Abstract: A wave generating apparatus and method is provided in which a controller actuates a plurality of wave generating chambers in sequence using a delay between actuation of each chamber to produce a rideable wave in a pool. The actuation delay period may be a predetermined proportion of the chamber period. The amount of delay in the sequence can determine the direction that the peak of the wave travels and the amplitude of the peak. Through the sequencing, the peak of the wave produced can travel in a direction not substantially perpendicular to the wave generating chambers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reconfigurable obstacle system for a river channel in a river park. Each obstacle assembly includes a plurality of obstacles. Obstacles may include a hollow structural box, a strut channel frame and a plurality of connectors that cooperate to divert water when installed in a river channel. A plurality of connectors pass through the hollow structural box when holding the obstacle in position. The obstacle assemblies can be reconfigured as desired, e.g. increase amplitude of a wave, speed up water flow, change depth, etc.

Abstract: An annular-shaped waterslide bowl for use as an element of a waterslide apparatus serves to slow a rider down and bring him or her to a stop at the end of the waterslide ride. The bowl has a bowl wall with a rider entry port through which a rider slides from a flume into the bowl. The bottom wall of the bowl has an opening at its center and a low circumferential wall around the opening extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The rider comes to a stop in the bowl and can step over the circumferential wall into the opening. A staircase or slide located within the opening provides means for the rider to exit the bowl. The waterslide bowl provides a compact structure for slowing and stopping the rider and is particularly suitable for waterslide installations having limited space.

Abstract: A method and system for providing enhanced interactivity and immersion in a theme park environment. The system uses a token having a tag that is able to communicate with a reader that is associated with a theme park device. The tag communicates to the reader identification data that correlates to the theme of the theme park and the theme park device. The theme park device will act or behave in response to the identification data.

Abstract: A snow and water sliding carrier for amusement center has a body having a general shape of a torus having a central opening, a floor member that closes the central opening, and has an opposite side defining a bottom member, such that the floor member is concave and the bottom member is convex. The bottom member extends beyond the floor member and is co-joined with the outside wall, and includes a plurality of threaded receptacles adapted to receive respective threaded nipples, wherein each threaded nipple is adapted to be threaded into a respective receptacle in varying amounts, such that a predetermined rotation of the sliding carrier is induced and controlled.

Abstract: The teachings herein are directed to a wave forming apparatus and method including a channel directing a flow of water over modular forms in the bed of the channel, such as aerofoils, that can be changed, repositioned or removed to create various effects such as barrel waves for surfing. Also disclosed is a water smoothener system and method for reducing turbulence in water flowing through such an apparatus.

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 slide feature is adapted to carry one or more riders and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon. The slide feature includes a sliding surface having an entry end and an exit end. The sliding surface comprising at least a lower portion of a sideways tilted funnel shape wherein a radius of the sliding surface tapers from the entry end to the exit end. A lowermost surface of the sliding surface is horizontal or slightly inclined from horizontal descending from the entry end to the exit end. The sliding surface comprising side walls each extending upward from the lowermost surface about a longitudinal axis which would be defined by the complete sideways tilted funnel shape through an angle of more than 90°. The entry end is substantially larger in diameter than the exit end.

Abstract: A surface gravity wave generator and wave pool is disclosed. A wave pool is formed of opposing side walls and a center channel of water. The channel includes a bottom contour with a depth that runs from a deep end to a shoal or beach. One or more three-dimensional foils are vertically arranged along at least one side wall, and moved against the water in the channel. Each foil has a curvilinear cross-sectional geometry that defines a leading surface that is adapted to generate a wave in water moving past the leading surface, and a trailing surface configured for flow recovery to avoid separation of the flow of water in the wave and to mitigate drag from the foil from the water moving past the leading surface.

Abstract: A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be actively involved in a water attraction. This transportation system may include a plurality of covers forming a covering system over at least a portion of the water transportation and/or amusement system. In some embodiments, at least one of the covers may be positionable. In addition, the water transportation system may include conveyor belt systems and water locks configured to convey participants from a first source of water to a second source of water which may or may not be at a different elevation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a deflector for a water dump apparatus positioned within a flow path of water discharged from a selectably dischargable container. The deflector comprises a deflector body having a top deflection surface thereon, a pivot mount for pivotally supporting the deflector body and an adjustor for selectably fixing the deflector plate at an orientation desired by a user. The deflector body may extend between first and second ends and be pivotally supported at the first end thereof. The deflector surface may be a planar concave or convex surface. The deflector body has an exterior edge which is substantially circular. The adjustor may comprise an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder or a pin selectably engageable within one of a plurality of notches.

