Abstract: Slide, in particular a water slide, with a take-off zone and a landing zone, between which at least one slide path with a slide surface extends, which includes a run-up section leading away from the take-off zone and a run-out section leading into the landing zone, with a plurality of slide sections of the slide path provided between the run-up and run-out sections, with at least one branching section arranged in the slide path, by which branching section an incoming slide section is divided into a plurality of outgoing slide sections or a plurality of incoming slide sections are combined into one outgoing slide section, wherein the branching section has a first slide connector and, adjacently thereto, a second slide connector, both of which are opposite or remote from a third slide connector. A mouth region is formed between the first and second slide connector and the third slide connector.

Abstract: An auxiliary unit can be connected to existing automated retail system such as vending machine, kiosks, or automated ticketing machines to increase interactions and sales with customers. The auxiliary unit can have a display unit to show multiple identities and their corresponding scores. The scores can be changed after a transaction between the automated retail system and the customers is complete. The display unit can be a form of a scoreboard and the identities can be either parties in competition or issues worth surveying.

Abstract: A recreational water slide device is provided including an upper sheet and a lower sheet, together defining an inflatable chamber. A connecting sheet is disposed under the inflatable chamber and comprises an edge that is connected to the lower sheet. A water storage chamber is formed between the connecting sheet and the lower sheet with an opening, through which water can pass, between the inflatable chamber and the connecting sheet.

Abstract: A server device that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a memory and a processor. The processor can identify first and second players present at first and second physical locations, to identify first and second boundary and topographical information of the first and second physical locations, to map the first and second boundary and topographical information of the first and second physical locations to a virtual gaming space, to capture first and second position and orientation information for the first and second players, to map the first and second position and orientation information to the virtual gaming space, to generate first and second virtual players corresponding to the first and second players, and to transmit to first goggles information representative of the second virtual player for display superimposed onto a transparent viewing apparatus for viewing of the virtual gaming space. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A water attraction having one or more inflatable areas and/or features for reducing turbulence of water flow over a ride surface is disclosed. The water attraction includes a ride surface, a water delivery section, and a recovery section. The water delivery section provides water flow on the ride surface. The ride surface may include the assembly of multiple segments and may be fully or partially inflatable. The water delivery section may include one or more water delivery mechanisms, for example, nozzles. A water delivery mechanism may deliver a water flow different from the water flows from other water delivery mechanisms.

Abstract: A system for affecting motion of an amusement ride vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a channel and a plurality of fluid spray sources positioned to spray at least a primary fluid over the channel. For at least one of the fluid spray sources, the system is adapted to inject a secondary fluid into the primary fluid to modify at least one of a pressure and a velocity of the primary fluid. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A structure for waterslides is provided. The structure includes a body in a form of a prolate ellipsoid compressed or flattened from top and bottom; side walls and a bottom wall; and an open front end for a rider exit; a lateral rider opening for connecting at least a waterslide disposed parallel to at least a side wall of the side walls; where at least a part of the side wall is protruding in a form of a half tubular wall an end of the half tubular wall is connected to the lateral rider opening.

Abstract: A wave pool and wave generating mechanism are disclosed. The wave pool includes a bathymetry that includes a dynamically shapeable reef along a length or circumference of a channel that defines the wave pool. The wave generating mechanism includes a foil that has a shape for bi-directionality based on an adjustment of a yaw angle of the foil. The foil can be further controlled to increase or decrease certain surface areas or other angles of interacting with water in the wave pool.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for providing virtual reality or mixed reality experiences to riders of a waterslide. In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of beacons or markers disposed along the waterslide, and a waterproof virtual reality (VR) headset for presenting virtual reality or mixed reality content to a person wearing the waterproof VR headset and riding the waterslide, wherein each of the plurality of beacons or markers is configured to be detectable to facilitate coordinated presentation of the virtual reality or mixed reality content to the person wearing the waterproof VR headset and riding the waterslide based at least in part on a location of the person along the waterslide.

