WO2022193013A1

WO2022193013A1 - Anti-reversal system for water slides

Info

Publication number: WO2022193013A1
Application number: PCT/CA2022/050396
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Douglas HUNTER
Original assignee: Proslide Technology Inc.
Priority date: 2021-03-18
Filing date: 2022-03-16
Publication date: 2022-09-22

Abstract

There is disclosed a water slide adapted to have a ride vehicle slide thereon. The water slide includes a section incorporating an anti-reversal system. The anti-reversal system is arranged for contacting the ride vehicle when travelling through the section and is configured to slow and/or stop the ride vehicle when travelling in a reverse direction opposite a desired forward direction. Related methods are also disclosed.

Description

ANTI-REVERSAL SYSTEM FOR WATER SLIDES

FIELD

[0001] This application relates generally to anti-reversal systems for water slides.

BACKGROUND [0002] In conventional water-based amusement rides, such as large-scale water slides featured at amusement parks, patrons enter the ride at a starting location and travel to a terminal destination by sliding along a chute or flume. 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] Large-scale water slides may include elevation changes, including uphill sections where patrons travel at least partially against the force of gravity. Depending on factors such as the slide geometry, the speed and weight of riders, etc., in some uphill sections, inertia alone may be sufficient to allow patrons to climb the uphill section. For other sections, patrons may be assisted by systems to propel the riders and/or ride vehicles uphill. Some such systems include, for example, jet propulsion and linear induction motor systems marketed by the applicant, ProSlide Technologies Inc., under the names ROCKETBLAST® and HYDROMAGNETIC®, respectively.

[0005] In cases where riders do not have sufficient inertia to climb the uphill section or a power or system failure results in insufficient power to propel riders up the section, there is a risk that riders reverse and slide back down. This may be a considerable reversal in some cases, depending on the length of the uphill section and other slide geometry preceding the uphill section.

[0006] Thus, there is a desire to reduce the risk posed by unintentional reversal in a water slide. SUMMARY

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a water slide adapted to have a ride vehicle slide thereon, the water slide comprising a section incorporating an anti-reversal system, the anti-reversal system being arranged for contacting the ride vehicle when travelling through the section and being configured to slow and/or stop the ride vehicle when travelling in a reverse direction opposite a desired forward direction.

[0008] In some embodiments, the anti-reversal system is arranged for the ride vehicle to travel over when travelling through the section.

[0009] In some embodiments, the anti-reversal system comprises one or more elements arranged for the ride vehicle to contact, each element configured to slow and/or stop the ride vehicle when travelling in the reverse direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the one or more elements are elongated in a direction transverse to the forward direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, each of the one or more elements is movable between a first position and a second position in which the element slows the ride vehicle.

[0012] In some embodiments, travel of the ride vehicle in the forward direction aids the one or more elements to move into the first position and travel of the ride vehicle in the reverse direction aids the one or more elements to move into the second position.

[0013] In some embodiments, each of the one or more elements is movable into an extended position in which the element extends from the water slide for contacting the ride vehicle when travelling in the reverse direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, in the extended position the element extends from a sliding surface of the water slide.

[0015] In some embodiments, travel of the ride vehicle in the reverse direction aids the one or more elements to move into the extended position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the one or more elements comprise flaps. [0017] In some embodiments, the flaps have a secured leading edge and a free trailing edge.

[0018] In some embodiments, when the ride vehicle travels in the forward direction the flaps are pressed down. [0019] In some embodiments, the one or more elements comprise rollers configured to rotate in only the forward direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, the rollers are substantially flush with a sliding surface of the water slide.

[0021] In some embodiments, the water slide includes an uphill section and wherein the section incorporating the anti-reversal system immediately precedes the uphill section.

[0022] In some embodiments, the section incorporating the anti-reversal system is substantially flat and the anti-reversal system is incorporated proximal to an end of the section in the forward direction.

[0023] In some embodiments, the one or more elements comprise shaped protrusions. [0024] In some embodiments, the anti-reversal system comprises a textured and/or treated surface.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of slowing and/or stopping a ride vehicle reversing in a water slide, the method comprising: providing an anti-reversal system configured to slow the ride vehicle when travelling in a reverse direction opposite a desired forward direction; arranging the anti reversal system in a travel path of the ride vehicle such that the ride vehicle contacts the anti reversal system when travelling in the forward and reverse directions.

