BACKGROUND

[0001] Conventional rides and amusement attractions can use a ride surface to move a rider, alone or with a ride vehicle, through a desired ride path. The ride may use flumes and tubes in which a rider is moved from a higher elevation to a lower elevation along a path dictated by the shape of the ride surface. Coming up with unique and interesting ride experiences is the pinnacle of ride design.

SUMMARY

[0002] Exemplary embodiments described herein include unique ride structures. The ride structures may be used within an amusement attraction. For example, an amusement attraction may include a ride surface for transporting a rider thereon. The ride surface may include one or more flumes, tubes, or other sliding surface. The ride surface may define an inclined curved segment along the ride path from the entrance to the exit of the amusement attraction.

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the ride surface may include an inclined curved segment for deflecting a rider up a first incline of the inclined curved surface followed by a second incline of the inclined curved surface. Exemplary embodiments may permit a double high wall experience in a small footprint.

[0004] Exemplary embodiments may include a ride surface having an inclined curved segment. The inclined curved segment may be configured such that a rider along the inclined curved segment from an inlet segment to an exit segment travel defines a travel path. In an exemplary embodiment, the travel path crosses over itself. In an exemplary embodiment, the travel path crosses over itself more than once. In an exemplary embodiment, the travel path approximates a figure &. DRAWINGS

[0005] FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate an exemplary ride attraction incorporating a contoured section according to embodiments described herein.

[0006] FIGS. 2-4 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a contoured section according to embodiments described herein.

DESCRIPTION

[0007] The following detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

[0008] FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate different views of an amusement ride according to embodiments described herein. FIG. 1 A is a side view of an exemplary amusement ride; FIG. 1B is a top view of an exemplary amusement ride; FIGS. 1C-E are side perspective views of an exemplary amusement ride.

[0009] With reference to FIGS. 1A-1E, an embodiment of an amusement ride 100 in accordance with the present invention includes an entry platform 112 at a high elevation, reachable by mechanisms such as stairs, ramps, lifts, or conveyers, or any combination thereof. The platform 112 may include a recessed entry box into which water is continuously pumped. The entry box is configured so that water overflows downhill to an “inlet slide section” or inlet section 104 which, for much of its length, can function as a flume. A user may slide in the flume or ride in a ride vehicle having a plurality of possible shapes, such a donut-shaped, inflated inner tube, or a double “figure 8” tube having two cavities for two riders and characteristics such as being at least partially buoyant and resilient. It is to be understood however that many alternative ride vehicles are contemplated for use with this invention. Upright sidewalls define the long, narrow, downhill path of the inlet slide section. [0010] The upper portion of the inlet section 104 may be curved generally downward and may include one or more steeply declined sections for acceleration of the rider and/or ride vehicle. The steeply declined section can be substantially linear and/or may be curved. While not a requirement, as illustrated in the embodiment shown in Figs.lA-lE, the inlet slide section 104 may include a steeper decline at the transition and/or entrance to the contoured section 102. As illustrated, the steeper section may be at a middle and/or lower portion of the inlet section 104.

[0011] In the case of an inlet section 104 having an upper portion formed as a flume and carrying a substantial volume of water introduced at the entry box, roller drains can be provided at approximately the center and toward the bottom of the inlet section 104. The inlet section 104 may be generally contoured and/or may include a narrower or wider transition segment into the inclined curved section 30 depending upon the speed and directional control desire. The ride surface may include an essentially flat, horizontal bottom along which the rider or rider vehicle coasts, and curved sidewalls for retaining the rider or vehicle in the flume. Roller drains may be used within the ride surface and may extend transversely across the bottom of the ride surface to define part of the ride surface. The roller drains may be spaced apart slightly so that water in the trough may pass between the rollers. The water can then be removed from the ride surface area before reaching the contoured section 102. As seen from the elevation view of FIG. 1B, the flume can transition into the contoured section 102 having a wider diameter flume into the contoured section 102.

[0012] Although described herein as removing water from the ride surface, exemplary embodiments may include water along an entirety of a ride surface. Exemplary embodiments may also include reduced water along all or part of the ride surface. In this case, water misters may be used to provide a slippery surface for the ride vehicle to travel upon. Exemplary embodiments may include a ride surface that is wet or dry.

