
to be the best mode of
carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the drawings are
diagrammatic and
schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of the invention, and are
not limiting of the
present invention nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.
[0008] FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate different views of an amusement
ride according to
embodiments described herein. FIG. lA is a side view of an exemplary amusement
ride; FIG.
1B is a top view of an exemplary amusement ride; FIGS. 1C-E are side
perspective views of an
exemplary amusement ride.
[0009] With reference to FIGS. 1A-1E, an embodiment of an
amusement ride 100 in
accordance with the present invention includes an entry platform 112 at a high
elevation,
reachable by mechanisms such as stairs, ramps, lifts, or conveyers, or any
combination thereof
The platform 112 may include a recessed entry box into which water is
continuously pumped.
The entry box is configured so that water overflows downhill to an "inlet
slide section" or inlet
section 104 which, for much of its length, can function as a flume. A user may
slide in the flume
or ride in a ride vehicle having a plurality of possible shapes, such a donut-
shaped, inflated inner
tube, or a double "figure 8" tube having two cavities for two riders and
characteristics such as
being at least partially buoyant and resilient. It is to be understood however
that many
alternative ride vehicles are contemplated for use with this invention.
Upright sidewalls define
the long, narrow, downhill path of the inlet slide section.
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[0010] The upper portion of the inlet section 104 may be curved
generally downward and
may include one or more steeply declined sections for acceleration of the
rider and/or ride
vehicle. The steeply declined section can be substantially linear and/or may
be curved. While not
a requirement, as illustrated in the embodiment shown in Figs.1A-1E, the inlet
slide section 104
may include a steeper decline at the transition and/or entrance to the
contoured section 102. As
illustrated, the steeper section may be at a middle and/or lower portion of
the inlet section 104.
[0011] In the case of an inlet section 104 having an upper
portion formed as a flume and
carrying a substantial volume of water introduced at the entry box, roller
drains can be provided
at approximately the center and toward the bottom of the inlet section 104.
The inlet section 104
may be generally contoured and/or may include a narrower or wider transition
segment into the
inclined curved section 30 depending upon the speed and directional control
desire. The ride
surface may include an essentially flat, horizontal bottom along which the
rider or rider vehicle
coasts, and curved sidewalls for retaining the rider or vehicle in the flume.
Roller drains may be
used within the ride surface and may extend transversely across the bottom of
the ride surface to
define part of the ride surface. The roller drains may be spaced apart
slightly so that water in the
trough may pass between the rollers. The water can then be removed from the
ride surface area
before reaching the contoured section 102. As seen from the elevation view of
FIG. 1B, the
flume can transition into the contoured section 102 having a wider diameter
flume into the
contoured section 102.
[0012] Although described herein as removing water from the ride
surface, exemplary
embodiments may include water along an entirety of a ride surface. Exemplary
embodiments
may also include reduced water along all or part of the ride surface. In this
case, water misters
may be used to provide a slippery surface for the ride vehicle to travel upon.
Exemplary
embodiments may include a ride surface that is wet or dry.
[0013] Exemplary embodiments may include coatings or surfaces on
the ride surface
and/or vehicle that may enhance the ride experience. The coatings and/or
surfaces may be
configured to reduce or increase friction between the ride surface and the
ride vehicle. The
reduction or addition of friction between the ride surface and the vehicle may
he used to change
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a speed of the rider, change a direction, change the orientation, impart a new
motion to the ride
vehicle or combinations thereof
[0014] By the time the rider reaches the bottom of the inlet
section 104, the rider may be
traveling at a high rate of speed along the slippery bottom surface of the
flume. In an exemplary
embodiment, the slippery characteristics of the inlet section may be
maintained by misting in the
embodiment in which roller drains are incorporated since essentially all or a
substantial amount
of the water introduced from the entry box may have passed through the roller
drains. The inlet
section 104 may also include other direction and speed control mechanisms. For
example, the
inlet section 104 may include variable inducing mechanisms, such as conveyors,
nozzles,
contours, and/or combinations. The variable inducing mechanisms may be used to
increase the
rate of speed to a rider and/or ride vehicle entering the contoured section
102 and/or may change
or control a direction of the rider and/or ride vehicle entering the contoured
section 102.
