Inflatable Floating Wave System

BACKGROUND

Conventional surfing attractions are used to simulate a surfing experience by injecting a flow of water onto a ride surface. Conventional system require sufficient rigidity to support the rider and the injected flow of water thereon. Even inflatable ride attractions maintain the use of a rigid ground or support structure for providing stability to the ride surface.

U.S. Patent No. 9,802,133 to Laurence Parlane and Daniel Paul Benson discloses a sheet wave water attraction that includes a buoyant structure adapted for floating on a naturally occurring body of water. The sheet wave water attraction of the Parlane et al. patent draws water from, and floats on, a naturally occurring body of water. The Parlane et al. patent uses a water delivery system to pump a sheet of water over a ramp to create a rideable surface simulating a wave. As seen, the infrastructure to support the floating sheet wave water attraction is still substantial.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments described herein include an inflatable floating wave system. The exemplary inflatable floating wave system may be configured to rest on a body of water in a stable condition. The inflatable floating wave system may include a water injection system that uses the body of water to inject water onto a ride surface to generate a sheet of water onto an inclined ride surface to approximate a wave for performing manoeuvres by a rider.

Exemplary embodiments of the inflatable floating wave system includes an inflatable substructure and a ridable surface. The system may include additional features according to embodiments described herein.

Exemplary embodiments include novel and unique power, pump, and nozzle configurations. The power and nozzle module may be used in the instant floating sheet wave water attraction to minimize or reduce a clearance for the floating device on a body of water. This may permit the system to be used in different bodies of water having different depths. Exemplary embodiments of the power and nozzle module may also be used in other water attractions and may be used to minimize or reduce the amount of water required to operate a water attraction. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a module for supporting the pump, motor/engine, and fluid components for injecting water from the body of water onto the ride system. In an exemplary embodiment the module is configured to mate with a portion of the inflatable substructure such that the power module is configured to extend through the inflatable substructure and transport water from below the inflatable substructure to a surface on top of the inflatable substructure. In an exemplary embodiment, the module is configured to float independent of the wide structure. In this case, the module may be salvaged in the even of a failure of the ride structure.

DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an exemplary inflatable floating wave system according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary inflatable floating wave system according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3-4 illustrate an exemplary partial component view of the inflatable floating wave system according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary partial component view separated from the inflatable floating wave system according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary cross sectional view according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary inflatable floating wave system according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary inflatable floating wave system of FIG. 8 with an exemplary power and nozzle module separated therefrom.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate partial component views of the module power and nozzle assembly according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary cross sectional view of the module power and nozzle assembly according to embodiments described herein.

DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

Exemplary embodiments described herein include an inflatable floating wave system. The inflatable floating wave system may include an inflatable substructure and ride surface. As described herein, different combination of inflatables, foams, coatings, etc. may be configured to create the inflatable floating wave system described herein. The features and components provided herein are exemplary only can be duplicated, divided, combined, integrated, or otherwise rearranged in any combination and remain within the scope of the instant disclosure. For example, second inflatable substructure may be added under a first substructure and/or elevation structure.

Exemplary embodiments described herein may be used to create a lighter substructure for easier transport, storage, assembly, or combinations thereof. Exemplary embodiments may provide structures that are more efficient, faster, easier, or combinations thereof to assembly, disassemble, maintain, fix, upgrade, modify, or otherwise configure. Exemplary embodiments may provide for a safer wave ride with reduced impact forces or in extending the duration of deceleration during impact. Exemplary embodiments may be integrated and/or attachable to one or more structures, such as docks, barges, yachts, cruise ships. Exemplary embodiments may be modular and or designed having different features, such as different rear portions including additional side structure(s), platform, water recovery, etc.

