DE69122400T2 - WATER SLIDE WITH WATER JET DEVICES - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for controllably injecting, subsequent to the start of a water ride, a high velocity water flow (30) over the water ride surface (25). A rider (29) (or vehicle) that rides into such injected flow (30), as a result of water-to-rider momentum transfer, either be accelerated, matched, or decelerated in a downhill, horizontal or uphill straight or curvilinear direction by such injected flow (30). Flow emitting nozzles (24) can be either positioned above, along side, or from any position along the length of the water ride surface (25).

Description

BACKGROUND:

This invention relates generally to water slides, more specifically to a mechanism and method that 1) safely transfers the kinetic energy of a high velocity water flow to participants sliding/sliding (with or without a vehicle) on a low friction surface and allows them to accelerate downward, horizontally, or upward in a straight or curved direction, 2) safely stabilizes and equalizes the coefficients of friction and trajectory of participants of varying sizes and weights on a water slide with a steep downward section followed by a significant upward section, and 3) allows self-elimination of the transient wave/hydraulic rise that can occur on a horizontal or upwardly inclined water slide channel.

The 1980s saw a phenomenal increase in water facilities for family recreation, i.e. water parks and water-oriented slide attractions in traditional amusement parks. The common types of water slides, such as water slides, rapids slides and log flumes, require that users walk or be mechanically lifted and that the water is pumped to a high point, with gravity allowing water, slider(s) and ride vehicle (if appropriate) to descend a channel or slope to a pool of water on lower level, after which the process repeats. Gravity or gravity induced slider momentum is the primary driving force that propels the user down and through these traditional water slide attractions. A novel aspect of the subject invention is the use of a high velocity water jet to propel a user forward instead of, or in opposition to, or in augmentation with gravity. Except for the launch area, water slide attractions have not utilized water pumped in a horizontal or downward direction as a purpose and propulsion mechanism to accelerate a slider down or along a track. Likewise, water slide attractions have not heretofore utilized jetted water to propel a slider up an incline to a higher level. By means of the aforementioned high velocity water jets, the subject invention enables the creation of water-oriented amusement slides and sliding experiences not heretofore available in the amusement industry. In particular, the embodiments of the invention described herein enable a rider(s) to accelerate downwards on the surface of a water attraction beyond the acceleration attributable to gravity (this embodiment is hereinafter referred to as a "downward accelerator"), or to accelerate in a horizontal direction (this embodiment is hereinafter referred to as a "horizontal accelerator"), or to accelerate in an upward direction (this embodiment is hereinafter referred to as an "upward accelerator"), or to slide downwards on a conventional slideway and enter a water stream at the same or lower speed and yet return in an upward direction to a higher level equivalent to that achieved by using gravity alone. or lower than that which could be achieved by using gravity alone (this embodiment is hereinafter referred to as the "stabilization-equalization process"), or to slide downward on a conventional water slide attraction and return in an upward direction to a level higher than that which could be achieved by using gravity alone (this embodiment is hereinafter referred to as the elevation-enhancing process), or by combining the embodiments described above with a standard downwardly inclined water slide to provide an embodiment hereinafter referred to as a "water roller coaster".

The amusement field is replete with inventions that use water as a means of creating a sliding motion and a sliding experience, but none yet describe the improvements contemplated by the subject invention, as an examination of some relevant references reveals.

U.S. Patent 3,923,301 to Meyers, issued December 2, 1975, discloses a method of adapting a hill to create a water slide trench in the ground in which a slider slides from an upper launch pool through a gravity passage on recirculated water to a lower landing pool. The Meyers structure and method of operation are not relevant to the present invention.

US Patent 4,198,043 to Timbes, published on April 15, 1980, discloses a modular plastic water slide in which a slider slides by means of a gravity passage from an upper starting pool on circulating water to a lower landing pool. The Timbes design and method of operation are not relevant to the present invention. Invention.

