阅读说明：本技术 水滑道、滑水车控制系统以及在水滑道上推动车辆的方法 (Waterslide, water ski control system and method of propelling a vehicle on a waterslide ) 是由 理查德·D·亨特 雷蒙德·T·斯梅嘉尔 于 2013-10-21 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及水滑道、滑水车控制系统以及在水滑道上推动车辆的方法。其中,所述水滑道可包括：包含滑动面的向上倾斜的通道；安置成跨过滑动面喷水的多个喷水源；其中多个喷水源被安置成提供水流以冲击车辆,车辆具有在滑动面上滑动的底面和沿着车体的相对侧面间隔开的水冲击面；其中车辆包括限定所述相对侧面的充气管；其中所述通道包括壁且多个喷水源包括沿每个所述壁安置的多个喷水源；其中所述多个喷水源适于影响所述车辆的运动；和其中每个所述水冲击面包括邻近所述充气管沿所述相对侧面安置为与所述车辆的预期运动方向成一定角度的突起,从而当所述水冲击面被来自所述多个喷水源中的至少一个喷水源的水冲击时影响所述车辆的运动。(The invention relates to a waterslide, a water skier control system and a method of propelling a vehicle on a waterslide. Wherein the waterslide may comprise: an upwardly inclined channel containing a sliding surface; a plurality of water spray sources positioned to spray water across the sliding surface; wherein the plurality of water spray sources are positioned to provide a stream of water to impact a vehicle having a bottom surface sliding on a sliding surface and water impact surfaces spaced along opposite sides of the body; wherein the vehicle includes an inflation tube defining the opposing sides; wherein the channel comprises walls and the plurality of water spray sources comprises a plurality of water spray sources disposed along each of the walls; wherein the plurality of water spray sources are adapted to affect movement of the vehicle; and wherein each of the water impact faces includes a protrusion disposed adjacent the gas filled tube along the opposing side at an angle to an intended direction of movement of the vehicle to affect movement of the vehicle when the water impact face is impacted by water from at least one of the plurality of water jet sources.)

1. A waterslide, comprising:

an upwardly inclined channel containing a sliding surface;

a plurality of water spray sources disposed to spray water across the sliding surface;

wherein the plurality of water spray sources are positioned to provide a stream of water to impact a vehicle having a bottom surface sliding on the sliding surface and water impact surfaces spaced along opposite sides of the body;

wherein the vehicle includes an inflation tube defining the opposing sides;

wherein said channel comprises walls and said plurality of water spray sources comprises a plurality of water spray sources disposed along each of said walls;

wherein the plurality of water spray sources are adapted to affect movement of the vehicle; and

wherein each of the water impact faces includes a protrusion disposed adjacent the inflation tube along the opposing side at an angle to an intended direction of movement of the vehicle to affect movement of the vehicle when the water impact face is impacted by water from at least one of the plurality of water jet sources.

2. The waterslide of claim 1, wherein the plurality of water spray sources are positioned to provide momentum to the vehicle sliding on the sliding surface to propel the vehicle upward.

3. The waterslide of claim 1 wherein the wall defines an opening for receiving the plurality of water spray sources.

4. The waterslide of claim 3, wherein the plurality of water spray sources are angled with respect to a direction of travel of the vehicle.

5. The waterslide of claim 4, wherein the plurality of water spray sources are positioned to spray water at an angle of 10 ° to 15 ° from a direction of travel of the vehicle.

6. The waterslide of claim 1 wherein the plurality of water spray sources comprises pairs of water spray sources aligned laterally.

7. The waterslide of claim 1, wherein the plurality of water spray sources each provide a focused spray of water.

8. The waterslide of claim 1, wherein the plurality of water spray sources each provide an open spray of water.

9. The waterslide of claim 1, wherein the plurality of water spray sources comprises a solids flow nozzle or a spray nozzle.

10. The waterslide of claim 9 wherein the nozzles have a diameter of 1 inch to 2 inches.

11. A recreational water ride vehicle motion control system, comprising:

an upwardly inclined channel containing a sliding surface;

a plurality of water spray sources disposed to spray water across the sliding surface; and

an amusement vehicle comprising: a body including water impact surfaces spaced along opposite sides of the body, the water impact surfaces adapted to affect upward movement of the vehicle when impacted by water currents from the plurality of water spray sources;

wherein the body includes an inflation tube defining the opposing sides;

wherein the channel comprises walls and the plurality of water spray sources comprises a plurality of water spray sources disposed along each of the walls; and is

Wherein each of the water impact faces includes a protrusion disposed adjacent the gas filled tube along the opposing side at an angle to an intended direction of movement of the vehicle to affect upward movement of the vehicle when the water impact face is impacted by water flow from at least one of the plurality of water spray sources.