Abstract: A play structure having one or more monolith structures for the connection of other surfaces (e.g., deckings, water-based elements, interactive elements, etc.). Each of the monolith structures may be adjustably connected with a ground surface such that a variety of possible angles may be obtained by the monolith with respect to the ground surface. After the desired orientation of the monolith is obtained to the ground surface via the adjustable connection, the monolith may be secured in such position. Water or other fluid may be provided to the monolith structures via piping that interfaces with the monolith structures by a fluid connection that is in communication with piping disposed within the monolith structures. A fluid dumping or delivery system (e.g., based upon a tipping element that provides water to a fluid flowing surface and/or other water dispersion element) may be provided as part of the play structure.

Abstract: A water attraction having one or more inflatable areas and/or features for reducing turbulence of water flow over a ride surface is disclosed. The water attraction includes a ride surface, a water delivery section, and a recovery section. The water delivery section provides water flow on the ride surface. The ride surface may include the assembly of multiple segments and may be fully or partially inflatable. The water delivery section may include one or more water delivery mechanisms, for example, nozzles. A water delivery mechanism may deliver a water flow different from the water flows from other water delivery mechanisms.

Abstract: A digital video ramp assembly incorporates process-formed structural LED tiles with modular components that join in a system of scalable structural LED tiles forming a complete LED display structure with integrated LED embedded tiles with interlocking and inter-trans-positioning features sometimes requiring additional structural framing.

Abstract: A slide feature for an amusement ride adapted to carry a rider or ride vehicle sliding thereon, and a water slide comprising said slide feature are provided. The slide feature has an inrun permitting ingress of the rider or ride vehicle, an outrun permitting egress, and a sliding surface in communication with the inrun and the outrun. The sliding surface may comprise a surface substantially in the shape of a sector of a closed curve and/or may be substantially planar. The slide feature may also include an outer lip and provide that the rider or ride vehicle, at least partially urged by gravity, slides along the sliding surface from the inrun to the outrun in an arcuate path at least partially bounded by the outer lip. The sliding surface may be oriented so an elevation of the rider or ride vehicle increases then decreases along the arcuate path.

Abstract: A system may include a virtual reality system configured to present one or more virtual objects via an electronic display. The system may also include one or more inflatable objects that correspond to the one or more virtual objects, such that the one or more inflatable objects matches one or more shapes of the one or more virtual objects. The system may also include a processor configured to cause at least one of the one or more inflatable objects to inflate based on feedback from the virtual reality system.

Abstract: A mutually opposite generally horizontal gravity-driven flow water toy including at least first and second water inlets, at least first and second generally vertical water conduits coupled to respective ones of the at least first and second water inlets for directing a gravity flow of water therethrough from the respective ones of the first and second water inlets, at least first and second generally horizontal water conduits coupled to respective ones of the at least first and second generally vertical water conduits for directing a gravity flow of water therethrough from the respective ones of the first and second water inlets and via respective ones of the at least first and second generally vertical water conduits, the at least first and second generally horizontal water conduits being arranged such that the gravity flow of water therethrough is in generally opposite directions.

Abstract: A play structure having one or more monolith structures for the connection of other surfaces (e.g., deckings, water-based elements, interactive elements, etc.). Each of the monolith structures may be adjustably connected with a ground surface such that a variety of possible angles may be obtained by the monolith with respect to the ground surface. After the desired orientation of the monolith is obtained to the ground surface via the adjustable connection, the monolith may be secured in such position. Water or other fluid may be provided to the monolith structures via piping that interfaces with the monolith structures by a fluid connection that is in communication with piping disposed within the monolith structures. A fluid dumping or delivery system (e.g., based upon a tipping element that provides water to a fluid flowing surface and/or other water dispersion element) may be provided as part of the play structure.

