Abstract: An inflatable pool and slide apparatus for modifying an existing conventional slide comprising a plastic cover with straps to bind the top end to a slide platform, a slide portion with water supplied by a pair of apertured pipes, a recirculating water supply, a landing cushion, and a horseshoe shaped collecting pool.

Abstract: A participatory water slide play apparatus is disclosed upon which a ride participant can slide from an upper portion to a lower portion. Sensor/actuator devices are positioned on or adjacent the slide at locations intermediate the upper and lower portions thereof and are linked to associated play elements, such as water forming elements, noise making devices, scoring devices, and the like. While traveling down the slide, the ride participant is able to actuate one or more of the sensor/actuator devices to trigger one or more associated play elements and/or effects. Thus, aside from the enjoyment of the ride itself, ride participants can bring about desired effects and/or actively participate or interact with other ride participants located on or around the slide play structure in a fun and exciting manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water slide that includes a sliding surface and an entry end. The entry end of the water slide is configured to be positioned adjacent to the lower end of a downhill slide so that the sliding surface of the water slide and the sliding surface of the downhill slide form a continuous sliding surface. The water slide is adapted to hold a supply of water over substantially the entire sliding surface. Positioning a water supply over the entire sliding surface facilitates the water-sliding action as a child slides through the water slide. In another form of the invention, the water slide includes a drain that extends through the sliding surface of the slide. The drain permits easy replacement of unclean water with fresh water.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive play structure including an active targeting system for automatically sensing the location of a play participant and spraying or propelling water or other play media at the sensed location. Play participants race against the clock to determine and enter a secret code to disable the active targeting system or otherwise activate a desired self-destruct sequence or other desired sequence of events. But the active targeting system sprays water or shoots other play media at play participants who attempt to approach the structure. The secret code is periodically scrambled so that play participants must act quickly and cooperate with one another to determine and enter the correct code. These and other improvements increase the challenge and enjoyment of interactive play structures incorporating such improvements.

Abstract: A waterslide bowl element has a bottom wall configured to form a throat around a rider exit opening in the bottom of the bowl. The bowl holds an annular ring of water around the throat that slows down and conducts the rider to the exit opening and a flume in which the waterslide ride continues. The waterslide bowl may be used by riders on inner tubes.

Abstract: A waterfall diversion apparatus is provided consisting of a modified cylinder in which a supply of water which normally cascades over a portion of roller coaster track as a waterfall is temporarily diverted as the passenger carrying cars of the roller coaster pass underneath before the diverter mechanism rotates back to a non-diverter position and the waterfall resumes. The rotating diverter member is a cylinder-like device having a plow like inner divider which when rotated into the path of the water fall diverts the water to the ends of the cylinder where it continues in an outward path to the left and right of the passenger carrying cars of the roller coaster. The modified cylinder is normally obscured from view by the waterfall passing over the exterior surface of the diverter member.

Abstract: A rotating surfing wave simulator and methods of making surfable waves are provided. The simulator includes a rotatable container of water and a power source for rotating the container. A water-shaping aerofoil structure is disposed in the container for shaping the body of water. A wave-forming device is also provided adjacent and trailing the aerofoil structure, and includes an inclined surface. The aerofoil structure and wave-forming device together form a surfable wave upon rotation of the body of water in the container. Transparent structures may be used to enable spectators to view, from the side or underside, a surfer riding a wave formed on the wave-forming device. Wave enhancing devices are also provided to vary the shape of the surfable wave.

Abstract: A water ride attraction is disclosed which utilizes a containerless riding surface to eliminate disadvantageous boundary layer effects. A sheet flow of water is directed up the incline to produce a simulated wave. The configuration and contour of the riding surface and the various flow parameters can be widely varied to produce numerous desirable wave conditions.

Abstract: An amusement device for installation in a water park provides a spray or stream of water used to cool play participants. The device includes an elongated generally tubular member secured in a generally upright orientation and a water nozzle positioned towards the uppermost end of the tubular member. The elongated tubular member is characterized by a generally rigid lower portion and a semi-rigid upper portion having a rigidity selected so that the application of a rotational, lateral or vibrational force on the member by a play participant results in the deflection or reciprocal movement of the outlet nozzle so as to alter the pattern of water spray emitted from the nozzle.

Abstract: A water amusement system is described which includes a number of different water park rides. The water amusement system may include a water fountain system. The water fountain system includes a roof configured to turn in response to directing a stream of water at the roof. The water amusement system may include a water carousel. The water carousel is a carousel which is configured to float on a body of water. The water amusement system may include a musical fountain system. The musical fountain system is configured to spray water, play music and/or provide visual effects. The water amusement system may include a water powered Ferris wheel. The water amusement system may include a water powered bumper vehicle system. The water powered bumper vehicle system is configured such that the vehicles are preferably propelled by streams of water produced by water nozzles arranged about the water bumper vehicle system. The water system may include a boat ride system.

