TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to recreational slide attractions and, more particularly, to a dry recreational slide system including a rotating slide.
BACKGROUND
Recreational slides, such as dry slides and water slides, have long been popular attractions in amusement parks, water parks, and various recreational facilities. In this regard, conventional dry or water slides include a slide surface down which a rider descends (i.e., slides) for entertainment. A recreational dry slide is considered to be any slide that is free of any fluid or wet lubricant flowing down or otherwise located between the slide surface and a rider, or a ride vehicle carrying the rider on the slide. In comparison, water slides include some amount of water flow down or otherwise located between the slide surface and the rider or the ride vehicle.
Recreational slides provide riders with a thrilling ride experience, but the duration of this experience may be limited by the slide's length, for example. In that regard, recreational slides typically consist of a smooth, inclined slide surface over which participants slide for a length of the slide from an elevated entrance to a lower exit of the slide. Thus, the duration of the rider's sliding experience is typically limited by the length of the slide between the elevated entrance and the lower exit. While participants often find the sliding experience enjoyable, its brevity often leaves them desiring an extended period of amusement.
Furthermore, conventional recreational dry slides typically have a predetermined ride path, along which participants slide from an elevated entrance to a lower exit in a fixed, linear fashion, constrained by walls or channels to guide the rider along the predetermined path. As a result, a rider does not have the freedom to vary or change their ride path in any significant way. While various attempts have been made to improve a rider's experience, including the incorporation of twists and turns, as well as steeper inclines, a rider is still left wanting a more thrilling and prolonged ride experience.
Thus, there is a need for a dry recreational slide system that provides for both a prolonged sliding experience and the freedom for a rider to significantly change or vary their ride path as they travel along a slide surface of the slide system.
SUMMARY
According to one aspect of the present invention, a dry recreational slide system is disclosed. The dry recreational slide system includes a support structure and a slide operatively supported by the support structure and rotatable relative to the support structure and about a rotational axis of the slide. The slide includes a tubular slide body that extends between an entrance opening and an opposite exit opening. The slide defines a slide surface that is non-wet lubricated over which a rider is configured to travel as the slide is rotated. The dry recreational slide system includes at least one drive mechanism (drive) that is operatively coupled to the slide to rotate the slide about the rotational axis.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure may comprise a support frame. The at least one drive may be supported by the support structure. In another embodiment, the rotational axis of the slide may be coaxial with a central longitudinal axis of the slide.
In another embodiment, the slide body may include an inner diameter that is constant along a length of the slide body between the entrance opening and the exit opening of the slide. For example, the slide body may include an inner diameter that is greater than a diameter of the entrance opening and a diameter of the exit opening to form an entrance shoulder and an exit shoulder. In one embodiment, the slide may include a first end cap that defines the entrance opening and a second end cap that defines the exit opening.
In yet another embodiment, the slide may include at least one track that extends circumferentially about a periphery of the slide body. The at least one drive may be operatively engaged with the at least one track to rotate the slide. In one embodiment, the support structure may include at least one driven element that is driven by the drive and at least one idle element, and wherein the track is configured to receive the at least one driven element and the at least one idle element. In another embodiment, the at least one track may be located at a joint between a pair of body sections that form the slide body. For example, the joint may be defined by an engagement between a flange of a first body section of the pair of body sections and a flange of a second body section of the pair of body sections. The track may be connected to the flanges of the first and the second body sections.
In one embodiment, the slide body may include a plurality of body sections connected together in an end-to-end arrangement to define the slide surface. In yet another embodiment, the slide may include at least one track that extends circumferentially about a periphery of the slide body at a joint between a first body section and a second body section of the plurality of body sections. The at least one drive may be operatively engaged with the at least one track to rotate the slide. For instance, the joint may be defined by an engagement between a flange of the first body section and a flange of the second body section. The track may be connected to the flanges of the first and the second body sections.
In another embodiment, the support structure may include at least one driven element that is driven by the drive and at least one idle element. The track may be configured to receive the at least one driven element and the at least one idle element. In one embodiment, the driven element and the idle element may be wheels.
In yet another embodiment, the support structure may include a drive support cradle and an idle support cradle. The drive support cradle may include the drive. In one embodiment, the drive support cradle may include at least one driven element operatively engaged by the drive and at least one idle element. The at least one driven element and the idle element may be in engagement with the slide body. In another embodiment, the idle support cradle may be spaced from the drive support cradle along a longitudinal length of the slide. The idle support cradle may include a pair of idle elements in engagement with the slide body.
In one embodiment, the slide may include a first track and a second track each extending circumferentially about a periphery of the slide body. The first track may be configured to receive the at least one driven element and the idle element of the drive support cradle and the second track may be configured to receive the pair of idle elements of the idle support cradle. In yet another embodiment, the first track may be positioned at a first joint between body sections that form the slide body and the second track may be positioned at a second joint between body sections that form the slide body.