U.S. Patent 4,196,900 to Becker, issued April 8, 1980, discloses a conventional downwardly inclined water slide with a simplified support structure, having a simplified number of parts at a reduced cost, in which a conventional water pipe leads from a pump to the beginning of each slide. Becker further suggests that such a water pipe may have pressure jets on the top which provide an extra thrust component to a person sitting there, thereby ensuring that a person once aboard does not block the slide by remaining in place (column 2, lines 34 to 39). Becker's proposal is common for the boarding pan of most conventional water slides. Becker's proposal does not take into account the performance characteristics described by the present invention, i.e. downward acceleration in excess of the acceleration attributable to gravity, or acceleration in a horizontal direction in excess of the force required to prevent blocking of the entry well, or acceleration in an upward direction, or level recovery, or multiple thrust locations, etc. The "extra thrust" proposed by Becker is limited in location to the start of the slideway and in force to the force required to avoid slideway blocking by a starting slider. In contrast, the water stream as injected by the subject invention is preferably located downstream of the conventional start as proposed by Becker. Furthermore, a preferred function of the subject invention is to accelerate a slider that is already in motion, rather than a slider that is blocking the slideway by remaining in place. The proposals of Becker are limited to existing, conventional water slide launch basins and as such have no relation to the present invention.

U.S. Patent 4,778,430 to Goldfarb et al., issued October 18, 1988, discloses a water slide toy in which a mechanically driven conveyor lifts humanoid slide objects from a lower slide section to an upper end of the slide section, whereupon the slide objects slide downward to the starting point of the conveyor due to a gravity passage on recirculated water. The structure and operation of Goldfarb et al. has no relation to the present invention.

U.S. Patent 4,392,434 to Dürwald et al., issued July 12, 1983, discloses a turbulent watercourse with boats guided in a channel between an upper starting point and a lower end, and a chain conveyor that prevents slipping as it carries the boats from the end to the start. The Timbes structure and operation have no relation to the present invention.

U.S. Patent 4,805,896 to Moody, issued February 21, 1989, discloses a water slide for swimmers which utilizes the linear motion (predominantly horizontal or downward) of a large body of water of swimming depth. Moody shares a feature of the "downward or horizontal accelerator" embodiments of the subject invention, i.e., the ability to move a participant in a predominantly horizontal or downward direction, with the participant being moved by the water rather than through it. However, it differs from the subject invention in the following way: Moody's entire thrust is to be provided by a large body of water with a moderate downward slope. to create the desired swimmer motion. The slide, which is specifically limited to swimmers, has a large volume of water whose weight is substantially greater than the weight of the participant and whose depth is sufficient to prevent the floating or swimming participant from contacting the bottom of the water channel. To move such large volumes of water, Moody specifies "high volume pumps with low water pressure heads" (column 3, line 27). In contrast, the preferred embodiment of the subject invention utilizes lower volume pumps at higher water pressure heads. Such high pressure pumps, together with suitably designed nozzles, produce powerful, focused water streams that can operate at depths of less than 1 inch. Moreover, swimming is not a requirement and the participant inevitably touches the bottom surface over which he/she slides. In addition, the volume of water required to move a participant according to Moody is ten to twenty times greater than that required for a preferred embodiment of the subject invention. As for the problem of reducing friction, Moody uses a sufficient amount of water to partially float the slider, which can then accelerate due to the relatively low kinetic energy of the slow-moving mass of water. In contrast, the subject invention allows acceleration by a burst of water (i.e., extreme momentum transfer) and does not require the slider to float to reduce the frictional force. Another key point of distinction is the possibility of propelling the participant in an upward direction (such a possibility is not contemplated by Moody). As a result of these differences, it is respectfully submitted that Moody moves away from the propulsion mechanism as taught by the subject invention.

U.S. Patent 4,836,521 to Barber, issued June 6, 1989, discloses an amusement device having a circular pool in which water is rotated by jets to form a vortex and in which a rotating element with a resulting centrifugal force gives the rider the experience of crossing the edge of a giant vortex pool. The Barber structure and operation have no relation to the present invention.