12. The recreational water ride vehicle motion control system of claim 11, wherein the wall defines an opening for receiving the plurality of water spray sources.

13. The recreational scooter motion control system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of water spray sources are angled with respect to a direction of travel of the vehicle.

14. The recreational scooter motion control system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of water spray sources are positioned to spray water at an angle of between 10 ° and 15 ° from a direction of travel of the vehicle.

15. The recreational scooter motion control system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of water spray sources comprises laterally aligned pairs of water spray sources.

16. A method of propelling a vehicle upwardly on a sliding surface of a channel of a waterslide, comprising impacting a water impact surface spaced along opposite sides of a vehicle body with a plurality of water jets, wherein the vehicle comprises an air filled tube defining the opposite sides, and the channel comprises walls, and impacting the vehicle with the plurality of water jets comprises spraying water from a plurality of water spray sources disposed along each of the walls; wherein each of the water impact surfaces includes a protrusion disposed adjacent the inflation tube along the opposing side at an angle to an intended direction of motion of the vehicle to affect motion of the vehicle when the water impact surfaces are impacted by water ejected from the plurality of water injection sources.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the wall defines an opening and the jet of water is ejected through the opening.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the water jet is jetted at an angle to a direction of travel of the vehicle.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the water jet is directed to impact the vehicle at an angle of 10 ° to 15 ° from a direction of travel of the vehicle.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the water jets are ejected in laterally aligned pairs of water jets.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to amusement rides, and in particular to amusement rides in or on vehicles.

Background

Over the past decades, waterborne rides have become increasingly popular. Such an amusement ride can provide an exciting feel similar to a roller coaster and also features a water cooling effect and an excitement that is splashed upon.

The most common waterborne rides are flume-style waterslides in which the participants' bodies or participants slide along a channel or "flume" in or on a vehicle. Water is provided in the sink to provide lubrication between the body/vehicle and the sink surface, and to provide the cooling and splashing effects described above. Typically, the participant's movement in the flume is controlled primarily by the combination of the flume's profile (hills, valleys, turns and falls, etc.) and gravity.

As participants become more and more excited, the need for better control of the participants' movements in the sink has increased. Thus, various techniques are applied to accelerate or decelerate participants by methods other than gravity. For example, a powerful water jet may be utilized to accelerate or decelerate the participant. Other rides use a conveyor belt to transport participants to the top of hills where the participants would not have reached the peak based on their momentum alone.

However, such prior approaches to controlling movement of participants raise concerns about safety and comfort even when the participants are riding in a car. For example, a jet of water powerful enough to affect the motion of a water ski may injure a participant when the back of the user's face or head is struck by the jet of water, as well as a situation in which the participant falls out of the vehicle. Also, the limb of the participant extending out of the vehicle may be injured by the fast moving conveyor belt. If the weight distribution is incorrect, the vehicle may be tipped over by the force of the water jet.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the present invention relates to an amusement ride vehicle comprising: a vehicle body and at least one of a recess and a protrusion on an outer peripheral surface of the vehicle body, the at least one of a recess and a protrusion defining a fluid impact surface, the fluid impact surface being at an angle to an intended direction of motion of the vehicle, the fluid impact surface being adapted to affect motion of the vehicle when the fluid impact surface is impacted by a fluid.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an amusement ride vehicle motion control system comprising: the amusement vehicle is described above; a channel; and at least one fluid ejection source positioned to eject fluid across the channel toward the fluid impingement surface.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an amusement ride vehicle motion control system comprising: a channel; a plurality of fluid ejection sources disposed to eject fluid across the channel; amusement ride car includes: a vehicle body and at least one of a recess and a protrusion on an outer peripheral surface of the vehicle body, the at least one of a recess and a protrusion defining a fluid impact surface angled with respect to an intended direction of motion of the vehicle, the fluid impact surface adapted to affect motion of the vehicle when impacted by fluid streams from the plurality of fluid jet sources.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an amusement ride vehicle motion control system comprising: a channel; a plurality of fluid ejection sources disposed to eject fluid across the channel; at least one first sensor adapted to detect when the amusement ride vehicle enters a zone of the channel; at least one valve associated with the plurality of fluid injection sources; and a controller adapted to open the valve to turn on the fluid spray source in response to an amusement ride vehicle entering the area.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the bottom surface of the vehicle body is adapted to slide on a sliding surface.

