This International Application claims priority from a complete patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 201821039423, filed on October 17, 2018 and titled“A STRUCTURE ADAPTED TO CARRY ONE OR MORE PERSONS”.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to amusement rides, and more particularly to, a structure adapted to carry one or more persons.

Conventionally, water slides have become one of the indispensable fun tools, especially in seaside resorts and amusement/recreational parks. Usually, the water slides are placed in such a way which carry water from a higher altitude leading to a lower altitude.

Larger slides have also been built, and in some of the new water attractions, a large hill has been built having a slide circling the hill into a pool of water. Larger slides typically have a source of running water running on the slide so that the slider slips with the water and may include pads for the user to sit on to slide along the surface.

Usually, the rides provide the riders with a short duration of travel time as the water slides usually include a plurality of spiral path, thereby sending the rider rapidly towards an exit. Therefore, presently used rides need a huge structure and lot of geographical space for providing a longer duration of sliding experience. Also short slides do not promote adrenaline rush of the rider and do not provide the satisfaction which results in riders getting bored of such rider very quickly.

Therefore, to overcome the aforementioned issues, there is need for a water slide which could provide an increased travel time of the rider. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a structure adapted to carry one or more persons is provided. The structure includes a sliding surface mounted on a supporting structure at a predetermined angle, wherein the sliding surface includes a first passage, a transition passage and a second passage. The first passage is configured to be connected with the second passage via the transition passage. The first passage and the second passage have decreasing radius of curvature towards the transition passage, thereby reducing oscillation amplitude of a person and guide the person towards a second opening. Further, a first path is configured to connect to a start point to the first opening and a second path configured to connect to the second opening.

Further, the structure includes means to provide at least one of light, sound and smoke effect techniques. The means for implementing the light effect technique is at least one light emitting device. The means for implementing the sound effect technique is a speaker and the means for implementing the smoke effect technique is at least one of a smoke generator and a fog generator.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a structure (100) adapted to carry one or more persons in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a structure (100) adapted to carry one or more persons in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a pictorial depiction of a structure (100) adapted to carry one or more persons in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a structure (100) adapted to carry one or more persons in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a structure (100) adapted to carry one or more persons in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a back view of structure (100), inclined at a predetermined angle, adapted to carry one or more persons, including a means to supply water into the structure (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a structure (100), inclined at a predetermined angle, adapted to carry one or more persons in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present invention. The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms“a”,“an”, and“the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a structure (100) adapted to carry one or more persons in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The structure (100) represents a water ride. The structure (100) includes a sliding surface mounted on a supporting structure at a predetermined angle. The sliding surface includes a first passage (102), a transition passage (104), a second passage (106), a first opening (108), a second opening (110), a first path (112), a second path (114), a start point (116) and an exit point (118). The first passage (102) includes the first opening (108) and the second passage (106) includes the second opening (110). The first opening (108) is positioned at higher altitude from the ground in a way to launch the one or more persons or riders tangentially onto the first passage (102) along a larger radius of the first passage (102). The one or more persons or riders may be launched directly onto the sliding surface. Alternatively, the one or more persons or riders may be first placed on a raft or a tube or a pad and then the raft or the tube or the pad is launched onto the sliding surface. Further, the said arrangement allows a group of people to enjoy the ride together.

The first passage (102) is configured to be connected with the second passage (106) via the transition passage (104). The first passage (102) and the second passage (106) have a decreasing radius of curvature towards the transition passage (104), thereby reducing the oscillation amplitude of a user and guiding the user towards the second opening (110).

The sliding surface is coupled with a partially enclosed or fully enclosed first path (112), wherein the first path is coupled to the first opening (108). The first path includes a start point (116) which acts as the entry for the persons/riders into the first path (112) and onto the sliding surface. The first path (112) and the sliding surface are provided with a predetermined flow rate (litres/second) of water in order to lubricate the first path (112) and the sliding surface for facilitating the movement of an individual person, the tube or the pad or the raft provided to a person or group of persons. The person(s)/rider(s) is provided with the tube or the pad or the raft at the starting point which empties into a pool via an exit point (118), wherein the person(s) is guided towards the exit point (118) by the second path (114) coupled to the second opening (110) through which the person(s) enters the second path (114). The second path (114) is either a partially or completely enclosed flume.