In yet another embodiment, the slide may include at least one lift ridge that projects a height from the slide surface. The at least one lift ridge may extend a length between the entrance opening and the opposite exit opening of the slide. In another embodiment, the slide may include at least one divider that defines a plurality of sliding lanes.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for imparting motion to a ride vehicle of a recreational slide system is disclosed. The method includes providing the recreational slide system which includes a support structure and a slide operatively supported by the support structure and rotatable relative to the support structure and about a rotational axis of the slide. The slide includes a slide body that extends between an entrance opening and an opposite exit opening. The slide defines a slide surface that is non-wet lubricated over which a rider is configured to travel as the slide is rotated. The dry recreational slide system also includes at least one drive that is operatively coupled to the slide to rotate the slide about the rotational axis. The method further includes operating the at least one drive to rotate the slide in a first direction about the rotational axis of the slide and receiving the ride vehicle onto the slide surface of the slide. Rotation of the slide in the first direction causes the ride vehicle to cyclically move in an upward direction towards a top of the slide and then in a downward direction towards a base of the slide along the slide surface on a first side of the slide.
According to one embodiment, the method further includes operating the drive to vary a speed of rotation of the slide to vary movement of the ride vehicle along the slide surface. In yet another embodiment, the method further includes operating the drive to rotate the slide in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. In that regard, rotation of the slide in the second direction causes the ride vehicle to cyclically move in the upward direction and then in the downward direction along the slide surface on a second side of the slide body. In yet another embodiment, the method includes leveling the support structure so that the rotational axis of the slide is substantially parallel to a surface on which the support structure is supported such that rotation of the slide is not configured to bias the ride vehicle toward the entrance opening or the exit opening of the slide. In another embodiment, the slide may include at least one lift ridge that projects a height from the slide surface. The method may further include engaging the ride vehicle with the at least one lift ridge as the slide rotates to move the ride vehicle in an upward direction towards the top of the slide.
Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the technical field of recreational slide systems, and in particular dry recreational slide systems. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description, the following detailed description, and the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary and intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to describe the one or more embodiments of the invention. Features and attributes associated with any of the embodiments shown or described may be applied to other embodiments shown, described, or appreciated based on this disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recreational slide system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is an end view of the recreational slide system of FIG. 1, illustrating rotation of a slide of the recreational slide system in a clockwise direction.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the slide of FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrating a drive support cradle of the recreational slide system.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the slide of FIGS. 1-3, illustrating an idle support cradle of the recreational slide system.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the recreational slide system of FIGS. 1-4.
FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recreational slide system of FIGS. 1-5, illustrating a ride vehicle traveling along a slide surface of the slide.
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the slide of FIGS. 1-6, illustrating movement of the ride vehicle along the slide surface as the slide rotates.
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a recreational slide system, illustrating a pair of ride vehicles traveling along a slide surface of a slide in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the slide of FIG. 7, illustrating additional detail of a divider that defines a pair of sliding lanes of the slide.
FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a recreational slide system, illustrating a ride vehicle traveling along a slide surface of a slide in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the slide of FIG. 8, illustrating additional details of a ridge formed on the slide surface.
FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a recreational slide system, illustrating a ride vehicle traveling along a slide surface of a slide in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the slide of FIG. 9, illustrating additional details of bumps formed the slide surface.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a joint between body sections of a slide of the recreational slide systems of FIGS. 1-9A.
FIG. 11 is a disassembled perspective view of a portion of the slide of the recreational slide system of FIGS. 1-6A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a recreational slide system that includes a dry recreational slide, otherwise referred to as a non-wet lubricated slide, and a support structure configured to operatively support the slide over a support surface. By a dry or a non-wet lubricated slide, it is meant that the slide body, and more particularly a slide surface of the slide body, is free of any fluid or wet lubricant flowing down the slide surface or otherwise temporarily applied to the slide surface or a ride vehicle so as to be between a rider or the ride vehicle and the slide surface during use. A dry or a non-wet lubricated slide is not a water slide or snow sport slide, for example.
The slide of the recreational slide system of the present invention comprises a tubular body that is rotatable relative to the support structure and about a rotational axis of the slide. The interior surface of the tubular body defines a slide surface along which one or more riders may travel during operation of the recreational slide system. The continuous rotation of the slide induces a perpetual cycle of ascent and descent for riders along the slide surface, creating a potentially endless sliding experience. For example, riders may choose the duration of their sliding experience by exiting the slide when they are ready. That is, riders may slide for any desired duration of time within the slide before exiting. Additionally, the slide surface is configured such that a rider's ride path along the slide surface is not predetermined. Instead, a rider may determine their own ride path within the slide as the slide rotates. A rider may sit, lie down, or use a ride vehicle positioned between the rider and the slide surface, such as a mat or board, for example, to slide along the slide surface.
In use, at least one rider is configured to enter the slide through an entrance at a first end of the slide, either before or after the slide is rotating. Once in the slide, rotation of the slide in one direction causes the rider to repeatedly ascend with rotation of the slide to a point where gravity causes the rider to slide in an opposite downwards direction along the slide surface. The rider's movement in that regard is continuous and generally cyclical as long as the slide is rotating. Additionally, the rider may rely on gravity and/or their body position to customize their ride path within the slide. For example, by shifting their weight and adjusting their posture with respect to the posture of a ride vehicle, a rider may control their speed and direction of movement within the slide and between the entrance and the exit of the slide. Consequently, the rider has the freedom to choose when they move toward the exit to end their sliding experience. Thus, the duration of the rider's sliding experience is not limited by a length of the slide. Rather, the rider has the freedom to choose how long they remain sliding within the slide, providing the rider with a potentially unlimited sliding or ride duration. These and other benefits of the present invention will be described more fully below.
Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1-6A illustrate a recreational slide system 10 (“slide system 10”) in accordance with aspects of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the slide system 10 includes a dry or non-wet lubricated slide 12 that is operatively supported by a support structure or frame 14 that is configured to support the slide 12 above the ground or other surface on which the slide system 10 is arranged. The slide 12 is operatively supported by the support structure 14 in a way that permits rotation of the slide 12 relative to the support structure 14. In one exemplary embodiment, the slide system 10 includes at least one drive 16 that is supported by the support structure 14 and operatively coupled to the slide 12 to drive rotation of the slide 12 about a rotational axis A1 of the slide 12 (e.g., FIG. 2). The rotational axis A1 of the slide 12 may be coaxial with a central longitudinal axis of the slide 12. Rotational or rolling movement of the slide 12 relative to the support structure 14 and about the rotational axis A1 causes or induces movement of a rider within the slide 12, as will be described in further detail below.
With reference to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the slide 12 includes a generally tubular slide body 18 that extends between an entrance opening 20 at first end of the slide 12 and an exit opening 22 at a second, opposite end of the slide 12. A rider may enter the slide 12 via the entrance opening 20 and exit the slide 12 via the exit opening 22, for example. However, as both ends of the slide 12 are open, either opening 20, 22 may serve as the entrance or exit to the slide 12. The shape of the slide body 18 is generally defined by a tubular sidewall that delineates an interior and an exterior of the slide 12. The interior of the slide body 18 includes an inner diameter (ID) and the interior surfaces of the slide body 18 define a slide surface 24 over which a rider is configured to travel as the slide 12 is rotated. That is, the slide surface 24 defines a smooth surface over which a rider is configured to travel. The ID of the slide body 18 may be between about 6 feet (ft) and about 20 ft, preferably about 8 ft to about 12 ft, and more preferably about 10 ft. As used herein, about means+/−10%. In the embodiment shown, the ID of the slide body 18 may be generally constant along a length of the slide body 18, as shown in FIG. 6. The slide surface 24 is a smooth, continuously curved surface that extends parallel to the rotational axis A1 of the slide 12.
In one embodiment, the slide surface 24 may include one or more annular dividers 25 that extend circumferentially about the slide surface 24 of the slide 12 to define separate riding lanes 27. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 7A, the exemplary slide 12 includes one divider 25 that extends circumferentially about the slide surface 24 of the slide body 18 to divide the slide surface 24 into a pair of sliding lanes 27 so that multiple riders may slide within the slide 12 at once. Each divider 25 may be a raised surface on the slide surface 24, and may have an arcuate, pointed, or squared cross-sectional profile, for example. Each divider 25 may be molded with the slide body 18 so as to be integrally formed as part of the slide surface 24, for example. In the embodiment shown, the slide body 18 may include a single divider 25 that divides the slide body 18, and in particular the slide surface 24, in half. As a result, each sliding lane 27 is wide enough to permit a rider to move laterally as desired within each sliding lane 27. Each sliding lane 27 may be at least 5 feet wide, for example. In another embodiment, the slide body 18 may include two dividers 25 that divide the slide body 18, and in particular the slide surface 24, into three sliding lanes 27. The dividers 25 may be spaced apart from each other (in a direction along the rotational axis A1 of the slide 12) so that riders still have the freedom to significantly change or vary their ride path as they travel along the slide surface 24 within each sliding lane 27.
Returning to FIGS. 1-6A, the exterior of the slide body 18 includes an outer diameter (OD) and defines a periphery of the slide 12. The exterior of the slide 12 includes at least one ring-shaped track 26 that extends circumferentially about the periphery of the slide body 18. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the slide 12 includes six tracks 26. However, the slide 12 may include fewer or more tracks 26. As best shown in FIG. 5, each track 26 has a generally U-shaped cross-section in the transverse direction. Each track 26 includes an annular base wall 28 and a pair of annular sidewalls 30 that form an annular channel 32. The at least one drive 16 is configured to engage a corresponding track 26 to impart rotational movement to the slide 12, as will be described in further detail below.
With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the entrance and exit openings 20, 22 may each be defined by an end cap 34 that forms an extension of the tubular slide body 18 at either end. As shown in FIG. 6, each end cap 34 forms an annular shoulder or lip 36 that is configured to prevent a rider from inadvertently falling out of the slide 12, for example. The annular shoulder 36 may be smoothly curved or arcuate, and may form an extension of the slide surface 24, as shown. In that regard, each end cap 34 reduces the diameter of the slide 12 between the slide body 18 and the corresponding entrance opening 20 or exit opening 22. As a result, the diameter of the slide body 18 may be greater than a diameter of the entrance opening 20 and/or a diameter of the exit opening 22. Each end cap 34 may include a generally flattened annular portion 38 that may serve as a surface for riders to step onto as they enter or exit the slide 12, for example. To that end, the slide system 10 may feature a platform 40 adjacent to the entrance opening 20 of the slide 12 to facilitate safe rider entry, as shown in FIG. 6. Similarly, the slide system 10 may also feature a platform 40 adjacent to the exit opening 22 of the slide 12 to facilitate safe rider exit.
