APPARATUS FOR USE IN A WATER RIDE

The present invention relates to apparatus for use in a water ride.

Conventional water rides that allow users to "surf" on the ride typically consist of a water pump and a straight U- shaped water channel. The U-shaped channel typically comprises a lateral hump at some point therein. Water is pumped along the U-shaped channel towards the hump. As the water passes over the hump a standing wave is created which users can surf upon.

The lateral hump is typically made from glass reinforced plastic or foam-covered concrete.

Whilst such water rides can easily create a standing wave suitable for surfing, they are limited in that the height and shape of the standing wave created is static. The height of the standing wave created is limited by the difficulty in passing water over the hump on start up of the ride. A high pressure pump/water head is required to get the water over the hump on start up. If the hump is too high the water will not have sufficient momentum to pass over the hump .

Furthermore, as the hump is made from a solid material, injuries to users are common.

As a result, conventional water rides such as those described above provide users with a limited and predictable surfing experience .

It is an object of the present invention to provide a water ride apparatus which obviates or mitigates one or more of the disadvantages referred to above.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use in a water ride, the water ride having a floor, and the apparatus comprising: a riding surface; and means for increasing the height of at least part of the riding surface relative to the floor of the water ride .

Preferably, the riding surface is adapted to produce a standing wave upon flow of water thereover.

Preferably, the riding surface includes at least one ramped surface .

Preferably, the riding surface includes two opposite faced ramped surfaces.

Preferably, the riding surface is elongate.

Preferably, the riding surface is substantially perpendicular to the direction of a flow of water in the water ride .

Preferably, the riding surface includes one or more padded portions.

Preferably, the riding surface is rigid.

Preferably, the riding surface is manufactured from glass reinforced plastic.

Preferably, the riding surface is mounted on a platform.

Preferably, the riding surface and the platform are formed as a one-piece unitary member.

Preferably, the riding surface and the platform are formed from glass reinforced plastic.

Preferably, the means for increasing the height of at least part of the riding surface increases the height of at least part of the platform relative to the floor of the water ride .

Preferably, the means for increasing the height of at least part of the platform may be selected from the group comprising pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, electric motors and mechanical actuation.

Preferably, the means for increasing the height of at least part of the riding surface may be selected from the group comprising pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, electric motors and mechanical actuation.

Preferably, the riding surface is resilient.

Preferably, the riding surface is deformable.

Preferably, the riding surface is inflatable.

Preferably, the riding surface includes an inflatable bladder.

Preferably, the riding surface is mounted ^" on a platform.

Preferably, the means for increasing the height of at least part of the riding surface includes inflation means. Preferably, the inflation means is adapted to inflate the inflatable bladder.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water ride comprising: the apparatus according to the first aspect; and means for propelling water towards the apparatus.

Preferably, the water ride includes a flow tank, wherein the apparatus according to the first aspect is located therein.

Preferably, the flow tank is adaptable to continuously propel water towards the water ride apparatus .

Preferably, the flow tank further comprises one or more vanes to direct the flow of water around the flow tank.

Preferably, the water ride includes a channel portion, wherein the apparatus according to the first aspect is located therein.

Preferably, the means for propelling water towards the water ride apparatus is a pump. Alternatively, the means for

propelling water towards the water ride apparatus is an impeller.

Preferably, the means for propelling water towards the water ride apparatus is the propulsion means of a water vehicle .

Preferably, the water vehicle is a motor boat. Alternatively, the water vehicle is a jet ski.

Preferably, the propulsion means is an outboard motor.

Preferably, the water ride comprises a plurality of apparatuses according to the first aspect .

Preferably, the apparatuses are spaced apart in the direction of travel of the water.

Preferably, the riding surfaces of the apparatuses are substantially perpendicular to the direction of the flow of water.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a water ride, wherein a water flow in the water ride is generated by the propulsion means of a water vehicle .

Preferably, the water vehicle is a motor boat. Alternatively, the water vehicle is a jet ski.

Preferably, the propulsion means is an outboard motor.

Preferably, the water ride includes a riding surface where the water is propelled over the riding surface.

Alternatively, the water ride includes a channel portion wherein the channel portion is filled with water and the propulsion means moves the water along the channel portion.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

Fig. 1 is a side view of a typical prior art water slide;

Fig. 2 is a side view of an apparatus for use in a water ride according a first aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is an end view of the apparatus of Fig. 2 ;

Fig. 4 is a side view of a water ride according a second aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the water ride of Fig. 4; and

Fig. 6 to 11 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the water ride of Fig. 4.

