US20050075180A1 - Slide apparatus - Google Patents
Slide apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US20050075180A1 US20050075180A1 US10/837,539 US83753904A US2005075180A1 US 20050075180 A1 US20050075180 A1 US 20050075180A1 US 83753904 A US83753904 A US 83753904A US 2005075180 A1 US2005075180 A1 US 2005075180A1
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- Prior art keywords
- slide
- travel
- user
- switchback
- path
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
- A63G21/00—Chutes; Helter-skelters
- A63G21/18—Water-chutes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
- A63G21/00—Chutes; Helter-skelters
- A63G21/02—Chutes; Helter-skelters without rails
Definitions
- the invention relates to amusement devices. More particularly, the invention relates to amusement devices sufficiently large so as to carry passengers and be placed in amusement parks an d public recreation areas. Even more particularly, the invention relates to amusement rides, such as water slides, which use water to enhance the sliding of passengers or individual riders down substantially predetermined pathways.
- a still further object is to lengthen the period of time during which a passenger is sliding, yet without increasing water usage, energy requirements, and space requirements, for example.
- a further object of the invention is to provide an environmentally friendly water slide apparatus owing to its achieving the above objects of increased passenger throughput without increased demands for water, energy, and space, for example.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a water slide having increased excitement value for the passengers, owing to its use of one or more switchback or “sidewinder” elements.
- Yet another object of the invention is to provide a slide apparatus that changes the direction of travel of passengers in a small space, yet without the use of a dividing wall to separate passengers traveling in different (and even “opposite”) directions.
- a further object of the invention is to provide a slide apparatus which prevents users from engaging or “bouncing off” the sides of the pathways or trough, while achieving the desired speeds, excitement, and rapid changes of direction.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a slide apparatus including a slide having at least a partially spiral slide configured for causing a user to travel along a partially spiral path, as well as including a further slide which includes a portion of an upwardly open parabolic curve.
- a still further object of the invention is to provide a slide apparatus defining a path along which a user travels along one or more substantially completely spiral curves and/or along one or more slide surfaces that are defined by one or more surfaces which are defined by one or more partially or completely upwardly open parabolic surfaces.
- the invention is directed to a slide apparatus including at least one trough defining at least one path along which a passenger travels, and at least one switchback trough or switchback operatively connected to the trough.
- the invention is likewise directed to a slide apparatus having at least one path of travel along which a passenger travels, and at least one switchback which changes the direction of travel of the user without the use of a portion of a spiral path to accomplish the change of direction.
- the invention is directed to a switchback configured for directing passengers in different directions, yet without the use of a dividing wall to separate two (2) paths along which the user travels; i.e., a first path along which the user travels in the first direction, and a second path along which the user travels in a second (e.g., return direction).
- the invention is also directed to a slide apparatus including at least a portion of a spiral slide and a portion of an upwardly open parabolic slide surface.
- the invention is directed to a slide apparatus in which a user traveling along a slide surface first travels along a downwardly extending path and then enters a lower portion of a slide surface which begins at a lower portion of an upwardly open at least partially parabolic slide surface, so that the user is caused to first travel upwardly along the parabolic slide surface and then travel downwardly along the parabolic slide surface, the upward and downward movement along the parabolic slide surface being repeated any of a number of times depending on the intended use of the slide apparatus.
- relative terms such as up, down, left, and right are for convenience only, and are not meant to be limiting.
- the term user is intended to encompass all users, whether individual passengers sliding directly on the slide apparatus, sliding on a film or bed of water, sliding in a stream of water, sliding on conveyances, being carried mechanically along the slide apparatus, sliding on boats or tubes, or multiple passengers sliding with or without the use of conveyances.
- trough is not intended to be limited to trough-like. pathways along which a user may slide.
- the term trough throughout the written description and claims, is intended to encompass all manners of pathways along which a user can slide, with or without accompanying water, and with or without the use of a conveyance on which the user travels.
- parabola and “parabolic” and “parabolic curve” are intended to include not just portions of parabolic surfaces, hyperbolic surfaces, hyperbolic paraboloids, or at least a portion of an elliptical surface, with or without undulations and variations in a slide surface portion of such surfaces, but are meant to include substantially all surfaces which cause a user of the slide surface to move upwardly and downward or downwardly and upwardly or both, and is not meant to be limited to a strict mathematical definition of the term.
- the illustrative embodiments set forth herein are intended to be examples of ones of an infinite number of curved slide surfaces that fall within the scope of the invention.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a first preferred embodiment of a slide apparatus according the invention
- FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a switchback or sidewinder element according to the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a further preferred embodiment of a slide apparatus according to the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a top plan view, similar to FIG. 2 , of a further preferred embodiment of a switchback element according to the invention.
- FIG. 7 is a cross sectional side view of the switchback element of FIG. 6 according to the invention taken along line 7 - 7 of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8-13 are sectional views of the switchback element of FIG. 6 according to the invention taken along lines 8 - 8 , 9 - 9 , 10 - 10 , 11 - 11 , 12 - 12 , and 13 - 13 of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the switchback element of FIG. 6 according to the invention.
- FIG. 15 is a schematic top plan view of another preferred embodiment of a slide apparatus according to the invention.
- FIG. 16 is a somewhat schematic front perspective view of another embodiment of a slide apparatus according to the invention that includes a portion of a spiral slide which causes a user of the slide apparatus to enter an upwardly open substantially parabolic slide at a lower portion thereof and be propelled first upwardly and then downwardly one or more times along the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surface;
- FIG. 17 is a somewhat schematic front perspective view of still further embodiment of a slide apparatus according to the invention that includes a portion of a spiral slide which causes a user of the slide apparatus to enter an upwardly open substantially parabolic slide at a lower portion thereof and be propelled first upwardly and then downwardly one or more times along the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surface;
- FIG. 18 is a somewhat schematic front perspective view of a still further embodiment of a slide apparatus according to the invention that includes a portion of a spiral slide which causes a user of the slide apparatus to enter an upwardly open substantially parabolic slide at a lower portion thereof and be propelled first upwardly and then downwardly one or more times along the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surface;
- FIG. 19 is a somewhat schematic front perspective view of the slide apparatus according to FIG. 18 that includes a portion of a spiral slide which causes a user of the slide apparatus to enter an upwardly open substantially parabolic slide at a lower portion thereof and be propelled first upwardly and then downwardly one or more times along the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surface;
- FIG. 20 is a somewhat schematic front perspective view of a still further embodiment of a slide apparatus according to the invention that includes a portion of a substantially straight slide which causes a user of the slide apparatus to enter an upwardly open substantially parabolic slide at a lower portion thereof and be propelled first upwardly and then downwardly one or more times along the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surface;
- FIG. 21 is a somewhat schematic front perspective view of a still further embodiment of a slide apparatus according to the invention that includes a portion of a pair of opposed substantially straight slides which causes a user of the slide apparatus to enter an upwardly open substantially parabolic slide at a lower portion thereof and be propelled first upwardly and then downwardly one or more times along the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surface;
- FIG. 22 is a somewhat schematic front perspective view of the slide apparatus according to FIG. 21 that includes a portion of a spiral slide which causes a user of the slide apparatus to enter an upwardly open substantially parabolic slide at a lower portion thereof and be propelled first upwardly and then downwardly one or more times along the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surface; and
- FIG. 23 is a somewhat schematic front perspective view of a still further embodiment of a slide apparatus according to the invention that includes a portion of a substantially straight slide which causes a user of the slide apparatus to enter an upwardly open substantially parabolic slide at a lower portion thereof and be propelled first upwardly and then downwardly one or more times along the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surface.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a first preferred embodiment of a slide apparatus 10 according to the invention.
- Slide apparatus 10 includes a left switchback 14 and a right switchback 18 .
- slide apparatus 10 will be provided with a starting area or a start tub 20 and an exit 24 which empties into a pool or runout, such as slow moving river.
- Switchback elements 14 and 18 which have been termed “sidewinders”, may be mirror images of each other, or may have distinct configurations.
- the user enters at starting area 20 , slides down in a direction 30 at least under the force of gravity, is pushed up or slid up against the force of gravity in a direction 32 toward the far left 33 of switchback 14 as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the user then returns in a direction 34 after a predetermined maximum height (i.e., an area in leftmost region 33 of switchback 14 ) has been achieved.
- the user continues on in a direction 36 along connecting slide or trough 40 .
- the user's inertia carries the user upwardly and to the right in a direction 44 into switchback 18 , until a predetermined rightmost height 37 has been achieved.
- a different direction 48 e.g., a substantially opposite
- the volume of water provided in a left portion 60 of exit 24 may be selected so that the user is stopped gradually or is provided with a large splash when the user encounters exit 24 .