With continued reference to FIGS. 1-6A, the slide 12 is configured to be horizontally supported or cradled within the support structure 14, with the periphery of the slide body 18 being engaged by the support structure 14 in a manner that permits rotation or rolling movement of the slide 12 relative to the support structure 14. Exemplary rotational movement of the slide 12 is shown in FIG. 2 and indicated by directional arrow A2. Although clockwise rotation of the slide 12 is illustrated, the slide 12 is rotatable in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. In particular, the tracks 26 extending about the periphery of the slide body 18 are configured to be operatively engaged by the support structure 14 for rotation of the slide 12. In the embodiment shown, the only contact between the slide 12 and the support structure 14 is through the tracks 26. However, in another embodiment, the slide body 18 may be placed in direct contact with the support structure 14, for example, rather than indirectly through the tracks 26. Regardless, the slide 12 may be supported by the support structure 14 in a manner that aligns the rotational axis A1 of the slide 12 approximately parallel (or horizontal) to the ground or other surface on which the slide system 10 is supported, as shown in FIG. 6. A level configuration of the slide 12 ensures that rider movement within the slide 12 during operation of the slide system 10 is not influenced by any significant angle or tilt of the slide 12.
As shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 6A, a rider may ride on a ride vehicle 42 when sliding within the slide 12. The ride vehicle 42 is configured to be positioned between the rider and the slide surface 24 of the slide 12, and may be the ride vehicle 42 described in Applicant's application Ser. No. 18/349,347, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. As will be described in further detail below, rotation of the slide 12 causes the ride vehicle 42 (and rider) to cyclically move along the slide surface 24 in an upward direction towards a top 44 of the slide 12 and then in a downward direction towards a base 46 of the slide 12. In that regard, the slide 12 is supported by the support structure 14 in a manner such that regions of the slide 12 may be described in terms of their spatial orientation. For example, when rotating or stationary, the slide 12 may be considered to have a top 44 and a base 46. The top 44 may be the highest point of the slide 12 above the ground, while the base 46 may be the lowest point closest to the ground or surface on which the slide 12 is supported. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2, the slide 12 includes a first side 48 and an opposite second side 50. In that regard, a vertical plane that extends along the rotational axis A1 may divide the slide 12 in half to define the first side 48 and the second side 50 of the slide 12. The top 44, base 46, and side 48, 50 descriptors may be used to describe a rider's movement within the slide 12 during operation of the slide system 10, for example.
With reference to FIGS. 2, 6 and 6A, as the slide 12 rotates clockwise in direction A2, the rider and ride vehicle 42 are configured to move up and down along the slide surface 24 (between the top 44 and base 46 of the slide 12) at the first side 48 of the slide 12. Specifically, as the slide 12 rotates, the rider and ride vehicle 42 ascend in an upward direction along the slide surface 24 and toward the top 44 of the slide 12 to a point where gravity causes the rider and ride vehicle 42 to slide in a downward direction back along the slide surface 24 and toward the base 46 of the slide 12, as indicated by directional arrow A3 (e.g., FIGS. 2, 6 and 6A). Movement of the rider and ride vehicle 42 in this regard is continuous and generally cyclical as long as the slide 12 is rotating. Speeding up or slowing down the rotation of the slide 12 may intensify (e.g., speed up) or moderate (e.g., slow down) the rider's sliding experience, respectively. Changing the rotational direction of the slide 12 to counterclockwise rotation, such as by reversing operation of the at least one drive 16, causes the rider and ride vehicle 42 to slide up and down (between the top 44 and base 46 of the slide 12) along the slide surface 24 at the second side 50 of the slide 12. Additionally, the rider may rely on gravity and/or their body position relative to the ride vehicle 42 to customize their ride path within the slide 12. For example, by shifting their weight, adjusting their posture, and/or changing the position or direction of the ride vehicle 42, the rider can control their speed and direction of movement within the slide 12. For instance, the rider and ride vehicle 42 may move back and forth in an axial direction (i.e., a direction along the axis of rotation A1 of the slide 12) along the slide surface 24 and between the entrance opening 20 and the exit opening 22 of the slide 12. To that end, the rider has the freedom to choose when to move toward the exit opening 22 to end their sliding experience.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 8A, the slide 12 may include one or more ridges 51, otherwise referred to as a lift ridge 51, that are configured to facilitate upward movement of a rider within the slide 12 as the slide 12 rotates. The slide 12 may include a single ridge 51 or a plurality of ridges 51. In the embodiment shown, the slide 12 includes a single ridge 51. As shown, the ridge 51 projects a height from the slide surface 24 and may extend or span laterally a length between axial ends of the slide body 18. For example, the ridge 51 may extend generally parallel to the rotational axis A1 of the slide 12 and between end caps 34. The ridge 51 further includes a width (measured along the circumference of the slide 12). The width of the ridge 51 may be between about 4 feet and about 8 feet, for example. The height of the ridge 51 may be between about 1 foot to about 3 feet or more, for example.
As shown in FIG. 8A, the ridge 51 is formed as a raised profile that projects or extends vertically from the slide surface 24, forming a three-dimensional profile that influences a rider's movement along the slide surface 24. The ridge 51 may have an arcuate, pointed, or squared cross-sectional profile, for example. As shown, the exemplary ridge 51 includes an arcuate or gradually curved profile along its width, gradually extending in a curved manner from the slide surface 24 to an apex of the ridge 51 before gradually extending back down to the slide surface 24, to provide for a smooth transition between the ridge 51 and the slide surface 24. The apex of the ridge 51 may be rounded. The ridge 51 may be molded with the slide body 18, such as with one or more panels of the slide body 18, so as to be integrally formed as part of the slide surface 24, for example.