Abstract: A children's entertainment device with a water slide is provided, including: a water slide having a first chamber; and a first water spray pipe provided with a plurality of first water spray holes; wherein the water slide includes an upper sheet and a lower sheet, an edge of the upper sheet and an edge of the lower sheet are jointed to form the first chamber for containing water or air, the edge joint of the upper sheet and the lower sheet defines an outer boundary of the water slide, there is no connection of the upper sheet and the lower sheet within the outer boundary so as to form a flat and smooth surface of the upper sheet for sliding; and the first water spray pipe is connected with the edge joint of the upper sheet and the lower sheet or disposed on the upper sheet of the water slide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a white-water river, comprising a river bed capable of guiding a current of water between an upper inlet of the bed and a lower outlet of the bed, and including water-feeding means for injecting a stream of water at the upper inlet of the bed. The river bed is made up of a series of individual bed modules, adjacent to one another, and assembled via respective transverse contact surfaces. The individual bed modules are supported via a lower surface by a modular lattice bearing structure.

Abstract: A wave-forming system includes a channel having a water inlet and a water outlet for directing water from the water inlet and the water outlet. The channel has a side wall and a bottom surface profile that slopes downward toward the water outlet and the side wall. The system also includes a back pressure barrier positioned in the water outlet to introduce a back pressure to the water flow inside the channel to continuously form waves across the channel.

Abstract: A wave form for a water ride attraction having an inflatable cushion with a ride surface adapted to support a rider. The ride surface has a substantially planar section, followed by an upwardly inclined concave section, and then a horizontally inclined convex section. A wake form for a water ride attraction has an inflatable cushion having a ride surface. The ride surface has a substantially planar central section, flanked by an upwardly inclined concave section on one side and an upwardly inclined concave section on the other side. A water ride attraction has an inflatable wave form or wake form and a water delivery arrangement for delivering a flow of water to the inflatable wave form or wake form in a flow direction. The ride surface is arranged to allow a rider to ride on the flow of water in a direction generally transverse to the direction of water flow.

Abstract: A bucket tipping apparatus is provided. The bucket tipping apparatus includes a frame having an upper end and a lower end. The lower end of the frame includes at least one fastener thereon for removably securing the apparatus to a support surface, such as the ladder of a pool, among other supports. The upper end of the frame includes a receptacle pivotally affixed thereto, wherein the receptacle is suited for use in holding a volume of fluid. A fluid dispensing device having an elongated tube is secured to the frame and is configured to fill the receptacle with fluid. The receptacle is configured to support fluid therein until a tipping point, wherein the receptacle is actuated downwardly to dump the fluid and returned to a substantially upright position to repeat the process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a rider wherein the apparatus comprises a vehicle having a bottom sliding surface and an interior sized to receive at least one rider. Also described is a track having a path sized to receive the vehicle therein, at least one sliding section disposed along the track, and at least one roller section disposed along the track. The method comprises locating a vehicle within the track and conveying said vehicle along the sliding and rolling sections.

Abstract: A sheet wave water attraction includes a buoyant structure adapted for floating on a naturally occurring body of water, a sheet wave generator mounted to the structure, and a wave-forming ramp on the structure cooperating with the wave generator for the formation of waves on the ramp. The wave generator has a water intake below a waterline on the structure. The intake is configured to draw water from the body of water adjacent the structure. The buoyant structure has a shallow draft, including the draft of a water intake for the wave generator whereby near-coastal off-shore positioning may be achieved for operationally positioning the water attraction close to shore.

Abstract: A play swing system includes a safety harness attached to each seat, as well as other features for interactive and competitive throwing and tossing games. The safety harness may incorporates various games features, and thus encourage use in activities that require at least one free hand, or otherwise increase the risk of slippage and falling from the play swing seat. Various embodiments accommodate as well as challenge the spatial perception, dexterity and reflexes of players of different ages. For examples, younger players might compete by throwing objects at a fixed target mounted on the ground. In other embodiments, the target is moving in synchronization with the oscillatory motion of the adjacent players swing by a physical coupling or attachment. Interactive play is encouraged at the higher skill levels by configuring the targets associated with adjacent seats to face each other.