U.S. Patent 4,805,897 to Dubeta, issued February 21, 1989, discloses improvements to water slide systems in which a vertically rising water reservoir located at the upstream end of a water slide (preferably at the beginning of the track) is suitably discharged to release a suitable amount of water at selected intervals against the gutter of the downwardly inclined water slide. Similar to Moody (supra), Dubeta shares a feature of several embodiments of the subject invention, i.e., the ability to move a participant in a predominantly downward direction, with the participant being moved through the water rather than through it. Dubete, however, differs from the subject matter as follows: the overall thrust according to Dubeta is intended to increase the safety of the slider by providing intermittent floods of water, which ensure proper spacing for sliders on a downward water slide. Dubeta states, "since the flood occurs along with each slider and the slider is forcibly carried by it along the entire slide... the sliders on the slide are maintained in a spaced relationship with one another on the slide as they advance downward on it. This eliminates many of the accidents that occur with the constant water flow system previously discussed" (column 6, lines 57 to 64).

It is important to note that the flood of water released according to Dubeta is intended to move at substantially the same speed as the design speed for the slider sliding down the channel (see also column 5, lines 14 to 18). In construction, Dubeta's preferred embodiment uses a storage tank with a head of seven feet (column 5, line 31). In practice, this low head flood of water ensures that the slider is "forced to travel the entire path of the slide" by the flood. In contrast, the preferred embodiment of the subject invention does not require a mechanism or need for releasing jets of water that flow down the slide in a spaced relationship one after the other, instead constant water flows can also be effective in achieving the intended goals. Furthermore, the acceleration embodiments of the subject invention preferably use head sizes 1.5 to 15 times that of Dubeta. Such pressure heads, together with suitably designed nozzles, produce powerful, focused water flows that result in acceleration and velocities greater than could ever be achieved by merely sliding down a channel (with or without a Dubeta water jet). Additional key points of distinction include the ability of the subject invention to act at the same location upstream from the end of the slide without the Dubeta requirement for a vertically raised water tower reservoir, and the ability of the subject invention to propel the participant forward in a horizontal or upward direction (such a possibility was not considered by Dubeta). As a final point of distinction, a participant in a Dubeta improvement will always be downstream of the flood-releasing valve prior to the valve opening and the creation of the jet. In the case of the invention, the propelling water is already flowing at the moment the participant enters its stream. It is respectfully pointed out that Dubeta, for the reasons set out above, deviates from the propulsion mechanism as claimed by the invention.

British Patent 1,204,629 of the Atlantic Bridge Company discloses a conveyor for fragile articles, such as fish or agricultural produce, wherein the articles are moved at high throughput rates by suction and gravity and decelerated with minimal damage by introducing the articles into a bath of liquid at an acute angle so that the articles strike the liquid surface obliquely with reduced shock or impact. The Atlantic Bridge Company construction and operation has no relation to the present invention.

U.S. Patent 3,598,402 to Frenzl, issued August 10, 1971, is perhaps more closely related in construction to the embodiment of the subject invention "uphill accelerator" than any of the previously discussed references. Frenzl discloses an apparatus for performing water sports such as surfing, water skiing and swimming, which comprises a vessel having an upwardly sloping bottom and a longitudinal section having an upwardly facing concavity, while a stream of water is caused to flow over the bottom up the slope created by a nozzle which discharges water onto the surface at the lower end of the bottom. Provision is made for adjustment of the slope of the vessel bottom about a horizontal pivot axis so that the arrangement can be adjusted for the sport chosen for practice, for example a reduced Slope for water skiing or increased slope for surfing. Provision is also made for changing the speed of the water from a "raging torrent" for water-skiing activities such as surfing, to a "river-like torrent" where the speed of the water is adapted to the speed of a training swimmer.

However, Frenzl '402 does not explicitly or implicitly recognize some of the problems solved by the present invention, which include the use of upwardly flowing water as a means of pushing a slider up an incline and beyond the power generating device. Frenzl teaches in the case of the "raging stream" that the function of its structure "enables the practice of surfing or other similar sports, since the inclination of the vessel's bottom allows the water skier to maintain his balance in an equilibrium position, which depends on the one hand on an upward force attributable to the pull or resistance of the support board or boards immersed in the water stream and on the other hand on a downward force generated by the weight component of the water skier in a direction parallel to the vessel's bottom" (Frenzl, column 1, lines 49 to 57).