Abstract: A system of interactive game play is provided wherein the gaming is carried out within a pool, water park or water attraction. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as waterproof wands, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find and use identified objects, clues or other information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting participants' advancement in the game. Each play participant may possess a unique RFID wand, band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.

Abstract: Described are systems, devices and methods for providing a facility for water sports such as wakeboarding, waterskiing, wake surfing, kneeboarding and the like in a controlled environment without the concomitant risks inherent in natural environments. Water is circulated by effluents from water pumps in an open air channel or pool and returned in a submerged closed channel. A participant controls velocity of water flowing from effluents and an amount of wake. Circulating water is rapidly decelerated by a second set of water pumps upon detecting participant falling or losing contact from a ski rope.

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 tent structure, water transfer system and sprinkler mechanism are provided. The water transfer system utilizes components of the tent structure to transfer water from a garden hose to the sprinkler mechanism positioned at the top of the tent structure to spray water above the tent structure.

Abstract: An exercise facility may be part of a water ride. The exercise facility may be coupled to a water amusement system. An exercise facility may include a body of water that assists or resists movement of a participant between stations or apparatus in the facility. Exercise stations may be at least partially submerged in the body of water. Exercise apparatus may float on or be coupled to structures in the body of water. A participant may move from station to station, or apparatus to apparatus, by swimming, floating, traveling underwater, walking or jogging in the body of water, or using a conveyor. A system for providing exercise may include a processing unit that processes information relating to exercise by a participant and a display for displaying information to the participant while the participant is at the exercise stations.

Abstract: A waterslide bowl has a fixed rider path from entrance to exit. The bowl comprises a trough which is made of a plurality of sets of trough sections, attached together, in which the trough sections of a given set are the same and nest together side-by-side, permitting the rider surface of the bowl to be made from trough sections having a small number of different shapes. This reduces the number of molds that would otherwise be required to make the trough sections. The waterslide bowl may also have two or more separate troughs, nested together, whereby the bowl may be ridden in by multiple riders at the same time, each in his or her own trough.

Abstract: A tank discharge water attraction including a tank made in different shapes and sizes out of one or more of transparent, translucent or opaque materials. When a valve in the tank is triggered, water is discharged upon participants through a water pattern forming system which causes the water to be discharged in one or more specific patterns.

Abstract: An amusement ride system and method are described. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may be generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be more involved in a water attraction. An amusement ride system may include system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water. The system may include one or more fluid jets. The fluid jets may function to produce a fluid stream having a predetermined velocity which is selectively greater, less than, or the same as a velocity of a participant at each of the fluid jet locations and are oriented tangentially with respect to the surface of the source of water so as to contact a participant and/or participant vehicle. An amusement ride system may include a system for controlling a participant flow rate through a multi path water amusement ride system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a whitewater park and whitewater park systems. A recreational waterfall system for traversal by watercraft that includes at least one headgate to produce a surge of water over a waterfall and to limit access to the waterfall by watercraft. A recreational watercraft launch that accelerates a watercraft while traversing said waterfall and a downstream crest a variable exit geometry causes the watercraft to be directed in an upward direction. A recreational waterfall has water flowing over a crest with variable cantilever determining a distance from the edge that the water flowing over the crest impacts water in the pool. A whitewater park has multiple routes of varying difficulties between pools.

Abstract: A wet play structure including a non-harnessed course and a harnessed course. The wet play structure can be located in an amusement park. The non-harnessed course and the harnessed course can be completely, or partially integrated to increase interaction between users. The wet play structure may include an elevated path configured to allow a user to traverse the elevated path. A track is configured to connect to a harness worn by the user while the user traverses the elevated path. In one aspect, the wet play structure may include a fluid conduit configured to transmit water onto the user while the user traverses the elevated path. In one aspect, a pool positioned beneath the elevated path and configured to contain water.