[0015] At this point, i.e., the bottom or outlet of the inlet
segment (which also is the rider
entrance for the next segment), the rider passes to a contoured section 102 of
a separate slide
portion. The contoured section 102 then transitions into a segment which also
can be referred to
as the "exit slide" or outlet section 106. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the
surface of the outlet
section 106 is separate and distinct from the surface of the inlet section
104. In the illustrated
embodiment, the outlet section 106, in the embodiment shown, is substantially
wider than the
inlet section 104, allowing for unpredictable twists and turns of the rider or
vehicle after it is
propelled out of the inlet section 104 and onto the contoured section 102. It
is however,
contemplated that an alternative embodiment may have an outlet section 106
that is relatively the
same size or smaller than the inlet section 104 to allow the transition of the
rider or ride vehicle
from this portion of the ride surface. The contoured section 102 preferably
enters the exit slide
106 at an angle so that the rider is propelled generally toward the center of
the exit slide after
having travelled on the contoured section 102. In an exemplary embodiment, in
addition to or
alternative to the use at the transition into the contoured section 102, one
or more variable
inducing mechanisms may be used to assist in controlling the speed and
direction of the ride
and/or ride vehicle during the transition from the contoured section 102
toward the outlet section
106. Such variable inducing mechanisms may be located in either the contoured
section 102 or
the outlet section 106 or be located in both the contoured section 102 and the
outlet section 106.
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Such mechanisms include but are not limited to increased or decreased
frictional surfaces,
chutes, mechanical braking, water jets, rollers, conveyors, nozzles, etc. This
mechanism may
also be accompanied by auditory or visual signals to capture the riders
attention to the transition
into the outlet section 106.
[0016] Upon entering the outlet section 106, the rider and
vehicle decelerate from a high
rate of speed as they transition along additional curved and/or straight
paths. Along the outlet
section 106, the slippery characteristics of the slide can be maintained by
misting. Nozzles can
be spaced along the length of the slide, with some nozzles pointed inward and
others more
outward to lubricate the entire bottom surface of the slide. The outlet
section 106 may provide an
end to the ride or may transition to other sections of a ride experiences,
such as additional chutes,
flumes, slides, or ride features.
[0017] Sidewalls 122 may be provided to retain the rider and
vehicle on the attraction,
including, for example along the inlet section 104, the contoured section 102,
and/or the outlet
section 106.
[0018] As best seen in FIG. 1B, the amusement attraction may
include a contoured
section 102 for generating a desired ride path. The contoured section 102 may
defme two
opposing upwardly sections 108, 110. As seen in FIG. 1B, the contoured section
102 may
include a central area 120 in which the inlet section 104 and outlet section
106 are directly or
indirectly coupled. As seen, the inlet section 104 and exit section 106 may be
adjacent or in
close proximity to each other. The inlet section 104 and exit section 106 may
be on the same
side of the contoured section 102. The same side of the contoured section may
be determined by
drawing a line through approximately the middle of the contoured section or
central section and
having the entrance and exit sections being on the same side of the line. A
retaining wall of the
inlet section 20 may extend directly into the retaining wall of the outlet
section 40.
[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the contoured section 102 may
include a central
section 120 that may act as a receiving area and/or cross over area between
opposing upwardly
extending curved sections 108, 110. The central section 120 may be generally
planar, concave,
convex, planar, curved, or combinations thereof The central section 120 may
also be tilted
and/or twisted, contoured, or combinations thereof The upwardly curved
sections may also
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include other design features and/or contours. For example, the surface may
include one or more
humps depressions, or obstacles to add variability and unpredictability to
enhance the enjoyment
of the ride. Other surface features as described herein, such as coatings or
surfaces may be used
to increase or decrease the friction or other engagement between the ride
surface and a vehicle in
order to change a speed, direction, orientation, or combinations thereof to
the ride vehicle.
[0020] As seen in FIG. 1B, the central section 120 may be a
generally diamond
configuration (dashed line of FIG. 1B) in which a first set of adjacent sides
of the diamond
correspond with the inlet section 104 and outlet section 106 and a second set
of adjacent sides of
the diamond correspond with the first upwardly curved section 108 and second
upwardly curved
section 110. The central section 120 may approximate other shapes, such as
circular, ovoid,
quadrilateral, etc.