Exemplary embodiments may include a power and nozzle assembly. The power and nozzle assembly may be used with the inflatable floating wave system described herein and/or in any water attraction that may benefit from the features described herein. Exemplary embodiments of the power and nozzle assembly may provide a modular system that can be separated from the water attraction. The modular nozzle assembly may be separated for safety of the riders and/or reduction of debris and materials into the modular nozzle assembly. The modular nozzle assembly may be independently buoyant in the event of failure of the inflatable floating wave system. Exemplary embodiments of the modular nozzle assembly may reduce a vertical distance of the assembly necessary to be positioned under the waterline in order to provide water flow onto the ride surface. Exemplary embodiments of the modular nozzle assembly may include ballasts to balance the system in response to the motors and pumps from the power and nozzle assembly to reduce rotation thereof within an unstable water environment.

FIGS. 1-13 illustrate exemplary inflatable floating wave system(s) according to embodiments described herein. The inflatable floating wave system 100, 800 may include an inflatable substructure 104, 106, 204, 206, 804, 806, 904 a water injection system 108, 402, 808, 906, and a ride surface 102, 202, 802, 902.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-2 and 8-9, the inflatable substructure 104, 106, 204, 206, 804, 806, 904 may include one or more base structures 104, 204804 configured to support the inflatable wave system on top of a body of water. The base structures 104, 204804 may be inflatable. The base structure 104, 204804 may, for example, comprise a drop stich to define a shape of the base structure. The base structure may define the shape of the ride surface or may be used in conjunction with other structures, such as the elevation structure 106, 206, 806, 904, to define a shape of the ride surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the inflatable base structure comprises a drop stitch material that is inflatable. The base structure may define a generally planar, rectangular shape. The base structure 104, 204804 may be positioned and or formed over one or more other structures, such as the elevation structure 106, 206, 806, 904 described herein.

The inflatable substructure may include one or more elevation structures. Each elevation structure may include separate modular parts that may be used in different combinations (e.g. stackable) to create different ride shapes. Each elevation structure may include interchangeable parts that may be used to create different ride shapes and may be interchanged. The elevation structure may be incorporated or created at the time of ride design to create the ride shape and not be interchangeable. The elevation structure may be integrated into or affixed to the inflatable base structure.

The inflatable substructure may include one or more additional base structures or elevation structures. The inflatable substructure may include one or more reinforcing structures, such as beams, bars, frames, etc. to make the structure more rigid. For example, a frame may be positioned between, around, under, or otherwise provided proximate the base structures.

The inflatable substructure may be created from separate parts that are used together in a modular fashion. The inflatable substructure may be integrated, such that it defines a unitary substructure of a single fluid cavity. The inflatable substructure may be integrated, such that the inflatable body defines an attached, unitary structure having one or more inflatable cavities.

The inflatable substructure may include an aperture for passage of water from the fluid body on which the inflatable substructure rests and a top surface of a surface of the inflatable substructure for moving water from the fluid body onto the ride surface. For example, as described herein, the opening may accommodate a power module according to embodiments described herein.

The ride surface may be an inflatable, fabric, sheet, or combination thereof. The ride surface may include coatings, such as to reduce friction, protect against UV light, or reflect heat, etc. The ride surface may be mounted and/or attached to the inflatable substructures or other components described herein. The ride surface may also include a substructure to increase rigidity and/or define or maintain a desired shape of a ride surface.

The water injection system may include nozzles, pumps, and/or motors for supplying water onto the ride surface. The water injection system may obtain the water to eject onto the ride surface from the body of water in which the inflatable floating wave system is position on.

The power module may comprise a self-buoyant rigid structure that houses and/or supports the pump(s) and/or motor(s) used to move water through the water injection system. In an exemplary embodiment, the power module does not obtain its main buoyancy from the inflatable substructure or other portions of the wave system, but may comprise an independently buoyant and stable structure.

In an exemplary embodiment, the power module may removably engage with the opening of the inflatable substructure. As illustrated, an exterior edge of the power module may be tapered and/or include lips and/or flanges or other shaped extensions to position on opposing sides of the inflatable substructure. The power module may include water inlets for permitting water from the body of water on which the inflatable floating wave system is positioned to move water from below the system onto the ride surface. The inlets for the water may include filter, grid, or other debris limiting or removing structure. The power module may include pump(s), motor(s), battery(ies) or other electronics, to run the water injection system. Other components may also be associated with the inflatable floating wave system. For example, the system may include music interfaces, light, winches, anchors, or other attachment or control features. The system may include alternative energy sources, such as solar, hydro, or wind interfaces for generating power. The system may be run on any combination of power, such as engine, motor, electric, solar, water, wind, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the power module includes an inlet/outlet. The inlet/outlet may include a pipe or other aperture for permitting air to enter and/or leave the compartment. The power module may include buoyancy devices for the self-support of the power module.

