Water amusement system and method

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6561914
  • Patent Number
    6,561,914
  • Date Filed
    Friday, December 15, 2000
    24 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, May 13, 2003
    21 years ago
Abstract
A water amusement system is described which includes a number of different water park rides. The water amusement system may include a water fountain system. The water fountain system includes a roof configured to turn in response to directing a stream of water at the roof. The water amusement system may include a water carousel. The water carousel is a carousel which is configured to float on a body of water. The water amusement system may include a musical fountain system. The musical fountain system is configured to spray water, play music and/or provide visual effects. The water amusement system may include a water powered Ferris wheel. The water amusement system may include a water powered bumper vehicle system. The water powered bumper vehicle system is configured such that the vehicles are preferably propelled by streams of water produced by water nozzles arranged about the water bumper vehicle system. The water system may include a boat ride system. The boat ride system includes a number of boats which are preferably towed by a rotatable base. The boats may also include steering devices and participant interaction devices. The water amusement system may also include a water train system. The water train system is a train system which is propelled by a water propulsion device.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




1. Field of the Invention




The present disclosure generally relates to water amusement attractions and rides. More particularly, the disclosure generally relates to a system and method in which participants are actively involved in a water attraction. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides.




2. Description of the Relevant Art




Water recreation facilities have become a popular form of entertainment in the past few decades. Conventional water attractions at amusement parks typically involve using gravity to make water rides work, or they involve spraying water to create a fountain. The water rides that use gravity typically involve water flowing from a high elevation to a low elevation along a water ride surface. These gravity induced rides are generally costly to construct, and they usually have a relatively short ride time. Conventional fountains in water parks are generally passive attractions for people because guests of the parks usually cannot control the water flow in these fountains.




One water attraction that allows guests to become more actively involved with water spraying objects is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,194,048 to Briggs. This attraction relates to an endoskeletal or exoskeletal participatory water play structure whereupon participants can manipulate valves to cause controllable changes in water effects that issue from various water forming devices.




A class of water attraction rides which are not gravity induced has been added to the theme park market. U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,547 to Lochtefeld discloses a method and apparatus for controllably injecting a high velocity of water over a water ride surface. A rider that rides into such injected flow can either be accelerated, matched, or de-accelerated in a downhill, horizontal or uphill straight or curvilinear direction by such injected flow. U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,597 to Lochtefeld et al. discloses a method and apparatus for controllably injecting high velocity jets of water towards a buoyant object to direct buoyant object movement irrespective of the motion of water upon which the buoyant object floats. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,194,048, 5,213,547 and 5,503,597 are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




I. Water Fountain System




A water fountain system is provided, that is a participatory water play system. The water fountain system may have the operational ability to allow changes to water effects by the physical act of manipulating a valve or valves. The water fountain system may include sound and/or light displays that are controllable by physical acts of a participant. Furthermore, the water fountain system may teach participants, especially children, the cause and effect relationship between action (turning a valve) and reaction (water jets causing a roof to spin).




An embodiment of the water fountain system includes a roof having a friction surface. The roof may have the ability to rotate about a vertical axis when a jet of water hits the friction surface. The friction surface may contain a plurality of protrusions (e.g., rib-like members, indentions, or protruding structures) providing a contact surface for receiving the water. The water fountain system preferably includes a support member connected to the roof and to the ground below. A first conduit preferably directs water from a water source to a first nozzle located near the roof. For example, the first nozzle may direct a jet of water in a first direction toward the roof to cause the roof to rotate in a substantially clockwise direction. A second conduit preferably directs water to a second nozzle also located near the roof. The second nozzle may then direct a jet of water in a second direction toward the roof to cause the roof to rotate in a substantially opposite, or a counterclockwise direction.




A diverter valve may be disposed upstream from the first conduit and the second conduit. The diverter valve may direct water to one of the fit or second conduits while restricting water flow through the other conduit. The valve may be located near the ground so that it may be adjusted by a participant. In a multi-level system the valve may be located on one or more levels of the system. The valve may also be located near the roof. A control system may be coupled (e.g., electrically, mechanically, or pneumatically) to the valve. The control system may be manipulated by one or more participants to operate the valve from the ground, or on any other level. Operation of the valve may also cause activation of any combination of the sound and/or lighting system.




II. Water Carousel System




A water carousel system is provided, that is a participatory water play system. The water carousel preferably includes a supporting platform configured to float on water, a propulsion device coupled to the supporting platform, and at least one rotatable shaft for driving the propulsion device with respect to the support platform. The shaft may be connected to participant power mechanisms, such as pedals, wheels, and/or handles, that are operable by participants to drive rotation of the shaft. The supporting platform preferably includes a seating device for holding at least one participant. The seating device is preferably configured to facilitate use of the participant power mechanism by the participant.




In one embodiment, the water carousel system preferably includes a platform configured to float on water, a floor positioned above the platform, and at least one rotatable shaft for driving rotation of the floor about the platform. The rotatable shaft may be coupled to participant power mechanisms that are operable by participants to drive rotation of the shaft. The physical act of powering one or more participant power mechanisms may, in some embodiments, cause the floor of the carousel to rotate about a substantially vertical axis. The participants may control the speed of rotation by varying the amount of power being applied to the participant power mechanisms.




The carousel system preferably includes a roof for providing shade to the participants of the carousel. The roof preferably has a friction surface. In one embodiment, the roof may rotate about a vertical axis when water is directed against the friction surface. An elongated support member preferably forms the vertical axis. The support member may extend from the roof, through the platform, and to the ground where it may be anchored. A valve may be manipulated to force water to contact a roof of the carousel to cause the roof to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.




Further, the carousel system may include a sound system for playing music, and/or a light system for displaying lights, that are preferably controlled by the operation of the participant power mechanisms by one or more participants. The rate, volume, pitch, and/or pattern of the sounds produced by the sound system and/or the intensity, and/or pattern of lights produced by the light system are preferably determined by the rate at which the floor is rotated with respect to the platform. Since the rotational rate of the floor is directly proportional to the power applied by the participants to the participant power mechanisms, the participants are able to control the sounds and/or lights produced by the system. In one embodiment, the application of a predetermined amount of power to the participant power mechanism by the participants will preferably produce a musical tune at the proper pitch and/or rate.




The rotatable shaft is preferably located under the floor. One section of the rotatable shaft is preferably adapted to be powered by either arms or legs of a participant In one embodiment, a portion of the rotatable shaft is shaped to form pedals and/or handles, and may extend upwardly through the floor. Rotation of the rotatable shaft is preferably caused by imparting a force to the pedals and/or the handles. Rotation of the rotatable shaft in turn preferably powers the propulsion device. The propulsion device preferably imparts a rotational force to the floor, such that the floor preferably rotates about the support member in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The propulsion device may be a wheel for rotating the floor on top of the platform. The platform may contain a circular track to guide the wheel or wheels as they rotate. The rotatable shaft to which the rotatable member (e.g., a wheel) is connected may be attached to the floor. When the wheel rotates via turning of the rotatable shaft, the floor is preferably forced to rotate with respect to the platform. Moreover, the support member may extend through the floor and may be attached to the platform.




The water carousel system further preferably includes a plurality of seating devices attached to the floor. The seating devices are preferably configured for holding at least one participant such that the participant may operate the participant power mechanism. Each seating device is preferably located near the participant power mechanism so that a participant sitting in the seating device may power the participant power mechanism.




In one embodiment, the sound system may include a mechanical sound device coupled to the support member. The mechanical sound device preferably includes a drum and a plurality of sound producing arms. The drum may have raised points on its outer surface. The arms are preferably attached to the floor. When the floor rotates, the arms may move about the drum, allowing the raised points to contact selected arms. Each arm preferably creates a different musical note upon being struck by a raised point, so the drum and arms may function as a “music box”.




In another embodiment, the sound system is preferably controlled by a musical control unit. The musical control unit is preferably configured to impart electronic signals to the sound system in response to the movement of the floor. The musical control unit preferably includes a sensor for determining the rotational speed of the floor. As the floor of the carousel is rotated, the rotational speed of the floor is measured by the sensor and relayed to the music control unit. The music control unit is preferably configured to vary the rate and/or pitch of the music being produced by the sound system as a function of the rotational speed of the floor.




In another embodiment, a water carousel system preferably includes a floor configured to float on water. In place of a support platform, at least one flotation member may be attached to the floor. The carousel additionally includes a propulsion device coupled to the support member, and at least one rotatable shaft for driving rotation of the rotatable member with respect to the water. The rotatable shaft may be coupled to participant power mechanisms that are operable by participants to drive rotation of the shaft. The physical act of powering one or more participant power mechanisms may cause the floor of the carousel to rotate along the surface of the water about a substantially vertical axis. The participants may control the speed of rotation by varying the amount of power being applied to the participant power mechanisms.




In one embodiment, the rotatable member of the water carousel system is a water propulsion device, which preferably extends into the water. Examples of water propulsion devices include, but are not limited to, paddles, paddle wheels, and propellers. Rotation of the rotatable shaft preferably causes the water propulsion device to rotate such that a rotational force is imparted to the floor.




III. Musical Water Fountain System




A musical water fountain system is provided that is a participatory water play system. In an embodiment, the musical water fountain system includes a sound system for playing one or more musical notes, a fountain system for spraying water, a light system for displaying lights, and a plurality of activation points for activating the sound system, the fountain system, and/or the light system.




The act of applying a participant signal to the activation points preferably causes one or more of the following: a sequence of music notes is produced, water is sprayed from one or more fountains, and lights are activated. A participant signal may be applied by the application of pressure, a gesture (e.g., waving a hand in front of a motion sensor), or voice activation. The activation points are configured to respond to the applied participant signal. The activation points are preferably coupled to a control system. The activation points may be located on instruments. The activation points preferably sense the participant signal applied by the participant(s) and send a first signal to the sound system, a second signal to the fountain system, and/or a third signal to the light system. The sound system may respond by playing a musical note. The fountain system may respond by spraying water in the air to create a fountain effect. The light system may respond by tuning on lights within a light display located near the fountain system.




The musical water fountain system preferably provides participants with a visual, audio, or tactile indication at a predetermined time to alert the participants to apply a participant signal to a specific activation point. A conductor may be used to provide the indication to the participants. The conductor may be an individual who motions to selected participants at predetermined times. The conductor may also be an image projected on a screen that is visible by the participants. Alternately, an electrical indication may be provided to the participants. For instance, a light, sound, or tactile signal may be activated to indicate the participants to apply a participant signal to the activation points.




In an alternate embodiment, the instruments may produce the musical notes and the sound system may enhance the musical notes by increasing their volume and/or by synthesizing musical sounds or sound effects. Instruments which may be included in the water fountain system include, but are not limited to, keyboard instruments (e.g., a piano), percussion instruments (e.g., a drum set), brass instruments (e.g., a trumpet), guitars (e.g., an electric guitar), string instruments (e.g., a violin), woodwind instruments (e.g., a saxophone), and electronically generated sounds (whistles, animal noises, etc.). The instruments of the water fountain system are preferably played via applying a participant signal to an activation point located on or in the vicinity of the instrument. For example, the activation points of a piano may be on the keys of the piano, and the activation points of a drum set may be located on top of each drum. In one embodiment, the instruments may be large enough to hold participants. The instrument may be played by standing on a pressure sensitive activation point.




In one embodiment, a musical fountain may include a group of different instruments. Each of the instruments may be activated by applying a participant signal to an activation point. A conductor may be used to indicate the activation of the instruments or of specific notes of the instruments. A group of participants may respond to the conductor's signals such that a musical tune is produced. By cooperatively participating with the fountain the participants may create sounds and visual effects which are pleasant to both the participants and spectators.




In another embodiment, an “orchestra” of fountains may be used to produce a musical tune. A series of fountains may be arranged about a centrally positioned conductor. The conductor may indicate to the participants to activate their musical fountain at predetermined times. The cooperative effort of the participants may create a musical tune by playing each of the individual fountains at the appropriate times.




IV. Water Ferris Wheel System




A water Ferris wheel system is provided that includes a water based power system. The water based power system is preferably coupled to a rotation mechanism of the Ferris wheel. Passage of a water stream through the water based power system preferably causes rotation of the Ferris wheel.




The Ferris wheel preferably includes a central axle member, and a support member coupled to the central axis member. Seating devices for holding passengers are preferably connected to the support member via axle members. The seating devices may rotate about the axle members so that they remain in an upright position as the support member spins in a substantially vertical plane. Water interaction devices are preferably coupled to the support member of the Ferris wheel.




The water interaction devices may be receptacles configured to hold water, paddles configured to interact with water, or a combination of receptacles and paddles. The water interaction devices are preferably configured to cause rotation of the support member when the water interaction devices are contacted with a water stream. A base support structure is preferably attached to the central axle member to elevate the support member above the ground. The base support structure may be composed of members which are affixed to the ground.




The Ferris wheel further includes a water source for supplying a water stream to the water interaction devices. The rate of rotation of the support member may be a function of the flow rate of the water to the water interaction devices. To achieve a slow rate of rotation a relatively slow flow of water may be selected. Increasing the rate of water preferably increases the force imparted by the water on the water interaction devices, increasing the rotational speed of the support member.




The Ferris wheel system preferably includes a braking system to control the position at which the support member stops rotating. The brake system preferably imparts a force sufficient to inhibit rotation of support member while water is directed at the water interaction devices. The use of a braking system in this manner, facilitates the transfer of participants to and from the Ferris wheel.




A conduit is preferably located near the Ferris wheel that serves as a water source to the Ferris wheel system. The conduit preferably includes a valve and a pump. Water is preferably forced by the pump through the conduit. The conduit preferably directs water to the water interaction devices. In one embodiment, the conduit delivers water to water interaction devices at a position substantially above the central axle member. Preferably, the conduit delivers water at a position approximately level with the central axle member. By positioning the conduit approximately level with the central axle member, a tangential stream of water may be delivered to the water interaction devices in a position which minimizes the amount of water reaching seating devices. Alternatively, the conduit may conduct a water stream below the support member of the Ferris wheel. The water interaction devices preferably extend out from the support member such that the water interaction devices along the bottom portion of the support member interact with the water stream.




In one embodiment, the water interaction devices are preferably composed of water receptacles. The receptacles may be any container that can hold a large amount of water. The receptacles preferably hold enough water to initiate rotation of the support member about the central axle member. Preferably, the volume of at least one of the receptacles is greater than that of at least one of the seating devices.




In one embodiment, the Ferris wheel system may further include a reservoir located on the ground below the Ferris wheel. The reservoir may collect water falling from the conduit, forming a pool. Water falling into the reservoir may be recycled back to the apex and through the conduit.




In an embodiment, the water interaction devices may be attached to some or all of the seating devices. Alternately, the seating device itself may also be a water interaction device.




The above described embodiments may be configured such that the passengers remain substantially dry or become substantially wet during the ride. In one embodiment, the seats are preferably configured to inhibit water from reaching the participants. Seating devices may include a roof configured to redirect any water falling onto the roof away from the seating device. The flow of water falling upon the roof is preferably directed into the reservoir pool for reuse.




In another embodiment, the seating devices may be configured to allow the participants to become substantially wet. In one embodiment, the seating devices are opened ended (i.e., do not have a roof). As the seating devices pass by the conduit, water may fall into the seating devices, causing the passengers to become substantially wet. The seating devices preferably include slots to allow the incoming water to be removed from the seating devices.




In another embodiment, the Ferris wheel may be propelled by a stream of water formed underneath the Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel includes a number of seating devices located about a support member, as described above. Water interaction devices preferably extend from the support member in a direction away from the central axle member. A stream of water preferably runs below a bottom portion of the support member. Water interaction devices are preferably positioned about an outer edge of support member such that the water interaction devices which are at a bottom portion of the support member are partially inserted within the water stream. The support member is preferably rotated by causing a current to be formed in the water stream. As the water stream passes under the support member, the water contacts water interaction devices causing the support member to begin to rotate.




V. Water-Powered Bumper Vehicle System




A water-powered bumper vehicle system is provided that preferably includes a plurality of vehicles for holding participants, a plurality of nozzles, a pressurized water source for delivering water to the nozzles, and a valve for controlling water flow through one or more of the nozzles.




In an embodiment, the plurality of nozzles are positioned in different directions and are capable of directing water towards the vehicles to cause water-to-object momentum such that the vehicles move in different directions. A pressurized water source may deliver water to the nozzles. One or more valves connected to the nozzles preferably restrict water flow through at least one of the nozzles while permitting water flow through at least one of the nozzles to contact the vehicles. The nozzles are preferably positioned to move the water bumper vehicles in directions such that they contact each other.




In an embodiment, the plurality of nozzles are included in a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly may contain a valve configured to selectively restrict water flow through one or more of the nozzles while allowing water flow through one or more of the nozzles. The valve may be used to direct substantially discontinuous pulses of water from the nozzles toward the vehicles. The valve may be coupled to a control system for controlling water flow through the nozzles. The control system may be programmed such that water is directed from the nozzles in a random or predetermined sequence.




Sensors may be placed at different positions around the water bumper vehicle system. Preferably, sensors are placed upon the nozzle assembly. Sensors are preferably configured to detect when a vehicle is approaching a nozzle assembly. Sensors may be configured to detect contact between the nozzle assembly and a vehicle or the sensors may be configured to determine if a vehicle is close to a nozzle assembly. When the sensor detects the presence of a vehicle, the sensor preferably sends a signal to the control system which responds by activating a nozzle assembly.