Abstract: A waterslide amusement ride having in a portion thereof, a linear induction motor to efficiently and effectively affect the motion of a vehicle sliding on the ride. The linear induction motor comprises linear induction motor units embedded below a sliding surface, and a reaction plate mounted to the bottom of the vehicle. Depending on the configuration of the linear induction motor units and the reaction plate, the linear induction motor drive can be used to accelerate the vehicle, decelerate the vehicle, maintain the speed of the vehicle up an uphill section, or rotate the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-priming underwater device for generating a vortex ring entrained with a fluid, includes a handle, a housing including front and rear sections, a trigger for supplying a fluid to the housing, a piston assembly in the rear section of the housing and including a yoke, a piston movable in the yoke, and a plate for displacing a liquid, and a splitter for diverting one portion of the fluid to the piston assembly to thereby move the piston. The front section of the housing includes an opening for discharging a vortex ring therefrom, and a fluid supply member is positioned adjacent the opening for supplying another portion of the fluid to be entrained in the vortex ring.

Abstract: An underwater device for generating a vortex ring includes a liquid chamber, and a fluid or air chamber contiguous to the liquid chamber and separated by a partition wall. The liquid chamber includes a generally rigid section and a compressible or flexible section. The rigid section includes an opening for selectively loading the liquid chamber with a liquid and for discharging a vortex ring therefrom.

Abstract: A water based entertainment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present application is connected to a garden hose to provide smooth walls of water that define an enclosed dry that is substantially free of water spray.

Abstract: A participatory water play structure including a water eruption effect device. The water eruption effect device may include a water eruption jet, lighting devices, sound devices, light towers, mist or smoke devices and fountain devices. The water eruption effect device imitates a geyser, volcanic eruption, or large water spray, dousing play participants in a participatory play structure with a cool deluge of water. The water eruption effect may also be used as a show feature during night-time operation of the participatory play structure. Responsive water play devices may also be used, including RFID and motion sensor systems that respond to the presence of play participants and to identifying characteristics of the play participants.

Abstract: A redundant array pumping system and control system is provided for water rides for ensuring continuous and non-disruptive supply of water. The pumping system incorporates a redundant pump and filter array in conjunction with a nozzle system for injecting water onto a ride surface. The nozzle system may incorporate a plurality of redundant or quasi-redundant nozzles. The hydraulic system can include many levels of redundancy as applied to its various components, such as pumps, filters and nozzles. Additionally, the system can be equipped with a plurality of pressure and flow sensors for monitoring and controlling the performance of the pumps, filters and nozzles of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A control system for a water amusement system is described. The control system is configured to operate the water amusement system to produce water effects, sound effects, and/or light effects when the control system receives an activation signal. The activation signal may be sent to the control system by an activation point, such as an optical touch button, or a water target. The control system is further configured to produce water effects, sound effects, and/or light effects in the absence of an activation signal to attract participants to the water amusement system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a half-pipe water ride for use by a rider. The half-pipe water ride includes an activity section with a substantially flat middle section, a first curved sidewall, and a second curved sidewall opposite the first curved sidewall. Water flows from a water delivery section through the middle section to a dewatering section. The rider can ride on the half-pipe water ride substantially perpendicular to the water flow from the first curved sidewall across the middle section to the second curved sidewall.

Abstract: A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be actively involved in a water attraction. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting at least two of the water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between at least two of the water stations. In addition, the water transportation system may include conveyor belt systems and water locks configured to convey participants from a first source of water to a second source of water which may or may not be at a different elevation.

Abstract: A swimming hoop with a buoyancy member and flexible frame. By increasing or decreasing the buoyant force provided to the flexible frame by the buoyancy member, the user is able to position the swimming hoop at a desired vertical distance within a body of water. To increase or decrease the buoyant force, a pump is used to increase or decrease the level of air within an air chamber. The buoyancy member is adjustably secured to the flexible frame. The flexible frame may be generally circular, square, or any other shape, and is flexible such that other shapes can be further obtained by twisting or manipulating the flexible frame.

Abstract: A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be actively involved in a water attraction. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, the water transportation system may include conveyor belt systems and water locks configured to convey participants from a first source of water to a second source of water which may or may not be at a different elevation.

Abstract: In waterslide amusement devices one or more water jets can be directed along the waterslide surface and used to apply a force to riders using the amusement device. In the present approach the operation of such water jet assemblies is adjusted based on the weight of each rider, so that riders of different weights can negotiate the waterslide amusement device safely and with an appropriate degree of excitement. The rider weight is conveniently measured on the waterslide amusement device, for example, using a load cell assembly, and a signal is sent to a controller to adjust the output of one or more downstream water jet assemblies based on the measured rider weight.