Abstract: A water amusement system is described which includes a number of different water park rides. The water amusement system may include a water fountain system. The water fountain system includes a roof configured to turn in response to directing a stream of water at the roof. The water amusement system may include a water carousel. The water carousel is a carousel which is configured to float on a body of water. The water amusement system may include a musical fountain system. The musical fountain system is configured to spray water, play music and/or provide visual effects. The water amusement system may include a water powered Ferris wheel. The water amusement system may include a water powered bumper vehicle system. The water powered bumper vehicle system is configured such that the vehicles are preferably propelled by streams of water produced by water nozzles arranged about the water bumper vehicle system. The water system may include a boat ride system.

Abstract: A method of interactive play is provided for facilitating team-oriented or group interactive play to achieve a common desired effect. The method of play takes advantage of a number of play elements disposed at various locations and elevations throughout a play structure. Each play element is activated or operated by one or more play participants to complete one of several necessary steps in a chain of triggering events resulting in energy being transferred from one play element to the next. The overall completion of the chain of events results in a common desired result or effect, such as a domino-like cascade of various mechanisms, balls, water and/or the like. Play participants achieve the final goal through a collective team effort requiring the coordinated completion of several smaller objectives comprising each necessary step in the chain of triggering events.

Abstract: A floatable park that includes a trampoline and a first inflatable object attached to the trampoline. The first inflatable object is constructed to support a human being thereon. The park is floatable on water.

Abstract: A device for making waves in a liquid (2) contained in a pond (1) such as a swimming pool, by the substantially vertical reciprocating motion of a body placed within the liquid or at the surface thereof. The body is a shell (3) capable of being filled with the said liquid (2). The shell (3) is connected by a linking member (4) to an element capable of periodically applying an upward-oriented force in a substantially vertical direction, then in lowering the said shell (3) again. The shell (3) preferably comprises a horizontal base and substantially vertical side walls.

Abstract: An interactive arena play structure is provided incorporating a plurality of water and non-water play elements for creating various desired water effects. The interactive arena play structure incorporates a centrally disposed target tower which controls various water effects located within or around the play structure. Play participants are encouraged to compete against one another to actuate various water effects such that they stay dry while their opponents get wet. In addition, play participants are encouraged to cooperate to actuate a special progressive water effect located in a centrally disposed region of the play arena.

Abstract: A participatory water slide play apparatus is disclosed upon which a ride participant can slide from an upper portion to a lower portion. Sensor/actuator devices are positioned on or adjacent the slide at locations intermediate the upper and lower portions thereof and are linked to associated play elements, such as water forming elements, noise making devices, scoring devices, and the like. While traveling down the slide, the ride participant is able to actuate one or more of the sensor/actuator devices to trigger one or more associated play elements and/or effects. Thus, aside from the enjoyment of the ride itself, ride participants can bring about desired effects and/or actively participate or interact with other ride participants located on or around the slide play structure in a fun and exciting manner.

Abstract: An interactive play structure is provided comprising a path defined by the structure along which a plurality of play effects are disposed. As play participants work their way through the structure, they are doused by various water, air and other effects controlled by other play participants. As they continue along the path, participants may discover the controls of these effects and actuate them to douse others.

Abstract: A water ride attraction is disclosed which utilizes a containerless riding surface to eliminate disadvantageous boundary layer effects. A sheet flow of water is directed up the incline to produce a simulated wave. The configuration and contour of the riding surface and the various flow parameters can be widely varied to produce numerous desirable wave conditions.

Abstract: A fish and marine mammal aquatic observatory. The observatory comprises an outer cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall that define an enclosed annular volume. The inner cylindrical wall is formed of a transparent material, e.g., glass or reinforced plastic. The enclosed annular volume is partially filled with a body of sea water that includes fish and marine mammal animals and other aquatic plants. The observatory further includes a carousel or platform supported on a tower located along a longitudinal axis of the observatory. An outer diameter of the carousel substantially abuts the inner cylindrical wall of the observatory. The carousel is accessible to participants when located at a first or upper position above the enclosed annular volume of water. A lift mechanism moves the carousel from the first, upper position to a second, lower position within the enclosed annular volume of water.