- slopes, heights, water volume, materials used, and the like may be varied so as to fine-tune the rate of speed of the users and/or the water volume requirements.
- FIG. 2 is top plan view of a typical switchback or sidewinder element, such as switchback element 18 shown in FIG. 1 .
- a user will enter switchback element 18 in direction 36 along a first trough or trough element or slide element 64 .
- the user will continue in direction 44 until the user has reached an end region 70 at which the user's velocity has reached 0 owing to the slowing down of the user's rightward movement toward end region 70 owing to the force of gravity, the amount of water present, the material of the slide, the material of the passenger's conveyance, and the like.
- the user's velocity or speed will reach 0.
- the user will then begin moving (“accelerating”) rearwardly in direction 48 and will continue to gain speed and will then pass into a second trough or slide element 74 in direction 52 .
- a portion 56 may be formed with gently curved surfaces to ensure that a user is directed in the desired direction from direction 36 into end region 70 of switchback 18 , and then, when the user is returned along direction 52 , the user is guided into the second trough element 74 .
- Such gently sloping surfaces may be in the form of a part or all of a hyperbolic paraboloid.
- FIG. 2 shows that the side walls 62 and 66 of the switchback element 18 may be inwardly angled at an angle 58 of greater than 0° or more. As shown, side walls 62 and 64 may be inwardly angled at about 7.5 degrees.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a side view thereof, with an example of the elevation of switchback element 44 relative to the horizon at an angle 78 greater than 0° or more. As shown, angle 78 may be about 22.5 degrees, for example. The angle(s) will be varied depending on the length of switchback element 18 , the desired speed, water volume providing a braking effect, and the like.
- FIG. 4 shows that switchback element 18 may be slightly angled relative to the vertical and relative to the horizontal axes, for example, to ensure that the user exits through second trough 74 instead of exiting up into a portion of first trough 64 after having reversed course.
- Such angling of second trough 74 relative to first trough 64 ensures that the passenger throughput is maintained at a high rate and that the passengers enjoy the maximum velocity afforded by the gravitational pull exerted on them after reaching the quiescent (i.e., zero (0) velocity) point in region 70 .
- switchback element 18 helps ensure that a user returning rearwardly in direction 48 will be directed into second trough element 74 (instead of into first trough element 64 ).
- the inward angling of angle 82 may vary from being greater than 0° to 2 or 3° or more. Angle 82 may be about 0°, depending on the overall size and intended use of switchback element 18 .
- FIG. 4 shows switchback element 18 may be angled at an angle 86 of 2-3° relative to the horizontal, as well as angled at angle 82 about 2-3° relative to the vertical. Angle 86 may be about 0° degrees.
- direction 33 in FIG. 4 indicates the user is moving away from the viewer.
- Direction 48 indicates the user is moving toward the viewer.
- the user could be facing the viewer or could be facing from the viewer.
- the user could be moving up switchback element 18 in direction 44 while facing forwardly; then, the same user could return in direction 48 either facing rearwardly or forwardly.
- FIG. 5 illustrates another preferred embodiment of a slide apparatus 100 having three (3) righthand and three (3) lefthand switchback elements 18 and 14 , respectively.
- Switchback elements 18 and 14 may have the same or different configuration from those of FIG. 1 . Any number of switchback elements may be provided.
- slide apparatus 100 has three (3) righthand switchback elements 18 and three (3) left hand switchback elements 14 .
- FIGS. 6-14 illustrate another preferred embodiment of a switchback element 110 according to a further preferred embodiment of a invention.
- Switchback element 110 includes an upward travel region 112 and a downward travel region 116 .
- An entry 118 opens into upward travel region 112 at a portion thereof adjacent an opening into trough 64 .
- a further entry 120 opens into and is adjacent to an upper region of downward travel region 116 .
- Downward travel region 116 may be termed a return region or a return travel region, as travel region 116 is intended to guide and return the users returning in direction 48 after having reached an area near an outer end region 134 .
- Return travel region 116 may be provided with an inner side wall and an outer side wall. The inner side wall may blend into or converge with the sideways outer portions of upward travel region 112 .
- Outer side wall 126 of downward travel region 116 will be configured for guiding users or passengers downwardly along the desired paths, such as into trough 74 .
- a lower or lowermost portion 132 of return travel region 116 may be provided to further guide and ensure that returning users are substantially free of engagement with upwardly moving users traveling in direction 44 along upward travel region 112 .
- Outer end region 134 may include a portion of switchback element 110 at which point the upward movement of the users has substantially stopped, and the downward movement of the user has begun; i.e., the point or region at which the user's velocity is approximately 0 m.p.h (km/h).
- One or more strengthening elements 142 and 144 may be provided on switchback element 110 .
- Strengthening elements 142 , 144 may be made in the form of downwardly turned lips, as shown.
- strengthening ribs or supports 148 may be provided.
- strengthening ribs or supports 148 may be configured and be sufficiently large so as to be attached to the supporting framework.
- strengthening ribs or supports 148 may form part of switchback element 110 that contacts the ground and supports switchback element 110 on the ground.
- a curved guide portion 156 may be provided adjacent the transition between trough 64 and entry 118 , and the transition between trough 74 and downward travel region 116 to further ensure that the users are guided in the desired direction in a smooth and efficient manner.
- each of the elements shown in FIGS. 6-14 are configured and sized individually and collectively for ensuring the overall desired operation of switchback element 110 .
- a user such a free sliding participant or a participant in an inner tube, enter switchback element 110 in direction 36 via trough 64 .
- the user then travels upwardly in direction 44 until the user has, for example, reach upper region 134 .
- the user's speed is about 0 m.p.h.
- the user then returns in the opposite direction (i.e., direction 48 ) moving downwardly and is guided in downward travel region 116 .
- the user's speed increases and the user exits into trough 74 for further travel in the direction 52 .
- the user(s) may move from upward travel region 112 to downward travel region 116 at a point prior to reaching outer end region 134 .
- upward travel region 112 and downward travel region 116 will be selected so that any premature entry into downward travel region 116 from upward travel region 112 may be controlled as desired by the fabricator and the operator. Desired throughput, the ages of the intended users, and the like will all play a role in selecting such. All such variations are within the scope of the invention.
- FIG. 6 may be tilted relative to the vertical and relative to the horizontal, such as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 , particularly as shown in FIG. 4 , should such prove desirable to a particular application.
- the width and angling of the longitudinal axis of upward travel region 112 and of the downward travel region 116 will be selected so that the direction of the user is changed from up to 90°, and in many cases up to and including about 170° or 180° from the user's initial direction of travel.
- switchback 110 of the embodiment of FIGS. 6-14 ensures that the users do not strike or “bounce off” the outer sidewalls of switchback 110 , for example.
- the slope of the switchback 110 may be selected so that the user gravitates toward, engages, and slides downwardly along the outer sidewall. Thanks to the configuration of switchback element 110 and upward travel region 112 , as well as downward travel region 116 , the desired relatively high rate of speed, excitement, and rapid and great change of direction of the path of travel of the users may be achieved without unnecessarily jarring the users.
- FIG. 15 illustrates a further preferred embodiment of a slide apparatus 200 according to the invention.
- Slide 200 may include a start 204 , a water slide flume 208 which may be made, as has been known in the past in the form of a spiral, and one or more righthand switchback elements 218 and lefthand switchback elements 214 , as illustrated.
- Curved element 220 may be steeply or gently sloped depending on the rate of speed at which the user is to exit slide 200 at an exit 230 .
- flume 208 may be used in the embodiment of FIG. 15 .
- the wide surface of the slide troughs may be made from fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), other plastics, sheets of plastic bonded to the base of the trough, so-called gunite concrete products, and the like.
- FRP fiberglass reinforced plastic
- other plastics sheets of plastic bonded to the base of the trough, so-called gunite concrete products, and the like.
- FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of a slide apparatus 300 according to the invention.
- Slide 300 may include a start 304 and one or more supports 306 which elevate some or all of slide 300 to a desired height.
- a stair or stair tower 308 may be provided in the case where start 304 is elevated above the surface, such as the ground, on which slide 300 is supported.
- a user 310 enters at start 304 .
- User 310 may be in a bathing suit or in a bathing suit and supported on an inner tube suitable for sliding along and downwardly along a path of travel 312 .
- Travel path 312 may include at least a portion of a spiral path 314 which may be defined by a respective portion of a spiral slide or slide trough 316 .
- the user may continue downwardly along a further portion 318 of the path of travel toward an exit 338 located at a lower portion 342 of a further slide element 330 , such as the illustrated upwardly open substantially parabolic-shaped slide element or slide 330 .
