CA2852868A1 - Inflatable water attraction and ride vehicle - Google Patents
Inflatable water attraction and ride vehicle Download PDFInfo
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- CA2852868A1 CA2852868A1 CA2852868A CA2852868A CA2852868A1 CA 2852868 A1 CA2852868 A1 CA 2852868A1 CA 2852868 A CA2852868 A CA 2852868A CA 2852868 A CA2852868 A CA 2852868A CA 2852868 A1 CA2852868 A1 CA 2852868A1
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- water
- sliding surface
- rider
- attraction
- coating
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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
Abstract
A water or other amusement attraction or ride vehicle that includes an inflatable portion or material. A coating or sheet is applied to at least a part of the inflatable portion for achieving a desired amount of friction between the inflatable portion and a sliding surface and/or a rider that makes contact therewith. More than one coating or sheet may be disposed on varying portions of the inflatable portion with greater or less frictional coefficients configured to alter rider movement. The inflatable portion inflates flat and the coating or sheet may be a flexible coating or sheet that is configured to allow for movement of the inflatable portion during use. A rider may travel from an entry area to an exit area along the sliding surface that incorporates inflatable portions. A plantroom for housing equipment, such as water pumps, may make up a portion of the entry end.
Description
INFLATABLE WATER ATTRACTION AND RIDE
VEHICLE
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
61/828,607, filed on May 29, 2013, entitled "INFLATABLE WATER ATTRACTION AND
RIDE VEHICLE," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
VEHICLE
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
61/828,607, filed on May 29, 2013, entitled "INFLATABLE WATER ATTRACTION AND
RIDE VEHICLE," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present invention relates generally to amusement attractions, such as wave machines, or ride vehicles for use on amusement attractions. More particularly, the present invention relates to amusement or water attractions or ride vehicles for use thereon that incorporate one or more inflatable areas or portions.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Water attractions (e.g., waterslides, surfing slides or machines, boogie-boarding slides, etc.) are a popular entertainment activity during periods of warm weather.
Conventional water attractions are commonly made of fiberglass or other rigid or semi-rigid materials that provide a smooth and slippery surface for supporting a flow of water thereon to transport a rider from an entrance to an exit. A variety of different types of ride vehicles (e.g., inner tubes, body boards, surf boards, floatation devices, etc.) may be used by the rider when the rider travels along the water attraction by supporting the rider as the ride vehicle slides along the sliding surface.
Conventional water attractions are commonly made of fiberglass or other rigid or semi-rigid materials that provide a smooth and slippery surface for supporting a flow of water thereon to transport a rider from an entrance to an exit. A variety of different types of ride vehicles (e.g., inner tubes, body boards, surf boards, floatation devices, etc.) may be used by the rider when the rider travels along the water attraction by supporting the rider as the ride vehicle slides along the sliding surface.
[0006] Maintaining low friction between the rider (or a ride vehicle that the rider rides upon) and the sliding surface that supports the flow of water helps ensure the ride is exciting or thrilling since the lower the friction on the sliding surface of the water attraction, typically the greater the speed that the rider may achieve. Lower friction between the rider and the sliding surface can also increase the comfort of the rider since it aids in preventing undesirable rubbing on the rider's skin or tugging at the rider's swimsuit.
When using a ride vehicle, low friction can also aid in lengthening the life of the ride vehicle and the water attraction due to reduced wear and tear to each of the ride vehicle and the water attraction as the ride vehicle travels down the water attraction, which can reduce maintenance or install costs.
When using a ride vehicle, low friction can also aid in lengthening the life of the ride vehicle and the water attraction due to reduced wear and tear to each of the ride vehicle and the water attraction as the ride vehicle travels down the water attraction, which can reduce maintenance or install costs.
[0007] One type of water attraction that has proven a popular lure for patrons to water or other amusement parks or venues is the surfing machine or simulator. These machines may be used both for entertainment purposes as well as training purposes for helping instruct individuals that may be wary or otherwise unable to surf out in the open ocean.
Conventional surf machines utilize water pumps cooperating with nozzles or jets to flow a layer of water over a surface that allows riders to skim atop the water flow.
A sliding surface of the surf machines is conventionally a rigid or semi-rigid, low-friction surface that supports maneuvering by riders upon a conventional or modified surfboard or boogie board.
Conventional surf machines utilize water pumps cooperating with nozzles or jets to flow a layer of water over a surface that allows riders to skim atop the water flow.
A sliding surface of the surf machines is conventionally a rigid or semi-rigid, low-friction surface that supports maneuvering by riders upon a conventional or modified surfboard or boogie board.
[0008] Unfortunately, users without much surfing experience, either in the ocean or upon surfing machines, commonly fall off of the board during early attempts at using surfing machines. The surfaces of these apparatuses make uncomfortable contact with a rider upon the rider's falling off of their board. Moreover, the risk of falling while walking on conventional surf machines (e.g., when entering or exiting the portion of the ride to be surfed upon) is heightened since the surfing machine surface must commonly be manufactured to be slippery in order to adequately allow for low-friction between a rider's board and the surface of the ride.
[0009] As the surfing machine market becomes more popular, water venues increasingly look to new surfing machines that can provide novel experiences to riders or improve comfort or safety to riders interacting therewith. Moreover, as the surfing industry becomes more sophisticated and the influence of extreme sports becomes more popular, more extreme standing waves created by such surfing machines is desired in order to satisfy the thrill anticipated by these new generation of users, both adults and children. As new surfing machines are developed, particularly those with more extreme characteristics, safety concerns, manueverability, and rider comfort must be adequately addressed.
[0010] Thus, an improved water attraction configured to help ensure rider safety, reduce rider discomfort, and/or to improve rider maneuverability is desired. Ideally, the water attraction would allow a rider to make contact with the surface of the water attraction, for example, upon falling off of a ride vehicle, with reduced risk of injury or discomfort.
Moreover, the water attraction would ideally permit improved control, either by the rider themselves, or by the ride designer and/or operator, over the speed, location, orientation, or other maneuverability characteristic as the rider uses the water attraction.
SUMMARY
Moreover, the water attraction would ideally permit improved control, either by the rider themselves, or by the ride designer and/or operator, over the speed, location, orientation, or other maneuverability characteristic as the rider uses the water attraction.
SUMMARY
[0011] An amusement attraction and/or ride vehicle using inflatable materials and/or coatings are disclosed. In one embodiment, an amusement attraction may include a sliding surface configured to support a rider thereon, the sliding surface extending from a first area to a second area and wherein at least a part of the sliding surface includes an inflatable material, and a first coating applied to at least a portion of the inflatable material.
[0012] In another embodiment, a water attraction may include a sliding surface configured to support a rider thereon, the sliding surface extending from an entry end to an exit end and wherein at least a part of the sliding surface is an inflatable material, a first coating applied to a first portion of the inflatable material and configured to aid in sliding the rider from the entry end to the exit end along the sliding surface, and a second coating applied to a second portion of the inflatable material and configured to slow the rider after the rider slides along the sliding surface.
[0013] In still another embodiment, a ride vehicle for a rider to use on an amusement attraction may include a first material defining a first surface, at least a portion of the first surface configured to contact at least a portion of the rider, the first surface having a front end, a rear end, and a side end, an inflatable material coupled with the first material and defining a second surface, at least a portion of the second surface configured to contact a sliding surface of the amusement attraction, and a first flexible coating applied to the inflatable material for lowering a frictional force exerted by the sliding surface of the water attraction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014]
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the different views, wherein:
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the different views, wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a bottom view of a ride vehicle having more than one type of material with differing coefficients of friction according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2A shows a top view of a ride vehicle having an inflatable portion according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2B shows a bottom view of the ride vehicle of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2C shows a side view of the ride vehicle of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2D shows a front view of the ride vehicle of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a water attraction having an inflatable portion and side containments according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a water attraction having an inflatable portion and a permanent plantroom structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4B shows a side view of the water attraction of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4C shows a top view of the water attraction of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a water attraction having an inflatable portion and a permanent plantroom structure with water nozzles at an upper elevation of the plant room according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5B shows a top view of the water attraction of FIG. 5A according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 5C shows a side view of the water attraction of FIG. 5A according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 6A shows a rear perspective view of a water attraction having an inflatable portion according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 6B shows a front perspective view of the water attraction of FIG.
6A according to an embodiment of the present invention;
6A according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 6C shows a top view of the water attraction of FIG. 6A according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0030] FIG. 6D shows a side view of the water attraction of FIG. 6A according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings and pictures, which show the exemplary embodiments by way of illustration and its best mode. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation.
For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. Moreover, any of the functions or steps may be outsourced to or performed by one or more third parties. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component may include a singular embodiment.