In some embodiments, the vehicle is adapted to float in a fluid.

In some embodiments, the fluid is water.

In some embodiments, the at least one of recesses and protrusions comprises a plurality of recesses or a plurality of protrusions spaced along opposite sides of the vehicle body.

In some embodiments, the vehicle includes an exterior sidewall and a floor, and the plurality of recesses or the plurality of protrusions do not extend outwardly beyond the exterior sidewall or below the floor of the vehicle body or above the roof of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a side portion and a bottom portion, and the plurality of recesses or the plurality of protrusions are located below the side portion and adjacent to the bottom portion of the vehicle body.

In some embodiments, the vehicle body has a front end and a rear end, and the at least one of the recess and the protrusion has an inboard end and an outboard end, and the inboard end of the at least one of the recess and the protrusion is closer to the rear end than to the front end, such that the at least one of the recess and the protrusion is tilted forward.

In some embodiments, the fluid impact surface faces the rear end of the vehicle body and is concave.

In some embodiments, at least one of the recess and the protrusion is removable and repositionable.

In some embodiments, the vehicle further comprises at least one channel, and the at least one of a recess and a protrusion is connected with the at least one channel to direct water away from the fluid impingement surface after impingement.

In some embodiments, the at least one channel comprises a plurality of channels and each of the at least one of a recess and a protrusion is connected with a corresponding channel of the plurality of channels.

In some embodiments, at least some of the plurality of channels are interconnected.

In some embodiments, the at least one channel directs fluid to the rear of, below, or through the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the amusement ride vehicle motion control system further comprises a first sensor adapted to detect when the amusement ride vehicle enters the area of the sliding surface; at least one valve associated with the plurality of fluid injection sources; and a controller adapted to open the valve to turn on the fluid spray source in response to the amusement ride vehicle entering the area.

In some embodiments, the amusement ride vehicle motion control system further comprises a second sensor adapted to detect when the amusement ride vehicle exits a zone of the channel, the controller adapted to close the valve to turn off the fluid spray source in response to the amusement ride vehicle exiting the zone.

In some embodiments, the controller is a programmable logic controller.

In some embodiments, the amusement ride vehicle motion control system further comprises a pump connected to the programmable logic controller by a variable frequency drive, wherein the variable frequency drive is adapted to maintain the pump in a standby mode when the valve is closed, and wherein the variable frequency drive is adapted to activate the pump when the valve is open.

In some embodiments, the channel includes a sliding surface and the vehicle is adapted to slide on the sliding surface.

In some embodiments, the channel is adapted to hold sufficient fluid to float the vehicle and the vehicle is adapted to float in the channel.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of an amusement ride vehicle control system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a control system for the amusement ride vehicle control system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a portion of an amusement ride incorporating the amusement ride vehicle control system of FIG. 1;

4A, 4B and 4C are schematic top views of the amusement ride vehicle control system of FIG. 1 showing three different positions of the vehicle;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are perspective views of a vehicle that may be used with the system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are cross-sectional views of the vehicle of FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C;

7A, 7B, and 7C are side views of other vehicles that may be used with the system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are top and side views, respectively, of a portion of a side of a vehicle according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 8C-8E are a top view and two side views, respectively, of a portion of a side of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of an amusement ride channel according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 10A-10E are top, side, bottom, front and rear views, respectively, of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 11A-14C are perspective, top, side and operational views of three protrusion designs for use with the embodiment of FIGS. 10A-10E; and

figure 15 is a schematic view of a waterslide according to another embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

The amusement ride vehicle motion control system includes a channel. The channel may include sides and a floor along which the vehicle may slide or on which the vehicle may float, roll, or otherwise move. The channel may include a plurality of fluid ejection sources positioned to eject fluid into the channel. The fluid injection source may be arranged to inject fluid, such as water, at least partially obliquely in the intended direction of travel of the vehicle.

The system may include an amusement ride vehicle. The amusement ride vehicle may include a vehicle body and at least one of a recess and a protrusion on an outer circumferential surface of the vehicle body. At least one of the recess and the protrusion define a fluid impingement surface. The fluid impact surface is at an angle to the intended direction of motion of the vehicle; the fluid impingement surface is positioned and angled to receive an impingement of a fluid ejected from the fluid ejection source. The recesses and/or protrusions are adapted and positioned to affect movement of the vehicle when the fluid impingement surface is impinged by fluid streams from a plurality of fluid ejection sources.

