WO2024088505A1

WO2024088505A1 - Junction for amusement slide

Info

Publication number: WO2024088505A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/079615
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon BARON
Original assignee: Wiegand.Waterrides Gmbh
Priority date: 2022-10-24
Filing date: 2022-10-24
Publication date: 2024-05-02

Abstract

The present invention relates to a junction for an amusement slide at which two slide segments cross each other at the same level. The junction can be part of a single amusement slide, such that the slider passes the same point twice. Alternatively, the junction can be part of a system of two amusement slides, such that the sliders of the two amusement slides pass the same point one after the other.

Description

JUNCTION FOR AMUSEMENT SLIDE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a junction for an amusement slide, an amusement slide having said junction and a system of two amusement slides sharing said junction.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

In an amusement slide, which can also simply be referred to as slide, a person, also referred to as slider, slides from a beginning to an end of the slide, typically making use of gravity. The slide can be a dry slide or a water slide, where the slider glides on a water film. The slider can use a vehicle, such as a mat, a boat, a raft or a ring, or slide without a vehicle, for example on his skin or his clothing. The vehicle might accommodate more than one slider. Therefore, the word slider also encompasses a group of sliders.

The slide comprises a slide track which runs from the beginning to the end of the slide and guides the slider along a slide path. The slide path is the trajectory which the slider follows. The slide track can be a closed tube or an open trough, but in any case has a lateral wall to urge the slider on the slide path.

Some modem amusement slides also make use of propulsion systems which accelerate the slider, for example using waterjets or magnetic drive systems.

There are ongoing efforts to increase the appeal of amusement slides by adding exciting slide elements or effects. This applies to both dry slides and water slides, and to both open slides and tube slides.

Aspects of the present invention, examples and their embodiments are disclosed in the following. Different exemplary features of the invention can be combined in accordance with the invention wherever technically expedient and feasible. EXEMPLARY SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following, a short description of the specific features of the present invention is given which shall not be understood to limit the invention only to the features or a combination of the features described in this section.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this section, a description of the general features of the present invention is given for example by referring to possible embodiments of the invention.

According to the present invention, a junction for an amusement slide comprises a first slide segment and a second slide segment which cross each other at the same level.

Each of the first slide segment and the second slide segment is a piece of slide track. The slide track has, in its cross section, a bottom, which represents the lowest point of the slide track in its cross section. The bottom is a part of the surface of the slide track which faces the slider, or, put differently, points to the inside of the slide track. The bottom can be a single point or a flat portion, for example if the slide uses a vehicle.

At the point at which the two slide segments cross each other, the bottom of the two slide segments is identical. The two slide segments thus share a part of the slide track. The area of the junction where the two slide segments cross each other is also referred to as crossing.

In a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the two slide segments, that is the first slide segment and the second slide segment, is flat at the crossing, such that there is an increased shared bottom surface of the slide segments. The slide segments then can each have a funnel part to reduce the width of the slide track after the crossing. This guides the slider inside the slide track after the crossing. The funnel part might transform the flat bottom into a curved bottom if applicable.

The flat bottom at the crossing is continuous with the bottom of the two slide segments, which for example means that there is no sudden step or height difference at the transition from the bottom of the slide segment to the shared, flat bottom.

Under normal circumstances, the slider slides on a first part of a particular slide segment, then straight over the shared flat bottom and into a second part of the same particular slide segment.

In general, an amusement slide has a sliding direction, which is the direction from the beginning of the slide to the end of the slide following the slide path. The words “before” and “after” in the context of the crossing, but also in the context of the slide and its elements like the junction, refer to this sliding direction. The part of a slide segment behind the crossing is passed by the slider after he passes the part of the slide segment before the crossing. The slider typically enters the junction via a slide segment, slides through the junction and leaves the junction via the same slide segment.

In general, the two slide segments can cross each other at any angle, for example at 90 degrees. But in one embodiment, the first slide segment and the second slide segment cross each other at an acute angle. This acute angle refers to the angle in which the first and second slide segment cross each other in the sliding direction. The acute angle is less than 90 degrees, preferably 45 degrees or less, 25 degrees or less or 15 degrees or less.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the slide is a water slide. In this case, the water films in the two slide segments also cross in an acute angle, resulting in less turbulences since both water films macroscopically flow in directions having a component in the same direction. In this context, “macroscopically” means the overall flow direction of the water irrespective of differing directions of single water molecules within the overall stream.