[0026] In some embodiments, providing the anti-reversal system comprises providing one or more elements configured to slow the ride vehicle when travelling in the reverse direction. [0027] In some embodiments, arranging the anti-reversal system comprises incorporating the anti-reversal system into a sliding surface of the water slide. [0028] In some embodiments, arranging the anti-reversal system comprises arranging the anti-reversal system in a section of the water slide immediately preceding an uphill section of the water slide.

[0029] In some embodiments, arranging the anti-reversal system comprises arranging the anti-reversal system at a terminal end of a flat section of the water slide in the forward direction.

[0030] In some embodiments, arranging the anti-reversal system comprises arranging the anti-reversal system to be substantially flush with a sliding surface of the water slide.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0031] 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:

[0032] Fig. l is a perspective view of an exemplary water slide incorporating an anti reversal system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the water slide of Fig. 1.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an uphill section of the water slide of Fig. 1. [0035] Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of a section of the water slide of Fig. 1 incorporating the anti-reversal system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of the section of Fig. 4 showing an anti -reversal system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig. 6 is a schematic side view of the anti-reversal system of Fig. 5. [0038] Fig. 7 is a top perspective view of the section of Fig. 4 showing an anti -reversal system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig. 8 is a enlarged view of the section of the anti -reversal system of Fig. 7.

[0040] Fig. 9a is a schematic side view of an anti-reversal system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Fig. 9b is a schematic side view of an anti-reversal system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Fig. 9c is a schematic side view of an anti-reversal system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [0043] Fig. 10 is a schematic side view of an anti -reversal system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an anti-reversal system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end of the system of Fig. 11. [0046] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the anti-reversal system of Fig. 11 with the flaps pressed down in one direction.

[0047] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the anti-reversal system of Fig. 11 with the flaps pressed down in another direction.

[0048] Fig. 15 is an exploded view of a section of a water slide incorporating the anti- reversal system of Fig. 11. PET ATT, ED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, one example of a water slide 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The water slide 10 includes a starting location 12 relatively near ground level and a terminal location 14 also relatively near ground level. The water slide 10 includes two, side-by-side lanes 11a, 1 lb for ride vehicles 15, in particular inflatable rafts, to travel side-by-side for at least a portion of the slide. Initially the ride vehicles travel side-by-side along relatively flat section 16, climb uphill section 18 and then proceed through the remainder of the slide before returning to the terminal location 14. In each lane, the ride vehicles 15 travel on a sliding surface 20, which is lubricated by water.

[0050] It will be understood that water slide 10 is but one example of a water slide incorporating a system as described herein and that principles of the present disclosure may be applicable to a wide variety of possible slide configurations, which may differ from the illustrated embodiment. Moreover, while the principles of the disclosure will be described in reference to flat and uphill sections 16 and 18, it should be understood that they are applicable to other portions of the water slide 10, as well as to other slide configurations. Specifically, an anti-reversal system as described herein may be incorporated in a sliding surface of a water slide different from the water slide 10.

[0051] Furthermore, while the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in relation to a ride vehicle configured as a boat-like raft, the principles of the present disclosure may also be applicable to other types of ride vehicles, such as mats, inner tubes and other rafts.

[0052] To travel along flat section 14, the ride vehicles may be propelled by an accelerator system, such as a jet propulsion or linear induction motor system noted above, to reach and begin the ascent of uphill section 18. Moreover, as shown in Fig. 3, a propulsion system, such as a jet propulsion system using jets 19, may be used to also aid and propel the ride vehicles along the uphill section 18.

[0053] If, due to power or system fault or failure, a propulsion system for the uphill section ceases operation while a ride vehicle is climbing the uphill section 18 - or, even without any propulsion system, a ride vehicle does not have sufficient inertia to climb an uphill section - the ride vehicle may begin to slide backwards down the uphill section 18 and continue backwards along flat section 16 towards the starting location 12. This may present a danger to riders and, at the least, may cause fear in riders.