[0013] Exemplary embodiments may include coatings or surfaces on the ride surface and/or vehicle that may enhance the ride experience. The coatings and/or surfaces may be configured to reduce or increase friction between the ride surface and the ride vehicle. The reduction or addition of friction between the ride surface and the vehicle may be used to change a speed of the rider, change a direction, change the orientation, impart a new motion to the ride vehicle or combinations thereof.

[0014] By the time the rider reaches the bottom of the inlet section 104, the rider may be traveling at a high rate of speed along the slippery bottom surface of the flume. In an exemplary embodiment, the slippery characteristics of the inlet section may be maintained by misting in the embodiment in which roller drains are incorporated since essentially all or a substantial amount of the water introduced from the entry box may have passed through the roller drains. The inlet section 104 may also include other direction and speed control mechanisms. For example, the inlet section 104 may include variable inducing mechanisms, such as conveyors, nozzles, contours, and/or combinations. The variable inducing mechanisms may be used to increase the rate of speed to a rider and/or ride vehicle entering the contoured section 102 and/or may change or control a direction of the rider and/or ride vehicle entering the contoured section 102.

[0015] At this point, i.e. , the bottom or outlet of the inlet segment (which also is the rider entrance for the next segment), the rider passes to a contoured section 102 of a separate slide portion. The contoured section 102 then transitions into a segment which also can be referred to as the “exit slide” or outlet section 106. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the surface of the outlet section 106 is separate and distinct from the surface of the inlet section 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet section 106, in the embodiment shown, is substantially wider than the inlet section 104, allowing for unpredictable twists and turns of the rider or vehicle after it is propelled out of the inlet section 104 and onto the contoured section 102. It is however, contemplated that an alternative embodiment may have an outlet section 106 that is relatively the same size or smaller than the inlet section 104 to allow the transition of the rider or ride vehicle from this portion of the ride surface. The contoured section 102 preferably enters the exit slide 106 at an angle so that the rider is propelled generally toward the center of the exit slide after having travelled on the contoured section 102. In an exemplary embodiment, in addition to or alternative to the use at the transition into the contoured section 102, one or more variable inducing mechanisms may be used to assist in controlling the speed and direction of the ride and/or ride vehicle during the transition from the contoured section 102 toward the outlet section 106. Such variable inducing mechanisms may be located in either the contoured section 102 or the outlet section 106 or be located in both the contoured section 102 and the outlet section 106. Such mechanisms include but are not limited to increased or decreased frictional surfaces, chutes, mechanical braking, waterjets, rollers, conveyors, nozzles, etc. This mechanism may also be accompanied by auditory or visual signals to capture the riders attention to the transition into the outlet section 106.

[0016] Upon entering the outlet section 106, the rider and vehicle decelerate from a high rate of speed as they transition along additional curved and/or straight paths. Along the outlet section 106, the slippery characteristics of the slide can be maintained by misting. Nozzles can be spaced along the length of the slide, with some nozzles pointed inward and others more outward to lubricate the entire bottom surface of the slide. The outlet section 106 may provide an end to the ride or may transition to other sections of a ride experiences, such as additional chutes, flumes, slides, or ride features.

[0017] Sidewalls 122 may be provided to retain the rider and vehicle on the attraction, including, for example along the inlet section 104, the contoured section 102, and/or the outlet section 106.

[0018] As best seen in FIG. 1B, the amusement attraction may include a contoured section 102 for generating a desired ride path. The contoured section 102 may define two opposing upwardly sections 108, 110. As seen in FIG. 1B, the contoured section 102 may include a central area 120 in which the inlet section 104 and outlet section 106 are directly or indirectly coupled. As seen, the inlet section 104 and exit section 106 may be adjacent or in close proximity to each other. The inlet section 104 and exit section 106 may be on the same side of the contoured section 102. The same side of the contoured section may be determined by drawing a line through approximately the middle of the contoured section or central section and having the entrance and exit sections being on the same side of the line. A retaining wall of the inlet section 20 may extend directly into the retaining wall of the outlet section 40.