- User 310 may enter a slide portion or element or further slide 330 at lower portion 342 and, thanks to the speed (i.e., momentum) of user 310 when exiting further travel path 318 at 338 , user 310 will continue to be propelled owing to momentum developed by the force of gravity, for example, upwardly along travel path 352 toward an upper region 350 of slide element 330 . User 310 will then return downwardly along a further portion 353 of the path of travel to a relatively low point along this portion of travel path 353 and then once again thanks to the momentum of user 310 , user 310 will continue onwardly up to a region 354 of slide element 330 .
- momentum i.e., momentum
- User 310 will then once more reach a point at which the user's speed is 0 or substantially 0 m.p.h. (0/kmh) and then the user 310 will once again continue downwardly toward a lower region 358 , which region 358 will may be still lower than other low points of slide element 330 discussed above. User 310 then may be exited at exit 360 into a catchment area 364 , such as a run-out pool or “lazy river”.
- a catchment area 364 such as a run-out pool or “lazy river”.
- User(s) 310 may then swim around or paddle in catchment region 364 or head directly to an exit therefrom.
- a schematic center line 356 or valley 356 indicating a possible low point or valley or collection of the low points described immediately above has been shown for clarity.
- an entry angle 374 of travel path 318 into the upwardly open parabolic slide surface portion 330 may be varied depending on the location of entry point 338 , the size and configuration of slide portion or element or further slide 330 , the speed of user 310 at entry point 338 , and the like. Entry angle 374 may be varied between about 0°-180°, or any acute angle, such as about 10°-15°.
- FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of a slide apparatus 400 according to the invention.
- Slide 400 illustrates an embodiment in which a user 410 enters in a direction 412 and travels in direction 412 first downwardly, and then around at least a portion of a spiral until exiting the first or spiral portion at an entry 442 of a substantially upwardly open parabolic slide portion 430 .
- Slide portion 430 includes an upper region 450 which may be located at a height greater than the height of entry 442 . In that manner, the user will first travel upwardly along path 452 toward upper region 450 , as will be readily appreciated. The user will then continue downwardly along, typically, a path 453 which is offset from path 452 . In that manner, a user traveling upwardly along path 452 would not encounter a further user traveling downwardly along the further path 453 .
- the separation distance would be determined based on the expected size and number of users, building code requirements, and other factors.
- the user 410 may then further continue downwardly along path 453 until the user reaches a low point 455 on path 453 . Thanks to the momentum of the user, the user would pass through low point 455 and continue upwardly toward a further upper region 454 . As will be readily appreciated, the speed of the user would typically slow thanks the resistance of the water acting as a lubricant, any frictional resistance of the slide surface, and the downwardly acting force of gravity, for example. The user would typically reach an uppermost point at which the user's forward or upward speed reaches at about 0 m.p.h. (0 km/h).
- the user may be exited into a pool, a slow river, and the like.
- FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate another preferred embodiment of a slide apparatus 500 according to the invention.
- Slide apparatus 500 may be configured for being a “high capacity” slide.
- Slide 500 may include two or more entries 504 and 508 , for example.
- a user 510 may be directed in a first direction 514 to enter entrance 508 .
- User 510 will then travel under the force of gravity and with or without an added force being applied by a slide apparatus worker in the first direction 514 and a further travel direction 516 in and around a partial or completely spiral left slide 520 .
- a further slide portion 530 which may be another upwardly open substantially parabolic curved surface, which may be a portion of a hyperbolic paraboloid, for example, as in the other embodiments.
- User 510 may enter at exit/entry 542 , the location of which may be varied to change the length of the ride, the overall time spent in the ride, the character of the ride (e.g., the length of time and speed in left spiral slide 520 versus further slide 530 ), and the amount of accelerative “boost” or “afterburner” effect the user experiences at different parts of the slide.
- User 510 enters slide portion 530 and then begins moving upwardly along a path of travel 552 at some point after entering slide portion 530 , for example. Then, user 510 travels upwardly in an upper region 554 until the force of gravity and other forces, such as frictional losses, cause user 510 to eventually begin movement along a somewhat downwardly extending portion 553 of the path of travel. The user will typically gain speed and momentum, pass through a relatively low point on slide portion or element or further slide 530 and then continue upwardly toward a further upper region 558 . This upward and downward or downward and upward and downward path of travel will be repeated any number of times in a manner similar to that described in connection with the other embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 18 . User 510 may exit at an exit 560 into a pool or lazy river 564 .
- FIG. 19 shows the manner in which the other or second entry 504 of slide 500 has been used.
- a further user 520 has entered entry 504 and begun travel along a further path of travel 524 .
- User 520 continues along the illustrated path of travel 544 , then along a travel portion 526 of a partially spiral or completely spiral or multiple spiral right slide 528 .
- a travel portion 526 of a partially spiral or completely spiral or multiple spiral right slide 528 At an exit of right spiral slide 528 the user enters further slide portion 530 and may travel upwardly along a path of travel 556 toward further upper region 558 .
- Right at least partially spiral slide 528 and left at least partially spiral slide 528 may be mirror images of each other.
- user 520 In a manner analogous to the path of travel of user 510 entering entry of 508 , as described in connection with FIG. 18 of this embodiment, user 520 then travels downwardly along another path of travel 557 toward further upper region 554 .
- This downward and upward or upward and downward sequence of spaced apart travel paths is repeated any number of times, also.
- the number of times may be predetermined by varying the configuration of further slide 530 , for example.
- the decision as to whether or not a user enters the slide using 508 or 504 may be determined in any number of ways.
- a monitoring system which may include a signal light, one or more lockout gates to prevent entry into one or both entries 504 and 508 , could be placed at one or both of entries 504 , 508 , indicating which entry is to be used by the next user.
- trained slide apparatus personnel could be used to make the determination with or without the aid of a signal light.
- a gate could be used at one or both of entries 504 , 508 , to provide a physical and visual cue to the user.
- a user wanted to select his or her own entry, such as entry 504 , and that user in line is supposed to use entry 508 , that user could be directed to simply relinquish his or her place in line and to allow one person to precede him or her into entry 508 , which entry 508 the user who wanted to enter 504 did not want to use. In that manner, the user who indicated a preference, could have his or her preference while losing only one space in line. Thus, the correct spacing (i.e., alternate use of entries 504 , and 508 ) of the number of users could be maintained.
- the rate at which the users are allowed to enter entries 504 and 508 can be readily determined.
- FIG. 20 illustrates a further preferred embodiment of a slide 600 according to the invention.
- Slide 600 may include a tower 602 , such as a stair tower, and an entry 604 .
- a user 610 may enter entry 604 and slide downwardly along a substantially straight or completely straight path 624 , then exit into a further slide 630 .
- Further slide 630 may be an upwardly open parabolic slide similar to slide 430 of FIG. 17 .
- User 610 may continue along a path 644 until exiting at an exit 660 into a pool, a slow river 664 , and the like.
- FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a further preferred embodiment of a slide 700 according to the invention.
- Slide 700 may include a stair tower 702 , such as the illustrated substantially centrally located stair tower 702 which some or all of the users may use to gain access to a right entry 704 or left entry 708 , or both.
- a control gate may be disposed centrally on or near stair tower 702 for controlling the rate at which users 710 enter paths 712 and 714 , and hence, entries 708 and 704 , respectively.
- FIG. 21 illustrates the use of a left stair tower 706 for elevating left entry 708 and a right stair tower 716 for elevating entry 704 .
- user 710 may travel downwardly along left slide 720 along a path 744 until exiting into an entry of further slide 730 .
- user 710 may travel along a path of travel 748 first upwardly toward an upper right region 754 and then downwardly, then upwardly, then downwardly, then upwardly, and so forth until exiting into a substantially still or slowly moving body of water 764 .
- FIG. 22 shows slide 700 in use when a user 760 has chosen or been directed to enter right entry 704 .
- user 760 may travel first substantially downwardly along a travel path 764 , then exit into further slide 730 and then begin the back and forth movement along path of travel 768 , in a manner analogous to that described in connection with FIG. 21 .
- FIG. 23 illustrates a yet still further embodiment of a slide 800 according to the invention.
- Slide 800 may include a first slide 820 which directs a user 824 to be guided downwardly along a path of travel 826 and then exited into an entrance of a further slide 830 .
- Slide 800 may have features similar to a combination of slide 620 of FIG. 20 combined with slide 330 of FIG. 16 , for example.
- the straight slide may be straight as viewed transversely or above the path of travel, while the user may travel along an up and down or curved or wavy path as viewed from the slide.