At the crossing, the two slide segments have no side walls because the slide tracks formed by the two segments could otherwise not cross there. Since there is no rigid guidance of the slider in an amusement slide, the slide path is variable along the slide track. The lateral position of the slider on the slide track for example depends on the speed of the slider. So if the slider is not at the bottom of the slide track at the crossing, but in contact with a side wall, the missing side wall at the crossing would lead to an undesired movement of the slider. Most likely, the slider would, when passing one of the two slide segments, hit against a side wall of the other slide segment.

In one embodiment, both the first slide segment and the second slide segment are straight slide segments. In this case, any lateral displacement of the slider can abate sufficiently before the crossing. In this embodiment, straight refers to the lateral direction. A straight slide segment has no curvature to the left or the right, but can still have a slope or a drop in the longitudinal direction. However, it is advantageous if the bottom of the slide track is horizontal at the crossing.

In one embodiment, the junction has a water drain in the first slide segment at a position before the crossing and a water outlet in the second slide segment behind the crossing. This avoids, or at least reduces, that water flowing in the two slide segments crosses at the crossing. The water drain drains all or at least 50 %, 75 %, 90 % or 95 % of the water flowing into the first slide segment.

In addition or as an alternative, the water outlet is in the first slide segment behind the crossing. In this case, the parts or all of the water flowing into the first slide segment also flows out of the first slide segment behind the crossing, but is guided around the crossing to avoid or reduce a collision of the water films within the crossing.

The water drain and the water outlet may be connected via a piping to guide the water from the water drain to the water outlet, thus re-using the drained water. An optional pump in the piping can support the water flow from the water drain to the water outlet.

In one embodiment, there is a water reservoir between the water drain and the water outlet to buffer the drained water. The water reservoir is preferably arranged alongside or immediately below the junction. Optionally, the junction has a water drain in the second slide segment at a position before the crossing. This can reduce the amount of water flowing from the second slide segment into the crossing, even up to zero.

The water drains in the first and second slide segments can be connected to a common water reservoir. Water from this common water reservoir can then be supplied to the water outlet of the first slide segment and optionally also to a water outlet of the second slide segment.

The first slide segment and the second slide segment each have at least one side wall. In one embodiment, at least one connection of a side wall of the first slide segment and a side wall of the second slide segment is rounded or slanted. The spot where side walls of different slide segments meet defines a comer of the crossing. As mentioned above, there is a certain risk that the slider slides against a corner of the crossing if he is laterally displaced. This is avoided, or at least attenuated, if the corners of the crossing are not sharp edges, but are rounded or slanted. A comer can for example form part of a funnel or cone.

It can be sufficient to round or slant only those comers which form an exit of the crossing. The corner at which parts of two slide segments through which the slider enters the crossing meet does not necessarily have to be rounded or slanted.

In one embodiment, the junction further has a third slide segment crossing the first slide segment and the second slide segment at the crossing at the same level. It is possible that the junction even comprises more than three slide segments crossing at the same level.

In one embodiment, the junction further comprises a slide track connecting the exit of the first slide segment with the entry of the second slide segment. After passing the crossing via the first slide segment, the slide track leads the slider back to the junction, namely to the second slide segment, such that the slider passes the crossing a second time.

In one embodiment, the slide track has at least one uphill section and at least one downhill section. The slide track might first have the uphill section followed by the downhill section. His kinetic energy lets the slider slide up the uphill section to the crest, and he then slides down the downhill section into the second slide segment. The slide track can also have a sequence of multiple uphill and downhill or downhill and uphill sections.

In one embodiment, the junction further comprises a propulsion system in the slide track for accelerating the slider. Any known propulsion system can be used, like one using waterjets or an electromagnetic drive system. Due to the propulsion system, the slider is brought to the entry of the second slide system even if his speed when entering the slide track after the crossing is low.

In one embodiment, the slide track describes an arc. This means that the complete slide track between the exit of the first slide segment and the entry of the second slide segment has the same direction of curvature, that is left or right. However, the amount of curvature may vary along the slide track. Without directional changes of the direction of curvature from left to right or vice versa, the loss of kinetic energy of the slider is minimized, such that the energy might suffice to complete the slide track back to the crossing without the need for a propulsion system.

In one embodiment, the first slide segment, the second slide segment and the slide path are horizontal, which means that the bottom of the complete slide track from the crossing at the first slide segment and back to the crossing at the second slide segment is at the same height level. In other words, there are no uphill and downhill sections. In this case, too, the loss of kinetic energy of the slider is minimized, such that the energy might suffice to complete the slide track without the need for a propulsion system.