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the contoured section 102 may include a central section 120 that may act as a receiving area and/or cross over area between opposing upwardly extending curved sections 108, 110. The central section 120 may be generally planar, concave, convex, planar, curved, or combinations thereof. The central section 120 may also be tilted and/or twisted, contoured, or combinations thereof. The upwardly curved sections may also include other design features and/or contours. For example, the surface may include one or more humps depressions, or obstacles to add variability and unpredictability to enhance the enjoyment of the ride. Other surface features as described herein, such as coatings or surfaces may be used to increase or decrease the friction or other engagement between the ride surface and a vehicle in order to change a speed, direction, orientation, or combinations thereof to the ride vehicle.

[0020] As seen in FIG. 1B, the central section 120 may be a generally diamond configuration (dashed line of FIG. 1B) in which a first set of adjacent sides of the diamond correspond with the inlet section 104 and outlet section 106 and a second set of adjacent sides of the diamond correspond with the first upwardly curved section 108 and second upwardly curved section 110. The central section 120 may approximate other shapes, such as circular, ovoid, quadrilateral, etc.

[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the contoured section 102 may include a first upwardly curved section 108 and a second upwardly curved section 110. As illustrated, a first upwardly curved section 108 may be positioned directly across from the inlet section 104. A rider may therefore traverse, generally linearly, across the central section 120 from the inlet section 104 up the first upwardly curved section 108. Linearly across the central section is intended to indicate a general direction of travel and not restrict the actual location or path defined by the ride surface. Therefore, the linear direction may be a component of the travel path across the central section, with other components of travel being upward or downward, depending on the surface curvature of the central section. The first upwardly curved section 108 may extend from the central section 120 in an upward curved direction 130. As illustrated, the upwardly curved area 130 may extend into a surface direction that is generally linear 132. The generally linear component portion of the upwardly curved surface is illustrated in FIG. ID. As illustrated, the generally linear component direction of travel across the central section 120 is in a direction laterally across the first upwardly curved section 108. The upwardly curved section 108 may have a generally curved component of the curved surface. The generally curved component may create the elevation of the curved surface above the central section 120. As illustrated, the generally curved component direction may be in a direction extending from the central section 120 extending outward toward a terminal end of the curved section 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the direction of the generally linear component is perpendicular to the direction of the generally curved component.

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the contoured section 102 may include a second upwardly curved section 110, in addition to the first upwardly curved section 108. As illustrated, a second upwardly curved section 110 may be positioned directly across from the exit section 106. A rider may therefore traverse, generally linearly, across the central section 120 from the second upwardly curved section 110 across to the exit section 106. As described herein, linearly across the central section is intended to indicate a general direction of travel and not restrict the actual path defined by the ride surface. Therefore, the linear direction may be a component of the travel path across the central section, with other components of travel being upward or downward, depending on the surface curvature of the central section. The second upwardly curved section 110 may extend from the central section 120 in an upward direction. As illustrated, the upwardly curved such may have a surface direction that is generally linear. The generally linear component portion of the upwardly curved surface is illustrated in FIG. ID. As illustrated, the generally linear component direction is in a direction laterally across the second upwardly curved section. The upwardly curved section 110 may have a generally curved component of the curved surface. The generally curved component may create the elevation of the curved surface above the central section 120. The generally curved component of the curved surface, as illustrated, means that as the surface is traversed in the direction of the curved component, the travel path along the surface defines a curve. As illustrated, the generally curved component direction is in a direction extending from the central section 120 extending outward toward a terminal end of the second curved section 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the direction of the generally linear component is perpendicular to the direction of the generally curved component.

[0023] Although the first and second upwardly curved sections 108, 110 are illustrated with a curvature along one direction and a linear surface configuration along a different direction, other combinations of surface contours may be used. For example, the surface may include combinations of curved and linear segments along the previously described curved component direction extending from the central section 120 outward toward a terminal end of the curved section. In this was, for example, a curved section may orient the curved section above the central section, but the curved section may thereafter or have a section that is generally planar in both directions such that the ride surface approximates or is positioned as an inclined plane.

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the first and second upwardly curved sections 108, 110 may include surface contours or surface configurations in which a rider direction may be influenced. For example, the upwardly curved surface may include a twist. Surface contours may also be used to direct or influence a rider path as described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, as described, the first and second upwardly extending curved section 108, 110 are across from the central section 120. As indicated by the dashed lines of FIG. ID, the upwardly extending curved sections 108, 110 are angled relative to each other such that the central section 120 is narrower at one end that an opposite end. The opposite end of the central section 120 is wider on an end toward the inlet section, and the outlet section.