[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the contoured section 102 may
include a first
upwardly curved section 108 and a second upwardly curved section 110. As
illustrated, a first
upwardly curved section 108 may be positioned directly across from the inlet
section 104. A
rider may therefore traverse, generally linearly, across the central section
120 from the inlet
section 104 up the first upwardly curved section 108. Linearly across the
central section is
intended to indicate a general direction of travel and not restrict the actual
location or path
defined by the ride surface. Therefore, the linear direction may be a
component of the travel
path across the central section, with other components of travel being upward
or downward,
depending on the surface curvature of the central section. The first upwardly
curved section 108
may extend from the central section 120 in an upward curved direction 130. As
illustrated, the
upwardly curved area 130 may extend into a surface direction that is generally
linear 132. The
generally linear component portion of the upwardly curved surface is
illustrated in FIG. 1D. As
illustrated, the generally linear component direction of travel across the
central section 120 is in a
direction laterally across the first upwardly curved section 108. The upwardly
curved section
108 may have a generally curved component of the curved surface. The generally
curved
component may create the elevation of the curved surface above the central
section 120. As
illustrated, the generally curved component direction may be in a direction
extending from the
central section 120 extending outward toward a terminal end of the curved
section 120. In an
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exemplary embodiment, the direction of the generally linear component is
perpendicular to the
direction of the generally curved component.
[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the contoured section 102 may
include a second
upwardly curved section 110, in addition to the first upwardly curved section
108. As illustrated,
a second upwardly curved section 110 may be positioned directly across from
the exit section
106. A rider may therefore traverse, generally linearly, across the central
section 120 from the
second upwardly curved section 110 across to the exit section 106. As
described herein, linearly
across the central section is intended to indicate a general direction of
travel and not restrict the
actual path defined by the ride surface. Therefore, the linear direction may
be a component of
the travel path across the central section, with other components of travel
being upward or
downward, depending on the surface curvature of the central section. The
second upwardly
curved section 110 may extend from the central section 120 in an upward
direction. As
illustrated, the upwardly curved such may have a surface direction that is
generally linear. The
generally linear component portion of the upwardly curved surface is
illustrated in FIG. 1D. As
illustrated, the generally linear component direction is in a direction
laterally across the second
upwardly curved section. The upwardly curved section 110 may have a generally
curved
component of the curved surface. The generally curved component may create the
elevation of
the curved surface above the central section 120. The generally curved
component of the curved
surface, as illustrated, means that as the surface is traversed in the
direction of the curved
component, the travel path along the surface defines a curve. As illustrated,
the generally curved
component direction is in a direction extending from the central section 120
extending outward
toward a terminal end of the second curved section 110. In an exemplary
embodiment, the
direction of the generally linear component is perpendicular to the direction
of the generally
curved component.
[0023] Although the first and second upwardly curved sections
108, 110 arc illustrated
with a curvature along one direction and a linear surface configuration along
a different
direction, other combinations of surface contours may be used. For example,
the surface may
include combinations of curved and linear segments along the previously
described curved
component direction extending from the central section 120 outward toward a
terminal end of the
curved section. In this was, for example, a curved section may orient the
curved section above
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the central section, but the curved section may thereafter or have a section
that is generally
planar in both directions such that the ride surface approximates or is
positioned as an inclined
plane.
[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the first and second upwardly
curved sections 108,
110 may include surface contours or surface configurations in which a rider
direction may be
influenced. For example, the upwardly curved surface may include a twist.
Surface contours
may also be used to direct or influence a rider path as described herein. In
an exemplary
embodiment, as described, the first and second upwardly extending curved
section 108, 110 are
across from the central section 120. As indicated by the dashed lines of FIG.
1D, the upwardly
extending curved sections 108, 1 10 are angled relative to each other such
that the central section
120 is narrower at one end that an opposite end. The opposite end of the
central section 120 is
wider on an end toward the inlet section, and the outlet section.
[0025] Exemplary embodiments described herein include a contoured
section 30. With
reference to FIG. 2,
[0026] Exemplary embodiments described herein may include an
inlet section 20, and
outlet section 40, and a contoured section 30. The bottom or outlet of the
inlet segment 20
(which also is the rider entrance for the next segment), the rider passes to
an upwardly curved
section 30 of a separate slide portion. The upwardly curved section 30 then
transitions into a
segment which also can be referred to as the "exit slide" 40. As shown in the
drawings, the
surface of the exit slide is separate and distinct from the surface of the
inlet segment. In the
illustrated embodiment, the exit slide 40, in the embodiment shown, is
substantially wider than
the inlet segment 20, allowing for unpredictable twists and turns of the rider
or vehicle after it is
propelled out of the inlet segment 20 and onto the upwardly curved section 30.
