WO2016069494A1 - Method of safely traversing a waterslide vertical flume - Google Patents

Method of safely traversing a waterslide vertical flume Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016069494A1
WO2016069494A1 PCT/US2015/057413 US2015057413W WO2016069494A1 WO 2016069494 A1 WO2016069494 A1 WO 2016069494A1 US 2015057413 W US2015057413 W US 2015057413W WO 2016069494 A1 WO2016069494 A1 WO 2016069494A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
flume
rider
vehicle
waterslide
tubular
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/057413
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Lance FISHER
Original Assignee
Skyturtle Technologies Ltd.
Avalanche Waterslides Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Skyturtle Technologies Ltd., Avalanche Waterslides Inc. filed Critical Skyturtle Technologies Ltd.
Publication of WO2016069494A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016069494A1/en

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63GMERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
    • A63G21/00Chutes; Helter-skelters
    • A63G21/18Water-chutes

Definitions

  • This arrangement allows the vehicle to slide through a vertical flue section or vertical loop without presenting injury to the rider(s).
  • an amusement ride comprising in one example; a
  • tubular flume having a substantially vertical section.
  • the tubular flume has an exit and an entrance vertically above the exit.
  • the tubular flume also has a central axis which is the central or longitudinal axis of the tube. As the tubular flume is non-linear, this central axis is also non-linear.
  • the axis of the tubular flume has at least one region which is substantially vertical, generally greater than 70° from horizontal.
  • the amusement ride configured to provide a volume of water flowing from the entrance to the exit by gravitational force as is well known in the art of waterslides.
  • a vehicle traversing within the tubular flume from the entrance to the exit; and the vehicle protecting at last one rider from direct contact with the tubular flume.
  • the amusement ride may be arranged wherein the tubular flume
  • the exit section comprises an exit section between the entrance and the substantially vertical region.
  • the exit section is open at the top for removal of the vehicle and rider.
  • FIG. 1 is a top isometric perspective view of one example of the disclosed vehicle inside a tubular flume.
  • FIG. 2 is a top view showing the rotation of one example of the disclosed vehicle inside a tubular flume.
  • FIG. 3 is a top isometric perspective view of one example of the disclosed vehicle with bottom riding surface and protective rolling ring riding surface.
  • FIG. 4 is a top isometric perspective view of one example of the disclosed vehicle with bottom riding surface and protective rolling ring riding surface.
  • FIG. 5 is a top isometric perspective view of one example of the disclosed vehicle with bottom riding surface and a clam shell top riding surface.
  • FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of one example of the disclosed vehicle with bottom riding surface and an axial roll protection riding surface.
  • FIG. 7 is a top isometric perspective view of one example of the disclosed vehicle with bottom capsule riding surface and a top capsule riding surface.
  • FIG. 8 is a top isometric perspective view showing a single rider vehicle with a continuous capsule riding surface.
  • FIG. 9 is a top isometric perspective view of one example of the disclosed vehicle with a segmented capsule bottom riding surface, a segmented capsule top riding surface and a rider.
  • FIG. 10 is an isometric perspective view of one example of the disclosed vehicle with top riding surface, bottom riding surface and a tertiary ring riding surface.
  • FIG. 1 1 is a top view of one example of the disclosed apparatus showing the rider restrained in the vehicle inside the flume with stabilizing sliding surfaces.
  • FIG. 12 is a cross section view of a rider in a vertical drop unsafely falling into a prior art flume.
  • FIG. 13 is a cross section view of a rider restrained in one example of the disclosed vehicle inside a vertical drop with stabilizing sliding surfaces of the vehicle protecting the rider from falling into the flume.
  • FIG. 14 is a cross section view of a rider in a vertical loop unsafely falling into the flume.
  • FIG. 15 is a cross section view of a rider restrained in a vehicle inside a vertical loop with stabilizing sliding surfaces of the vehicle protecting the rider from direct contact with the flume.
  • FIG. 16 is a front view of a slide assembly having a substantially vertical drop section and vertical 360° loop section.
  • FIG. 17 is a side view of one example of a slide assembly having a vertical drop and vertical loop section.
  • FIG. 18 is an isometric perspective view of a one example of a slide
  • FIG. 19 is a side view of another example of the disclosed apparatus.