In the case of a "river-like current", Frenzl teaches that the function of his design "also enables the performance of swimming. For this purpose, the swimmer brings the bottom 1 into a slightly inclined position... and fills the container almost to its upper edge. He then resorts to low water flow velocities.... The water flow can be adjusted so that it corresponds to the speed of the swimmer..." (Frenzl, column 4, lines 14 to 22).

In both current descriptions, Frenzl's entire teaching is for the user of the device to be in equilibrium so that the water sport can be performed by the user. Either a user is in static equilibrium while gliding on the surface of the water or in static equilibrium while floating through the water. All adjustments of the device are directed to creating or maintaining this equilibrium.

In contrast, the teaching of the subject invention is to avoid equilibrium. A slider achieving equilibrium would be contrary to the goal for which the slide was designed, i.e., to propel its user up and over an incline. Furthermore, in this case equilibrium is a safety hazard in that other sliders entering the device and being propelled upward could collide with a slider who is in equilibrium. It is respectfully noted that the Frenzl structure was designed for equilibrium and as such detracts from the propulsion mechanism as claimed by the subject invention.

Fenzi U.S. Patent 4,905,987, issued March 6, 1990, shows improvements to the arrangement disclosed in the Frenzl '402 patent (described above) and additionally shows connected swimming, non-swimming areas and a whirlpool so that water from the Frenzl '402 arrangement is reused after exiting. The primary objective of the Frenzi '987 patent is to improve the launching and exiting characteristics of the Frenzl '402 arrangement by providing a means whereby a user can enter, slide and exit the arrangement in such a way that that collapse of the torrent is prevented. However, there is no suggestion in Frenzi's '987 patent that the user of the portion of the '402 structure should desire propulsion (due to a water current) up the bottom slope, instead the express purpose of the portion of the '402 structure on top of the upflowing stream is to "perform water sliding sports." Moreover, a Frenzi participant enters the device and begins his ride after the stream directing nozzle, whereas in the subject invention a participant always enters and starts before hitting the stream directing nozzle. Finally, Frenzi does not contemplate user movement from the portion of the '402 structure to other portions (e.g., swim channel or whirlpool) of his device. In fact, Frenzi describes a safety gate as a vertical termination that prevents movement of a user and his sliding device to other portions of the stream system. For the reasons mentioned above, it should be respectfully pointed out that Frenzi deviates from the subject matter of the invention.

U.S. Patent 4,564,190 to Frenzl, issued January 14, 1986, shows improvements to the arrangement for practicing water sports using sliding devices (as disclosed in the Frenzl '402 patent) by introducing a device that removes water from an upwardly sloping bottom surface that has been slowed by friction at the interfaces and returns the water to a pumping system to thereby increase throughput and thus eliminate deleterious effects of slowed downstream water. Frenzel '190 can be quickly distinguished from the subject invention on two bases. First, the structure and operation of Frenzel '190 are directed to an arrangement for practicing water sports. using sliding devices. Accordingly, the desired function of a Frenzel participant is to slide over the water that is being reinjected into the upstream. In contrast, the participant in the subject invention is desired to be enclosed by the reinjected water and to be either accelerated or decelerated to approach the flow of that reinjected water. Sliding over such reinjected water would defeat this "enclosure" goal. Second, a Frenzl '190 participant can enter and begin his slide after the openings that reinject the accelerated water, whereas in the subject invention a participant always enters and begins his slide before hitting the reinjected accelerated water. For the reasons mentioned above, it is respectfully noted that Frenzl '190 leads away from the subject invention.