Abstract: A new water maze for providing a unique and refreshing attraction for amusement parks and other similar facilities. The inventive device includes a labyrinth having a plurality of passages, operative and inoperative sprinkler heads in the ceilings of certain passages, a water supply system to supply water to the operative sprinkler heads, and a motion sensor associated with each operative sprinkler head to activate the discharge of water therefrom for a predetermined length of time when a person enters an incorrect passage.

Abstract: A low-cost interactive water play structure and method is provided wherein an existing dry play structure is retrofitted or converted to incorporate various interactive water play elements. Water supply conduits are mounted on or in the support members of the dry play structure to provide water to one or more water forming elements and associated control valves. Play participants adjust the various valves and can immediately observe the change in the rate, direction or velocity of water flowing from the various associated water forming elements, allowing play participants to experiment with and learn about various cause-and-effect reactions using a familiar and entertaining play medium.

Abstract: The construction of one or more of conveyances i.e. "submarines" in the form of a sub-marine passenger vessel for the re-enactment of an underwater voyage to the bottom of the sea is disclosed herein. The vessels have seating for passengers seated along windows for watching a sub-marine landscape created on the lake bottom. The vessel has a degree of buoyancy and runs on a track, not visible to the passengers mounted on piers set on the lake bottom. It is propelled e.g. by an endless drag line. The vessel has windows allowing passengers to view numerous features on the lake bottom and in the water. The re-enactment of an under-water voyage to the bottom of the sea, includes a body of water having a bottom and a border area adjoining the body of water.

Abstract: A combination water slide and pool including an inflatable elongated sliding sheet. An elevation ramp is secured to a lower surface of the sliding sheet inwardly of a short inner edge thereof. The elevation ramp has its apex at the short inner edge of the sliding sheet. A pool portion is secured to the short inner edge of the sliding sheet. The pool portion is comprised of a peripheral side wall.

Abstract: A water play area having a plurality of water devices and actuators for controlling those devices located outside of the play area for selective activation by spectators observing participants within the play area. The play area is preferably laid out like a giant pinball machine in which participants are placed in groups or individually within tubes representing the balls of the pinball machine. Movement of the tubes along the play area plane can be influenced by movement inducing devices such as flippers, spinners, stationary bumpers, guides and Dutchman's Dikes. Also included within the play area are water devices, such as whipping snakes, geysers, rain drops, shower sprayers, whirly-birds and water bomb launchers that can either be on continuously or be selectively activated to drench participants within the play area.

Abstract: A wave-forming apparatus comprises a water flow chute or pool and an aerofoil structure that shapes the flow of water generated by the chute or pool. The shaped flow of water then flows across a wave-forming aerofoil or ramp to produce a safe and surfable standing wave or traveling wave. A transparent wave-forming ramp may be used to enable spectators to view, from the underside, a surfer riding a wave formed on the wave-forming ramp. Wave enhancing devices are also provided to vary the shape of the surfable wave.

Abstract: A play structure is provided for use in a playground or park. The play structure includes a wading pool containing a swing with an overhead water spray, a slide, a roof structure over the slide, a waterfall originating on the roof structure and cascading downward onto the slide, a climbing structure to allow access to the slide, a tunnel on rollers underneath the climbing structure, swinging rings with overhead water sprays, water spouts, and faucets for activating the water sprays and spouts.

Abstract: An interactive play structure is provided for facilitating team-oriented or group interactive play to achieve a common desired effect. The play structure includes a number of 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 one of several necessary steps in a chain of triggering events resulting in energy being transferred from one play element to the next. The overall completion of the chain of events results in a common desired result or effect, such as a domino-like cascade of various mechanisms, balls, water and/or the like. Play participants achieve the final goal through a collective team effort requiring the coordinated completion of several smaller objectives comprising each necessary step in the chain of triggering events.

Abstract: The present invention is a boat activated wave generating device for use in a body of water. The wave generating device preferably has wave forming sections that help to create wave shapes and wake formations upon which surfing and/or other skimming maneuvers can be performed. The wave forming sections are moved by the boat and have forward leading edges and upper flow forming surfaces. The device can be pivotally connected to the boat and pulled, or directly attached to the side of the boat hull. In operation, the device is moved through the water such that the forward leading edges are submerged to lift water onto the flow forming surfaces. Water flowing on and conforming to the surfaces is directed relatively upwardly and/or laterally across the surfaces, to create various wave shapes and wake formations thereon.

Abstract: An interactive play system and method of interactive play is provided in which a plurality of interactive play elements are provided for creating various desired effects utilizing soft foam balls or other suitable play media. The interactive play system comprises a multi-level support structure on which the interactive play elements are disposed. These allow play participants to create desired play effects using a fun and familiar play media. Some of the play elements may be multi-order play elements in that they receive play media from a first effect to create yet another effect. Various play-participant-operated conveyers are provided throughout the structure for transporting play media from a source to the various interactive play elements.

