H2O LAUNCH RAMP (HLR)

Abstract

A water launch ramp system is provided, The water launch ramp system includes a ramp and slide rails extending along the ramp. The ramp is configured to be supplied with water to allow a PWC to traverse across and jump. The water is configured to be supplied by pumps located within the water.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/222,737, filed Jul. 16, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of professional stunt, entertainment, and motion picture industry. More specifically, embodiment of the present disclosure related to the methods and equipment utilized to provide an H₂O launch ramp (HLR).

The HLR can be easily adjusted to various configurations such as having longer or shorter ramps. These characteristics make the HLR a new and very versatile tool for the professional stunt, entertainment, and motion picture industries to achieve the next level in their professions.

BACKGROUND

The professional stunt/entertainment and motion picture industries have grown throughout the world in recent years. The need for personal watercraft (PWC), for example boats vessels, or water bikes, to do more complex and launch higher into the air has created a need for the HLR. The HLR allows the vessel to accelerate through the entire length of ramp by creating a deep column of water for the jet propulsion to accelerate up the ramp, rather than decelerate on a typical ramp.

The HLR's ability to allow the PWC to accelerate up the ramp using the column of water (via propulsion of the PWC) is predictable and eliminates the need for natural features while performing stunts. Without the HLR, vessels would have to get up to high rate of speed and then slide up and off the end of a fixed ramp without water on the ramp. This traditional method limits the potential of the jump and the various applications in which the ramps could be used. The HLR can be used on any body of water, or any geographical location (e.g., lake, bay, ocean, large man-made water area and more). The HLR can be taken out of the water and moved to any desired location. The HLR can also be disassembled shipped or flown to any location and reassembled.

In one exemplary embodiment, the HLR sits on large solid dock float (8) secured with four sets of anchors/weights (14).

Anchors may be removable to provide the ability to relocate the HLR.

The HLR can be towed by another vessel into any desired position/location.

The HLR may be adjusted and reconfigured and assembled differently if needed (e.g., raising and lowering of ramp for distance and adjusting flow of water)

The HLR may contain an adjustable channel in the main body of ramp. The channel may be changed to have larger diameter, longer length, or shorter length.

The HLR described herein is a new and very versatile tool for the professional stunt/entertainment and motion picture industries to achieve the next level in their professions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary HLR.

FIG. 2 is a close-up cutout view of the interior of the ramp of the HLR shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a close-up cutout view of the exterior of the ramp of the HLR shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a close-up of the vertical and angled support poles of the HLR shown in FIG. 1

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the elbow and T fitting of the HLR shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the attachment plates of the HLR shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the support brace of the HLR shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the ramp of the HLR shown in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION

The present application discloses a water launch system for water vehicles, said water launch system comprising, a floating dock, a ramp supported by the floating dock and inclined at an angle relative to the floating dock, a plurality of slide tubes extending along the ramp. Said ramp including a plurality of water ports disposed along the length of ramp, a plurality of hoses, wherein each hose is configured to supply corresponding water ports with water. Said slide tubes configured to guide the water vehicle up the ramp via the water supplied by the plurality of hoses.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present application discloses a ramp system comprising, a ramp, wherein said ramp is configured to rest on a plurality of support braces. Each brace of the plurality of support braces is fastened onto a pair of vertical support poles. Each support pole are attached to a floating dock. Said floating dock includes dock cleats. A plurality of pumps attached to corresponding dock cleats; and at least one or more weighted anchors attached to said dock cleats.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present application discloses A water launch system for water vehicles, said water launch system comprising a floating dock, a ramp supported by the floating dock and inclined at an angle relative to the floating dock. Said ramp including a plurality of water ports disposed along the length of ramp. A plurality of hoses, wherein each hose is configured to supply corresponding water ports with water. A plurality of pumps configured to supply water to the plurality of hoses, and a power supply configured to supply power to the plurality of pumps.

The HLR consists of many different components that are unique to the invention. The construction of the HLR with be further explained with detailed illustrations. This will include the main purpose for HLR and its versatility. As shown in FIG. 1 the foundation of the HLR is two solid dock floats (8). The top of dock float (8) is a solid wood platform (30). In one embodiment the top dock float (8) may be 2-feet thick, with 8-feet height and 10-feet width. The HLR further includes support plates (18) which is connected to the top of the platform (30). Support plates (18) may be fastened to the top platform (30) with four lag bolts (25). The HLR may include eight support plates (18) although different number of support plates may be utilized depending on the requirements of the intended purpose of the HLR. In one embodiment, the support plates may be comprised of aluminum.