U.S. Patent 3,830,161 to Bacon, issued August 20, 1974, discloses an amusement channel slide in which water is pumped to a channel on the top of the slide, passengers in boats are mechanically conveyed to this upper water channel, and the boats, guided by the walls of the water channel, advance over a steep down-channel section having two adjacent water channels into which the boats are alternately led through a gate, the clearance interval between the boats in the channel slide being safely increased. After an initial slide down, in order to utilize the speed achieved, provision is made to perform a jump which allows the boat to climb up onto a rail above the jump and then slap back down to a channel below. As the boat rides up on the rails, the water flowing in the channel runs under these rails into a trough. The boat does not touch the water until it comes down from the jump. The similarity of Bacon '161 to the subject invention is limited to the slide profile. In operation, the boat is not even in contact with the water when it begins its upward incline, instead the boat is on a rail and its operation is analogous to a gravity-driven roller coaster. Consequently, Bacon '161 has no relation to the present invention.

U.S. Patent 3,853,067 to Bacon, issued December 10, 1974, discloses a boating pleasure slide in which water is pumped to a channel at the top of the slide, passengers in the boats are mechanically conveyed to this upper water channel, the boats guided by the walls of the water channel float to a steep down-channel section, the boats slide down one at a time to the lower slide point and then regain a considerable level in a common trough with the water. To facilitate the start-up, a dam is provided at the top of the down-channel. When sufficient water has accumulated behind the dam, it is opened and the mass of water runs along the down-channel and up the following up-channel section, so that the slide is "fed".

On the surface, Bacon '067 appears to be very similar to the "stabilization/equalization process,""elevation enhancement process," and "roller coaster" embodiments of the subject invention. However, there are four major structural and functional differences. First, Bacon '067 is limited to a "boat-type pleasure slide." The subject invention has no such limitation. It also works excellently for sliders who slide in bathing suits without the aid of a "boat-type" sliding device. Second, the Water in Bacon '067 is introduced only to the "top of the slide at the beginning" (see column 2, line 36). In the subject invention, water is introduced after the slider has reached an initial take-off speed in a conventional manner known to those skilled in the art. Such introduction is not, by definition, at the beginning of the slide. Third, Bacon '067 teaches that the water and the boats carrying passengers thereon, once raised to the top of the slide, "move only by gravity" (see column 2, lines 37 to 40). The subject invention teaches that the motion of the slider and vehicle can be increased by high velocity jets of water and that such increase can be in addition to or against gravity. Furthermore, if such increase is due to one of the acceleration effects. guides as described herein, will slide (a) downstream faster, (b) further in distance horizontally, and (c) upward a greater distance than if the subject invention is not used. Fourth, Bacon identifies and proposes a solution to the problem of transporting water through the upstream portion of the trough, particularly during the slide start mode. Bacon introduces a dam at the top/start of the slide. When sufficient water has accumulated behind the dam, it is opened and the mass of water runs along the downstream channel and up the following upstream portion, "feeding" the slide. The subject invention solves the problem associated with upstream water flow during the start mode by either introducing drains or redesigning the slide surface to facilitate water overflow in the following upstream portion of the slide. For the reasons noted above, Bacon respectfully notes that '067 departs from the subject invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a safe, fun and functional water slide in which participants are propelled in a downward, horizontal or upward direction by means of a high-velocity water stream.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a water slide for amusement parks, water parks and the like with a sliding surface for receiving and supporting a slider or a ride-on vehicle moving along the sliding surface in a predetermined direction, and with at least one flow forming nozzle arranged along the sliding surface at a preselected location and forming a water flow along the sliding surface at a predetermined speed, with a predetermined volume and with a predetermined direction, the water slide being characterized in that the water flow along the sliding surface is injected as a water jet which effectively contacts the slider and/or the ride-on vehicle, that the predetermined speed propels the slider or the ride-on vehicle forward by transmitting such an impulse, and that the slider or the ride-on vehicle moves along the sliding surface with an acceleration and a speed different from the acceleration and speed achieved by moving down a slide without the assistance of a jet of water.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of propelling a slider along a water slide surface in the construction adapted to receive and support a slider or a ride-on vehicle which moves along the sliding surface in a predetermined direction, the method being characterized in that it comprises a step of injecting a water stream along the sliding surface at a predetermined speed, a predetermined volume and in a predetermined direction such that the jet of water effectively contacts and propels the slider or the sliding vehicle forwards as the slider or the sliding vehicle moves along the sliding surface so that an impulse is transmitted to the slider or the sliding vehicle such that the slider or the sliding vehicle moves along the sliding surface with an acceleration and a speed which are different from the acceleration and speed achieved when moving on a slide without the assistance of a jet of water.