Abstract: A water game that periodically releases a volume of water. The game includes a trough that is pivotally connected to a stand. The trough is in fluid communication with a source of water such as a garden hose that is attached to the stand. The hose provides water that fills the trough. The water trough has a cavity that is offset from the stand so that the trough pivots about the stand and releases a volume of water when the water reaches a certain level. The trough rotates back into an upright position and again becomes filled with water, wherein the process is repeated. The stand can support the trough above a mat. A game participant can slide across the mat as the trough releases water to simulate a "riding of a wave".

Abstract: A waterplay structure is provided for home use which is easily assembled and which provides a variety of interactive water forming devices and adjustment valves for exciting backyard play. Play participants can assemble the play structure and then control the various water effects to cool and entertain the whole family.

Abstract: A participatory water play system is provided incorporating a plurality of water play elements for creating various desired water effects. The participatory water play system comprises a plurality of multiple-order water effects. A first participatory water play element may be manipulated to create a first-order water effect. A second participatory water play element receives water from the first water effect to create a second-order water effect. Thus, play participants can observe and experiment with various cause-and-effect reactions involving multiple-order water effects.

Abstract: An inflatable portable substantially collapsible structure comprising an inflatable substantially collapsible playing field having at least two walls, a top and a bottom, at least one object director to direct an object with a fluid along or above the playing surface and at least one score area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water ride comprising a channel of water connected to a beach area, wherein a torrential flow of water can be released into the channel, to create a swell that travels through the channel, and then turns into a solitary tidal wave that spills and breaks onto the beach. The water in the channel can also be made to flow in a uniform direction, due to the momentum and energy transferred from repeatedly releasing the torrential flow of water into the channel. The curvature and orientation of the beach area relative to the channel causes the waves breaking onto the beach to travel radially outward in an arc-shape, causing the waves to spill over and break, as they make their way around the beach.

Abstract: Ride-on toys and garden tools operated solely by household water pressure, a ride-on toy or a garden tool according to the invention includes (i) a stationary element; (ii) a movable element movably connected to the stationary element; (iii) water pressure operating means for moving the moveable element with respect to the stationary element; (iv) a water inlet for directing the household water into the operating means, the water inlet being in communication with a household water source; (v) a water outlet for directing the household water out from the operating means; and (vi) a valve for controlling the flow of the water through the operating means.

Abstract: A low-cost interactive water play structure and method is provided wherein an existing dry play structure is retrofitted or converted to incorporate various interactive water play elements. Water supply conduits are mounted on or in the support members of the dry play structure to provide water to one or more water forming elements and associated control valves. Play participants adjust the various valves and can immediately observe the change in the rate, direction or velocity of water flowing from the various associated water forming elements, allowing play participants to experiment with and learn about various cause-and-effect reactions using a familiar and entertaining play medium.

Abstract: A water ride includes a flume (10) defining a ride path. Patrons of the ride travel in rafts (24) along the flume (10) with the rafts riding on a thin layer of water introduced into the flume. To induce the rafts (24) to spin at desired locations in a controlled fashion, the rafts each include raft features (30) located on a bottom surface (32) of the raft. Flume features (34) are positioned at desired locations along the ride path in position to make contact with the raft features (30). This contact between the raft features (30) and the flume features (34) induces a controlled spin to the raft (24). The raft features (30) preferably include projections (36) extending downwardly from the bottom surface (32) of the raft at locations offset from a raft center of rotation. The flume features (34) preferably comprise alternating depressions (38) and ridges (40) extending transversely to the ride path along one side of the flume (10).

Abstract: A ride attraction has vehicles on a vehicle path. An animated figure over or on one side of the vehicle path is concealed from the path, and passengers in the vehicles on the path, by a waterfall. As the vehicles approach the waterfall, a diverter closes off the waterfall or diverts the waterfall into sidewalls creating an opening and exposing the animated figure. Simultaneously, the animated figure moves forward through the waterfall, or the plane of the waterfall, and approaches the oncoming vehicle. The sudden emergence and movement of the animated figure from a concealed position behind the waterfall adds to the excitement of the ride attraction.

Abstract: The present invention is primarily a boat activated wave generator that can be operated in a deep body of water. The wave generator is pulled or otherwise pushed through the water, and has wave generating blades that scoop up water, to form wave shapes thereon, upon which various surfing and skimming manuevers can be performed. The shape of the wave generator is such that it forms wave shapes, and various wave formations, and remains in substantial equilibrium in the water. The wave generator also forms wakes, and enhances the boat's wake, such that various skimming manuevers, i.e., wake-boarding and water skiing, can be performed.

