阅读说明：本技术 用于游乐园乘坐设施的阻力诱导垫 (Resistance inducing mat for amusement park ride ) 是由 B·T·奥斯博恩 E·A·万斯 P·罗佩斯 R·D·沃尔顿 D·G·马达利 于 2020-05-07 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种阻力诱导垫包括配置成容纳乘坐者的主体。主体包括配置成面向乘坐者的乘坐者表面和配置成面向滑道表面的相对表面。阻力诱导垫还包括限定在相对表面内的沟槽阵列。沟槽阵列包括多个沟槽,所述多个沟槽从主体的第一横向边缘延伸到主体的第二横向边缘,以基于由乘坐者施加到沟槽阵列的力在主体与滑道表面之间选择性地诱导摩擦。(A resistance-inducing cushion includes a body configured to receive a rider. The body includes an occupant surface configured to face an occupant and an opposing surface configured to face a ramp surface. The resistance-inducing pad further includes an array of grooves defined in opposing surfaces. The array of channels includes a plurality of channels extending from a first lateral edge of the body to a second lateral edge of the body to selectively induce friction between the body and the ramp surface based on a force applied to the array of channels by the occupant.)

1. A resistance-inducing mat, comprising:

a body configured to receive an occupant, wherein the body comprises an occupant surface configured to face the occupant and an opposing surface configured to face a ramp surface; and

an array of channels defined within the opposing surface, wherein the array of channels includes a plurality of channels extending from a first lateral edge of the body to a second lateral edge of the body to selectively induce friction between the body and the ramp surface based on a force applied to the array of channels by the occupant.

2. The resistance-inducing cushion of claim 1, wherein the body comprises one or more handles coupled to the occupant surface of the body, and wherein the array of grooves is defined within the opposing surface in a region configured to receive pressure transmitted through the body from the occupant's forearm when the occupant grasps the handles.

3. The resistance induction pad of claim 1, wherein each groove of the plurality of grooves extends through 10 to 25 percent of the thickness of the body.

4. The resistance-inducing cushion of claim 1, wherein the channel walls of each channel of the plurality of channels are configured to substantially contact each other when the resistance-inducing cushion is not compressed by the occupant.

5. The resistance-inducing mat of claim 1, wherein at least one channel wall of the plurality of channels is configured to at least partially contact the ramp surface in response to the resistance-inducing mat being compressed against the ramp surface by the rider.

6. The resistance-inducing mat of claim 1, wherein each groove of the plurality of grooves comprises a first groove wall, a second groove wall, and an inner profile extending therebetween, and wherein the first groove wall, the second groove wall, and the inner profile are vulcanized, burned, or melted.

7. The resistance-inducing mat of claim 1, wherein each groove of the plurality of grooves comprises a linear, zigzag, or arrowhead shape.

8. The resistance-inducing mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of grooves are arranged in a first direction, wherein the resistance-inducing mat comprises an additional plurality of grooves arranged in a second direction that intersects the first direction.

9. The resistance-inducing cushion of claim 1, wherein the plurality of grooves are defined within a portion of the opposing surface corresponding to an expected elbow location of the rider, and wherein the resistance-inducing cushion enables the rider to adjust the friction induced between the body and the ramp surface by adjusting a weight applied to the portion of the opposing surface.

10. The resistance induction pad of claim 1, wherein the array of grooves comprises a through-hole formed at an inner end of each groove of the plurality of grooves, and wherein the array of grooves is formed within the body via an injection molding process.

11. The resistance-inducing mat of claim 1, comprising:

a first layer having the occupant surface;

a second layer having the opposing surface, wherein the plurality of trenches extend through an entire thickness of the second layer; and

a flexible film positioned between the first layer and the second layer to prevent expansion of the plurality of trenches from the second layer to the first layer.

12. A method of forming a resistance-inducing pad, the method comprising:

positioning a mat adjacent to the cutting assembly, wherein the mat comprises a body having a rider surface and an opposing surface;

moving the mat relative to the cutting assembly to define an array of grooves in the opposing surface, wherein the array of grooves includes a plurality of grooves extending from a first lateral edge of the body to a second lateral edge of the body; and

the resistance-inducing cushion is formed by coupling at least one handle to the rider surface of the body at a location that enables a forearm of a rider gripping the at least one handle to transfer force from the rider surface to the array of grooves defined in the opposing surface during riding.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein moving the mat relative to the cutting assembly forms each of the plurality of grooves having groove walls configured to contact each other when the array of grooves is uncompressed, and wherein the method comprises vulcanizing the groove walls.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein moving the mat relative to the cutting assembly forms each groove of the plurality of grooves into a substantially straight line.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein moving the mat relative to the cutting assembly includes moving the mat in a lateral direction relative to the body without the cutting assembly moving in the lateral direction.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the cutting assembly comprises a blade, a heated blade, or a hot wire.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the mat is a composite mat, and wherein the method includes segmenting the composite mat into a plurality of mats after moving the composite mat relative to the cutting assembly.