- the speed of the users can be varied in a number of conventional ways, such as by adding less or more water to the slides at various portions thereof, adding sprays at upper edges of any of the slide portions, fine tuning the configuration of different portions of the slide apparatus, and the like.
- the portions of the slide or the overall slide of the various embodiments may be configured so that top travel speeds of the user are reached where the user exits from an initial slide element, such as a spiral slide, and enters at the entry point into the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide portion. That entry point may be at exit/entry 542 of FIG. 18 , for example.
- a peak speed of, for example 35 m.p.h. is reached at exit/entry of 542 of FIG. 18
- a further reduced speed of 25 m.p.h. may be reached at the first upper left region 558 as the user travels along path 553
- a further reduced speed of 20 m.p.h. may be reached at the second upper right change of direction point on the right side
- a further reduced speed of 15 m.p.h. may be reached at the middle change of direction point on the left side of travel path 553
- a still further reduced speed of 10 m.p.h. may be reached at the still lower right change of direction point on the right side of slide 530
- the still further reduced speed of 5 m.p.h. may be reached at the lower left, third change of direction point on the left side of slide 530 , and the user will then exit from exit 560 into pond 564 at about 0 m.p.h.
- the slide may be made as a free-standing structure, or incorporated into other amusement rides, buildings, directly or indirectly on hillsides, or on built-up support surfaces, such as excavated and worked earth, for example.
- One of the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surfaces according to the invention may be made, for example, by using a conic section in the valley, and one or more substantially flat panels fastened tangentially to the conic section.
Abstract
Slide apparatus includes a first slide, which may have a somewhat parabolic configuration having a trough and/or a switchback. The switchback is oriented and configured for changing the direction of travel of a user. Multiple troughs and switchback elements may be provided so as to maximize the length of time during which a user slides, yet without increasing water usage, energy requirements, and space requirements. A switchback element may be configured for reversing the direction of travel of the user from more than 0° to 180° or more. The switchback element may be configured for directing passengers in different directions along different paths, and yet, without a dividing wall therebetween, thanks to the configuration of the switchback elements. One or more partially or completely spiral slides may precede or follow the first slide.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/620,560, filed Jul. 20, 2000, which claims the priority of U.S. application No. 60/157,842, filed Oct. 6, 1999, and each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The invention relates to amusement devices. More particularly, the invention relates to amusement devices sufficiently large so as to carry passengers and be placed in amusement parks an d public recreation areas. Even more particularly, the invention relates to amusement rides, such as water slides, which use water to enhance the sliding of passengers or individual riders down substantially predetermined pathways.
- Slides, with or without the addition of water on the sliding surface thereof, which allow passengers or riders to slide downwardly into a stationary or moving body of water, have long been known.
- Typically, early slides had relied on substantially straight downwardly slopped passageways in which the riders slid.
- Previous improvements in the prior art slides include my earlier U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,497 to Dubeta, issued Aug. 11, 1992.
- As the size of slide apparatuses (such as shown in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,497) increases, and the cost of labor and borrowing money increase, there is a requirement for a slide apparatus that can accommodate an even greater number of people in a shorter period of time.
- The provision of such an improved slide apparatus would have the added benefit of shortening the time which passengers must wait in line. Such waiting is, needless to say, unacceptable to the majority of passengers; i.e., amusement park goers.
- Accordingly, it can be seen that there is a need for a slide apparatus which can overcome these and other drawbacks of known devices.
- It is an object of the invention to overcome the drawbacks of prior art slide apparatuses.
- It is a further object of the invention to provide a slide apparatus which has a greater passenger throughput per hour than known devices, thereby shortening wait times for passengers, increasing the amusement value of the device, and maximizing the value of the installed device.
- It is a further object of the invention to increase passenger throughput, yet without requiring greater water usage than existing devices.
- A still further object is to lengthen the period of time during which a passenger is sliding, yet without increasing water usage, energy requirements, and space requirements, for example.
- A further object of the invention is to provide an environmentally friendly water slide apparatus owing to its achieving the above objects of increased passenger throughput without increased demands for water, energy, and space, for example.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a water slide having increased excitement value for the passengers, owing to its use of one or more switchback or “sidewinder” elements.
- Yet another object of the invention is to provide a slide apparatus that changes the direction of travel of passengers in a small space, yet without the use of a dividing wall to separate passengers traveling in different (and even “opposite”) directions.
- A further object of the invention is to provide a slide apparatus which prevents users from engaging or “bouncing off” the sides of the pathways or trough, while achieving the desired speeds, excitement, and rapid changes of direction.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a slide apparatus including a slide having at least a partially spiral slide configured for causing a user to travel along a partially spiral path, as well as including a further slide which includes a portion of an upwardly open parabolic curve.
- A still further object of the invention is to provide a slide apparatus defining a path along which a user travels along one or more substantially completely spiral curves and/or along one or more slide surfaces that are defined by one or more surfaces which are defined by one or more partially or completely upwardly open parabolic surfaces.
- In summary, the invention is directed to a slide apparatus including at least one trough defining at least one path along which a passenger travels, and at least one switchback trough or switchback operatively connected to the trough.
- The invention is likewise directed to a slide apparatus having at least one path of travel along which a passenger travels, and at least one switchback which changes the direction of travel of the user without the use of a portion of a spiral path to accomplish the change of direction.
- The invention is directed to a switchback configured for directing passengers in different directions, yet without the use of a dividing wall to separate two (2) paths along which the user travels; i.e., a first path along which the user travels in the first direction, and a second path along which the user travels in a second (e.g., return direction).
- The invention is also directed to a slide apparatus including at least a portion of a spiral slide and a portion of an upwardly open parabolic slide surface.
- The invention is directed to a slide apparatus in which a user traveling along a slide surface first travels along a downwardly extending path and then enters a lower portion of a slide surface which begins at a lower portion of an upwardly open at least partially parabolic slide surface, so that the user is caused to first travel upwardly along the parabolic slide surface and then travel downwardly along the parabolic slide surface, the upward and downward movement along the parabolic slide surface being repeated any of a number of times depending on the intended use of the slide apparatus.
- It will be appreciated that relative terms such as up, down, left, and right are for convenience only, and are not meant to be limiting. The term user, for example, is intended to encompass all users, whether individual passengers sliding directly on the slide apparatus, sliding on a film or bed of water, sliding in a stream of water, sliding on conveyances, being carried mechanically along the slide apparatus, sliding on boats or tubes, or multiple passengers sliding with or without the use of conveyances.
- Still further, the term “trough” is not intended to be limited to trough-like. pathways along which a user may slide. The term trough, throughout the written description and claims, is intended to encompass all manners of pathways along which a user can slide, with or without accompanying water, and with or without the use of a conveyance on which the user travels.
- The terms “slide” and “slide apparatus” may be used interchangeably herein.