The control system may comprise a first sensor adapted to detect when an amusement ride vehicle enters the channel area. The control system may also include one or more valves associated with the plurality of fluid spray sources, a controller adapted to open the valves to turn on the fluid spray sources in response to the amusement ride vehicle entering the zone, and a variable frequency drive to control the flow of water to the valves.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of an amusement ride motion control system 10. The system 10 includes a tunnel 12 and a vehicle 13. Fig. 1 depicts only a portion of the channel 12. The channel 12 may comprise a water-channel slide with a central sliding surface 14 between side walls 16. The sliding surface may be lubricated with water as in a conventional surfcraft, or may have a low friction coating. Alternatively, the passage 12 may be a water filled passage with sufficient fluid therein that the vehicle 13 may float therein or the vehicle may include wheels and may roll or otherwise move therein. The wall 16 may be in close proximity to the path of the vehicle 13 on the sliding surface 14 to assist in guiding the vehicle along a predetermined path, or further isolated from the indeterminate path of the vehicle 13.

In this embodiment, channel 12 shows two regions, referred to as region 1 and region 2. The direction of travel of vehicle 13 along pathway 12 is from zone 1 to zone 2 as indicated by arrow 18. At the entrance of zone 1, more than one sensor a may be positioned. Sensor a may be any type of sensor that can detect the entry of vehicle 13 into zone 1. Also, at the entrance from zone 1 to zone 2, more than one sensor B may be positioned. Sensor B may also be any type of sensor capable of detecting the entry of vehicle 13 into zone 2. The sensor may also be omitted or may be present only at region 1 or region 2, rather than both.

Water jets or jets 20A and 20B are spaced along the wall 16. The first injection source 20A is located in the region 1, and the second injection source 20B is located in the region 2. In the present embodiment, the four spray sources 20A and 20B depicted in each of zones 1 and 2 are aligned in pairs laterally with each other along wall 16. In other embodiments, more or fewer injection sources 20A and 20B may be provided. In this embodiment, the fluid ejected from the ejection source is water. In other embodiments, different fluids may be injected, such as air or other gases. In some embodiments, the injection source injects horizontally; in other embodiments, the injection source may inject at an upward or downward angle. In some embodiments, the injection sources 20A and 20B may be closely focused to provide an injection of fluid; in other embodiments, the spray may be less concentrated.

In this embodiment, the spray sources 20A and 20B are angled to direct water in a direction that is at an angle θ to the direction of travel of the vehicle 13. In the present embodiment, the angle θ of the injection sources 20A and 20B indicates the angle at which water is injected into the passage 12 from the injection sources 20A and 20B. The angle theta in this embodiment is about 10 deg. to about 15 deg. from the wall 16. In other embodiments, the spray sources 20A and 20B may be oriented at other angles to the direction of travel.

Alternatively, the spray source may be perpendicular to the direction of travel to rotate the vehicle, for example, or tilted in the opposite direction to slow the speed of the vehicle 13, for example.

Spray sources 20A and 20B may include spray nozzles and a source of fluid that is forced or drawn through the spray nozzles. In this embodiment, the injection pressure may be about 50PSI and the injection volume may be about 25 GPM. However, whether tightly focused or open, the exact pressure, volume, and spray or fire pattern is determined based on the requirements of the particular system. In addition, the injection sources 20A and 20B may be different from each other and their pressure, volume, injection pattern and direction may be controllable.

The vehicle 13 of this embodiment is a raft vehicle having a front end 22, a rear end 24, sides 26 and a bottom 28. As can be seen from the schematic top view of fig. 1, the vehicle 13 has a substantially oblong body. The gas tube 30 extends around the body periphery of the vehicle 13 and defines the front end 22, the rear end 24, and the sides 26. The bottom portion 28 is connected to a bottom surface (not shown) of an air fill tube 30 to define an interior of the vehicle 13 for carrying passengers. In this embodiment, the vehicle 13 also includes a central zone 32. The vehicle 13 may accommodate two passengers, one in front of the bay and one behind the bay. It should be understood that the vehicle 13 is merely exemplary and that other embodiments of the present invention include many vehicle categories as further discussed in fig. 5A-7C and 10A-10E.

In this embodiment, the sides 26 are defined by inflation tubes 30, as described above. The fill tube 30 may have a circular cross-section such that the outer sidewall of the vehicle 13 is curved. A series of recesses or suction ports 34 are defined in the side 26. In the present embodiment, 5 pairs of mirror-image recesses are spaced substantially equally along the side surface 26 of the vehicle 13. The recess 34 is angled with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle 13. The angle of recesses 34 is substantially the same as the angle of spray sources 20A and 20B such that when the spray from spray sources 20A and 20B is aligned with one of recesses 34, fluid is directly sprayed into each recess and impacts an interior or impact surface 36.