Each ridge 51 may be formed as a single ridge 51 or may be segmented along its length to form a plurality of ridges 51 spaced apart in an end-to-end arrangement. Where the slide 12 includes more than one ridge 51, the ridges 51 may be spaced apart about a circumference of the slide body 18. The ridges 51 may be spaced apart evenly about a circumference of the slide body 18, for example. In an embodiment where the slide 12 includes multiple sliding lanes 27 (e.g., FIG. 7), each sliding lane 27 may include one or more ridges 51. The ridges 51 of each sliding lane 27 may be aligned or offset from each other, for example.
As the slide 12 rotates, the rider and ride vehicle 42 travel along the slide surface 24 until they encounter a ridge 51. The ridge 51 interrupts the sliding movement of the rider and ride vehicle 42 along the slide surface 24 until the rider and ride vehicle 42 are lifted high enough through rotation of the slide 12 for gravity to enable them to overcome and slide over the ridge 51. Once this occurs, the rider and ride vehicle 42 descend along the slide surface 24 back toward the base 46 of the slide 12. Upon reaching the base 46, the rider encounters the same or another ridge 51, and as the slide 12 continues to rotate, the rider ascends again toward the top 44 of the slide 12. Gravity then pull the rider and ride vehicle 42 over the ridge 51 in a downward direction, and the rider slides back toward the base 46 of the slide 12. This movement of the rider and ride vehicle 42 is continuous and cyclical, repeating as long as the slide 12 is rotating. The slide 12 may include one or more ridges 51 to ensure the rider ascends to a sufficient height before beginning their descent.
In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 9A, the slide 12 may include one or more bumps 53, otherwise referred to as moguls, that are configured to facilitate upward movement of a rider within the slide 12, as well as interrupt movement of a rider within the slide 12, as the slide 12 rotates. In that regard, the bumps 53 may be an alternative (or addition) to the ridge(s) 51 described above. As shown, the slide 12 includes a plurality of bumps 53 distributed across the slide surface 24. The bumps 53 may be distributed evenly in an array or pattern, or randomly, along the slide surface 24. As best shown in FIG. 9A, each bump 53 includes a rounded or oblong profile that extends or projects a height from the slide surface 24. That is, each bump 53 is formed as a raised profile that projects or extends vertically from the slide surface 24, forming a three-dimensional profile that influences a rider's movement along the slide surface 24. To that end, each bump 53 may be molded with the slide body 18 so as to be integrally formed as part of the slide surface 24, for example.
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 5 and 10, the slide body 18 is formed of one or more tubular or ring-shaped body sections 52 connected together in an end-to-end arrangement. As shown, each body section 52 includes an annular sidewall 54 that extends a width between radial attachment flanges 56 at opposite axial ends of the body section 52. The width of each body section 52 may be 3 feet, for example. The radial attachment flanges 56 are for attaching the body sections 52 together at connection joints 58 to form the slide body 18. The sidewalls 54 of the body sections 52 may collectively define a portion or the entirety of the slide surface 24.
As shown in, e.g., FIG. 1, the slide body 18 is formed of five body sections 52. However, the slide body 18 may be formed from fewer or more body sections 52, and the figures are not intended to be limiting in that regard. Rather, the body sections 52 provide the slide 12 with a modular configuration. That is, the body sections 52 provide the ability to easily change or vary a length of the slide 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the length of the slide 12 may be about 18 ft. However, by including more body sections 52 in the end-to-end arrangement, the length of the slide 12 may be increased. On the other hand, removing body sections 52 may reduce the length of the slide 12. The width of each body section 52 of the slide 12 (measured in an axial or end-to-end direction between flanges 56) may be the same or different along the length of the slide 12, for example. In one embodiment, the slide body 18 may be formed from a single body section 52. In another embodiment, the slide body 18 may be formed from two or more body sections 52.
Parts of the slide 12, including the body sections 52 that form the slide body 18 and the end caps 34, for example, may be formed of a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), such as fiberglass. In another embodiment, parts of the slide 12 may be formed of other suitable materials such as Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), or other type of thermoplastic material(s), for example. In that regard, the slide surface 24 may be a molded, smooth or smoothly curved surface over which a rider is configured to travel. In one embodiment, the slide surface 24 of the slide 12 may include a dry lubricant material in the form of a cured, permanent coating, such as that described in Applicant's application Ser. No. 18/349,347. To that end, a coefficient of friction between the ride vehicle 42 and the slide surface 24 of the slide 12 may be within a range of between about 0.03 to about 0.2, and particularly within a range of between about 0.05 to about 0.12, and in particular about 0.09. As will be understood by a person skilled in the art, the coefficient of friction between the ride vehicle 42 and the slide surface 24, for example, is the ratio of the frictional force between the two surfaces to the normal force pressing the surfaces together. That is, Coefficient of Friction (μ)=Force of Friction (F)/Normal Force (N). The coefficient of friction between the surfaces of the ride vehicle 42 and the slide surface 24 may be described in terms of both the static and kinetic coefficients of friction.