- The terms “parabola” and “parabolic” and “parabolic curve” are intended to include not just portions of parabolic surfaces, hyperbolic surfaces, hyperbolic paraboloids, or at least a portion of an elliptical surface, with or without undulations and variations in a slide surface portion of such surfaces, but are meant to include substantially all surfaces which cause a user of the slide surface to move upwardly and downward or downwardly and upwardly or both, and is not meant to be limited to a strict mathematical definition of the term. The illustrative embodiments set forth herein are intended to be examples of ones of an infinite number of curved slide surfaces that fall within the scope of the invention.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a first preferred embodiment of a slide apparatus according the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a switchback or sidewinder element according to the invention; -
FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a further preferred embodiment of a slide apparatus according to the invention; -
FIG. 6 is a top plan view, similar toFIG. 2 , of a further preferred embodiment of a switchback element according to the invention; -
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional side view of the switchback element ofFIG. 6 according to the invention taken along line 7-7 ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8-13 are sectional views of the switchback element ofFIG. 6 according to the invention taken along lines 8-8, 9-9, 10-10, 11-11, 12-12, and 13-13 ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the switchback element ofFIG. 6 according to the invention; -
FIG. 15 is a schematic top plan view of another preferred embodiment of a slide apparatus according to the invention; -
FIG. 16 is a somewhat schematic front perspective view of another embodiment of a slide apparatus according to the invention that includes a portion of a spiral slide which causes a user of the slide apparatus to enter an upwardly open substantially parabolic slide at a lower portion thereof and be propelled first upwardly and then downwardly one or more times along the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surface; -
FIG. 17 is a somewhat schematic front perspective view of still further embodiment of a slide apparatus according to the invention that includes a portion of a spiral slide which causes a user of the slide apparatus to enter an upwardly open substantially parabolic slide at a lower portion thereof and be propelled first upwardly and then downwardly one or more times along the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surface; -
FIG. 18 is a somewhat schematic front perspective view of a still further embodiment of a slide apparatus according to the invention that includes a portion of a spiral slide which causes a user of the slide apparatus to enter an upwardly open substantially parabolic slide at a lower portion thereof and be propelled first upwardly and then downwardly one or more times along the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surface; -
FIG. 19 is a somewhat schematic front perspective view of the slide apparatus according toFIG. 18 that includes a portion of a spiral slide which causes a user of the slide apparatus to enter an upwardly open substantially parabolic slide at a lower portion thereof and be propelled first upwardly and then downwardly one or more times along the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surface; -
FIG. 20 is a somewhat schematic front perspective view of a still further embodiment of a slide apparatus according to the invention that includes a portion of a substantially straight slide which causes a user of the slide apparatus to enter an upwardly open substantially parabolic slide at a lower portion thereof and be propelled first upwardly and then downwardly one or more times along the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surface; -
FIG. 21 is a somewhat schematic front perspective view of a still further embodiment of a slide apparatus according to the invention that includes a portion of a pair of opposed substantially straight slides which causes a user of the slide apparatus to enter an upwardly open substantially parabolic slide at a lower portion thereof and be propelled first upwardly and then downwardly one or more times along the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surface; -
FIG. 22 is a somewhat schematic front perspective view of the slide apparatus according toFIG. 21 that includes a portion of a spiral slide which causes a user of the slide apparatus to enter an upwardly open substantially parabolic slide at a lower portion thereof and be propelled first upwardly and then downwardly one or more times along the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surface; and -
FIG. 23 is a somewhat schematic front perspective view of a still further embodiment of a slide apparatus according to the invention that includes a portion of a substantially straight slide which causes a user of the slide apparatus to enter an upwardly open substantially parabolic slide at a lower portion thereof and be propelled first upwardly and then downwardly one or more times along the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surface. -
FIG. 1 illustrates a first preferred embodiment of aslide apparatus 10 according to the invention. -
Slide apparatus 10 includes aleft switchback 14 and aright switchback 18. - Typically,
slide apparatus 10 will be provided with a starting area or astart tub 20 and anexit 24 which empties into a pool or runout, such as slow moving river. -
Switchback elements - Typically, the user enters at starting
area 20, slides down in adirection 30 at least under the force of gravity, is pushed up or slid up against the force of gravity in adirection 32 toward the far left 33 ofswitchback 14 as shown inFIG. 1 . - The user then returns in a
direction 34 after a predetermined maximum height (i.e., an area inleftmost region 33 of switchback 14) has been achieved. The user continues on in adirection 36 along connecting slide ortrough 40. The user's inertia carries the user upwardly and to the right in adirection 44 intoswitchback 18, until a predeterminedrightmost height 37 has been achieved. - The user then starts sliding in a different (e.g., a substantially opposite)
direction 48 downwardly to the left and continues on past connectingslide 40 in the directions ofarrows runout 24. - The volume of water provided in a
left portion 60 ofexit 24 may be selected so that the user is stopped gradually or is provided with a large splash when the user encountersexit 24. - It will be appreciated that the slopes, heights, water volume, materials used, and the like may be varied so as to fine-tune the rate of speed of the users and/or the water volume requirements.
-
FIG. 2 is top plan view of a typical switchback or sidewinder element, such asswitchback element 18 shown inFIG. 1 . - As in
FIG. 1 , a user will enterswitchback element 18 indirection 36 along a first trough or trough element orslide element 64. The user will continue indirection 44 until the user has reached anend region 70 at which the user's velocity has reached 0 owing to the slowing down of the user's rightward movement towardend region 70 owing to the force of gravity, the amount of water present, the material of the slide, the material of the passenger's conveyance, and the like. At that predetermined point inregion 70, the user's velocity or speed will reach 0. At that point, the user will then begin moving (“accelerating”) rearwardly indirection 48 and will continue to gain speed and will then pass into a second trough orslide element 74 indirection 52. - A
portion 56 may be formed with gently curved surfaces to ensure that a user is directed in the desired direction fromdirection 36 intoend region 70 ofswitchback 18, and then, when the user is returned alongdirection 52, the user is guided into thesecond trough element 74. Such gently sloping surfaces may be in the form of a part or all of a hyperbolic paraboloid. -
FIG. 2 shows that theside walls switchback element 18 may be inwardly angled at anangle 58 of greater than 0° or more. As shown,side walls -
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view thereof, with an example of the elevation ofswitchback element 44 relative to the horizon at anangle 78 greater than 0° or more. As shown,angle 78 may be about 22.5 degrees, for example. The angle(s) will be varied depending on the length ofswitchback element 18, the desired speed, water volume providing a braking effect, and the like. -
FIG. 4 shows that switchbackelement 18 may be slightly angled relative to the vertical and relative to the horizontal axes, for example, to ensure that the user exits throughsecond trough 74 instead of exiting up into a portion offirst trough 64 after having reversed course. Such angling ofsecond trough 74 relative tofirst trough 64 ensures that the passenger throughput is maintained at a high rate and that the passengers enjoy the maximum velocity afforded by the gravitational pull exerted on them after reaching the quiescent (i.e., zero (0) velocity) point inregion 70. - The angling or tilting of
switchback element 18 about its longitudinal axis at an angle 86, helps ensure that a user returning rearwardly indirection 48 will be directed into second trough element 74 (instead of into first trough element 64). - Depending on the width, length and other variations of
switchback element 18, as well as water volume and the like, the inward angling of angle 82 may vary from being greater than 0° to 2 or 3° or more. Angle 82 may be about 0°, depending on the overall size and intended use ofswitchback element 18. -
FIG. 4 showsswitchback element 18 may be angled at an angle 86 of 2-3° relative to the horizontal, as well as angled at angle 82 about 2-3° relative to the vertical. Angle 86 may be about 0° degrees. - Please note that
direction 33 inFIG. 4 indicates the user is moving away from the viewer.Direction 48 indicates the user is moving toward the viewer. In both cases, the user could be facing the viewer or could be facing from the viewer. For example, the user could be moving upswitchback element 18 indirection 44 while facing forwardly; then, the same user could return indirection 48 either facing rearwardly or forwardly. -
FIG. 5 illustrates another preferred embodiment of aslide apparatus 100 having three (3) righthand and three (3)lefthand switchback elements Switchback elements FIG. 1 . Any number of switchback elements may be provided. - As illustrated,
slide apparatus 100 has three (3)righthand switchback elements 18 and three (3) lefthand switchback elements 14. -
FIGS. 6-14 illustrate another preferred embodiment of aswitchback element 110 according to a further preferred embodiment of a invention.Switchback element 110 includes anupward travel region 112 and adownward travel region 116. - An
entry 118 opens intoupward travel region 112 at a portion thereof adjacent an opening intotrough 64. - A
further entry 120 opens into and is adjacent to an upper region ofdownward travel region 116. -
Downward travel region 116 may be termed a return region or a return travel region, astravel region 116 is intended to guide and return the users returning indirection 48 after having reached an area near anouter end region 134.Return travel region 116 may be provided with an inner side wall and an outer side wall. The inner side wall may blend into or converge with the sideways outer portions ofupward travel region 112. -
Outer side wall 126 ofdownward travel region 116 will be configured for guiding users or passengers downwardly along the desired paths, such as intotrough 74. - A lower or
lowermost portion 132 ofreturn travel region 116 may be provided to further guide and ensure that returning users are substantially free of engagement with upwardly moving users traveling indirection 44 alongupward travel region 112. -
Outer end region 134 may include a portion ofswitchback element 110 at which point the upward movement of the users has substantially stopped, and the downward movement of the user has begun; i.e., the point or region at which the user's velocity is approximately 0 m.p.h (km/h). - One or more
strengthening elements 142 and 144 may be provided onswitchback element 110.Strengthening elements 142, 144 may be made in the form of downwardly turned lips, as shown. - Additional strengthening ribs or supports 148 may be provided. In the case where switchback element is supported by a structural framework, strengthening ribs or supports 148 may be configured and be sufficiently large so as to be attached to the supporting framework. In the case where switchback element is a part of the slide system provided on a hillside, for example, strengthening ribs or supports 148 may form part of