The inflatable floating wave system may also include other component parts. For example, the system may include sidewall(s), stair(s), grips, frictional surfaces/coatings, reduced frictional surfaces/coatings, protect against UV light, or reflect heat, etc, connector(s), or modular ride surface accessories. These component parts may be inflatable, may be modular, may be attachable and/or removable to other components of the system, may be integrated into or with other components of the system, may be attached to other components of the system, may be rigid, may be flexible, may be foam, may be non-inflatable, and combinations thereof.

As illustrated a plurality of sidewalls may be used to separate the ride surface and/or rider area from other areas of the ride. In an exemplary embodiment, additional or alternative walls may be used, such as wall acting as a barrier to an end of the system, walls between multiple riders, walls between the rider area and other areas, such as spectator areas, and combinations thereof.

As illustrated, the system may include stairs, ramps, or step like features for assisting in traversing elevated portions of the system surface. The stairs may be by projections from the surface, indentations into the surface, frictional structures or features on the surface, ropes or other tethers, and combinations thereof. The system may include ramps or stairs in other portions of the system such as to enter the system from the body of water on which it sits and/or to a coupled structure such as a pier, dock, boat, etc.

Exemplary embodiments of the system may include connectors between components of the system and/or to retain the system relative to other objects, such as the pier, boat, etc. Exemplary embodiments may include stabilization systems, such as anchors.

Exemplary embodiments may include dampeners or other mechanism for dampening the pitch, roll, or yaw (or any excessive rate of change) of the inflatable floating wave system. For example, spring lines may be employed for the moorage lines or for the anchor lines or combinations of these. Other dampeners, such as sea anchors may also be employed beyond that which provides entertaining or challenging waveforms as the system interacts dynamically with the waves or swells on the body of water.

As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, different access structures may be provided onto the inflatable floating wave system. As illustrated inflatable, foam, or other material structure may be used to provide access onto a top surface of the system. The access may be on a floating ramp that includes a hold for hands or feet to climb on. Other structures, such as ladders, for example, may also be used.

As illustrated, alternative combinations of walls may also be included on the ride. For example, different combinations of back and/or sidewalls may be used to separate the rider on the ride surface from others on the top of the system and/or from leaving the system. Walls may be inflatable, or made of foam or other rigid or semi-rigid structure. Walls may be integrated into one or more component parts of the system or may be attachable to the system.

Exemplary embodiments of features of a floating wave attraction may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,802,133, which is incorporated herein in its entirety and used in any combination with features described herein. Exemplary embodiments of features of an inflatable wave attraction may be found in US 2017/0136371, which is incorporated herein in its entirety and used in any combination with features described herein.

FIGS. 1-13 illustrate exemplary embodiments of an inflatable floating wave system and components thereof according to embodiments described herein. Exemplary embodiments may include different configurations or combinations of any of the features or configurations as described herein.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrates an exemplary inflatable floating wave system 100 according to embodiments described herein. As illustrated, the floating wave system 100 may include a base structure 104. The base structure may be an inflatable portion. The inflatable base structure 104 may be drop stitch such that a cross sectional or height dimension may be controlled even during inflation. The base structure 104 may therefore create a surface that is of a desired contour upon inflation. As illustrated, the base structure defines a generally sheet structure having a cross sectional dimension that is generally constant across the base structure. The constant cross sectional dimension may be a height dimension.

