WO2021217229A1

WO2021217229A1 - Water slide segment incorporating wear layer and related methods

Info

Publication number: WO2021217229A1
Application number: PCT/CA2020/050558
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Douglas HUNTER; Raymond Thomas SMEGAL
Original assignee: Proslide Technology Inc.
Priority date: 2020-04-28
Filing date: 2020-04-28
Publication date: 2021-11-04

Abstract

A water slide segment is disclosed. The segment has a sliding surface for riders or ride vehicles to slide thereon. The segment includes a support structure defining a shape of the segment, and a wear layer removably fixed to the support structure. The sliding surface includes at least a portion of the wear layer. A related method of augmenting the wear resistance of a water slide segment is also disclosed.

Description

WATER SLIDE SEGMENT INCORPORATING WEAR LAYER AND RELATED

METHODS

FIELD

[0001] This application relates generally to segments of water slides and, more specifically, water slide segments incorporating a removable wear layer.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In conventional water-based amusement rides, such as large-scale water slides featured at amusement parks, patrons enter the ride at a high elevation and travel to a terminal destination at a lower elevation by sliding along a chute or flume. The chutes or flumes may have descending and ascending portions. To facilitate sliding, portions of a water slide may be lubricated with a volume of water.

[0003] Depending on the configuration of a ride, patrons ride directly on the sliding surface of the slide or are carried by a vehicle. Some such vehicles include mats, tubes and boats.

[0004] Water slides are typically comprised of segments with a desired geometry that are connected to form the entire slide or a significant portion of the slide between the start and end. Typically, such segments are constructed from fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs), usually resin impregnated fiberglass, which permits the manufacturer to create a desired geometry while providing sufficient strength and rigidity for use in the water slide. A gel coat top layer is applied to the FRP to form a coloured, smooth sliding surface for the riders or ride vehicles to ride on. Over time, the gel coat may be worn away by usage of the ride, particularly in areas of high friction, such as the beginning of an ascending section of the ride. As the gel coat is worn away, the segment may become damaged and/or less aesthetically pleasing.

[0005] Thus, there is a desire to improve the wear properties of water slide segments.

SUMMARY

[0006] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, there is provided a water slide segment having a sliding surface for riders or ride vehicles to slide thereon, the segment comprising a support structure defining a shape of the segment, and a wear layer removably fixed to the support structure, the sliding surface comprising at least a portion of the wear layer.

[0007] In some embodiments, the support structure comprises fiber-reinforced plastic and the wear layer comprises high-density polyethylene.

[0008] In some embodiments, the wear layer is mechanically, removably fixed to the support structure.

[0009] In some embodiments, the wear layer is configured to be removably fixed to the support structure such that the wear layer is removable from within the slide segment. [0010] In some embodiments, the wear layer is transparent or translucent.

[0011] In some embodiments, the segment further comprises graphic information displayed between the wear layer and the support structure and visible through the wear layer.

[0012] In some embodiments, the wear layer comprises two or more sub-layers.

[0013] In some embodiments, a top sub-layer of the sub-layers has a greater wear resistance than a lower sub-layer of the sub-layers.

[0014] In some embodiments, each of the two or more sub-layers comprises a different colour.

[0015] In some embodiments, the wear layer incorporates a wear indicator.

[0016] In some embodiments, the wear indicator comprises a colour change of the wear layer due to wear.

[0017] In some embodiments, the wear layer has a coefficient of friction less than gel coat.

[0018] In some embodiments, the segment further comprises one or more additional layers positioned between the wear layer and the support structure. [0019] In some embodiments, the wear layer has a shape that is complementary to a corresponding recess in the support structure.