18. A water ride system, comprising:

a plurality of resistance-inducing mats configured to receive a plurality of riders on a ride of the water ride system, wherein each resistance-inducing mat of the plurality of resistance-inducing mats comprises a respective body having a ride-facing surface, a rider-facing surface, and at least one handle coupled to the rider-facing surface, and wherein the plurality of resistance-inducing mats comprise:

a first set of the plurality of resistance-inducing mats each comprising a first respective groove array defined from a first lateral edge to a second lateral edge of the ramp-facing surface of the respective body, wherein the first respective groove array is configured to induce a first amount of resistance when compressed by a respective rider of the plurality of riders; and

a second set of the plurality of resistance-inducing pads, each comprising a second respective array of grooves defined from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge of the respective body, wherein the second respective array of grooves is configured to induce a second amount of resistance different from the first amount of resistance when compressed by the respective rider of the plurality of riders.

19. The water ride system of claim 18, wherein the first respective array of grooves of the first set of the plurality of resistance-inducing pads comprises more grooves than the second respective array of grooves of the second set of the plurality of resistance-inducing pads, and wherein the first amount of resistance is higher than the second amount of resistance.

20. The water ride system of claim 18, wherein the respective bodies of the first set of the plurality of resistance-inducing pads comprise:

a first layer having the occupant-facing surface; and

a second layer having the slide-facing surface, wherein the second layer is coupled to the first layer, and wherein the first respective array of trenches is defined through an entire thickness of the second layer.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for providing an amusement park experience.

Background

Water parks seek to provide park visitors with a variety of ride experiences, including bump or boat rafts, waterslides, log rides, water gliders, and slow rivers. Water park attractions may be categorized by the presence and/or type of ride vehicle. For example, a child crash ride may be implemented with a soft inflatable rubber boat raft, while a water ski ride may be implemented with a metal car or cage ride vehicle similar to those in non-water roll-over skis and providing a shoulder-over rigid restraint. Other rides, such as waterslides or chutes, may not have any type of carrier. That is, park visitors participate in rides without being enclosed within any type of restraint or carrier. Such a ride may provide enjoyment for the guest because the guest may have an enhanced feel of speed when sliding down a waterslide, relative to the feel that can be created in a vehicle traveling at a similar speed. However, rides that are implemented with a ride vehicle (such as a mat) may enable guests to achieve higher speeds along the waterslide than rides without a vehicle.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art, which are described and/or claimed below, which may be related to various aspects of the present technology. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather these embodiments are intended to provide only a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may include various forms, which may be similar or different from the embodiments set forth below.

One embodiment relates to a resistance-inducing cushion including a body configured to receive a rider. The body includes an occupant surface configured to face an occupant and an opposing surface configured to face a ramp surface. The resistance-inducing pad further includes an array of grooves defined in opposing surfaces. The array of channels includes a plurality of channels extending from a first lateral edge of the body to a second lateral edge of the body to selectively induce friction between the body and the ramp surface based on a force applied to the array of channels by the occupant.

One embodiment relates to a method of forming a resistance inducing pad. The method includes positioning a mat adjacent to a cutting assembly. The cushion includes a body having a rider surface and an opposing surface. The method further includes moving the mat relative to the cutting assembly to define an array of grooves in the opposing surface. The array of trenches includes a plurality of trenches extending from a first lateral edge of the body to a second lateral edge of the body. Additionally, the method includes forming the resistance-inducing cushion by coupling the at least one handle to a rider surface of the body at a location that enables a forearm of a rider gripping the at least one handle to transfer a force from the rider surface to an array of grooves defined in an opposing surface during the ride.

One embodiment relates to a water ride system that includes a plurality of resistance inducing mats configured to receive a plurality of riders on a glide slope of the water ride system. Each resistance-inducing mat of the plurality of resistance-inducing mats includes a respective body having a slide-facing surface, a rider-facing surface, and at least one handle coupled to the rider-facing surface. The plurality of resistance-inducing pads includes a first plurality of resistance-inducing pads, each of which includes a first respective array of grooves defined from a first lateral edge to a second lateral edge of the slide-facing surface of the respective body. The first respective groove array is configured to induce a first amount of resistance when compressed by a respective occupant of the plurality of occupants. The plurality of resistance-inducing pads also includes a second plurality of resistance-inducing pads, each of which includes a second respective array of grooves defined from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge of the respective body. The second respective groove array is configured to induce a second amount of resistance force different from the first amount of resistance force when compressed by a respective occupant of the plurality of occupants.