Referring to Fig.l, a conventional water ride 1 typically consists of a water pump (not shown) and straight U-shaped channel 2. The U-shaped channel 2 typically comprises a lateral hump 3 located at some point therein. As water is pumped along the U-shaped channel 2, water passes over the hump 3 and creates a standing wave 4. The standing

wave 4 allows a user to surf on a riding surface 5 of the hump 3.

The hump 3 is typically made from glass reinforced plastic or foam covered concrete. The height and shape of the standing wave 4 is static, i.e. of fixed height and shape .

The height of the standing wave 4 created is limited by the difficulty in passing water over the hump 3 when the water ride 1 starts up. A large amount of forced is required to be imparted to the water in order for it to have enough momentum to flow over the hump 3. If the hump 3 is too high, or the force is too low, the water will not pass over the hump 3.

With reference to Fig. 2, an apparatus 10 for use in a water ride 16 according to a first aspect of the present invention has a riding surface 12, which may be increased in height relative to the floor 14 of a water ride 16.

The riding surface 12 is adapted to produce a standing wave upon flow of water 20 thereover. The riding surface 12 has two opposite faced ramped surfaces 12a, 12b. Water flows up ramped surface 12a or 12b (depending on the direction of flow of water) to form the standing wave for the user to surf upon. Furthermore, the riding surface 12 has a curved upper portion 11 which provides a smooth continuous surface between ramped surfaces 12a and 12b. The term "standing wave" means the waveform that results when water flows over the riding surface as described above. The riding surface 12 is elongate (see Fig. 3), i.e. the riding surface 12 has an elongate axis (not shown) which is substantially

perpendicular to the direction of flow of water 20. The effect of this is to produce a realistic ^λ surf wave' that extends in a lateral direction relative to the direction of flow of water 20.

Fig. 2 illustrates the riding surface 12 positioned at three different heights. The first height A indicates the position of the riding surface 12 upon start up of the water ride 16. In this position the riding surface 12 -> is substantially flat with respect to the channel 18 of the water ride 16. The second and third heights B, C indicate positions where the riding surface 12 has been increased in height after start up of the water ride 16. Position C is representative of a maximum height of the riding surface 12. Typically, position C is approximately 600mm above the floor 14 of the water ride 16. However, it should be appreciated that the apparatus 10 may be adapted to increase the height of the riding surface 12 to any suitable height.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2 the riding surface 12 is an inflatable riding surface 12 and is inflated from the first position A to positions B or C. It should be appreciated that the riding surface may be inflated to any desired height from position A to position C.

In this embodiment the inflatable riding surface 12 includes an inflatable bladder (not shown) and is inflated by an inflation means (not shown) . The inflation means is an example of means for increasing the height of at least part of the riding surface 12 relative to the floor 14 of the water ride 16.

In Fig. 3 only a part of the riding surface has been raised relative to the floor 14 of the water ride 16. In this case the left hand end of the riding surface 12 has been inflated. Again position A indicates the position on start up of the water ride 16 and positions B and C indicate positions where the riding surface 12 has been increased in height after start up of the water ride 16. Increasing the height of only a part of the riding surface 12 allows various types of standing waves to be created. This enhances the surfing experience for the user. Of course it should be appreciated that either end of the riding surface 12 may be increased in height .

Fig. 4 illustrates a water ride 16 according to the second aspect of the present invention. In Fig. 4 the apparatus 10 according to the first aspect is mounted on a platform 22 in a flow tank 24. The flow tank 24 includes an impeller 26 which propels water underneath the platform 22. The direction of the water 20 is changed by vanes 28, such that it is propelled towards the ramped surface 12a of the riding surface 12. As described above, the water 20 passes over the riding surface 12 to create a standing wave.

As described above, the riding surface 12 may be adjusted to increase the height of at least part of the riding surface 12 relative to the floor 14 of the water ride 16. In operation, the riding surface 12 is configured to be in position A upon start up (as described above) . Once the impeller 26 starts to generate a continuous flow of water 20 around the flow tank 24, the height of the riding surface 12 may be increased to the desired height.

Fig. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the water ride 16 of Fig. 4. In this embodiment the water ride 16 comprises a plurality of apparatuses 10, each spaced apart in the direction of travel of the water 20. As illustrated, each apparatus 10 is substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the water 20. Such an arrangement provides for a greater number of combination of wave types, which increases the experience for the user.

The apparatus 10 therefore obviates or mitigates the disadvantageous of previous proposals by firstly, reducing the power required on start up of the water ride 16, and secondly allowing higher standing waves to be created. Since the riding surface may be reduced, e.g. to below the initial water level in the water ride 16 on start up, the power needed to get the water 20 over the riding surface 12 is greatly reduced. Also, once the momentum of the water 20 is built up, i.e. the water is flowing at full speed, it is possible to increase the height of the riding surface 12, thus achieving a standing waves of much greater height than conventional systems.