Each recess 34 is concave and has an inboard end 35 and an outboard end 37. As can be seen from fig. 1, the inner end 35 of the recess 34 is closer to the rear end 24 than to the front end 22 such that the recess 34 is tilted forward. By utilizing this configuration, the fluid impact surface 36 faces the rear end 24 of the vehicle body and is concave.

In some embodiments, the shape of recess 34 and the angle θ of injection sources 20A and 20B are based on an impulse turbine locomotive design.

It should be appreciated that the force of the fluid against the impact surface may affect the motion of the vehicle. The force imparted by the fluid impacting the impact surface within the side 26 of the vehicle 13 may more effectively propel the vehicle 13 in the intended direction of travel than the force imparted by water impacting the side of a comparable vehicle without such a recess, resulting in a more efficient energy transfer of water to vehicle motion. This can lead to a significant reduction in starting force and water consumption as well as noise. The system may also be able to drive heavier vehicles based on increased efficiency.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary control system 37 of the attraction motion control system 10 of fig. 1. In this control system, sensors a and B provide inputs to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) 38. The PLC 38 is connected to one or more valves 40 for controlling the flow of water to the spray sources 20A and 20B. The PLC 38 is also connected to a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) 42. The VFD 42 is correspondingly connected to a pump 44 for controlling the flow of water to the valve 40 and ultimately to the spray sources 20A and 20B.

It should be understood that the control system 37 may be altered to delete some of the components. For example, the VFD 42 may be eliminated and an optional means of driving the pump may be provided. The Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)38 may be eliminated and an optional control device may be used. In addition, control system 37 and sensors a and B may be eliminated entirely, and injection sources 20A and 20B may be connected directly to pump 44 or to other sources or fluid connections that flow at a constant rate to provide a constant injection from injection sources 20A and 20B.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of a zone or portion 50 of an amusement ride incorporating a control system according to the embodiment of fig. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the portion 50 includes an initial descending portion 52, a transitional concave or valley portion 54 and a subsequent ascending portion 56 and a final small descending portion 58. The depicted portions and curvatures are exemplary only. Many other configurations of upward, downward, horizontal, and variously angled transitions are possible.

The vehicle 13 is shown in fig. 3 on the upward portion 56 of the aisle 12. The channel 12 is depicted without sidewalls 16. The positioning of sensors A and B and spray sources 20A and 20B are also shown schematically. It should be appreciated that a vehicle that initially travels downward on the descending portion 52 may not have sufficient momentum to travel upward on the upward portion 56 without applying an external force. The operation of the control system 37 to provide external force is described with reference to FIGS. 1-4C.

Fig. 4A-4C illustrate three different positions of travel of the vehicle 13 along the pathway 12. In the first position shown in fig. 4A (e.g., corresponding to valley portion 54 of fig. 3), the vehicle 13 has not yet reached sensor a. The control system 37 does not detect the vehicle 13 and the injection sources 20A and 20B do not inject fluid.

In fig. 4B, the front end 22 of the vehicle 13 has just passed the sensor a. When this occurs, sensor a detects the presence of the vehicle 13. The information is passed to the PLC 38. PLC 38 responsively activates VFD 42 to initiate pump 44 to spray a fluid, such as water or air, from source 20A. At the same time, PLC 38 opens valve 40 associated with spray source 20A to cause fluid drawn by pump 44 to be sprayed out through spray source 20A. The fluid (which may be a water jet) ejected by the ejection source 20A impinges into the recess 34 as described with reference to fig. 1. As shown in fig. 3, the force imparted by the fluid from the injection source 20A provides momentum that pushes the vehicle 13 upward onto the upward portion 56. In the position of fig. 4B, the vehicle 13 has not yet reached the sensor B, and thus the spray source 20B is not spraying fluid.

In fig. 4C, the front end 22 of the vehicle 13 has passed sensor B. When this occurs, the sensor B detects the presence of the vehicle 13. The information is passed to the PLC 38. Since the PLC 38 has already activated the VFD 42 to power the pump 44 to inject fluid from the source 20A, in some embodiments, the PLC 38 may not necessarily be in communication with the VFD 42. In other embodiments, PLC 38 must communicate with VFD 42 to increase the fluid pressure for pumping from additional injection sources 20B. In either case, PLC 38 opens valve 40 associated with spray source 20B to allow fluid drawn by pump 44 to be sprayed out through spray source 20B. Fluid ejected by the ejection source 20B also impinges into the recess 34 as described with reference to fig. 1. As shown in fig. 3, the force imparted by the fluid from the injection source 20B also provides momentum that pushes the vehicle 13 upward onto the upward portion 56.