Drawings

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water park attraction including a resistance inducing pad having an array of grooves, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the resistance induction pad of FIG. 1 with transverse grooves provided thereon in accordance with embodiments of the present technique;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the resistance-inducing pad of FIG. 1 with dashed-line-shaped or short transverse grooves provided thereon in accordance with embodiments of the present technique;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the resistance induction pad of FIG. 1 with an arrow-shaped groove provided thereon in accordance with embodiments of the present technique;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the resistance-inducing pad of FIG. 1 with arrowhead-shaped grooves and transverse grooves provided thereon in accordance with embodiments of the present technique;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the resistance-inducing pad of FIG. 1 with a zig-zag shaped groove provided thereon in accordance with embodiments of the present technique;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the resistance-inducing pad of FIG. 1 with transverse grooves and longitudinal grooves provided thereon in accordance with embodiments of the present technique;

FIG. 8 is an embodiment of a cut formation process for forming the resistance-inducing pads of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present technique;

FIG. 9 is an embodiment of an injection molding process for forming the resistance inducing pad of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present technique;

FIG. 10 is a side view of an embodiment of a resistance-inducing pad formed by the injection molding process of FIG. 9, in accordance with embodiments of the present technique; and

fig. 11 is a side view of an embodiment of the resistance-inducing pad of fig. 1 having a laminated body, in accordance with embodiments of the present technique.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "and/or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Additionally, as used herein, the term "if" may be interpreted contextually to mean "when … …" or "at … …" or "in response to a determination" or "in response to a detection".

The present disclosure provides a resistance inducing pad that may be used in conjunction with an amusement park ride. The waterslide and/or chute of an amusement park ride may generally be designed to let riders first get their legs in, which aligns the riders according to the turn of the waterslide, and provide first leg entry into the pool at the end of the waterslide. However, some waterslides or chutes are designed for use with mat racing tools (racers) or mats (e.g., structures that permit riders to slide down in a forward-facing direction). The cushions provide minimal restraint to the riders compared to boat rafts or other carriers and allow the riders to feel closer to the surface of the slide, which in turn feels faster and more exciting at relatively lower speeds compared to carrier-based rides. Further, the cushion may provide a barrier to transfer water away from the rider's face, which in turn allows the rider to enjoy the ride at a similar level of immersion relative to a non-cushioned and legged ride. As discussed below, the present embodiments include various types of cushions, including those suitable for head or foot first waterslides.

Provided herein are resistance-inducing mats having features that enable efficient construction that enable improved control of the maximum speed attainable by a rider on a waterslide, relative to mats without such features. For example, the resistance inducing pads may include grooves defined in a bottom surface of the resistance inducing pads that increase friction between the resistance inducing pads and the surface of the waterslide and/or water. As presently recognized, the grooves may be cuts or slits in the bottom surface that increase the user-adjustable level of resistance, grip, traction, and/or friction for the resistance-inducing mat. As will be appreciated, grooves of any suitable configuration and depth may be created to provide the desired performance of the resistance-inducing pads. For example, in one embodiment, the grooves may extend laterally along the bottom surface and be spaced substantially parallel relative to one another, although other arrangements of the grooves are also contemplated herein, as discussed below. Thus, the grooves increase the contact surface area between the resistance-inducing mat and the waterslide, enabling riders to more accurately control their descent along the waterslide. In some embodiments, the rider may select a resistance inducing cushion with larger or fewer grooves depending on the speed at which the rider wishes to experience the waterslide, with the resistance inducing cushion with additional grooves providing more speed control. Further, the grooves may be formed along the entire width of the resistance inducing pads, which enables an assembly line or other construction process to move a blade or hot wire across the entire width for effective groove formation. In other embodiments, the channel may be formed by inserting a blade or baffle into an injection mold prior to producing the molded resistance inducing pad. In addition, for increased durability, the resistance inducing pads may be reinforced, such as by a vulcanization process, rounding the lower profile of the grooves to control or reduce stress concentrations (e.g., stress raisers), providing a flexible sheet within the resistance inducing pads as a crack stop, and the like. Accordingly, the resistance inducing mats and channels therein may be quickly formed, reinforced, and customized for different types of riders to enhance the user experience within the amusement park ride. The grooves may be very narrow (e.g., less than 1 mm wide) and, therefore, the grooves are barely perceptible when the resistance-inducing pad is flat and/or uncompressed. However, the channels may expand and/or move relative to each other due to occupant pressure on the cushion. Thus, an occupant of any suitable weight may increase resistance to the waterslide by exposing the opening to the channel (such as by actively or passively pressing on the cushion).

While the disclosed embodiments are generally described in the context of a water ride, waterslide, or ride that includes a water member, it should be understood that the resistance inducing pads as provided herein may also be used in other contexts and without a water ride. For example, the resistance inducing pads may be used on a slide that does not contain any water. In addition, the resistance-inducing mats may be used in conjunction with rides that utilize foam, other liquids, snow, etc., in addition to or in place of water. In one example, the resistance inducing pads disclosed herein may be implemented as skis. Thus, the particular configuration (e.g., material, shape, size) of the cushion may be implemented according to the desired end use. Still further, the resistance inducing cushion may be implemented to accommodate the occupant in a leg-first or head-first orientation.