With reference to, e.g., FIGS. 1-6A, the support structure 14 comprises one or more support frames in the form of one or more drive support cradles 60 and one or more idle support cradles 62 that are spaced apart along the length of the slide 12. The drive support cradles 60 and the idle support cradles 62 operatively support the slide 12 above the ground or other surface on which the slide system 10 is arranged. The drive support cradles 60 are configured to support and impart rotational movement to the slide 12, while the idle support cradles 62 are configured to guide rotational movement and provide support for the slide 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the drive support cradles 60 and the idle support cradles 62 are separate, spaced apart structures. However, in another embodiment, the drive support cradles 60 and the idle support cradles 62 may be interconnected or form part of a unitary structure.
As shown in, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 5, each drive support cradle 60 and idle support cradle 62 corresponds to a track 26 on the slide 12. In the embodiment shown, the slide 12 includes six tracks 26 and the slide system 10 includes a total of six drive and idle support cradles 60, 62. Specifically, the slide system 10 includes two drive support cradles 60 and four idle support cradles 62. Thus, by having two drive support cradles 60, the slide system 10 includes two drives 16. The drive support cradles 60 are arranged between pairs of idle support cradles 62, as shown. In that regard, an idle support cradle 62 may located at each end of the slide 12, with the drive support cradles 60 arranged at various positions along the length of the slide 12. Spacing of the drive support cradles 60 along the length of the slide 12 ensures that rotational movement is imparted evenly to the slide 12 along its length. However, the slide system 10 may include fewer or more drive or idle support cradles 60, 62 arranged at different locations along the length of the slide 12. In one embodiment, the slide system 10 may include one drive support cradle 60 and one idle support cradle 62. In another embodiment, the slide system 10 may include only two drive support cradles 60.
As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each drive support cradle 60 includes a drive 16 and at least one driven element 64 that is driven by the drive 16, and at least one idle element 66a, 66b. Specifically, each drive support cradle 60 includes one driven element 64 and three idle elements 66a, 66b. The drive 16 is configured to rotate the driven element 64, which in turn imparts rotational movement to the slide 12 through engagement with a corresponding track 26. Each idle element 66a, 66b rolls within the same track 26 to support the rotational movement of the slide 12. The driven element 64 and the idle elements 66a, 66b of each drive support cradle 60 are configured to engage the same track 26, as shown. Specifically, driven element 64 and the idle elements 66a, 66b are each partially received into the channel 32 of the same track 26. To achieve this, each driven element 64 and the idle elements 66a, 66b of the drive support cradle 60 are arranged in a common plane along a length of the drive support cradle 60. Engagement between the sidewalls 30 of the track 26 and the driven element 64 and the idle elements 66a, 66b limits movement of the slide 12 in the axial direction relative to the support structure 14. That is, engagement between the track 26 and the driven element 64 and the idle elements 66a, 66b limits movement of the slide 12 in either direction along the rotational axis A1 of the slide 12. In the embodiment shown, the driven element 64 and the idle elements 66a, 66b are wheels, such as caster wheels. Each driven element 64 or idle element 66a, 66b may be formed of, or include a ring around the circumference of the wheel that is made of rubber, polyurethane, or another suitable material configured to provide increased traction.
The driven element 64 and the idle elements 66a, 66b are supported by frame members that form the drive support cradle 60 according to one embodiment. In particular, each drive support cradle 60 includes a base frame member 68 that extends from a first end 70 to a second end 72 of the drive support cradle 60 to define the length of the drive support cradle 60. The base frame member 68 is configured to be arranged generally perpendicular to the rotational axis A1 of the slide 12 (e.g., FIG. 2), such that ends 70, 72 of the drive support cradle 60 are positioned at opposite sides 48, 50 of the slide 12. At each end 70, 72 of the drive support cradle 60 is an upright frame member 74 and an angled frame member 76 that extends between the upright frame member 74 and the base frame member 68. The angled frame member 76 may be angled relative to the base frame member 68 within a range of between about 30° and about 60°, and in particular about 50°. The drive support cradle 60 may include one or more brackets 78 to reinforce the connections between the frame members 68, 74, 76, as well as one or more mounting brackets 80 to attach the drive support cradle 60 to the ground or other surface on which the slide system 10 is arranged.
With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, each angled frame member 76 supports one or two idle elements 66a, 66b, such as by a caster fork 82. In that regard, the angled frame member 76 at the second end 72 of the drive support cradle 60 includes two idle elements 66a, 66b, being an upper idle element 66a and a lower idle element 66b. The upper idle element 66a is positioned adjacent a terminal end 84 of the angled frame member 76. The lower idle element 66b is positioned adjacent to the base frame member 68. In that regard, the lower idle element 66b is positioned closer to the base 46 of the slide 12 compared to the upper idle element 66a. In the embodiment shown, the terminal end 84 of the angled frame member 76 extends beyond upright frame member 74 to locate the upper idle element 66a within an area along the first or second side 48, 50 of the slide 12 that is between about 10% to about 50%, and preferably about 20% to about 30%, of the diameter of the slide 12, as measured in a direction from the base 46 to the top 44 of the slide 12. The lower idle element 66b may be positioned within an area along the second side 50 of the slide 12 that is between about 2% to about 20%, and preferably about 5% to about 15%, of the diameter of the slide 12, as measured in a direction from the base 46 to the top 44 of the slide 12. Positioning the driven element 64 and idle elements 66a, 66b at various locations along the sides 48, 50 of the slide 12 cradles the slide 12 therebetween to prevent radial movement of the slide 12 (i.e., movement of the slide 12 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation A1 of the slide 12) relative to the support structure 14.