The base structure 104 may be adjustable such as by being deformed to create an increased, decreased, or varied elevation change of the structure. For example, the inflatable floating wave system 100 may include an elevation structure 106. The elevation structure 106 may be positioned under the base structure 104 to adjust or modify the base structure and create an inclined surface. As seen in FIGS. 1A-1B, the elevation structure 104 is positioned on an interior underside of the base structure. As seen, the base structure therefore has an elevated section and a de-elevated section so that a hill structure is generally created. The terminal ends of the base structure may therefore be at approximately the same elevation. In an exemplary embodiment, the base structure on opposing sides of the elevation structure may be at the same lower or minimal elevation. Exemplary embodiments of this configuration may create a back portion that defines a sloped end 118 that can be used as an additional slide surface. The end of the slide surface may include an elevated lip 120. The elevated lip 120 may slow water from the end of the ride, may redirect some of the water to lateral sides of the ride so that less water directly flows onto a rider at the end of the ride, may slow a rider entering the water from the ride, may retain a rider on the ride, and combinations thereof. As seen in FIG. 9, a second elevation structure may be used at the end of the ride to create the elevated lip 904.

In an exemplary embodiment, the elevation structure 206 may also be contoured such that a base structure 204 positioned over the elevation structure 206 defines an inclined surface and then maintains a higher elevation from the end of the incline surface 218 to the end of the base structure. The inclined portion of the base structure 204 may define a portion of the ride surface 202. For example, as seen in FIG. 2, the elevation structure 206 permits the end of the base structure 204 to extend upward and then progress toward the end of the attraction at approximately the same elevation. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the back end created by the constant elevation section 220 may define a platform that can be used to position available riders or spectators, for additional space for entering or exiting the ride, wiping out, for water recovery, for water filtering, and any combination thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inflatable base structure may be the same and an elevation structure used to deform the base structure may be interchangeable and/or reconfigurable to create different positions of the back of the ride area. For example, if the elevation substructure includes two tapering slopes, then the ride surface may be defined by a first side and a slide may be created by a second side thereof. Alternatively, the elevation substructure may be tapered at one end to define the ride surface and remain elevated to create the elevated recovery or observation area. Different shapes and configurations of the elevation structure may be used, such as also include separate or integrated platforms for extensions on opposing sides of the base structure and/or ride surface to create additional viewing, spectator, rider lines, etc. areas.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inclined surface of the base structures 104, 204 may define a portion of the ride surface 102, 202. The ride surface may include an additional layer on top of the inflatable base structure or may be created directly on top of the base structure. The additional layer may be a foam layer, an additional inflatable layer, a layer for reducing friction, a layer for adding additional rigidity, or any combination thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ride surface 102 may be bounded on opposing sides by side walls 112. The side walls may assisting in directing the water from the nozzles onto the ride surface. The side walls may assisting in keeping a rider on the ride surface. The side walls may separate the ride surface and water flowing thereon, from an exterior portion of the ride, such as for spectators, movement around the ride, or other function. In an exemplary embodiment, the opposing side walls 112 are inflatable.

Exemplary embodiments of the inflatable floating wave system may include one or more additional walls 122, 222, 224, 812. The walls may be positioned at an end of the structure, sides of the structure, and any combination thereof. The walls may be used to retain riders and spectators on the ride. The walls may be used to separate riders from spectators or other persons on the ride. The walls may be used to direct water in desired directions on the ride and/or to direct water to desired locations to exit the ride. The walls may be inflatable. Exemplary embodiments may include walls of varying height, thickness, orientation, and combinations thereof. For example, walls may be angled in, out, as the wall traverses along the ride from one end to another (or side to side) or may be angled in or out as the wall is traverses upward away from the vertical orientation.