[0054] More generally, water slides 10 and, in particular, water-coaster type water rides incorporate so-called “trap zones” in which a reversing ride vehicle or rider may be slowed to a stop and “trapped” as a safety measure. Traditionally, trap zones have been incorporated into water rides primarily by using elevation changes and ride design so that gravity acts as the main force to slow and stop the vehicle or rider. For example, a sufficiently steep slope or deep trough or valley in the slide path may be incorporated before an uphill section to act as a trap zone. It will be appreciated that the slope and depth of such a trough or valley would need to be sufficient to counteract the momentum of the reversing ride vehicle or rider.

[0055] Furthermore, typically, at any given time during operation of a water ride, only a single ride vehicle or rider may be positioned in a lane between two trap zones. It will be appreciated that this constraint acts as an additional safety measure to prevent a reversing ride vehicle or rider from reversing into an advancing ride vehicle or rider. This also allows the ride to be shut down in the event of a fault, resulting in the ride vehicles or riders between trap zones reversing or advancing into the designated trap zone for their respective section of the ride. Thus, the number of trap zones and the ride path and distance therebetween are also factors affecting the throughput capacity of a ride in operation, limiting the number of patrons that can pass through the ride per hour.

[0056] The principles and embodiments of an anti-reversal system as described herein may be used to create and incorporate a trap zone into a ride configuration without an elevation change, such as a trough or valley, or with less of an elevation change than would otherwise be required. Thus, gravity alone would no longer be required to create a safe and effective trap zone. Accordingly, use of the anti-reversal system according the present disclosure may permit a vast array of ride configurations that were previously not possible and/or may permit a higher throughput capacity of riders. In some embodiments, retrofitting an existing ride with an anti-reversal system, as described herein, may increase the existing throughput capacity of the ride. [0057] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the water slide 10 has a section that incorporates an anti-reversal system 24 configured to at least slow or even stop the ride vehicle when travelling in a reverse direction opposite a desired forward direction.

[0058] Referring to Fig. 4, in one embodiment, an anti-reversal system 24 may be incorporated into the flat section 16 of the water slide 10 proximate to a begin of the uphill section 18. The placement of the anti-reversal system 24 at or near the begin of the uphill section 18 may prevent or reduce the possibility that the vehicle 15 reversing down the uphill section 18 continues to slide for a significant amount along the flat section 16. Thus, the anti reversal system 24 may slow or bring to a stop the ride vehicle 15 shortly after it re-enters the flat section 16 when reversing.

[0059] In other embodiments, an anti-reversal system 24 could instead or additionally be incorporated in the uphill section 18 or any other section of the water slide 10 to at least slow or stop the ride vehicle. For example, the anti-reversal system could be incorporated at the crest of a hill, such as the uphill section 18, stopping the ride vehicle and preventing or reducing backward motion.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the anti-reversal system 24 is incorporated into the sliding surface 20 of the water slide 10 such that the ride vehicle 15 travels over and contacts the anti-reversal system 24. In such embodiments, the weight and/or surface area of the ride vehicle may aid in increasing the braking forces applied by the anti-reversal system 24. Retrofitting existing water slides 10, as discussed further below, may also be made easier by incorporating the anti-reversal system into the sliding surface 20.

[0061] In other embodiments, the anti-reversal system 24 may be incorporated into other portions of the water slide 10, such as side walls 25 of the water slide 10 and/or the transition portion between the sliding surface 10 and the side walls 25.

[0062] In one embodiment, the anti-reversal system 24 includes one or more elements arranged for the ride vehicle 15 to contact when travelling through the section incorporating the anti -reversal system 24. Each element is configured to at least slow the ride vehicle 15 when travelling in the reverse direction. [0063] For example, referring to Figs. 5 and 6, in one embodiment, the anti-reversal system 24 may include a plurality of rollers 26. The rollers are arranged generally perpendicular to the forward direction F on axes 28 and configured to rotate in only one direction, as shown by the counter-clockwise arrow. For example, the rollers may include a one-way clutch bearing that locks the rollers in one direction. The roll direction of the rollers 26 would permit the ride vehicle 15 to travel in the forward direction by allowing the rollers 26 to spin freely. Upon reversal of the vehicle 15, the rollers 26 would not spin or would require a higher force to spin than in the forward direction, presenting a counter force to the ride vehicle 15’s movement. In some embodiments, the rollers 26 may be configured to have a surface texture, material and/or treatment that may provide little or no increase in friction when the ride vehicle 15 travels in the forward direction but would present additional resistance to reverse travel of the ride vehicle 15. For example, the rollers 26 may be wrapped in a material with a high coefficient of friction.