However, the shared bottom in the crossing could be inclined. In this case, the sliding path on the inclined bottom would be curved. In this case, it is advantageous to correspondingly curve the slide segment(s).

In one embodiment, the arcuate slide path has no inner side wall. This in particular combines with the two slide segments and the slide track being horizontal. In this case, there is preferably a closed plate closing the complete inside within the arcuated slide path to prevent the slider from falling off the slide track. The slide track thus has the shape of a segment of a disc or a bowl. There is for example a flat central area with a surrounding elevated border forming the outer wall of the slide track.

In one embodiment, there are sprinkling means along the slide track. The sprinkling means spray water onto the slide track to reduce friction between the slider and the slide track. The sprinkling means are particularly useful in combination with a water drain before the crossing as explained above.

In this document, “along the slide track” can mean continuously or intermittently.

In one embodiment, there are draining means along the slide track. The draining means are for example provided in the bottom of the slide track. The draining means remove water which collects on the bottom of the slide track and prevents it from flowing into the crossing.

The present invention further relates to an amusement slide comprising a first piece of slide track, a junction as described above and a second piece of slide track. The first piece of slide track comprises the start of the slide and the second piece of slide track comprises the end of the slide. The first piece of slide track ends at the beginning of the first slide segment of the junction and the second piece of slide track begins at the end of the second slide segment. The first piece of slide track and/or the second piece of slide track can comprise one or more junctions.

In one embodiment, the amusement slide further comprises a slider position detector configured to detect whether the slider has passed the junction. Once it is detected that the slider has crossed the junction, an indication can be output to indicate that the next slider can enter the slide. The indication can be one or more of an acoustical indication or an optical indication, like a green light. This embodiment ensures that sliders will not collide in the junction.

The present invention further relates to a system comprising two amusement slides and a junction as described above, wherein the first slide segment of the junction is part of the first amusement slide and the second slide segment of the junction is part of the second amusement slide. This means that the slide tracks of two different slides cross each other at the junction. In one embodiment, the system further comprises a timing indicator configured to indicate a start timing of a first slider of one of the amusement slides depending on the position of a second slider on the other one of the amusement slides. The timing indicator can comprise one or more of an acoustical or an optical emitter, like a green light. This embodiment ensures that sliders will not collide in the junction.

The timing indicator determines the position of the second slider. If the position of the second slider is behind the junction, the timing indicator indicates that the first slider can start sliding. The timing indicator could also indicate that the first slider can start sliding if the second slider is before the junction, but the second slider will pass the junction before the first slider reaches the junction if he starts at the indicated time or later. The latter option can use a maximum distance of the second slider from the junction along the slide path. This maximum distance depends on the maximum time the second slider can need from said position to behind the junction and a minimum time the first slider can need to arrive at the junction.

In one embodiment, one of the amusement slides has a propulsion system for accelerating and/or decelerating a first slider of said amusement slide depending on the position of a second slider on the other amusement slide. The propulsion system prevents the two sliders from colliding in the junction.

If the positions of the first slider and the second slider indicate that the two sliders might collide in the junction, the propulsion system accelerates the first slider, such that he passes the junction before the second slider, or decelerates the first slider such he passes the junction after the second slider.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, the invention is described with reference to the appended figures which give background explanations and represent specific embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is however not limited to the specific features disclosed in the context of the figures, wherein

Figs, la and lb show one example of a 90° junction; Figs. 2a and 2b show another example of a 90° junction;

Fig. 3 shows a junction with an acute angle;

Figs. 4a and 4b show a junction with a slide track;

Fig. 5 shows another junction, with a slide track;

Figs. 6a and 6b show a junction with an alternative slide track;

Fig. 7 shows a modification of the junction of figure 4a;

Fig. 8 shows a junction with water drain and outlet;

Fig. 9 shows a water slide with a junction;

Fig. 10 shows two water slides sharing a junction; and

Fig. H shows an eight-way junction.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the description of the drawings, the words left, right, below and upwards refer to the drawing plane of the figures, but not to actual directions in the real world. On the other hand, words like uphill or downhill refer to a varying height above ground level.

Figure la shows a top view of a four-way junction 1 for an amusement slide. The junction comprises a first slide segment 2a and a second slide segment 2b which cross each other at the same height level. The area where the two slide segments 2a and 2b cross each other is referred to as crossing la and is indicated in the Figures by a dashed line. A perspective view of the junction 1 is shown in Figure lb.