Water sprayers may be positioned around the water bumper vehicle system. Preferably, the water sprayers may be used to spray participants with water. Water sprayers may also be coupled to the control system. The control system may be programmed such that water from the water sprayers is produced in a random sequence or at pre-determined times. Alternately, the water sprayers may be coupled to the sensors. When a vehicle is detected by a sensor, the sensor may turn on a water sprayer near the sensor such that the participants become wet.




In another embodiment, the control system may be coupled to participant activation devices located in each vehicle. Each of the participant activation devices may include a series of activation points, which are activated in response to a signal from the participant. Activation points may be used to control the nozzles and/or the water sprayers.




In one embodiment, the vehicles are preferably configured to float within a pool. The boundaries of the pool are defined by the retaining walls configured to hold the water of the pool. A plurality of nozzle assemblies are preferably arranged about the retaining wall. The nozzle assemblies preferably direct pulses of water toward the vehicles to propel the vehicles across a portion of the pool. Additional nozzle assemblies may be present within the pool. The nozzle assemblies may be floating or may be coupled to the bottom of the pool.




The vehicles may also include a steering system for allowing a participant to control the direction of travel of the vehicle. Preferably the steering system includes a steering device coupled to a handle or wheel. Movement of the steering device preferably alters the coarse of the vehicle while the vehicle is moving. The use of a steering system may allow a participant to control the direction that the vehicle travels over the water surface.




In another embodiment, the vehicles may be sitting upon a substantially smooth floor surrounded by a wall. Nozzle assemblies are preferably located at various locations on top of the floor. They are preferably spaced apart at a distance which allows the vehicles to pass between them. Vehicles may be propelled by the nozzle assemblies to move across the floor in different directions. Preferably, only a small amount of friction exists between the vehicles and the floor so that the vehicles may slide across the floor.




In another embodiment, the vehicles may be moved toward an exit zone after a predetermined amount of time. At this time, the nozzle assemblies may be programmed to guide the vehicles into the exit zone. The exit zone is preferably configured to allow a participant to leave and/or enter the vehicle.




VI. Boat Ride System




A boat ride system is provided that is a participatory play system. The boat ride system preferably includes a boat for holding a plurality of participants, an elongated member for pulling the boat in a substantially circular path, and a motor for rotating the elongated member.




In an embodiment, the boat includes one or more (preferably three) hydrofoils for raising the hull of the boat above the water level. The boat is preferably maneuverable by a participant. The hydrofoils may be adapted to move to steer the boat. Alternately, the boat may include a rudder that is operable by a participant. The boat is preferably pulled about a central axis by an elongated member powered by the motor. The boat may be connected to the elongated member with a substantially flexible tow strap having a sufficient length to allow the boat to be laterally maneuvered.




In an embodiment, participant interaction devices are preferably located on the boat. Participant interaction devices preferably include any device that allows participants to interact with targets and/or other participants and/or spectators. Examples of participant interaction devices include, but are not limited to electronic guns for producing electromagnetic radiation, water based guns for producing pulses of water, and paintball guns. Participants may operate the participant interaction devices as the boat is moving as part of a game. The participant interaction devices may be directed at targets. Targets may be positioned on the base, floating in the body of water, positioned on the perimeter of the body of water, positioned on other boats and/or or positioned on the participants and/or spectators. Participant interaction devices may be fired to send a projectile at a boat or target. A projectile as used herein is meant to refer to a beam of electromagnetic radiation, water, a paint ball, a foam object, a water balloon, or any other relatively non-harmful object that may be thrown from a participant interaction device. Participant interaction devices may also be located around the perimeter of the body of water to allow spectators to fire projectiles at the boats. The participants and/or spectators may be equipped with eye protection and other safety devices to protect participants and/or spectators from the projectiles.




In an embodiment, the participant interaction devices may include electronic guns for emitting electromagnetic beams toward at least one target. The target preferably includes a receiver adapted to sense the electromagnetic beams emitted from the electronic gun(s). The boat ride system may include an electronic scoring system for counting the number of times that a target is struck by an electronic beam. In an embodiment, the electronic gun becomes activated when the boat reaches a minimum predetermined speed. A sensor may be used to sense the height of the hull above the water. The electronic gun may be activated when the hull reaches a predetermined height above the water.




In another embodiment, the participant interaction devices may include water gun systems. The water gun systems are configured to fire a pulse of water when a trigger is depressed. The water guns may allow participants to fire pulses of water from the boat toward targets and/or other boats. Participants may use the water guns to wet participants on other boats and/or spectators surrounding the body of water. Additionally, the targets may be configured to respond to a blast of water. Targets may be electronically coupled to a scoring system.




VII. Water Train Ride System




A water train ride system is provided that preferably includes a train that is adapted to float on water and a trough adapted to contain water. The train preferably includes a plurality of train cars for holding participants and a propulsion system for moving the train through the water. The trough preferably includes a guide adapted to engage the train to maintain it within the trough as it moves through the water.




In an embodiment, the jet propulsion system includes a rotatable impeller and may be housed in an engine car. The engine car is preferably adapted to propel the train cars in a substantially wake free environment for the comfort of the participants. The engine car may include a steam generator and a whistle to give the appearance of a steam locomotive. The train is preferably used to transport participants to various locations in a water park.




The trough may be located on ground or underwater. The guide of the trough may include elongated members located on opposite sides of the trough or on the bottom of the trough. The elongated members preferably extend into grooves formed in the train.




VIII. Amusement Park System




An amusement park system is provided that comprises a number of water based rides. The amusement park system may be a “wet park” in which some or all of the participants become substantially wet during the rides. In another embodiment, the amusement park system may be a combination of a “wet park” and a “dry park”. A “dry park” is a park system in which some or all of the participants remain substantially dry during the rides.




The amusement park system preferably includes a water fountain system and/or a water carousel system and/or a musical water fountain system. The amusement park system may also include any combination of a water Ferris wheel system, a water bumper vehicle system, a boat ride system, and a water train system. Other rides which may be found in a wet or dry park may also be present.




Each of the inventions I-VIII discussed above may be used individually or combined with any one or more of the other inventions.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which:





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of one embodiment of a water fountain system having an exoskeletal support member.





FIG. 2

is a perspective view of one embodiment of a water fountain system having an exoskeletal support member.





FIG. 3

is a perspective view of one embodiment of a water fountain system having an endoskeletal support member.





FIG. 4

is a perspective view of one embodiment of a water fountain system having an exoskeletal support member.





FIG. 5

is a perspective view of one embodiment of a water fountain system having an endoskeletal support member.





FIG. 6

is a perspective view of one embodiment of a water fountain system having an exoskeletal support member.





FIG. 7

is a cross-sectional plan view of one embodiment of a water fountain system having a plurality of roofs.





FIG. 8

depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a water fountain system that includes a roof having members protruding from its surface.





FIG. 9

depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a water fountain system that includes a roof having curved members protruding from its surface.





FIG. 10

depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a water fountain system that includes a roof having curved members protruding from its surface.





FIG. 11

is a cross-sectional view along a horizontal plane through a bearing of a water fountain system.





FIG. 12

is a perspective view of one embodiment of a water carousel system.





FIG. 13

is a perspective view of another embodiment of a water carousel system.





FIG. 14



a


is a detailed view of a shaft depicted in FIG.


12


.





FIG. 14



b


is a detailed view of a shaft depicted in FIG.


13


.





FIG. 15

is a detailed view of a gear system attached to a participant power mechanism of a water carousel system.





FIG. 16

is a cross-sectional view along a horizontal plane through a bearing within a drum of a water carousel system.





FIG. 17

is a perspective plan view of one embodiment of a musical water fountain system having a sound system.





FIG. 18

is a perspective plan view of a keyboard which is an element of a sound system.





FIG. 19

is a perspective plan view of a drum set which is one element of a sound system.





FIG. 20

is a perspective plan view of a trumpet which is one element of a sound system.





FIG. 21

is a perspective plan view of a guitar which is one element of a sound system.





FIG. 22

is a perspective plan view of a xylophone which is one element of a sound system.





FIG. 23

is a perspective plan view of an alternate embodiment of a musical water fountain system having a plurality of fountain systems.





FIG. 24



a


is a perspective view of one embodiment of a water-powered Ferris wheel system.





FIG. 24



b


is a perspective view of another embodiment of a water-powered Ferris wheel system.





FIG. 25



a


is perspective view of an embodiment of a seating device of the Ferris wheel system.





FIG. 25



b


is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seating device of the Ferris wheel system.





FIG. 25



c


is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seating device of the Ferris wheel system which includes a receptacle for receiving water.





FIG. 26

is a perspective view of an embodiment of the receptacle of a Ferris wheel system.





FIG. 27

is a perspective view of an embodiment of a water Ferris wheel system.





FIG. 28

is a perspective view of an embodiment of a water Ferris wheel system.





FIG. 29

is a perspective view of an embodiment of a water-powered bumper vehicle system.





FIG. 30

is a top plan view of an embodiment of a water bumper vehicle system.





FIG. 31

is a side plan view of a portion of a water bumper vehicle system.





FIG. 32

is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a nozzle assembly of a water bumper vehicle system.





FIG. 33

is a cross-sectional view an embodiment of a nozzle assembly of a water bumper vehicle system.





FIG. 34

perspective view of an embodiment of a boat ride system.





FIG. 35

is a side view of a rotatable base of a boat ride system.





FIG. 36

is a perspective view of an embodiment of a boat of a boat ride system having hydrofoils.





FIG. 37

is a perspective view of an embodiment of a boat in which the hydrofoils have a surface piercing configuration.





FIG. 38

is a perspective view of an embodiment of a boat in which the hydrofoils have a fully-submerged configuration.





FIG. 39

is a perspective view of an embodiment of a boat of the boat ride system having a rudder.





FIG. 40

is a side view of an embodiment of an electronic gun of a boat ride system.





FIG. 41

is an embodiment of a boat ride system having a plurality of boats.





FIG. 42

is a perspective view of an embodiment of a water train ride system.





FIG. 43

is a perspective view of an embodiment of a train.





FIG. 44

is a perspective view of a train engine.





FIG. 45

is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a jet propulsion system of a train ride system.











While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.




DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS




I. Water Fountain System




Turning to

FIG. 1

, one embodiment of a water fountain system for participatory play is illustrated. The water fountain system preferably includes a roof


2


which may have protruding members or protrusions


4


attached to its lower surface. A bearing


12


preferably allows roof


2


to rotate about a substantially vertical axis. Bearing


12


can instead be a bushing. Roof


2


preferably includes a lip


11


which may be a cylindrically-shaped shell. Lip


11


preferably extends vertically from the bottom of roof


2


. Lip


11


is preferably seated within bearing


12


and may rotate in a substantially clockwise direction or a substantially counterclockwise direction. The rotation of lip


11


is facilitated because there is preferably little or no friction between the outer surface of lip


11


and the inner portion of bearing


12


. In an alternate embodiment, lip


11


contains a bearing on its inner surface that substantially surrounds the upper end of support member


6


.




An elongated support member


6


preferably supports roof


2


, and support member


6


preferably extends from reservoir


8


to roof bearing


12


. Reservoir


8


preferably holds water used in the water fountain system. As depicted in

FIG. 1

, support member


6


may be an “exoskeletal” support member whereby a first conduit


14


and a second conduit


16


are mounted to support member


6


for conveying water to roof


2


. Conduits


14


and


16


may be mounted on an inner surface of support member


6


(as depicted in

FIG. 1

) or on an outer surface of the support member. A first nozzle


5


is preferably attached to first conduit


14


, and a second nozzle


7


is preferably attached to second conduit


16


. First nozzle


5


may direct a jet of water to the lower surface of roof


2


such that roof


2


rotates about support member


6


in a clockwise direction (as viewed from above roof


2


). Second nozzle


7


may direct a jet of water to another portion of the lower surface of roof


2


such that roof


2


rotates in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed from above roof


2


).




As described herein, a “protrusion” is taken to mean any feature located on the roof that is configured to increase friction between the roof and water that is directed toward the roof. Protrusions


4


may cause the surface of roof


2


to be uneven. Protrusions


4


may be protruding structures or indented portions of roof


2


that facilitate rotation of the roof by providing a contact surface for water directed at the roof. Protrusions


4


are preferably rib-like support members. As described herein, a “friction surface” is taken to mean any surface that is configured to provide substantial resistance to a stream of water. Preferably an upper and/or lower surface of roof


2


is composed of a friction surface such that the roof may be contacted by water to cause rotation of the roof. The friction surface preferably includes protrusions


4


.




A third conduit


18


is preferably connected to first conduit


14


and second conduit


16


to supply water to the first and second conduits. Valve


10


is preferably located at a junction where the third conduit is attached to the first and second conduits. Valve


10


is preferably a diverter valve which controls water flow to either fast conduit


14


or second conduit


16


. Valve


10


may be located at any point on or before nozzles


5


and/or


7


. Third conduit


18


preferably extends into reservoir


8


to a location below the water level in the reservoir. Pump


20


is preferably disposed within third conduit


18


to force water from the reservoir through the conduits. If valve


10


is adjusted to direct water from third conduit


18


to first conduit


14


, water is preferably pumped to nozzle


5


. Nozzle


5


then preferably directs a jet of water in a first direction at the bottom of roof


2


, which causes the roof to rotate in a clockwise direction. If instead valve


10


is adjusted to direct water to second conduit


16


, nozzle


7


preferably directs a jet of water in a second direction to the bottom of roof


2


. This jet of water preferably causes roof


2


to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. When water hits roof


2


, it is preferably directed off in droplets to create a visual fountain effect. The water preferably passes from the roof back into reservoir


8


so that it may be recycled through the water fountain system.




In any of the embodiments described herein, “nozzle


5


” and “nozzle


7


” may each include multiple (i.e., one or more) nozzles.




Roof


2


is preferably composed of fiberglass, but it may also be made out of metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. Roof


2


may be substantially flat or it may be non-planar. Roof


2


may have a shape that resembles a figure such as, for example, a square, a circle, a triangle, a cone, a sphere, an umbrella, a pyramid, an animal, an insect, a plant a dinosaur, a space ship, an inner tube, a boat an auto, an airplane, etc. First conduit


14


, second conduit


16


, and third conduit


18


may be made of, for example, PVC, polyethylene, or galvanized steel pipes.




Turning to

FIG. 2

, another embodiment is presented that is similar to the embodiment of FIG.


1


. The water fountain system preferably includes the same components as the water fountain system mentioned above. However, first conduit


14


and second conduit


16


preferably extend upwardly through an opening in roof


2


so that the nozzles are positioned above roof


2


. The opening in roof


2


is preferably located substantially in the center of lip


11


. First nozzle


5


may then direct water in a first direction at the upper surface of roof


2


to cause roof


2


to rotate in a clockwise direction. Roof


2


may have protrusions


4


located on its upper surface to create a friction surface for receiving water. Second nozzle


7


may direct water at the upper surface of roof


2


in a second direction to cause roof


2


to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. First and second nozzles


5


and


7


may be located at any point of the conduits


14


and


16


(e.g., near the center of roof


2


, near the edge of roof


2


, or any point between).





FIG. 3

depicts an embodiment of a water fountain system in which support member


6


is an “endoskeletal” support member. An “endoskeletal” support member is one which serves as both a support member and a conduit for passing water to roof


2


. In

FIG. 3

, support member


6


coincides with a portion of third conduit


18


. Third conduit


18


preferably extends upwardly through an opening in the roof located inside of lip


11


. A ring


22


is preferably attached about third conduit


18


underneath bearing


12


to mount bearing


12


to third conduit


18


. Valve


10


, first conduit


14


, second conduit


16


, first nozzle


5


, and second nozzle


7


are preferably located above roof


2


. Protrusions


4


may be located on the upper surface of roof


2


to form a friction surface at which water may be directed to cause roof


2


to spin. Components of this embodiment preferably perform the same functions as previously discussed. However, valve


10


is preferably controlled from the ground using a control system


24


. Control system


24


may be operated electrically, mechanically, hydraulically, or pneumatically. Signal lines


26


that preferably contain electrical signals, liquid signals, or air, may connect valve


10


to control system


24


. Such signal lines


26


may pass through or outside of support member


6


. Control system


24


may be controlled by simply depressing buttons to cause water to flow through either first conduit


14


or second conduit


16


.





FIG. 4

illustrates another embodiment of a water fountain system in which support member


6


is an exoskeletal support member. All of the components of this embodiment preferably have the same functions as previously discussed. Support member


6


preferably has three members. First member


6




a


and second member


6




b


are preferably substantially parallel to one another. They are preferably connected to reservoir


8


at their bottom ends. They preferably extend upwardly to an elevational level below roof


2


. Third member


6




c


preferably connects the upper end of first member


6




a


to the upper end of second member


6




b


. Third member


6




c


is preferably substantially perpendicular to members


6




a


and


6




b


. Third member


6




c


is preferably connected to bearing


12


. First conduit


14


is preferably mounted to first member


6




a


, and first nozzle


5


is preferably connected to first conduit


14


near the upper end of first member


6




a


. Second conduit


16


is preferably mounted to second member


6




b


, and second nozzle


7


is preferably connected to second conduit


16


near the upper end of second member


6




b


. Roof


2


may have protrusions


4


located on its lower surface to form a friction surface thereon. Third conduit


18


preferably extends from within the water of reservoir


8


to valve


10


.