[0020] In another embodiment, there is provided a method of augmenting the wear resistance of a water slide segment, the method comprising: providing a support structure, a shape of the segment being defined by the support structure; providing a wear layer; and removably fixing the wear layer to the support structure such that a sliding surface of the segment comprises at least a portion of the wear layer.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method further comprises periodically determining an amount of wear of the wear layer via a wear indicator incorporated into the wear layer. [0022] In some embodiments, determining the amount of wear of the wear layer comprises perceiving a colour change of the wear layer.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further comprises replacing the wear layer if the amount of wear exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0024] In some embodiments, the wear layer has a shape and wherein removably fixing the wear layer to the support structure comprises removably fixing the wear layer in a complementary recess in the support structure.

[0025] In some embodiments, removably fixing the wear layer to the support structure comprising removably fixing the wear layer to the support structure from within the segment.

[0026] Other features of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the present application, there is shown in the drawings illustrative embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0028] Fig. 1 is an example of a portion of a water slide flume showing segments according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [0029] Figs. 2A and 2B are exploded, schematic views of embodiments of a segment according to the present disclosure.

[0030] Figs. 3 A and 3B are schematic cross-sectional views of embodiments of a wear layer according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig. 3C is an exploded, schematic view of another embodiment of a segment according to the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a segment according to the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig. 5 shows steps of one embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure. PUT ATT /ED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a section 10 of a water slide comprising multiple water slide segments 12 connected together to form the water slide section 10. The segments 12 each comprise a portion of substantially planar sliding surface 14 upon which a raft 15 with multiple patrons slides uphill powered by a linear induction motor (not shown). [0035] Fig. 2A shows a schematic view of a segment 12 that forms part of the section 10.

The water slide segment comprises support structure 16 and wear layer 18, shown in an exploded position above the support structure 16. As shown, the segment 12 also includes ports 20 for allowing water to flow into the segment for lubricating the sliding surface. An overall shape of the segment 12 is defined by the support structure 16, which includes a generally flat middle portion 22 and opposing sides 24 and 26 extending upwards at oblique angles from the middle portion 22 to form a cross-sectional profile of the segment 12. The cross-sectional profile generally defines an interior of the segment 12, which contains the riders or ride vehicles, and exterior of the segment underneath the support structure 16 and to either side of the sides 24 and 26 facing away from the interior.

[0036] It should be understood that the section 10 and segments 12 are exemplary only and a vast variety of segments, with different geometries, may be manufactured and used to create a desired chute, flume, tube, slide and ride. Such segments may or may not be connected to each other. The principles and embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to a vast variety of possible segments used to create water slides and not only those embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0037] For example, a further embodiment of segment 12 is shown in Fig. 2B. The support structure 16 of the segment 12 defines a curved flume geometry where the middle portion 22 forms an arc from which sides 24 and 26 curve upwards. The wear layer 18 is also arced, complementary to the arc of middle portion 22.

[0038] As discussed further below, the wear layer 18 may be removably fixed to the support structure 16. For example, in some embodiments the wear layer 18 comprises a plastic panel or sheet that is removably fixed to the support structure 16, where the support structure 16 comprises traditional FRP used to form the water slide segment. In other embodiments, the wear layer 18 may comprise a laminated sheet or liner removably fixed to the support structure.

[0039] In some embodiments, the wear layer 18 has a greater wear resistance than a top surface of the support structure. For example, in some embodiments the wear layer 18 may comprise high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic panel and the support structure may comprise FRP with a gel coat top surface. In other embodiments, the wear layer may be made of a material with a similar or lesser wear resistance than the support structure.

[0040] Referring to Figs. 3 A and 3B, in some embodiments, the wear layer may have a depth D complementary to a corresponding relief with depth D in the middle portion 22 of the segment 12. In that manner, a top surface of the wear layer 18 remains flush with a neighboring segment top surface if the neighbouring top surface does not comprise a wear layer. Moreover, installing the wear layer 18 in a corresponding recess of the support structure 16 also ensures a flush connection between a top surface of the wear layer 18 and other top surfaces of the segment 12, for example in the embodiment of the segment 12 in Fig. 2B, where the top surface of the wear layer 18 remains flush with the top surfaces of the sides 24 and 26.