The embodiments of the drawings show junctions having an open slide track, having a basically U-shaped cross section. However, any other cross section could be used. The slide track could use a closed tube, for example having a circular cross section or a cross section having a flat bottom.

In the example of Figures la and lb, the two slide segments 2a and 2b are straight and cross each other at a right angle. The slide direction is indicated by arrows. The slider enters the first slide segment 2a from the left with a certain kinetic energy such that he leaves it to the right. He later enters the second slide segment 2b from below with a certain kinetic energy such that he leaves it upwards. However, those directions are exemplary only. The slide segments 2a and 2b have a rounded bottom. Within the crossing la, a common, flat bottom 4 is provided to allow the slider to pass the junction 1 along both slide segments 2a and 2b. The bottom 4 in this example is horizontal. The lines inside the crossing la each represent a contour line of the same height, implementing the transition from the rounded cross section at the beginning and the end of each of the slide segments 2a and 2b to the flat bottom 4a within the crossing la.

Initially, there would be sharp edges where the walls of the two slide segments 2a and 2b would meet. To avoid a collision of the slider with the edges, the comers 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d are rounded, thus forming cones or funnels for guiding the slider. If the sliding sequence is as indicated above, corner 3c is not required to be rounded, but forming all four comers 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d in the same way provides symmetry to the junction 1 and is beneficial in case of a failure, for example if the slider returns to the junction 1 through the exit of the first slide segment 2a to the right.

The shape of the junction 1 is beneficial if glass-fiber reinforced plastic is used for the slide track. With this material and an appropriate negative mold, it is possible for form the rounded contour lines of the same height.

However, the slide track could also be made of stainless steel, like V4A. An exemplary junction 11 made from this material is shown in Figures 2a and 2b, which show a top view and a perspective view, respectively. The junction 11 comprises a first slide segment 12a and a second slide segment 12b which cross each other at the same level, in analogy to the junction 1 of Figures la and lb.

In the example of Figures 2a and 2b, the corners 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d are slanted. They are formed from a plurality of stainless steel sheets which are welded together to form a kind of connecting side wall between the regular cross sections of the slide segments 12a and 12b. They also abut the flat bottom 14 of the junction 11. Even though the material of the slide segments 2a and 2b is glass-fiber reinforced plastic and the material of the slide segments 12a and 12b is stainless steel, any other suitable material could be used.

Figure 3 shows a top view of an alternative junction 21 comprising a first slide segment 22a and a second slide segment 22b which cross each other at an acute angle a. This means that the angle between the two slide paths along which the slider passes the junction 21 is less than 90 degrees. The slide paths are indicated by arrows in Figure 3. In the example of Figure 3, the angle is a = 30 degrees.

The corners 23a and 23d at the large angles between the slide segments 22a and 22b are curved walls, while the corners 23b and 23c at the small angles between the slide segments 22a and 22b are rounded edges. The bottom 24 is flat and elongated in the sliding direction, and it is preferably, but not necessarily horizontal.

The acute crossing angle is particularly advantageous for a water slide. With this geometry, the flow directions of water flowing into the first slide segment 22a and into the second slide segment 22b have a component in the same direction, which reduces turbulences in the crossing 21a, thus reducing the loss of kinetic energy of the slider while passing the junction 21.

Figures 4a and 4b schematically show top and perspective views, respectively, of another junction 31. The junction 31 comprises a first slide segment 32a and a second slide segment 32b crossing each other at the same height level. The junction 31 further comprises a slide track 34 connecting one end of the first slide segment 32a and one end of the second slide segment 32b. The slide track 34 has a U-shaped cross section as indicated in Figure 4b, but could also have a closed cross section.

The slider enters the first slide segment 32a from above, passes the crossing 31a, slides through the slide track 34, enters the second slide segment 32b from the right, passes the crossing 31a again and leaves the junction 31 to the left.

The slide track 34 of Figures 4a and 4b is a horizontal loop which is always curved in the same direction to connect the first and second slide segments 32a and 32b. However, the slide track 34 could comprise uphill and downhill sections, in particular in combination with a propulsion system, like waterjets or an electromagnetic system, for accelerating the slider.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another junction 41 as a modification of the junction 31 of Figures 4a and 4b. The junction 41 comprises a first slide segment 42a and a second slide segment 42b crossing each other at the same height level. The junction 41 further comprises a slide track 44 connecting one end of the first slide segment 42a and one end of the second slide segment 42b. The slide track 44 has a basically U-shaped cross section, but the outer side wall, which in the example of Figure 5 is the left side wall, of the slide track 44 is higher than the inner side wall, which in the example of Figure 5 is the right side wall, of the slide track 44. This ensures that the slider is kept in the slide track 44 even if he swings laterally due to the curved slide path. At the same time, the view to the inside of the loop formed by the slide track 44 is less obstructed.