It is however,
contemplated that an alternative embodiment may have an exit slide 40 that is
relatively the same
size or smaller than the inlet segment 20 to allow the transition of the rider
or ride vehicle from
this portion of the ride surface. The upwardly curved section 30 preferably
enters the exit slide
40 at an angle so that the rider is propelled generally toward the center of
the exit slide after
having travelled on the upwardly curved section 30. To the extent desirable
one or more
mechanisms may be used to assist in controlling the speed and direction of the
ride Or ride
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vehicle during the transition from the upwardly curved section 30 toward the
exit slide 40. Such
mechanisms may be located in either the upwardly curved section 30 or the exit
slide 40 or be
located in both the upwardly curved section 30 and the exist slide 40. Such
mechanisms include
but are not limited to increased or decreased frictional surfaces, chutes,
mechanical braking,
water jets, etc. This mechanism may also be accompanied by auditory or visual
signals to
capture the riders attention to the transition into the exit slide 40.
[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the contoured section 30 may
include a central
section 60 that may act as a receiving area and/or cross over area between
opposing upwardly
extending curved sections. The central section 60 may be generally planar,
concave, convex,
planar and/or curved. The central section 60 may also he tilted and/or
twisted, contoured, or
combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the central section is
generally planar. The
central section may be inclined, such that a height of the central section
toward the inlet section
20 and/or outlet section 40 is lower than a height of the central section
toward either or both of
the upwardly extending curved sections. The central section may be considered
generally flat
even though it contains variation and/or curvature. For example, the central
section may be
concave to create a smooth transition from any combination of the inlet
section, outlet section,
first upwardly extending curved section, and/or second upwardly extending
curved section.
However, the generally curvature may be shallow to create a generally flat
configuration which
may mean that the rider substantially feels the transverse movement across the
surface as
opposed to movement perpendicular (up and/or down) to the transverse
direction.
[0028] As seen in FIG. 2, the central section may be a generally
diamond configuration
(dashed line of FIG. 2) in which a first set of adjacent sides of the diamond
correspond with the
inlet section and outlet section and a second set of adjacent sides of the
diamond correspond with
the first and second upwardly curved sections. The central section 60 may
approximate other
shapes, such as circular, triangular, rectangular, square, ovoid,
quadrilateral, etc.
[0029] Two upwardly extending curved sections may create
extensions off of the sides of
the central section and extend upwardly above the height of the central
section. The upwardly
extending curved sections may curve upward around a first axis of curvature
Al. In order to
achieve a directed ride path, such as the cross over illustrated in FIG. 2,
the upwardly extending
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curved section may also include a rotation about a second axis A2. The
rotation about the
second axis of rotation may be to redirect the rider back toward the central
section so that the
rider crosses over a prior path traversed on the ride surface. Other surface
curvatures, contours,
rotations, and configurations may be used to influence the rider path, such as
elevated or
indented sections of the ride surface 35. As illustrated, portions of the ride
surface are locally
elevated to define elevations 35 in order to curve or direct a rider' s ride
path during movement
along the ride surface.
[0030] As illustrated, the two upwardly extending curved sections
are separated across
from each other by the central section. The upwardly extending curved sections
may be angled
relative to each other such that the separation, D1, between the sections at
one end is closer (less
than) than the separation. D2, at an opposite end. The angle, 0, may be
greater than zero, may be
acute, obtuse, or orthogonal.
[0031] Sidewalls 50 may be provided to retain the rider and
vehicle on the attraction,
including, for example along the inlet segment 20, the inclined curved segment
30, and/or the
exit slide 40.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contoured
section 100 according
to embodiments described herein. The amusement attraction may include a
contoured section
100 for generating a cross over ride path. The contoured section 100 may
define an inclined
surface section as described herein. The contoured section 100 may include a
central area 60 in
which the inlet section 20 and exit section 40 are directly or indirectly
coupled. As seen, the
inlet section 20 and exit section 40 may be adjacent or in close proximity to
each other. The inlet
section 20 and exit section 40 may be on the same side of the contoured
section 100. The same
side of the contoured section may be determined by drawing a line through
approximately the
middle of the contoured section or central section and having the entrance and
exit sections being
on the same side of the line. A retaining wall of the inlet section 20 may
extend directly into the
retaining wall of the outlet section 40.