  • FIG. 20 is a top isometric view of the example shown in Fig. 19 in an
  • FIG. 21 is a side view of the example shown in FIG. 19 in an opened
  • This disclosure describes several examples of waterslide vehicles that provide a protective framework around the rider to protect them in vertically steep flumes.
  • Flumes having steep sliding slopes up to 70 75° from a horizontal plane
  • it has not previously been safe for a rider to traverse down a steep (>70°) flume, vertical( substantially 90° from a horizontal plane) drop, or over a vertical loop, due to safety concerns.
  • Such safety concerns include injuries to the rider associated with the rider sliding unprotected in the waterslide and potentially impacting inner walls of the flume. Specific safety concerns are addressed below.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective isometric view of one example of a multi rider
  • Fig. 17 shows the flume 14 made of multiple straight and curved sections similar to that shown in Fig. 1 . When properly configured and interconnected, the sections form an amusement ride which water flows and a rider traverses the flume 14 downstream in the flowing water.
  • PCT/CA2014/050472 filed on May 21 , 2014 and incorporated herein by reference and relied upon for background support.
  • This international patent application PCT/CA2014/050472 claims priority to US provisional application 61/825,773 filed on May 21 , 2013, which also
  • Fig. 2 is a top view showing rotation 15 of one example of the multiple rider vehicle 10 positioned inside a section of a tubular flume 14.
  • each rider will be protected from direct contact with the inner walls 51 by the individual support carriages and the interconnecting frame 33.
  • a plurality of (three) support carriages are provided, each has an outer cylindrical or curved surface.
  • a coupling frame is provided between the support carriages so as to radially space the support carriages apart from each other by a distance substantially corresponding to the inner surface of the flume 14.
  • the support car agesH , 12, 13 are permitted to rotate 15 about the axis 52 of the vehicle 10.
  • three support carriages are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, it will be appreciated that other numbers of support carriages may also be used.
  • Fig. 3 is an isometric perspective view of one example showing a singular rider vehicle 54 with a bottom riding surface 16 (in this position) and protective rolling ring riding surface 17.
  • the rolling riding surface 18 protects the rider when the vehicle is inverted such that the rider may otherwise face wise impact the inner walls 51 of the flume 14. As the rider is securely attached to the vehicle 54, they are protected from behind by the bottom riding surface 16 and in the sides by the peripheral walls.
  • the rolling riding surface 17 protects the front of the rider.
  • the rolling riding surface 17 does not substantially hinder their vision or riding experience.
  • this vehicle 54 is made with inflated sections.
  • the vehicle 54 is made from rigid or semi-rigid foam, coated with a durable outer layer.
  • the foam used is closed cell foam.
  • Fig. 4 is an isometric perspective view showing a singular rider vehicle 56 with a bottom riding surface 16 and protective rolling ring riding surface 18 with a gap 19 at the apex thereof so as to improve the riders experience by improving the rider's field of view compared to other examples.
  • the rolling riding surface 18 protects the rider when the vehicle is inverted such that the rider's front side and face may otherwise impact the inner walls 51 of the flume 14. As the rider is securely attached to the vehicle 56, the rider is protected from behind by the bottom riding surface 16 and in the sides by the peripheral walls of the vehicle 56.
  • the rolling riding surface 18 protects the front of the rider.
  • the rolling riding surface 18 does not substantially hinder their vision or riding experience.
  • this vehicle 56 is made with inflated sections.
  • the vehicle 56 is made from rigid or semi-rigid foam, coated with a durable outer layer.
  • the foam used is closed cell foam.
  • Fig. 5 is an isometric perspective view showing a singular rider vehicle 58 with bottom riding surface 16 and a clam shell top riding surface 20.
  • the rider is more securely surrounded by the vehicle 60, and vision is more affected, thus, windows 59 made of a transparent or translucent material may be used.
  • this vehicle 58 is made with inflated sections.
  • the vehicle 58 is made from rigid or semi-rigid foam, coated with a durable outer layer.
  • the foam used is closed cell foam.
  • Fig. 6 is an isometric perspective view showing a singular rider vehicle 60 with bottom riding surface 16 and an axial roll protection riding surface 21 .
  • the axial roll protection riding surface 21 runs from the front of the vehicle to the rear, rather than laterally as shown in Fig. 3.