FIG. 5

depicts another embodiment of a water fountain system in which support member


6


is an endoskeletal support member. Support member


6


preferably has three members arranged as in FIG.


4


and discussed above. First member


6




a


, however, preferably forms a portion of first conduit


14


. That is, water may pass through a section of first member


6




a


. First conduit


14


preferably extends from first member


6




a


toward the roof so that first nozzle


5


may direct water to the lower surface of roof


2


. Furthermore, second member


6




b


preferably forms a portion of second conduit


16


. Second conduit


16


may extend toward roof


2


from second member


6




b


so that second nozzle


7


can direct water toward the lower surface of the roof. Protrusions


4


may be located on the bottom of roof


2


to form a friction service for receiving water to cause roof


2


to rotate.





FIG. 6

depicts an embodiment of a water fountain system in which support member


6


is an exoskeletal support member. The components of the water fountain system preferably have the same functions as discussed previously. Conduits


14


and


16


may be separated from support member


6


. Protrusions


4


may be located on both the upper surface and the lower surface of roof


2


to form a friction surface on both the top and the bottom of roof


2


. Conduits


14


and


16


preferably extend upwardly on opposite sides of support member


6


to carry water to the roof. Conduit


14


may extend to an elevational level above roof


2


so that nozzle


5


may direct water at the top of roof


2


. Conduit


16


may extend to an elevational level underneath roof


2


so that nozzle


7


may direct water at the bottom of roof


2


. Nozzles


5


and


7


may be positioned to simultaneously direct water at the roof to rotate the roof in one direction. In an alternate embodiment, nozzles


5


and


7


direct water toward the roof at different times, whereby nozzle


5


is positioned to cause the roof to rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and nozzle


7


is positioned to cause the roof to rotate in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the roof when nozzle


5


is used.





FIG. 7

depicts an embodiment of a water fountain system having a plurality of rotatable roofs


2


. Roofs


2


may have any of many different shapes. However, when they are spaced very close together (e.g., stacked on top of one another), roofs


2


preferably have a substantially flat shape to prevent them from contacting each other upon rotating. They may also have protrusions


4


on their upper and/or lower surfaces to form friction surfaces thereon. The water fountain system preferably includes a plurality of conduits


14


and


16


, a plurality of nozzles


5


and


7


, and a plurality of valves


10


. A pump


20


preferably pumps water from reservoir


8


to three valves


10


via conduits


18


. Each valve


10


is preferably adjusted to either direct water through conduit


14


or conduit


16


. Water is preferably directed to each roof


2


via either nozzles


5


or nozzles


7


. Each nozzle


5


may direct a jet of water to its respective roof


2


such that roof


2


rotates in a clockwise direction. Each nozzle


7


may direct a jet of water to its respective roof


2


such that roof


2


rotates in a counterclockwise direction. Bearings


12


and lips


11


of roofs


2


preferably enable roofs


2


to spin.




The perspective views of various embodiments of roof


2


are depicted in

FIGS. 8-10

. The protrusions


4


may be ribs that radially extend from central portion


13


of roof


2


. The ribs preferably include a contact surface that is raised from the surface of the roof. It is to be understood that protrusions


4


may be disposed on both the top surface and the bottom surface of roof


2


, depending upon the position of the nozzles.




Referring to

FIG. 8

, conduit


14


may extend from central portion


13


toward the outer edge of roof


2


to allow water to be directed from nozzle


5


to the radially-outward portions of protrusions


4


to substantially maximize the torque applied to the roof. The water preferably impinges upon the contact surface of the protrusions


4


at a substantially perpendicular angle.




Referring to

FIG. 9

, the roof may contain a plurality of substantially curved ribs


28


radially disposed about the roof. The curved ribs are preferably curved in a direction opposite of the rotational direction of the roof. In this manner, nozzle


5


may direct water toward ribs


28


from a location in the vicinity of central portion


13


. The water preferably contacts at least a portion of ribs


28


at a substantially perpendicular angle to cause the roof to rotate.




Referring to

FIG. 10

, each radially disposed rib may contain a pair of complementary curved portions


30


and


32


that extend toward the edge of the roof in diverging directions. The curved portions


30


and


32


are preferably located about the outer edge of the roof. Portion


30


is preferably curved in a direction to allow the roof to rotate in a clockwise direction upon being contacted with a jet of water directed from nozzle


5


. Portion


32


is preferably curved in a direction to allow the roof to rotate in a counterclockwise direction upon being contacted with a jet of water directed from nozzle


7


.




As shown in

FIG. 10

, nozzle


5


may be offset from the center of central portion


13


and angled to direct water substantially along flow path


38


of curved portion


30


to rotate the roof in a clockwise direction (as viewed from above). Water flowing along flow path


38


of curved portion


30


is preferably inhibited from interacting with curved portions


32


. Thus, curved portions


32


are inhibited from producing a significant torque in the counterclockwise direction when water is directed toward roof


2


from nozzle


5


. Likewise, nozzle


7


may be offset from the center of central portion


13


and angled to direct water substantially along flow path


40


of curved portions


32


to rotate the roof in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed from above). Water flowing along flow path


40


of curved portion


32


is preferably inhibited from interacting with curved portions


30


. Thus, curved portions


30


are inhibited from producing a significant torque in the counterclockwise direction when water is directed toward roof


2


from nozzle


7


.




The radially-inward portions


34


of the ribs may have a lower height than the radially-outward portions


36


. In this manner, the radially-inward portions tend not to block water directed at the radially-outward portions from the nozzle(s). Alternately, the nozzles may be positioned above or below the roof and angled to direct water above or below radially-inward portions


34


so that it may reach radially outward portions


36


. Alternately, the radially-inward portions may be absent.




In all of the embodiments described herein, nozzles


5


and


7


may be directionally adjustable so that the water directed from such nozzles may be directed in different directions without having to alter the positions of conduits


14


and


16


. The nozzles may be directionally adjusted manually or with a control system that is electrically, pneumatically or manually operated. In an embodiment, the water fountain system includes a single nozzle that may be adjusted to direct water towards roof


2


in at least two directions such that the nozzle can cause the roof to be rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The nozzle is preferably adjustable using a control system so that a participant proximate ground level can change the direction from which water is directed at the roof.





FIG. 11

illustrates a horizontal cross-section of bearing


12


. Lip


11


of roof


2


is preferably a cylindrical shell seated within bearing


12


. Its outer surface preferably contacts spinnable objects


42


. These spinnable objects


42


may be in the form of balls or drums encased within a race


44


. Race


44


preferably surrounds spinnable objects


42


. When a jet of water hits roof


2


at an angle, lip


11


preferably rotates since objects


42


may rotate as lip


11


rotates. Little or no friction preferably exists between spinnable objects


42


and lip


11


. In another embodiment, a bushing may be used instead of a bearing. In such an embodiment, the inner surface of the bushing is preferably lubricated to reduce friction between the bushing and the lip.




In an embodiment, the support member


6


may be shaped to resemble a figure such as, for example, a square, a circle, a triangle, a cone, a sphere, an umbrella, a pyramid, an animal, an insect, a plant, a dinosaur, a space ship, an inner tube, a boat, an auto, and or airplane. A sound system may be adapted to play sound effects that relate to the figures represented by the roof


2


and/or support member


6


. For example, the support member


6


may have the shape of a dinosaur, and the sound system may be capable of producing sounds that would be associated with a dinosaur. Likewise, the roof may have the shape of, for example, a boat, car, or airplane, and the sound system may be capable of producing sounds generated by boats, cars or airplanes.




Each of the above-described water fountain systems may include a light system and a sound system


23


as illustrated in FIG.


1


. The light system preferably includes lights


46


which may be located near or on roof


2


. A control system


21


may be electrically coupled to lights


46


and sound system


23


. In an embodiment, control system


21


includes a computer for transmitting and receiving electrical signals for coordinating operation of one or more valves


10


, the lights


46


, and sound system


23


. Control system


21


may turn different lights


46


and/or sound system


23


on and off randomly or at predetermined times. The control system


21


may adjust valve


10


randomly or at predetermined times. Alternately, control system


21


may activate the lights in response to valve


10


being automatically or manually adjusted. Control system


21


may also be connected to sound system


23


located near the water fountain system. Adjustment of valve


10


may cause sound system


23


to be activated. Upon activation, sound system


23


may play music, or may only make a sound effect. For example it may play a whistle sound, animal sound, horn sound, etc. Alternately, sound system


23


may play music or sound effects at predetermined times so that the adjustment of valve


10


is not required for the sound system to be activated.




II. Water Carousel System




Turning to

FIG. 12

, an embodiment of a water carousel system is presented. The water carousel system preferably includes a floor


100


and a platform


134


underneath floor


100


. Floor


100


and platform


134


are preferably circular in shape, but they may also be in the form of a variety of other shapes (e.g., square, rectangle, triangle, etc.). Platform


134


may be anchored to the ground while the platform is floating on water, or platform


134


may float freely on the water. An elongated support member


102


is preferably attached to platform


134


and may extend vertically through the center of floor


100


to the center of a roof


104


. In an embodiment, elongated support member


102


may extend below the surface of the water to the ground to anchor the water carousel system.




Roof


104


is preferably configured to provide shade to the participants. Roof


104


may be stationary or rotatable. In one embodiment, the roof is rotatable and a jet of water may be directed toward roof


104


to cause it to rotate with respect to elongated support member


102


. Roof


104


preferably contains a plurality of protrusions to provide a contact area for the water directed at the roof It is to be understood that roof


104


may be configured according to any of the above-mentioned embodiments of roof


2


for the water fountain system. Roof


104


may include fiberglass, metal, plastic, or any other suitable materials. Roof


104


is preferably shaped like an umbrella, but it may form a variety of other shapes (e.g., a square, a circle, a triangle, a cone, a sphere, a pyramid, an animal, an insect, a plant, a mushroom, a dinosaur, a space ship, an inner tube, a boat, an auto, an airplane, etc.). A bearing


108


or a bushing may be connected to support member


102


. The roof


104


is preferably coupled to bearing


108


, thereby enabling roof


104


to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction when a jet of water is directed at roof


104


. A second bearing


109


(shown in

FIG. 16

) or bushing is preferably attached about support member


102


, and may be interposed between support member


102


and floor


100


. It is preferred that little or no friction exists between bearing


109


and floor


100


. Therefore, bearing


109


enables the rotation of floor


100


about support member


102


.




The water carousel system further preferably includes several seats


110


which are attached to the top of floor


100


. Seats


110


may form the shapes of animals, toys, carriages, chairs, etc. Further, seats


110


are preferably shaped to hold a participant sitting upon them. Preferably all seats


110


and roof


104


are shaped like figures bearing a common theme. Although seats


110


are depicted as being placed singularly around the edge of floor


100


in

FIG. 12

, they may also be placed in rows around the edge of floor


100


. Each row may contain several seats.




A plurality of slots


111


may be located within floor


100


. Slots


111


may be located underneath or in front of seats


110


. The location of a slot


111


relative to one of the seats


110


is dependent on the shape of the seat. For instance, if one of the seats


110


is shaped like an animal, slot


111


may be located under seat


110


to allow the feet of a participant to reach slot


111


. If one of the seats


110


is shaped like a chair, slot


111


may be located in front of seat


110


to allow the feet of a participant to more easily reach slot


111


.




A rotatable shaft


112


is preferably connected to the bottom of floor


100


. Rotatable shaft


112


is preferably located under the floor. One section of rotatable shaft


112


is preferably configured to be powered by a participant power mechanism. Participant power mechanisms may be powered by either the participants arms, legs or a combination of both. Operation of the participant power mechanism by the participants preferably causes the rotatable shaft to rotate. The rotatable shaft is preferably coupled to a propulsion device, the propulsion device being configured to cause floor


100


to rotate. A plurality of these shafts


112


are preferably included in the carousel system.




In one embodiment, rotatable shaft


112


is preferably configured to be powered by the legs of a participant. Rotatable shaft


112


may be formed in the shape of pedals. Alternatively, rotatable shaft may be coupled to one or two pedals to receive the feet of a participant. The pedals preferably extend through a portion of slot


111


. The pedals are preferably positioned such that the participants may reach the pedals while seated on seats


110


. The pedals may be rotatably powered (e.g., the pedals may be moved in a circular pattern, like a bicycle) or linearly powered (e.g., the pedals may be reciprocated, rather than moving the pedals in a circle). The pedals coupled to shafts


112


preferably extend up through each slot


111


so that they may be powered by the feet of a participant sitting in an adjacent seat


110


.




In another embodiment, rotatable shaft


112


is preferably configured to be powered by the arms of a participant, as depicted in FIG.


13


. Rotatable shaft


112


is preferably coupled to an arm activated device


150


which is configured to receive a hand of a participant. A variety of arm activated devices


150


may be coupled to rotatable shaft


112


, such as a handle, lever or a wheel. Arm activated device


150


may include a pair of handles for each arm of the participants. Arm activated devices


150


may be powered by rotation of the device (e.g., rotation of a wheel) or by reciprocating the device. Arm activated devices


150


are preferably positioned such that the participants may easily power the device while seated upon a nearby seat


110


.




In another embodiment, a motor


131


may be coupled to floor


100


such that the carousel may be rotated without the participants, as depicted in FIG.


12


. The motor may be coupled to floor


100


such that powering of motor


131


drives at least one of the shafts


112


, which in turn drives a propulsion device, thereby causing rotation of floor


100


about the platform. The motor preferably uses either liquid fuels (e.g., gasoline or diesel fuel), gas fuels (e.g., natural gas), or electricity as a fuel source. Preferably, motor


131


is configured to maintain a minimal rotational speed of floor


100


. The rotational speed of floor


100


may be adjusted by altering a speed of motor


131


. Preferably, the speed of floor


100


is altered by powering of the participant power devices by the participants. For example, as the participants power the participant power devices, the added power may cause the carousel to rotate at a speed faster than the minimal speed. A speed regulation device, which may be built into motor


131


, is preferably configured to inhibit rotation of the carousel at a speed faster than a predetermined maximum speed.




In one embodiment, the propulsion device is a wheel


132


. Wheel


132


is preferably attached to each shaft


112


. As each shaft


112


is rotated via powering of the participant power mechanism, wheel


132


is preferably also rotated. Platform


134


preferably has a circular shaped track


136


, which may guide wheels


132


as they rotate. In one embodiment, the floor


100


and the platform


134


may serve as a guide to maintain the wheels within a circular path. In another embodiment, track


136


may contain two rails or members lying parallel to one another. They are preferably separated by a distance equal to the width of wheels


132


. The rails preferably serve as a guide to maintain the wheels within a circular path about the platform. Alternately, the platform may contain an indention serving as a wheel guide that extends in a circular path about the platform and is shaped to contain the wheels. The rotation of wheels


132


preferably causes floor


100


to rotate about support member


102


. Platform


134


may extend below the floor to the support member. Alternatively, platform


134


may extend under a portion of floor


100


from flotation member


114


toward, but not reaching, support member


102


.




The carousel system also preferably includes at least one flotation member


114


attached to the outer edge of platform


134


to cause the whole carousel system to float. The flotation member is preferably constructed of plastic. Flotation member


114


may be a hollow tube, or a series of hollow tubes, configured to hold the weight of the central system.




The water carousel system may also include a sound system that operates in conjunction with the rotation of the carousel. The sound system may produce sounds either mechanically or electronically. Upon activation, the sound system may play music, or may only make a sound effect. For example, it may play a whistle sound, animal sound, horn sound, etc. The features of the sounds produced by the sound system are preferably determined by the rate at which the floor is rotated with respect to the platform. Such features of the sounds may include, but are not limited to: rate, volume, pitch, and/or pattern of the produced sounds. Since the rotational rate of the floor is a function of the power applied by the participants to the participant power mechanisms, the participants are preferably able to control the features of the sounds produced by the sound system. For example, as the rotational speed of the floor is increased the various sound features may be increased or decreased. Preferably, the sound features are increased (e.g., rate, pitch and/or volume is increased) when the rotational speed of the floor is increased. In one embodiment, the application of a predetermined amount of power to the participant power mechanisms by the participants will preferably produce a musical tune at the proper pitch and/or rate. Alternately, the sound system may play music or sound effects at predetermined times so that the adjustment of the rotational speed of floor


100


is not required for the sound system to be activated.




In one embodiment, the sound system may include a mechanical sound device coupled to support member


102


. The mechanical sound device preferably includes a drum


116


and a plurality of sound producing arms


122


, as shown in FIG.


12


. Bearing


109


(see

FIG. 16

) is preferably disposed within drum


116


. Drum


116


may have a number of raised points


118


along its outer surface. A plurality of sound producing arms


122


are preferably arranged at different vertical levels within a housing


120


, which is preferably connected to floor


100


. Arms


122


preferably extend horizontally toward drum


116


. The combination of arms


122


and drum


116


preferably form a “music box” arrangement. As floor


100


rotates about support member


102


, arms


122


preferably move around drum


116


, allowing each raised point


118


to strike an arm


122


. Arms


122


are preferably metal prongs. Contact between each arm


122


and the raised points


118


preferably makes the sound of a distinct musical note. Raised points


118


are preferably arranged to strike certain arms


122


so that specific notes are sounded to create a song. Rotation of shaft


112


causes arms


122


to move about drum


116


. The speed at which the notes are played is preferably determined by the rate at which the floor is rotated with respect to the platform. As the rotational speed of the floor is increased, arms


122


are moved at a faster rate, thereby causing the speed at which the song is played to increase.