[0025] Exemplary embodiments described herein include a contoured section 30. With reference to FIG. 2,

[0026] Exemplary embodiments described herein may include an inlet section 20, and outlet section 40, and a contoured section 30. The bottom or outlet of the inlet segment 20 (which also is the rider entrance for the next segment), the rider passes to an upwardly curved section 30 of a separate slide portion. The upwardly curved section 30 then transitions into a segment which also can be referred to as the “exit slide” 40. As shown in the drawings, the surface of the exit slide is separate and distinct from the surface of the inlet segment. In the illustrated embodiment, the exit slide 40, in the embodiment shown, is substantially wider than the inlet segment 20, allowing for unpredictable twists and turns of the rider or vehicle after it is propelled out of the inlet segment 20 and onto the upwardly curved section 30. It is however, contemplated that an alternative embodiment may have an exit slide 40 that is relatively the same size or smaller than the inlet segment 20 to allow the transition of the rider or ride vehicle from this portion of the ride surface. The upwardly curved section 30 preferably enters the exit slide 40 at an angle so that the rider is propelled generally toward the center of the exit slide after having travelled on the upwardly curved section 30. To the extent desirable one or more mechanisms may be used to assist in controlling the speed and direction of the ride or ride vehicle during the transition from the upwardly curved section 30 toward the exit slide 40. Such mechanisms may be located in either the upwardly curved section 30 or the exit slide 40 or be located in both the upwardly curved section 30 and the exist slide 40. Such mechanisms include but are not limited to increased or decreased frictional surfaces, chutes, mechanical braking, waterjets, etc. This mechanism may also be accompanied by auditory or visual signals to capture the riders attention to the transition into the exit slide 40.

[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the contoured section 30 may include a central section 60 that may act as a receiving area and/or cross over area between opposing upwardly extending curved sections. The central section 60 may be generally planar, concave, convex, planar and/or curved. The central section 60 may also be tilted and/or twisted, contoured, or combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the central section is generally planar. The central section may be inclined, such that a height of the central section toward the inlet section 20 and/or outlet section 40 is lower than a height of the central section toward either or both of the upwardly extending curved sections. The central section may be considered generally flat even though it contains variation and/or curvature. For example, the central section may be concave to create a smooth transition from any combination of the inlet section, outlet section, first upwardly extending curved section, and/or second upwardly extending curved section. However, the generally curvature may be shallow to create a generally flat configuration which may mean that the rider substantially feels the transverse movement across the surface as opposed to movement perpendicular (up and/or down) to the transverse direction.

[0028] As seen in FIG. 2, the central section may be a generally diamond configuration (dashed line of FIG. 2) in which a first set of adjacent sides of the diamond correspond with the inlet section and outlet section and a second set of adjacent sides of the diamond correspond with the first and second upwardly curved sections. The central section 60 may approximate other shapes, such as circular, triangular, rectangular, square, ovoid, quadrilateral, etc.

[0029] Two upwardly extending curved sections may create extensions off of the sides of the central section and extend upwardly above the height of the central section. The upwardly extending curved sections may curve upward around a first axis of curvature Al . In order to achieve a directed ride path, such as the cross over illustrated in FIG. 2, the upwardly extending curved section may also include a rotation about a second axis A2. The rotation about the second axis of rotation may be to redirect the rider back toward the central section so that the rider crosses over a prior path traversed on the ride surface. Other surface curvatures, contours, rotations, and configurations may be used to influence the rider path, such as elevated or indented sections of the ride surface 35. As illustrated, portions of the ride surface are locally elevated to define elevations 35 in order to curve or direct a rider’s ride path during movement along the ride surface.

[0030] As illustrated, the two upwardly extending curved sections are separated across from each other by the central section. The upwardly extending curved sections may be angled relative to each other such that the separation, DI, between the sections at one end is closer (less than) than the separation. D2, at an opposite end. The angle, 0, may be greater than zero, may be acute, obtuse, or orthogonal.