  • this vehicle 60 is made with inflated sections.
  • the vehicle 60 is made from rigid or semi-rigid foam, coated with a durable outer layer.
  • the foam used is closed cell foam.
  • Fig. 7 is an isometric perspective view showing a singular rider vehicle with bottom capsule riding surface 22 and a top capsule riding surface 23.
  • this vehicle is made with inflated sections.
  • the vehicle is made from rigid or semi-rigid foam, coated with a durable outer layer.
  • the foam used is closed cell foam.
  • the top capsule riding surface 23 may be attached to the bottom capsule riding surface at a hinge on the rearward side thereof, and a latching mechanism on the front side thereof.
  • Fig. 8 is an isometric perspective view showing a singular rider vehicle with a continuous (single component) capsule riding surface 24.
  • this vehicle is made with inflated sections.
  • the vehicle is made from rigid or semi-rigid foam, coated with a durable outer layer.
  • Fig. 9 is an isometric perspective view showing a singular rider vehicle with a segmented capsule bottom riding surface 25, a segmented capsule top riding surface 26 and a rider 27.
  • each arc of the top riding surface 26 is hinged on one lateral side to the bottom riding surface 25 and latched thereto at the other lateral side.
  • this vehicle is made with inflated sections.
  • the vehicle is made from rigid or semi-rigid foam, coated with a durable outer layer.
  • Fig. 10 is an isometric perspective view showing a multi rider disc shaped vehicle with top riding surface 28, bottom riding surface 29 and a tertiary ring riding surface 30.
  • each wedge-shaped rider capsule of the top riding surface 28 is hinged at one side to the bottom riding surface and latched at the other side.
  • This example of a vehicle is useful in river riding style rides where the vehicle (raft) may become inverted during the ride.
  • Fig. 1 1 is a top highly schematic view showing the rider 31 restrained in another example of a vehicle 32 inside a flume 14 with stabilizing sliding surfaces 34.
  • the vehicle 32 keeps the rider 31 from contacting the inner walls 51 of the flume 14 regardless of the orientation (angle) of the axis 52 of the flume 14 relative to a horizontal plane.
  • the vehicle 32 will still maintain the rider 31 near the axis 52 of the flume 14 in a safe position.
  • the vehicle 32 can protect the rider 31 from contacting the inner walls 51 even during high velocities, tight radius turns, or in other orientations where the rider 31 may otherwise randomly or undesirably contact the flume 14.
  • this potential for contact is overcome by a stream of water flowing down the flume 14.
  • the flume 14 never being in a completely vertical orientation such that the rider 31 is maintained substantially within the stream of water through the turns of the waterslide.
  • Problems however are encountered as a rider traverses a waterslide such as when the rider drags their hands, sits up, or otherwise slows themselves down such that their forward velocity is less than the forward velocity of the stream of water.
  • Fig. 12 is a cross section view of a rider 35 in a vertical drop unsafely
  • Fig. 13 is a highly schematic cross section view of a rider 37 restrained in a vehicle 38 inside a vertical drop with stabilizing sliding surfaces 40 of the vehicle protecting the rider from directly contacting or twisting within the inner walls of the flume 14.
  • Fig. 14 is a highly schematic cross section view of a rider 41 entering a vertical loop unsafely falling from the upper inner wall 51 a to the lower inner wall 51 b. In this view, it can be seen that the rider 41 has reached or nearly reached the apex 72 of a loop section 48 without the aid of a vehicle as described above.
  • Fig. 15 is a highly schematic cross sectional view of a rider 43 restrained in a vehicle 44 inside a vertical loop.
  • the vehicle 44 having stabilizing sliding surfaces 46 protecting the rider from falling into the lower inner walls 51 b of the flume 14.
  • the same rider position within the flume 14 is shown as is shown in Fig. 14 however, the rider 43 is restrained within the protective vehicle 44 and will not dangerously contact the inner walls 51 of the flume 14.
  • the rider should the rider have insufficient velocity to circumnavigate the loop 48, such that they reverse direction the rider will then slide as shown in Fig. 17 in direction 78 toward an exit section 76.
  • the exit section 76 being open on the upper side thereof or openable so as to allow removal of the vehicle and rider safely.
  • Fig. 16 is a front view of one example of a slide assembly having a vertical drop 47 and vertical loop section 48.