Exemplary embodiments may also include additional components. These components may include additional contouring features 116. The contouring features may be used to create consistent shapes and/or surfaces on the ride structure. The contouring features may providing padding on or over hard structure surfaces. Additional features may also include ingress or egress portions, such as ladders, stairs, ramps, inflatable or floatable wedges, pull handles, etc.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inflatable floating wave system 100 may include a nozzle assembly 108 for injecting water onto a ride surface 102. The nozzle assembly 108 may inject a sheet of water onto the ride surface 102. The water may be approximately sufficiently narrow to create a sheet flow on the ride surface 102. A rider may thereafter perform maneuvers with their bodies and/or with a board or other ride structure.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 or FIG. 9, the inflatable floating wave system 100, 400, 800 may be configured to permit water from the body of water in which the inflatable floating wave system is positioned to be drawn up and used for injection onto the ride surface through the nozzles 108, 808. In an exemplary embodiment, the water is drawn up from under the base structure to a position on top or above the base structure. As seen in FIGS. 5 and 9, the base structure may include an aperture 504, 908 for positioning the power and nozzle module 402, 906 therein. The aperture may permit water from under the system to be transferred through the ride from one side to an opposing side. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the aperture 504 may be fully positioned within the base structure such that the base structure or other portion of the inflatable floating wave system fully circumscribes the aperture. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the aperture 908 may extend to a terminal end of the inflatable floating wave system 800 such that at least one side of the aperture is not enclosed and open to an exterior end of the ride. The exemplary power and nozzle module may therefore fit within the aperture or be inserted therein.

In an exemplary embodiment, the power and nozzle module 402, 906 may be configured to connect with the ride structure. For example, an outer profile of the power and nozzle module may be configured to approximate an inner profile of the aperture. The power and nozzle module may be configured with one or more surfaces that extend around at least a portion of the base structure. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the power and nozzle module 402 may include an extension surface 502 extending outward from an outer edges of the module. The extension surface 502 may be configured to extend parallel to an upper and/or lower surface of the base structure. The extension surface 502 may therefore connect to or be in contact with the base structure. As seen in FIG. 5, the extension surface may extend from a top surface of the base structure and on a lower surface of the base structure thereby retaining the base structure in between. The extension surface may extend around a portion or an entirety of the power and nozzle module to connect with the base structure on one or more sides of the power and nozzle module. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the extension surface may extend on an upper side of the base structure only. In this case, the power and nozzle structure may separate from the rest of the ride system in the event the ride system has a problem and deflates. The power and nozzle system may be independently buoyant such that the power and nozzle system may continue to float separate from the inflatable ride surface.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the power and nozzle module 402 may extend below a lower surface of the base structure and above a top surface of the ride surface. The nozzle portion 108 may extend above the ride surface and direct water with the nozzles onto the ride surface in an adjustable thin sheet. The portion of the power and nozzle module 402 may extend below the base structure and into the water upon which the inflatable floating wave system is positioned. The power and nozzle portion may extend into the water to draw up water from the body of water and/or from a water reservoir and onto the ride surface.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a power and nozzle module 402 according to embodiments described herein. The power and nozzle module 402 may include a water inlet 702 toward the bottom of the power and nozzle module. The water inlet 702 may be positioned on opposing sides of the power and nozzle module 402. The power and nozzle module 402 may include an engine 708 to run a pump 706. Other power systems may also be used. The pump may be used to inject the water from the water inlets to the water outlet 704. The system may include an air inlet/outlet 110 to the pump system. The air inlet/outlet may be for exhaust of an engine.

Exemplary embodiments may include a system for reducing debris entering the pump area. For example, as seen in FIGS. 4, 6, and 9, the inlet area of the power and nozzle module may be enclosed with a cage, netting, or other filtering interface. The system may also include one or more other filters or obstacles for reducing the amount of debris entering the system and/or being ejected onto the ride surface.

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a power and nozzle module 906. Exemplary embodiments of the power and nozzle module 906 may reduce the elevation 1104 of the bottom of the nozzle module below the water line. The power and nozzle module may therefore be used in shallower water. The power and nozzle module may be used in environments in which the power and nozzle module should not draw water near the bottom of the water source. The power and nozzle module may be used in system to reduce water resources by requiring less water to be retained in the reservoir during use.