The following are exemplary steps to assembling the HLR. The HLR includes various size vertical support poles (4). Vertical Support poles (4) are attached to the support plate (18). In one embodiment the support poles (4) may be welded at the weld point (23) at the base of the support poles. The vertical support pole heights may vary on the placement or the height required for the ramp. The number of vertical support poles may also vary depending spacing constraints.

The aluminum support brace (17), after precise measurements, may also be welded at weld points (23) at the tops of all support poles (4). The support brace (17) may be made of aluminum and approximately 1/8-inch thick.

After the aluminum support braces (17) are all welded (23) and in place. Then the lower portion the body of the ramp (16) (e.g., cylinder, chute, half dome, tube) into the correct position. When the main body of the ramp (16) is in the correct position and lowered onto the support braces (17). The support braces (17) is configured to cradle the main body of ramp (16). The ramp 16 is then fastened to the aluminum support brace (17) with aluminum flat head through bolts (20) and locknuts (27).

Once all through bolts (20) and locknuts (27) are securely fastened to all support braces (17), on both sides, then the angled support poles (5) are welded to the support braces (17) at weld points (23) in an angle ‘α’ from six of the vertical support poles (4) to a med center point on of the three aluminum support brace (17) at weld point (23). This will also be done on both sides of the ramp 16. The angle ‘α’ in one embodiment may be 45°. The smallest support poles (4) at the ramp entrance (28) will not require an angled support pole. The center of the body of the ramp 16 will be supported by the end of the dock float 8 near the ramp entrance (28). As shown in FIG. 8, the ramp may include a length ‘F’ and width ‘G’.

The braces (17) support poles (4) & vertical support plates (18) may be secured and fastened in place. The next step is to put the spacer plates (26), in place on main body of the ramp (16). Next is to put down the slide tubes (12). in an exemplary embodiment, a 2 inch PVC sch 40 plastic tubing may be used. Other embodiments, the slide tubes may be solid plastic strips/plates, solid strips/plates of Corian®. The slide tubes may be adjusted to different sizes (e.g. smaller or larger Aide tubes) and the spacing of the slide tubes may also be adjusted to provide a narrower or deeper channel. In one embodiment, the spacer plates (26) create 2 inches between launch ramp (16) and slide tubes (12) allowing water to flow onto the ramp (16) and under the slide tubes (12) to the main center of the ramp (16).

Slide tubes (12) are moved into place over their perspective spacer plate (26), The slide tube (12), has been pre-measured for bolt holes (21) and were pre-cut prior to lifting into position on body of ramp (16). When slide tube (12) is lined up over spacer plate (26) and aluminum support brace (17) a ½″ bolt hole (21) is drilled through slide plate/tube (12), spacer plate (26), main body of ramp (16) and through aluminum support brace (17). After the half inch bolt holes (21) are drilled, the flat head through bolt (20) may be installed through all four pieces (12), (26), (16), (17). A half inch nut (27) may be utilized to securely fasten the bolt (20). This process is repeated for all fastening points (20) on the slide tubes (12). The slide tubes (12) may be aligned parallel to the ramp (16)

The slide tubes (12) are extended down into the water past the ramp entrance (28) so a PWC coming at the ramp entrance (28) allows the PWC to be guided into position before starting up the H₂O launch ramp.

The slide tubes (12) are also extended past the launch ramp exit (29). The HLR can be shortened, lengthened, or removed. Glue at glue points (31) of the attachment plates (3) and 90° elbows (2) into position. As shown in FIG. 5 the elbows (2) may be PVC sch 40. Glue points (31) may utilize PVC pipe cement. The elbow (2) may include a diameter ‘A’, which may be, in one embodiment, 2 inches. The attachment plates (3) may be made of lightweight plastic. As shown in FIG. 6, the attachment plates (3) may have a diameter ‘B’, which may be, in one embodiment, 6 inches, The attachment plate may also have a thickness ‘C’, which may be, in one embodiment, ¼-inch. As shown in FIG. 7, the support brace may have a length ‘E’ and width ‘D’. In one embodiment length ‘E’ may be 20-feet, In one embodiment, the width may be 6-feet. The support brace may include holes (6) for fasteners.