In another embodiment, a sound system


160


is preferably controlled by a control unit


165


, as depicted in FIG.


13


. Control unit


165


is preferably configured to impart electronic signals to sound system


160


in response to the movement of the floor. In an embodiment, control unit


165


includes a computer for transmitting and receiving electrical signals for coordinating operation of the sound system. Control unit


165


may be coupled to either a mechanical or electronic sound system


160


. Control unit


165


preferably includes a sensor for measuring the rotational speed of the floor. As the floor of the carousel is rotated, the rotational speed of the floor may be measured by the sensor and relayed to control unit


165


. Control unit


165


is preferably configured to vary the rate, volume, pitch, and/or pattern of the music being produced by sound system


160


as a function of the rotational speed of the floor.




Lights


124


are preferably located on top of roof


104


. The control system preferably controls which lights are on and which lights are off at predetermined times. Alternately, the control system may detect the speed of the rotation of floor


100


to activate and synchronize the flashing of lights


124


with the rhythm of the music played by sound system


160


.




Referring back to

FIG. 12

, roof


104


is preferably capable of spinning independently of floor


100


. Roof


104


may be forced to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction via directing a jet of water toward the roof


104


. A conduit


126


is preferably mounted to support member


102


for conveying water to the roof. Conduit


126


may be mounted inside support member


102


or to the outer surface of support member


102


. The conduit may extend through floor


100


and platform


134


and terminate in the water below. In this manner, water that is directed onto roof


104


may be drawn from the body of water in which the water carousel system resides. A pump (not shown) may be disposed within conduit


126


to force water through the conduit. A valve


128


which controls the flow of water to the roof is preferably disposed in conduit


126


. Valve


128


is preferably located near floor


100


so that it may be adjusted by the turning of a handle, electronically by means of a control system, or by activation points (such as the activation points described in the musical water fountain system) coupled to the valve.




The carousel may be a “wet ride” (e.g., a ride which allows the participants to become substantially wet) or a “dry ride” (e.g., a ride in which the participants remain substantially dry). In a wet ride embodiment, roof


114


is preferably configured to allow water to fall onto the participants. Water may be directed at the lower surface of roof


104


such that the water is sprayed onto the participants. Alternately, water may be directed toward an upper surface of roof


104


. Roof


104


is preferably configured to allow water to fall upon the participants as a water stream travels over an outer surface of the roof. In a dry ride embodiment, the roof preferably inhibits water from reaching the participants, such that the participants remain substantially dry.




Platform


134


may be coupled to an elongated support member extending from a bottom surface of the floor to the roof. The elongated support member may provide a stabilizing force to the platform so that the platform is stabilized during the operation of the carousel. Elongated support member


102


may include a substantially hollow central portion


106


. The central portion


106


may include a bubble generator for producing bubbles, and/or a smoke generator for producing a smoke-like substance (e.g., carbon dioxide gas). The generation of bubbles and/or smoke may operate in conjunction with the rotation of the carousel. The features of the bubbles (e.g., amount and/or size of the bubble) and the features of the smoke (e.g., amount and/or color of the smoke) produced during operation of the carousel are preferably determined by the rate at which floor


100


is rotated with respect to support member


102


. For example, as the rotational speed of floor


100


is increased, the amount of bubbles produced may be increased or decreased.




In another embodiment, floor


100


of a water carousel system is preferably configured to float on water, as depicted in FIG.


13


. This embodiment contains many of the same components as shown in

FIG. 12

with a few exceptions noted below. In place of a support platform, at least one flotation member


114


is preferably attached to floor


100


. Thus, floor


100


of the carousel floats on the water. As in the other embodiments of the carousel, a rotatable shaft


112


is preferably coupled to a participant power mechanism


150


and a propulsion device


130


positioned under the floor. The operation of participant power mechanism


150


by the participants preferably causes powering of propulsion device


130


. Propulsion device


130


is preferably configured to impart a rotational force to the carousel when powered.




Propulsion device


130


is preferably a water propulsion device. Examples of water propulsion devices include, but are not limited to, paddles, paddle wheels, and propellers. Water propulsion device


130


is preferably configured to extend at least partially into the water. Water propulsion device


130


is preferably coupled to rotatable shaft


112


, which is preferably positioned under floor


100


. Slots


111


are positioned within floor


100


to allow access to rotational shaft


112


by the participant power mechanisms.




In one embodiment, the water propulsion device


130


may be a paddle wheel, as depicted in FIG.


13


. Paddle wheel


130


is preferably attached to the end of each rotatable shaft


112


. Each paddle wheel


130


preferably has planar blades or paddle members which encircle shaft


112


. Paddle wheels


130


preferably extend into the water. When shaft


112


is rotated, the blades of each paddle wheel


130


preferably move through the water, forcing floor


100


to rotate about support member


102


.





FIG. 14



a


depicts a more detailed view of one embodiment of shaft


112


of FIG.


12


. Shaft


112


may be shaped to form a pair of pedals. A left foot may be placed on pedal


137




a


, and a right foot may be placed on pedal


137




b


. A rectangular-shaped plate may be placed on top of each pedal to facilitate the engagement between the pedals and the feet of a participant. When the left foot applies a downward force on pedal


137




a


, pedal


137




a


preferably rotates downward and pedal


137




b


preferably rotates upward. Pedal


137




b


may then be forced downward by the right foot to make pedal


137




a


rotate upward. A wheel


132


is preferably attached to an end of shaft


112


. As the pedals are rotated, shaft


112


preferably rotates, further causing wheel


132


to rotate. Handles


138


which are attached to the bottom of floor


100


are preferably attached about shaft


112


to hold the shaft in place.





FIG. 14



b


illustrates a detailed view of shaft


112


of FIG.


13


. Shaft


112


of

FIG. 15

preferably includes the same elements as that of

FIG. 14

except for having paddle wheel


130


attached to its end.




In another embodiment, the shaft may be coupled to a gear system as shown in FIG.


15


. The gear system preferably includes two sets of gears


170


and


172


and a hub


174


. Each set of gears may include one or more gears. The participant power mechanism


178


is coupled to the first set of gears


170


. The first set of gears


170


is preferably coupled to the second set of gears


172


by a coupling member


176


. Coupling member


176


may be a chain, a rope or a belt. The second set of gears


172


is coupled to shaft


112


at hub


174


. Hub


174


is preferably configured to allow the participant to apply a rotating force to shaft


112


by rotating the first set of gears


170


. Hub


172


is further configured to allow the participant to stop powering participant power mechanism


178


without stopping shaft


112


from rotating (e.g., like a bicycle coasting feature). The first set of gears


170


may be coupled to a pedal system (e.g., like a bicycle) or to an arm activated mechanism (e.g., a wheel). This type of gearing system has the advantage that the participants may stop or reduce their operation of the participant power mechanism without having to release the participant power mechanism. The gear system may also include a switching system (not shown). The switching system (e.g. a multi-speed hub system or a bicycle derailleur system) may be used to allow the participant to change the gears being used. This has the advantage of allowing the participant to choose a gearing system that is more comfortable to the rate of pedaling they desire, while still allowing them to apply power to shaft


112


.




Turning to

FIG. 16

, a cross-section of drum


116


which is shown in

FIGS. 12 and 13

is depicted. A bearing


109


or bushing is preferably located within drum


116


. The outer surface of bearing


109


is preferably attached to the inner surface of drum


116


. Bearing


109


preferably surrounds the outer surface of support member


102


to allow drum


116


to rotate about support member


102


, thereby promoting the rotation of floor


100


(shown in

FIGS. 12 and 13

) about support member


102


. Bearing


109


preferably includes spinnable objects


140


. The outer surface of support member


102


preferably contacts spinnable objects


140


. These spinnable objects


140


may be in the form of balls or drums encased within bearing


109


. In another embodiment, a bushing may be used instead of a bearing. In such an embodiment, the inner surface of the bushing is preferably lubricated to reduce friction between the bushing and support member


102


.




The use of a participant power mechanism, coupled to a carousel such that the speed of the carousel may be altered by the participants, allows the participants to control the ride in a manner that is typically absent from many amusement park rides. In addition to controlling of the speed of the ride, the participants may be required to work together to produce a sound or light pattern which may be pleasant to both participants and spectators. For example, by a cooperative effort, the speed and/or pitch of the sounds produced (e.g., a song) may be adjusted until the pitch and/or speed matches a predetermined pitch and/or speed. When the carousel is maintained at the appropriate speed the participants may be rewarded by hearing the sounds at the appropriate pitch and speed. Additionally, lights and additional sounds may be used to further reward the participants when the appropriate speed is achieved. In this manner, the ride may be enjoyed by the participants in a number of different ways. First, the novelty of riding a floating carousel may appeal to the participants. Second, the challenge, and ultimate reward, of producing a pleasant musical and/or visual pattern will appeal to participants who enjoy interactive rides. Finally, the production of a pleasant musical and/or visual pattern may require a cooperative effort on the part of the participants, allowing the participants to interact with each other, as well as with the carousel.




III. Musical Water Fountain System




An embodiment of a musical water fountain system is depicted in FIG.


17


. The musical water fountain system preferably includes a sound system


203


for playing musical notes, a fountain system


204


for spraying water, and a lighting system adapted to activate lights


218


. The sound system, fountain system, and lighting system are preferably activated by a participant such that the timing of the visual and sound effects created by such systems is dependent upon physical acts of the participant.




The musical water fountain system preferably includes at least one instrument


200


included in an “orchestra”. In an embodiment, participants apply a participant signal to activation points


202


to activate the instruments. The participant signal may be applied by the application of pressure, moving a movable activating device, a gesture (e.g., waving a hand), or by voice activation. The activation point is preferably configured to respond to the participant signal. In one embodiment, the activation point may be configured to respond to a participant's touching of the activation point. The activation point may respond to varying amounts of pressure, from a very light touch to a strong application of pressure. Alternatively, the activation point may include a button which is depressed by the participant to signal the activation point. In another embodiment, the activation point may include a movable activation device. For example, the activation point may be a lever or a rotatable wheel. The participant may then signal the activation point by moving the lever (e.g., reciprocating the lever) or rotating the wheel. In another embodiment, the activation point may respond to a gesture. For example, the activation point may be a motion detector. The participant may then signal the activation point by creating movement within a detection area of the motion detector. The movement may be created by passing an object (e.g., an elongated member) or a body part (e.g., waving a hand) in front of the motion detector. In another embodiment, the activation point may be sound activated. The participant may signal the sound activated activation point by creating a sound. For example, by speaking, shouting or singing into a sound sensitive activation point (e.g., a microphone) the activation point may become activated.




The activation points


202


are preferably located on or in the vicinity of the instrument


200


. Each instrument


200


may contain a plurality of activation points


202


. For example, the instrument may be a piano or a keyboard containing a plurality of keys wherein each of the keys contains an activation point


202


(see FIG.


18


). Each of the activation points


202


is preferably configured to cause sound system


203


to play a different sound. In an embodiment, the fountain is adapted to create musical notes. Sound system


203


may be used to increase the volume of and/or alter the sound quality of the musical notes created by the instrument. Sound system


203


may include a speaker to increase the volume of the musical note being played. Alternately, the musical notes may be pre-recorded and generated by sound system


203


, while the instruments may serve to contain the activation points without actually playing the musical notes. Alternatively, the sound system may make sound effects. For example, the sound system may produce a whistle sound, animal sound, horn sound, etc. In another embodiment, sound system


203


may be a mechanical device configured to produce sounds or musical notes when activation points


202


are signaled.




In one embodiment, each of activation points


202


is preferably configured to sense a participant signal and generate one or more signals in response to the participant's signal. The signals generated by the activation point may be electronic or pneumatic. Each of the activation points is preferably electrically coupled to a control system


212


. Control system


212


may be a pneumatic or an electrically operated system. Control system


212


is preferably an electronic control system configured to route the signals from the activation points to the sound system, lighting system, and/or fountain system. For instance, each time a participant's signal is applied to an activation point, a first signal is preferably relayed to a sound system


203


via control system


212


. The first signal preferably indicates to sound system


203


a particular musical note to play, depending on the activation point from which it originated.




Furthermore, when a participant signals an activation point, a second signal may be relayed to a fountain system


204


via control system


212


. In response to the second signal, the fountain system


204


may produce a fountain effect. Examples of fountain effects include spraying of water, generation of bubbles, and generation of smoke. The fountain effect of spraying water may include varying the height, direction, and/or volume of the water produced by the fountain when certain activation points are signaled. Fountain system


204


preferably contains at least one conduit


206


, at least one valve


208


disposed within conduit


206


, and at least one nozzle


210


connected to conduit


206


for producing a spray of water. Conduit


206


may be made from materials such as PVC or galvanized steel. The valve


208


is preferably electrically coupled to control system


212


. The second signal may be relayed to valve


208


to signal it to open, thereby causing water to be sprayed from nozzle


210


.




In an embodiment, a lighting system


218


is located near fountain system


204


. When a participant signals an activation point a third signal may be generated by control system


212


. The third signal may be relayed to a lighting system


218


, thereby activating selected lights of the lighting system.




It is to be understood that the first, second, and third signals described herein may each be taken to mean a single signal or may represent a series of signals. For instance, an activation point may generate a signal and send it to control system


212


. In response control system


212


may transmit a signal to the sound system to produce a musical note. For simplicity, the “first signal” may be taken to include the signal generated by the activation point and the signal relayed by the control system.




Each of the activation points may be configured to generate the first, second, and third signals each time a participant's signal having a predetermined magnitude is sensed by the activation point. For pressure activated points, the signals may be generated in response to a predetermined amount of force applied to the activation point. For motion activated points, the signals may be generated in response to movement having a speed within a predetermined range. For voice activated points, the signals may be generated in response to a predetermined volume and/or pitch of the participant's signal.




Alternately, each activation point


202


may correspond to either the sound system, fountain system, or lighting system. That is, the activation points


202


may be configured to generate either the first, second, or third signal such that a participant can separately activate the sound system, fountain system, and lighting system by applying a signal to different activation points


202


. Activation points


202


may contain transducers for sensing the magnitude of the signal applied to the activation points. Activation points


202


may selectively generate the first, second, and/or third signals as a function of the magnitude of the signal applied to the activation point. In this manner, the participants may control which of the sound system, fountain system, and light system are activated by controlling the magnitude of the signal applied to the activation point. For instance, a pressure sensitive activation point may generate the first signal to activate the sound system in response to sensing a force below a predetermined magnitude, while the activation point may generate the second and/or third signals in response to sensing a force above the predetermined magnitude.




In an embodiment, the sequence in which a participant signals the activation points affects the resultant sound quality of the music generated by sound system


203


. For instance, the sequence in which participant signals are applied to the activation points may determine the order in which the musical notes are played by sound system


203


. In an embodiment, various indications are provided to participants at predetermined times to coordinate the activation of the sound system, fountain system, and lighting system to create a desired visual and audio display. The participants preferably apply a participant signal to an activation point immediately after receiving an indication at a pre-determined time.




The indication provided to the participants may be supplied by an electrical indicator that is coupled to a control system


212


. The control system preferably activates the electrical indicator at predetermined times. The indication may be a visual signal (e.g., light), an audio signal (e.g., a tone), or a tactile signal (e.g., a vibration). The indication may be located in the vicinity of the activation point. In an embodiment, a separate indicator is produced to indicate to a participant when to apply a participant signal to activation points to separately activate the sound system, lighting system, and fountain system.




Alternately, the indication may be provided by a conductor


216


. As described herein, “conductor” is taken to mean any object or mechanism for coordinating the actions of the participants to create desired visual and/or sound effects by activating the sound system and/or lighting system and/or fountain system. The conductor may be an individual that motions and/or speaks to participants to signal the participants when to apply a participant signal to an activation point. The conductor may speak into a microphone, and the volume of the conductor's voice may be increased by a speaker


220


directed toward the participants. Individual speakers


220


may be located proximate each instrument or set of activation points corresponding to an instrument so that the conductor may communicate to selected participants at different times. Alternately, the conductor may be a robotic arm for directing the participants. In an embodiment, the conductor may be a projected image. For instance, different colors or images may be displayed on the screen at predetermined times, wherein each color or image corresponds to a different instrument or group of instruments. The display of a particular color or image may indicate to selected participants to apply a participant signal to selected activation points. Platform


214


preferably supports conductor


216


. Platform


214


is preferably at an elevational level above the participants and activation points


202


so that the participants may easily see conductor


216


.





FIG. 18

illustrates one type of instrument which may belong to the “orchestra” of instruments activated by the participants. This instrument is a keyboard


222


having a plurality of keys


224


. Each key


224


preferably contains an activation point


202


that is electrically coupled to control system


212


. In an embodiment, keys


224


are large enough to support a participant standing thereon. In an embodiment, the weight of a participant serves as a force applied to a pressure sensitive activation point


202


to generate a participant signal. Activation point


202


preferably senses the force and generates a first signal and a second signal. Control system


212


may relay the first signal to a sound system


203


that may produce the appropriate note for the pressure point (e.g., key) contacted on keyboard


222


. Control system


212


may also send the second signal to a fountain system (not shown) to cause water to be sprayed from the fountain. The water may be sprayed as a result of the opening of a valve in response to the second signal, as described above.