The first passage (102) including the first opening (108), wherein the one or more persons are tangentially launched into the first passage (102) via the first opening (108). Once the person is launched into the first passage (102), the person is guided towards the transition passage (104) in a pendulum like motion due the semi circular shape of the flume. The user is then pushed onto the second passage (106) from the transition passage (104) in a pendulum like motion, wherein the radius of curvature increases towards the second opening (110) where the user exits. The structure (100) is positioned at a predetermined angle, thereby making the first passage (102) to be positioned at a higher altitude from the ground and the second passage (106) to be position at a lower altitude compared to the first passage (102). The structure (100) positioned at the predetermined angle, due to gravity pull, provides the person, after being launched on the first passage (102), to traverse the larger diameter of the first passage (102) and then move onto the second passage (106) via the transition passage (104) due to the reducing radius of curvature of the first passage (102) leading towards the transition passage (104). The person, after passed onto the transition passage (104), is then guided onto the second passage (106), wherein the second passage (106) has an increasing radius of curvature towards the exit, thereby providing the user with an increased travel time.

In alternate embodiment, the sliding surface may be a completely enclosed flume.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a structure (100) adapted to carry one or more persons in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sliding surface is a partially enclosed flume, wherein the sliding surface includes a first retaining wall (124) configured on the first passage (102) and a second retaining wall (120) configured towards the end of the transition passage (104) and towards the beginning of the second passage (106). The first retaining wall (124) is deployed as a safety feature as during the launch of the person(s)/rider(s) into the first passage (102), the person(s)/rider(s) are launched into the first passage (102) with a certain amount of force to enable the person(s)/rider(s) to reach a highest point in the first passage (102). The second retaining wall (120) is deployed as a safety feature as during the transitioning of the person(s)/rider(s) from the first passage (102) to the second passage (106), due to the flow of water, the person(s)/rider(s) may be pushed higher, therefore, the retaining wall (120) ensures, the person(s)/rider(s) stay with the flume. The retaining wall may be deployed at any place within the entirety of the sliding surface.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial depiction of a structure (100) adapted to carry one or more persons in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sliding surface (100) is a completely enclosed flume.

The person(s)/rider(s) enters the start point (116) in the tube or raft or pad and is guided to the first opening (108) via the first path (112). The person(s)/rider(s) is tangentially launched from the first opening (108) on to the larger diameter of the first passage (102). Once the user is launched onto the first passage (102), the tube of the person(s)/rider(s) moves in a pendulum like motion towards the transition passage (104). In the transition passage (104), the person(s)/rider(s) is passed/pushed into the second passage (106). The person(s)/rider(s) upon entering the second passage (106) is guided towards the second opening (110) in the pendulum like motion and the person(s)/rider(s) is co-axially exited into a pool. In another embodiment, the second opening (110) is positioned in a way, wherein the person(s)/rider(s) is tangentially guided towards the exit point (118) via a second path (114). The first opening (108) and the second opening (110) are positioned in a same plane.

In an embodiment, the person(s)/rider(s) is either whirled or oscillated or spun based on the direction and pressure of the water before exiting the structure (100).

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a structure (100) adapted to carry one or more persons in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sliding surface is a partially enclosed flume, wherein the functioning of the sliding surface is aforementioned.

In an embodiment, the second opening (110), as shown in FIG. 4, may directly exit into the pool, wherein the second opening (110) guides the person(s)/rider(s) or person(s)/rider(s) in the raft or the tube or the pad into the pool.

In an alternate embodiment, the second opening (110) of the second passage (106) is coaxial to the second passage (106), wherein the second opening (110) is coupled to the second path (114), so that the person(s)/rider(s) or person(s)/rider(s) in the raft or the tube or the pad is guide towards the exit point (118) via the second path (114).