[0041] The sliding surface 14 of the segment 12 comprises at least a portion of the wear layer 18 such that the wear layer 18 is worn down instead of the top coat of the segment 12 as riders or ride vehicles travel over the sliding surface. Segments 12 incorporating wear layer 18 may therefore be used at locations in the ride known to have high wear spots, for example at uphill sections of the ride. However, the use of segments 12 incorporating the wear layer 18 are not limited to such applications and may be used throughout the ride.

[0042] Other embodiments for the wear layer are also possible. The wear layer 18 may comprise one or more of thermosetting polymers, composite materials, metals and elastomers in order to increase the wear life of the segment. The wear layer 18 may take on different shapes and geometries, depending on the material used, and may be incorporated into other types of segments 12 as shown.

[0043] While in the illustrated embodiments the wear layer 18 has a generally rectangular shape in plan view, the wear layer may have other shapes, such as polygonal or irregular. In some embodiments, the wear layer 18 is installed in a recess in the support structure 16 with a complementary shape. Moreover, multiple wear layers 18 may be installed side-by-side to make up the shape of the recess in the support structure 16.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 3 A, in some embodiments, the wear layer 18 comprises a homogenous material, such as HDPE, throughout the thickness of the wear layer 18. The wear layer 18 may be coloured throughout with a colour matching the gel coat of the support structure 16 such that, as the wear layer 18 is worn, the wear is not noticeable since the colour does not alter during wear.

[0045] Conversely, in some embodiments the wear layer 18 may be homogenous and transparent. In such embodiments, the segment 12 may also incorporate images or theming on an underside of the wear layer 18 between the wear layer 18 and the support structure 16, the images or theming being visible through the transparent wear layer 18. Similarly, in some embodiments, lighting or other visual elements may be incorporated underneath the wear layer and visible therethrough.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 3B, in some embodiments, the wear layer 18 may comprise multiple sub-layers. For example, the wear layer 18 may comprise a lower base layer 30 and an upper wear layer 32. The base layer 30 may comprise a material with different wear and structural properties (e.g. rigidity, ductility, etc.) than the upper wear layer 32. In some embodiments, the upper wear layer 32 may be removably fixed to the base layer 30, which is in turn removably fixed to the support structure 16. In yet other embodiments, the base layer 30 maybe removably fixed to the upper wear layer 32, which is in turn removably fixed to the support structure 16. In yet other embodiments, the base layer 30 may be incorporated into the support structure 16 and the upper wear layer 32 removably fixed to the base layer 30 and/or the support structure 16.

[0047] In some embodiments, the base layer 30 and upper wear layer 32 may be different colours so that the upper wear layer 32 act as a wear indicator layer. As the upper wear layer 32 is worn off, the base layer 30 starts to become visible indicating to an operator of the ride that the wear layer 18 may need replacing.

[0048] In yet other embodiments, the wear layer 18 may comprise additional sub-layers. The sub-layers may not necessarily comprise the same material and may be laminated, bonded or otherwise connected to form the wear layer 18. In some embodiments, successive sub layers may have different colours indicating the amount of wear. For example, once a top layer is worn off, an intermediate colour becomes visible warning an operator that replacement may be needed soon. Then, as the intermediate layer is worn off a further colour becomes visible indicating to an operator that a replacement is needed.

[0049] In some embodiments, the base layer 30 may act as a structural layer providing rigidity and strength to an upper wear layer 32 configured to be wear resistant but which may have lesser structural rigidity than required to comprise part of the sliding surface.

[0050] In some embodiments, theming or imagery may be incorporated between sub layers. For example, the upper wear layer 32 may be transparent or translucent with imagery or theming provided in between the upper wear layer 32 and the base layer 30 or directly on the base layer 30.