100321 Water attractions may incorporate a sliding surface configured to support a rider thereon, either upon a ride vehicle or without a ride vehicle, as the rider travels from one end or area of the water attraction to another. One type of water attraction is a downward sloped water ride that moves a rider at a fast speed from one area to another.
Another type of water attraction is a body skimming attraction where a flow of water is provided over a sliding surface and counteracts the pull of gravity of a user on the sliding surface such that the user may skim atop the water, using either their body and/or a ride vehicle. Still another type of water attraction is a surfing attraction or simulator that uses a flow of water over a surface that a rider may skim on top of. These surfing attractions are products may use a thin (e.g., sheet) flow of water or a deeper (e.g., standing wave) flow of water. Riders may skim or ride on top of the water using a boogie board, body board, surfboard, or any other type of riding vehicle, whether inflatable or not and whether configured to be stood upon, sat upon, laid upon, or otherwise in contact with a portion of a body of the rider. Any of these exemplary water attractions, and other amusement attractions, may incorporate the concepts discussed in greater detail herein.
100331 Turning first to FIG. 1, a bottom view of a ride vehicle 100 having more than one type of material is shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the ride vehicle 100 is in the form of a body board configured to support a rider thereon for use in a water attraction.
Alternative embodiments may utilize modified dimensions or different shapes, sizes, or configurations other than those explicitly illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1. The ride vehicle 100 may additionally or alternatively be configured for use in attractions that use other = types of fluid or lubrication for sliding a rider down a portion of a sliding surface, for example, snow, air, glycerin, etc.
[0034] The ride vehicle 100 has a front end 102 and a rear end 104. A rider positions themselves on the ride vehicle 100 with their head positioned near or adjacent to the front end 102 and their legs or feet positioned near or adjacent to the rear end 104. A
bottom surface 110 is configured to slide along a sliding surface of a water attraction while a top surface (not shown) of the ride vehicle 100 makes contact with one or more parts of the rider's body and supports the rider as the rider travels along the water attraction. In an alternative embodiment, the ride vehicle 100 may be used to support the rider in other positions (e.g., backwards, sitting down, standing up, etc.).
[0035]
The bottom surface 110 of the ride vehicle 100 is made up of an inflatable material.
The bottom surface 110 being made of an inflatable material may provide a softer and/or more maneuverable landing to riders if the ride vehicle 100 and the rider go airborne during travel along a water attraction. The inflatable material may be any of a variety of types of materials and may make up all or a portion of the bottom surface 110. In the preferred embodiment, the inflatable material inflates flat or substantially flat. In one embodiment, the inflatable material that inflates flat may be a drop stitch material. In certain embodiments, the inflatable material may be replaceable on the ride vehicle 100 in order to allow for repair or replacement when friction due to the sliding surface of the water attraction wears down the bottom surface 110 to undesirable levels. The bottom surface 110 being an inflatable portion that can be replaced may reduce cost since only a portion of the ride vehicle 100 need be replaced due to wear and tear instead of purchasing an entirely new ride vehicle 100. The replaceable inflatable portion may additionally allow individuals or park operators to purchase the ride vehicle 100 and customize it with more costly decals, paintjobs, etc. than might otherwise be feasible since the entire ride vehicle 100 need not require replacement when the bottom surface does. In an alternative embodiment, the bottom surface 110 need not be inflatable, but may comprise any other type of cushioned and/or slippery material.
[0036]
The bottom surface 110 of the ride vehicle 100 is coated with a first flexible coating or material 120 and a second flexible coating or material 130. The first flexible coating or material 120 has a lower coefficient of friction than the second flexible coating or material 130. The first flexible coating or material 120 is disposed substantially in a center or middle area on the bottom surface 110 of the ride vehicle 100 for promoting increased speed when sliding on the sliding surface of the water attraction. The second flexible coating or material 130 is disposed substantially along the side or perimeter areas on the bottom surface 110 of the ride vehicle 100 for promoting increased grip with the sliding surface of the water attraction and thereby encourages the board to turn or rotate when in contact with the sliding surface. In an alternative embodiment, an inflatable portion of a ride vehicle may only exist in areas of the board where low friction is desired (e.g., where the first flexible coating or material 120 is to be disposed).
[0037] An alternative embodiment may use greater or fewer flexible coatings or materials upon the bottom surface 110 and/or may include the flexible coatings or materials in alternative positions or configurations along the bottom surface 110. For example, a flexible coating or material with a higher coefficient of friction relative to its surrounding materials may be placed on a rear area of a bottom surface of a ride vehicle to allow a rider to lean backwards in an attempt to slow or brake the ride vehicle, such as at an exiting portion of a water attraction. In another example, a flexible coating or material with a lower coefficient of friction relative to its surrounding materials may be placed on a front area of a bottom surface of a ride vehicle to allow a rider to lean forwards in an attempt to increase the speed of the ride vehicle.
[0038] FIG. 2A shows a top view of a ride vehicle 200 having an inflatable portion. The ride vehicle 200 may include the same or similar features as previously discussed for FIG. 1.
Similar to the discussion above, the ride vehicle 200 includes a front end 202 and a rear end 204 and is configured to support a rider in contact therewith when traveling down a sliding surface of a water attraction. Alternative embodiments may utilize modified dimensions or different shapes, sizes, or configurations other than those explicitly illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 2A. A top surface 205 of the ride vehicle 200 is configured to make contact with at least a portion of a rider when used to slide upon a sliding surface of a water or other amusement attraction. Hand holds (206, 207) are coupled with the top surface 205 of the ride vehicle 200 to help the rider maintain contact and/or maneuver with the ride vehicle 200 during use. The hand holds (206, 207) may be handlebars that extend outward from the top surface 205 to allow the rider to hold onto or may be any other type of hold that allows the rider improved grip on the ride vehicle 200 (e.g., indentations, pockets, or cutouts for the rider to insert one or more fingers). Greater or fewer hand holds may be positioned on the ride vehicle 200 in alternative embodiments.
[0039] An inflatable portion 209 of the ride vehicle 200 is coupled or fastened with the top surface 205. In certain embodiments, the inflatable portion 209 may be integrally formed with the top surface 205. The inflatable portion 209 extends beneath the top surface 205 and out to the side, for example around a perimeter of the top surface 205 as demonstrated in FIGS. 2A-2D. The inflatable portion 209 may be filled with air or other fluids (e.g., helium, water, etc.), for example, via an opening 212 that is covered by a cap 208 after fill in order to maintain the air or other fluid within the inflatable portion 209. As shown in FIG. 2B, which shows a bottom view of the ride vehicle 200 of FIG. 2A, at least a part of the inflatable portion 209 forms a bottom surface 210 of the ride vehicle 200. The bottom surface 210 is configured to slide upon a sliding surface of a water or other amusement attraction. Similar to the previous discussion above for FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the inflatable portion 209 may inflate flat or substantially flat, may be a drop stitch material, and may be replaceable on the ride vehicle 200. An alternative embodiment may use other materials for the inflatable portion 209.
[0040] FIG. 2C shows a side view of the ride vehicle 200. As demonstrated, the inflatable portion 209 may make up sidewalls of the ride vehicle 200 in addition to being disposed along a bottom of the ride vehicle 200. The front end 202 of the ride vehicle 200 is curved upwards by an angle 225 from the plane 227 that substantially lies along at least part of the bottom surface 210. This curvature may help increase the speed that the ride vehicle 200 can travel down a water attraction or may increase rider comfort by helping eliminate splashes of water from hitting the rider's eyes or face. The angle 225 can be any desired angle from the plane 227. In alternative embodiments, no angle 225 from the plane 227 may be used (e.g., 0 deg.).
[0041] FIG. 2D shows a front view of the ride vehicle 200 and demonstrates the inflatable portion 209 coupled to the top surface 205 to make up the bottom surface 210 and sidewalls of the ride vehicle 200. In addition to the curvature of the inflatable portion 209 at the front end 202, as shown and discussed above for FIG. 2C, the inflatable portion 209 may also be curved upward at the sides by angles (235, 237) with respect to the plane 227 that substantially lies along at least part of the bottom surface 210. Angles (235, 237) may be equal to each other or may be different from one another. Angles (235, 237) may be constant or may change along the curvature (e.g., the inflatable portion 209 may be formed with an increasing curvature).
These curvatures that form a rounded underside may help in the maneuverability or steerability of the ride vehicle 200 by the rider, for example, when the rider pulls or pushes on one or more of the hand holds (206, 207).
[0042] A coating may be disposed upon all or some of the inflatable portion 209, for example, the bottom surface 210. The coating may be a flexible coating that is applied to the inflatable portion 209, for example, to aid in obtaining a low friction ride surface on the bottom surface 210 of the ride vehicle and/or to help cover seams or joints that may be present on the ride vehicle 200. Preferably, the coating bonds or keys properly to the inflatable portion 209 while accommodating movement. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible coating may be a polymer coating and/or aliphatic compounds that is applied to the inflatable portion 209.