switchback element 110 that contacts the ground and supportsswitchback element 110 on the ground. - A
curved guide portion 156 may be provided adjacent the transition betweentrough 64 andentry 118, and the transition betweentrough 74 anddownward travel region 116 to further ensure that the users are guided in the desired direction in a smooth and efficient manner. - It will be appreciated that each of the elements shown in
FIGS. 6-14 are configured and sized individually and collectively for ensuring the overall desired operation ofswitchback element 110. - As will be readily appreciated from considering
FIGS. 6-14 , and from the description of the other preferred embodiments, in use, a user, such a free sliding participant or a participant in an inner tube, enterswitchback element 110 indirection 36 viatrough 64. The user then travels upwardly indirection 44 until the user has, for example, reachupper region 134. - At that point, the user's speed is about 0 m.p.h. The user then returns in the opposite direction (i.e., direction 48) moving downwardly and is guided in
downward travel region 116. The user's speed increases and the user exits intotrough 74 for further travel in thedirection 52. - Depending on the number of users in inner tubes linked together, their size and experience, for example, the user(s) may move from
upward travel region 112 todownward travel region 116 at a point prior to reachingouter end region 134. - The size and configuration of
upward travel region 112 anddownward travel region 116 will be selected so that any premature entry intodownward travel region 116 fromupward travel region 112 may be controlled as desired by the fabricator and the operator. Desired throughput, the ages of the intended users, and the like will all play a role in selecting such. All such variations are within the scope of the invention. - It is likewise contemplated that the embodiment of
FIG. 6 may be tilted relative to the vertical and relative to the horizontal, such as shown in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-5 , particularly as shown inFIG. 4 , should such prove desirable to a particular application. - The width and angling of the longitudinal axis of
upward travel region 112 and of thedownward travel region 116 will be selected so that the direction of the user is changed from up to 90°, and in many cases up to and including about 170° or 180° from the user's initial direction of travel. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 6 , although the direction of travel of the user has not been shown as having been changed by 180°, the direction of travel of the user has been shown as being changed by closer to about 170° or more. - The configuration of
switchback 110 of the embodiment ofFIGS. 6-14 ensures that the users do not strike or “bounce off” the outer sidewalls ofswitchback 110, for example. The slope of theswitchback 110 may be selected so that the user gravitates toward, engages, and slides downwardly along the outer sidewall. Thanks to the configuration ofswitchback element 110 andupward travel region 112, as well asdownward travel region 116, the desired relatively high rate of speed, excitement, and rapid and great change of direction of the path of travel of the users may be achieved without unnecessarily jarring the users. -
FIG. 15 illustrates a further preferred embodiment of aslide apparatus 200 according to the invention. -
Slide 200 may include astart 204, awater slide flume 208 which may be made, as has been known in the past in the form of a spiral, and one or morerighthand switchback elements 218 andlefthand switchback elements 214, as illustrated. - It is likewise contemplated that a further
curved element 220 may be provided. -
Curved element 220 may be steeply or gently sloped depending on the rate of speed at which the user is to exitslide 200 at anexit 230. - All or a portion of
flume 208 may be used in the embodiment ofFIG. 15 . - It is contemplated that the wide surface of the slide troughs may be made from fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), other plastics, sheets of plastic bonded to the base of the trough, so-called gunite concrete products, and the like.
-
FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of aslide apparatus 300 according to the invention. -
Slide 300 may include astart 304 and one ormore supports 306 which elevate some or all ofslide 300 to a desired height. - A stair or
stair tower 308 may be provided in the case where start 304 is elevated above the surface, such as the ground, on which slide 300 is supported. -
Slide 300 may be appreciated by considering the manner in which it may be used. - In use, a
user 310 enters atstart 304.User 310 may be in a bathing suit or in a bathing suit and supported on an inner tube suitable for sliding along and downwardly along a path oftravel 312.Travel path 312 may include at least a portion of aspiral path 314 which may be defined by a respective portion of a spiral slide orslide trough 316. The user may continue downwardly along afurther portion 318 of the path of travel toward anexit 338 located at alower portion 342 of afurther slide element 330, such as the illustrated upwardly open substantially parabolic-shaped slide element or slide 330. -
User 310 may enter a slide portion or element orfurther slide 330 atlower portion 342 and, thanks to the speed (i.e., momentum) ofuser 310 when exitingfurther travel path 318 at 338,user 310 will continue to be propelled owing to momentum developed by the force of gravity, for example, upwardly alongtravel path 352 toward anupper region 350 ofslide element 330.User 310 will then return downwardly along afurther portion 353 of the path of travel to a relatively low point along this portion oftravel path 353 and then once again thanks to the momentum ofuser 310,user 310 will continue onwardly up to aregion 354 ofslide element 330. -
User 310 will then once more reach a point at which the user's speed is 0 or substantially 0 m.p.h. (0/kmh) and then theuser 310 will once again continue downwardly toward alower region 358, whichregion 358 will may be still lower than other low points ofslide element 330 discussed above.User 310 then may be exited atexit 360 into acatchment area 364, such as a run-out pool or “lazy river”. - User(s) 310 may then swim around or paddle in
catchment region 364 or head directly to an exit therefrom. - A
schematic center line 356 orvalley 356 indicating a possible low point or valley or collection of the low points described immediately above has been shown for clarity. - It is noted that an
entry angle 374 oftravel path 318 into the upwardly open parabolicslide surface portion 330 may be varied depending on the location ofentry point 338, the size and configuration of slide portion or element orfurther slide 330, the speed ofuser 310 atentry point 338, and the like.Entry angle 374 may be varied between about 0°-180°, or any acute angle, such as about 10°-15°. -
FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of aslide apparatus 400 according to the invention. -
Slide 400 illustrates an embodiment in which auser 410 enters in adirection 412 and travels indirection 412 first downwardly, and then around at least a portion of a spiral until exiting the first or spiral portion at anentry 442 of a substantially upwardly openparabolic slide portion 430.Slide portion 430 includes anupper region 450 which may be located at a height greater than the height ofentry 442. In that manner, the user will first travel upwardly alongpath 452 towardupper region 450, as will be readily appreciated. The user will then continue downwardly along, typically, apath 453 which is offset frompath 452. In that manner, a user traveling upwardly alongpath 452 would not encounter a further user traveling downwardly along thefurther path 453. The separation distance would be determined based on the expected size and number of users, building code requirements, and other factors. - The
user 410 may then further continue downwardly alongpath 453 until the user reaches alow point 455 onpath 453. Thanks to the momentum of the user, the user would pass throughlow point 455 and continue upwardly toward a furtherupper region 454. As will be readily appreciated, the speed of the user would typically slow thanks the resistance of the water acting as a lubricant, any frictional resistance of the slide surface, and the downwardly acting force of gravity, for example. The user would typically reach an uppermost point at which the user's forward or upward speed reaches at about 0 m.p.h. (0 km/h). The user would then continue downwardly, then upwardly, then downwardly, then upwardly, then downwardly, then upwardly, then downwardly or any desired number of times upwardly and downwardly toward and away from a collection of low points or a valley or “center line” 456, analogous to that described above in connection withFIG. 16 , and then on toward anexit 460. - The user may be exited into a pool, a slow river, and the like.
-
FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate another preferred embodiment of aslide apparatus 500 according to the invention.Slide apparatus 500 may be configured for being a “high capacity” slide. -
Slide 500 may include two ormore entries - In use, a
user 510 may be directed in afirst direction 514 to enterentrance 508.User 510 will then travel under the force of gravity and with or without an added force being applied by a slide apparatus worker in thefirst direction 514 and afurther travel direction 516 in and around a partial or completely spiralleft slide 520. - As
user 510 continues along the path oftravel 516,user 510 enters afurther slide portion 530 which may be another upwardly open substantially parabolic curved surface, which may be a portion of a hyperbolic paraboloid, for example, as in the other embodiments.User 510 may enter at exit/entry 542, the location of which may be varied to change the length of the ride, the overall time spent in the ride, the character of the ride (e.g., the length of time and speed inleft spiral slide 520 versus further slide 530), and the amount of accelerative “boost” or “afterburner” effect the user experiences at different parts of the slide. -
User 510 entersslide portion 530 and then begins moving upwardly along a path oftravel 552 at some point after enteringslide portion 530, for example. Then,user 510 travels upwardly in anupper region 554 until the force of gravity and other forces, such as frictional losses,cause user 510 to eventually begin movement along a somewhat downwardly extendingportion 553 of the path of travel. The user will typically gain speed and momentum, pass through a relatively low point on slide portion or element orfurther slide 530 and then continue upwardly toward a furtherupper region 558. This upward and downward or downward and upward and downward path of travel will be repeated any number of times in a manner similar to that described in connection with the other embodiments, and as shown inFIG. 18 .User 510 may exit at anexit 560 into a pool orlazy river 564. -
FIG. 19 shows the manner in which the other orsecond entry 504 ofslide 500 has been used. - In use, a
further user 520 has enteredentry 504 and begun travel along a further path oftravel 524. -
User 520 continues along the illustrated path of travel 544, then along atravel portion 526 of a partially spiral or completely spiral or multiple spiralright slide 528. At an exit ofright spiral slide 528 the user entersfurther slide portion 530 and may travel upwardly along a path oftravel 556 toward furtherupper region 558. - Right at least partially
spiral slide 528 and left at least partiallyspiral slide 528 may be mirror images of each other. - In a manner analogous to the path of travel of
user 510 entering entry of 508, as described in connection withFIG. 18 of this embodiment,user 520 then travels downwardly along another path oftravel 557 toward furtherupper region 554. - This downward and upward or upward and downward sequence of spaced apart travel paths is repeated any number of times, also. The number of times may be predetermined by varying the configuration of
further slide 530, for example. - Thanks to the provision of two or
more entries slide 500. - The decision as to whether or not a user enters the slide using 508 or 504 may be determined in any number of ways.