As illustrate, the power and nozzle module 906 may include water inlets 1004 on opposing sides of the power and nozzle module and a water outlet 1002 out the front of the power and nozzle module 906. As seen in FIG. 13, the drive shaft of the pump is parallel to the water out of the nozzle 808. As illustrated the water comes in on opposing sides of the pump. The pump may be run by a motor 1202. In an exemplary embodiment, the pump system comprises an external drive train. The drive shaft 1306 may extend from the motor across the water inlet 1004. The water then encounters the propeller 1308. Once traversing the propeller 1308 the water is desirably directed in the forward direction or at least with a component of the water flow in the same direction as the water ejected out of the nozzle 808. As seen in the cross section of FIG. 13, the water may be elevated from the height from below water level at the water inlet 1004 to an elevation above water level to above the ride surface at the nozzle exit 1002. The nozzle flow path slopes upward, but the water moves forward along the entirety of the water flow path. This arrangement permits the overall height of the system to be reduced. In an exemplary embodiment, the water depth necessary to operate the system, the draft, may be less than four feet. In an exemplary embodiment, the depth of the power and nozzle module below the surface of the water 1104 is approximately 20 to 30 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the overall length of the pump housing is approximately 3.5 to 4 feet.

In an exemplary embodiment, the power and nozzle module includes a buoyancy compartment 1004. The buoyancy compartment may be used to enclose air to define a self contained buoyant power module. The power and nozzle module may therefore not need to depend on the buoyancy of the ride structure to keep it above the water. The power and nozzle module may continue to float in the event it is separated from the ride structure.

In an exemplary embodiment, the power and nozzle module comprises one or more ballasts 1102. The power and nozzle module may include one or more compartments to add weight to the system. The compartments may be weighed to offset the repositioning of the inflatable floating wave system created from the orientation of the drive train. The rotation of the drive shaft and the horizontal positioning of the water intake may adversely effect the alignment of the ride surface during use. The ballasts may therefore be filled or emptied to relevel the ride surface as the pump is engaged and water ejected onto the ride surface. As illustrated, two ballasts are used on opposing sides of the pump under the nozzle area in front of the pump. The shape of the power and nozzle module may also facilitate or counteract the rotation of the pump. As illustrated, the power and nozzle module include a centrally extending projection 1006. This projection may be used to enclose or contain the pump and drive train.

In an exemplary embodiment, the nozzle assembly may include an interchangeable interface 1204. The interchangeable interface 1204 may permit the nozzle 808 to be removable. Different nozzle configurations may be used to accommodate different ride shapes, structure, or sizes. The same power and nozzle assembly including the motor and drive train, and housing may be used in different rides structures may interchanging different nozzle shapes at the end of the module.

In some cases, if the water is pulling from the water surface into the water inlet 1004 of the power and nozzle module 906, the system may pull in air from the water surface. This may occur if a vortex from the water surface is created at the water inlet into the pump. When this air is pulled through the pump and ejected with the water onto the ride surface, it may cause cavitation. The power and nozzle module may include components to reduce the cavitation of the system by limiting the air being pulled from a surface of the water. For example, the power and nozzle module may include a lip 1008 that extends over a top of the water inlet 1004. The lip may reduce the water directly pulled from the surface and reduce a corresponding amount of air into the pump system. In an exemplary embodiment, the ledge over the top of the water inlet may be extended by a plate or extension structure. Other features may also be used to direct the water from lower in the water column. For example, tubes or other passages may be used to direct water from a desired location within the water column. These components and features may be selected based on the water level and the clearance of the system above the ground below the body of water.

Exemplary embodiments include an inflatable floating wave system having an inflatable substructure, and a ride surface on the inflatable substructure. The inflatable substructure comprises a drop stitch. The inflatable substructure may include a generally flat portion and an inclined portion. An inflatable surface may be positioned on the inclined portion of the inflatable substructure to create the ride surface. A layer may be positioned on the inclined portion of the inflatable substructure to create the ride surface. The inflatable floating wave system may include an attachment mechanism configured to couple the system to another object, such as a docket, a boat, another floating object, or other structure. Exemplary embodiments may include an anchor system for positioning the inflatable floating wave system in a desired location within a body of water by engaging a floor of the body of water or a shore or land around the body of water. Other attachment systems may also be used to provide a desirable position of the inflatable floating wave system. For example, the inflatable floating wave system may include a wench or other retractable or extendable connection system in order to permit relative movement of the inflatable floating wave system with respect to another object.