[0064] In the embodiment shown, the rollers are incorporated into the sliding surface 20 of the water slide 10, such that the ride vehicle 15 travels over the rollers 26 and an underside of the ride vehicle 15 contacts the rollers 26 when travelling in both the forward and reverse directions F, R. In other embodiments, the rollers may be incorporated into the side walls 25 instead of or in addition to being incorporated into the sliding surface 20. In such embodiments, the rollers 26 would instead or in addition contact respective opposite sides of the ride vehicle 15.

[0065] The rollers 26 may be arranged such that their tops 30 are substantially flush with or protrude slightly from the sliding surface 20 and/or side walls 25. This may avoid the rollers 26 from protruding an undesirable amount and interfering with the forward travel of the ride vehicle 15.

[0066] The rollers 26 may be positioned within the path of the ride vehicle 15, for example in a depression 32, which may be positioned within the sliding surface 20 and/or side walls 25. A water evacuation system (not shown) may be included to evacuate water used to lubricate the sliding surface 20 flowing between the rollers, for example into the depression 32. [0067] Other embodiments are also possible. Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, in another embodiment, the elements of the anti-reversal system 24 may be configured as flaps 34. In the illustrated embodiment, an under panel 41 is shown that supports the flaps 34 and portions of sliding surface 20. The under panel 41 could be inserted within a larger opening within the sliding surface 20 of the water slide 10. In some embodiments, the anti -reversal system 24 with flaps 34 may be incorporated into the side walls 25 in addition to or instead of being incorporated into the sliding surface 20.

[0068] The flaps 34 are flexible and may have a laminated construction comprising an underlayer 36 sandwiched (for example glued or sewn) to a top layer 37. The underlayer 36 may provide durability and structural integrity while the top layer 37 provides a relatively low friction top surface 35. In some embodiments, the underlayer 36 may be made of Polyurethane (PU) and the top layer 37 may be made of poly-vinyl chloride (PVC). Other materials, number of layers, and construction are also possible.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the flaps 34 are generally rectangular in shape and arranged in parallel, with the longer dimension of the rectangle arranged generally perpendicular to the forward direction F of travel of the ride vehicle 15. Each flap 34 includes a leading edge 38 and a trailing edge 40. The leading edges 38 are fixed to a support or the under panel 41 of the sliding surface 20 and within a groove or opening 42 in the sliding surface 20. The trailing edge 40 is free. In the illustrated embodiment, each flap 34 is arranged between portions of the sliding surface 20.

[0070] While the illustrated embodiment shows the leading edge 38 of the flaps 34 being fastened to the under panel 41 with button head screws 43, other fixation means are possible, such as using adhesive. The flaps 34 may also be hingedly connected to the under panel 41 or otherwise mechanically connected to allow for rotatable movement of the flap along the leading edge 38. In such embodiments, the flaps 34 are not necessarily hinged at the leading edge 38 and may be hinged along an axis extending parallel to and between the leading and trailing edges 38, 40 such that when the flap is raised, the leading edge is below a plane of the sliding surface 20. [0071] The flaps 34 of the illustrated embodiment have a flexibility or are at least not rigid. In other embodiments, the flaps 34 may be more or less rigid.

[0072] Whether due to the flexible nature of the flaps 34 and/or the manner in which they are attached at the leading edge 38, when the ride vehicle 15 travels in the forward direction F, it slides over the top surface 35 of each of the flaps. The flaps are pressed down by the weight of the ride vehicle 15. In the illustrated embodiment, when pressed down, a portion of the flaps 34, including the trailing edge 40, overlies and contacts the sliding surface 20.

[0073] When the ride vehicle 15 reverses, the ride vehicle 15 contacts the trailing edges 40, causing the flaps 34 to raise and extend from the water slide 10. In the illustrated embodiment, in this position, the flaps 34 protrude from the plane of the sliding surface 20, thereby interfering with the ride vehicle 15. The rigidity of the flaps 34 and/or the connection of the leading edge 38 to the under panel 41 may act to provide a counter force to the travel of the ride vehicle 15. For example, due to rigidity of the flaps 34 and the manner in which they are fixed to the under panel 41, when the ride vehicle 15 reverses, the flaps 34 would resist bending or folding in the reverse direction R. In other embodiments, the hinged connection to the under panel 41 may be configured to only allow pivoting in the forward direction F but not or only partial pivoting the reverse direction, creating a mechanical block for the flaps 34 to resist travel of the vehicle 15 in the reverse direction R.