A visual indicator, for example, lights


226


and


228


may indicate when a force should and should not be applied to a certain pressure point. Lights


226


and


228


may be coupled to control system


212


which activates the lights at appropriate times. One of the lights preferably indicates when a participant should apply a force onto (e.g., stand on) one of the activation points


202


while another light preferably indicates when the participant should discontinue application of force onto the activation point. A musical note or sequence of musical notes may be played by sound system


203


in response to various participants applying forces to activation points


202


. It is to be understood that lights


226


and


228


may be different colors. In one embodiment, light


226


is red and light


228


is green. In an alternate embodiment, a single light may be activated to indicate to a participant to apply a force to an activation point. The light may be one of a variety of colors, such as yellow, green, red, blue, purple, and orange. After the participant has applied force to the activation point the light may be turned off by control system


212


to indicate when the participant should discontinue applying force to the activation point.





FIGS. 19-22

depict a drum set


230


, a trumpet


232


(horn), a guitar


236


, and a xylophone


242


, respectively. These instruments as well as other instruments may be included in the musical water fountain “orchestra”. They preferably operate in a similar manner to keyboard


222


of FIG.


18


. Activation points


202


may be located on each drum


230


, on each playing valve


234


of trumpet


232


, on each string


238


of guitar


236


, and on each key


242


of xylophone


240


. A participant may apply a force to an activation point by standing on it or by contacting it with a finger or hand. The activation points


202


may be in the form of a button, a lever, etc.





FIG. 23

illustrates an embodiment of a water fountain system having a plurality of fountain systems


204


. This embodiment preferably contains the same features of the previous embodiment with some alternatives. Each fountain system


204


preferably includes a conduit


206


, valves


208


, and nozzles


210


, allowing water to spray in a multitude of directions. Conductor


216


may be an image projected onto a screen


246


(television or movie screen) so that a person or robot need not be present to conduct music. Screen


246


is preferably positioned on platform


214


so that participants in the “orchestra” may see it. A participant may apply a participant signal to a particular activation point


202


in response to receiving an indication from an electrical indicator at a pre-determined time. Upon sensing the force, control system


212


preferably generates signals that are relayed to sound system


203


, one of the fountain systems


204


, and/or one of the light systems


208


. In response to receiving a signal from control system


212


, sound system


220


may produce a musical note, one or more of valves


208


may open to spray water, and certain lights


225


may become activated. The lights that are activated are preferably in close proximity to the fountain system from which water is being sprayed. The cooperative effort of the participants at each of the individual fountains may create a pleasant musical tune and/or visual display (lights and/or water displays).




In an embodiment, control unit


212


receives the signals generated in response to the participant's signals being applied to the activation points


202


. Control unit


212


then indicates to the sound system the appropriate time to play a particular note. The computer preferably controls operation of sound system


220


such that the resultant music is affected by the presence of particular first signals and the order in which such signals are relayed to control unit


212


. In this manner, whether or not a participant applies a signal to an activation point


202


and the time at which a participant applies a signal to one or more activation points may affect the music produced by sound system


203


. Control unit


212


may receive the participant signals from activation points


202


and delay playing of sounds by sound system


203


for a predetermined time (e.g., ten seconds or more). Alternately, sound system


203


may play a musical note substantially immediately upon receiving the first signal. In an alternate embodiment, control unit


212


may be programmed to cause a sequence of notes to be produced at a particular time so that a song is correctly played even when the participants do not contact activation points


202


at appropriate times.




In another embodiment, a single fountain system may include a plurality of different activation points for producing various sounds, lights, and/or fountain effects. Each of the activation points may activate an instrument, or some notes of an instrument when a participant signal is applied to the activation point. A conductor may be used to signal the activation of the instruments or of specific notes of the instruments. A group of participants may respond to the conductor's indications such that a musical tune is produced.




In another embodiment, water from the musical fountain may be used to create the sounds produced by the musical fountain system. For example, a plurality of activation points may be disposed about a fountain system. The activation points are preferably coupled to a water spray system. In response to a participant's signal, the activation point preferably causes a stream of water to be fired which then impacts a sound producing device. The impact of the water stream against the sound producing device preferably produces a sound. For example, the sound producing device may be a series of gongs which, when struck with a water stream, produces a ringing sound. Other sound devices which may produce a sound when contacted with water include but are not limited to percussive instruments (e.g., drums), bells, tubes, and chimes.




In another embodiment, the musical fountain system may be a bubble organ. The bubble organ preferably includes a series of pipes arranged in a manner that is typical of a pipe organ. The pipes are preferably made of a substantially transparent material. A series of activation points may be disposed about the bubble organ. In response to a participant's signal, the activation point preferably produces an organ like sound while simultaneously producing a fountain effect. Preferably, the fountain effect includes the production of bubbles, such that bubbles emanate out of a top portion of the pipes. A lighting system may also be coupled to the pipes such that the participant's signal activates the light such that the bubbles appear to be colored as they move through the pipe.




In another embodiment, the musical fountain may be constructed in the form of a walkway. A plurality of activation points are preferably arranged on the surface of the walkway such that participants may step on the activation points. The activation points are preferably configured to respond to the weight of the participants. As the participants move along the walk way, they may contact the activation points such that a musical and/or a fountain effect is produced. For example, when a participant steps on an activation point, a portion of a song may be played by a sound system coupled to the walkway. Additionally, a fountain effect, such as a stream of water, may be produced.




IV. Water Ferris Wheel System




Turning to

FIG. 24



a


, an embodiment of a water Ferris wheel system is depicted. A rotatable Ferris wheel


300


preferably includes a central axle member


302


and a support member


304


coupled to central axle member


302


. Support member


304


is preferably configured to rotate about central axle member


302


. Central axle member may include a hub configured to rotate about the central axle member. Support member


304


is preferably coupled to the hub such that a force imparted on the support member may cause the rotation of the hub about the central axle member. Rotation of the hub preferably causes support member


304


to also rotate.




Support member


304


is preferably substantially circular in shape, although it may be formed in a number of other shapes including triangular, square, diamond, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal. Support member


304


preferably has a number of axle members


306


attached to it. Seating devices


308


are preferably connected to axle members


306


. At least one water interaction device


320


may be coupled to support member


304


. Preferably, a plurality of water interaction devices are coupled to the support member. Water interaction devices


320


may be receptacles configured to hold water, paddles configured to interact with water, or a combination of receptacles and paddles. Water interaction devices


320


are preferably configured to cause rotation of support member


304


when the water interaction devices are contacted with a water stream. A base support structure


310


is preferably coupled to central axle member


302


to elevate support member


304


above the ground. Base support'structure


310


may be composed of members which are affixed to the ground.




Support member


304


is preferably coupled to central axle member


302


via elongated struts


311


. In one embodiment, support member


304


may include a single outer member. Seating devices


308


are coupled to the outer member via axle members which extend from the outer member.




In another embodiment, a support member includes a pair of outer members


305




a


and


305




b


, both outer members being coupled to central axle member


302


via elongated struts


311


, as depicted in

FIG. 24



a


. Axle members


306


are preferably positioned between outer members


305




a


and


305




b


. Seating devices


308


are preferably coupled to a support member via axle members


306


such that the seating devices are positioned between the outer member


305




a


and


305




b.






In either of the above described embodiments of support member


304


, the support member is preferably configured to rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about central axle member


302


. As support member


304


rotates, seating devices


308


are preferably configured to partially rotate about axle members


306


so that they remain in an upright position. Passengers sitting in seating devices


308


may thus remain in an upright position while riding Ferris wheel


300


.




The Ferris wheel further includes a water source


319


for supplying a water stream to water interaction devices


320


. In one embodiment, the rate of rotation of support member


304


is preferably a function of the flow rate of the water to water interaction devices


320


. To achieve a slow rate of rotation a relatively slow flow of water may be selected. Increasing the rate of water preferably increases the force imparted by the water on water interaction devices


320


. By increasing the force imparted upon water interaction devices


320


, the rotational force imparted by the water interaction devices upon support member


304


is also increased. This increase in force preferably causes an increase in rotational speed of support member


304


.




The rate of rotation of support member


304


may be reduced by reducing the flow of water to water interaction devices


320


. Stopping rotation of support member


304


may be accomplished by stopping the flow of water to water interaction devices


320


. A braking system may also be coupled to support member


304


to further reduce the speed of the support member. Preferably, the braking system is used to control the position at which support member


304


stops rotating. The brake system preferably imparts a force sufficient to inhibit rotation of support member


304


while water is directed at water interaction devices


320


. The use of a braking system in this manner facilitates the transfer of participants to and from the Ferris wheel.




A conduit


312


is preferably located near Ferris wheel


300


and serves as a water source to Ferris wheel


300


. Conduit


312


may be composed of a PVC or galvanized steel type material. Conduit


312


preferably contains a valve


314


and a pump


316


. Pump


316


is preferably located upstream of valve


314


. When valve


314


is opened, water is preferably forced by pump


316


up conduit


312


. Conduit


312


preferably directs water to water interaction devices near support member


304


. Preferably, conduit


312


is positioned such that the conduit delivers water to water interaction devices


320


at a position substantially above central axle member


302


. In one embodiment, conduit


312


delivers water to water interaction devices at a position approximately level with the central axle member, as depicted in

FIG. 24



b


. By positioning conduit


312


approximately level with central axle member


302


, a tangential stream of water may be delivered to water interaction devices


320


in a position which minimizes the amount of water reaching the participants. The flow of water from conduit


312


to water interaction devices


320


preferably drives rotation of support member


304


about central axle member


302


.




In one embodiment, water interaction devices


320


are preferably composed of water receptacles (one embodiment of a receptacle is depicted in FIG.


26


). The receptacles may be positioned near support member


304


. The receptacles may be any container that can hold a large amount of water. The receptacles may have a variety of shapes and cross sections including, but not limited to, cylindrical (e.g., a bucket), rectangular, semi-circular (e.g., like a scoop), cubic, pyramidal, etc. The receptacles preferably hold enough water to initiate rotation of support member


304


about central axle


302


. Preferably, the volume of at least one of the receptacles is greater than that of at least one of the seating devices


308


.




The water interaction devices may include at least two water interaction devices


320


positioned about support member


304


. Rotation of support member


304


about central axle member


302


is preferably initiated by contacting the first water interaction device


321




a


with a water stream from conduit


312


, when the first water interaction device


321




a


is near water conduit


312


. After rotation of the Ferris wheel has begun, first water interaction device


321




a


rotates toward a bottom position


318


of the Ferris wheel. As first water interaction device


321




a


is rotated to the bottom position


318


, a second water interaction device


321




b


moves to the position vacated by first water interaction device


321




a


. The second water interaction device


321




b


then contacts the water stream coming from conduit


312


, allowing further rotation of support member


304


. When the first water interaction device reaches bottom position


318


of the Ferris wheel, the first water interaction device is preferably no longer in contact with the water stream. The first water interaction device is then carried by further rotation of support member


304


back to water conduit


312


where the first water interaction device is again contacted with a water steam. Preferably, a plurality of water interaction device are used in this manner to rotate support member


304


.




In one embodiment, the water interaction devices


320


are preferably oriented tangentially to support member


304


. The water interaction device are preferably fixed about support member


304


, such that rotation of the water interaction device is substantially inhibited. Thus, they may be upright at apex


317


of support member


304


and upside-down near a bottom portion


318


of support member


304


. As the water interaction device approach bottom portion


318


, they preferably begin to release water that is being held by the water interaction device. When the water interaction devices reach the bottom portion


318


of support member


304


any remaining water is preferably emptied into the reservoir


319


. The now empty water interaction devices may be propelled upward on the opposite side of support member


304


by the rotational force produced by the water filled water interaction devices. This cycle preferably continues as long as valve


314


is open.




In another embodiment, the water interaction devices may be receptacles, as depicted in FIG.


26


. Receptacles are pivotally attached to axle members


306


or


322


. The receptacles thusly attached may partially rotate around the axle members, thereby remaining upright as support member


304


rotates them from apex


317


to bottom portion


318


. Upon reaching bottom portion


318


, the receptacles may be rotated to a position from which they can release the water they are carrying. A receptacle rotation system may be coupled to the receptacles. Receptacle rotation system preferably causes the receptacles to rotate to the water releasing position when the receptacles reach bottom portion


318


.




In an embodiment, water interaction devices


320


are laterally offset from support member


304


in a direction away from seating devices


308


, as depicted in

FIG. 24



a


. The water interaction devices


320


may be laterally offset from the seating device in a direction away from central axle member


302


. This positioning of water interaction devices


320


away from seating devices


308


and central axle member


302


may help to inhibit water from contacting passengers within seating devices


308


. Alternatively, the water interaction devices


320


may be laterally offset from the seating device in a direction toward central axle member


302


. This positioning of water interaction devices


320


away from seating devices


308


, but toward central axle member


302


, may allow the water released from the water interaction devices to contact the passengers within seating devices


308


.




In one embodiment, the Ferris wheel system may further include a reservoir


319


located on the ground below Ferris wheel


300


. Reservoir


319


may collect water falling from conduit


312


, forming a pool. Water falling into reservoir


319


may be recycled back through conduit


312


.





FIG. 25



a


illustrates an embodiment of seating device


308


. Seating device


308


may hold passengers as Ferris wheel


300


is rotated. Seating device


308


may have a shape that resembles a figure such as, for example, a square, a circle, a triangle, a cone, a sphere, an animal, an insect, a plant, a dinosaur, a space ship, an inner tube, a boat, an auto, an airplane, a musical instrument, etc. Seating device


308


may include an upright portion


324


and a horizontal portion


326


. Horizontal portion


326


preferably supports the weight of at least one passenger.

FIG. 25



b


depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of seating device


308


. Seating device


308


also has upright and horizontal portions, but it further includes vertical sidewall surfaces


328


so that passengers are surrounded on all sides by walls. Seating device


308


also includes a floor


330


that may retain water that may contact the seating device. Openings


332


preferably allow the water to pass through floor


330


, preventing the water from completely filling the inside portion of seating device


308


.




In an embodiment, at least one water interaction device may be attached to at least one of seating devices


308


. Preferably, water interaction devices may be attached to some or all of the seating devices. A receptacle or a paddle may be attached to a seating device. Alternately, the seating device itself may also be a water interaction device.

FIG. 25



c


illustrates a cross-sectional view of a seating device


308


in which a receptacle


320


is part of seating device


308


. Upright portion


324


is preferably located between receptacle


320


and horizontal portion


326


where passengers may sit. An opening


334


may exist at the bottom of upright portion


324


so that water


323


may pass from receptacle


320


to the area where passengers may sit. Openings


332


through floor


330


allow water


323


to pass from seating device


308


.




Turning to

FIG. 26

, a top plan view of one embodiment of a receptacle


321


is depicted. Receptacle


321


may have an upper lip


336


that is circular in shape. Upper lip


336


preferably surrounds an opening through which water may pass into and out of receptacle


321


. The bottom


338


of receptacle


321


may also be circular in shape. Receptacle


321


may retain a large amount of water; however, openings


340


in receptacle


321


preferably help drain the water slowly from the receptacle. As receptacle


321


rotates from the apex to the bottom portion of the support member, water may be released through openings


340


. Therefore, less water may have to be released when receptacle


321


completely reaches the bottom portion of the support member.




The above described embodiments may be configured such that the passengers remain substantially dry or become substantially wet during the ride. In one embodiment, the seats are preferably configured to inhibit water from reaching the participants. Seating devices


308


may include a roof configured to redirect any water falling onto the roof away from the seating device. Water from water interaction devices


320


and conduit


312


may thus be kept off of the passengers during operation of the Ferris wheel. The flow of water falling upon the roof is preferably directed into reservoir pool


319


for reuse.




Additionally, valve


314


, which supplies the flow of water to conduit


312


, may be configured to sequentially turn on and off such that discontinuous streams of water are produced. The discontinuous streams of water preferably are timed such that the water will flow out of conduit


312


when water interaction device


320


is positioned below an opening of conduit


312


. As water interaction device


320


moves past conduit


312


, the flow of water through conduit


312


is preferably reduced such that a minimal amount of water falls into seating devices


308


.




In another embodiment, seating devices


308


may be configured to allow the participants to become substantially wet. In one embodiment, depicted in

FIG. 24



b


, seating devices


308


are opened ended (i.e., do not have a roof). As seating devices


308


pass by conduit


312


, water that falls onto water interaction devices may also fall into the seating devices, causing the passengers to become substantially wet. Seating devices


308


preferably include slots, as described above, to allow the incoming water to be removed from the seating devices. The Ferris wheel system may include a water regulation system for varying the amount of water falling from conduit


312


onto the passengers. The water regulation system may decrease flow of water from conduit


312


when seating devices


308


pass under the conduit. Further, water regulation system may increase the flow of water from conduit


312


as water interaction devices


320


pass under the conduit.




Preferably, seating devices


308


may include a roof. The roof may be configured to allow a substantial amount of water to pass through the roof onto the passengers. As the seat passes below water conduit


312


, or as water from the water interaction devices


320


falls onto the roof, the water may pass through the roof onto the passengers. Seating devices


308


preferably include slots, as described above, to allow the incoming water to be removed from the seating devices.