The benefits of such an attraction are numerous. Firstly, in the case of accelerating propulsion devices, a whole range of water slide activities become possible that were previously unavailable to the public. In particular, participants can experience the sensation of sliding in a downward direction at an acceleration rate greater than that provided by gravity.

In addition, participants can slide in a horizontal direction and accelerate without the need to lose their vertical level. Uniquely, a participant is able to slide backwards upwards, similar to a water slide. Due to the force of the forward-propelling water, the participant can still be made to reach a height that is above the initial starting height. Such an implementation offers the advantage of creating a hydroelectric escalator, ie the participants can move to higher levels without the need to climb stairs (as is currently the case in most water recreation facilities). Additionally, this design can be adapted to allow disabled persons who cannot climb stairs to enter and slide on a water-oriented slide attraction that starts from ground level.

A second aim of the present invention is to inject non-accelerating water flows into a water slide which regains level following the bottom of a downward slide section. Such injection has the advantage of providing a stabilizing influence to the slider/vehicle, particularly in cases where the friction coefficients of the slider/vehicle may vary.

A third object of the present invention is to construct a water slide channel that not only allows the rider/vehicle to move upwards, but at the same time functions to solve transition wave problems associated with the start of the slide and a slow rider transitioning to upwardly inclined slide surfaces.

A fourth object of the present invention is to combine the present invention with a standard water slide and, by arranging them in series, to provide a water slide design similar to a roller coaster. This "water roller coaster" attraction has the advantage over existing water slides (and even existing roller coaster slides) that the continuation (kinetic energy) of a slider's slide is not limited to the initial potential energy generated by the moving up to the top of the slide. Instead, by suitably injecting a suitably designed high velocity water jet, the kinetic energy of the jetted water can be transferred to and accelerated by a slider so that the slider can reach a height (increased potential energy) in excess of a height that would be reached in the absence of the jetted stream. The extent to which a slider attains "excess height" is a function of the speed and amount of water that contacts and remains in contact with the slider during the ascent course. After reaching its highest point, the slider undergoes a transition and is either propelled by another jet to continue its ascent, or propelled horizontally, or the slider moves down along a path and in the manner of a standard water slide or water chute to either a standard plunge pool/transition zone or to another jetted stream of stabilizing or accelerating water. The design of the water roller coaster can also feature all the usual twists, turns, jumps and loops that a roller coaster normally has.

A fifth object of the present invention is to provide a slide from water pumped up a closed pipe in the usual way. The advantage of such an improvement is that it makes more efficient use of an existing condition, i.e. if water is to be pumped up in any event (for example for a reservoir, water slide or other gravity-assisted water attraction) then the benefit of sliding can be achieved (at minimal extra cost) with such water already pumped up.

Further tasks and objectives will become apparent from the following description together with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1a is a plan view of a propulsion module.

Fig. 1b is a side view of a propulsion module.

Fig. 1c is a side view of a series of interconnected propulsion modules with a slider sitting on top.

Fig. 2 shows a nozzle with an adjustment opening sized for a water slide propulsion module for a single participant.

Fig. 3a is a top view of a module with rectangular channel walls.

Fig. 3b is a perspective view of a module with rectangular channel walls.

Fig. 3c shows a module with a sliding surface integrated with channel walls to form a parabolic half-pipe shape.

Fig. 4a shows a slider in a semi-tubular module taking a curve.

Fig. 4b shows a top view of a module with nozzles entering from the side walls.

Fig. 4c shows a perspective view of a module with nozzles entering from the side walls.

Fig. 4d shows a perspective view of a module with nozzles arranged above the slider.

Fig. 5a shows a module with channel walls and a "porous outflow" mechanism.

Fig. 5b is a perspective view of an "overflow- downflow" mechanism, further described as a triple channel.

Fig. 5c shows the triple channel in cross section.