[0074] In some embodiments, if the underside of the flaps 34 comes in contact with the ride vehicle 15, based on material choice, the flaps 34 may provide increased friction and resistance to travel of the vehicle 15. Instead, or in addition, the underside of the flaps may have a surface configuration and/or be treated to increase the friction and counter-force applied to the vehicle.

[0075] Other embodiments are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, the opening 42 is sized such that when the flap is pressed down, the flap 34 fits within the opening 42 and does not overlay the sliding surface 20. A depth of the opening 42 may substantially match a thickness of the flap such that the top surface 35 becomes substantially flush with the sliding surface 20. This may further aid permitting the ride vehicle 15 to travel in the forward direction F. [0076] In some embodiments, the flaps 34 may be spaced without sliding surface portions therebetween and such that when pressed down the trailing edge 40 of one flap is immediately adjacent to and/or contacts the leading edge 38 of the adjacent flap 34.

[0077] As noted above, in some embodiments, the flaps 34 may be instead or in addition incorporated into the side walls 25 of the slide feature. The principles of operation of the flaps 34 would apply mutatis mutandis in such embodiments.

[0078] More generally, the elements of the anti-reversal system 24 may be movable between a first position and a second position in which the element slows the ride vehicle. For example, in some embodiments, in the second position the element may extend from the water slide, such as from the surface of the side walls and/or upward from a plane of the sliding surface for contacting the ride vehicle when travelling in the reverse direction R. In some embodiments, travel of the ride vehicle 15 in the reverse direction R causes the elements to move into the second position, such as, for example, causing the flaps 34 to protrude from the plane of the sliding surface 20.

[0079] It will be understood that the shape, size and number of elements of the anti reversal system, such as the rollers 26 and flaps 34, may be different than shown in the illustrated embodiments. A water slide 10 may also incorporate multiple types of anti-reversal systems that operate in combination to slow and/or stop the vehicle.

[0080] Other embodiments are also possible. In some embodiments, the elements or flaps may be configured as rigid planks that are hingedly connected to a substrate using rigid and/or flexible straps such that the straps collapse or bend, allowing the planks to fold away from the vehicle when it travels in the forward direction F, but remain rigid or less flexible when the vehicle travels in the reverse direction R resulting in resistance to the vehicle travel.

[0081] In some embodiments, the anti-reversal system 24 may comprise non-movable, shaped elements. For example, referring to Figs. 9A - 9C, shaped elements 44a, 44b, and 44c may be fixed to the under panel 41 or other supporting structure of the water slide 10. The elements are shaped to provide relatively low friction when the ride vehicle 15 travels in the forward direction F and to act as hooks, stops, or other mechanical features, resulting in relatively larger friction, when the ride vehicle 15 travels in the reverse direction R. [0082] Each of the shaped elements 44a, 44b, and 44c may include a relatively smooth (angled or curved) transition at its base 46a, 46b, and 46c, respectively to the adjacent sliding surface 20, and an angled or curved top surface 48a, 48b, and 48c, respectively. At an opposite end of the top surfaces from the transition to the sliding surface, the shaped elements 44a, 44b, 44c include a trailing edge or curvature 50a, 50b, and 50c, respectively. An underside 52a, 52b, and 52c extends from the trailing edges or curvatures 50a, 50b, and 50c.

[0083] When travelling in the forward direction, the ride vehicle 15 slides over the top surfaces 48a, 48b, 48c, which are angled or curved such that they provide relatively low friction to the travel of the ride vehicle 15. Upon reverse travel of the vehicle 15, the trailing edges 50a, 50b, and 50c may act as hooks, stops, teeth or other positive interference to slow, catch and/or stop the ride vehicle 15.

[0084] The shaped elements 44a, 44b, 44c, may be comprised of a variety of materials or combination of materials. The top surface 48a, 48b, 48c may comprise PVC or another relatively low friction material.