[0043] The application of the coating may be performed by any of a number of techniques, including spraying on the coating, rolling on the coating, brushing on the coating, etc. In one embodiment, the coating may be applied to the inflatable portion 209 that is fully inflated or substantially inflated and is allowed to cure prior to substantial deflation of the inflatable portion 209. The coating may additionally or alternatively be applied to areas of the ride vehicle 200 that are not inflatable. In still other embodiments, the coating may be applied to a sliding surface of the water attraction itself. In a preferred embodiment, the coating will be resistant to chlorine or otherwise compatible with the chlorine levels that are typical or expected in a water attraction where the ride vehicle 200 will be used. The coating may additionally or alternatively be resistant to ultraviolet ("UV") damage from the sun.
= [0044] Turning next to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a water attraction 300 having an inflatable portion and side containments is shown. The water attraction 300 includes an entry or starting area 302, an exit area 304, and a sliding surface 310 disposed therebetween. In one embodiment, the sliding surface 310 may be approximately 6 meters in width W.
The exit area 304 may merely be a surface positioned at the end of the sliding surface 310 for allowing a rider to stand and walk away (e.g., may have a lower frictional coefficient than the sliding surface 310) from the sliding surface 310 or may be any of a variety of other exiting designs (e.g., a splash pool, a beach, etc.). In use, a rider enters the water attraction 300 via the entry area 302, travels along the sliding surface 310 towards the exit area 304, and subsequently exits via the exit area 304. The water attraction 310 may be ridden by a rider using their body alone or by incorporating a ride vehicle (e.g., the ride vehicle 100 or the ride vehicle 200 previously discussed in FIGS. 1 - 2D.
[0045]
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the entry area 302 is positioned at a higher elevation than the exit area 304, such that the sliding surface 310 is sloped downward from the entry area 302 to the exit area 304. Alternative embodiments may position an entry area lower than the exit area, or at the same level as the exit area. One or more nozzles 312 are positioned near or adjacent to the entry area 302 for supplying a flow of water onto the sliding surface 310. The flow of water travels from the nozzles 312 and along the sliding surface 310.
Thus, the movement of water and/or gravity acts to transfer a rider on the water attraction 300 from the entry area 302 to the exit area 304. Any number of nozzles 312 may be used in a particular embodiment (e.g., one or more nozzles). Any of a variety of devices or means may be used in addition to or in replacement of the nozzles 312 for providing water onto the sliding surface 310, for example, a sluice, water jets, water pumps, etc. The nozzles 312 may be =
= directional nozzles that are positioned to direct water flow in a specific, desired direction or orientation along the sliding surface 310.
[0046] A plurality of side containments 330 are positioned along outer edges of the sliding surface 310 and define a plurality of auxiliary exit locations (320, 321, 322, 323) at the sides of the water attraction 300. The side containments 330 may be any of a variety of heights in order to help keep the rider within a desired riding area along the sliding surface 310 and prevent the rider from unintentionally falling off the side of the water attraction 300. The side containments 330 may define greater or fewer exit locations (or may be continuous along outer edges of the sliding surface so as not to define any exit locations) in an alternative embodiment.
[0047]
The sliding surface 310 incorporates a plurality of humps or hills (340, 342, 344).
The first hill 340 has a first elevation H1 that may be 3 meters in one embodiment. The second hill 342 has a second elevation H2 that may be 2 meters in one embodiment. The third hill 344 has a third elevation 113 that may be 1.5 meters in one embodiment.
Thus, a rider on the sliding surface 310 will experience a series of rises and drops as they travel down the sliding surface 310 from the entry area 302 to the exit end 304. In an alternative embodiment, any number of humps or hills with varying elevations may be used or no humps or hills may be incorporated. In certain embodiments, additional nozzles may be placed along the sliding surface 310 to move or direct a rider in varying directions. For example, in one embodiment, one or more nozzles may be placed near or adjacent to the exit area 304 for moving or directing a rider back towards the entry area 302 and/or for allowing a rider to remain near one of the heights (H1, 112, 113) and skim laterally along the sliding surface 310. In another example embodiment, one or more nozzles may be placed adjacent to the sides to move or direct the rider in alternative directions along the rider's travel from the entry area 302 to the exit area 304 in order to provide a more thrilling or enjoyable ride experience.
[0048] All or a portion of the sliding surface 310 may be formed using an inflatable structure or material that is covered with a coating, the features of which are the same or similar to the inflatable features and coatings as previously discussed for FIGS. 1 ¨ 2D. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable structure or material will inflate substantially flat (e.g., may comprise a drop stitch material) and may be 50mm in thickness when inflated. In certain embodiments, the entry area 302 and/or the exit area 304 may also comprise an inflatable structure or material that is covered with a coating. In one example, a coating with a higher frictional coefficient may be used on the entry area 302 and/or the exit area 304 when compared with the coating used on the sliding surface 310 in order to lessen the risk of slipping or falling of riders as they attempt to enter or exit the ride.
Moreover, portions of the sliding surface 310 may have applied coatings with varying frictional coefficients (e.g., a higher frictional coefficient near, on, or adjacent to the exit locations (320, 321, 322, 323) and/or the side containments 330 to help slow down riders that get undesirably close to the side edges of the sliding surface 310. In addition, areas of the sliding surface 310 near or adjacent to the exit area 304 may have applied a coating with a higher frictional coefficient to similarly reduce the speed of a rider traveling on the sliding surface 310 as they near the exit area 304.
[0049] Turning next to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C a perspective view, a side view and a top view, respectively, of a water attraction 400 having an inflatable portion and without side containments is shown. The water attraction 400 may include the same or similar features as previously discussed. The water attraction 400 is shown without side containments and = includes a water reservoir 460 (see FIG. 4B) disposed beneath at least a part of an entry area 402, an exit area 404, and a sliding surface 410. Similar to the water attraction 300, the water attraction 400 flows 405 water or another fluid (e.g., via nozzles or another water delivery method) along the surface of the sliding surface 410. In one embodiment, the flow 405 should be sufficiently fast to reach the exit area 404.
[0050]
The sliding surface 410 is formed of an inflatable structure or material and coated with a flexible coating and includes a plurality of humps or hills (440, 442, 444) at a variety of heights (e.g., 3 meters, 2 meters, and 1.5 meters, respectively). In one embodiment, one or more of the humps or hills (440, 442, 444) may be an individual section or component such that they can be removed or replaced, for example with other sections or components, such as obstacles, while the remainder of the ride remains intact. Using the exit area 404 as the base elevation (e.g., 0 meters), the entry area 402 may be at a respective 3 meter height and the water reservoir 460 may extend 0.5 meters lower than the exit area 404. In an alternative embodiment, any of a variety of differing dimensions may be used.
[0051] A plantroom 480 is housed beneath, near, or adjacent to the entry area 402 for housing water pumps, piping, or other assorted equipment used for transporting the water or other fluid from the water reservoir 460 to the sliding surface 410. The plantroom 480 may be a permanent concrete structure in one embodiment, the top or roof of which serves as the entry area 402 of the water attraction 400. In this fashion, sealing problems of the plantroom 480 and/or improved energy efficiency in supplying water by equipment in the plantroom 480 may be minimized, as discussed in greater detail for FIGS. 5A ¨ 5C. A plurality of exit locations (420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425) (see FIG. 4C) (e.g., at a 0 meter height with respect to the exit end 404) are positioned along the sides of the sliding surface 410.
[0052] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show a perspective view, a top view and a side view, respectively, of a water attraction 500 having an inflatable portion with side containments and a plantroom structure. The water attraction 500 may include the same or similar features as previously discussed. The water attraction 500 is shown with an option for side containments 595 (e.g., walls, railings, and/or other barriers) that operate to help keep a rider on a sliding surface 510. In one embodiment, the side containments may be 500 meters high.
A water reservoir 560 is disposed beneath at least a part of an entry area 502, an exit area 504, and the sliding surface 510. Similar to the water attractions 300 and/or 400 (see FIGS. 3 ¨ 4C), the water attraction 500 flows 505 water or another fluid along the sliding surface 510. Water nozzles 512 or another type of water delivery mechanism may be used to provide the flow 505 in a desired direction or path along the water attraction 500. In one embodiment, the flow 505 should be sufficiently fast to reach the exit area 504 without substantially spilling or draining of the sides of the sliding surface 510.