[0031] Sidewalls 50 may be provided to retain the rider and vehicle on the attraction, including, for example along the inlet segment 20, the inclined curved segment 30, and/or the exit slide 40.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contoured section 100 according to embodiments described herein. The amusement attraction may include a contoured section 100 for generating a cross over ride path. The contoured section 100 may define an inclined surface section as described herein. The contoured section 100 may include a central area 60 in which the inlet section 20 and exit section 40 are directly or indirectly coupled. As seen, the inlet section 20 and exit section 40 may be adjacent or in close proximity to each other. The inlet section 20 and exit section 40 may be on the same side of the contoured section 100. The same side of the contoured section may be determined by drawing a line through approximately the middle of the contoured section or central section and having the entrance and exit sections being on the same side of the line. A retaining wall of the inlet section 20 may extend directly into the retaining wall of the outlet section 40.

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the contoured section 100 may include a central section 60 that may act as a receiving area and/or cross over area between opposing upwardly extending curved sections. The central section 60 may be generally planar, concave, convex, planar and/or curved. The central section 60 may also be tilted and/or twisted, contoured, or combinations thereof.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the contoured section 100 may include a first upwardly curved section 70 and a second upwardly curved section 80. As illustrated, a first upwardly curved section 70 may be positioned directly across from the inlet section 20. A rider may therefore traverse, generally linearly, across the central section 60 from the inlet section 20 up the first upwardly curved section 70. Linearly across the central section is intended to indicate a general direction of travel and not restrict the actual location or path defined by the ride surface. Therefore, the linear direction may be a component of the travel path across the central section, with other components of travel being upward or downward, depending on the surface curvature of the central section. The first upwardly curved section 70 may extend from the central section 30 in an upward direction.

[0035] As illustrated, the upwardly curved such may have a surface direction that is generally linear. The generally linear component portion of the upwardly curved surface is illustrated in FIG. 3 with the dashed line. The generally linear component of the curved surface, as illustrated, means that as the surface is traversed in the direction of the linear component, the travel path along the surface defines a line. As illustrated, the generally linear component direction is in a direction laterally across the first upwardly curved section. The upwardly curved section 70 may have a generally curved component of the curved surface. The generally curved component may create the elevation of the curved surface above the central section 60. The generally curved component of the curved surface, as illustrated, means that as the surface is traversed in the direction of the curved component, the travel path along the surface defines a curve. As illustrated, the generally curved component direction is in a direction extending from the central section 60 extending outward toward a terminal end of the curved section 70. In an exemplary embodiment, the direction of the generally linear component is perpendicular to the direction of the generally curved component.

[0036] Exemplary embodiments of the contoured section 100 may include a second upwardly curved section 80, in addition to the first upwardly curved section 70. As illustrated, a second upwardly curved section 80 may be positioned directly across from the exit section 40. A rider may therefore traverse, generally linearly, across the central 60 from the second upwardly curved section 80 across to the exit section 40. As described herein, linearly across the central section is intended to indicate a general direction of travel and not restrict the actual path defined by the ride surface. Therefore, the linear direction may be a component of the travel path across the central section, with other components of travel being upward or downward, depending on the surface curvature of the central section. The second upwardly curved section 80 may extend from the central section 60 in an upward direction.

[0037] As illustrated, the upwardly curved such may have a surface direction that is generally linear. The generally linear component portion of the upwardly curved surface is illustrated in FIG. 3 with the dashed line. The generally linear component of the curved surface, as illustrated, means that as the surface is traversed in the direction of the linear component, the travel path along the surface defines a line. As illustrated, the generally linear component direction is in a direction laterally across the second upwardly curved section. The upwardly curved section 80 may have a generally curved component of the curved surface. The generally curved component may create the elevation of the curved surface above the central section 60. The generally curved component of the curved surface, as illustrated, means that as the surface is traversed in the direction of the curved component, the travel path along the surface defines a curve. As illustrated, the generally curved component direction is in a direction extending from the central section 60 extending outward toward a terminal end of the second curved section 80. In an exemplary embodiment, the direction of the generally linear component is perpendicular to the direction of the generally curved component.

