Abstract: Slide apparatus includes a first slide, which may have a somewhat parabolic configuration having a trough and/or a switchback. The switchback is oriented and configured for changing the direction of travel of a user. Multiple troughs and switchback elements may be provided so as to maximize the length of time during which a user slides, yet without increasing water usage, energy requirements, and space requirements. A switchback element may be configured for reversing the direction of travel of the user from more than 0° to 180° or more. The switchback element may be configured for directing passengers in different directions along different paths, and yet, without a dividing wall therebetween, thanks to the configuration of the switchback elements. One or more partially or completely spiral slides may precede or follow the first slide.

Abstract: Slide apparatus includes a first slide, which may have a somewhat parabolic configuration having a trough and/or a switchback. The switchback is oriented and configured for changing the direction of travel of a user. Multiple troughs and switchback elements may be provided so as to maximize the length of time during which a user slides, yet without increasing water usage, energy requirements, and space requirements. A switchback element may be configured for reversing the direction of travel of the user from more than 0° to 180° or more. The switchback element may be configured for directing passengers in different directions along different paths, and yet, without a dividing wall therebetween, thanks to the configuration of the switchback elements. One or more partially or completely spiral slides may precede or follow the first slide.

Abstract: Slide apparatus includes at least one trough and a switchback trough or a switchback connected to the trough. The switchback is oriented and configured for changing the direction of travel or a user or a passenger, such as a user seated in an inner tube, from a first direction into a second direction. Multiple troughs and switchback elements may be provided so as to maximize the length of time during which a user slides, yet without increasing water usage, energy requirements, and space requirements. A switchback element may be configured for reversing the direction of travel of the user from more than 0° to 180° or more. The switchback element may be configured for directing passengers in different directions along different paths, and yet, without a dividing wall therebetween, thanks to the configuration of the switchback elements.

Abstract: For the most part, there has been very little innovation in the design of water or other slides. An interesting development in this area involves a slide apparatus including a trough with an upper slide surface of generally parabolic, upwardly opening cross section throughout its length, the slide being tilted from the rear inlet end thereof to the front outlet or discharge end thereof. Riders on the slide move along a path of travel resembling that of an underdamped oscillator, and for the first time riders are able to experience the sensation of sliding forwardly and backwardly within a waterslide configuration, in complete safety, throughout the duration of the ride.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting amusement water slides from continuous water flow down the slide to controlled, spaced apart gushes of water enhancing the thrill of the ride and improving the safety thereof. The slide run has a start position at the upper elevated end from a platform and an exit lower end that discharges the rider and water into a landing pool. At least one of the multiple runs is provided with apparatus of the foregoing for having intermittent gushes of water along such run as desired by operator or rider. A vertical tower with stairs and/or elevator provides for movement of the participants from the lower end of the runs to the upper start end of the runs. A water reservoir is provided at some location upstream from the end of the slide run (preferrably at the uppermost end, i.e. the start of the run), and water is pumped from the landing pool into the reservoir which, when full, overflows into the water chute slide.