  • Fig. 17 is a side view of one example of a slide assembly having a vertical drop 47 and vertical loop section 48.
  • Fig. 18 is an isometric view of a slide assembly having a vertical drop 47 and vertical loop section 48.
  • the rider starts at the launch section 49, traverses the vertical drop 47, traverses the vertical loop 48, and exits at the end of the slide 50.
  • the vehicle slides down the vertical flume section (or over the vertical loop section) and is safely restrained from falling forward/back or down onto the inner lower surface 51 b of the flume due to the outer diameter of the vehicle being substantially the same as the inner diameter of the flume 14.
  • a vehicle 32 having stabilizing surfaces 34a- 34d that ride against the inner surface 51 of a waterslide flume 14 as a rider, positioned within the vehicle 32 traverses the waterslide flume 14.
  • the vehicle 32 comprises a rigid frame 80 within which the rider lies in a prone position, with their feet toward the forward end 82 of the vehicle 32 and their head at the rearward end 84.
  • the rider may be held within the vehicle by way of a 5-point harness 86.
  • the inner surface of the frame 80 may be configured with restraint surfaces 88 holding the rider in position.
  • the upper section 90 is hinged to the lower section 92 at a hinge 94.
  • a latch 96 may be used to securely connect the front end 98 of the upper section to the lower section.
  • resilient protective panels 100a-100d may be provided on the frame 80. These resilient protective panels 100 forming sliding surfaces 34.
  • the protective panels 100 are closed cell foam coated with a protective layer and attached to the frame 80, in one form the protective layer is a fabric or woven material such as polyvinyl.
  • the frame 80 incorporates mesh or similar panels 102

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a vehicle that in one example has more than one riding surface or a continuous ring riding surface that rides along the inner surface of a waterslide flume and positions the rider substantially radially central within the waterslide flume or vertical looping section and prevents injury to the rider from falling forward, backwards or radially sideways within the flume.

Description

Method Of Safely Traversing A Waterslide Vertical Flume
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
Serial Number 62/068,748, filed October 26, 2014, incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] This relates to the field of waterslide vehicles that provide a surface
directly between a rider and a waterslide flume on at least three radially surrounding points to prohibit contact between the rider and the flume.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Multiple riding surfaces or continuous riding surfaces may be located
around the rider(s). This arrangement allows the vehicle to slide through a vertical flue section or vertical loop without presenting injury to the rider(s).
[0004] Disclosed herein is an amusement ride comprising in one example; a
tubular flume having a substantially vertical section. The tubular flume has an exit and an entrance vertically above the exit. The tubular flume also has a central axis which is the central or longitudinal axis of the tube. As the tubular flume is non-linear, this central axis is also non-linear. The axis of the tubular flume has at least one region which is substantially vertical, generally greater than 70° from horizontal. The amusement ride configured to provide a volume of water flowing from the entrance to the exit by gravitational force as is well known in the art of waterslides. Also disclosed is a vehicle traversing within the tubular flume from the entrance to the exit; and the vehicle protecting at last one rider from direct contact with the tubular flume.
[0005] The amusement ride may be arranged wherein the tubular flume
comprises a 360° vertical loop.
[0006] The amusement ride as may be arranged wherein the tubular flume
comprises an exit section between the entrance and the substantially vertical region. In this example, the exit section is open at the top for removal of the vehicle and rider.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a top isometric perspective view of one example of the disclosed vehicle inside a tubular flume.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the rotation of one example of the disclosed vehicle inside a tubular flume.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a top isometric perspective view of one example of the disclosed vehicle with bottom riding surface and protective rolling ring riding surface.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a top isometric perspective view of one example of the disclosed vehicle with bottom riding surface and protective rolling ring riding surface.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a top isometric perspective view of one example of the disclosed vehicle with bottom riding surface and a clam shell top riding surface.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of one example of the disclosed vehicle with bottom riding surface and an axial roll protection riding surface.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a top isometric perspective view of one example of the disclosed vehicle with bottom capsule riding surface and a top capsule riding surface.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a top isometric perspective view showing a single rider vehicle with a continuous capsule riding surface.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a top isometric perspective view of one example of the disclosed vehicle with a segmented capsule bottom riding surface, a segmented capsule top riding surface and a rider.