[0053]
Similar to the previous discussions, the sliding surface 510 is formed of an inflatable structure or material and coated with a flexible coating and includes a plurality of humps or hills (540, 542, 544) of a variety of heights (e.g., 3 meters, 2 meters, and 1.5 meters, respectively). An alternative embodiment may use different dimensions. Located at the base of one or more of the hills are side exits (520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525) that allow a rider to exit from the sliding surface at those locations prior to traveling all the way to the exit end 504. A grated surface or drain (e.g., constructed of fiberglass) covering may be used at the side exits (520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525) and/or the exit area 504 to help drain water that drips from an exiting rider or that spills off from the flow 505 on the sliding surface 510 into the water reservoir 560. This may help reduce the amount of water depleted from the ride during operation and/or help increase ride safety by making the side exits (520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525) and/or the exit area 504 less slippery for riders walking thereon.
Greater or fewer side exits may be utilized in an alternative embodiment. In one embodiment, one or more of the humps or hills (540, 542, 544) may be an individual section or component such that they can be removed or replaced, for example with other sections or components, such as obstacles, while the remainder of the ride remains intact.
[0054] A plantroom 580 makes up at least a part of the entry area 502 and is used for housing water pumps, piping, and other assorted equipment used for transporting the water or other fluid from the water reservoir 560 to the sliding surface 510. The plantroom 580 may be a permanent concrete structure in one embodiment, the top or roof of which serves as the entry area 502 of the water attraction 500. As shown, the nozzles 512 are attached onto or are adjacent, but not attached, to the roof of the plant room 580 and direct the flow 505 away from the plant room 580 and onto the sliding surface 510, thus providing reduced sealing problems from the plant room 580 since little to no water will be present on the roof of the plant room 580.
[0055] A cover or flap 590 extends over a portion of the sliding surface 510 near the entry area 502 and extends to and/or attaches to the plant room 580 (e.g. to the concrete roof of the plant room 580) in front of the nozzles 512 in order to provide a smooth and/or safe surface connecting the entry area 502 to the sliding surface 510. In an alternative embodiment, the cover or flap 590 may extend over all or a portion of the nozzles 512 to prevent rider interference with the nozzles 512.
[0056] The plant room 580 is configured to contain equipment (e.g., water pumps, piping, etc.) for providing water from the water reservoir 560 to the nozzles 512. In one embodiment, = one water pump 596 may be used for operating five nozzles 512. In an alternative embodiment, two smaller water pumps may be used. With the nozzles 512 located on or adjacent to the roof of the plant room 580 and directing water immediately downward or horizontally onto the sliding surface 510, and not up in upwardly sloping direction, the necessary water velocity when exiting the nozzles 512 may be reduced or lower than would otherwise be required, thus providing energy savings during ride operation.
The height 562 (see FIG. 5C) of the water reservoir 560 depends upon the suction head and/or sizing of the water pump 596 and may be adjusted as desired in different embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, if greater suction head is desired, the height 562 of the water reservoir 560 may be increased at only the side of the reservoir 560 that is near or adjacent to the plantroom 580.
[0057] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an alternative embodiment of a water attraction 600 using an inflatable structure or material, the same or similar as previously discussed.
The water attraction 600, however, is configured to provide water uphill over an inflatable structure, for example, for surfing upon the flow of water on an inclined area. FIG. 6A shows a rear perspective view of the water attraction 600 and includes a ride surface 605, sidewalls 610, access areas 615, and a dewatering zone 620. Similar to previous discussions, the ride surface 605 may be formed, at least in part, by an inflatable material (e.g., a drop stitch or drop thread material). The sidewalls 610 may also be formed, at least in part, via the inflatable material.
A lacing cover 630 is coupled between the ride surface 605 and the sidewalls 610 for covering the seam and/or joints at the perimeter of the ride surface 605. In an alternative embodiment, a coating or other barrier may be provided in addition to or in replacement of the lacing cover 630. The sidewalls 610 at the access areas 615 are lowered to support ease of access onto or off of the ride surface 605. The dewatering zone 620 may be formed by a high tensile mesh material, for example, to allow water to flow or drain through the surface at the dewatering zone 620 and into a reservoir or piping system below (e.g., a reservoir disposed beneath the ride surface 605).
[0058] A tensioning tube 630 or other mechanism for tightening or tautening the ride surface 605 may be provided, either along an exterior of the water attraction 600 or contained within an interior of the water attraction 600 (e.g., within a reservoir disposed beneath the ride surface 605). As seen in FIG. 6B, which demonstrates a front perspective view of the water attraction 600, water pump connections 640 are provided for connecting the water pump, nozzle, and/or jet system to the water attraction 600. The water pump connections 640 may be standardized across a product line in order to support a variety of water flows (e.g., faster or slower, greater volume or less volume, etc.) upon the ride surface 605 based on the size or capability of the water pumps, nozzles, and/or jets that are connected.
[0059] FIGS. 6C and 6D show the water attraction 600 from a top view and a side view, respectively. As illustrated in the embodiment shown, the ride surface 605 may have three different zones, a delivery zone 650 where water is provided onto the ride surface 605, an entry/exit zone 655 where riders may enter or exit the ride surface 605, and a riding zone 660 where riders may ride or maneuver upon the ride surface 605. A structure 670 that houses or is coupled with water pumps and/or nozzles (681, 682, 683, 684) is positioned near or adjacent to the delivery zone 650 for the flowing of water from the water pumps and/or nozzles (681, 682, 683, 684) onto the ride surface 605. The water pumps and/or nozzles (681, 682, 683, 684) may interface with the water pump connections 640 shown on FIG. 6B. A
reservoir 690 for receiving water from the dewatering zone 620 prior to its provision onto the ride surface 605 via the water pumps and/or nozzles (681, 682, 683, 684) is located below the ride surface 605.
[0060] Although the embodiments shown and described above feature water attractions having particular configurations or shapes, an inflatable portion and/or coating applied to the inflatable portion may be implemented on any of a variety of water or other attractions. In one example, entry and/or exit areas or locations for a water ride may differ from those explicitly shown in the embodiments illustrated (e.g., an entry location may be above, below, or at the same level as one or more exit locations). In another example, a water attraction, such as a standing wave surfing ride, may have its entire main structure or sliding surface as an inflatable structure or made from an inflatable material. Alternatively, a water attraction, such as a standing wave surfing ride, may only be constructed with partially inflatable structures (e.g., at the entry and exit points and/or the sliding surface or riding area). In dewatering areas of a water attraction, such as at the exit points, an integral netting or grating may be used in place of, or in conjunction with, the inflatable materials at those locations.
[0061] The inflatable portion or portions may be used to help increase rider speed (e.g., via a low coefficient of friction coating applied to the inflatable portion), reduce rider speed (e.g., via a high coefficient of friction coating applied to the inflatable portion), or aid in changing the orientation of a rider or ride vehicle (e.g., via a combination of a low coefficient of friction coating and a high coefficient of friction coating applied to the inflatable portion in proximity to one another). In an alternative embodiment, instead or in addition to a coating applied to the inflatable material, a separate material or surface (e.g., a polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") sheet) may be coupled or fastened on top of the inflatable material. Materials or surfaces other than PVC may be used in an alternative embodiment. The inflatable portion may be = positioned at any desired location along the water attraction, for example, to provide a less rigid surface for more comfortably supporting riding thereon and/or to absorb an impact of the rider or a ride vehicle. For example, the inflatable structure may be completely above ground, completely below ground, or partially above and below ground. In some embodiments, a water reservoir of the water attraction may be made of the inflatable material.
100621 A water attraction using an inflatable portion or portions may be modular in nature such that it may be more easily manufactured, transportable, and/or constructed on a given location. For example, a water attraction using an inflatable portion or portions may be designed to be portable such that it is intended to be used at a given geographic location for a short period and then deflated and/or deconstructed and shipped to a new location.
100631 The previous description of the disclosed examples is provided to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosed methods and apparatus. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner.
Various modifications to these examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed method and apparatus. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the disclosed apparatus and methods. The steps of the method or algorithm may also be performed in an alternate order from those provided in the examples.
For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. Moreover, any of the functions or steps may be outsourced to or performed by one or more third parties. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component may include a singular embodiment.
100321 Water attractions may incorporate a sliding surface configured to support a rider thereon, either upon a ride vehicle or without a ride vehicle, as the rider travels from one end or area of the water attraction to another. One type of water attraction is a downward sloped water ride that moves a rider at a fast speed from one area to another.
Another type of water attraction is a body skimming attraction where a flow of water is provided over a sliding surface and counteracts the pull of gravity of a user on the sliding surface such that the user may skim atop the water, using either their body and/or a ride vehicle. Still another type of water attraction is a surfing attraction or simulator that uses a flow of water over a surface that a rider may skim on top of. These surfing attractions are products may use a thin (e.g., sheet) flow of water or a deeper (e.g., standing wave) flow of water. Riders may skim or ride on top of the water using a boogie board, body board, surfboard, or any other type of riding vehicle, whether inflatable or not and whether configured to be stood upon, sat upon, laid upon, or otherwise in contact with a portion of a body of the rider. Any of these exemplary water attractions, and other amusement attractions, may incorporate the concepts discussed in greater detail herein.