All H₂O port holes 24 are pre-cut and all attachment plates (3) are pre-measured and pre-installed plates. Each attachment plates (3) on main body of ramp (16) uses four through bolts (20) and for nuts (27) in their proper position on exterior of ramp body (16), prior to lifting ramp into position.

The elbows (2), are glued at the glue points (31) to each attachment plate (3) in the correct position/angle to best serve the pump hoses (10). Once all the elbows 2 are glued (F5) in place, the hose (10) is securely attached with 2-inch hose clamp (1) to its perspective elbows (2). The hose 10 may be a 2-inch diameter flex line hose. Each hose (10) may be various lengths as required by the configuration needed.

The hose (10) will come down and attach to one side of a T fitting (19). Two hoses (10) will connect to both sides of a T fitting (19) with hose clamps (1). The T fitting may be a 2-inch PVC sch 40 T pipe.

The bottom of the T fitting (19), in an embodiment, will be connected to a short hose (10), with hose clamp (1). This short hose (10) may be an 18-inch piece of flex line. The bottom of the short piece of hose (10) will be connected to a sump pump (15) with hose clamp (1). The (10) will be pre-measured prior to attaching to elbows (2) and t fitting (19). Hoses (10) may utilize different diameters as required by the flow rate or the pressure. All water pumps (15) will be at least 4 feet deep in the water below the dock floats (8). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each pump (15) may supply two elbows (2) with water. Two pumps are omitted from FIG. 1 to provide clarity. Other arrangements of the pumps may be considered, such as having a pump supplying only one elbow or more than two elbows.

If it is necessary to cut, shorten, or lengthen any hose line (10) will be done prior to lowering pumps 15 into water.

The water pumps (15) is secured to the dock cleat (11) with a utility line (13) to keep water pump (15) in position and not to stress the flex hose lines (10). In one embodiment, the utility line may be a half inch diameter utility line. In one embodiment, the dock cleats may be 10-inch wide with a 1.5-inch diameter.

The power cord (22) will run up & out of the water onto the dock floats (8) and plug into gas generator (9). In one embodiment, the power cord (22) may be a 20-foot power cord. The gas generator, in one embodiment, may be a 20 kW gas generator.

All T fittings (19), hoses (10), water pumps (15) and hose clamps (1) are set up identically. Some differences will be length of hoses (10), utility line (13), angles. Different diameters may be utilized depending on different requirements. The direction of the power cord (22), comes up onto the dock float (8), and runs to the generator (9).

The portable gas generator (9), may be configured to be fastened down near the center of the dock floats (8), directly under the center of the main body of the ramp (16). The portable gas generator (9) is configured to power the pumps (15) Having the generator (9) in this central location, makes accessibility for all pump power cords (22), to easily reach the generator (9),

When all power cords (22) are plugged into the generator (9), the pumps (15) are in the water and the HLR is in its desired position and anchored/weighted via weights (14) the HLR will be ready to operate. In embodiment, the weights (14) may be 100 lbs. Different weights may be utilized depending on factors such as the total system weight, buoyancy and water conditions. In one embodiment, the pumps (15) are ¾ horsepower on demand pumps. In one embodiment, these pumps are capable of pumping eighty gallons per minute thirty vertical feet. The pumps (15) can be substituted with various pumps (e.g., larger pumps, smaller pumps, different pumps o get the desired water pressure needed).

All elbows (2), t fitting (19) and flex hoses (10) can be varied in diameter for different pressures or flow rates. For one embodiment, the elbows (2), t fittings (19), and flex hoses may be 2-inch diameter.

All the pumps (15) are checked before lowering into water to make sure they are securely fastened with hose clamps (1) to all hoses (10), T fittings (19), and elbows (2), After lowering all pumps (15) into the water the power cords (22) are plugged in to generator (9), generator (9) is started. All pumps disperse large amounts of water onto the main body of the ramp (16) and all the water flows to the center of the ramp (16) between the slide tubes (12). Turning on the gas generator (9) will power up all the pumps (15). The pumps will be pumping a steady flow of water up the hoses (10) through the elbows (2) and out through the exit ports (24) onto the ramp (16) and channels water to the center of the ramp (16) & center of guide strips (12). Now there is a steady flow of large amounts of water coming directly down the center of the launch ramp (16). HLR is now ready for a PWC to launch up and off the ramp.