Furthermore, in the case of an inflatable riding surface, a resilient riding surface or a deformable riding surface, injury is less likely to a user.

Although the riding surface 12 has been described above as being inflatable, it should be appreciated that the riding surface 12 may be rigid, e.g. manufactured from a glass reinforced plastic. The height of at least a part of the rigid riding surface may be increased relative to the floor of the water ride .

The means for increasing the height of at least part of the riding surface in this case may be selected from the group comprising pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, electric motors and mechanical actuation.

Furthermore, the rigid riding surface 12 may be mounted on a platform, the height of a part of which may be increased relative to the floor of a water ride. In this case the riding surface and the platform may be formed as a one-piece unitary member e.g. formed from glass reinforced plastic. Here the means for increasing the height of at least part of the riding surface increases the height of at least part of the platform relative to the floor of the water ride.

The means for increasing the height of at least part of the platform in this case may be selected from the group comprising pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, electric motors and mechanical actuation.

Also, the riding surface 12 may be resilient. Alternatively, the riding surface 12 may be deformable. If the riding surface 12 is resilient or deformable, injuries to users are less likely.

Furthermore, although the riding surface 12 has been described above as comprising two opposite facing ramped surfaces 12a, 12b, it should be appreciated that the riding surface 12 could be of any suitable configuration which provides a standing wave (as defined above) when water is passed over it.

Also, although an inflatable riding surface 12 has been illustrated in Fig. 4, it should be appreciated that a rigid

riding surface could be used. The rigid riding surface could be mounted within an orifice of the platform 22 and raised/lowered as desired, or the rigid riding surface could be mounted to the platform 22 and the platform 22 raised/lowered as desired. The same applies to the resilient and/or deformable riding surfaces.

Furthermore, although Fig. 5 illustrates the apparatus 10 located in a flow tank 24, it should be appreciated that the apparatus 10 may be located in a channel portion of a water ride 16.

Also, the riding surface 12 may include one or more padded portions to prevent injuries occurring to users if they fall when surfing.

Furthermore, although an impeller and a pump have been described above as examples of means for propelling water towards the apparatus, it should be appreciated that any suitable means may be used for this purpose, e.g. using water flow from a reservoir or the like.

Also, although an impeller 26 has been illustrated in the flow tank 24, it should be appreciated that an alternative means for propelling the water may be used. An alternative means for propelling the water is an outboard motor (from a boat, or the like), as illustrated in Fig. 6.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6, an outboard motor 30 may be suspended in the flow tank 24 in order to generate a flow of water over the apparatus 10. Alternatively, the outboard motor 30 may be detachably mounted to the flow tank 24. When the outboard motor 30 is

mounted to the flow tank 24, a wall of the flow tank 24 may- have a portion adapted to engage with and receive the outboard motor 30. This allows the outboard motor 30 to be securely mounted to the flow tank 24. The portion of the flow tank 24 adapted to engage and receive the outboard motor 30 may also be adjustable in order to accommodate different sizes of outboard motors 30.

As illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, the outboard motor 30 may include a flow smoothing device to remove the turbulence created by the outboard motor 30. The flow smoothing device illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 is a nozzle 32. The nozzle 32 has an inlet 32a and an outlet 32b. With reference to Fig. 6, the nozzle 32 is tapered in the vertical direction from the inlet 32a to the outlet 32b, such that the height of the inlet 32a is greater than the height of the outlet 32b. This increases the velocity of the water towards the apparatus 10. With reference to Fig. 7, the nozzle 32 is also tapered in the horizontal direction from the inlet 32a to the outlet 32b, such that the width of the outlet 32b is greater than the width of the inlet 32a. This allows a wide flow of water to be generated. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the outlet 32b is substantially the same width as the flow tank 24. This results in a flow of water which is substantially as wide as the flow tank 24 and parallel to the apparatus 10.

Additionally, where the nozzle 32 is attached to the outboard motor 30, the outboard motor 30 (and nozzle 32) may be tiltable with respect to the flow tank 24. The outboard motor 30 (and nozzle 32) may tilt at any suitable angle relative to the flow tank 24 (i.e. by mounting the outboard motor 30 to a universal ball joint, or the like) . This allows the flow of water over the apparatus 10 to be

-Uncontrolled and therefore allows the type of standing wave created to be varied depending on the requirements of the users. Alternatively, where the nozzle 32 is not attached to the outboard motor 30, the nozzle 32 itself is tiltable with respect to the tank 24.