In some embodiments, the injection sources 20A and 20B will provide sufficient momentum to propel the vehicle 13 up the upward portion 56 and onto the downward portion 58. In other embodiments, the upward portion 56 may contain additional sensors and associated injection sources to provide increased momentum. In some embodiments, PLC 38 will control the injection source to inject for a defined length of time. In some embodiments, the control system 37 may also incorporate additional sensors that shut off the water spray when the vehicle 13 is detected by the additional sensors.

In some embodiments, rather than having a sensor along the uphill section 56, a sensor may be provided at the entrance to section 50. The sensors may activate the injection sources simultaneously or sequentially when a vehicle entering the portion 50 is detected. In this embodiment, the injection source may be activated for a specific period of time, or there may be an additional sensor at the end of portion 50 to turn off the injection source when a vehicle is detected.

In some embodiments, the sensor may be omitted and the spray source may be activated for a defined period of time after the vehicle has begun to ride. It should be understood that many other control configurations are possible.

In some embodiments, the injection sources 20A and 20B may be solid stream nozzles or spray nozzles. The nozzle may have a diameter of 1 inch to 2 inches. The nozzle may be angled at 0-15 degrees. The flow rate through the nozzle may be 5-50 gallons per minute.

Fig. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate perspective views of vehicles 13A, 13B, and 13C, showing exemplary shapes of recesses 34A, 34B, and 34C for use with the system of fig. 1. Fig. 6A, 6B, and 6C show cross sections of the concave portions 34A, 34B, and 34C of these vehicles 13A, 13B, and 13C. It should be appreciated that the shape, angle, and number of recesses may vary and provide varying amounts of thrust to the vehicles 13A, 13B, and 13C when impacted by fluid from the jet source. For example, the recess may be formed by including a foam in the outside of the vehicle, with the protrusion being molded or cut into the foam. The force applied to the vehicle may be maximized when the fluid impingement surface is perpendicular to the fluid flow from the spray source.

The present invention is not limited to raft vehicles. Fig. 7A, 7B, and 7C depict sled vehicles 70A, 70B, and 70C that may have handles (not shown) that the passenger may hold while riding against their abdomen. As with FIGS. 5A-6C, FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C depict various shapes and numbers of recesses 72A, 72B, and 72C that may be used in embodiments of the present invention. Many other shapes for amusement rides are possible, such as round vehicles as disclosed in U.S. design patent No. d510,971, and clover vehicles as disclosed in U.S. design patent No. d464,390, which are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the recesses may be separate, while in other embodiments, the recesses may be connected by a channel. Fig. 8A and 8B show side and top views of a portion of the vehicle side 74. These figures represent exemplary recess dimensions of 6 inches in width and 8 inches in height, but other dimensions and shapes may be used in other embodiments. The vehicle side 74 has a recess 76 and no internal channels. Fig. 8A and 8B include arrows 78 schematically illustrating the flow of fluid directed into the recess 76 from the fluid ejection source. As can be appreciated from fig. 8B, the fluid will follow a curved path into and out of the recess.

In contrast to fig. 8A and 8B, fig. 8C-8E show embodiments in which the recesses are connected by a channel 84. Fig. 8C-8E show side and top views of a portion of the vehicle side 80. The vehicle side 80 has a recess 82 and an interior channel 84 connecting the recess 82. Fig. 8C-8E include arrows 86 schematically illustrating the flow of fluid directed into the recess 82 from the fluid ejection source. 8C-8E, the fluid injected into the recess 82 will flow downwardly into the channel 84 and then rearwardly out of the vehicle, as shown in FIGS. 8D and 8E.

In the embodiment of fig. 8C-8E, each recess 82 is connected to a primary channel 84. In some embodiments, there may be a separate channel for each recess. More than one individual channel may be interconnected. The channels direct fluid to the rear of, under, or through the vehicle. For example, in some embodiments, where the system is used to slow a vehicle, the channel may direct fluid ahead of the vehicle. The recess 82 may have other shapes, such as a downward and rearward opening to facilitate evacuation of water from the recess.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a portion of the channel 12 of the amusement ride motion control system 10 of fig. 1. The side walls 16 and bottom 14 of the channel 12 are shown. The opening 90 is also shown. For example, the openings 90 are positioned to allow the water spray sources 20A and 20B (see FIG. 1) to be angularly positioned to spray across the channel 12. The angle can be adjusted along the channel and towards and away from the channel.