[0016] FIG. 10 is an isometric perspective view of one example of the disclosed vehicle with top riding surface, bottom riding surface and a tertiary ring riding surface.
[0017] FIG. 1 1 is a top view of one example of the disclosed apparatus showing the rider restrained in the vehicle inside the flume with stabilizing sliding surfaces. [0018] FIG. 12 is a cross section view of a rider in a vertical drop unsafely falling into a prior art flume.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a cross section view of a rider restrained in one example of the disclosed vehicle inside a vertical drop with stabilizing sliding surfaces of the vehicle protecting the rider from falling into the flume.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a cross section view of a rider in a vertical loop unsafely falling into the flume.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a cross section view of a rider restrained in a vehicle inside a vertical loop with stabilizing sliding surfaces of the vehicle protecting the rider from direct contact with the flume.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a front view of a slide assembly having a substantially vertical drop section and vertical 360° loop section.
[0023] FIG. 17 is a side view of one example of a slide assembly having a vertical drop and vertical loop section.
[0024] FIG. 18 is an isometric perspective view of a one example of a slide
assembly having a vertical drop and a vertical loop section.
[0025] FIG. 19 is a side view of another example of the disclosed apparatus.
[0026] FIG. 20 is a top isometric view of the example shown in Fig. 19 in an
opened position.
[0027] FIG. 21 is a side view of the example shown in FIG. 19 in an opened
position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] This disclosure describes several examples of waterslide vehicles that provide a protective framework around the rider to protect them in vertically steep flumes. Flumes having steep sliding slopes (up to 70 75° from a horizontal plane) are known in the art, however; it has not previously been safe for a rider to traverse down a steep (>70°) flume, vertical( substantially 90° from a horizontal plane) drop, or over a vertical loop, due to safety concerns. Such safety concerns include injuries to the rider associated with the rider sliding unprotected in the waterslide and potentially impacting inner walls of the flume. Specific safety concerns are addressed below.
[0029] Fig. 1 is a perspective isometric view of one example of a multi rider
vehicle 10 comprising multiple rider carriages 1 1 , 12, and 13. Each rider carriage 1 1 , 12, 13 potentially supporting a rider therein. The rider carriages 1 1 , 12, 13 may be connected by a framework 33 so as to keep the rider(s) from contacting the inner walls 51 of the tubular flume 14. Fig. 17 shows the flume 14 made of multiple straight and curved sections similar to that shown in Fig. 1 . When properly configured and interconnected, the sections form an amusement ride which water flows and a rider traverses the flume 14 downstream in the flowing water. Many components of this vehicle 10 in several examples are shown in international patent application PCT/CA2014/050472 filed on May 21 , 2014 and incorporated herein by reference and relied upon for background support. This international patent application PCT/CA2014/050472 claims priority to US provisional application 61/825,773 filed on May 21 , 2013, which also
incorporated herein by reference and relied upon for background support.
[0030] Fig. 2 is a top view showing rotation 15 of one example of the multiple rider vehicle 10 positioned inside a section of a tubular flume 14. In this view it, can be seen that each rider will be protected from direct contact with the inner walls 51 by the individual support carriages and the interconnecting frame 33. In this example a plurality of (three) support carriages are provided, each has an outer cylindrical or curved surface. A coupling frame is provided between the support carriages so as to radially space the support carriages apart from each other by a distance substantially corresponding to the inner surface of the flume 14. As illustrated in Fig. 2, when located within the flume 14, the support car agesH , 12, 13 are permitted to rotate 15 about the axis 52 of the vehicle 10. Although three support carriages are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, it will be appreciated that other numbers of support carriages may also be used.
[0031] Fig. 3 is an isometric perspective view of one example showing a singular rider vehicle 54 with a bottom riding surface 16 (in this position) and protective rolling ring riding surface 17. The rolling riding surface 18 protects the rider when the vehicle is inverted such that the rider may otherwise face wise impact the inner walls 51 of the flume 14. As the rider is securely attached to the vehicle 54, they are protected from behind by the bottom riding surface 16 and in the sides by the peripheral walls. The rolling riding surface 17 protects the front of the rider. The rolling riding surface 17 does not substantially hinder their vision or riding experience. In one form of construction, this vehicle 54 is made with inflated sections. In another example the vehicle 54 is made from rigid or semi-rigid foam, coated with a durable outer layer. In one example the foam used is closed cell foam.