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a structure (100) adapted to carry one or more persons in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sliding surface is a partially enclosed flume, wherein the functioning of the sliding surface is aforementioned. In an embodiment, the second opening (110), as shown in FIG. 5, may directly exit into the pool, wherein the second opening (110) guides the person(s)/rider(s) or person(s)/rider(s) in the raft or the tube or the pad into the pool.

In an alternate embodiment, the second opening (110) of the second passage (106) is coaxial to the second passage (106), wherein the second opening (110) is coupled to the second path (114), so that the person(s)/rider(s) or person(s)/rider(s) in the raft or the tube or the pad is guide towards the exit point (118) via the second path (114).

FIG. 6 illustrates a back view of structure (100), inclined at a predetermined angle, adapted to carry one or more persons, including a means to supply water into the structure (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sliding surface is a partially enclosed flume, wherein the functioning of the sliding surface is aforementioned. The means to supply water into the structure is provided via a plurality of pipes. The pipes carry the water provided by the water supply and into the structure (100), wherein the water from the plurality of pipes is supplied into the structure (100) through a plurality of nozzles. The plurality of nozzles pass water through them and into the structure (100) to lubricate sliding surface, thereby making it easier to slide across the sliding surfaces. The pressure of the water supply can be controlled via a pressure sensor. The plurality of nozzles may also be used to create rain or shower effect within the flumes.

Henceforth, the term“flume” includes the first path (112), the first passage (102), the transition passage (104), the second passage (106) and the second path (114).

The first passage (102) also includes a water drain (122) configured to allow excess water supplied in the first passage (102) to drain out, thereby allowing a smooth movement of the person(s)/rider(s) or the person(s)/rider(s) in the raft or the tube or the pad during or after being launched into the first passage (102) without compromising on oscillations, spinning or whirling of the person(s)/rider(s) or person(s)/rider(s) in the raft or the tube or the pad.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a structure (100), inclined at a predetermined angle, adapted to carry one or more persons in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sliding surface is a partially enclosed flume, wherein the functioning of the sliding surface is aforementioned in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

The structure (100) also includes means to provide light, sound and smoke effect techniques. The means for implementing the light effect technique includes one or more light emitting devices. The one or more light emitting device may emit one or more colours. In an alternate embodiment, the one or more light emitting device may emit a laser like beam which is free of any halo or discoloration around the edges. In an alternate embodiment, the one or more light emitting device may be used to create, including but not limited to, an artificial lightening and cloud effect.

In an alternate embodiment, a water screen may be deployed within the flume. The person(s)/rider(s) or person(s)/rider(s) in the raft or the tube or the pad once they enter into the first path (112) till they reach the exit point (120).

The water screen is defined as a projection medium that uses a thin film of water for projection of video, lasers, and other lighting effects. The images appear to float in front of the audience, enhanced by the surrealistic effect of genuine water flowing in front of them. In an alternate embodiment, the one or more light emitting devices my project one or more patterns onto the inner surface of the flume.

The means for implementing the sound effect technique includes one or more sound emitting devices, such as, including but not limited to, speakers. The sound effect technique includes, but not limited to, emitting various sounds in and around the flume. For example: sounds of birds chirping.

In an alternate embodiment, the sound and light effects may be combined to produce an artificial user experience. For example: The combination of sound and light effect may be implemented to create artificial cloud, lightening and thundering effect. The means for implementing the smoke effect includes one or more fog generators or smoke generators. The aforementioned generators may be placed throughout the flume or at predetermined places or at only one place within and/or around the flume to create a specific mood or feeling for a dramatic effect.

The usage of the aforementioned effects is to provide a better user experience when the person(s)/rider(s) enter the water slide. The structure (100) provides advantage, including but not limited to, increased travel time and experiencing the ride in a group.

The structure (100) adapted to carry persons as disclosed by the present disclosure may be installed including, but not limited to, in Water parks, FEC’s (Family Entertainment Centres), Fun parks, Amusement parks, Theme based parks and any other entertainment centres.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof. While specific language has been used to describe the invention, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.