[0085] Figs. 9a, 9b, and 9c are cross-sectional views of elongated elements extending perpendicular to the forward direction F, for example as ridges. In other embodiments, the elements may not be elongated perpendicular to the forward direction F and may be configured as dimples, spikes, or other protrusions. A schematic of such an embodiment is shown in Fig. 10. Protrusions 54 extend from the sliding surface 20 and are shaped as hooks extending in the forward direction. The protrusions 54 are shown arranged in rows side by side but could have other configurations or patterns. The shape and configurations of protrusions 54 is merely exemplary and other configurations are possible, consistent with the principles described herein. Similarly, as with other embodiments of the anti-reversal system 24, the protrusions 54 may be incorporated instead or in addition into the sidewalls 25.

[0086] Referring to Figs. 11 to 15, a further embodiment of the anti-reversal system 24 will be described. Like components are given like reference numerals. Specifically, the anti reversal system 24 comprises rectangular flaps 60 but configured differently than in the embodiment according to Figs. 7 and 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the anti-reversal system 24 comprises a separate, installable panel 56 having recessed slots 58 through which flexible flaps 60 extend. The panel is installed within a section of the water slide 10 such that upper surface portions 59 between flaps 60 form part of the sliding surface 20 or the side walls 25. In the illustrated embodiment, grates 63 are provided for evacuating water.

[0087] A respective, downwardly extending support wall 62 extends downward from an underside of the panel 56 and adjacent to each slot 58, providing an attachment support for the flaps 60. The support wall 62 is angled towards the ride direction. The angling of the support wall 62 may be set slightly over 90 degrees (i.e. not vertical) so the flap leans towards the reverse direction and an oncoming vehicle when it travels in the forward direction. This may help to prevent the flaps from remaining bent in the forward position after being pressed down by a vehicle, due to gravity and/or repeated bending of the flaps into the cavity. When angled, such as the angle shown in the illustrated embodiment, gravity may actually help keep the flap in the desired “open” position. This angling may thus also improve reliability and longevity of the device.

[0088] Adjacent to each slot, on an upper side of the panel 56 a wedge-shaped recess 64 is sized and positioned to substantially receive the corresponding flap 60. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12, the flaps 60 are comprised of a flexible, yet sufficiently rigid material such that, in the natural or resting state, they extend upwards from the panel 56 substantially parallel to their respective support walls 62. In some embodiments, the support walls 62 are configured as a steel bracket that is fixed, such as bolted, to the panel 56. In turn, the flaps 60 may be bolted to the support walls 62. The flaps 60 include a leading edge or area 61 fixed to the support wall 62 and a trailing edge 65 extending from the water slide 10.

[0089] When the ride vehicle travels over the anti-reversal system 24 in the forward direction F, the flaps 60 collapse forward and are substantially received in their respective recesses 64, thereby becoming substantially flush with the ride surface providing little resistance to travel of the ride vehicle 15. This is best seen in Fig. 13. The ride vehicle 15 travels over a forward side 66 of each flap. The forward side 66 may be made of a low friction material and/or may have a low friction coating applied thereto to reduce or minimize the resistance to the ride vehicle 15 in addition to the flap being received in the recess 64. [0090] Conversely, when the ride vehicle 15 travels in the reverse direction R, the flaps 60 are bent in the reverse direction R by the ride vehicle 15, partially covering grates 63 and portions of the sliding surface 20, thereby providing resistance to the reversal of the ride vehicle 15 and slowing and/or stopping it. This is best seen in Fig. 14. Resistance to the ride vehicle 15 may be provided by the flaps due to their configuration, shape and/or resilience when bending in the reverse direction R versus the forward direction F. For example, material selection for the flaps 60 may permit the flaps 60 to be more rigid in bending in the reverse direction R than the forward direction F, requiring more force to do so. In some embodiment, a reverse side 68 of the flaps 60 may be made of a high friction material and/or may have a high friction coating applied thereto to increase the resistance to the motion of the ride vehicle 15.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the forward side 66 and reverse side 68 of the flaps 60 are formed by separate sheets bonded together. The sheets may be comprised of different materials, may have different mechanical properties and/or have different dimensions, such as a difference in thickness.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 15, the panel 56 may be installed in a section of a water slide 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel 56 is installed in a section 70 comprising an accelerator system 72, such as the jet propulsion system sold by the applicant under the name RocketBLAST®. The panel 56 is mechanically fixed, via countersunk holes 71 positioned along opposing side edges of the panel 56 to corresponding support rails 74 in the water ride section 70, as indicated by the dashed lines.