[0032] Fig. 4 is an isometric perspective view showing a singular rider vehicle 56 with a bottom riding surface 16 and protective rolling ring riding surface 18 with a gap 19 at the apex thereof so as to improve the riders experience by improving the rider's field of view compared to other examples. The rolling riding surface 18 protects the rider when the vehicle is inverted such that the rider's front side and face may otherwise impact the inner walls 51 of the flume 14. As the rider is securely attached to the vehicle 56, the rider is protected from behind by the bottom riding surface 16 and in the sides by the peripheral walls of the vehicle 56. The rolling riding surface 18 protects the front of the rider. The rolling riding surface 18 does not substantially hinder their vision or riding experience. The gap 19 improves the rider's vision and riding experience over the previous example, and does not dangerously reduce protection afforded by the rolling riding surface. In one form of construction, this vehicle 56 is made with inflated sections. In another example the vehicle 56 is made from rigid or semi-rigid foam, coated with a durable outer layer. In one example the foam used is closed cell foam.
[0033] Fig. 5 is an isometric perspective view showing a singular rider vehicle 58 with bottom riding surface 16 and a clam shell top riding surface 20. In this example the rider is more securely surrounded by the vehicle 60, and vision is more affected, thus, windows 59 made of a transparent or translucent material may be used. In one form of construction, this vehicle 58 is made with inflated sections. In another example the vehicle 58 is made from rigid or semi-rigid foam, coated with a durable outer layer. In one example the foam used is closed cell foam.
[0034] Fig. 6 is an isometric perspective view showing a singular rider vehicle 60 with bottom riding surface 16 and an axial roll protection riding surface 21 . As can be seen, the axial roll protection riding surface 21 runs from the front of the vehicle to the rear, rather than laterally as shown in Fig. 3. In one form of construction, this vehicle 60 is made with inflated sections. In another example the vehicle 60 is made from rigid or semi-rigid foam, coated with a durable outer layer. In one example the foam used is closed cell foam.
[0035] Fig. 7 is an isometric perspective view showing a singular rider vehicle with bottom capsule riding surface 22 and a top capsule riding surface 23. In one form of construction, this vehicle is made with inflated sections. In another example the vehicle is made from rigid or semi-rigid foam, coated with a durable outer layer. In one example the foam used is closed cell foam. The top capsule riding surface 23 may be attached to the bottom capsule riding surface at a hinge on the rearward side thereof, and a latching mechanism on the front side thereof.
[0036] Fig. 8 is an isometric perspective view showing a singular rider vehicle with a continuous (single component) capsule riding surface 24. In one form of construction, this vehicle is made with inflated sections. In another example the vehicle is made from rigid or semi-rigid foam, coated with a durable outer layer.
[0037] Fig. 9 is an isometric perspective view showing a singular rider vehicle with a segmented capsule bottom riding surface 25, a segmented capsule top riding surface 26 and a rider 27. In one example, each arc of the top riding surface 26 is hinged on one lateral side to the bottom riding surface 25 and latched thereto at the other lateral side. In one form of construction, this vehicle is made with inflated sections. In another example the vehicle is made from rigid or semi-rigid foam, coated with a durable outer layer.
[0038] Fig. 10 is an isometric perspective view showing a multi rider disc shaped vehicle with top riding surface 28, bottom riding surface 29 and a tertiary ring riding surface 30. In this example, each wedge-shaped rider capsule of the top riding surface 28 is hinged at one side to the bottom riding surface and latched at the other side. This example of a vehicle is useful in river riding style rides where the vehicle (raft) may become inverted during the ride.