Exemplary embodiments of the inflatable floating wave system has an inflatable substructure including an inflatable base structure and an elevation structure. The inflatable base may define a generally planar, rectangular cubic shape in a non-deformed configuration. The inflatable base may be positioned over the elevation structure to deform the inflatable base and define a ride surface profile. The back end of the system may include different shapes, configurations, and/or profiles. The back end of the system may include a modular interchangeable structures. The back end of the system may include a slide. The back end of the system may include a platform. The back end of the system may include other water features. The inflatable base may be integrated with the elevation structure. The inflatable base may be separate from and separately inflatable from the elevation structure. The inflatable base and elevation structure may create a shared inflatable cavity.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inflatable substructure may include a plurality of structures. The plurality of structures may be positioned adjacent, laterally side by side such that each of the plurality of structures is positioned under the ride surface across the ride surface. The plurality of structures may be positioned over one another, such as in the case of a base structure and elevation structures. The plurality of structures may be coupled together, such as by gluing, adhesion, sewing, Velcro, hook and loop fastener, belts, or other structures.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inflatable substructure is larger in footprint than the ride surface. The ride surface may be inclined. The system may include stairs on opposing sides of the ride surface up the incline. The system may also include an entrance feature configured to assist a user onto the system from a body of water in which the inflatable floating wave system is positioned. The inflatable floating wave system may be configured to be positioned on and floats on a natural occurring body of water. The inflatable floating wave system may be configured to be positioned on and float on a persistent and stationary body of water.

The inflatable floating wave system may include a water injection system at a front of the ride surface and a back slope extending rearward away from the water injection system on an opposite end of the ride surface. The ride surface may include an incline extending from proximate a water exit of the water injection system and the back slope comprises a decline extending proximate a maximum from incline. The incline and decline may define a hump in which a user rides on a sheet wave generated wave to perform maneuvers on the incline and slides off of the ride from the back slope into the water.

The inflatable floating wave system may include a second base substructure. The second base substructure may be positioned under the inflatable substructure. The second base substructure may be inflatable, and/or may be made of foam. The second base substructure may be used to add additional stability to the system.

The inflatable floating wave system may also include one or more walls. The one or more walls may include two opposing side walls on opposing sides of the ride surface. The one or more walls may include a center wall to separate a plurality of riders on the same ride surface. The one or more walls may include a wall along a back end of the system. The one or more walls may include a wall along a front end of the system.

Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure herein may include a power and nozzle module. The power and nozzle module may include a housing, a water outlet, a water inlet, and a pump. In an exemplary embodiment, the inflatable substructure has an aperture through a portion of the generally flat portion, and the power and nozzle module may be positioned within the aperture. The power and nozzle module housing may include a structure to engage with a portion of the inflatable substructure.

In an exemplary embodiment, the power module is self-buoyant and self-upright stable in a body of water independent of the inflatable substructure.

In an exemplary embodiment, a power and nozzle module may be provided for use with a water attraction system. The power and nozzle module may be used in any water attraction system. The power and nozzle module may include a housing, a pump, and a nozzle outlet. The power and nozzle module may also include ballasts within the housing. The pump may comprise an external drive train. In an exemplary embodiment, the external drive train is positioned horizontally parallel to the water exit direction from the nozzle outlet. The power and nozzle module may also include a water inlet between a motor and a propeller of the pump along the external drive train. The housing, pump, and nozzle outlet may be configured to push water forward as the water is elevated from below the power and nozzle module to a higher elevation out the nozzle outlet.

Although embodiments of this invention have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of embodiments of this invention as defined by the appended claims. Specifically, exemplary components are described herein. Any combination of these components may be used in any combination. For example, any component, feature, step or part may be integrated, separated, sub-divided, removed, duplicated, added, or used in any combination and remain within the scope of the present disclosure. Embodiments are exemplary only, and provide an illustrative combination of features, but are not limited thereto.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof

Inflatable Floating Wave System

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