100331 Turning first to FIG. 1, a bottom view of a ride vehicle 100 having more than one type of material is shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the ride vehicle 100 is in the form of a body board configured to support a rider thereon for use in a water attraction.
Alternative embodiments may utilize modified dimensions or different shapes, sizes, or configurations other than those explicitly illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1. The ride vehicle 100 may additionally or alternatively be configured for use in attractions that use other = types of fluid or lubrication for sliding a rider down a portion of a sliding surface, for example, snow, air, glycerin, etc.
[0034] The ride vehicle 100 has a front end 102 and a rear end 104. A rider positions themselves on the ride vehicle 100 with their head positioned near or adjacent to the front end 102 and their legs or feet positioned near or adjacent to the rear end 104. A
bottom surface 110 is configured to slide along a sliding surface of a water attraction while a top surface (not shown) of the ride vehicle 100 makes contact with one or more parts of the rider's body and supports the rider as the rider travels along the water attraction. In an alternative embodiment, the ride vehicle 100 may be used to support the rider in other positions (e.g., backwards, sitting down, standing up, etc.).
[0035]
The bottom surface 110 of the ride vehicle 100 is made up of an inflatable material.
The bottom surface 110 being made of an inflatable material may provide a softer and/or more maneuverable landing to riders if the ride vehicle 100 and the rider go airborne during travel along a water attraction. The inflatable material may be any of a variety of types of materials and may make up all or a portion of the bottom surface 110. In the preferred embodiment, the inflatable material inflates flat or substantially flat. In one embodiment, the inflatable material that inflates flat may be a drop stitch material. In certain embodiments, the inflatable material may be replaceable on the ride vehicle 100 in order to allow for repair or replacement when friction due to the sliding surface of the water attraction wears down the bottom surface 110 to undesirable levels. The bottom surface 110 being an inflatable portion that can be replaced may reduce cost since only a portion of the ride vehicle 100 need be replaced due to wear and tear instead of purchasing an entirely new ride vehicle 100. The replaceable inflatable portion may additionally allow individuals or park operators to purchase the ride vehicle 100 and customize it with more costly decals, paintjobs, etc. than might otherwise be feasible since the entire ride vehicle 100 need not require replacement when the bottom surface does. In an alternative embodiment, the bottom surface 110 need not be inflatable, but may comprise any other type of cushioned and/or slippery material.
[0036]
The bottom surface 110 of the ride vehicle 100 is coated with a first flexible coating or material 120 and a second flexible coating or material 130. The first flexible coating or material 120 has a lower coefficient of friction than the second flexible coating or material 130. The first flexible coating or material 120 is disposed substantially in a center or middle area on the bottom surface 110 of the ride vehicle 100 for promoting increased speed when sliding on the sliding surface of the water attraction. The second flexible coating or material 130 is disposed substantially along the side or perimeter areas on the bottom surface 110 of the ride vehicle 100 for promoting increased grip with the sliding surface of the water attraction and thereby encourages the board to turn or rotate when in contact with the sliding surface. In an alternative embodiment, an inflatable portion of a ride vehicle may only exist in areas of the board where low friction is desired (e.g., where the first flexible coating or material 120 is to be disposed).
[0037] An alternative embodiment may use greater or fewer flexible coatings or materials upon the bottom surface 110 and/or may include the flexible coatings or materials in alternative positions or configurations along the bottom surface 110. For example, a flexible coating or material with a higher coefficient of friction relative to its surrounding materials may be placed on a rear area of a bottom surface of a ride vehicle to allow a rider to lean backwards in an attempt to slow or brake the ride vehicle, such as at an exiting portion of a water attraction. In another example, a flexible coating or material with a lower coefficient of friction relative to its surrounding materials may be placed on a front area of a bottom surface of a ride vehicle to allow a rider to lean forwards in an attempt to increase the speed of the ride vehicle.
[0038] FIG. 2A shows a top view of a ride vehicle 200 having an inflatable portion. The ride vehicle 200 may include the same or similar features as previously discussed for FIG. 1.
Similar to the discussion above, the ride vehicle 200 includes a front end 202 and a rear end 204 and is configured to support a rider in contact therewith when traveling down a sliding surface of a water attraction. Alternative embodiments may utilize modified dimensions or different shapes, sizes, or configurations other than those explicitly illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 2A. A top surface 205 of the ride vehicle 200 is configured to make contact with at least a portion of a rider when used to slide upon a sliding surface of a water or other amusement attraction. Hand holds (206, 207) are coupled with the top surface 205 of the ride vehicle 200 to help the rider maintain contact and/or maneuver with the ride vehicle 200 during use. The hand holds (206, 207) may be handlebars that extend outward from the top surface 205 to allow the rider to hold onto or may be any other type of hold that allows the rider improved grip on the ride vehicle 200 (e.g., indentations, pockets, or cutouts for the rider to insert one or more fingers). Greater or fewer hand holds may be positioned on the ride vehicle 200 in alternative embodiments.
[0039] An inflatable portion 209 of the ride vehicle 200 is coupled or fastened with the top surface 205. In certain embodiments, the inflatable portion 209 may be integrally formed with the top surface 205. The inflatable portion 209 extends beneath the top surface 205 and out to the side, for example around a perimeter of the top surface 205 as demonstrated in FIGS. 2A-2D. The inflatable portion 209 may be filled with air or other fluids (e.g., helium, water, etc.), for example, via an opening 212 that is covered by a cap 208 after fill in order to maintain the air or other fluid within the inflatable portion 209. As shown in FIG. 2B, which shows a bottom view of the ride vehicle 200 of FIG. 2A, at least a part of the inflatable portion 209 forms a bottom surface 210 of the ride vehicle 200. The bottom surface 210 is configured to slide upon a sliding surface of a water or other amusement attraction. Similar to the previous discussion above for FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the inflatable portion 209 may inflate flat or substantially flat, may be a drop stitch material, and may be replaceable on the ride vehicle 200. An alternative embodiment may use other materials for the inflatable portion 209.
[0040] FIG. 2C shows a side view of the ride vehicle 200. As demonstrated, the inflatable portion 209 may make up sidewalls of the ride vehicle 200 in addition to being disposed along a bottom of the ride vehicle 200. The front end 202 of the ride vehicle 200 is curved upwards by an angle 225 from the plane 227 that substantially lies along at least part of the bottom surface 210. This curvature may help increase the speed that the ride vehicle 200 can travel down a water attraction or may increase rider comfort by helping eliminate splashes of water from hitting the rider's eyes or face. The angle 225 can be any desired angle from the plane 227. In alternative embodiments, no angle 225 from the plane 227 may be used (e.g., 0 deg.).
[0041] FIG. 2D shows a front view of the ride vehicle 200 and demonstrates the inflatable portion 209 coupled to the top surface 205 to make up the bottom surface 210 and sidewalls of the ride vehicle 200. In addition to the curvature of the inflatable portion 209 at the front end 202, as shown and discussed above for FIG. 2C, the inflatable portion 209 may also be curved upward at the sides by angles (235, 237) with respect to the plane 227 that substantially lies along at least part of the bottom surface 210. Angles (235, 237) may be equal to each other or may be different from one another. Angles (235, 237) may be constant or may change along the curvature (e.g., the inflatable portion 209 may be formed with an increasing curvature).
These curvatures that form a rounded underside may help in the maneuverability or steerability of the ride vehicle 200 by the rider, for example, when the rider pulls or pushes on one or more of the hand holds (206, 207).
[0042] A coating may be disposed upon all or some of the inflatable portion 209, for example, the bottom surface 210. The coating may be a flexible coating that is applied to the inflatable portion 209, for example, to aid in obtaining a low friction ride surface on the bottom surface 210 of the ride vehicle and/or to help cover seams or joints that may be present on the ride vehicle 200. Preferably, the coating bonds or keys properly to the inflatable portion 209 while accommodating movement. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible coating may be a polymer coating and/or aliphatic compounds that is applied to the inflatable portion 209.
[0043] The application of the coating may be performed by any of a number of techniques, including spraying on the coating, rolling on the coating, brushing on the coating, etc. In one embodiment, the coating may be applied to the inflatable portion 209 that is fully inflated or substantially inflated and is allowed to cure prior to substantial deflation of the inflatable portion 209. The coating may additionally or alternatively be applied to areas of the ride vehicle 200 that are not inflatable. In still other embodiments, the coating may be applied to a sliding surface of the water attraction itself. In a preferred embodiment, the coating will be resistant to chlorine or otherwise compatible with the chlorine levels that are typical or expected in a water attraction where the ride vehicle 200 will be used. The coating may additionally or alternatively be resistant to ultraviolet ("UV") damage from the sun.