The driven element 64, which is generally located at the first end 70 of the drive support cradle 60, is supported over the angled frame member 76 by a drive mount. The drive mount, comprising a number of frame members 86 attached to one or more mounting brackets 80, supports the drive 16 and a pair of drive shaft bearings 88 (e.g., FIG. 5) that allow the driven element 64 to rotate. As best shown in FIG. 3, the driven element 64 is in a similar location along the angled frame member 76 as compared to the lower idle element 66b at the second end 72 of the drive support cradle 60. In that regard, the driven element 64 may be positioned within an area along the second side 48 of the slide 12 that is between about 2% to about 20%, and preferably about 5% to about 15%, of the diameter of the slide 12, as measured in a direction from the base 46 to the top 44 of the slide 12.
The drive 16 may be any type of motor, such as an electric motor (e.g., AC motor or DC motor), compressed air motor, hydraulic motor, or internal combustion engine that is suitable for imparting rotational movement to the slide 12. In that regard, the drive 16 may be located on the support structure 14, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of the slide system 10. However, the drive 16 may be located remote from the support structure 14 but operatively connected to the support structure 14 or the slide 12 by a suitable mechanism, such as a drive belt, drive shaft or screw, or chain, for example.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, each idle support cradle 62 includes at least two idle elements 66a, 66b. Each idle element 66a, 66b is configured to roll within the same track 26 to support the rotational movement of the slide 12. To that end, the idle elements 66a, 66b of the idle support cradle 62 are arranged in a common plane along a length of the idle support cradle 62. Like the driven element 64 and idle elements 66a, 66b of the drive support cradle 60, the engagement between the track 26 and the idle elements 66a, 66b of each idle support cradle 62 also serves to maintains axial alignment of the slide 12 relative to the support structure 14.
Each idle support cradle 62 includes a base frame member 90 that extends from a first end 92 to a second end 94 of the idle support cradle 62 to define the length of the idle support cradle 62. As shown in FIG. 2, the base frame member 90 is configured to be arranged generally perpendicular to the rotational axis A1 of the slide 12 such that ends 92, 94 of the idle support cradle 62 are generally positioned at opposite sides 48, 50, respectively, of the slide 12. At each end 92, 94 of the idle support cradle 62 is an upright frame member 96 and an angled frame member 98 that extends between the upright frame member 96 and the base frame member 90. The angled frame member 98 may be angled relative to the base frame member 90 within a range of between about 30° and about 60°, and in particular about 45°. The idle support cradle 62 may include one or more gusset brackets 78 to reinforce the connections between the frame members 90, 96, 98, as well as one or more mounting brackets 80 used to attach the idle support cradle 62 to the ground or other surface on which the slide system 10 is arranged.
With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, each angled frame member 98 supports one idle element 66b with a caster fork 82, for example. In particular, each angled frame member 98 supports a lower idle element 66b that may be in a similar location along the angled frame member 98 as compared to the lower idle elements 66b of the drive support cradle 60. In that regard, each lower idle element 66a may be positioned within an area along the first or second side 48, 50 of the slide 12 that is between about 2% to about 20%, and preferably about 5% to about 15%, of the diameter of the slide 12, as measured in a direction from the base 46 to the top 44 of the slide 12. As the idle support cradles 62 do not include an upper idle element 66a, the length of the idle support cradles 62 may be smaller compared to the length of the drive support cradles 60. However, in an alternative embodiment, one or both ends 92, 94 of the idle support cradles 62 may also include an upper idle element 66a.
As briefly described above, the exterior of the slide 12 includes at least one track 26 that extends circumferentially about the periphery of the slide body 18. In particular, each track 26 is attached to the slide body 18 at a connection joint 58 between two body sections 52 that form the slide body 18, or a connection joint 100 between one body section 52 and an end cap 34 of the slide 12. As shown in FIG. 10, each end cap 34 includes a radial flange 102 that is configured to mate with the radial flange 56 of an adjacent body section 52 to attach the end cap 34 to the body section 52 at the connection joint 100. The flanges 56, 102 may be secured together with a plurality of fasteners 104, such as a nut and bolt combination, for example. Radial flanges 56 of adjacent body sections 52 may also be fastened together at respective connection joints 58 using fasteners 104.
With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, each track 26 includes a plurality of attachment tabs 106 extending from the underside of the base wall 28 of the track 26 (i.e., opposite the channel 32). The tabs 106 are spaced apart along the circumferential length of the base wall 28 of the track 26, as shown in FIG. 11. The tabs 106 may alternatively be formed as a single elongate tab that extends a length along each track 26. Regardless, the tabs 106 are for attaching the track 26 to the slide 12 at a respective connection joint 58, 100. In that regard, the spacing of the tabs 106 may correspond to the spacing of bores in the flanges 56 of the body sections 52 and flanges 102 of the end caps 34. As shown in FIG. 10, each tab 106 includes a bore that, when aligned with the two bores of radial flanges 56, 102 at a connection joint 58, 100, is configured to receive the fastener 104 therethrough to secure the track 26 to the connected pair of flanges 56, 102 at the connection joint 58, 100. The tracks 26 may be attached in this manner at connection joints 58 between two body sections 52 and connection joints 100 between one body section 52 and one end cap 34, as shown.