With the above overview in mind, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water ride system 10 having a resistance inducing mat 12. In one embodiment, the water ride system 10 may be implemented to facilitate the use of the resistance inducing mat 12 with a waterslide 14 or a chute. The resistance inducing cushion 12 includes a body 16 that supports an occupant 20. The occupant 20 typically rests on an occupant support surface 22 (e.g., an upper surface, an occupant-facing surface, an occupant surface) of the body 16, while a lower surface 24 (e.g., an opposing surface, a slide-facing surface) of the body 16 is in direct contact with one or both of a seating surface 28 (e.g., a slide surface of the waterslide 14) or water 30 thereon. In this manner, the rider 20 is cushioned against the seating surface 28 while traveling through the waterslide 14 at an increased speed (compared to that achievable on an unloaded water ride system). The resistance-inducing cushion 12 may also include additional features for occupant comfort or control, such as one or more handles 31. In this embodiment, two handles 31 are each secured between a first portion 32 and a second portion 33 of the occupant support surface 22, thereby forming a barrier structure with portions of the body 16 to block water from contacting the face of the occupant 20. The body 16 of the resistance inducing pad 12 may be formed of any suitable material, including relatively flexible materials such as foam (e.g., closed-cell), plastic or rubber, or relatively rigid materials.

Further, to control the velocity of the occupant 20, the lower surface 24 of the body 16 is textured via an array of grooves that increase the resistance of the friction between the lower surface 24 and one or both of the seating surface 28 and the water 30 to induce the cushion 12. Indeed, it should be appreciated that the resistance inducing pad 12 may cause both resistance against the water 30 and kinetic friction against the seating surface 28. As discussed below, the groove array is positioned at a connection region 34 of the body 16, on which connection region 34 the occupant 20 exerts a force (via his or her elbow and forearm, and in some embodiments via the handle 31 itself) when holding the handle 31. A force applied to the body 16 proximate the array of channels from the occupant support surface 22 of the resistance inducing cushion 12 (such as a force applied by an elbow of the occupant when the occupant 20 grasps the handle 31) may cause the channels of the array of channels to open and increase the surface area available for frictional contact with the waterslide 14. However, alternatively or additionally, the groove array may be formed at the secondary connection region 36 below the knee of the occupant (where additional force is also typically applied) or in any other suitable portion of the body 16.

As should be appreciated, the resistance inducing cushion 12 may enable the occupant 20 to selectively decrease or increase his or her velocity along the seating surface 28 by pressing harder or softer, respectively, on the resistance inducing cushion 12. In practice, the occupant 20 may adjust the velocity of the resistance inducing cushion 12 by moving between various occupant positions. For example, the velocity may increase when less rider weight is applied to the groove array 50 and/or the connection region 34 (such as by the rider 20 lifting an elbow, applying more weight via the hip, applying more weight via the knee (when using a resistance inducing pad 12 that does not have the groove array 50 formed below the knee), etc.). Alternatively, the velocity may be reduced when more rider weight is applied to the groove array 50 and/or the connection region 34, when more rider weight is applied to the secondary connection region 36, or when the rider 20 takes any other suitable position to further engage the groove array 50 against the seating surface 28 or its water 30. In this manner, the resistance inducing cushion 12 enables the occupant 20 to selectively control the descent along the seating surface 28, thereby promoting enhanced occupant enjoyment.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of resistance inducing pad 12 depicting an embodiment of an array of grooves 50 formed in lower surface 24 of body 16 of resistance inducing pad 12. As presently recognized, the array of grooves 50 may be one or more grooves that enhance or increase the grip of the resistance-inducing mat 12 relative to the seating surface 28 and water 30 discussed above. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove array 50 includes four lateral grooves 52 (e.g., laterally extending grooves, linear grooves), each extending in a substantially linear manner across an entire width 54 of the body 16, the entire width 54 of the body 16 being defined parallel to a lateral axis 56 of the resistance inducing pad 12. However, it should be understood that any suitable number of lateral trenches 52 may be included within trench array 50, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more. Additionally, as used herein, an element described as substantially straight means that the element is within five percent of completely straight. Further, although the lateral grooves 52 are illustrated as having equal spacing from each other relative to the longitudinal axis 58 of the resistance inducing cushion 12, in some embodiments, the lateral grooves 52 may instead be grouped closer together or further apart based on the expected pressure exerted by the occupant 20. The groove array 50 is positioned within the connection region 34 of the body 16 proximate to the shank 31 disposed in the top portion 60 of the resistance inducing pad 12. Thus, during a standard ride, the groove array 50 increases the resistance of the resistance-inducing mat 12 relative to the waterslide 14 due to the localized pressure that the rider 20 may apply to the resistance-inducing mat 12 to facilitate speed control of the rider 20. As an example, during a seating experience, the occupant 20 may apply pressure to cause a first wall of a first lateral groove 52 to contact the seating surface 28 while a second wall of the first lateral groove 52 folds under itself, allowing an opposing wall on an adjacent second lateral groove 52 to make contact with the seating surface 28. In fact, the trench array 50 may be selectively opened in any suitable manner in response to an applied pressure.