Abstract: A water or other amusement attraction that includes an inflatable portion or material. A cavity of the attraction is located underneath an upper surface, the upper surface configured to support a flow of water and at least one rider thereon. A volume of water is configured to be disposed within the cavity, the upper surface floating upon the volume of water while connected to at least one side wall, floor, and/or nozzle structure. A pump and nozzle assembly, positioned outside of the cavity, communicates with the water within the cavity for flowing a portion of the water over the upper surface. A drainage portion, adjacent to the upper surface, drains the flowing water back into the cavity for recirculation. Support components, such as a plurality of beams or an inflatable grid structure help maintain stability for the attraction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for purging water in a waterpark reservoir by inducing a siphon and several examples of an apparatus to achieve this result. The apparatus disclosed herein provides an emptying mechanism which may have no moving parts or valves between the inlet and the outlet and yet delivers a short term large volume dump or purge of water to patrons in an impact area of a patron region of a waterpark.

Abstract: The present Invention provides a surfing device comprising at least one energy projecting means and at least one energy projecting structure for supporting and positioning the energy projecting means. The energy projecting structure positions the energy projecting means at one or more energy projecting positions. Energy is projected from the energy projecting means from positions to enable a person to surf at least partially solely via the projected energy. The present invention also provides a surface for a surfing device, either the device of the present Invention or another surfing device. The surface, is designed for a person to surf on either via the projected energy of the surfing device of the present Invention or by at least partially direct contact with the surface via fluid projected out of, over or upon it. The surface has an Impact absorption material.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a rider comprising a vehicle adapted to support the rider wherein vehicle has a driven portion disposed along a bottom surface thereof and a track having a path sized to slidably receive the vehicle therein and a plurality of water jets disposed along the track along a path of travel of the driven portion. Each of the plurality of water jets is adapted to sequentially discharge a portion of water in a desired direction of travel of the vehicle therethrough when aligned with the driven portion such that the portion of water engages the driven portion.

Abstract: A play set with a mist device includes a mist frame unit supported through a framework of the play set. The mist frame unit has a hollow body and a flexible hose member mounted onto the framework, wherein a portion of the flexible hose member is constructed into a hose ring encircling a slide unit; a water inlet provided at a first end of the mist frame unit for connecting to a water source; and a plurality of mist producing units provided along the mist frame unit arranged for producing mist such that a preset mist surrounding area is defined within which the play set is located, therefore the mist can reach all play units of the play set, including the slide unit through the hose ring at an angle which is greater than 270°, thereby providing a cooling effect to the mist surrounding area.

Abstract: A water slide for a recreational pool or other body of water, the water slide being in a spiral configuration with a runway or flume down the spiral and into the pool. The water slide also includes a fountain, which may be centrally located within the spiral slide flume, that produces an upward and outward water spray pattern with an outer envelope that may be sized to correspond to an outer diameter or given outer extent of the spiral slide flume such that the water spray from the fountain falls substantially onto the water slide runway as opposed to on the pool deck.

Abstract: A waterslide attraction capable of incorporating user skill or agility. The waterslide attraction utilizes a slide for supporting a rider, either with a ride vehicle or without. The ride vehicle may be a mat with handles that allows the rider thereon to manipulate its position or other elements while on the slide. Upon manipulating an element, a signal may be transmitted. Sensors located along the slide are configured to interact with tags having corresponding identification information, such tags either worn by the rider in accessories or embedded or coupled with the ride vehicle. When a tag is within a predetermined distance or vicinity of a sensor, one or more aspects of the waterslide attraction may be modified, such as by turning on jets of fluid or assigning score points associated with the identification information. A screen or mobile application displays various characteristics corresponding to travel performance down the slide.

Abstract: A water slide feature comprising a sliding surface concave about three axes. The waterslide feature is sized and adapted to carry one or more riders and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon on a non-predetermined path. The water slide feature has an entry sized and positioned to direct the one or more riders and/or ride vehicles along the sliding surface on a path which is at least partially upward.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a flexible polymeric sheet having first and second sides and an anchoring device including a tab element, a pressure-sensitive adhesive element, and a stake element.