Abstract: An amusement device that is added to a new or existing bumper boat attraction, consisting of a singular or plurality of targets, lights, water effect devices, and a control system or module. The target may be comprised of a mechanical switch, pressure switch, sensor, optical beam, or any other device for detecting a participant signal. When a participant operating a bumper boat, bumps (or sprays if equipped with onboard squirt guns), or enters into the sensor area of pool, a signal is sent to a control module or control system. The control module or system will in turn send a signal to a water effect device, actuating a singular or plurality of valves. The water effect device will be directed over the pool or arena area such that there is a possibility of other participants getting wet. A water effect device may consist of a water cannon, water blast, mist, air assisted mist, dumping of water or water spray.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to fill multiple water balloons and other water-based toys at the same time is herein disclosed. The apparatus takes the form of a large stand approximately thirty-four (34) inches high and twenty-four (24) inches wide made using polyvinylchloride (PVC) piping and fittings. The apparatus is supported across the bottom using two (2) “T”-shaped legs, also made of PVC pipe. A water connection to a standard garden hose is provided on one (1) leg near the bottom. Four (4) angled valves are provided across a top portion, such that up to four (4) users can use the apparatus simultaneously to refill water-based toys such as squirt guns or water balloons. When finished at each station, each user can easily turn off an individual valve, thus avoiding the wasting of water.

Abstract: Embodiments of an arch-based play system are disclosed. The system incorporates an arch assembly or a group of arch assemblies. Play elements are connected to the arch assembly or assemblies. The system is modular in nature such that there are a wide variety of different possible implementation configurations. The wide variety of possible implementation configurations corresponds to a wide variety of different play experiences.

Abstract: An interactive play structure is provided for facilitating team-oriented and/or group play to achieve a desired effect. The play structure includes play elements disposed at various locations and elevations throughout the play structure. Each play element can be activated or operated by one or more play participants to complete steps in a chain of triggering events. The overall completion of the chain of events results in a desired result or effect, such as a domino-like cascade of various mechanisms, balls, water the like. In one example, the effect includes the release of a cannonball from the top of a vertical structure. As the cannonball reaches the end of its descent, it causes water to be radially dispersed from a pool, such as onto nearby play participants. The cannonball is then advantageously returned to the top of the vertical structure through the use of one or more return conduits.

Abstract: A water ride for transporting ride participants between portions of a water attraction disposed at different heights, for example, pools situated at various levels in a water leisure park, includes an outer support tube within which a hollow spiral coil (screw) is constructed internally of the tube and securable to the tube. Advantageously, the manner of securement permits removal of at least a portion of the spiral coil as necessary or desirable for performing maintenance and/or replacement. The spiral coil sufficiently engages the inside of the tube, thereby creating at least a restriction to the passage of water between adjacent pockets contained between the thread pitch defined by the spiral coil. Ride participants are moved along with water pockets trapped between the pitch of the internal profile presented by the combination of spiral coil and tube from one end of the tube/spiral coil combination to the other end by rotation of the tube in an appropriate direction.

Abstract: An interactive water slide includes a plurality of light and sound sources synchronized with a theme chosen by the rider, the lighting and sound changes as the rider travels down the slide. Images are projected onto a screens of water that block the path of the rider and as the rider travels down the slide the rider must go through these projected images.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports complex comprising: a floatable carrier body (3) with a playing field disposed thereon, a basin (4) which can be filled with liquid, in which basin (4) the carrier body (3) is situated, in which the carrier body (3) is displaceable with respect to the basin (4), and in which the basin (4) comprises a first basin part which is adjacent to a first side of the carrier body (3) and a second basin part which is adjacent to the opposite side of the carrier part, a filling means for filling the basin with liquid. The sports complex according to the invention is characterized by the fact that the sports complex furthermore comprises a liquid displacement means in order to create a difference in liquid pressure between the first basin part and the second basin part.