The junction 51 of Figures 6a and 6b is similar to the junction 41 of Figures 4a and 4b, but the slide track 54 is not a U-shaped or tubular track. Instead, the slide track 54 has no inner side wall, but rather a bottom 55 filling the complete inside between a curved outer wall 56 of the slide track 54 and the two slide segments 52a and 52b. The slide track 54 thus has the shape of a section of a bowl. In the example shown in Figures 6a and 6b, the bowl is circular, but any other suitable shape is possible.

Figure 7 schematically shows a top view of another junction 61 similar to junction 41. The junction 61 comprises a first slide segment 62a and a second slide segment 62b crossing each other at the same height level. The junction 61 further comprises a slide track 64 connecting one end of the first slide segment 62a and one end of the second slide segment 62b. The slide track 64 has a U-shaped cross section, but could also have a closed cross section or be a bowl like in Figures 6a and 6b.

A water drain 65 is provided in the bottom of the slide track 64 and optionally a part of the first slide segment 62a behind the crossing 61a to drain water from the slide track 64. At the same time, water sprinklers 66 are arranged along the slide track 64 to spray water onto the sliding surface of the slide track 64. With this configuration, there is no constant water film flowing along the slide track 64 and into the crossing 61a. There is just enough water to let the slider slide along the slide track 64. But no or only little water enters the second slide segment 62b, such that there are no water turbulences in the crossing 61a.

Figure 8 schematically shows another junction 71. Once again, the junction 71 comprises two slide segments 72a and 72b crossing at the same height level and forming a crossing 71a. The first slide segment 72a comprises a water drain 74 before the crossing 71a to drain all or most of the water flowing into the first slide segment 72a. The drained water is guided into a water reservoir 76, which is preferably located below the slide segment 72a such that the drained water flows into the reservoir 76 by gravity. The water reservoir comprises a pump 77 to pump the water to water outlets 75 provided in the second slide segment 72b behind the crossing 71a.

The arrangement of the water drain 74, the water reservoir 76, the water pump 77 and the water outlets 75 lets all or most of the water flowing into the first slide segment 72a bypass the crossing 71a, thus reducing turbulences in the crossing 71a.

In a modification of this example, there could be additional water outlets in the first slide segment 72a behind the crossing 71a. Water is pumped to those additional water outlets from the water reservoir 76, for example using water pump 77.

There could further be an additional water drain in the second slide segment 72b before the crossing 71a. This additional water drain drains all or most of the water flowing into the second slide segment 72b into the water reservoir 76.

Figure 9 shows a water slide 80 having a junction 81 with a slide track 84 connecting the two slide segments 82a and 82b. Details of the junction 81 are omitted since they are as explained in detail in the preceding examples.

From a start S, a first piece of slide track 85 leads to the entry of the first slide segment 82a. The slide path continues from the exit of the first slide segment 82a through the slide track 84 into the entry of the second slide segment 82b. A second piece of slide track 86 connected to the exit of the second slide segment 82b of the junction 81 leads into a landing pool 87. The first piece of slide track 85 for example comprises a downhill section such that the slider gains enough speed to negotiate the slide track 84. The slide 80 further comprises electronics including a sensor 88a, a central processing unit 88b and a lamp 88c. The sensor 88a is provided at the exit of the second slide segment 82b and provides a sensor signal indicating that a slider has passed the sensor 88a. The central processing unit 88b receives the sensor signal from the sensor 88a and lights the lamp 88c to indicate that the next slider can start if the previous slider has passed the sensor 88a. The sensor 88a could also be provided at the landing pool 87.

Figure 10 shows a system 90 of two slides 92 and 96 and a junction 91. Details of the junction 91 are omitted since they are as explained in detail in the preceding examples.

A first piece of slide track 93 connects a start SI of the slide 92 with the entry of the first slide segment 92a of the junction 91. A second piece of slide track 94 connects the exit of the first slide segment 92a with a landing pool 95. A third piece of slide track 97 connects a start S2 of the slide 96 with the entry of the second slide segment 92b of the junction 91. A fourth piece of slide track 98 connects the exit of the second slide segment 92b with a landing pool 99.