Abstract: A waterslide attraction configured to display illuminated visualizations to a rider traveling thereon via one or more lights or LEDs. The waterslide attraction utilizes a slide for supporting a rider, either with a ride vehicle or without. The ride vehicle may be a mat, tube, or board with interactive elements, such as buttons, that allows the rider thereon to manipulate the interactive elements for providing rider input while on the slide. Upon manipulating an element, a signal may be transmitted, the illuminated visualizations being modified in response to such manipulations. Colors, shapes, and/or patterns may be displayed that animate or appear to shift or move in position along the waterslide. Gaming features, such as manipulating the interactive elements that corresponds to one or more displayed illumination visualizations may cause rewards or penalties, for example, based on position of the rider, as the rider travels on the slide.

Abstract: An interactive amusement attraction capable of sensing ride vehicle or user interaction or position. The attraction can track user performance and/or location, through use of a ride vehicle or without, and can include a slide for supporting water and a sensor connected with the slide for sensing an interactive element. The tags or interactive element may be passive (e.g., sensed by the sensor merely when within a predetermined proximity) or may require user manipulation (e.g., a button to be pressed when within a predetermined proximity of the sensor). Various lighting elements may be connected or embedded in the slide and may be controlled to illuminate with various colors. These lighting elements, such as LED light strips, can be used to indicate the presence of a sensor and/or that a sensor has been successfully or unsuccessfully interacted with.

Abstract: A trapdoor mechanism and method of providing a trapdoor mechanism for initiating descent into a slide ride is disclosed. Aspects of invention are directed to an energy efficient mechanism capable of dropping slide riders into the entrance of a slide ride. The trapdoor mechanism utilizes momentum produced by the force of gravity to swing the trapdoor to an open position, to a closed position, and back to the open position. A control device may be utilized to apply force to the trapdoor during its transit between the open position and closed position.

Abstract: A waterslide kaleidoscope amusement device consisting of straight or curved modules that can be used singly or connected in series and utilize two or more internal reflective surfaces and light source (s) to create an optical experience for the user. The device consists of a transparent watercourse slide tube surrounded by two or more reflective surfaces and illuminated in such a way that objects and light sources within the modules are reflected in a kaleidoscopic fashion from the visual perspective of the user.

Abstract: A water or other amusement attraction or ride vehicle that includes an inflatable portion or material. A coating or sheet is applied to at least a part of the inflatable portion for achieving a desired amount of friction between the inflatable portion and a sliding surface and/or a rider that makes contact therewith. More than one coating or sheet may be disposed on varying portions of the inflatable portion with greater or less frictional coefficients configured to alter rider movement. The inflatable portion inflates flat and the coating or sheet may be a flexible coating or sheet that is configured to allow for movement of the inflatable portion during use. A rider may travel from an entry area to an exit area along the sliding surface that incorporates inflatable portions. A plantroom for housing equipment, such as water pumps, may make up a portion of the entry end.

Abstract: A ride is formed comprising a channel forming a closed loop. The channel is able to receive water. Wave forming means are provided operable to create a wave, when the channel contains water, such that the wave will progress around the channel. The wave is of sufficient size to enable aquatic pastimes to be performed on the wave.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow divider for a sheet flow water ride having an inclined ride surface capable of dividing it into two or more sections, wherein more than one rider can then safely ride on the water ride at the same time. The water ride preferably comprises an inclined ride surface on which a sheet flow of water is propelled that substantially conforms to the contours of the ride surface. The flow divider is preferably an inflatable tube that can be extended longitudinally over the sheet flow, in substantially the same direction thereof, and float, wherein in the preferred embodiment, it is secured at its front end to the water ride and its back end is relatively free to pivot and shift from side to side, such that the momentum of the sheet flow helps to keep it oriented downstream and in the appropriate position. The air pressure in the tube is preferably adjustable to enable the divider to be inflated to the appropriate stiffness.