[0093] In yet other embodiments, the anti-reversal system 24 may comprise a portion of a textured and/or treated surface. The textured and/or treated surface may be arranged and/or configured such that, with sufficient inertia and/or with the assistance of a propulsion system, as described above, the ride vehicle 15 is able to travel over the surface in the forward direction. However, with less inertia and/or without such an accelerator system the textured and/or treated surface may provide sufficient friction to slow and/or stop the vehicle travelling in the reverse direction R. [0094] Other embodiments are also possible. In some embodiments, the anti-reversal system may include elements that are activatable in response to, for example, detection of reversal of the ride vehicle. In some embodiments, sensors may be used to detect passage of the vehicle and/or reversal of the vehicle. When reversal of the vehicle is detected, the anti reversal may be activated. For example, in embodiments where the elements of the system are configured as flaps, they may remain in the closed, or flat, position during normal operation but only be mechanically raised or actuated into the raised position upon the sensors detecting reversal of the vehicle. Similarly, in the case of roller elements, the rollers may only be locked in the reverse direction upon sensing reversal of the vehicle. A controller operably connected to the sensors and anti-reversal system may be used to control actuation of the system.

[0095] Incorporating the anti-reversal system 24 on a separately installable piece, such as panel 56 or under panel 41, may also allow retrofitting of existing water slides. As discussed above, this may allow for the incorporation of a trap zone into the water slide where one did not previously exist due to insufficient grade or elevation changes.

[0096] Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to methods of slowing ride vehicles reversing in a water slide. In some embodiments, methods according to the present disclosure include providing an anti-reversal system configured to slow the ride vehicle when travelling in a reverse direction opposite a desired forward direction and arranging the anti reversal system in a travel path of the ride vehicle such that the ride vehicle travels over the anti-reversal system when travelling in the forward and reverse directions.

[0097] In some embodiments, providing the anti-reversal system includes providing an anti-reversal system according to embodiments described above.

[0098] In some embodiments, providing the anti-reversal system comprises providing one or more elements configured to slow the ride vehicle when travelling in the reverse direction. For example, providing the one or more elements may include providing one or more of flaps, rollers, and protrusions as described above.

[0099] In some embodiments, arranging the anti-reversal system comprises incorporating the anti-reversal system into a sliding surface of the water slide. For example, incorporating the anti-reversal system in a water slide may include incorporating the anti-reversal system into the water slide 20 by, for example, installing an under panel including the anti-reversal system.

[00100] In some embodiments, arranging the anti-reversal system includes arranging the anti-reversal in a section of the water slide immediately preceding an uphill section of the water slide. In some embodiments, arranging the anti-reversal system includes arranging the anti-reversal at a terminal end of a flat section of the water slide in the forward direction. For example, the anti -reversal system may be arranged near a terminal end of a flat section 16 and/or immediately preceding the uphill section 18, as described above.

[00101] In some embodiments, arranging the anti-reversal system includes arranging the anti-reversal system to be substantially flush with a sliding surface of the water slide. For example, arranging the anti-reversal system to be substantially flush with the sliding surface may include installing elements of the anti-reversal system, such as the rollers or flaps, so that tops of the elements do not substantially protrude above a plane of the sliding surface.

[00102] Other embodiments are also possible.

[00103] Embodiments of the anti-reversal system according to the present disclosure may also incorporate contactless systems that act on a reversing ride vehicle to slow or stop the vehicle. For example, magnetic brakes and/or other induction systems may be incorporated into the slide and act on a plate or other receptor incorporated into the ride vehicle. In some embodiments, water may be used. For example, a portion of the slide may be flooded with water in the event of a reversing vehicle to generate an ad hoc pool in which the vehicle comes to a stop. Water jets triggered by a reversing vehicle may be used to spray at the vehicle and decelerate it. Conversely, in some embodiments, water that would be present during normal operation to lubricate the ride may be removed from a portion of the water slide, increasing friction and aiding in slowing or stopping the reversing ride vehicle.