Fig. 5d shows a slip in the triple channel.

Fig. 5e is the first of a series of three plots showing in a time-lapse sequence the self-draining capability of an upwardly inclined triple channel.

Fig. 5f is the second of a series of three plots showing in a time-lapse sequence the self-draining capability of an upwardly inclined triple channel.

Fig. 5g is the third of a series of three plots showing in a time lapse sequence the self-draining capability of an upwardly inclined triple channel.

Fig. 5h is a perspective view of an "overflow- downflow" mechanism, further described as dual-channel.

Fig. 5i shows the double channel in cross section.

Fig. 5j shows a skid during different curve stages on the double channel.

Fig. 5k is the first of a series of three plots showing in a time-lapse sequence the self-draining capability of an upwardly inclined double channel.

Fig. 5l is the second of a series of three illustrations showing in a time sequence the self-draining capability of an upwardly inclined double channel.

Fig. 5m is the third of a series of three plots showing in a time sequence the self-draining capability of an upwardly inclined double channel.

Fig. 6a shows a generalized view of a three-module horizontal accelerator with slider.

Fig. 6b shows a horizontal accelerator in operation.

Fig. 7a shows a generalized view of a three-module upward accelerator with slider.

Fig. 7b shows an upward accelerator in operation.

Fig. 8a shows a generalized view of a three-module downward accelerator with slider.

Fig. 8b shows a down-accelerator in operation.

Fig. 9 shows a generalized view of a horizontal non-accelerating propulsion device.

Fig. 10 shows in a generalized view a non-accelerating Upward propulsion device.

Fig. 11 shows a generalized view of a non-accelerating downward propulsion device.

Fig. 12 illustrates the problems that occur in the prior art when several sliders encounter a cross-sectional profile of a water amusement slide where a partial gain in height is present.

Figure 13 is a generalized view of a cross-sectional profile of a water amusement slide that solves the problems shown in Figure 12 and is described as the stabilization/balancing process.

Fig. 14 illustrates the limitations encountered in the prior art when multiple sliders encounter a sectional profile of a water amusement slide where partial elevation gain is present.

Fig. 15 is a generalized view of a sectional profile of a water amusement slide that overcomes the limitations shown in Fig. 14 and is described as the elevation enhancement process.

Fig. 16 shows the water roller coaster embodiment of the invention subject matter, highlighting the acceleration technology and the altitude enhancing process.

Fig. 17 shows the water roller coaster version of the subject invention, which incorporates the propulsion device technology and the stabilization/balancing process highlights.

REFERENCE SIGNS IN THE DRAWINGS

21 Module

22 Water source

23 Flow control valve

24 Current forming nozzle

25 smooth sliding surface

26 Module connection

27 Channel wall

28 adjustable nozzle opening

29 sliders

30 jet water flow

31 Opening plate

32 tunnel arches

33 Transition wave

34 porous effluent

35 Triple Channel

36 Overflow channel

37 Overflow water

38 porous overflow outflow

39 Double channel

40 horizontal accelerator

41 End of the horizontal accelerator

42 Upward Accelerators

43 End of the upward accelerator

44 Downward Accelerators

45 End of the downward accelerator

46 horizontal non-accelerating propulsion device

47 End of the horizontal non-accelerating propulsion device

48 Slide continuation track (horizontal non-accelerating propulsion device

49 non-accelerating upward propulsion device

50 End of non-accelerating upward propulsion device

51 Slide continuation track (non-accelerating upward propulsion device)

52 non-accelerating downward propulsion device

53 End of non-accelerating downward propulsion device

54 Slide continuation track (non-accelerating downward propulsion device)

55 starting basins (state of the art)

56 Attraction area (state of the art)

57 preferred track

58 Airway

59 Error track

60 Attraction area (stabilization/compensation)

61 starting basins (without altitude increase process)

62 Attraction area (without altitude increase process)

63 Track without help

64 Zenit without help

65 Attraction area (altitude increase process)

66 Zenith (altitude increase process)

69 Water roller coaster

70 attraction area (water roller coaster)

71 building supports

72 starting basins (water roller coaster)