= [0044] Turning next to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a water attraction 300 having an inflatable portion and side containments is shown. The water attraction 300 includes an entry or starting area 302, an exit area 304, and a sliding surface 310 disposed therebetween. In one embodiment, the sliding surface 310 may be approximately 6 meters in width W.
The exit area 304 may merely be a surface positioned at the end of the sliding surface 310 for allowing a rider to stand and walk away (e.g., may have a lower frictional coefficient than the sliding surface 310) from the sliding surface 310 or may be any of a variety of other exiting designs (e.g., a splash pool, a beach, etc.). In use, a rider enters the water attraction 300 via the entry area 302, travels along the sliding surface 310 towards the exit area 304, and subsequently exits via the exit area 304. The water attraction 310 may be ridden by a rider using their body alone or by incorporating a ride vehicle (e.g., the ride vehicle 100 or the ride vehicle 200 previously discussed in FIGS. 1 - 2D.
[0045]
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the entry area 302 is positioned at a higher elevation than the exit area 304, such that the sliding surface 310 is sloped downward from the entry area 302 to the exit area 304. Alternative embodiments may position an entry area lower than the exit area, or at the same level as the exit area. One or more nozzles 312 are positioned near or adjacent to the entry area 302 for supplying a flow of water onto the sliding surface 310. The flow of water travels from the nozzles 312 and along the sliding surface 310.
Thus, the movement of water and/or gravity acts to transfer a rider on the water attraction 300 from the entry area 302 to the exit area 304. Any number of nozzles 312 may be used in a particular embodiment (e.g., one or more nozzles). Any of a variety of devices or means may be used in addition to or in replacement of the nozzles 312 for providing water onto the sliding surface 310, for example, a sluice, water jets, water pumps, etc. The nozzles 312 may be =
= directional nozzles that are positioned to direct water flow in a specific, desired direction or orientation along the sliding surface 310.
[0046] A plurality of side containments 330 are positioned along outer edges of the sliding surface 310 and define a plurality of auxiliary exit locations (320, 321, 322, 323) at the sides of the water attraction 300. The side containments 330 may be any of a variety of heights in order to help keep the rider within a desired riding area along the sliding surface 310 and prevent the rider from unintentionally falling off the side of the water attraction 300. The side containments 330 may define greater or fewer exit locations (or may be continuous along outer edges of the sliding surface so as not to define any exit locations) in an alternative embodiment.
[0047]
The sliding surface 310 incorporates a plurality of humps or hills (340, 342, 344).
The first hill 340 has a first elevation H1 that may be 3 meters in one embodiment. The second hill 342 has a second elevation H2 that may be 2 meters in one embodiment. The third hill 344 has a third elevation 113 that may be 1.5 meters in one embodiment.
Thus, a rider on the sliding surface 310 will experience a series of rises and drops as they travel down the sliding surface 310 from the entry area 302 to the exit end 304. In an alternative embodiment, any number of humps or hills with varying elevations may be used or no humps or hills may be incorporated. In certain embodiments, additional nozzles may be placed along the sliding surface 310 to move or direct a rider in varying directions. For example, in one embodiment, one or more nozzles may be placed near or adjacent to the exit area 304 for moving or directing a rider back towards the entry area 302 and/or for allowing a rider to remain near one of the heights (H1, 112, 113) and skim laterally along the sliding surface 310. In another example embodiment, one or more nozzles may be placed adjacent to the sides to move or direct the rider in alternative directions along the rider's travel from the entry area 302 to the exit area 304 in order to provide a more thrilling or enjoyable ride experience.
[0048] All or a portion of the sliding surface 310 may be formed using an inflatable structure or material that is covered with a coating, the features of which are the same or similar to the inflatable features and coatings as previously discussed for FIGS. 1 ¨ 2D. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable structure or material will inflate substantially flat (e.g., may comprise a drop stitch material) and may be 50mm in thickness when inflated. In certain embodiments, the entry area 302 and/or the exit area 304 may also comprise an inflatable structure or material that is covered with a coating. In one example, a coating with a higher frictional coefficient may be used on the entry area 302 and/or the exit area 304 when compared with the coating used on the sliding surface 310 in order to lessen the risk of slipping or falling of riders as they attempt to enter or exit the ride.
Moreover, portions of the sliding surface 310 may have applied coatings with varying frictional coefficients (e.g., a higher frictional coefficient near, on, or adjacent to the exit locations (320, 321, 322, 323) and/or the side containments 330 to help slow down riders that get undesirably close to the side edges of the sliding surface 310. In addition, areas of the sliding surface 310 near or adjacent to the exit area 304 may have applied a coating with a higher frictional coefficient to similarly reduce the speed of a rider traveling on the sliding surface 310 as they near the exit area 304.
[0049] Turning next to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C a perspective view, a side view and a top view, respectively, of a water attraction 400 having an inflatable portion and without side containments is shown. The water attraction 400 may include the same or similar features as previously discussed. The water attraction 400 is shown without side containments and = includes a water reservoir 460 (see FIG. 4B) disposed beneath at least a part of an entry area 402, an exit area 404, and a sliding surface 410. Similar to the water attraction 300, the water attraction 400 flows 405 water or another fluid (e.g., via nozzles or another water delivery method) along the surface of the sliding surface 410. In one embodiment, the flow 405 should be sufficiently fast to reach the exit area 404.
[0050]
The sliding surface 410 is formed of an inflatable structure or material and coated with a flexible coating and includes a plurality of humps or hills (440, 442, 444) at a variety of heights (e.g., 3 meters, 2 meters, and 1.5 meters, respectively). In one embodiment, one or more of the humps or hills (440, 442, 444) may be an individual section or component such that they can be removed or replaced, for example with other sections or components, such as obstacles, while the remainder of the ride remains intact. Using the exit area 404 as the base elevation (e.g., 0 meters), the entry area 402 may be at a respective 3 meter height and the water reservoir 460 may extend 0.5 meters lower than the exit area 404. In an alternative embodiment, any of a variety of differing dimensions may be used.
[0051] A plantroom 480 is housed beneath, near, or adjacent to the entry area 402 for housing water pumps, piping, or other assorted equipment used for transporting the water or other fluid from the water reservoir 460 to the sliding surface 410. The plantroom 480 may be a permanent concrete structure in one embodiment, the top or roof of which serves as the entry area 402 of the water attraction 400. In this fashion, sealing problems of the plantroom 480 and/or improved energy efficiency in supplying water by equipment in the plantroom 480 may be minimized, as discussed in greater detail for FIGS. 5A ¨ 5C. A plurality of exit locations (420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425) (see FIG. 4C) (e.g., at a 0 meter height with respect to the exit end 404) are positioned along the sides of the sliding surface 410.
[0052] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show a perspective view, a top view and a side view, respectively, of a water attraction 500 having an inflatable portion with side containments and a plantroom structure. The water attraction 500 may include the same or similar features as previously discussed. The water attraction 500 is shown with an option for side containments 595 (e.g., walls, railings, and/or other barriers) that operate to help keep a rider on a sliding surface 510. In one embodiment, the side containments may be 500 meters high.
A water reservoir 560 is disposed beneath at least a part of an entry area 502, an exit area 504, and the sliding surface 510. Similar to the water attractions 300 and/or 400 (see FIGS. 3 ¨ 4C), the water attraction 500 flows 505 water or another fluid along the sliding surface 510. Water nozzles 512 or another type of water delivery mechanism may be used to provide the flow 505 in a desired direction or path along the water attraction 500. In one embodiment, the flow 505 should be sufficiently fast to reach the exit area 504 without substantially spilling or draining of the sides of the sliding surface 510.
[0053]
Similar to the previous discussions, the sliding surface 510 is formed of an inflatable structure or material and coated with a flexible coating and includes a plurality of humps or hills (540, 542, 544) of a variety of heights (e.g., 3 meters, 2 meters, and 1.5 meters, respectively). An alternative embodiment may use different dimensions. Located at the base of one or more of the hills are side exits (520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525) that allow a rider to exit from the sliding surface at those locations prior to traveling all the way to the exit end 504. A grated surface or drain (e.g., constructed of fiberglass) covering may be used at the side exits (520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525) and/or the exit area 504 to help drain water that drips from an exiting rider or that spills off from the flow 505 on the sliding surface 510 into the water reservoir 560. This may help reduce the amount of water depleted from the ride during operation and/or help increase ride safety by making the side exits (520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525) and/or the exit area 504 less slippery for riders walking thereon.