As discussed in more detail below, the transverse grooves 52 may be small cuts having the width of a razor or blade (e.g., less than 1 mm, less than 0.1 mm), which may be cut or integrally molded into the body 16, parallel to the vertical axis 62 of the resistance inducing pad 12. That is, each lateral channel 52 may be sized such that the channel walls of each lateral channel 52 substantially contact each other when the resistance inducing cushion 12 is not compressed by the occupant 20 (e.g., providing the appearance that there are no lateral channels 52, forming a gap less than 1 mm wide, forming a gap less than 0.1 mm wide). Moreover, the negligible or near zero width of the lateral grooves 52 reduces material wear and increases the useful life of the resistance inducing pad 12, while enabling selective adjustment of the contact surface area of the lower surface 24, as compared to conventional pads that may include large grooves having a width of several centimeters. Indeed, it is presently recognized that the groove array 50 provides improved performance, such as greater speed control with reduced user effort, as compared to these conventional mats. In some cases, the trench array 50 may also vary in depth across all or part of the entire width 54 of the body 16 discussed above to enhance or control the opening of the lateral trenches 52 during use. In some embodiments, the groove array 50 may additionally be non-obvious or nearly invisible to the eye, thereby enhancing the aesthetics of the resistance-inducing mat 12. As discussed below, resistance inducing pad 12 may also include additional features and/or be specifically treated to enhance the durability of resistance inducing pad 12.

The particular shape and positioning of the groove array 50 is customizable for a variety of ride environments. That is, as recognized herein, the groove array 50 of the resistance inducing pads 12 may take one of many suitable forms that increase resistance and improve speed control of the resistance inducing pads 12. It should be understood that the groove arrays 50 described herein may each include any suitable number, depth, and size of grooves, which may be constant or varying along the respective resistance inducing pads 12. Additionally, it should be understood that various features of the trench array 50 may be combined from the various embodiments described herein, which may be described with reference to a single figure for clarity. In fact, any suitable configuration and depth of the trench array 50 may be used to achieve the target level of performance for the resistance-inducing pad 12. For example, FIG. 3 is a bottom view of resistance inducing pads 12 in which groove array 50 has a staggered, dashed-line arrangement. That is, four lines 80 are formed within the lower surface 24, each line 80 having a plurality of short transverse grooves 82 (e.g., short transversely extending grooves), wherein the short transverse grooves 82 of adjacent lines 80 are staggered or offset with respect to one another. In some embodiments, each short transverse groove 82 extends along the same width portion 84 of the entire width 54 of the body 16. However, in other embodiments, the short transverse grooves 82 of each thread 80 may extend along a personalized width portion 84 of the entire width 54, such that the short transverse grooves 82 of the threads 80 located more centrally within the connection region 34 are longer than those located further away within the connection region 34.

Further, FIG. 4 is a bottom view of resistance inducing pad 12 having an array of grooves 50 with an arrowhead or chevron arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove array 50 includes four arrow-shaped grooves 90, each arrow-shaped groove 90 extending from a first lateral side 91 to a second lateral side 92 of the body 16 of the resistance inducing pad 12. The arrowhead-shaped grooves 90 can each include a tip 93, the tip 93 intersecting a longitudinally extending centerline 94 (e.g., parallel to the longitudinal axis 58) of the body 16 and pointing toward the shank 31. Additionally, in the embodiment of the resistance-inducing mat 12 illustrated in fig. 5, the groove array 50 includes arrow-shaped grooves 90 and lateral grooves 52, each arrow-shaped groove 90 having a tip 93 pointing in an opposite direction (e.g., away from the shank 31). By including two different types of channels, the resistance inducing cushion 12 may enable the occupant 20 to further improve his or her speed. It should be understood that in certain embodiments, the arrowhead shaped groove 90 and the transverse groove 52 may have the same or different depths defined in a direction parallel to the vertical axis 62. Additionally, as illustrated in the embodiment of fig. 6, the array of trenches 50 may alternatively include a meander-shaped trench 95 extending along the lower surface 24. To provide the desired density to the array of trenches 50, each of the serpentine trenches 95 may have any suitable trench dimension 96 defined along the longitudinal axis 58 between adjacent peaks 97 and valleys 98 of the serpentine trenches 95. Indeed, to provide a desired level of velocity control, each rider 20 of the waterslide 14 may select a resistance inducing mat 12 having an array of grooves 50 with a desired density.