[0039] Fig. 1 1 is a top highly schematic view showing the rider 31 restrained in another example of a vehicle 32 inside a flume 14 with stabilizing sliding surfaces 34. As with the other examples, the vehicle 32 keeps the rider 31 from contacting the inner walls 51 of the flume 14 regardless of the orientation (angle) of the axis 52 of the flume 14 relative to a horizontal plane. For example, when the flume 14 is completely vertical such that the axis 52 is substantially vertical or orthogonal to the horizontal plane the vehicle 32 will still maintain the rider 31 near the axis 52 of the flume 14 in a safe position. In this way, the vehicle 32 can protect the rider 31 from contacting the inner walls 51 even during high velocities, tight radius turns, or in other orientations where the rider 31 may otherwise randomly or undesirably contact the flume 14. In most waterslide amusement rides, this potential for contact is overcome by a stream of water flowing down the flume 14. The flume 14 never being in a completely vertical orientation such that the rider 31 is maintained substantially within the stream of water through the turns of the waterslide. Problems however are encountered as a rider traverses a waterslide such as when the rider drags their hands, sits up, or otherwise slows themselves down such that their forward velocity is less than the forward velocity of the stream of water. In a tight turn, this slowing down can result in the rider rolling, twisting, or flipping onto their face, thus potentially becoming injured. Rolling, twisting, and flipping is commonly overcome by maintaining the waterslide flume at a slope/angle of less than 70° from the horizontal plane to keep the rider in the stream of water. In this way, the rider will tend to slide down towards the lower region of the waterslide rather than flipping onto their face, coming out of the water stream, or otherwise becoming injured.
[0040] Fig. 12 is a cross section view of a rider 35 in a vertical drop unsafely
falling into the flume 14. In this view at can be seen how the rider 35 has become disoriented (twisted) relative to the axis 52 of the flume 14. This twisting can result due to an initial vertical drop after entry into the waterslide, during a tight radius turn or vertical loop if the rider has reduced their velocity. In this Fig., it can be seen that the rider 35 has twisted and the rider's head 62 has nearly impacted the inner surface 51 of the flume 14 at region 64 and/or the rider's legs 68 have nearly impacted the inner surface 51 of the flume 14 at region 70. This twisting can not only result in impact injury due to the rider 35 contacting the inner surfaces of the flume 14 but could potentially also cause substantial injury should the rider 35 become wedged within the flume 14 in this position. As previously described, the vehicles disclosed herein prohibit such direct contact, and misalignment of the rider 35 relative to the flume 14 provided that the stabilizing surfaces 34 of the vehicle did not allow longitudinal rotation of the vehicle relative to the flume 14. As previously discussed, rotation about the longitudinal axis may be beneficial.
[0041] Fig. 13 is a highly schematic cross section view of a rider 37 restrained in a vehicle 38 inside a vertical drop with stabilizing sliding surfaces 40 of the vehicle protecting the rider from directly contacting or twisting within the inner walls of the flume 14. [0042] Fig. 14 is a highly schematic cross section view of a rider 41 entering a vertical loop unsafely falling from the upper inner wall 51 a to the lower inner wall 51 b. In this view, it can be seen that the rider 41 has reached or nearly reached the apex 72 of a loop section 48 without the aid of a vehicle as described above. In this view the rider 41 did not enter the loop 48 with sufficient velocity to circumnavigate the radially outward edge, and therefore has fallen from the upper inner wall 51 a and is about to contact their head at the lower inner wall 51 b at contact point 74. This is one of the reasons in which loops have not previously been attempted in waterslide amusement rides
[0043] Fig. 15 is a highly schematic cross sectional view of a rider 43 restrained in a vehicle 44 inside a vertical loop. The vehicle 44 having stabilizing sliding surfaces 46 protecting the rider from falling into the lower inner walls 51 b of the flume 14. In this view, the same rider position within the flume 14 is shown as is shown in Fig. 14 however, the rider 43 is restrained within the protective vehicle 44 and will not dangerously contact the inner walls 51 of the flume 14. In this example, should the rider have insufficient velocity to circumnavigate the loop 48, such that they reverse direction the rider will then slide as shown in Fig. 17 in direction 78 toward an exit section 76. The exit section 76 being open on the upper side thereof or openable so as to allow removal of the vehicle and rider safely.
[0044] Fig. 16 is a front view of one example of a slide assembly having a vertical drop 47 and vertical loop section 48.
[0045] Fig. 17 is a side view of one example of a slide assembly having a vertical drop 47 and vertical loop section 48.
[0046] Fig. 18 is an isometric view of a slide assembly having a vertical drop 47 and vertical loop section 48. The rider starts at the launch section 49, traverses the vertical drop 47, traverses the vertical loop 48, and exits at the end of the slide 50. [0047] In operation, the vehicle slides down the vertical flume section (or over the vertical loop section) and is safely restrained from falling forward/back or down onto the inner lower surface 51 b of the flume due to the outer diameter of the vehicle being substantially the same as the inner diameter of the flume 14.