Greater or fewer side exits may be utilized in an alternative embodiment. In one embodiment, one or more of the humps or hills (540, 542, 544) may be an individual section or component such that they can be removed or replaced, for example with other sections or components, such as obstacles, while the remainder of the ride remains intact.
[0054] A plantroom 580 makes up at least a part of the entry area 502 and is used for housing water pumps, piping, and other assorted equipment used for transporting the water or other fluid from the water reservoir 560 to the sliding surface 510. The plantroom 580 may be a permanent concrete structure in one embodiment, the top or roof of which serves as the entry area 502 of the water attraction 500. As shown, the nozzles 512 are attached onto or are adjacent, but not attached, to the roof of the plant room 580 and direct the flow 505 away from the plant room 580 and onto the sliding surface 510, thus providing reduced sealing problems from the plant room 580 since little to no water will be present on the roof of the plant room 580.
[0055] A cover or flap 590 extends over a portion of the sliding surface 510 near the entry area 502 and extends to and/or attaches to the plant room 580 (e.g. to the concrete roof of the plant room 580) in front of the nozzles 512 in order to provide a smooth and/or safe surface connecting the entry area 502 to the sliding surface 510. In an alternative embodiment, the cover or flap 590 may extend over all or a portion of the nozzles 512 to prevent rider interference with the nozzles 512.
[0056] The plant room 580 is configured to contain equipment (e.g., water pumps, piping, etc.) for providing water from the water reservoir 560 to the nozzles 512. In one embodiment, = one water pump 596 may be used for operating five nozzles 512. In an alternative embodiment, two smaller water pumps may be used. With the nozzles 512 located on or adjacent to the roof of the plant room 580 and directing water immediately downward or horizontally onto the sliding surface 510, and not up in upwardly sloping direction, the necessary water velocity when exiting the nozzles 512 may be reduced or lower than would otherwise be required, thus providing energy savings during ride operation.
The height 562 (see FIG. 5C) of the water reservoir 560 depends upon the suction head and/or sizing of the water pump 596 and may be adjusted as desired in different embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, if greater suction head is desired, the height 562 of the water reservoir 560 may be increased at only the side of the reservoir 560 that is near or adjacent to the plantroom 580.
[0057] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an alternative embodiment of a water attraction 600 using an inflatable structure or material, the same or similar as previously discussed.
The water attraction 600, however, is configured to provide water uphill over an inflatable structure, for example, for surfing upon the flow of water on an inclined area. FIG. 6A shows a rear perspective view of the water attraction 600 and includes a ride surface 605, sidewalls 610, access areas 615, and a dewatering zone 620. Similar to previous discussions, the ride surface 605 may be formed, at least in part, by an inflatable material (e.g., a drop stitch or drop thread material). The sidewalls 610 may also be formed, at least in part, via the inflatable material.
A lacing cover 630 is coupled between the ride surface 605 and the sidewalls 610 for covering the seam and/or joints at the perimeter of the ride surface 605. In an alternative embodiment, a coating or other barrier may be provided in addition to or in replacement of the lacing cover 630. The sidewalls 610 at the access areas 615 are lowered to support ease of access onto or off of the ride surface 605. The dewatering zone 620 may be formed by a high tensile mesh material, for example, to allow water to flow or drain through the surface at the dewatering zone 620 and into a reservoir or piping system below (e.g., a reservoir disposed beneath the ride surface 605).
[0058] A tensioning tube 630 or other mechanism for tightening or tautening the ride surface 605 may be provided, either along an exterior of the water attraction 600 or contained within an interior of the water attraction 600 (e.g., within a reservoir disposed beneath the ride surface 605). As seen in FIG. 6B, which demonstrates a front perspective view of the water attraction 600, water pump connections 640 are provided for connecting the water pump, nozzle, and/or jet system to the water attraction 600. The water pump connections 640 may be standardized across a product line in order to support a variety of water flows (e.g., faster or slower, greater volume or less volume, etc.) upon the ride surface 605 based on the size or capability of the water pumps, nozzles, and/or jets that are connected.
[0059] FIGS. 6C and 6D show the water attraction 600 from a top view and a side view, respectively. As illustrated in the embodiment shown, the ride surface 605 may have three different zones, a delivery zone 650 where water is provided onto the ride surface 605, an entry/exit zone 655 where riders may enter or exit the ride surface 605, and a riding zone 660 where riders may ride or maneuver upon the ride surface 605. A structure 670 that houses or is coupled with water pumps and/or nozzles (681, 682, 683, 684) is positioned near or adjacent to the delivery zone 650 for the flowing of water from the water pumps and/or nozzles (681, 682, 683, 684) onto the ride surface 605. The water pumps and/or nozzles (681, 682, 683, 684) may interface with the water pump connections 640 shown on FIG. 6B. A
reservoir 690 for receiving water from the dewatering zone 620 prior to its provision onto the ride surface 605 via the water pumps and/or nozzles (681, 682, 683, 684) is located below the ride surface 605.
[0060] Although the embodiments shown and described above feature water attractions having particular configurations or shapes, an inflatable portion and/or coating applied to the inflatable portion may be implemented on any of a variety of water or other attractions. In one example, entry and/or exit areas or locations for a water ride may differ from those explicitly shown in the embodiments illustrated (e.g., an entry location may be above, below, or at the same level as one or more exit locations). In another example, a water attraction, such as a standing wave surfing ride, may have its entire main structure or sliding surface as an inflatable structure or made from an inflatable material. Alternatively, a water attraction, such as a standing wave surfing ride, may only be constructed with partially inflatable structures (e.g., at the entry and exit points and/or the sliding surface or riding area). In dewatering areas of a water attraction, such as at the exit points, an integral netting or grating may be used in place of, or in conjunction with, the inflatable materials at those locations.
[0061] The inflatable portion or portions may be used to help increase rider speed (e.g., via a low coefficient of friction coating applied to the inflatable portion), reduce rider speed (e.g., via a high coefficient of friction coating applied to the inflatable portion), or aid in changing the orientation of a rider or ride vehicle (e.g., via a combination of a low coefficient of friction coating and a high coefficient of friction coating applied to the inflatable portion in proximity to one another). In an alternative embodiment, instead or in addition to a coating applied to the inflatable material, a separate material or surface (e.g., a polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") sheet) may be coupled or fastened on top of the inflatable material. Materials or surfaces other than PVC may be used in an alternative embodiment. The inflatable portion may be = positioned at any desired location along the water attraction, for example, to provide a less rigid surface for more comfortably supporting riding thereon and/or to absorb an impact of the rider or a ride vehicle. For example, the inflatable structure may be completely above ground, completely below ground, or partially above and below ground. In some embodiments, a water reservoir of the water attraction may be made of the inflatable material.
100621 A water attraction using an inflatable portion or portions may be modular in nature such that it may be more easily manufactured, transportable, and/or constructed on a given location. For example, a water attraction using an inflatable portion or portions may be designed to be portable such that it is intended to be used at a given geographic location for a short period and then deflated and/or deconstructed and shipped to a new location.
100631 The previous description of the disclosed examples is provided to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosed methods and apparatus. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner.
Various modifications to these examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed method and apparatus. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the disclosed apparatus and methods. The steps of the method or algorithm may also be performed in an alternate order from those provided in the examples.
Claims (20)
1. An amusement attraction comprising:
a sliding surface configured to support a rider thereon, the sliding surface extending from a first area to a second area and wherein at least a part of the sliding surface includes an inflatable material; and a first coating applied to at least a portion of the inflatable material.
a sliding surface configured to support a rider thereon, the sliding surface extending from a first area to a second area and wherein at least a part of the sliding surface includes an inflatable material; and a first coating applied to at least a portion of the inflatable material.
2. The water attraction of claim 1 wherein the inflatable material is configured to inflate flat.
3. The water attraction of claim 2 wherein the inflatable material comprises a drop stitch material.
4. The water attraction of claim 3 wherein the first coating is a flexible coating configured to allow for flexing of the inflatable portion.
5. The water attraction of claim 4 wherein the first coating comprises a polymer coating.
6. The water attraction of claim 4 wherein the first coating comprises at least one aliphatic compound.
7. The water attraction of claim 3 wherein the first coating applied to the inflatable material has a lower coefficient of friction than the inflatable material for helping the rider to slide along the sliding surface from the first area to the second area.
8. The water attraction of claim 7 further comprising a second coating applied to at least a portion of the inflatable material adjacent to the second area, the second coating having a higher coefficient of friction than the first coating for slowing the rider as the rider nears the second area.
9. The water attraction of claim 1 wherein the sliding surface defines at least one hill that extends to an elevation higher than an adjacent elevation of the sliding surface.