[0038] Although the first and second upwardly curved sections 70, 80 are illustrated with a curvature along one direction and a linear surface configuration along a different direction, other combinations of surface contours may be used. For example, the surface may include combinations of curved and linear segments along the previously described curved component direction extending from the central section 60 outward toward a terminal end of the curved section. In this was, for example, a curved section may orient the curved section above the central section, but the curved section may thereafter or have a section that is generally planar in both directions such that the ride surface approximates or is positioned as an inclined plane. [0039] Exemplary embodiments of the Erst and second upwardly curved sections 70, 80 may include surface contours 35 or surface configurations in which a rider direction may be influenced. For example, the upwardly curved surface may include a twist.

[0040] As illustrated on the second upward section 80, the upward section may have a linear component in first direction as indicated by a first dashed linear line, and may have a curved component in a second direction as indicated by a second dashed curved line perpendicular to the first dashed linear line. The linear component of the ride surface may be twisted as the curved surface is traversed along the second direction. The curvature is indicated by the dash-dot-dash curved line. The twist may be to position one side of the upwardly curved section at a higher or lower elevation than the opposite side laterally across from the one side such that a travel path is influenced by gravity to move toward the side of the upwardly curved section of lower elevation. The twists, curvatures, and contours of the surface may therefore be used to influence a rider path to create one or more cross overs as the rider traverses the central area, the first upwardly curved section, and/or the second upwardly curved section. A twist is illustrated as an exemplary option for altering an elevation of the upwardly curved section(s) 70, 80. The surface may be curved itself such that the linear component instead curved. The curvature of the upwardly curved section in the second direction may therefore have a first concavity, such as concave in an upward direction. The curvature of the upwardly curved section in the first direction may have a second concavity, such as convex in an upward direction. The concavity in the first direct and second direction may be the same or different. The upwardly curved sections may also include other design features and/or contours. For example, the surface may include one or more humps depressions, or obstacles to add variability and unpredictability to enhance the enjoyment of the ride. Other surfaces features as described herein, such as coatings or surfaces may be used to increase or decrease the friction or other engagement between the ride surface and a vehicle in order to change a speed, direction, orientation, or combinations thereof to the ride vehicle.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 2, exemplary embodiments of the contoured section may be configured to create a cross over within the rider’s path. As illustrated, the rider path defined as a rider travels along the attraction may have a first cross over. The rider path defined as a rider travels along the attraction may have a second cross over. The rider path may define a cross over in the ride path when a rider crosses the same surface or location of the surface of the ride path at two different times during the ride experience. The rider path having two cross overs in the ride path may be when a rider crosses two different locations of the ride surface more than once during the same ride experience. The first and second cross overs may be at the same location or at different locations of the ride surface. As illustrated, the one or two locations of the cross over may occur within the contoured section.

[0042] The ride dynamics of deflecting a ride vehicle and/or rider from one high wall ride towards another wall ride provides a unique double high wall experience in a small footprint. Exemplary embodiments may therefore include a first high wall climb after a drop followed by another wall climb immediately thereafter. Exemplary embodiment may permit a rider to traverse the two wall climbs directly and sequentially with no interconnecting slide between the two wall elements. After the second wall climb, the vehicle and/or the rider is directed down an exit into a finishing element.

[0043] Exemplary embodiments may include a ride surface having an inclined curved segment. The inclined curved segment may be configured such that a rider along the inclined curved segment from an inlet segment to an exit segment travels defines a travel path. In an exemplary embodiment, the travel path crosses over itself. In an exemplary embodiment, the travel path crosses over itself more than once. In an exemplary embodiment, the travel path approximates a figure 4.

[0044] Exemplary embodiments may configured one or both of the first and second upwardly curved section at an angle of between 20 to 90 degrees. In an exemplary embodiment, the upwardly curved section may be inclined at a variable incline angle, such that the incline increase (either continuously or step wise) as the upwardly curved section is traversed from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. Exemplary embodiments may include an inclined section of approximately 35 to 50 degrees above the horizontal.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first and second upwardly curved sections 70, 80 may be directly coupled together with a connecting section 90 such that a rider may traverse from the first upwardly curved section 70 directly onto the second upwardly curved section 80 without traveling downward or through the central section 60. As illustrated, the first upwardly curved section 70, connecting section 90, and second upwardly curved section 80 may define a loop for a rider to travel thereon. The connecting section 90 may define a part of the ride path in which the rider and/or ride vehicle are inverted and/or substantially banked.