In another embodiment, depicted in

FIG. 27

, a rotatable Ferris wheel


300


preferably includes a central axle member


302


and a support member


304


attached about axle member


302


. Support member


304


preferably has a number of axle members


306


attached to it. Seating devices


308


are preferably connected to axle members


306


. As support member


304


rotates in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, seating devices


308


are configured to partially rotate about axle members


306


so that they remain in an upright position. Passengers sitting in seating devices


308


may thus remain in an upright position while riding Ferris wheel


300


. Seating devices


308


are preferably oriented such that the seating devices lie in a first plane.




Water interaction devices


320


are preferably coupled to support member


304


near a central portion of the Ferris wheel. Water interaction devices


320


are preferably spaced a lateral distance away from seating devices


308


. Thus, water interaction devices


320


are formed in a second plane which is substantially parallel to the first plane. The second plane is preferably laterally displaced away from the first plane. By displacing water interaction devices


320


away from the seating devices


308


in this manner, water may be inhibited from reaching the seating devices, thus allowing the participants to remain substantially dry while riding the Ferris wheel. Water interaction devices


320


may be placed relatively close to a central axis of the Ferris wheel. Water interaction devices


320


may include receptacles, as described above or paddles configured to interact with a flow of water.




In another embodiment, depicted in

FIG. 28

, the Ferris wheel may be propelled by a stream of water


335


formed underneath the Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel includes a number of seating devices


308


located about a support member


304


, as described above. Water interaction devices


320


preferably extend from support member


304


in a direction away from central axle member


302


. Water interaction devices may be paddles or receptacles. A stream of water


335


preferably runs below a bottom portion of support member


304


. Water interaction devices


320


are preferably positioned about an outer edge of support member


304


such that the water interaction devices which are at a bottom portion of the support member are partially inserted within the water stream.




Support member


304


is preferably rotated by causing a current to be formed in the water stream. As the water stream passes under the support member


304


, the water contacts water interaction devices


320


causing the support member to begin to rotate. As the support member rotates additional water interaction devices


320


may enter the water. The rotation of support member


304


preferably continues until the water stream is stopped, or a braking system, as previously described, is applied. Preferably, a combination of stoppage of water and the application of a braking force is used to stop the Ferris wheel. The participants preferably remain substantially dry while riding the Ferris wheel.




All of the above embodiments relate to a water driven Ferris wheel system. The use of a water driven Ferris wheel system offers advantages over conventional Ferris wheel systems. One advantage is that the passengers may become substantially wet during the ride. The wetting system is preferably incorporated into the water propulsion system such that use of a separate wetting system is not required to wet the passengers. Additionally, energy usage may be minimized by making use of natural sources of water streams (e.g., a river or a waterfall).




V. Water Powered Bumper Vehicle System




Turning to

FIG. 29

, an embodiment of a water propelled bumper vehicle system is depicted. The water bumper vehicle system preferably includes vehicles


400


to hold participants. The vehicles may be floating on water or resting on a platform. Vehicles


400


may be composed of a material such as a strong plastic that enables them to float and to withstand the impact of other vehicles. Vehicles


400


may have a shape that resembles a figure such as, for example, a square, a circle, a triangle, a cone, a sphere, an animal, an insect, a plant, a dinosaur, a space ship, an inner tube, a boat, an auto, an airplane, a musical instrument, etc.




Vehicles


400


preferably have steering systems


410


that participants can manually maneuver in order to help control the direction the vehicles travel. Vehicle


400


may include a seat


436


on which a participant may sit inside the shell of the vehicle. A participant restraint system (e.g., a seat belt) is preferably included within the shell of the vehicle. The participant restraint system preferably inhibits the participant from being thrown from seat


436


when the vehicle is contacted by water (e.g., from a nozzle) or by another vehicle.




The water bumper vehicle system further preferably includes a plurality of nozzles


402


that are positioned to direct water towards vehicles


400


. The force of the water against vehicles


400


preferably imparts momentum to the vehicles, causing them to move in different directions. Thus, vehicles


400


may impact other vehicles, and/or walls which surround the water bumper vehicle system. Nozzles which may be used to direct water towards the vehicles are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,547 to Lochtefeld and U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,597 to Lochtefeld et al.




Turning to

FIG. 32

, an embodiment of a detailed cross-sectional view of a nozzle assembly


404


is illustrated. Nozzle assembly


404


preferably includes a valve


406


having a head


426


. A plurality of nozzles


402


may be attached to head


426


. Nozzles


402


preferably extend outward from head


426


to an inner surface of a curvate structure


432


. Curvate structure


432


preferably surrounds head


426


. Conduit


418


preferably communicates with an inner cavity of head


426


via an opening (not shown) at the base of the head. Water may thus pass into head


426


and further into nozzles


402


. Curvate structure


432


preferably includes openings


430


extending through the structure. Curvate structure


432


may be rotated such that one or more of the nozzles


402


communicates with one of the openings


430


. Water within this particular nozzle is then free to pass through the opening of curvate structure


432


so that it may be directed to a water bumper vehicle. Nozzles


402


that are not in contact with openings


430


about the inner surface of structure


432


are preferably inhibited from releasing water. A control system may control the rotation of curvate structure


432


.





FIG. 33

depicts another embodiment of a nozzle assembly


404


. Nozzle assembly


404


preferably includes a head


426


. Conduit


418


preferably extends to a position under head


426


where it contacts an opening (not shown) at the base of the head. Water may pass through conduit


418


and into head


426


through this opening. Nozzles


402


abut the outer surface of head


426


but are not attached to the head. Head


426


may be rotated in a substantially clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the end of conduit


418


. Head


426


is preferably rotated until an opening


432


extending through the wall of the head may come in contact with one of the nozzles


402


. Thus, water may pass from head


426


to one of the nozzles


402


to be directed to a vehicle. Head


426


may be rotated to a particular nozzle that extends toward a vehicle so that water can be directed at the vehicle to propel it away from nozzle assembly


404


.




Turning back to

FIG. 29

, nozzles


402


may belong to a nozzle assembly


404


that includes a valve


406


. Valve


406


may restrict water flow through at least one of the nozzles


402


while permitting water flow through at least one of the other nozzles. A conduit


418


preferably conveys water from a water source, such as a pool


414


, to valve


406


. A pump


420


may be disposed in conduit


418


. Pump


420


may force the water through valve


406


at a pre-determined pressure so that the water is strong enough to propel the vehicles. The water bumper vehicle system may also include an automatic control system


412


that sends a signal to valve


406


to adjust the valve. Upon receiving the signal, valve


406


may respond by adjusting the nozzles such that a pulse of water is emitted from at least one of nozzles


402


. Control system


412


may be programmed such that these pulses of water from nozzles


402


are produced in a random sequence or at predetermined times.




Sensors


408


may be placed at different positions on nozzle assembly


404


. Sensors are configured to detect when a vehicle is approaching a nozzle assembly. In one embodiment, sensors


408


may detect contact between nozzle assembly


404


and a water bumper vehicle


400


. Alternatively, sensors may include a motion detection device which allows the sensor to determine if a vehicle is close to a nozzle assembly. Preferably, a motion detection system is configured to determine if a vehicle has approached within a certain distance range. When the sensor detects the presence of a vehicle, by either contact or motion detection, the sensor preferably sends a signal to control system


412


which responds by activating nozzle assembly


404


.




Water sprayers


450


may be positioned around the water bumper vehicle system. Water sprayers


150


preferably spray water at a lower pressure and/or rate than the nozzles. Preferably, water sprayers


450


may be used to spray participants with water. Water sprayers


450


may also be coupled to the control system. The control system may be programmed such that water from water sprayers


450


is produced in a random sequence or at pre-determined times. Alternately, water sprayers


450


may be coupled to the sensors. When a vehicle is detected by a sensor, the sensor may turn on a water sprayer


450


near the sensor such that the participants become wet. Preferably the sensor is configured to activate nearby water nozzles and water sprayers


450


.




In another embodiment, the control system may be coupled to participant activation devices located in each vehicle. Each of the participant activation devices may include a series of activation points, which are activated in response to a signal from the participant. The activation points may be pressure activated, movement activated or audibly activated, as described in the musical water fountain system. Activation of the activation points may initiate a number of events. For example, nozzle assemblies


404


may be coupled to the activation points such that the participants may turn on and/or off some or all of the nozzles. The activation points may be coupled to valve


406


such that a signal from the participant causes valve


406


to activate a nozzle assembly


404


. Additionally, the activation points may also enable the participants to turn on and/or off water sprayers


450


. The use of activation points in this manner allows the participants to have more interaction with the water bumper vehicle system. For example by controlling nozzle assemblies


404


the participants may be able to alter the movement of their vehicle or of other participants' vehicles. By controlling water sprayers


450


the participants may be able to spray themselves or other participants with water. The activation devices may be used while the control unit also controls the nozzles and/or sprayers. Alternatively, the activation devices may be used in place of a programmed control unit. The control unit may then serve to interpret signals from the participants and relay the signals to the various components.




In one embodiment, the vehicles are preferably configured to float on water. As shown in

FIG. 29

, vehicles


400


are floating in pool


414


. The boundaries of pool


414


are defined by retaining walls


416


configured to hold the water of pool


414


. A plurality of nozzle assemblies


404


are preferably arranged about retaining wall


416


. The nozzle assemblies preferably direct pulses of water toward the vehicles to propel the vehicles across a portion of pool


414


.




Sensors


408


may also be mounted on walls


416


near the wall mounted nozzle assemblies. These sensors preferably detect the presence of a vehicle, by either contact or motion detection, when a vehicle approaches a wall. When a sensor detects a vehicle, the sensor preferably generates a signal that is sent to control system


412


. In response to this signal, control system


412


preferably activates the nozzle assembly in close proximity to the sensor. Therefore, water bumper vehicles


400


may be propelled away from walls


416


so that they are constantly moved around pool


414


.




Additional nozzle assemblies may be present within the pool. The nozzle assemblies may be floating or may be coupled to the bottom of the pool. Sensors are also attached to these nozzles assemblies such that the detection of a vehicle by a sensor causes a nozzle to shoot water at the vehicle, propelling the vehicle away from the nozzle assembly.




The vehicles may also include a steering system for allowing the participant to control the direction of travel of the vehicle. Referring to

FIG. 29

, the steering system includes a steering device coupled to a handle or wheel


410


. Steering devices may be a rudder or paddle or any other similar device which may be used to alter the direction of travel of the vehicle. The steering device may be any of several shapes including rectangular. A rod may be connected to the steering device that extends vertically up to handle


410


. Thus, a participant may turn handle


410


making the rod turn, which causes the steering device to move. Movement of the steering device preferably alters the course of the vehicle while the vehicle is moving. In one embodiment, turning the handle in a first direction also turns the steering device in a similar direction. By turning the steering device in a similar direction as the handle, the vehicle will tend to turn in the direction that the handle is turned. The use of a steering system may allow the participant to control the direction that the vehicle travels over the water surface.




In another embodiment, the vehicles may be siting upon a substantially smooth floor as depicted in FIG.


30


. Floor


422


may be surrounded by a wall


424


. Nozzle assemblies


404


are preferably located at various locations on top of floor


422


. They are preferably spaced apart at a distance which allows vehicles


400


to pass between them. Vehicles


400


may be propelled by nozzle assemblies


404


to move across floor


422


in different directions. Preferably, only a small amount of friction exists between vehicles


400


and floor


422


so that the vehicles may slide across the floor.





FIG. 31

depicts a perspective view of a portion of the water bumper vehicle system. Nozzle assemblies


404


are also preferably mounted to the base of wall


424


. Conduits


418


preferably extend from a high pressure water source (i.e., pumps


420


) to nozzle assemblies


404


through floor


422


and/or wall


424


. Conduits


418


may be constructed from different materials, including a galvanized steel or a PVC material. Sensors


408


near nozzle assemblies


404


may detect the presence of vehicle


400


. Thus, when a vehicle is detected by the sensor system, control system


412


activates the assembly so that water is directed toward the vehicle. Water sprayers, as described above, may also be positioned about the floor and/or wall.




An advantage of this system is that the propulsive power of the vehicle is supplied by the nozzles. The force of the water produced by the nozzles propels the participants' vehicles into each other to create an entertaining ride. The use of a control unit to produce a random or predetermined pattern of water spray adds to the enjoyment by producing an unpredictable ride. Thus, each time a participant uses the water bumper vehicle system the experience may be different from previous experiences. The use of activation devices in the vehicles may enable the participants to exert more control over the system, thus enhancing the overall experience of their ride.




VI. Boat Ride System




Turning to

FIG. 34

, an embodiment of a boat ride system is depicted. The boat ride system preferably includes a rotatable base


500


sitting in a body of water. A portion of base


500


may extend above the surface of the water. One or more elongated members


502


are preferably attached to base


500


, extending outward from the center of the base. Elongated members


502


preferably lie in a horizontal plane above the surface of the water. A boat


504


may be coupled to the end of one of the elongated members


502


. Preferably, boat


504


is coupled to elongated member


502


via a substantially flexible towing member


506


. Boat


504


may have seats


508


for participants of the boat ride system.




A motor may be operated to make base


500


spin. Boat


504


may be pulled in a substantially circular direction around base


500


by elongated member


502


during the rotation of the base. Rotation of base


500


preferably causes the boat to move in a similar direction (e.g., if the base rotates in a clockwise direction, the boat will rotate about the base in a clockwise direction). The boat preferably remains on the surface of the water during its movement around the rotatable base.




The boat may also include a steering system for allowing the participant to control the direction of travel of the boat, as depicted in FIG.


39


. Preferably the steering system includes a steering device


542


coupled to a handle or tiller


536


. Steering device


542


may be a rudder or paddle or any other similar device which may be used to alter the direction of travel of a floating boat. Steering device


542


may be any of several shapes including rectangular. Movement of steering device


542


is preferably accomplished by moving handle


536


. In one embodiment, turning handle


536


in a first direction moves steering device


542


in an opposite direction. By tuning steering device


542


in an opposite direction as handle


536


, the boat will tend to turn in the direction opposite to the direction that handle


536


is turned. In another embodiment, turning handle


536


in a first direction also turns steering device


542


in a similar direction. By turning steering device


542


in a similar direction as handle


536


, the boat will tend to turn in the direction that handle


536


is turned. The use of a steering system may allow the participant to control a lateral distance at which the boat travels as the boat rotates about rotatable base


500


. The range of lateral distances at which the boat may travel about rotatable base


500


is determined by the length of towing member


506


.





FIG. 35

illustrates a side view of base


500


. Base


500


is partially submerged under the water. The upper end of base


500


preferably extends above surface


520


of the water to allow elongated members


502


to lie horizontally above and substantially parallel to surface


520


. The rotation of base


500


is preferably driven by motor


522


.




In another embodiment, boat


504


may include hydrofoils in place of a steering system.

FIG. 37

depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of boat


504


with hydrofoils


526


and


528


. Boat


504


preferably includes a hull


524


that may be made of a various materials, such as metal, wood, fiberglass, or plastic. A front hydrofoil


526


and an aft hydrofoil


528


may be located under hull


524


. Struts


530


preferably connect the hydrofoils to boat


504


. Hydrofoils


526


and


528


preferably form “wings” in the water that generate lift. When boat


504


is pulled by elongated arm


502


(shown in FIG.


34


), hydrofoils


526


and


528


preferably lift the bottom of boat


504


above the water level. The hydrofoils


526


and


528


may remain partially submerged in the water during the lift. The purpose of using hydrofoils


526


and


528


for the boat ride system is to allow boat


504


to move more easily and more quickly around base


500


. Lifting boat


504


above the water only requires drag on the foils to be overcome instead of drag on the entire boat


504


. A steering arm


536


is preferably connected to hydrofoils


526


and


528


. It may be the job of at least one participant to adjust a steering arm to make hydrofoils


526


and


528


turn so that boat


504


may more easily move through the water. Moreover, the flexibility of towing member


506


(shown in

FIG. 34

) adds to the maneuverability of boat


504


.




In

FIG. 37

, hydrofoil


526


is shown as having a surface piercing configuration in which a portion of the hydrofoil is designed to extend through the air/water surface


534


interface when boat


504


is raised by the hydrofoil. Struts


530


preferably connect hydrofoil


526


to hull


524


at a predetermined length required to support hull


524


free of water surface


534


while boat


504


is in full motion. As the velocity of the boat increases, the flow of water over the submerged portion increases, causing the boat to rise, reducing the area of the foil that is submerged. The boat will eventually rise until the lifting force equals the weight carried by the foils.





FIG. 38

illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of hydrofoils


526


for boat


504


in which two pairs of hydrofoils


526


and


528


are positioned on opposite sides of boat


504


. Struts


530


which connect the hydrofoils to hull


524


do not contribute to the overall force of the hydrofoil system. In this configuration the hydrofoil system is not self-stabilizing. The angle of the hydrofoils in the water may be varied to change the lifting force in response to changing conditions of ship speed, weight, and water conditions. The hydrofoils have a unique ability in that they can uncouple a boat to a substantial degree from the effect of the waves so that passengers on the boat encounter a substantially smooth ride.




In another embodiment, participant interaction devices


510


are also preferably located on boat


504


, as depicted in FIG.