- For example, a monitoring system, which may include a signal light, one or more lockout gates to prevent entry into one or both
entries entries entries - If a user wanted to select his or her own entry, such as
entry 504, and that user in line is supposed to useentry 508, that user could be directed to simply relinquish his or her place in line and to allow one person to precede him or her intoentry 508, whichentry 508 the user who wanted to enter 504 did not want to use. In that manner, the user who indicated a preference, could have his or her preference while losing only one space in line. Thus, the correct spacing (i.e., alternate use ofentries 504, and 508) of the number of users could be maintained. - Thanks to the predetermined rate (i.e., speed or travel time) at which the users enter the
multiple user portion 530 of the slide apparatus, the rate at which the users are allowed to enterentries -
FIG. 20 illustrates a further preferred embodiment of aslide 600 according to the invention. -
Slide 600 may include atower 602, such as a stair tower, and anentry 604. - A
user 610 may enterentry 604 and slide downwardly along a substantially straight or completelystraight path 624, then exit into afurther slide 630.Further slide 630 may be an upwardly open parabolic slide similar to slide 430 ofFIG. 17 .User 610 may continue along apath 644 until exiting at anexit 660 into a pool, aslow river 664, and the like. -
FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a further preferred embodiment of aslide 700 according to the invention. -
Slide 700 may include astair tower 702, such as the illustrated substantially centrally locatedstair tower 702 which some or all of the users may use to gain access to aright entry 704 or leftentry 708, or both. - In use, a
user 710 will have first been directed along aleft path 712 or aright path 714, typically. A control gate may be disposed centrally on ornear stair tower 702 for controlling the rate at whichusers 710 enterpaths entries -
FIG. 21 illustrates the use of aleft stair tower 706 for elevatingleft entry 708 and aright stair tower 716 for elevatingentry 704. - If
user 710 chooses or is directed to enterentry 708, he or she will travel downwardly along left slide 720 along a path 744 until exiting into an entry offurther slide 730. At that point, as in previously described embodiments,user 710 may travel along a path of travel 748 first upwardly toward an upperright region 754 and then downwardly, then upwardly, then downwardly, then upwardly, and so forth until exiting into a substantially still or slowly moving body ofwater 764. -
FIG. 22 shows slide 700 in use when a user 760 has chosen or been directed to enterright entry 704. In this case, user 760 may travel first substantially downwardly along atravel path 764, then exit intofurther slide 730 and then begin the back and forth movement along path oftravel 768, in a manner analogous to that described in connection withFIG. 21 . -
FIG. 23 illustrates a yet still further embodiment of a slide 800 according to the invention. - Slide 800 may include a first slide 820 which directs a user 824 to be guided downwardly along a path of
travel 826 and then exited into an entrance of afurther slide 830. - Slide 800 may have features similar to a combination of
slide 620 ofFIG. 20 combined withslide 330 ofFIG. 16 , for example. - In the various embodiments, the straight slide may be straight as viewed transversely or above the path of travel, while the user may travel along an up and down or curved or wavy path as viewed from the slide.
- In each of the above described embodiments, the speed of the users can be varied in a number of conventional ways, such as by adding less or more water to the slides at various portions thereof, adding sprays at upper edges of any of the slide portions, fine tuning the configuration of different portions of the slide apparatus, and the like.
- It is contemplated that speeds of from about 0 m.p.h. to about 10 m.p.h. or more will be typical, with higher speeds of 35 m.p.h. or more contemplated. For example, the portions of the slide or the overall slide of the various embodiments may be configured so that top travel speeds of the user are reached where the user exits from an initial slide element, such as a spiral slide, and enters at the entry point into the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide portion. That entry point may be at exit/
entry 542 ofFIG. 18 , for example. In the case where a peak speed of, for example 35 m.p.h. is reached at exit/entry of 542 ofFIG. 18 , a reduced speed of about 30 m.p.h. may be reached at the first upperright region 554, a further reduced speed of 25 m.p.h. may be reached at the first upperleft region 558 as the user travels alongpath 553, a further reduced speed of 20 m.p.h. may be reached at the second upper right change of direction point on the right side, a further reduced speed of 15 m.p.h. may be reached at the middle change of direction point on the left side oftravel path 553, a still further reduced speed of 10 m.p.h. may be reached at the still lower right change of direction point on the right side ofslide 530, the still further reduced speed of 5 m.p.h. may be reached at the lower left, third change of direction point on the left side ofslide 530, and the user will then exit fromexit 560 intopond 564 at about 0 m.p.h. - The slide may be made as a free-standing structure, or incorporated into other amusement rides, buildings, directly or indirectly on hillsides, or on built-up support surfaces, such as excavated and worked earth, for example.
- Further variations of production and assembly may be performed as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,497 to Dubeta, which is incorporated herein by reference.
- One of the upwardly open substantially parabolic slide surfaces according to the invention may be made, for example, by using a conic section in the valley, and one or more substantially flat panels fastened tangentially to the conic section.
- While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, and uses and/or adaptations of the invention and following in general the principle of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within the known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the central features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention or limits of the claims appended hereto.
Claims (30)
1. A slide apparatus comprising:
a) a partially spiral slide having a slide surface, the slide surface being configured for causing a user traveling along the slide surface to travel along a partially spiral path;
b) a further slide, the further slide including a portion of an upwardly open parabolic curve;
c) the portion of the upwardly open parabolic curve defining a further slide surface;
d) said further slide surface being configured so for causing, in use, a user to slide on the further slide surface along a substantially predetermined path, in use;
e) a switchback being provided in said further slide;
f) said switchback being configured for causing, in use, a user traveling along the further slide surface to be switched from a first direction of travel along the substantially predetermined path to a second direction of travel along the substantially predetermined path, the second direction of travel differing from the first direction of travel;
g) said switchback being a portion of the upwardly open parabolic curve; and
h) the substantially predetermined path and the partially spiral path being fluidly connected.
2. An apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein:
a) the substantially predetermined path and the partially spiral path are directly connected.
3. An apparatus as in claim 2 , wherein:
a) an entry of the substantially predetermined path is connected to an exit of the partially spiral path.
4. An apparatus as in claim 3 , wherein:
a) the entry of the substantially predetermined path is located at a lower portion of the upwardly open parabolic curve.
5. An apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein:
a) said switchback changes the direction of travel of the user by more than 90 degrees.
6. An apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein:
a) said switchback changes the direction of travel of the user by at least about 170 degrees.
7. An apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein:
a) said switchback changes the direction of travel of the user by about 180 degrees.
8. An apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein:
a) said switchback is sufficiently upwardly sloped so that the speed of a user is reduced to substantially 0 miles per hour, in use.
9. An apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein:
a) said switchback includes a slide surface defining at least a portion of a hyperbolic paraboloid.
10. An apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein:
a) a second switchback is provided on the further slide surface for changing the direction of a user, in use.
11. An apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein:
a) Said switchback includes at least two first switchbacks, each of said at least two first switchbacks being configured for changing the direction of travel of a user, in use; and
b) at least two second switchbacks are provided, each of said at least two second switchbacks being configured for changing the direction of travel of a user, in use.
12. An apparatus as in claim 10 , wherein:
a) a wall separates said switchback from said second switchback.
13. An apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein:
a) said switchback is substantially free of a portion of a spiral, as viewed from a direction transverse to the path of travel.
14. An apparatus as in claim 10 , wherein:
a) said switchback is disposed substantially adjacent said second switchback.
15. A slide apparatus comprising:
a) a partially spiral slide having a slide surface, the slide surface being configured for causing a user traveling along the slide surface to travel along a partially spiral path;
b) a further slide, the further slide including a portion of an upwardly open substantially parabolic curve;
c) the portion of the upwardly open substantially parabolic curve defining a further slide surface;
d) said further slide surface being configured for causing a user to slide on the further slide surface along a substantially predetermined path;
e) said further slide surface being configured for causing a user traveling along the further slide surface to be switched from a first direction of travel along the substantially predetermined path to a second direction of travel along the substantially predetermined path, the second direction of travel differing from the first direction of travel; and
f) the substantially predetermined path being adjacent to the partially spiral path.