In some embodiments, there is no recess or suction opening defined in the wall of the vehicle, but rather a protrusion from the vehicle body. The embodiments of fig. 10A-10E depict top, side, bottom, front, and rear views, respectively, of the body of such a vehicle 93. The vehicle 93 of this embodiment is a raft vehicle having a variation of the vehicle body including a front end 92, a rear end 94, sides 96 and a bottom 98. The vehicle 13 has an inflation tube 100 extending partially around the periphery of the vehicle 93 and defining a front end 92 and sides 96. The middle of the rear end 94 is open. The bottom portion 98 is connected to the bottom surface of the air tube 30 (see fig. 10E) to define the interior of the vehicle 93 for carrying passengers. In this embodiment, the vehicle 93 also includes two backrests 102 that allow the vehicle 93 to accommodate two passengers.

In this embodiment, as described above, the side 96 is defined by a gas fill tube 100 connected to the bottom 98. As best seen in fig. 10B and 10E, the bottom surface 104 of the tube 100 is above the bottom surface 106 of the bottom portion 98 of the vehicle 93 and the outer surfaces 108 of the side surfaces 96 of the vehicle 93 are outward beyond the outer surface 110 of the bottom portion 98. This defines a double-sided region in which the protrusion 112 may be located. A plurality of protrusions 112 may be spaced apart and angled along the opposite side 96 of the vehicle to provide an impact surface onto which water from the spray source may impact to apply a force to the vehicle 93. In this embodiment, the protrusion 112 is below the gas tube 100 and adjacent the bottom portion 98, but does not extend outwardly through the outer sidewall of the side surface 96 or below the bottom surface of the bottom surface 104 of the vehicle. The protrusions may be flat, concave, convex or have irregular impact surfaces. They may be inclined to be perpendicular to the direction of injection from the injection source, or inclined at a smaller or larger angle. The angle, position and shape of the protrusions may be different from each other.

In some embodiments, the protrusions may be integrally formed with the vehicle 93. In other embodiments, the protrusion 112 may be a separate component that may be attached to the vehicle 93. In some embodiments, the protrusions may be removable and repositionable in terms of the number and angle of the protrusions. The protrusions may also be below the floor of the vehicle 93.

The protrusions may have different shapes other than the irregular shapes shown in fig. 10B and 10E. The protrusions may also extend outwardly beyond the outer surface 108 of the vehicle 93 or above the side 96 of the vehicle or any combination of such protrusions and recesses discussed with respect to fig. 1-8E.

Fig. 11A-13C depict three different designs of protrusions 112A, 112B, and 112C that may be attached to the vehicle 93. The projections 112A, 112B, and 112C each have a respective baffle 114A, 114B, and 114C having an opening 116A, 116B, and 116C, respectively, defined therethrough. Openings 116A, 116B, and 116C may be used to fasten protrusions 112A, 112B, and 112C to the vehicle using fasteners, such as bolts. The protrusions 112A, 112B, and 112C may not have the baffles 114A, 114B, and 114C and the openings 116A, 116B, and 116C, but may be secured by other means, such as an adhesive. A plurality of protrusions may be formed on one shutter instead of one protrusion.

The protrusions 112A, 112B and 112C have different shapes intended to direct water impacting the protrusions 112A, 112B and 112C in different directions. Arrows 118A, 118B, and 118C indicate how the respective protrusions 112A, 112B, and 112C direct water. Mirror images of the projections 112A, 112B, and 112C may be provided on opposite sides of the vehicle 93.

The protrusion 112A has parallel spaced apart flat top 120A and bottom 122A. The inner wall 124A extends alongside the baffle 114A and connects with the top 120A and the bottom 122A. The inner wall 124A is angled at about 15 deg. from the baffle 114A. End wall 126A has a vertically oriented tubular shape extending between top 120A and bottom 122A. The top 120A, bottom 122A, inner wall 124A and end wall 126A together define an inlet chamber having an outwardly angled rectangular opening. The jet of water injected into the cavity of the protrusion 112A follows a path defined by arrow 118A. In particular, the water passes through a U-shaped horizontal path. The end wall 126A functions as an impact surface. Horizontally into and against end wall 126A and offset to follow a semi-circle around the curvature of end wall 126A. The water exits horizontally along the inner wall 124A in a path that is offset in parallel from the path of the water as it enters the protrusion 112A.