[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the contoured section 100 may
include a central
section 60 that may act as a receiving area and/or cross over area between
opposing upwardly
extending curved sections. The central section 60 may be generally planar,
concave, convex,
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planar and/or curved. The central section 60 may also be tilted and/or
twisted, contoured, or
combinations thereof.
[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the contoured section 100 may
include a first
upwardly curved section 70 and a second upwardly curved section 80. As
illustrated, a first
upwardly curved section 70 may be positioned directly across from the inlet
section 20. A rider
may therefore traverse, generally linearly, across the central section 60 from
the inlet section 20
up the first upwardly curved section 70. Linearly across the central section
is intended to
indicate a general direction of travel and not restrict the actual location or
path defined by the
ride surface. Therefore, the linear direction may be a component of the travel
path across the
central section, with other components of travel being upward or downward,
depending on the
surface curvature of the central section. The first upwardly curved section 70
may extend from
the central section 30 in an upward direction.
[0035] As illustrated, the upwardly curved such may have a
surface direction that is
generally linear. The generally linear component portion of the upwardly
curved surface is
illustrated in FIG. 3 with the dashed line. The generally linear component of
the curved surface,
as illustrated, means that as the surface is traversed in the direction of the
linear component, the
travel path along the surface defines a line. As illustrated, the generally
linear component
direction is in a direction laterally across the first upwardly curved
section. The upwardly curved
section 70 may have a generally curved component of the curved surface. The
generally curved
component may create the elevation of the curved surface above the central
section 60. The
generally curved component of the curved surface, as illustrated, means that
as the surface is
traversed in the direction of the curved component, the travel path along the
surface defines a
curve. As illustrated, the generally curved component direction is in a
direction extending from
the central section 60 extending outward toward a terminal end of the curved
section 70. In an
exemplary embodiment, the direction of the generally linear component is
perpendicular to the
direction of the generally curved component.
[0036] Exemplary embodiments of the contoured section 100 may
include a second
upwardly curved section 80, in addition to the first upwardly curved section
70. As illustrated, a
second upwardly curved section 80 may be positioned directly across from the
exit section 40. A
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rider may therefore traverse, generally linearly, across the central 60 from
the second upwardly
curved section 80 across to the exit section 40. As described herein, linearly
across the central
section is intended to indicate a general direction of travel and not restrict
the actual path defined
by the ride surface. Therefore, the linear direction may be a component of the
travel path across
the central section, with other components of travel being upward or downward,
depending on
the surface curvature of the central section. The second upwardly curved
section 80 may extend
from the central section 60 in an upward direction.
[0037] As illustrated, the upwardly curved such may have a
surface direction that is
generally linear. The generally linear component portion of the upwardly
curved surface is
illustrated in FTCi. 3 with the dashed line. The generally linear component of
the curved surface,
as illustrated, means that as the surface is traversed in the direction of the
linear component, the
travel path along the surface defines a line. As illustrated, the generally
linear component
direction is in a direction laterally across the second upwardly curved
section. The upwardly
curved section 80 may have a generally curved component of the curved surface.
The generally
curved component may create the elevation of the curved surface above the
central section 60.
The generally curved component of the curved surface, as illustrated, means
that as the surface is
traversed in the direction of the curved component, the travel path along the
surface defines a
curve. As illustrated, the generally curved component direction is in a
direction extending from
the central section 60 extending outward toward a terminal end of the second
curved section 80.
In an exemplary embodiment, the direction of the generally linear component is
perpendicular to
the direction of the generally curved component.
[0038] Although the first and second upwardly curved sections 70,
80 are illustrated with
a curvature along one direction and a linear surface configuration along a
different direction,
other combinations of surface contours may be used. For example, the surface
may include
combinations of curved and linear segments along the previously described
curved component
direction extending from the central section 60 outward toward a terminal end
of the curved
section. In this was, for example, a curved section may orient the curved
section above the
central section, but the curved section may thereafter or have a section that
is generally planar in
both directions such that the ride surface approximates or is positioned as an
inclined plane.
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[0039] Exemplary embodiments of the first and second upwardly
curved sections 70, 80
may include surface contours 35 or surface configurations in which a rider
direction may be
influenced. For example, the upwardly curved surface may include a twist.