[00104] In some embodiments of the anti-reversal system, the system may be incorporated into the ride vehicle rather than the surface of the slide. In such embodiments, the principles of the anti-reversal system described herein may be reversed such the system incorporated into the vehicle contacts or otherwise interacts with the sliding surface to slow and/or stop the vehicle. For example, in some such embodiments, elements of the anti-reversal system, such as flaps, may be incorporated into a bottom surface of the ride vehicle. The flaps are configured to lie flat and permit the ride vehicle to slide in the forward direction but would be activated when the vehicle reverses, increasing friction against the sliding surface of the water slide. Embodiments of an anti-reversal system may also be incorporated into other portions of the ride vehicle. In general, embodiments disclosed herein that involve a system or elements incorporated into the water slide that interact with the ride vehicle to slow and/or stop the ride vehicle may, where feasible, instead be incorporated into the ride vehicle and interact with the slide to slow and/or stop the vehicle.

[00105] 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.

[00106] 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.

[00107] 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.

[00108] 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.

[00109] 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 adapted to have a ride vehicle slide thereon, the water slide comprising a section incorporating an anti-reversal system, the anti-reversal system being arranged for contacting the ride vehicle when travelling through the section and being configured to slow and/or stop the ride vehicle when travelling in a reverse direction opposite a desired forward direction.

2. The water slide of claim 1, wherein the anti -reversal system is arranged for the ride vehicle to travel over when travelling through the section.

3. The water slide of claim 1, wherein the anti -reversal system comprises one or more elements arranged for the ride vehicle to contact, each element configured to slow and/or stop the ride vehicle when travelling in the reverse direction.

4. The water slide of claim 3, wherein the one or more elements are elongated in a direction transverse to the forward direction.

5. The water slide of claim 3, wherein each of the one or more elements is movable between a first position and a second position in which the element slows the ride vehicle.

6. The water slide of claim 5, wherein travel of the ride vehicle in the forward direction aids the one or more elements to move into the first position and travel of the ride vehicle in the reverse direction aids the one or more elements to move into the second position.

7. The water slide of claim 3, wherein each of the one or more elements is movable into an extended position in which the element extends from the water slide for contacting the ride vehicle when travelling in the reverse direction.

8. The water slide of claim 7, wherein in the extended position the element extends from a sliding surface of the water slide.

9. The water slide of claim 7, wherein travel of the ride vehicle in the reverse direction aids the one or more elements to move into the extended position.

10. The water slide of claim 3, wherein the one or more elements comprise flaps.

11. The water slide of claim 10, wherein the flaps have a secured leading edge and a free trailing edge.

12. The water slide of claim 10, wherein when the ride vehicle travels in the forward direction the flaps are pressed down.

13. The water slide of claim 3, wherein the one or more elements comprise rollers configured to rotate in only the forward direction.

14. The water slide of claim 13, wherein the rollers are substantially flush with a sliding surface of the water slide.

15. The water slide of claim 1, wherein the water slide includes an uphill section and wherein the section incorporating the anti-reversal system immediately precedes the uphill section.

16. The water slide of claim 1, wherein the section incorporating the anti-reversal system is substantially flat and the anti-reversal system is incorporated proximal to an end of the section in the forward direction.

17. The water slide of claim 3, wherein the one or more elements comprise shaped protrusions.

18. The water slide of claim 1, wherein the anti-reversal system comprises a textured and/or treated surface.

19. A method of slowing and/or stopping a ride vehicle reversing in a water slide, the method comprising: providing an anti-reversal system configured to slow the ride vehicle when travelling in a reverse direction opposite a desired forward direction; arranging the anti-reversal system in a travel path of the ride vehicle such that the ride vehicle contacts the anti-reversal system when travelling in the forward and reverse directions.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein providing the anti-reversal system comprises providing one or more elements configured to slow the ride vehicle when travelling in the reverse direction.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein arranging the anti-reversal system comprises incorporating the anti-reversal system into a sliding surface of the water slide.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein arranging the anti-reversal system comprises arranging the anti-reversal system in a section of the water slide immediately preceding an uphill section of the water slide.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein arranging the anti-reversal system comprises arranging the anti-reversal system at a terminal end of a flat section of the water slide in the forward direction.

24. The method of claim 19, wherein arranging the anti-reversal system comprises arranging the anti-reversal system to be substantially flush with a sliding surface of the water slide.