Additionally, as illustrated in the embodiment of the groove array 50 of fig. 7, longitudinal grooves 100 (e.g., longitudinally extending grooves) may be formed in a distal portion 102 of the body 16 of the resistance inducing pad 12. The longitudinal groove 100 extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 58, such as from a top edge 104 to a bottom edge 106 of the body 16. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal grooves 100 thus cross the lateral grooves 52 or intersect the lateral grooves 52. That is, in addition to the transverse grooves 52 extending across the entire width 54 in a direction parallel to the transverse axis 56, the longitudinal grooves 100 may intersect or be perpendicular to the transverse grooves 52 and extend across the entire length 110 of the body 16, thereby enabling further adjustment or enlargement of the surface area of the resistance inducing mat 12 for resisting movement of the resistance inducing mat 12 along the waterslide 14. This combined embodiment may create a high density grid of grooves 112 in the area near the intended elbow contact for further increasing the expansion of the grooves and associated resistance. In some embodiments, the longitudinal grooves 100 and/or the transverse grooves 52 may be segmented to form a plurality of grooves that are staggered and/or dashed.

As mentioned above, it should be understood that these embodiments of the trench array 50 are only part of a possible arrangement, which may be rearranged, customized, personalized, or combined in any suitable manner to provide the desired velocity control to the occupant 20. Indeed, in other embodiments, dimples or other surface area increasing features and textures may also be combined with the array of trenches 50. Further, vane promontory (wickerbill), turbulator, or other aerodynamic resistant components may be combined with the groove array 50 discussed herein. Additionally, the groove array 50 may be specifically positioned to facilitate occupant control of the resistance inducing pads 12. For example, due to the positioning of the groove arrays 50, a rider 20 leaning via the elbow onto the resistance inducing pad 12 or applying force to the resistance inducing pad 12 may reduce the ride speed by inducing more resistance relative to a rider applying force via the buttocks. Indeed, as mentioned above, the occupant 20 may control the velocity of the resistance inducing cushion 12 by moving into any suitable occupant position that engages a selected portion of the groove array 50 to induce resistance.

Further, in view of the wide variety of groove arrays 50 that may be provided on the resistance inducing mats 12, it should be understood that the aquatic ride system 10 may include various sets of resistance inducing mats 12, each for a different rider qualifications and/or rider experience. For example, the resistance inducing pads 12 may be formed in groups of various sizes, such as a first group having a first length corresponding to riders 20 having a first height and a second group having a second, different length corresponding to riders 20 having a second, different height, wherein the groove array 50 is sized and/or adjusted (e.g., in length, width, and/or height) to fit the individual resistance inducing pads 12. Additionally, the set of resistance inducing pads 12 may include a high speed set of resistance inducing pads 12, the high speed set of resistance inducing pads 12 being designed with a low density groove array 50 (e.g., resistance inducing pads 12 of fig. 2, 3, and/or 4) to provide increased speed and/or an induced reduced amount of resistance relative to a low speed set of resistance inducing pads 12 having a high density groove array 50 (e.g., resistance inducing pads 12 of fig. 5, 6, and/or 7). As a further example, the resistance inducing mats 12 having shorter lengths may be formed with a denser array of grooves 50 than the resistance inducing mats 12 having longer lengths, thereby enabling further control of the velocity of a potentially lighter occupant 20 using the shorter resistance inducing mats 12. In any case, by presenting the rider 20 with the potential to select between various groups of resistance inducing mats 12, a more enjoyable ride experience may be provided and directed to the individual desires of the rider 20.

The discussion herein of the effective configurability and durability of the resistance inducing pad 12 may be better understood in view of the above understanding of the operation and features of the resistance inducing pad 12. Fig. 8 is a perspective illustration of an embodiment of a cutting process 118 for forming the trench array 50 of resistance induction pads 12. Indeed, the cutting assembly 121 or the blade 120 of the machine (e.g., razor, heated blade, hot wire) may be used to form the transverse grooves 52 in the lower surface 24 of a mat 122 (e.g., flat or smooth mat, resistance inducing mat 12 precursor) positioned adjacent to the cutting assembly 121. In some embodiments, because the lateral grooves 52 or other groove types may extend across the entire width 54 of the body 16, the blade 120 may remain in a fixed position as the mat 122 moves relative to the blade (e.g., in a lateral direction, in a longitudinal direction, in a vertical direction). In other embodiments, the blade 120 may be movable relative to the mat 122. For example, to form a wire 80 having a plurality of short transverse grooves 82, the blade 120 may be pulsed or moved in a direction parallel to the vertical cutting axis 130 as the mat 122 is moved. Alternatively, to form the groove array 50 with a chevron arrangement or zigzag grooves 95, the blade 120 may be adjusted in position along a plane 132 (which is parallel to the plane of the lower surface 24 of the mat 122) as the mat 122 moves laterally relative to the blade 120. Additionally, in embodiments where the blade 120 is heated or replaced with a hot wire, the heat provided to the pad 122 may desirably melt or cauterize the array of grooves 50 within the lower surface 24 for improved strength and durability. Additionally, it is presently recognized that the trench array 50 produced by these or other processes discussed herein may be vulcanized to reduce the source of stress concentrations and control trench opening under load.