36


. Participant interaction devices preferably include any device that allows participants to interact with targets and/or other participants and/or spectators. Examples of participant interaction devices include, but are not limited to electronic guns for producing electromagnetic radiation, water based guns for producing pulses of water, and paintball guns. Participants known as “fire specialists” on boat


504


may fire participant interaction devices


510


as the boat is moving as part of a game. Participant interaction devices


510


may extend through openings in the side of boat


504


, or they may be located above the sides of hull


524


. The participant interaction devices may be directed at targets


512


positioned on base


500


or floating in the body of water. The participant interaction devices may also be directed at other boats which are coupled to rotatable base


500


. Participant interaction devices may be fired to send a projectile at a boat or target. A projectile as used herein is meant to refer to a beam of electromagnetic radiation, water, a paint ball, a foam object, a water balloon, or any other relatively non-harmful object that may be thrown from a participant interaction device. Participant interaction devices may also be located around the perimeter of the body of water to allow spectators to fire projectiles at the boats.




In one embodiment, participant interaction devices


510


may be electronic guns. Participants may fire participant interaction devices


510


as part of a game. The object of the game may be to direct a signal electromagnetic beam from participant interaction devices


510


toward targets


512


that are floating in the body of water, as depicted in FIG.


34


. Targets


512


may be located at various positions around base


500


. Each of the targets


512


preferably includes a receiver


514


for sensing electromagnetic beams that hit the target. Targets


512


may include an effects system


516


that creates effects in response to receiver


514


sensing the electromagnetic beam. The effects created by the effects system may include visual (e.g., lights), audio (e.g., sound effects), or physical effects (e.g., smoke, bubbles, water sprays, etc.). Receiver


514


may generate a signal corresponding to each participant interaction device fired, and the signals may be sent to an electronic scoring system


518


. Electronic scoring system


518


is preferably located in close proximity to base


500


. In one embodiment, the fire specialists may be competing to see who can hit the most targets. Scoring system


518


may sit on the top of base


500


so that the participants can easily view it. Scoring system


518


preferably displays scores in response to signals received from the targets.




Turning to

FIG. 39

, boat


504


may further include at least one sensor


538


that is electrically coupled to electronic participant interaction devices


510


. Sensor


538


is preferably capable of detecting the height of hull


524


above water surface


534


. When the detected height of the hull exceeds a predetermined height, a control switch


540


for each sensor may automatically activate participant interaction devices


510


. The predetermined height is preferably the height that hull


524


reaches when it has been lifted above the water due to constant motion of boat


504


.





FIG. 40

depicts an embodiment where the participant interaction device is an electronic gun


510


. It is envisioned that electronic gun


510


includes a handle


544


, a barrel


546


, and a trigger


548


disposed within a trigger guard


550


. A projector


552


for producing an electromagnetic beam


554


may be mounted within barrel


546


. Preferably, projector


552


includes an infrared light emitting diode


556


and focusing lenses


558


so that a substantially narrow beam of infrared light may be projected when trigger


548


is pulled. This light beam is preferably an amplitude-modulated infrared light beam. A speaker may be mounted under a speaker grill


562


to produce noise as electronic gun


510


is fired. Lights in the form of Light Emitting Diodes (LED's)


560


may be located at the top of electronic gun


510


. Handle


544


may include a chamber


564


for receiving batteries needed to power the electronic gun. Electronic gun


510


may be activated by an electronic switch


540


(see FIG.


39


). An adequate electronic gun that may be used in the present invention is fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,463 to Fromm and is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.




As depicted in

FIG. 41

a plurality of boats


504


are preferably connected to arms


502


. Such a configuration provides an opportunity for participants on each of the boats


504


to compete in an electronic gun game. In this game, participants on each of the boats


504


may fire electronic guns


510


toward targets


512


. Targets


512


maybe located on base


500


, floating in the body of water, mounted on the boats, and/or positioned along the boundaries of the body of water. Receivers


514


of targets


512


may sense the electromagnetic beams produced by electronic guns


510


. Receivers


514


may generate an electronic signal in response to each instance of being struck by electromagnetic beams that originate from a particular gun. Receivers


514


are preferably electronically coupled to an electronic scoring system (not shown). Thus, signals produced by receivers


514


may be sent to the scoring system. The scoring system may then display separate scores corresponding to each of the electronic guns


510


and/or to each of the boats


504


.




In another embodiment, participant interaction devices


509


may be water gun systems. Water gun systems are configured to fire a pulse of water when a trigger is depressed. Water guns


510


allow participants to fire pulses of water from boat


504


toward targets


512


and other boats


504


. Participants may use the water guns to wet participants on other boats and/or spectators surrounding the body of water. Additionally, targets


512


may be configured to respond to a blast of water. Targets may be electronically coupled to scoring system


518


as described above.




One advantage of this boat ride system is that the participants may control, to a limited extent, the direction of travel of the boat. Participants may thus interact with the boat in a manner which tends to be absent from typical passive boat ride systems. The use of a hydrofoil system, allows the boats to be elevated above the surface of the water. Furthermore, the elevation of the boats may be controlled by the participants. This elevation control further increases the possible interaction of the participants with the boat system. Finally, a system of participant interaction devices and targets may be added to the system to allow the participants and/or spectators to interact with each other in a competitive manner.




VII. Floating Train Ride System




Turning to

FIG. 42

, a perspective view of one embodiment of a water train ride system is depicted. The train ride system preferably includes a passenger train


600


, a trough


604


, and a pair of elongated members


606


extending from opposite sides of trough


604


. Only a portion of trough


604


is illustrated. Train


600


is preferably capable of floating in water and includes a propulsion system to propel it through water. Before operation, train


600


is preferably placed in trough


604


which holds water. Trough


604


may be a very long trough that extends to various areas of a water park so that train


600


may travel to different areas of the park via the trough.




Elongated members


606


may serve as guides for train


600


as it moves. Elongated members


606


may be mounted to the inner sidewalls of trough


604


to prevent train


600


from moving from side to side within trough


604


. Thus, elongated members


606


help provide a smoother train ride for passengers.




Train


600


preferably includes a plurality of passenger train cars


602


for holding passengers and an engine car


608


that houses the propulsion system. The number of train cars


602


belonging to the system may be varied. Train cars


602


and engine car


608


may have a shape that resembles a figure such as, for example, a train, an animal, an insect, a plant, a dinosaur, a space ship, an inner tube, a boat, an auto, an airplane, a musical instrument, etc. Train cars


602


are preferably arranged in series behind engine car


608


. Couplers


610


may connect the back of one train car to the front of another train car. Further, one of the couplers


610


may connect the back of engine car


608


to the front of one of train cars


602


.




A sound system may be located within engine car


608


and/or among train cars


602


. The sound system is preferably configured to produce sounds for the train system. Sounds preferably include train noises (e.g., moving wheels, train whistles, steam engine sounds, etc.). The sound system may also produce other sound effects (e.g., music, animal noises, boat noises, etc.). The sound system may also be used to transmit messages to the participants. Messages may be produced by a “train conductor”. The train conductor may be an employee of the park or the conductor may be a sound system with prerecorded messages. The messages may be used to inform the participants about the amusement park while the participants are seated within the train.




As shown, each of the elongated members


606


preferably extends toward train


600


such that the elongated members are directly adjacent the sides of train


600


. As train


600


moves through trough


604


, elongated members


606


remain at the sides of the train and thus guide train


600


. Alternately, train


600


may have grooves (not shown) disposed within its sides, and elongated members


606


may fit into the grooves.




Flotation members


616


are preferably located under train


600


to render the train floatable. Flotation members


616


preferably have a density that allows train


600


to float while sitting on the flotation members. Flotation members


616


may be plastic and/or may be hollow inside.




Trough


604


is preferably configured as a U-shaped member having opposite sidewall surfaces


618


. However, trough


604


may also be in the form of other shapes. For instance, it may be more linear shaped with straight sides and a straight bottom. The width of trough


604


is preferably larger than train


600


. Trough


604


preferably contains a pre-determined amount of water that allows train


600


to float and to move through trough


604


without the bottom surface of the train touching the trough. The trough may be made of a substantially transparent material to allow the participants to see through the trough. Portions of trough


604


may include sections where the trough is formed into a tunnel. Thus, portions of trough


604


may be in the form of a cylindrical tube. Preferably, an upper portion of the cylindrical trough section may be substantially transparent. Water may be directed onto the cylindrical section of trough


604


to create a waterfall effect which falls onto the train ride system. The upper portion of the cylindrical trough section preferably inhibits the water from reaching the participants.




Turning to

FIG. 43

, the sound system may be configured to generate train noises by use of steam. A steam generator


612


, such as a boiler may be located within engine car


608


. Steam generator


612


may produce steam which is used to blow a steam whistle


614


located on top of engine car


608


.




A propulsion system


620


preferably extends downward from engine car


608


. Propulsion system


620


includes any type of propulsion device which propels train


600


through the water. Propulsion system


620


preferably includes a water propulsion device


622


and a motor


624


to operate the water propulsion device. Examples of water propulsion devices include, but are not limited to, paddles, paddle wheels, impellers, and propellers. During operation of propulsion system


620


, water propulsion device


622


is preferably powered by motor


624


to propel train


600


forward.




Train cars


602


preferably have seats


626


in which participants may sit. The sides of train cars


602


may have openings to expose the inner portion of the train cars and the participants therein to the air. Alternately, train cars


602


may be enclosed and have windows through which the participants may look to see outside the train cars. A sound system (not shown) may be connected to train


600


to play music or give information which entertains the passengers.





FIG. 44

illustrates another embodiment of a floating train ride system. This drawing is similar to FIG.


43


. In this embodiment, elongated members


606


preferably extend upward from the bottom of trough


604


. They preferably lie in parallel along trough


604


. The upper ends of elongated members


606


may fit snugly into grooves that are located between members


616


. Elongated members


606


are preferably located along the entire length of trough


604


. Thus, as train


600


moves through trough


604


, elongated members


606


may constantly pass through the grooves. Trough


604


may contain a sufficient amount of water to lift a large portion of train


600


above the trough. Such positioning of train


600


may allow train passengers to easily see areas of the water park from within the train. As train


600


moves, a bottom portion of the train may be maintained under water so that members


606


slide through grooves


620


.




In another embodiment, floating train ride system


600


may include two sets of guides, as depicted in FIG.


42


. Elongated members


650


may extend upward from the bottom of trough


604


. Elongated members


650


may engage flotation members


616


to control the direction of the train as the train passes through the trough. Additional elongated members


606


may extend from the sides of trough


604


to control the lateral movement (e.g., side to side movement) of the train. The combination of guides beneath and adjacent to the train may impart additional stability to the train, thus creating a smoother ride for the participants.




Turing to

FIG. 45

, an embodiment of a jet propulsion system


620


for the train ride system is depicted. A jet propulsion system is envisioned which is virtually wake free. Such a system may include a main body


624


, a jet fan impeller


630


disposed within main body


624


, an outer partition


626


partially covering main body


624


, and an angular slot


628


interposed between main body


624


and outer partition


626


. Outer partition


626


and angular slot


628


may be located at opposite sides of main body


624


. A motor


632


for making impeller


630


rotate may also be disposed within main body


624


. The front and back portions of body


624


may taper inward. When operating jet propulsion system


620


, impeller


630


may continuously recirculate water within grooves


634


that are located near impeller


630


. The speed of the recirculating water may result in a lowering of pressure at the front of body


624


, causing water to be pushed to the rear of body


624


via angular slots


628


. The rushing water may exert pressure on a tapered portion


636


of body


624


. This pressure “squeezes” tapered portion


636


, causing it to propel forward and pull train


600


.




VIII. Amusement Park System




An amusement park system is provided that comprises a number of water based rides. The amusement park system may be a “wet park” in which at least some or all of the participants become substantially wet during the rides. In another embodiment, the amusement park system may be a combination of a “wet park” and a “dry park” in which at least some or all of the participants remain substantially dry during the rides.




In an embodiment, the amusement park system preferably includes a water fountain system, a water carousel system, a musical water fountain system, a water Ferris wheel system, a water bumper vehicle system, a boat ride system, or a water train system. All of these systems are described in more detail in sections I-VII respectively.




In another embodiment, the amusement park system preferably includes a water fountain system and a water carousel system. The amusement park system may also include a musical water fountain system, a water Ferris wheel system, a water bumper vehicle system, a boat ride system, and a water train system.




In an embodiment, the amusement park system preferably includes a water fountain system. The amusement park system may also include a musical water fountain system, a water Ferris wheel system, a water bumper vehicle system, a boat ride system, or a water train system.




In another embodiment, the amusement park system preferably includes a water carousel system. The amusement park system may also include a musical water fountain system, a water Ferris wheel system, a water bumper vehicle system, a boat ride system, or a water train system.




In another embodiment, the amusement park system preferably includes a musical water fountain system. The amusement park system may also include a water Ferris wheel system, a water bumper vehicle system, a boat ride system, or a water train system.




In another embodiment, the amusement park system preferably includes a water fountain system and a water carousel system. The amusement park system may also include a musical water fountain system, a water Ferris wheel system, a water bumper vehicle system, a boat ride system, or a water train system.




In another embodiment, the amusement park system preferably includes a water carousel system and a musical water fountain system. The amusement park system may also include a water Ferris wheel system, a water bumper vehicle system, a boat ride system, or a water train system.




In another embodiment, the amusement park system preferably includes a water fountain system and a musical water fountain system. The amusement park system may also include a water Ferris wheel system, a water bumper vehicle system, a boat ride system, or a water train system.




Other rides which may be found in a wet or dry park may also be present.




Each of the inventions I-VIII discussed above may be used individually or combined with any one or more of the other inventions.




Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described herein are to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. Elements and materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the invention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.