[0048] Looking to Fig. 19 is shown a vehicle 32 having stabilizing surfaces 34a- 34d that ride against the inner surface 51 of a waterslide flume 14 as a rider, positioned within the vehicle 32 traverses the waterslide flume 14. In this example, the vehicle 32 comprises a rigid frame 80 within which the rider lies in a prone position, with their feet toward the forward end 82 of the vehicle 32 and their head at the rearward end 84.
[0049] The rider may be held within the vehicle by way of a 5-point harness 86. In another example, the inner surface of the frame 80 may be configured with restraint surfaces 88 holding the rider in position.
[0050] In the example shown, the upper section 90 is hinged to the lower section 92 at a hinge 94. A latch 96 may be used to securely connect the front end 98 of the upper section to the lower section.
[0051] To reduce impact jarring, and to protect the relatively delicate inner
surfaces 51 of the flume 14, resilient protective panels 100a-100d may be provided on the frame 80. These resilient protective panels 100 forming sliding surfaces 34. In one form, the protective panels 100 are closed cell foam coated with a protective layer and attached to the frame 80, in one form the protective layer is a fabric or woven material such as polyvinyl.
[0052] In one form the frame 80 incorporates mesh or similar panels 102
spanning between individual frame components to ensure that the rider's hands, arms, feet, legs, etc. do not exit the vehicle 32 while the rider is traversing the flume 14.
[0053] While the present invention is illustrated by description of several
embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments are described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications within the scope of the appended claims will readily appear to those sufficed in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicants' general concept.

Claims

1 . A waterslide vehicle comprising of more than one radially outward riding surface that provides safe travel through a vertical flume section of a waterslide by restraining the rider(s) position radially central in the flume and prevents the rider from directly contacting the flume.
2. The waterslide vehicle as recited in claim 1 wherein the waterslide vehicle
comprises a rigid frame substantially surrounding the rider.
3. The waterslide vehicle as recited in claim 2 wherein the rigid frame comprises resilient panels that form sliding surfaces that directly contact inner surface of the waterslide flume.
4. An amusement ride comprising: a tubular flume having a substantially vertical section; the tubular flume having an exit and an entrance vertically above the exit; the tubular flume having a central axis; wherein the axis of the tubular flume has at least one region which is substantially vertical; the amusement ride configured to provide a volume of water flowing from the entrance to the exit by gravitational force; a vehicle traversing within the tubular flume from the entrance to the exit; and the vehicle protecting at last one rider from direct contact with the tubular flume.
5. The amusement ride as recited in claim 4 wherein the tubular flume comprises a 360° vertical loop.
6. The amusement ride as re recited in claim 4 wherein the tubular flume
comprises:
• an exit section between the entrance and the substantially vertical region; and the exit section open at the top for removal of the vehicle and rider.
PCT/US2015/057413 2014-10-26 2015-10-26 Method of safely traversing a waterslide vertical flume WO2016069494A1 (en)

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WO2018146501A1 (en) * 2017-02-07 2018-08-16 Szucs Gyula Capsule formation for slides, and experience park and entertainment complex system implemented with the capsule
WO2019060193A1 (en) * 2017-09-25 2019-03-28 Universal City Studios Llc Amusement park capsule ride

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JPH0671398U (en) * 1993-03-19 1994-10-07 勝彦 大畠 Breathable mobile airbag
US7497784B2 (en) * 2004-11-24 2009-03-03 Water Ride Concepts, Inc. Rollable carrier ride
WO2014186895A1 (en) * 2013-05-21 2014-11-27 Skyturtle Technologies Ltd. Water slide having axialy rotatable waterslide vehicle

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JPS62120868A (en) * 1985-11-20 1987-06-02 鹿島建設株式会社 Coaster apparatus for leisure land
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WO2018146501A1 (en) * 2017-02-07 2018-08-16 Szucs Gyula Capsule formation for slides, and experience park and entertainment complex system implemented with the capsule
WO2019060193A1 (en) * 2017-09-25 2019-03-28 Universal City Studios Llc Amusement park capsule ride
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