Further, in some embodiments, the groove array 50 may be formed on the surface of the composite mat before the composite mat is segmented into individual mats 122, thereby facilitating the efficient formation of multiple resistance inducing mats 12. Additionally, the cutting assembly 121 may include multiple blades 120 to simultaneously form multiple grooves at one time. It should be understood that in other embodiments, a hot wire or other cutting device having a relatively small size may also be used in the cutting assembly 121 to form the array of grooves 50 or cauterize the edges of the grooves to avoid tearing. Additionally, in some embodiments, each trench of the array of trenches 50 may be cut simultaneously, such as by implementing the cutting assembly 121 with multiple blades 120 or hot wires.

In any event, the groove array 50 may desirably extend from the first lateral side 91 to the second lateral side 92 of the body 16 of the resistance inducing mat 12 such that all available space of the body 16 is used to include the groove array 50, the groove array 50 effectively operating as a controllable friction inducer for the occupant 20. Then, looking into the side surface 140 of the resulting resistance inducing pad 12, the lateral grooves 52 each have a groove depth 142 (e.g., defined in a direction parallel to the vertical axis 62) that is a fraction of the entire thickness 144 of the body 16. In some embodiments, when the groove depth 142 is between 10 percent and 25 percent of the overall thickness 144 of the body 16, a desired balance is found between the resistive force provided by the groove array 50 and the material strength of the resistance inducing pad 12. Thus, with the desired array of channels 50 formed, the handle 31 may be coupled to the occupant support surface 22 to form the resistance inducing cushion 12.

Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of a molding process 160 for forming resistance inducing pads 12. For example, the injection mold 162 of the present embodiment includes an inner surface 164 that defines a desired outer boundary for the resistance inducing pad 12. Note that a baffle 166 (such as a blade) is embedded within injection mold 162 to enable groove array 50 to be integrally formed with material 170 of body 16 of resistance inducing pad 12. That is, baffle 166 protrudes into cavity 172 of injection mold 162 along the entire width of injection mold 162 such that subsequent application of material 170 (from which body 16 is formed) creates groove array 50 along the entire width 54 of lower surface 24 of resistance inducing pad 12. Accordingly, resistance inducing pad 12 (e.g., without handle 31) may be removed from injection mold 162 and used within waterslide 14.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, to inhibit or reduce potential expansion of the lateral groove 52 along the entire thickness 144 of the body 16, some or each baffle 166 of the injection mold 162 may include a bulbous end 176. Accordingly, as illustrated in the side view of the resistance inducing pad 12 in fig. 10, the through-hole 200 is formed at an inner end of the lateral groove 52 (e.g., an end of the lateral groove 52 opposite the lower surface 24). The through-holes 200 may act as a buffer or crack stop to absorb forces that might otherwise further elongate the lateral groove 52, thereby inhibiting tearing of the lateral groove 52. That is, the rounded profile (e.g., inner profile) of the through-hole 200 may reduce a source of stress concentrations within the resistance inducing pad 12 that may otherwise promote premature wear of the resistance inducing pad 12. The rounded profile of the through-hole 200 and the trench walls extending therefrom may be vulcanized, melted, or fired for additional resilience. Due to the increased surface area it provides, the through-holes 200 may additionally increase the resistance of the resistance inducing pad 12 compared to an embodiment without the through-holes 200. In some embodiments, the vias 200 may be provided with one, two, or each trench in the trench array 50. Further, the vias 200 may have any suitable size or height relative to the trench array 50, and the vias 200 may be formed by another process other than injection molding. In some embodiments, the distal ends or edges of the trench array 50 may also be rounded.

The resistance inducing pads 12 may also include other features to improve their structural strength and/or speed control performance, which for clarity will be discussed with reference to an embodiment of the groove array 50 including the lateral grooves 52. For example, when configured via injection mold 162, injection mold 162 may be shaped to form a deposit 210 of material 170 at the apex of body 16 between side surface 140 and lower surface 24. As illustrated, the deposit 210 of material 170 may thus operate as a cushion to reduce the force that may otherwise tear the resistance inducing pad 12. Similarly, adhesive film 212 may be applied to side surface 140 to reduce resistance to undesired movement or tearing of induction pad 12. It should be understood that in other embodiments, deposits 210, adhesive film 212, and/or other materials, such as shrink fit materials, may be utilized on each lateral groove 52 and/or other grooves of groove array 50. That is, deposits 210, adhesive films 212, etc. may be formed at the junctions between the lateral end portions of each lateral groove 52 and the lateral sides 91, 92 of the body 16 to provide additional strength to the resistance inducing pads 12.