Claims
  • 1. A water carousel system, comprising:a support member anchored to ground; a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use; a bushing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member; a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform, such that the platform rotates about the support member along the surface of the water during use; wherein powering of the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use, and wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force.
  • 2. The water carousel system of claim 1, further comprising a roof coupled to the support member in a position above the support platform, wherein the roof is configured to rotate about the support member independently of the rotatable portion during use.
  • 3. The water carousel system of claim 2, further comprising a conduit coupled to the support member, wherein the conduit is positioned such that water passing through the conduit is directed inward the roof to cause the roof to rotate during use.
  • 4. The water carousel system of claim 1, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds during use, and wherein at least one feature of the sounds is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 5. The water carousel system of claim 4, wherein the feature of the sound comprises volume, rate, or pitch.
  • 6. The water carousel system of claim 1, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds during use, wherein the sound system comprises a mechanical sound device.
  • 7. The water carousel system of claim 1, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds during use, wherein the sound system comprises an electronic sound device.
  • 8. The water carousel system of claim 1, further comprising a light system for producing lights during use, and wherein at least one feature of the lights is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 9. The water carousel system of claim 1, wherein the feature of the lights comprises intensity or patterns.
  • 10. The water carousel system of claim 1, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds and a light system for activating lights during use, and wherein at least one feature of the sound system and at least one feature of the light system is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 11. The water carousel system of claim 1, further comprising:a shaft coupled to the propulsion device; and a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft during use, wherein driving the shaft powers the propulsion device.
  • 12. The water carousel system of claim 11, wherein the participant power mechanism is a pedal system.
  • 13. The water carousel system of claim 11, wherein the participant power mechanism is an arm activated device.
  • 14. The water carousel system of claim 11, further comprising a gear system coupling the participant power mechanism to the shaft.
  • 15. The water carousel system of claim 11, wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate at a speed as a function of the power imparted to the participant power mechanism during use.
  • 16. The water carousel system of claim 11, further comprising additional participant power mechanisms and additional shafts for use by additional participants.
  • 17. The water carousel system of claim 1, further comprising a motor coupled to the propulsion device, wherein the motor is configured to power the propulsion device during use.
  • 18. The water carousel system of claim 1, further comprising a bubble generator for generating bubbles during use, and wherein at least one feature of the bubbles is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 19. The water carousel system of claim 1, further comprising a smoke generator for generating smoke during use, and wherein a feature of the smoke is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 20. The water carousel system of claim 1, further comprising a lighting system configured to display lights during use, a sound system configured to produce sounds during use, and a control system configured to be coupled to the lighting system and the sound system to automatically activate the lighting system and the sound system in response to a speed of rotation of the rotatable portion during use.
  • 21. The water carousel system of claim 1, wherein the propulsion device is a water propulsion device.
  • 22. The water carousel system of claim 1, wherein the propulsion device comprisesa paddle, propeller, or paddle wheel.
  • 23. The water carousel system of claim 1, wherein the propulsion device is a wheel, and wherein a non-rotatable portion of the platform comprises a substantially circular track, the track being configured to guide the wheel during use.
  • 24. A water carousel system, comprising:a support member anchored to the ground; a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, the support platform comprising a non-rotatable portion and a rotatable portion, the rotatable portion being positioned above the non-rotatable portion, wherein the rotatable portion is configured to rotate with respect to the support member during use; a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion during use; a shaft coupled to the propulsion device; and a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft during use, the participant power mechanism being operable by the participant during use; wherein driving of the shaft powers the propulsion device such that the propulsion device applies the propulsive force to the rotatable portion during use, and wherein the rotatable portion is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force.
  • 25. The water carousel system of claim 24, wherein the propulsion device is a wheel, and wherein the non-rotatable portion comprises a substantially circular track, the track being configured to guide the wheel during use.
  • 26. The water carousel system of claim 24, further comprising a gear system coupling the participant power mechanism to the shaft, wherein the gear system is configured to allow the shaft to continue rotating in the absence of power from the participant.
  • 27. The water carousel system of claim 24, wherein the participant power mechanism is coupled to the rotatable portion such that powering the participant power mechanism causes rotation of the rotatable portion during use, and wherein the rotatable portion is configured to rotate at a speed as a function of the power imparted to the participant power mechanism.
  • 28. The water carousel system of claim 24, further comprising a lighting system configured to display lights during use, a sound system configured to produce sounds during use, and a control system configured to be coupled to the lighting system and the sound system to automatically activate the lighting system and the sound system in response to a speed of rotation of the rotatable portion during use.
  • 29. The water carousel system of claim 24, further comprising a roof coupled to the support member in a position above the support platform, wherein the roof is configured to rotate about the support member independently of the rotatable portion during use.
  • 30. The water carousel system of claim 29, further comprising a conduit coupled to the support member, wherein the conduit is positioned such that water passing through the conduit is directed toward the roof to cause the roof to rotate during use.
  • 31. The water carousel system of claim 24, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds during use, and wherein at least one feature of the sounds is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 32. The water carousel system of claim 31, wherein the feature of the sound comprises volume, rate, or pitch.
  • 33. The water carousel system of claim 24, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds during use, wherein the sound system comprises a mechanical sound device.
  • 34. The water carousel system of claim 24, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds during use, wherein the sound system comprises an electronic sound device.
  • 35. The water carousel system of claim 24, further comprising a light system for producing lights during use, and wherein at least one feature of the lights is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 36. The water carousel system of claim 24, wherein the feature of the lights comprises intensity or patterns.
  • 37. The water carousel system of claim 24, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds and a light system for activating lights during use, and wherein at least one feature of the sound system and at least one feature of the light system is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 38. The water carousel system of claim 24, wherein the participant power mechanism is a pedal system.
  • 39. The water carousel system of claim 24, wherein the participant power mechanism is an arm activated device.
  • 40. The water carousel system of claim 24, further comprising a bearing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member during use.
  • 41. The water carousel system of claim 24, further comprising a bushing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member.
  • 42. The water carousel system of claim 24, wherein the propulsion device is a water propulsion device.
  • 43. The water carousel system of claim 24, wherein the propulsion device comprises a paddle, propeller, or paddle wheel.
  • 44. The water carousel system of claim 24, wherein the propulsion device is a wheel, and wherein a non-rotatable portion of the platform comprises a substantially circular track, the track being configured to guide the wheel during use.
  • 45. A water carousel system, comprising:a first support member anchored to ground; a second support member configured to float on water during use; the second support member being further configured to rotate about the first support member during use; a propulsion device coupled to the first support member, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion during use; a shaft coupled to the propulsion device; a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft during use, the participant power mechanism being operable by at least one participant during use; a seating device configured to be located on the rotatable portion to hold the participant during use, and wherein the seating device is positioned proximate the participant power mechanism to facilitate operation of the participant power mechanism by the participant during use; a lighting system configured to display lights during use; a sound system configured to produce sounds during use; and a control system configured to be coupled to the lighting system and the sound system to automatically activate the lighting system and the sound system in response to a speed of rotation of the rotatable portion during use; wherein driving of the shaft powers the propulsion device such that the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion during use, and wherein the rotatable portion is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force.
  • 46. A method for operating a water carousel, comprising:placing a water carousel on top of water, the water carousel comprising: a support member anchored to ground; a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on the water, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member; a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform; a shaft coupled to the propulsion device; and a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft, the participant power mechanism being operable by a participant during use; operating the participant power mechanism to drive the shaft, thereby rotating the propulsion device to rotate the rotatable portion.
  • 47. The method of claim 46, wherein the water carousel further comprises a roof, wherein the support member supports the roof, and further comprising directing water onto the roof to make the roof rotate independently of the rotatable portion.
  • 48. The method of claim 46, wherein the water carousel further comprises a sound system for producing sounds, and further comprising producing sounds as the rotatable portion is rotated, and further comprising varying at least one feature of the sounds as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 49. The method of claim 46, wherein the water carousel further comprises a light system for producing lights, and further comprising producing lights as the rotatable portion is rotated, and further comprising varying at least one feature of the lights as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
  • 50. The method of claim 46, wherein the water carousel further comprises a sound system for producing sounds and a light system for producing lights, and further comprising producing lights and sounds as the rotatable portion is rotated, and further comprising varying at least one feature of the sound system and the light system as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
  • 51. The method of claim 46, wherein the participant power mechanism is a pedal, and wherein operating the participant power mechanism comprises rotating the pedal with a foot of the participant.
  • 52. The method of claim 46, wherein the participant power mechanism is an arm activated device, and wherein operating the participant power mechanism comprises rotating the arm activated device with a hand of the participant.
  • 53. The method of claim 46, wherein operating the participant power mechanism causes the rotatable portion to rotate at a speed as a function of the power imparted to the participant power mechanism.
  • 54. The method of claim 46, wherein the water carousel further comprises a bubble generator for generating bubbles, and further comprising producing bubbles when the rotatable portion is rotated, and further comprising varying at least one feature of the bubbles as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
  • 55. The method of claim 46, wherein the water carousel further comprises a smoke generator for generating smoke, and further comprising producing smoke when the rotatable platform is rotated, and further comprising varying a feature of the smoke as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 56. The method of claim 46, wherein the water carousel further comprises a seating device positioned on the rotatable portion to hold the participant, and further comprising positioning the participant on the seating device.
  • 57. The method of claim 46, wherein the water carousel further comprises additional participant power mechanisms for use by additional participants and a sound system for producing sounds, and further comprising cooperatively operating the participant power mechanisms to produce a sound having features which match a predetermined set of features.
  • 58. A method for constructing a water carousel system, comprising:anchoring a support member substantially perpendicular to ground; coupling a support platform to the support member, the support platform configured for holding a participant, the support platform being further configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use; and positioning a bushing between the rotatable portion and the support member for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member; coupling a propulsion device to the rotatable portion of the support platform such that the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform such that the platform rotates about the support member along the surface of the water.
  • 59. The method of claim 58, further comprising coupling a roof to the support member in a position above the support platform, wherein the roof is configured to rotate about the support member independently of die rotatable portion.
  • 60. The method of claim 58, further comprising coupling a conduit to the support member such that the conduit is positioned to direct water passing through the conduit toward the roof to cause the roof to rotate during use.
  • 61. The method of claim 58, further comprising coupling a sound system for producing sounds to the support platform such that at least one feature of the sounds is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
  • 62. The method of claim 58, further comprising coupling a light system for producing lights to the support platform such that at least one feature of the lights is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
  • 63. The method of claim 58, further comprising:coupling a shaft to the propulsion device; and coupling a participant power mechanism to the shaft, wherein the participant power mechanism is configured to drive the shaft during use, and wherein driving the shaft powers the propulsion device.
  • 64. The method of claim 58, further comprising coupling a motor to the propulsion device, wherein the motor is configured to power the propulsion device.
  • 65. The method of claim 58, further comprising coupling a bubble generator to the support member such that at least one feature of the bubbles is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
  • 66. The method of claim 58, further comprising coupling a smoke generator to the support member such that at least one feature of the smoke is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
  • 67. The method of claim 58, wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform comprises a rotatable portion, further comprising placing the rotatable portion upon a non-rotatable portion of the support platform.
  • 68. A water carousel system, comprising:a support member anchored perpendicular to ground; a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use; a roof coupled to the support member in a position above the support platform, wherein the roof is configured to rotate about the support member independently of the rotatable portion during use; a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform, such that the platform rotates about the support member along the surface of the water during use; wherein powering of the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use, and wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force.
  • 69. The water carousel system of claim 68, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds during use.
  • 70. The water carousel system of claim 68, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds during use, and wherein at least one feature of the sounds is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 71. The water carousel system of claim 68, further comprising a light system for producing lights during use.
  • 72. The water carousel system of claim 68, further comprising a light system for producing lights during use, and wherein at least one feature of the lights is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 73. The water carousel system of claim 68, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds and a light system for activating lights during use, and wherein at least one feature of the sound system and at least one feature of the light system is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 74. The water carousel system of claim 68, further comprising:a shaft coupled to the propulsion device; and a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft during use, wherein driving the shaft powers the propulsion device.
  • 75. The water carousel system of claim 68, further comprising a motor coupled to the propulsion device, wherein the motor is configured to power the propulsion device during use.
  • 76. The water carousel system of claim 68, further comprising a bearing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member during use.
  • 77. The water carousel system of claim 68, further comprising a bushing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member.
  • 78. The water carousel system of claim 68, further comprising a lighting system configured to display lights during use, a sound system configured to produce sounds during use, and a control system configured to be coupled to the lighting system and the sound system to automatically activate the lighting system and the sound system in response to a speed of rotation of the rotatable portion during use.
  • 79. The water carousel system of claim 68, wherein the propulsion device is a water propulsion device.
  • 80. The water carousel system of claim 68, wherein the propulsion device comprises a paddle, propeller, or paddle wheel.
  • 81. The water carousel system of claim 68, wherein the propulsion device is a wheel, and wherein a non-rotatable portion of the platform comprises a substantially circular track, the track being configured to guide the wheel during use.
  • 82. A water carousel system, comprising:a support member anchored to ground; a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use; a bearing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member during use; a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform, such that the platform rotates about the support member along the surface of the water during use; wherein powering of the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use, and wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force.
  • 83. The water carousel system of claim 82, further comprising a roof, wherein the support member is configured to support the roof, and wherein the roof is configured to rotate independently of the rotatable portion during use.
  • 84. The water carousel system of claim 82, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds during use.
  • 85. The water carousel system of claim 82, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds during use, and wherein at least one feature of the sounds is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 86. The water carousel system of claim 82, further comprising a light system for producing lights during use.
  • 87. The water carousel system of claim 82, further comprising a light system for producing lights during use, and wherein at least one feature of the lights is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 88. The water carousel system of claim 82, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds and a light system for activating lights during use, and wherein at least one feature of the sound system and at least one feature of the light system is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 89. The water carousel system of claim 82, further comprising:a shaft coupled to the propulsion device; and a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft during use, wherein driving the shaft powers the propulsion device.
  • 90. The water carousel system of claim 82, further comprising a motor coupled to the propulsion device, wherein the motor is configured to power the propulsion device during use.
  • 91. The water carousel system of claim 82, further comprising a lighting system configured to display lights during use, a sound system configured to produce sounds during use, and a control system configured to be coupled to the lighting system and the sound system to automatically activate the lighting system and the sound system in response to a speed of rotation of the rotatable portion during use.
  • 92. The water carousel system of claim 82, wherein the propulsion device is a water propulsion device.
  • 93. The water carousel system of claim 82, wherein the propulsion device comprises a paddle, propeller, or paddle wheel.
  • 94. The water carousel system of claim 82, wherein the propulsion device is a wheel, and wherein a non-rotatable portion of the platform comprises a substantially circular track, the track being configured to guide the wheel during use.
  • 95. A water carousel system, comprising:a support member anchored to ground; a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use; a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform, such that the platform rotates about the support member along the surface of the water during use, wherein the propulsion device comprises a paddle, propeller, or paddle wheel; wherein powering of the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use, and wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force.
  • 96. The water carousel system of claim 95, further comprising a roof, wherein the support member is configured to support the roof, and wherein the roof is configured to rotate independently of the rotatable portion during use.
  • 97. The water carousel system of claim 95, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds during use.
  • 98. The water carousel system of claim 95, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds during use, and wherein at least one feature of the sounds is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 99. The water carousel system of claim 95, further comprising a light system for producing lights during use.
  • 100. The water carousel system of claim 95, further comprising a light system for producing lights during use, and wherein at least one feature of the lights is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 101. The water carousel system of claim 95, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds and a light system for activating lights during use, and wherein at least one feature of the sound system and at least one feature of the light system is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 102. The water carousel system of claim 95, further comprising:a shaft coupled to the propulsion device; and a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft during use, wherein driving the shaft powers the propulsion device.
  • 103. The water carousel system of claim 95, further comprising a motor coupled to the propulsion device, wherein the motor is configured to power the propulsion device during use.
  • 104. The water carousel system of claim 95, further comprising a bearing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member during use.
  • 105. The water carousel system of claim 95, further comprising a bushing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member.
  • 106. The water carousel system of claim 95, further comprising a lighting system configured to display lights during use, a sound system configured to produce sounds during use, and a control system configured to be coupled to the lighting system and the sound system to automatically activate the lighting system and the sound system in response to a speed of rotation of the rotatable portion during use.
  • 107. A water carousel system, comprising:a support member anchored to ground; a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use; a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform, such that the platform rotates about the support member along the surface of the water during use, wherein the propulsion device is a wheel, and wherein a non-rotatable portion of the platform comprises a substantially circular track, the track being configured to guide the wheel during use; wherein powering of the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use, and wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force.
  • 108. The water carousel system of claim 107, further comprising a roof, wherein the support member is configured to support the roof, and wherein the roof is configured to rotate independently of the rotatable portion during use.
  • 109. The water carousel system of claim 107, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds during use.
  • 110. The water carousel system of claim 107, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds during use, and wherein at least one feature of the sounds is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 111. The water carousel system of claim 107, further comprising a light system for producing lights during use.
  • 112. The water carousel system of claim 107, further comprising a light system for producing lights during use, and wherein at least one feature of the lights is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 113. The water carousel system of claim 107, further comprising a sound system for producing sounds and a light system for activating lights during use, and wherein at least one feature of the sound system and at least one feature of the light system is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
  • 114. The water carousel system of claim 107, further comprising:a shaft coupled to the propulsion device; and a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft during use, wherein driving the shaft powers the propulsion device.
  • 115. The water carousel system of claim 107, further comprising a motor coupled to the propulsion device, wherein the motor is configured to power the propulsion device during use.
  • 116. The water carousel system of claim 107, further comprising a bearing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member during use.
  • 117. The water carousel system of claim 107, further comprising a bushing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member.
  • 118. The water carousel system of claim 107, further comprising a lighting system configured to display lights during use, a sound system configured to produce sounds during use, and a control system configured to be coupled to the lighting system and the sound system to automatically activate the lighting system and the sound system in response to a speed of rotation of the rotatable portion during use.
  • 119. A method for constructing a water carousel system, comprising:anchoring a support member substantially perpendicular to ground; coupling a support platform to the support member, the support platform configured for holding a participant, the support platform being further configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use; coupling a propulsion device to the rotatable portion of the support platform such that the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform such that the platform rotates about the support member along the surface of the water; and coupling a roof to the support member, wherein the roof is configured to rotate independently of the rotatable portion.
  • 120. The method of claim 119, further comprising coupling a conduit to the support member such that the conduit is positioned to direct water toward the roof to cause the roof to rotate.
  • 121. The method of claim 119, further comprising coupling a sound system for producing sounds to the support platform such that at least one feature of the sounds is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
  • 122. The method of claim 119, further comprising coupling a light system for producing lights to the support platform such that at least one feature of the lights is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
  • 123. The method of claim 119, further comprising:coupling a shaft to the propulsion device; and coupling a participant power mechanism to the shaft, wherein the participant power mechanism is configured to drive the shaft during use, and wherein driving the shaft powers the propulsion device.
  • 124. The method of claim 119, further comprising coupling a motor to the propulsion device, wherein the motor is configured to power the propulsion device.
  • 125. The method of claim 119, further comprising coupling a bubble generator to the support member such that at least one feature of the bubbles is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
  • 126. The method of claim 119, further comprising coupling a smoke generator to the support member such that at least one feature of the smoke is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
  • 127. The method of claim 119, further comprising positioning a bearing between the rotatable portion and the support member for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member.
  • 128. The method of claim 119, further comprising positioning a bushing between the rotatable portion and the support member for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member.
  • 129. A method for constructing a water carousel system, comprising:anchoring a support member substantially perpendicular to ground; coupling a support platform to the support member, the support platform configured for holding a participant, the support platform being further configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use; coupling a propulsion device to the rotatable portion of the support platform such that the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform such that the platform rotates about the support member along the surface of the water; and positioning a bearing between the rotatable portion and the support member for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member.
  • 130. The method of claim 129, further comprising coupling a roof to the support member, wherein the roof is configured to rotate independently of the rotatable portion.
  • 131. The method of claim 130, further comprising coupling a conduit to the support member such that the conduit is positioned to direct water toward the roof to cause the roof to rotate.
  • 132. The method of claim 129, further comprising coupling a sound system for producing sounds to the support platform such that at least one feature of the sounds is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
  • 133. The method of claim 129, further comprising coupling a light system for producing lights to the support platform such that at least one feature of the lights is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
  • 134. The method of claim 129, further comprising:coupling a shaft to the propulsion device; and coupling a participant power mechanism to the shaft, wherein the participant power mechanism is configured to drive the shaft during use, and wherein driving the shaft powers the propulsion device.
  • 135. The method of claim 129, further comprising coupling a motor to the propulsion device, wherein the motor is configured to power the propulsion device.
  • 136. The method of claim 129, further comprising coupling a bubble generator to the support member such that at least one feature of the bubbles is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
  • 137. The method of claim 129, further comprising coupling a smoke generator to the support member such that at least one feature of the smoke is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/121,947 filed Jul. 24, 1998.

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