[0051] Moreover, while the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 3 A and 3B appear to show a planar wear layer, the principles and disclosed discussed above apply to other configurations of the wear layer 18 as well, such as the embodiment shown in Fig. 2B.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 3C, in some embodiments, the segment may include one or more additional layers (generally labelled 19) between the wear layer 18 and the support structure 16. The additional layer(s) 19 may include theming or imagery discussed above. In some embodiments, one or more of the additional layers 19 may also provide rigidity to the wear layer 18 or support structure 16 and/or other properties such as thermal, noise and/or light insulation. The additional layers 19 may also be removably fixed to the support structure and or the wear layer 18. Although shown in the context of an embodiment of the segment 12 as illustrated in Fig. 2 A, layers 19 may also be incorporated into other segment configurations, such as that shown in Fig. 2B.

[0053] In some embodiments, a slotted sheet may be positioned between the wear layer 18 and the support structure 16 to aid in evacuating water entering the space in between the two. In some such embodiments, the wear layer 18 may be slotted as well. Moreover, the wear layer 18 may include a textured or treated upper surface to adjust the friction of the sliding surface to further aid in controlling rider movement over the sliding surface of the segment 12. For example, the wear layer may be configured due to the material choice and/or an applied surface treatment to have a coefficient of friction that is less than a top surface of a prior art segment, such as the gel coat of an FRP segment. Having a lower coefficient of friction on the wear layer may also prolong the life of, for example, ride vehicles travelling over the wear layer. In yet other embodiments, a wear coating may be applied to the top surface of the wear layer 18 to further increase the wear resistance of the wear layer 18.

[0054] The support structure 16 may also comprise various configurations. In some embodiments, the support structure 16 is comprised of an FRP segment, manufactured through a lay-up process. In other embodiments, the support structure may be comprised of a foam core with composite skins and a gel coat outer surface. In yet other embodiments, the support structure may comprise a lattice or skeletal structure made of metals such as steel or aluminum channels. In yet other embodiments, the support structure 16 itself may include a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer. In some embodiments, the support structure 16 may comprise multiple segment elements that have been fixed to each other to form the support structure 16.

[0055] The support structure 16 provides an overall desired shape and geometry to the segment as well being the base or substrate to which the wear layer 18 is removably fixed. For example, in embodiments where the segment 12 forms part of a tube, such as where two segments are connected via longitudinal flanges to form a substantially tube-like portion of a water slide, the support structure 16 may comprise one or more of the above-noted structures to define corresponding portions of the tube. Similarly, where the segment 12 comprises an open flume, the support structure 16 would define the open flume geometry, one such example of an open flume being shown in the illustrated embodiment.

[0056] A single segment 12 may include multiple, separate sliding surfaces, one or more of which comprise a portion of a respective, separate wear layer 18. For example, in segments comprising multiple open flumes or lanes side-by-side, a single support structure 16 may define the multiple, connected flumes, each with its own, respective sliding surface. In such embodiments, the segment may include multiple, separate wear layers 18, each removably fixed to a different lane. One example of such embodiments are “racing”-style rides where multiple patrons travel through the ride in separate lanes. As such, the principles and scope of the present disclosure applies to segments having multiple sliding surfaces.

[0057] According to the present disclosure, a single segment may also comprise multiple wear layers that have been removably fixed to the support structure such that the sliding surface of the segment comprises at least portions of one or more of those wear layers. Multiple wear layers may combine to form a portion of a single sliding surface. As such, references herein to “wear layer” in the singular may also include references to multiple wear layers removably fixed to the same support structure.