With reference to Figs. 8 and 9, instead of a nozzle 32 to smooth the flow of the water, a plurality of vanes 34 may be used to direct and distribute the flow of water from the outboard motor 30. The vanes 34 may form part of the flow tank 24, with the outboard motor 30 mounted between the vanes 34 and an end wall of the flow tank 24. The vanes 34 are positioned to create a flow of water which is again substantially parallel to the apparatus 10. The vanes 34 may be adjustable to control the flow of water over the apparatus 10 again to vary the type of standing wave created over the apparatus 10. In embodiment illustrated here, the vanes 34 are formed with the platform 22 of the flow tank 24. The platform 22 is angled downwards to create a converging section between the platform 22 and an upper portion 36 of the flow tank 24. Again, this increases the velocity of the water from the outboard motor 30 towards the apparatus 10.

With reference to Fig. 10, it should be appreciated that the outboard motor 30 may be located at the opposite end of the flow tank 24 from the flow smoothing device. As illustrated in Fig. 10, the outboard motor 30 is located at an opposite end of the flow tank 24 from a flow smoothing device, which in this embodiment is a nozzle plate 38. The nozzle plate 38 is formed with the flow tank 24 and has a convergent vertical cross section to increase the velocity of the water towards the apparatus 10. In this embodiment, the flow tank 24 includes one or more vanes 40 which are

configured to change the direction of the water in a similar manner to the Fig. 4 embodiment described above. The outboard motor 30 in this embodiment is positioned to propel the water beneath the platform 22 along the length of the flow tank 24. Locating the outboard motor 30 at the opposite end from the flow smoothing device provides a greater distance in which to influence the flow of water between the outboard motor 30 and the apparatus 10.

Although only one outboard motor 30 has been described above and illustrated in Figs. 6 to 10, it should be appreciated that a plurality of outboard motors 30 may be used to generate the flow of water.

Fig. 11 illustrates a further alternative for generating a flow of water. Fig. 11 illustrates the use of a jet ski 40 to generate a flow of water towards the apparatus 10. Although Fig. 11 illustrates a plurality of jet skis 40, it should be appreciated that one jet ski 40 could be used to generate the flow of water. Similarly, although a jet ski 40 has been shown to generate the flow of water, it should be appreciated that any other suitable type of self-propelled water vehicle may be used to generate the flow of water (e.g. a speed boat, or the like) . The jet skis 40 of Fig. 11 are tethered to the flow tank 24. The embodiment of Fig. 11 may also include one or more flow smoothing devices, as described above. Also, the jet skis 40 may be located at an opposite end of the flow tank 24 to propel the water along the flow tank 24 beneath a platform (not shown) . The flow tank 24 may include a decking area 42 for spectators. The decking area

42 has cut-out portions 44 for receiving the jet skis 40 therein.

Although outboard motors 30 and jet skis 40 have been described and illustrated above as being used to generate a flow of water for the apparatus 10, it should be appreciated that an outboard motor 30 or a self propelled water vehicle (e.g. jet ski 40) may be used to generate a flow of water for a static (non-adjustable) riding surface, i.e. a static hump. That is, the apparatus 10 may be replaced with a static hump, or any other shaped surface and an outboard motor 30 or jet ski 40 could propel the water thereover. Furthermore, the apparatus 10 may be removed completely and an outboard motor 30 or jet ski 40 may be used to generate a flow of water along a substantially flat surface, i.e. to create a water flow which may, for example, be used for water-skiing, or the like.

Therefore, an outboard motor 30 or a self-propelled water vehicle (e.g. jet ski 40) may be used to generate a flow of water within a water ride. That is, there may be provided a water ride including an outboard motor 30 or a self-propelled water vehicle (e.g. jet ski 40) as the means for generating a flow of water within the water ride. The outboard motor 30 or self-propelled water vehicle (e.g. jet ski 40) may also be used with one or more flow smoothing devices, as described above. Similarly, a plurality of outboard motors 30 or self-propelled water vehicles may be used to generate a flow of water in a water ride.

The water ride may be in the form of the flow tank arrangement described above, i.e. with a platform and water flowing in a loop around the ride, or the water ride may take any other form where a flow of water is required to be generated. Such water rides may include water rivers, flume rides etc. The water ride may include a channel portion

wherein the channel portion is filled with water and the propulsion means moves the water along the channel portion, e.g. a lazy river.

The use of one or more outboard motors 30 or self- propelled water vehicles (e.g. jet skis 40) provides an inexpensive method of creating a flow of water in a water ride, as this avoids, inter alia, the use of bespoke propulsion systems.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departure from the scope of the present invention.