Turning now with reference to FIG. 11, at least the body sections 52, end caps 34, and tracks 26 of the slide 12 may be formed of separate pieces, segments, or sections, which may be assembled together to form parts of the slide 12. In particular, each body section 52 may be formed from a plurality of body panels 110. Each body panel 110 may form a portion of the sidewall 54 of the body section 52, for example. In the embodiment shown, each body section 52 is formed of four body panels 110. In an alternative embodiment, each body section 52 may be formed from fewer or more body panels 110. As shown, the longitudinal ends of each body panel 110 include an axially extending flange (axial flange) 112 that extends between the radial flanges 56. The pair of axial flanges 112 are for attaching the plurality of body panels 110 together, in an end-to-end arrangement, to form each body section 52. Adjacent body panels 110 may be secured together using fasteners 104 at their axial flanges 112, similar to how radial flanges 56 of adjacent body sections 52 are secured together.
With continued reference to FIG. 11, each end cap 34 may be formed from a plurality of end cap panels 114. In the embodiment shown, each end cap 34 is formed of eight end cap panels 110. In an alternative embodiment, each end cap 34 may be formed from fewer or more end cap panels 110. At each longitudinal end of each end cap panel 110 is an axially extending flange (axial flange) 116 that extends between the radial flanges 102. The axial flanges 116 are for attaching the plurality of end cap panels 114 together, in an end-to-end arrangement, to form each end cap 34. Adjacent end cap panels 114 may be secured together using fasteners 104 at their axial flanges 116, similar to how radial flanges 56 of adjacent body sections 52 are secured together.
With continued reference to FIG. 11, each track 26 may be formed from a plurality of track sections 118. In the embodiment shown, each track 26 is formed of four track sections 118. In an alternative embodiment, each track 26 may be formed from fewer or more track sections 118. Each track section 118 includes one or more attachment tabs 106 for securing the track section 118 to the slide 12 at joints 58, 100, as described above with respect to FIG. 10. To that end, each track section 118 may be individually attached to the slide 12, forming a complete track 26 when all four track sections 118 are attached to the slide 12 about the same joint 58, 100.
Having described certain structural details of the recreational slide system 10, an exemplary operation of the recreational slide system 10 will now be described. In that regard, one or more riders are configured to enter the slide 12 of the recreational slide system 10 via the entrance opening 20. The drives 16 may be inactive or active such that rotation of the slide 12 is be stopped or slowed while riders enter the slide 12. Alternatively, the drives 16 may be operated to rotate the slide 12 at normal operating speed while a rider enters the slide 12. Rotation of the slide 12 may be in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In either case, the rider and ride vehicle 42 are received onto the slide surface 24 of the slide 12 so as to be facing towards the base 46 of the slide 12. As shown in, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 6A, rotation of the slide 12 in a first, clockwise direction A2 causes the rider and ride vehicle 42 to cyclically move in an upward direction towards the top 44 of the slide 12 and then in a downward direction towards the base 46 of the slide 12 along the slide surface 24 at the first side 48 of the slide 12, as indicated by directional arrow A3. Movement of the rider and ride vehicle 42 along the slide surface 24 is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slide 12 (i.e., the rotational axis A1). Additionally, the rider may manipulate the ride vehicle 42 to move in an axial direction (i.e., side-to-side direction) between the entrance opening 20 and the exit opening 22 of the slide 12. To that end, riders do not simply pass straight through the slide 12; rather, they have the freedom to maneuver between the axial ends of the slide 12 as desired, while cyclically ascending and descending along the slide surface 24, and may remain in the slide 12 for any length of time.
The speed of the drives 16 may be varied to vary the rotational speed of the slide 12 to thereby vary movement of the rider and ride vehicle 42 along the slide surface 24. For example, a height that the rider and ride vehicle 42 travels up the sides 48, 50 of the slide 12 may be varied by varying the rotational speed of the slide 12. Operating the drives 16 to rotate the slide 12 counterclockwise causes the rider and ride vehicle 42 to move to the second side 50 of the slide 12. To that end, continued rotation of the slide 12 in the counterclockwise direction causes the rider and ride vehicle 42 to cyclically move in the upward direction and then in the downward direction along the slide surface 24 at the second side 50 of the slide 12. The support structure 14 may be level so that the rotational axis A1 of the slide 12 is substantially parallel to a surface on which the support structure 14 is arranged. As a result, rotation of the slide 12 does not bias the rider and ride vehicle 42 towards the entrance opening 20 or the exit opening 22 of the slide 12.
As described above, the slide 12 may constantly rotate at a set speed or may have varying rotation speed to create varying experiences. The varying rotational speed of the slide 12 may be controlled electronically using variable frequency drives (VFDs) or similar technology used to control the drive speed of the drives 16. In one embodiment, the varying rotational speed of the slide 12 may be controlled by maintaining a constant drive speed of each drive 16 and using mechanical systems, such as gearing, cams, continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) or similar technology to gear up or down the rotation speed applied to the slide 12. In another embodiment, the varying rotation speed of the slide 12 may be controlled by using a combination of electronic and mechanical speed control systems.
While the invention has been illustrated by the description of various embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Thus, the various features discussed herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope of the general inventive concept.
Patent Application
20250177873