[0058] The wear layer 18 may be removably fixed to the support structure in a variety of ways. Referring to Fig. 4, in one embodiment, the wear layer 18 may be removably fixed to the support structure 16 at numerous fastening points 34 using mechanical fasteners, such as threaded fiber glass inserts (e.g. knife inserts), bolts, screws, rivets, clips, etc. In the case of threaded fasteners, each fastener passes through the wear layer 18 and engages a threaded insert in the support structure. The fasteners are countersunk in the wear layer 18 so as to avoid interference with riders or ride vehicles travelling on the sliding surface 14.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment there are eight fastening points 34 shown evenly spaced to fasten the wear layer 18 to the support structure along a perimeter of the wear layer 18. This may aid in preventing the wear layer 18 from peeling away from the support structure 16 as riders or ride vehicles travel over an edge of the wear layer 18. However, other numbers, locations, and arrangements of the fastening points are possible. In some embodiments, the wear layer 18 and/or fastening points 34 may be configured to ensure a planar top surface of the wear layer 18. In other embodiments, the wear layer 18 and/or fastening points 34 may be configured to ensure a different geometry to the wear layer 18 and/or top surface of the wear layer 18. [0060] Other means of removably fixing the wear layer 18 are also possible, such as adhesive bonding, including temporary adhesive, vibration-absorbing adhesive, or tacking in place. In other embodiments, the wear layer 18 may be removably fixed using thermoplastic welding, such as resistance welding or induction welding, or using hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0061] In yet other embodiments, the wear layer 18 may be removably fixed to the support structure 16 using a tongue-and-groove system where the wear layer is removably fixed by being removably locked into place.

[0062] By incorporating the wear layer 18 according to the present disclosure, the wear resistance of a water slide segment may be augmented and improved. Referring to Fig. 5, a method according to the present disclosure includes providing a water slide segment at 36, a shape of the segment being defined by a support structure; providing a wear layer at 38, and removably fixing the wear layer to the support structure at 40, where a sliding surface of the segment comprises at least a portion of the wear layer. [0063] In some embodiment, providing the wear layer at 38 may comprise providing a homogenous or layered panel comprising the wear layer that is removably fixed to the support structure with mechanical fasteners.

[0064] By being removably fixed to the support structure, the wear layer may be replaced when desired. For example, if a threshold amount of wear has been reached, as might be indicated by the colour of the wear indicator layer becoming visible, an operator of the ride may decide to replace the wear layer. Other indicators may also be possible, such as a predetermined thickness of the wear layer being worn off.

[0065] The wear layer may be removed and returned to the support structure for other reasons as well. For example, in embodiments where the wear layer comprises a transparent material and theming, images, lighting or other elements are included underneath the wear layer, the wear layer may be removed in order to replace the elements. For example, an operator of a ride might choose to include seasonal theming or advertising or other images that could be altered during the life of the ride. Including a removable wear layer may facilitate the ability to alter the theming or images when desired.

[0066] Moreover, the wear layer itself may form part of a theming or other messaging such that the colour of a segment is predominantly governed by the colour of the wear layer and the wear layer may be replaced with a different colour wear layer to alter the colour or predominant colour of the segment.

[0067] Embodiments of the wear layer 18 are removably fixed to the support structure in a manner that permits removing and replacing the wear layer from inside the ride. This allows operators of the ride to maintain the sliding surface more easily, without the need to remove an entire segment only to fix the segment top surface, such as the gel coat of an FRP segment. Replacement, and thus maintenance of the wear layer, may therefore also be accomplished faster than traditional maintenance of a segment. For example, mechanically fastening the wear layer 18 to the support structure 16, for example using bolts countersunk into the wear layer, permits removal and replacement of the wear layer from within the ride. Removal and replacement from inside the ride also allows for easier switching of the wear panel, switching of theming or access to components below the wear layer. [0068] A wear layer according to the present disclosure may also prolong the usable life of a segment by acting as a consumable or sacrificial layer that is relatively easier to replace than an entire prior art segment, for example by being removably fixed to the support structure. In addition or instead, the wear layer may prolong the perceived life of the segment by providing homogenous colour for longer than the top coat of a segment, such as the gel coat of an FRP segment.