Because all the water is focused on the center of the ramp (16) between the slide tubes (12) boats, PWC, and vessels will be able to grab that water and create forward momentum propelling them up and off the end of ramp (16). The vessels can land on various landing platforms, such as: ramps; large inflatable air pontoons; other bodies of water

The use and purpose of the HLR, as mentioned in the background, is for the use of the motion picture industry, stunt professionals, and entertainment field. When these professionals are using the HLR, it will be towed via boat into its desired position, (this will normally be in a large body of water). It can also be used on man-made bodies of water and in smaller more confined locations. When the HLR is in position the anchors (14) will be set using anchor ropes (13) tightened securely to cleats (11).

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

It is important to note that the HLR as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A water launch system for water vehicles, said water launch system comprising:

a floating dock;

a ramp supported by the floating dock and inclined at an angle relative to the floating dock;

a plurality of slide tubes extending along the ramp;

said ramp including a plurality of water ports disposed along the length of ramp;

a plurality of hoses, wherein each hose is configured to supply corresponding water ports with water; and

said slide tubes configured to guide the water vehicle up the ramp via the water supplied by the plurality of hoses.

2. The water launch system of claim 1, further comprising dock cleats located on the floating dock, wherein the floating dock is anchored via weights attached to said dock cleats.

3. The water launch system of claim 2, further a plurality of pumps configured to supply the water to the plurality of hoses, wherein each pump is attached to a corresponding dock cleat.

4. The water launch system of claim 3, wherein each pump of the plurality of pumps are configured to supply a set of two water ports with the water.

5. The water launch system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of support braces disposed along the length of the ramp, wherein each ramp extends across the width of the ramp.

6. The water launch system of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of vertical support poles extending from the floating dock and extending to the support brace.

7. The water launch system of claim 6, further comprising an angled support pole extending from each corresponding vertical support pole and extending to the support brace.

8. A ramp system comprising:

a ramp, wherein said ramp is configured to rest on a plurality of support braces;

wherein each brace of the plurality of support braces is fastened onto a pair of vertical support poles;

said each support pole are attached to a floating dock;

wherein said floating dock includes dock cleats;

a plurality of pumps attached to corresponding dock cleats; and

at least one or more weighted anchors attached to said dock cleats.

9. The ramp system of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of hoses, configured to supply water from the pump to the ramp.

10. The ramp system of claim 8, further comprising an angled support pole extending from each corresponding vertical support pole and extending to the support brace.

11. The ramp system of claim 8, further comprising slide tubes extending along the length of the ramp.

12. The ramp system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of spacers located between the slide tubes and the ramp, wherein the slide tubes are fastened onto at least one spacer of the plurality of spacers, the ramp, and at least one support brace of the plurality of support braces via a fastener.

13. The ramp system of claim 11, wherein the slide tubes extend past an entrance and an exit of the ramp.

14. The ramp system of claim 8, wherein the ramp is configured to rest directly on at one end of the floating dock.

15. A water launch system for water vehicles, said water launch system comprising:

a floating dock;

a ramp supported by the floating dock and inclined at an angle relative to the floating dock;

said ramp including a plurality of water ports disposed along the length of ramp;

a plurality of hoses, wherein each hose is configured to supply corresponding water ports with water;

a plurality of pumps configured to supply water to the plurality of hoses; and

a power supply configured to supply power to the plurality of pumps.

16. The water launch system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of pumps are located below the floating dock, and are configured to be attached to dock cleats disposed on the floating dock.

17. The water launch system of claim 16, further comprising anchored weights attached to the dock cleats

18. The water launch system of claim 15, further comprising an attachment plate adjacent to each water port, wherein each attachment plate is connected to an elbow pipe fitting, and each elbow pipe fitting is attached to a corresponding hose.

19. The water launch system of claim 18, wherein the attachment plate is fastened via one or more bolts secured by a nut.

20. The water launch system of claim 15, wherein the power supply is configured to be placed on top of the floating dock.