The protrusion 112B has a flat top 120B with an open bottom and parallel inner and outer walls 124B, 125B. The inner wall 124B extends alongside the baffle 114B and connects with the top 120B. The inner wall 124B is angled at about 15 deg. from the baffle 114B. End wall 126B has a horizontally oriented tubular shape extending between inner wall 124B and outer wall 125B. The top 120B, inner wall 124B, outer wall 125B and end wall 126B together define an intake chamber having an outwardly angled rectangular opening and an open bottom. The jet of water injected into the cavity of the protrusion 112B follows a path defined by arrow 118B. In particular, the water passes through a U-shaped path. The end wall 126B functions as an impact surface. Horizontally into, impact end wall 126B and vertically offset downwardly along a U-shaped path to follow a semi-circle following the curvature of end wall 126B. The water exits along a path that is parallel to and offset vertically downward from the path of the water as it enters the protrusion 112B.

The protrusion 112C has a wedge-shaped portion and an end portion. The end portion has parallel spaced apart flat top 120C and bottom 122C. End wall 126C has a vertically oriented tubular shape extending between top 120C and bottom 122C. The inner side of end wall 126C is connected to baffle 114C. The top 120C, bottom 122C, and end wall 126C together define a portion of the intake chamber.

The wedge-shaped portion extends alongside the baffle 114C and has a triangular outer wall 125C parallel to the baffle 114C and a downwardly sloping roof 121C interconnecting the baffle 114C and the outer wall 125C. The wedge portion has an open bottom and defines a second portion of the inlet chamber. The rectangular end of the wedge portion is connected to the inner half of the end portion to define a vertical rectangular inlet to the inlet chamber and a rectangular horizontal outlet from the inlet chamber. The water jet that is jetted into the cavity of the protrusion 112C follows a path defined by arrow 118C. The end wall 126C functions as an impact surface. Horizontally into and against end wall 126C and offset to follow a semi-circle around the curvature of end wall 126C. The water is then directed by the wedge portion to a downward angle and exits obliquely downward along the baffle 114C.

The impact of the water jets against the impact surfaces of the projections 112A, 112B, and 112C applies a force to the vehicle 93 to propel the vehicle forward. Fig. 14A, 14B, and 14C illustrate how the path of the water jets 118A, 118B, and 118C changes as the vehicle 93 moves forward away from the source of the water jets 118A, 118B, and 118C.

Protrusions 112A, 112B, and 112C are exemplary protrusions. In this embodiment, for a 4 "inlet, the height x length x width dimension of protrusions 112A and 112B is 2.5" x6"x3" and the height x length x width dimension of protrusion 112C is 2.5"x8" x4 ". It should be understood that many other shapes and sizes of projections and recesses, with or without cavities, may be formed that define an impact surface that receives the force exerted by the water jet to cause movement of the vehicle 93. The size, location and number of the protrusions and recesses may be set as desired in conjunction with the jet stream to provide the desired force to the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the recess and the protrusion may be oriented opposite the spray source such that a force exerted by the spray source on the vehicle acts in a direction opposite the direction of travel of the vehicle, for example, to decelerate the vehicle. In other embodiments, for example, for a round vehicle with identically oriented recesses around the periphery, the spray source may be provided on only one side. The force exerted on the vehicle by the spray source may cause the vehicle to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, the recesses and protrusions may be asymmetric along the sides or on opposite sides to create uneven forces applied to different areas of the vehicle.

In other embodiments, the present invention is used in connection with other types of attractions, such as the funnel attraction described in U.S. patent No.6,857,964 and the bowl attraction shown in U.S. design patent No. d521,098, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Fig. 15 shows a circular vehicle 152 sliding on such a bowl-like attraction structure 150. The vehicle 152 has a plurality of water inlet projections 154 around the outer periphery thereof. The plurality of water jet spray sources 158 are connected by a water inlet pipe 156, which may be mounted on the surface of the amusement ride structure 150 or below the surface of the amusement ride structure 150 such that the water jet spray sources 158 protrude through the surface of the amusement ride structure 150. The attraction structure 150 has an entrance 160 through which the circular vehicle 152 enters the attraction structure 150. It should be appreciated that a water jet ejected from the ejection source 158 may impact the water inlet protrusion 154 and impart a rotational force, or, depending on the relative orientation of the water jet to the protrusion and/or recess, impart another force to slow, accelerate, or affect movement of the vehicle 152.

In some embodiments, the fluid impact surface is below the surface of the water in the channel and is sprayed to impact the fluid impact surface by drawing a stream of water through the water in the channel.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.