10. A water attraction comprising:
a sliding surface configured to support a rider thereon, the sliding surface extending from an entry end to an exit end and wherein at least a part of the sliding surface is an inflatable material;
a first coating applied to a first portion of the inflatable material and configured to aid in sliding the rider from the entry end to the exit end along the sliding surface; and a second coating applied to a second portion of the inflatable material and configured to slow the rider after the rider slides along the sliding surface.
a sliding surface configured to support a rider thereon, the sliding surface extending from an entry end to an exit end and wherein at least a part of the sliding surface is an inflatable material;
a first coating applied to a first portion of the inflatable material and configured to aid in sliding the rider from the entry end to the exit end along the sliding surface; and a second coating applied to a second portion of the inflatable material and configured to slow the rider after the rider slides along the sliding surface.
11. The water attraction of claim 10 further comprising at least one side containment positioned at a perimeter edge of the sliding surface for aiding in keeping the rider on the sliding surface.
12. The water attraction of claim 10 further comprising at least one nozzle positioned adjacent to the entry end and configured to provide a flow of water onto the sliding surface, the flow of water flowing from the entry end to the exit end.
13. The water attraction of claim 12 further comprising a plantroom having a roof for housing a water pump connected with the at least one nozzle, the roof of the plantroom being at least a portion of the entry end.
14. The water attraction of claim 13 wherein the flow of water is configured to exit the nozzle and flow to a lower elevation on the sliding surface before flowing to a higher elevation on the sliding surface.
15. The water attraction of claim 14 further comprising a reservoir disposed beneath the sliding surface, wherein water is configured to flow from the at least one nozzle onto the sliding surface, onto the exit end, and into the reservoir via the exit end.
16. A ride vehicle for a rider to use on an amusement attraction comprising:
a first material defining a first surface, at least a portion of the first surface configured to contact at least a portion of the rider, the first surface having a front end, a rear end, and a side end;
an inflatable material coupled with the first material and defining a second surface, at least a portion of the second surface configured to contact a sliding surface of the amusement attraction; and a first flexible coating applied to the inflatable material for lowering a frictional force exerted by the sliding surface of the water attraction.
a first material defining a first surface, at least a portion of the first surface configured to contact at least a portion of the rider, the first surface having a front end, a rear end, and a side end;
an inflatable material coupled with the first material and defining a second surface, at least a portion of the second surface configured to contact a sliding surface of the amusement attraction; and a first flexible coating applied to the inflatable material for lowering a frictional force exerted by the sliding surface of the water attraction.
17. The ride vehicle of claim 16 further comprising at least one hand hold.
18. The ride vehicle of claim 17 wherein the hand hold is a handlebar coupled with the first material or a depression in the first material
19. The ride vehicle of claim 16 further comprising a second flexible coating applied to the inflatable material, the second flexible coating having a higher coefficient of friction than the first flexible coating.
20. The ride vehicle of claim 19 wherein:
the first flexible coating is disposed a first distance from a perimeter edge of the inflatable material, the second flexible coating is disposed a second distance from the perimeter edge of the inflatable material, and the second distance is less than the first distance.
the first flexible coating is disposed a first distance from a perimeter edge of the inflatable material, the second flexible coating is disposed a second distance from the perimeter edge of the inflatable material, and the second distance is less than the first distance.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201361828607P | 2013-05-29 | 2013-05-29 | |
| US61/828,607 | 2013-05-29 |
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| CA2852868A1 true CA2852868A1 (en) | 2014-11-29 |
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| CA2852868A Abandoned CA2852868A1 (en) | 2013-05-29 | 2014-05-29 | Inflatable water attraction and ride vehicle |
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| US (1) | US20140357387A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2852868A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9463390B2 (en) | 2013-10-30 | 2016-10-11 | FlowriderSurf, Ltd. | Inflatable surfing apparatus and method |
| US10195535B2 (en) | 2015-11-12 | 2019-02-05 | Whitewater West Industries Ltd. | Transportable inflatable surfing apparatus and method |
| US10335694B2 (en) | 2015-11-12 | 2019-07-02 | Whitewater West Industries Ltd. | Method and apparatus for fastening of inflatable ride surfaces |
| US10376799B2 (en) | 2015-11-13 | 2019-08-13 | Whitewater West Industries Ltd. | Inflatable surfing apparatus and method of providing reduced fluid turbulence |
| US11090573B2 (en) | 2013-10-30 | 2021-08-17 | Whitewater West Industries, Ltd. | Inflatable surfing apparatus and method |
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| WO2007098596A1 (en) * | 2006-03-03 | 2007-09-07 | Hm Attractions Inc. | Reaction component for linear induction motor |
| US9550127B2 (en) | 2013-03-21 | 2017-01-24 | Thomas J. Lochtefeld | Padded grate drainage system for water rides |
| WO2013000090A1 (en) * | 2011-06-30 | 2013-01-03 | Hm Attractions Inc. | Motion control system and method for an amusement ride |
| US10744417B2 (en) | 2013-10-30 | 2020-08-18 | Whitewater West Industries, Ltd. | Inflatable surfing apparatus and method |
| US9127471B1 (en) | 2014-12-10 | 2015-09-08 | Roberts Manufacturing Llc | Spa cover with inflatable bladders |
| CN206081607U (en) * | 2016-10-08 | 2017-04-12 | 上海荣威塑胶工业有限公司 | Take children entertainment device of water skiing pad |
| US11273383B2 (en) | 2017-11-10 | 2022-03-15 | Whitewater West Industries Ltd. | Water ride attraction incorporating a standing wave |
| CN115175752A (en) * | 2019-08-05 | 2022-10-11 | 白水西部工业有限公司 | Absorbent riding surface and method |
| US20230113886A1 (en) * | 2021-09-27 | 2023-04-13 | Whitewater West Industries, Ltd. | Ride Attraction and Method for Creating Impression of Rider Instability |
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| US1392533A (en) * | 1921-10-04 | Necticut | ||
| US3497211A (en) * | 1967-11-08 | 1970-02-24 | Harry S Nagin | Gliding surface and glider for use therewith |
| US4246980A (en) * | 1979-08-17 | 1981-01-27 | The Garrett Corporation | Evacuation slide deceleration |
| US5779553A (en) * | 1996-09-18 | 1998-07-14 | Langford; Frederick | Waterslide with uphill runs and progressive gravity feed |
| HUP9902073A1 (en) * | 1999-06-21 | 2000-12-28 | Csongor Czintos | Slide with micro terrace |
| US6231483B1 (en) * | 1999-06-24 | 2001-05-15 | Forrest B. Phillips | Sliding exercise apparatus and recreational device |
| US6312341B1 (en) * | 2000-03-15 | 2001-11-06 | Patrick M. Healy | Water slide with cushioning |
| CA2444510C (en) * | 2001-04-17 | 2012-08-21 | Light Wave, Ltd. | Contoured variably tensionable soft membrane ride surface for ride attraction |
| US20030153221A1 (en) * | 2002-02-13 | 2003-08-14 | Weir James F. | Inflatable water sports board |
| US20070167246A1 (en) * | 2006-01-03 | 2007-07-19 | Wham-O Incorporated | Inflatable slide and method |
| US20090169305A1 (en) * | 2007-11-13 | 2009-07-02 | Lochtefeld Thomas J | Method and apparatus for varying water flow for stationary sheet flow water rides |
| US8088016B2 (en) * | 2008-04-21 | 2012-01-03 | Douglas Murphy | Half-pipe water ride |
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2014
- 2014-05-29 US US14/290,559 patent/US20140357387A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-05-29 CA CA2852868A patent/CA2852868A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9463390B2 (en) | 2013-10-30 | 2016-10-11 | FlowriderSurf, Ltd. | Inflatable surfing apparatus and method |
| US11090573B2 (en) | 2013-10-30 | 2021-08-17 | Whitewater West Industries, Ltd. | Inflatable surfing apparatus and method |
| US11400384B2 (en) | 2013-10-30 | 2022-08-02 | Whitewater West Industries, Ltd. | Inflatable surfing apparatus and method |
| US10195535B2 (en) | 2015-11-12 | 2019-02-05 | Whitewater West Industries Ltd. | Transportable inflatable surfing apparatus and method |
| US10335694B2 (en) | 2015-11-12 | 2019-07-02 | Whitewater West Industries Ltd. | Method and apparatus for fastening of inflatable ride surfaces |
| US10376799B2 (en) | 2015-11-13 | 2019-08-13 | Whitewater West Industries Ltd. | Inflatable surfing apparatus and method of providing reduced fluid turbulence |
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20140357387A1 (en) | 2014-12-04 |
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| FZDE | Discontinued |
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| FZDE | Discontinued |
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