[0069] A wear layer according to the present disclosure may also be used in segments where a cavity is present underneath the wear layer. For example, some segments include mechanical components such as pumps, linear induction motors, piping, lighting, speakers and other elements within a cavity of the support structure. A wear layer configured as a panel, in particular an HDPE panel, may be used to cover the cavity instead of a panel comprised of FRP or other fiber composite materials used in the water ride industry.

[0070] In some embodiments, the wear layer 18 may facilitate incorporating sensors or other measuring devices into the segment 12. For example, it may be desirable to measure the weight or presence of riders or ride vehicles in the segment 12. Accordingly, a sensor, such as an infrared sensor and/or pressure transducer, may be incorporated into the wear layer 18 near the sliding surface 14 and operationally connected to a controller to detect riders or ride vehicles. Because the wear layer 18 is removably fixed to the support structure, this may facilitate maintenance of the sensors.

[0071] In some embodiments, sensors that may be incorporated into a wear layer 18 include load cells, fiber optic sensors, or sensors to detect the presence of riders in order to track ride positions, ride velocity and rider acceleration. Lighting and/or sound features may also be incorporated into the wear layer 18.

[0072] Numerous specific details have been set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the inventive concepts. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the inventive concepts within the instant disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the instant disclosure. [0073] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion. For example, a composition, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherently present therein.

[0074] As used herein the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially" and variations thereof are intended to include not only the exact value qualified by the term, but to also include some slight deviations therefrom, such as deviations caused by measuring error, manufacturing tolerances, wear and tear on components or structures, stress exerted on structures, and combinations thereof, for example.

[0075] Use of the "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concepts. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise. [0076] Any reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Moreover, it will be understood that features of one embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments, even if not expressly recited or described as a combination.

Claims

1. A water slide segment having a sliding surface for riders or ride vehicles to slide thereon, the segment comprising a support structure defining a shape of the segment, and a wear layer removably fixed to the support structure, the sliding surface comprising at least a portion of the wear layer.

2. The segment of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises fiber-reinforced plastic and the wear layer comprises high-density polyethylene.

3. The segment of claim 1, wherein the wear layer is mechanically, removably fixed to the support structure.

4. The segment of claim 1, wherein the wear layer is configured to be removably fixed to the support structure such that the wear layer is removable from within the slide segment.

5. The segment of claim 1, wherein the wear layer is transparent or translucent.

6. The segment of claim 5, further comprising graphic information displayed between the wear layer and the support structure and visible through the wear layer.

7. The segment of claim 1, wherein the wear layer comprises two or more sub-layers.

8. The segment of claim 7, wherein a top sub-layer of the sub-layers has a greater wear resistance than a lower sub-layer of the sub-layers.

9. The segment of claim 7, wherein each of the two or more sub-layers comprises a different colour.

10. The segment of claim 1, wherein the wear layer incorporates a wear indicator.

11. The segment of claim 10, wherein the wear indicator comprises a colour change of the wear layer due to wear.

12. The segment of claim 1, wherein the wear layer has a coefficient of friction less than gel coat.

13. The segment of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional layers positioned between the wear layer and the support structure.

14. The segment of claim 1, wherein the wear layer has a geometry that is complementary to a corresponding recess in the support structure.

15. A method of augmenting the wear resistance of a water slide segment, the method comprising: providing a support structure, a shape of the segment being defined by the support structure; providing a wear layer; and removably fixing the wear layer to the support structure such that a sliding surface of the segment comprises at least a portion of the wear layer.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising periodically determining an amount of wear of the wear layer via a wear indicator incorporated into the wear layer.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein determining the amount of wear of the wear layer comprises perceiving a colour change of the wear layer.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising replacing the wear layer if the amount of wear exceeds a predetermined threshold.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the wear layer has a shape and wherein removably fixing the wear layer to the support structure comprises removably fixing the wear layer in a complementary recess in the support structure.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein removably fixing the wear layer to the support structure comprising removably fixing the wear layer to the support structure from within the segment.