[0040] As illustrated on the second upward section 80, the upward
section may have a
linear component in first direction as indicated by a first dashed linear
line, and may have a
curved component in a second direction as indicated by a second dashed curved
line
perpendicular to the first dashed linear line. The linear component of the
ride surface may be
twisted as the curved surface is traversed along the second direction. The
curvature is indicated
by the dash-dot-dash curved line. The twist may be to position one side of the
upwardly curved
section at a higher or lower elevation than the opposite side laterally across
from the one side
such that a travel path is influenced by gravity to move toward the side of
the upwardly curved
section of lower elevation. The twists, curvatures, and contours of the
surface may therefore be
used to influence a rider path to create one or more cross overs as the rider
traverses the central
area, the first upwardly curved section, and/or the second upwardly curved
section. A twist is
illustrated as an exemplary option for altering an elevation of the upwardly
curved section(s) 70,
80. The surface may be curved itself such that the linear component instead
curved. The
curvature of the upwardly curved section in the second direction may therefore
have a first
concavity, such as concave in an upward direction. The curvature of the
upwardly curved
section in the first direction may have a second concavity, such as convex in
an upward
direction. The concavity in the first direct and second direction may be the
same or different.
The upwardly curved sections may also include other design features and/or
contours. For
example, the surface may include one or more humps depressions, or obstacles
to add variability
and unpredictability to enhance the enjoyment of the ride. Other surfaces
features as described
herein, such as coatings or surfaces may be used to increase or decrease the
friction or other
engagement between the fide surface and a vehicle in order to change a speed,
direction,
orientation, or combinations thereof to the ride vehicle.
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 2, exemplary embodiments of the
contoured section may be
configured to create a cross over within the rider's path_ As illustrated, the
rider path defined as
a rider travels along the attraction may have a first cross over. The rider
path defined as a rider
travels along the attraction may have a second cross over. The rider path may
define a cross over
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in the ride path when a rider crosses the same surface or location of the
surface of the ride path at
two different times during the ride experience. The rider path having two
cross overs in the ride
path may be when a rider crosses two different locations of the ride surface
more than once
during the same ride experience. The first and second cross overs may be at
the same location or
at different locations of the ride surface. As illustrated, the one or two
locations of the cross over
may occur within the contoured section.
[0042] The ride dynamics of deflecting a ride vehicle and/or
rider from one high wall
ride towards another wall ride provides a unique double high wall experience
in a small
footprint. Exemplary embodiments may therefore include a first high wall climb
after a drop
followed by another wall climb immediately thereafter. Exemplary embodiment
may permit a
rider to traverse the two wall climbs directly and sequentially with no
interconnecting slide
between the two wall elements. After the second wall climb, the vehicle and/or
the rider is
directed down an exit into a finishing element.
[0043] Exemplary embodiments may include a ride surface having an
inclined curved
segment. The inclined curved segment may be configured such that a rider along
the inclined
curved segment from an inlet segment to an exit segment travels defines a
travel path In an
exemplary embodiment, the travel path crosses over itself. In an exemplary
embodiment, the
travel path crosses over itself more than once. In an exemplary embodiment,
the travel path
approximates a figure 4.
[0044] Exemplary embodiments may configured one or both of the
first and second
upwardly curved section at an angle of between 20 to 90 degrees. In an
exemplary embodiment,
the upwardly curved section may be inclined at a variable incline angle, such
that the incline
increase (either continuously or step wise) as the upwardly curved section is
traversed from a
lower elevation to a higher elevation. Exemplary embodiments may include an
inclined section
of approximately 35 to 50 degrees above the horizontal.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first and second upwardly
curved sections 70, 80 may
be directly coupled together with a connecting section 90 such that a rider
may traverse from the
first upwardly curved section 70 directly onto the second upwardly curved
section 80 without
traveling downward or through the central section 60. As illustrated, the
first upwardly curved
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section 70, connecting section 90, and second upwardly curved section 80 may
define a loop for
a rider to travel thereon. The connecting section 90 may define a part of the
ride path in which
the rider and/or ride vehicle are inverted and/or substantially banked.
[0046] Exemplary embodiments described herein include wall
configurations that have a
shorter period between experiencing successive wall traversals. Therefore a
rider experiences a
faster wall traversal from one wall to an adjacent wall. The direct connection
of the first and
second upwardly extending sections provides an integrated ride experience that
provides a
unique shape, experience, and/or aesthetically pleasing attraction.