Sliders can use the slides 92 and 96 in an alternating manner. Once the slider of slide 92 has passed the junction 91, the slider of slide 96 can start sliding. This is governed by two position sensors 92a and 92b, a central processing unit 100c and two lamps lOOd and lOOe. The connections between these components is omitted from the Figure to keep the drawing simple.

When the central processing unit 100c detects that the slider of slide 92 has passed the sensor 100b, it lights the lamp lOOe to indicate that the next slider can start sliding on slide 96. When the central processing unit 100c detects that the slider of slide 96 has passed the sensor 100a, it lights the lamp lOOd to indicate that the next slider can start sliding on slide 92.

Figure 11 shows an eight- way junction 101 which comprises four straight slide segments 102a, 102b, 102c and 102d crossing each other at the same height level. A flat, horizontal bottom 104 is provided in the area where the four slide segments 102a, 102b, 102c and 102d cross each other. In this multi-way junction 101, like in any other of the junctions described herein, a slider typically crosses the bottom 104 along a straight sliding path. When the slider enters the junction 101 via a slide segment, like slide segment 102a, he leaves the junction 101 via the opposite end of the same slide segment, like the slide segment 102a.

The details of a multi-way junction, like junction 101, are the same as in the other examples using four-way junctions. Water drains and/or outlets may be provided, and the corners where the slide tracks of adjacent slide segments meet can be slanted or rounded.

The eight- way junction 101 may be shared by up to four individual slides, or up to three slide tracks could each connect two slide segments. Three or more than four slide segments might cross each other at the same height level to form other multi-way junctions.

Claims

1. A junction (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101) for an amusement slide, comprising a first slide segment (2a, 12a, 22a, 32a, 42a, 52a, 62a, 72a, 82a, 92a, 102a) and a second slide segment (2b, 12b, 22b, 32b, 42b, 52b, 62b, 72b, 82b, 92b, 102b) which cross each other at the same level.

2. The junction (21) of claim 1, wherein the first slide segment (22a) and the second slide segment (2b) cross each other at an acute angle.

3. The junction (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101) of claim 1 or 2, wherein both the first slide segment (2a, 12a, 22a, 32a, 42a, 52a, 62a, 72a, 82a, 92a, 102a) and the second slide segment (2b, 12b, 22b, 32b, 42b, 52b, 62b, 72b, 82b, 92b, 102b) are straight slide segments.

4. The junction (71) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the junction (71) has a water drain (74) in the first slide segment (72a) at a position before the crossing and a water outlet (75) in the second slide segment (72b) behind the crossing.

5. The junction (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first slide segment (2a, 12a, 22a, 32a, 42a, 52a, 62a, 72a, 82a, 92a, 102a) and the second slide segment (2b, 12b, 22b, 32b, 42b, 52b, 62b, 72b, 82b, 92b, 102b) each have at least one side wall and at least one connection (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d) of a side wall of the first slide segment (2a, 12a, 22a) and a side wall of the second slide segment (2b, 12b, 22b) is rounded or slanted.

6. The junction (101) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the junction (101) further has a third slide segment (102c) crossing the first slide segment (102a) and the second slide segment (102b) at the crossing at the same level.

7. The junction (41, 51, 61, 81) of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a slide track (44, 54, 64, 84) connecting the exit of the first slide segment (42a, 52a, 62a, 82a) with the entry of the second slide segment (42b, 52b, 62b, 82b).

8. The junction of claim 7, wherein the slide track has at least one uphill section and at least one downhill section.

9. The junction of claim 7 or 8, further comprising a propulsion system in the slide track for accelerating a slider.

10. The junction (41, 51, 61, 81) of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the slide track (44, 54, 64, 84) describes an arc.

11. The junction (51) of claim 10, wherein the slide track (54) has no inner side wall.

12. An amusement slide (80), comprising a first piece of slide track (85), a junction (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101) of any one of claims 7 to 11 and a second piece of slide track (86).

13. The amusement slide (80) of claim 12, further comprising a slider position detector (88a) configured to detect whether a slider has passed the junction (81).

14. A system (90) of two amusement slides (92, 96) and a junction (91) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first slide segment (92a) of the junction (91) is part of the first amusement slide (92) and the second slide segment (92b) of the junction (91) is part of the second amusement slide (96).

15. The system (90) of claim 14, further comprising a timing indicator (lOOd, lOOe) configured to indicate a start timing of a first slider of one of the amusement slides depending on the position of a second slider on the other one of the amusement slides.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein one of the amusement slides has a propulsion system for accelerating and/or decelerating a first slider of said amusement slide depending on the position of a second slider on the other amusement slide.