16. An apparatus as in claim 15 , wherein:
a) the substantially predetermined path and the partially spiral path are directly connected.
17. An apparatus as in claim 16 , wherein:
a) an entry of the substantially predetermined path is connected to an exit of the partially spiral path.
18. An apparatus as in claim 17 , wherein:
a) the entry of the substantially predetermined path is located at a lower portion of the upwardly open parabolic curve.
19. An apparatus as in claim 15 , wherein:
a) said further slide surface changes the direction of travel of the user by more than 90 degrees.
20. An apparatus as in claim 15 , wherein:
a) said further slide surface is sufficiently upwardly sloped so that the speed of a user is reduced to substantially 0 miles per hour, in use.
21. An apparatus as in claim 15 , wherein:
a) the partially spiral slide includes two at least partially spiral slides; and
b) an exit of each of the two partially spiral slides is connected to an entry of the substantially predetermined path.
22. An apparatus as in claim 15 , wherein:
a) said further slide surface is substantially free of a portion of a spiral, as viewed from a direction transverse to the substantially predetermined path.
23. An apparatus as in claim 15 , wherein:
a) said first direction of travel is disposed substantially adjacent said second direction of travel.
24. An apparatus as in claim 15 , wherein:
a) said first direction of travel and said second direction of travel are substantially free of walls disposed between them.
25. A slide apparatus comprising:
a) a substantially straight slide having a slide surface, the slide surface being configured for causing a user traveling along the slide surface to travel along a substantially straight travel path, as viewed from a direction transverse to the travel path;
b) a further slide, the further slide including a portion of an upwardly open parabolic curve;
c) the portion of the upwardly open parabolic curve defining a further slide surface;
d) said further slide surface being configured for causing, in use, a user to slide on the further slide surface along a substantially predetermined path, in use;
e) a switchback being provided in said further slide;
f) said switchback being configured for causing, in use, a user traveling along the further slide surface to be switched from a first direction of travel along the substantially predetermined path to a second direction of travel along the substantially predetermined path, the second direction of travel differing from the first direction of travel;
g) said switchback being a portion of the upwardly open parabolic curve; and
h) the substantially predetermined path being disposed adjacent the substantially straight path.
26. An apparatus as in claim 25 , wherein:
a) the substantially predetermined path and the substantially straight path are directly connected.
27. An apparatus as in claim 25 , wherein:
a) an entry of the substantially predetermined path is connected to an exit of the substantially straight path.
28. An apparatus as in claim 25 , wherein:
a) a second substantially straight slide having a slide surface is provided, the slide surface being configured for causing a user traveling along the slide surface to travel along a second substantially straight travel path, as viewed from a direction transverse to the travel path; and
b) the substantially straight slide and the second substantially straight slide each exit into an entry of the further slide.
29. An apparatus as in claim 28 , wherein:
a) a control is provided for directing a user to enter the substantially straight slide or the second substantially straight slide.
30. An apparatus as in claim 25 , wherein:
a) the substantially straight path is substantially straight as viewed from the above the substantially straight path.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/837,539 US20050075180A1 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2004-04-29 | Slide apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
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US15784299P | 1999-10-06 | 1999-10-06 | |
US09/620,560 US6450891B1 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2000-07-20 | Slide apparatus |
US10/216,321 US6743107B2 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2002-08-12 | Slide apparatus |
US10/837,539 US20050075180A1 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2004-04-29 | Slide apparatus |
Related Parent Applications (1)
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US10/216,321 Continuation US6743107B2 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2002-08-12 | Slide apparatus |
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US20050075180A1 true US20050075180A1 (en) | 2005-04-07 |
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US10/216,321 Expired - Fee Related US6743107B2 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2002-08-12 | Slide apparatus |
US10/837,539 Abandoned US20050075180A1 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2004-04-29 | Slide apparatus |
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US10/216,321 Expired - Fee Related US6743107B2 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2002-08-12 | Slide apparatus |
Country Status (3)
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US (3) | US6450891B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU7636600A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001024899A1 (en) |
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WO2010040978A1 (en) * | 2008-10-08 | 2010-04-15 | David John Cuttell | Water or leisure slide |
WO2011119120A1 (en) * | 2010-03-23 | 2011-09-29 | Poli̇n Su Parklari Ve Havuz Si̇stemleri̇ Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇ | Multilane waterslide with a common sliding area |
US9079111B2 (en) | 2009-11-13 | 2015-07-14 | Proslide Technology Inc. | Water slide |
USD855136S1 (en) | 2017-06-08 | 2019-07-30 | Whitewater West Industries Ltd. | Looping ride element |
EP4062989A1 (en) | 2021-03-25 | 2022-09-28 | Aquarena Holding GmbH | Chute, in particular a water chute |
DE102021107560A1 (en) | 2021-03-25 | 2022-09-29 | Aquarena Holding Gmbh | Method for controlling a sliding direction in a switch and switch for a slide, in particular a water slide |
US11964213B2 (en) | 2021-03-25 | 2024-04-23 | Aquarena Holding Gmbh | Method for controlling a slide direction in branch point and branch point for a slide, in particular a water slide |
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US6450891B1 (en) * | 1999-10-06 | 2002-09-17 | David J. Dubeta | Slide apparatus |
US6743108B2 (en) | 2000-12-12 | 2004-06-01 | Proslide Technology Inc. | Random path flume ride |
US7731595B2 (en) * | 2001-11-16 | 2010-06-08 | White Water West Industries, Ltd. | Waterslide amusement device |
US6729963B2 (en) * | 2001-11-16 | 2004-05-04 | Whitewater West Industries Inc. | Undulating amusement slide |
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US8192291B2 (en) * | 2008-02-28 | 2012-06-05 | Whitewater West Industries Ltd. | Waterslide bowl with troughs |
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US8226492B2 (en) * | 2010-01-21 | 2012-07-24 | Proslide Technology Inc. | Water slide |
US8784224B1 (en) * | 2012-09-04 | 2014-07-22 | Brian E. Schafer | Mobile, modular water amusement ride |
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US9878254B2 (en) * | 2015-11-12 | 2018-01-30 | Whitewater West Industries Ltd. | Wave catching shutdown lane |
US20190143226A1 (en) * | 2017-11-10 | 2019-05-16 | Whitewater West Industries Ltd. | Amusement or water ride attraction including sub-elements |
US11273383B2 (en) | 2017-11-10 | 2022-03-15 | Whitewater West Industries Ltd. | Water ride attraction incorporating a standing wave |
US10589182B2 (en) * | 2018-05-24 | 2020-03-17 | Universal City Studios Llc | Water attraction dispatch system |
US10912975B1 (en) | 2019-05-03 | 2021-02-09 | Lycurgus Barnhill Ward | Extended skating rink and method of play thereon |
US20220016534A1 (en) * | 2020-07-20 | 2022-01-20 | Arihant Industrial Corporation Limited | Forked flume segment for a water slide |
US11123622B1 (en) | 2021-04-01 | 2021-09-21 | Lycurgus Barnhill Ward | Extended skating rink and method of play thereon |
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USD855136S1 (en) | 2017-06-08 | 2019-07-30 | Whitewater West Industries Ltd. | Looping ride element |
US11141666B2 (en) | 2017-06-08 | 2021-10-12 | Whitewater West Industries, Ltd. | Looping saucer amusement attraction and method for making the same |
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DE102021107558A1 (en) | 2021-03-25 | 2022-09-29 | Aquarena Holding Gmbh | Slide, especially water slide |
DE102021107560A1 (en) | 2021-03-25 | 2022-09-29 | Aquarena Holding Gmbh | Method for controlling a sliding direction in a switch and switch for a slide, in particular a water slide |
EP4066911A1 (en) | 2021-03-25 | 2022-10-05 | Aquarena Holding GmbH | Method for controlling a sliding direction in a switch and switch for a water chute |
US11964213B2 (en) | 2021-03-25 | 2024-04-23 | Aquarena Holding Gmbh | Method for controlling a slide direction in branch point and branch point for a slide, in particular a water slide |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6450891B1 (en) | 2002-09-17 |
WO2001024899A1 (en) | 2001-04-12 |
US6743107B2 (en) | 2004-06-01 |
AU7636600A (en) | 2001-05-10 |
US20020193169A1 (en) | 2002-12-19 |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO PAY ISSUE FEE |