[0046] Exemplary embodiments described herein include wall configurations that have a shorter period between experiencing successive wall traversals. Therefore a rider experiences a faster wall traversal from one wall to an adjacent wall. The direct connection of the first and second upwardly extending sections provides an integrated ride experience that provides a unique shape, experience, and/or aesthetically pleasing attraction.

[0047] The unique angles of the high wall features described herein may direct the vehicle in a figure four ride path. Exemplary embodiments of the double overlapping ride path is unique.

[0048] The double upwardly extending surfaces creates a unique ride aesthetic that may be perceived as more complete, more cohesive, more symmetric, and/or more pleasing.

[0049] While an embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the invention has been described with reference to a flume inlet section 20 for introducing the rider into the inclined curved segment 30. This also could be achieved by a misted inlet slide, in which case the drains could be deleted. In another embodiment, the rider could be propelled onto the inclined curved segment 30 in a different manner. For example, a mechanical acceleration component could be provided to introduce the rider onto the inclined curved segment at approximately the same location and speed. The mechanical acceleration apparatus could include one or more conveyors or spring-loaded or elastic-cord members to propel one or more riders onto the inclined curved segment 30 for travel upward along the curved section 30, then downward and to an exit section 40. Similarly, the exit slide could be provided additional hills, inclined, declines, curves, or combinations thereof.

[0050] Although not shown, exemplary embodiment may include dry and/or wet slides. Exemplary embodiments may include a water slide in which the amusement attraction is configured so that a user coasts along a slippery surface from a higher elevation to a lower elevation, either in a straight line path or a path that includes curves. A water slide may take the form of a flume in which a large volume of water is introduced at the entry for lubricating the surface of the slide and for assisting in moving the user along the flume, and/or one or more sections that are misted with water to maintain the slippery characteristic of the slide surface. Sometimes the user will sit or lie on a mat or ride in a vehicle designed to coast along a ride path. Water slides typically terminate at an exit pool.

[0051] Exemplary embodiments of a ride attraction described herein includes an inlet section, a contoured section, and an outlet section. The inlet section and outlet sections may be on the same side of the contoured section. The contoured section comprises a central section, a first upwardly curved section, and a second upwardly curved section. The inlet section and outlet sections may be directly coupled and communicate with the central section. The inlet section and the outlet section may be on a first side of the central section, and the first and second upwardly curved sections may be a second side of the central section. The first and/or second upwardly curved section may be elevated above the central section. The contoured section may be configured to create a ride path with at least two cross overs. The ride path may approximate a figure &.

[0052] The contoured section defines a compound arcuate shape. The compound arcuate shape may generally be two cross overs or loops. A ride path created by the contoured section crosses over a ride path from the inlet section onto the contoured section.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first and the second upwardly extending curved sections may include a generally planar section angled upward and extending from the upwardly extending curved section. Each of the first and the second upwardly extending curved sections may be a concave surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the generally planar section comprises deviations to control a ride path of the generally planar section.

[0054] Exemplary embodiments may include one or more variable inducing mechanisms for increasing the speed of a rider entering the contoured section from the inlet section.

[0055] Although embodiments of this invention have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of embodiments of this invention as defined by the appended claims. Specifically, exemplary components are described herein. Any combination of these components may be used in any combination. For example, any component, feature, step or part may be integrated, separated, sub-divided, removed, duplicated, added, or used in any combination and remain within the scope of the present disclosure. Embodiments are exemplary only, and provide an illustrative combination of features, but are not limited thereto.

[0056] As used herein, the terms "about," "substantially," or "approximately" for any numerical values, ranges, shapes, distances, relative relationships, etc. indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein. Numerical ranges may also be provided herein. Unless otherwise indicated, each range is intended to include the endpoints, and any quantity within the provided range. Therefore, a range of 2-4, includes 2, 3, 4, and any subdivision between 2 and 4, such as 2.1, 2.01, and 2.001. The range also encompasses any combination of ranges, such that 2-4 includes 2-3 and 3-4.

[0057] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0058] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.