[0047] The unique angles of the high wall features described
herein may direct the
vehicle in a figure four ride path. Exemplary embodiments of the double
overlapping ride path is
unique.
[0048] The double upwardly extending surfaces creates a unique
ride aesthetic that may
be perceived as more complete, more cohesive, more symmetric, and/or more
pleasing.
[0049] While an embodiment of the invention has been illustrated
and described, it will
he appreciated that various changes can he made therein without departing from
the spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, the invention has been described with
reference to a flume
inlet section 20 for introducing the rider into the inclined curved segment
30. This also could be
achieved by a misted inlet slide, in which case the drains could be deleted.
In another
embodiment, the rider could be propelled onto the inclined curved segment 30
in a different
manner. For example, a mechanical acceleration component could be provided to
introduce the
rider onto the inclined curved segment at approximately the same location and
speed. The
mechanical acceleration apparatus could include one or more conveyors or
spring-loaded or
elastic-cord members to propel one or more riders onto the inclined curved
segment 30 for travel
upward along the curved section 30, then downward and to an exit section 40.
Similarly, the exit
slide could be provided additional hills, inclined, declines, curves, or
combinations thereof
[0050] Although not shown, exemplary embodiment may include dry
and/or wet slides.
Exemplary embodiments may include a water slide in which the amusement
attraction is
configured so that a user coasts along a slippery surface from a higher
elevation to a lower
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elevation, either in a straight line path or a path that includes curves. A
water slide may take the
form of a flume in which a large volume of water is introduced at the entry
for lubricating the
surface of the slide and for assisting in moving the user along the flume,
and/or one or more
sections that are misted with water to maintain the slippery characteristic of
the slide surface.
Sometimes the user will sit or lie on a mat or ride in a vehicle designed to
coast along a ride path.
Water slides typically terminate at an exit pool.
[0051] Exemplary embodiments of a ride attraction described
herein includes an inlet
section, a contoured section, and an outlet section. The inlet section and
outlet sections may be
on the same side of the contoured section. The contoured section comprises a
central section, a
first upwardly curved section, and a second upwardly curved section. The inlet
section and
outlet sections may be directly coupled and communicate with the central
section. The inlet
section and the outlet section may be on a first side of the central section,
and the first and
second upwardly curved sections may be a second side of the central section.
The first and/or
second upwardly curved section may be elevated above the central section. The
contoured
section may be configured to create a ride path with at least two cross overs.
The ride path may
approximate a figure &.
[0052] The contoured section defines a compound arcuate shape.
The compound arcuate
shape may generally be two cross overs or loops. A ride path created by the
contoured section
crosses over a ride path from the inlet section onto the contoured section.
[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first and the
second upwardly extending
curved sections may include a generally planar section angled upward and
extending from the
upwardly extending curved section. Each of the first and the second upwardly
extending curved
sections may be a concave surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the generally
planar section
comprises deviations to control a ride path of the generally planar section.
[0054] Exemplary embodiments may include one or more variable
inducing mechanisms
for increasing the speed of a rider entering the contoured section from the
inlet section.
[0055] Although embodiments of this invention have been fully
described with reference
to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and
modifications will
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become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications
are to be understood
as being included within the scope of embodiments of this invention as defined
by the appended
claims. Specifically, exemplary components are described herein. Any
combination of these
components may be used in any combination. For example, any component,
feature, step or part
may be integrated, separated, sub-divided, removed, duplicated, added, or used
in any
combination and remain within the scope of the present disclosure. Embodiments
are exemplary
only, and provide an illustrative combination of features, but are not limited
thereto.
[0056] As used herein, the terms "about," "substantially," or
"approximately" for any
numerical values, ranges, shapes, distances, relative relationships, etc.
indicate a suitable
dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to
function for its
intended purpose as described herein. Numerical ranges may also be provided
herein. Unless
otherwise indicated, each range is intended to include the endpoints, and any
quantity within the
provided range. Therefore, a range of 2-4, includes 2, 3, 4, and any
subdivision between 2 and 4,
such as 2.1, 2.01, and 2.001. The range also encompasses any combination of
ranges, such that
2-4 includes 2-3 and 3-4.
[0057] When used in this specification and claims, the terms
"comprises" and
"comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or
integers are
included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other
features, steps or
components.
[0058] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or
the following claims, or the
accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a
means for performing
the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed
result, as appropriate,
may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for
realising the invention in
diverse forms thereof.
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