Abstract: An endoskeletal or exoskeletal participatory water play structure comprised of play elements, water carrying conduits with attached water forming devices, associated valves, and issuing water effects, all of which define a three dimensional structure whereupon participants can manipulate valves to cause controllable changes in water effects that issue from the various water forming devices, and thus, alter the embodiment's overall appearance, sound and feel resulting in participant and observer recreational enjoyment.

Abstract: A water activity toy with a channel for a stream of water which floats a vessel on the stream. A paddle wheel moves through the water to move the stream. The paddle wheel includes a plurality of blades all on axle stub portions at supports at opposite sides of the channel. Each blade could be above the channel when a vessel floats by. The blade is curved downward around an axis extending from the base edge to the free edge of the blade so that with two oppositely directed blades both oriented to extend along the channel, the middle of the blade would be higher off the water in the channel than the regions of the blades at the axle portions. Each blade also has a cutout at its base edge so that if the blade were oriented upright, the base edge of the blade would be higher off the water in the channel toward the middle of the blade than at the axle portions.

Abstract: A waterplay structure is provided for home use which is easily assembled and which provides a variety of interactive water forming devices and adjustment valves for exciting backyard play. Play participants can assemble the play structure and then control the various water effects to cool and entertain the whole family.

Abstract: A water sculpture is provided having a contoured surface with a horizontal portion and a downstream inclined portion adjoining the horizontal portion. Water is propelled onto the contoured surface and flows upwards onto the incline portion thereof so as to create various aesthetic effects as the water rolls off the incline portion of the surface or curls back upon itself.

Abstract: A word game to be played in a body of water. The body of water has a surface, the game is played by two teams, each team having at least one player. The game includes the steps of positioning the players in the body of water. A plurality of gaming pieces is randomly distributed on the surface of the water. The gaming pieces have letters of the alphabet formed thereon. A word is identified. The players of each team collect gaming pieces to spell the identified word. The first team to have collected all gaming pieces to spell the identified word is the game winner.

Abstract: A backyard toy includes an elongated slide sheet terminating in a pool. Inflatable side wall is on the pool form a serpentine pathway through the pool so that a child sliding on the slide follows a zig zag path through said pool. A sprayer is provided to wet the slide and make the surface slick.

Abstract: An amusement apparatus comprising an elongated flume which has a fluid medium provided therein. A plurality of passenger vehicles are carried in the flume. Lifting mechanisms are provided for selectively raising and lowering various areas of the flume causing the fluid medium to travel as a wave in a continuous path around the flume and propel passenger vehicles floated thereon.

Abstract: A toy motion simulating apparatus for imparting motion to an operator controlled by a hydraulic control valve to proportionally direct hydraulic fluid from pitch, roll, and yaw fluid nozzles to respective pitch, roll, and yaw receiving chambers which are pivotably disposed with respect to the nozzles. A pitch and roll nozzle to proportionally direct hydraulic fluid to respective nose up and nose down pitch receiving chambers and clockwise and counter-clockwise roll receiving chambers and a yaw nozzle to proportionally direct hydraulic fluid to right and left yaw receiving chambers. The valve has a drain means for directing hydraulic fluid that doesn't flow into the receiving chambers out of the hydraulic control valve.

Abstract: An assembly is provided which includes a generally upright, substantially rigid pole having upper and lower ends. A weight is connected to the lower end of the pole. A float surrounding the pole intermediate the ends of the latter is connected to the pole by a universal coupling which permits the float to move with wave action while the pole remains substantially stationary. The upper end of the pole may carry a sunshade or game apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controllably injecting high velocity jets of water at an elevation at or above water level towards a buoyant object (e.g., a boat or participant in an inner tube) that is floating in a deep water recreation attraction, and causing injected water-to-object momentum transfer and directed buoyant object movement irrespective of the motion of water upon which the buoyant object floats. Structurally, a water conduit is positioned horizontally at or near the surface of a body of water. Adjacent to this conduit is positioned, in parallel corridor like fashion, a second water conduit or a benign retaining structure. The inside width of the corridor is a distance sufficient to permit passage of the buoyant object. An array of water injectors is aligned on the inside of the conduit-formed-corridor at an elevation at or above water level.

Abstract: A slide for use with swimming pools has at least one flow fitting in a side rail of the slide and directs fluid flow from the side rail onto the slide bed, thereby providing a film of water over substantially all of the bed.