Abstract: A waterslide capsule assembly is operable to fluidly communicate with a waterslide flume to contain a rider and release the rider into the flume. The waterslide capsule assembly broadly includes a capsule and a sliding access door. The capsule at least partly defines a capsule chamber to receive the rider, with the capsule presenting opposite capsule ends, a longitudinal entry opening, and an exit opening. The access door is slidably mounted relative to the capsule and slidable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A waterslide kaleidoscope amusement device consisting of straight or curved modules that can be used singly or connected in series and utilize two or more internal reflective surfaces and light source(s) to create an optical experience for the user. The device consists of a transparent watercourse slide tube surrounded by two or more reflective surfaces and illuminated in such a way that objects and light sources within the modules are reflected in a kaleidoscopic fashion from the visual perspective of the user.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for managing an interface between a machine or work vehicle and a surface that the machine/work vehicle travels on in order to provide an optimum work performance level that balances fuel efficiency and surface adversity. Fleet management and reporting capabilities pertaining to such interface management are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle motion control system comprising: a sliding surface; a vehicle adapted to slide on said sliding surface; and a linear motor associated with the vehicle and the sliding surface for affecting sliding motion of the vehicle on the sliding surface.

Abstract: A water slide for a recreational pool or other body of water, the water slide being in a spiral configuration with a runway or flume down the spiral and into the pool. The water slide also includes a fountain, which may be centrally located within the spiral slide flume, that produces an upward and outward water spray pattern with an outer envelope that may be sized to correspond to an outer diameter or given outer extent of the spiral slide flume such that the water spray from the fountain falls substantially onto the water slide runway as opposed to on the pool deck.

Abstract: A modular water slide apparatus integrated with a transportable unit includes a major slide structure, a minor slide structure, a plurality of water jet nozzles, a trailer, a water supply and storage tank, a water catch basin, a plurality of anchor columns, and at least one circular, spiral, or winding staircase.

Abstract: A waterslide attraction capable of incorporating user skill or agility. The waterslide attraction utilizes a slide for supporting a rider, either with a ride vehicle or without. The ride vehicle may be a mat with handles that allows the rider thereon to manipulate its position or other elements while on the slide. Upon manipulating an element, a signal may be transmitted. Sensors located along the slide are configured to interact with tags having corresponding identification information, such tags either worn by the rider in accessories or embedded or coupled with the ride vehicle. When a tag is within a predetermined distance or vicinity of a sensor, one or more aspects of the waterslide attraction may be modified, such as by turning on jets of fluid or assigning score points associated with the identification information. A screen or mobile application displays various characteristics corresponding to travel performance down the slide.

Abstract: A sliding plane is provided for water slides, which are used for fun in places such as tourist facilities, aqua parks and entertainment centers. The sliding plane has a conical form narrowing from top to the bottom. On the sliding plane, the entrance and exit points are provided on the narrow lower section of the lateral twisted edge and the rider can move firstly upwards and then downwards thanks to the entrance point inclined upwards as much as an angle ? relative to the ground axis, and s/he can slide with different speeds in different directions during the sliding on the sliding surfaces having different diameters.

Abstract: A water dispensing device comprises a container mounted to rotate about an axis. The container is adapted to receive and accumulate quantities of water. The container is pivotal mounted to rotate about the axis such that when the container accumulates more than a predetermined quantity of water, the container is adapted to rotate at least one rotation about the axis to dispense a quantity of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive ride, such as a flume within a flume. In one embodiment, a water ride can include a first flume ride and a second flume ride. The first flume ride can include a first middle section, while the second flume ride can include a second flume section. The second flume ride can pass through the first flume ride by having the second middle section pass through the first middle section. Thus, the second middle section can be located within the first middle section. The first middle section and the second middle section can form a pass-through section. The second flume ride can be partially supported by the first flume ride.