Fig. 11 is a side view of the resistance inducing pad 12 having the laminated body 230. For example, a first layer 232 of material may be coupled to a second layer 234 of material to form the resulting laminated body 230 that includes the occupant-support surface 22 and the lower surface 24 discussed above. The trench array 50 is formed within a second layer 234, which may be proportional with respect to the first layer 232 based on a desired trench depth (e.g., 10 to 25 percent of the overall thickness 144). In this way, the laminated body 230 prevents the lateral grooves 52 from spreading into the first layer 232. In addition, a tough, flexible membrane 236, such as a sheet of bi-directionally oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or other material, may be positioned between and laminated with the first and second layers 232, 234 to prevent the lateral grooves 52 from extending from the second layer 234 into the first layer 232. It should be appreciated that the flexible membrane 236 may be formed of any suitable material that is tougher or more resilient to tearing than the first material of the first layer 232 and/or the second material of the second layer 234 (which may be the same or different materials). The flexible membrane 236 may be coupled between the inner surface of the first layer 232 and the inner surface of the second layer 234 by any suitable adhesive or corresponding material, or alternatively, integrally formed between the layers 232, 234 via an injection molding process. Further, the thickness of flexible membrane 236 may be sized to be less than the relative thicknesses of layers 232, 234, thereby saving the utilization of more resilient material of flexible membrane 236 for blocking or preventing unintended expansion of lateral groove 52. However, other embodiments of resistance inducing pad 12 may include a laminated body 230 in which flexible membrane 236 is not disposed.

Additionally, as mentioned, when the resistance-inducing mat 12 is uncompressed, each lateral groove 52 includes a groove wall 240 or inner wall that substantially contacts each other (e.g., touches each other, nearly touches each other, indistinguishable from the rest of the second layer 234). Then, upon compression of the resistance-inducing cushion 12, the trench walls 240 may open (e.g., fold under each other, move away from each other) to partially or fully contact the seating surface 28, as discussed above. As mentioned, the trench walls 240 may be vulcanized, burned or melted for further durability.

As such, the technical effect of the disclosed resistance inducing cushion 12 includes improved, customizable occupant 20 control of the friction developed between the resistance inducing cushion 12 and the waterslide 14. For example, the resistance inducing cushion 12 includes a body 16 having a rider support surface 22 that receives a rider 20 and a lower surface 24, the lower surface 24 having an array of grooves 50 cut, molded or otherwise defined therein. The groove array 50 may extend along the entire width 54 of the lower surface 24 and include lateral grooves 52, lines 80 of short lateral grooves 82, arrow-shaped grooves 90, zigzag grooves 95, and/or longitudinal grooves 100. In any event, each of the channels of the channel array 50 is formed to have a significantly small width, enabling the channel walls 240 of each channel to substantially contact each other without being compressed by the occupant 20. Thus, when the rider 20 applies a force to the resistance inducing cushion 12, the array of channels 50 can be selectively opened to enable at least portions of the channel walls 240 to contact the seating surface 28 of the waterslide 14, create additional friction therebetween, and facilitate increased speed control enjoyed by the rider 20 of the aquatic ride system 10. Because the various features of the resistance inducing pad 12 can be efficiently constructed and utilized with reduced wear, the resistance inducing pad 12 additionally enhances the operation of the water ride system 10 without significant cost expenditure. For example, providing the resistance-inducing pads 12 with the laminated body 230 (which may include the flexible membrane 236 therein as a crack stopper) may reduce wear of the resistance-inducing pads 12 by preventing unintended expansion of the lateral grooves 52. In addition, the resistance inducing pads 12 may be vulcanized and/or fired to reduce internal or external stresses and thereby control trench opening. In this way, the resistance-inducing cushion 12 of the present disclosure may provide improved occupant enjoyment and increased speed control based on the selectively increasable surface area of the groove array 50, as compared to conventional cushions that may include wide visible grooves having walls that do not contact each other.

While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. While certain disclosed embodiments have been disclosed in the context of amusement parks or theme parks, it should be understood that certain embodiments may also be directed to other uses. Further, it should be understood that certain elements of the disclosed embodiments may be combined with or exchanged for each other.

The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to practicality and concrete examples of practical nature that significantly improve the present technical field, and thus are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [ performing ] … … [ functions" or "step for [ performing ] … … [ functions"), it is intended that such elements be construed in accordance with 35 u.s.c. 112 (f). However, for any claim that contains elements specified in any other way, it is intended that such elements not be construed in accordance with 35 u.s.c. 112 (f).