Abstract: Described are systems, devices and methods for providing a motorized retractable line or ski rope for a facility in which to practice water sports such as wakeboarding, wake surfing, wake skating, waterskiing, kneeboarding and the like. A motorized retractable line may operate by manual control or preferably by automation. Operation is in response to one or more detectable events or one or more controls. When a water sport participant loses contact with a handle of the ski rope, the motorized retractable line extends by unwinding from a winch or by another mechanism. The motorized retractable line is carried in the flow of water until it reaches a designated length or a maximal length (e.g., to a downstream side of the water sports facility), or until a participant re-connects with the handle of the ski rope. A participant may re-engage in a water sport from any position in the water sports facility after losing contact with the ski rope. A participant is returned to a designated participation area.

Abstract: A device for generating and maintaining a standing wave face capable of being ridden by an individual. The device includes a container having a base wall and a sidewall and containing a fluid, at least one inlet into the container, and means for imparting a combination of rotational vertical and horizontal velocity to a fluid with-in the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable water ride having a trailer with a water catch basin built therein, wherein at least two pivoting supports are provided which can be deployed to an expanded position and stowed to a vertical position. When the supports are deployed, a flexible ride surface can be stretched between said supports to form an inclined ride surface upon which a sheet flow of water from a nozzle housing can be provided upon which water skimming maneuvers can be performed. A walkway on either side of the ride surface, as well as an entrance platform at the top of the ride surface, and other grated platforms, railings, etc., can also be provided.

Abstract: A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, a floating water park positioned in a body of water is described, as well as, a floating marine park. A floating marine/water park may include one or more floating containers positioned in a body of a first fluid. One or more of the floating containers may function to hold a second fluid, marine life, and/or participants in water amusement activities. A floating container may include a view window configured to allow participants (e.g., below the surface of water) in a first floating container to view marine life or participants in a second floating container.

Abstract: An amusement ride system and method are described. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may be generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be more involved in a water attraction. An amusement ride system may include system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water. The system may include one or more fluid jets. The fluid jets may function to produce a fluid stream having a predetermined velocity which is selectively greater, less than, or the same as a velocity of a participant at each of the fluid jet locations and are oriented tangentially with respect to the surface of the source of water so as to contact a participant and/or participant vehicle. An amusement ride system may include a system for controlling a participant flow rate through a multi path water amusement ride system.

Abstract: An amusement device that is added to a new or existing bumper boat attraction, consisting of a singular or plurality of targets, lights, water effect devices, and a control system or module. The target may be comprised of a mechanical switch, pressure switch, sensor, optical beam, or any other device for detecting a participant signal. When a participant operating a bumper boat, bumps (or sprays if equipped with onboard squirt guns), or enters into the sensor area of pool, a signal is sent to a control module or control system. The control module or system will in turn send a signal to a water effect device, actuating a singular or plurality of valves. The water effect device will be directed over the pool or arena area such that there is a possibility of other participants getting wet. A water effect device may consist of a water cannon, water blast, mist, air assisted mist, dumping of water or water spray.

Abstract: A water device for use in a water game in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a valve device providing a variable flow of water to a flat hose with a plurality of holes formed therein to allow water to spray from the top thereof. A user races the water in the flat hose to a finishing member to try beat the water there. An indicator may indicate if the user has won.

Abstract: An inflatable playland for a child is disclosed, as are different embodiments relating to same. The playland may be designed to emulate different objects, and preferably allows for a child to play on or within same. A module or other device is also included to allow the playland to play a sound and/or display a visual upon detection of a child or other object.

Abstract: A water toy includes a pump and a water inlet in fluid communication with the pump, the water inlet being submerged in a water environment during use of the water toy. The water toy further includes a water gun barrel and a water gun trigger operatively coupled to the pump outlet. The pump is configured to draw water through the water inlet from the water environment, whereby activation of the trigger causes water to discharge from the water gun barrel. The water toy may also include a docking station for storage and battery recharging.

Abstract: A system may enable a participant to play games of chance in a water environment. A gambling facility may be part of a water ride. The gambling facility is coupled to a water amusement system. Gambling stations may be at least partially submerged in the body of water. Gambling apparatus may float on or be coupled to structures in the body of water. A participant may move from station to station, or apparatus to apparatus, by swimming, floating, traveling underwater, walking or jogging in the body of water, or using a conveyor. In some embodiments, participant identifiers are coupled to the one or more participants. The participant identifiers may be used to assess a status of the participants in the gambling facility or water amusement park system.