73 End basin (water roller coaster)

74 Flood tank

The subject matter of the invention includes several embodiments, either alone or in combination, for the entertainment purposes described here.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

To facilitate a concise description of the variety of embodiments discussed in this invention and to avoid tedious repetition, a modular approach has been adopted to define a set of common elements central to each embodiment. The module is grouped for convenience only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the structure or function of the individual components that make up the module. The size of the components that make up a module is a function of the intended use. The preferred embodiments, as described below, are intended for use by a single participant, similar to the usual water slide. However, the person skilled in the art will understand that with suitable enlargement, the subject matter of the invention can also be adapted for several sliders at the same time. In the same way, with suitable adjustment of weight, friction and surface shape, the subject matter of the invention can also be used for ride-on vehicles with one or more passengers, for wheeled vehicles or boats, so that the participants can get wet in their bathing suits or stay dry in street clothes.

Illustrated in Fig. 1a (top view) and Fig. 1b (side view) are a propulsion module 12 having a high flow/high pressure water source 22, a flow control valve 23, a flow forming nozzle 24 having an adjustable orifice 28, a discrete jet stream of water 30 with an arrow indicating the predetermined direction of travel, and a substantially smooth sliding surface 25 over which the jet stream of water 30 flows. The module 21 is constructed of suitable materials such as resin impregnated fiberglass, concrete, a sand-cement mixture, sealed wood, vinyl, acrylic, metal or the like and connected in end-to-end relationship by suitable watertight sealing. Fig. 1c (side view) showed a rider 29 (with the arrow indicating the predetermined direction of travel) sliding on a series of interconnected modules. Connections 26a, 26b and 26c between modules 21a, 21b and 21c allow the overall length of the invention to be increased as desired for efficiency, space and cost reasons. The connection 26 may result from bolting, gluing or continuous casting of the module 21 in a face-to-face manner. When connected, the sliding surface 25 of each module must be substantially aligned and flush with its connecting module to enable a rider 29 sliding thereon and the jet of water 30 flowing thereon to each pass thereover in a safe and smooth manner. Where a module has a nozzle 24 issuing from a position along the length of the sliding surface 25 (as shown in Figure 1c), it is preferred that the non-nozzle end of the sliding surface 25 extends to the top of, and overlaps the bottom of, a connecting nozzle 24 at a connecting location 26. With this configuration, it is also preferred that the bottom of the nozzle 24 extends and serves as the sliding surface 25. The module 21 may also be connected in a conventional manner to standard waterslide or waterslide attraction channels as currently exist.

The length of the module 21 may vary depending on desired operating performance characteristics and desired construction techniques or transportation parameters. The width of the module 21 may be narrow enough to allow one participant to still be in a seated or extended position with legs aligned with the direction of the water stream [roughly 0.5 meters (20 inches)], and wide enough to allow multiple participants to slide side by side, or to allow a passenger vehicle to be used. The drive mechanism which generates the water pressure for the water source 22 may be either a pump or an elevated reservoir. When a series of modules are connected, a single high pressure source or pump with a suitably designed manifold may provide the required output, or alternatively a separate pump may be provided for each module. The pipe size of the water source 22 should have sufficient capacity to allow the jet water stream 30 to exit the nozzle 24 with the required shape and pressure. The water pressure at the nozzle opening may depending on desired operating characteristics. For a single rider water slide, the set jet pressure can range from approximately 5 psi to 250 psi (0.345 bar to 17.241 bar) depending on the following factors: 1) the size and shape of the jet orifice, 2) the weight and friction of the rider relative to the slide surface, 3) the consistency of the slide surface friction, 4) the speed at which the rider enters the stream, 5) the physical orientation of the rider relative to the stream, 6) the angle of ascent or descent of the slide surface, and 7) the desired increase or decrease in the speed of the rider due to the transfer of kinetic energy from the stream to the rider. In a water slide attraction using vehicles, the nozzle pressure may be higher or lower, provided that vehicles can be constructed which can withstand higher pressures than the human body and which can be designed for greater efficiency in kinetic energy transfer. The flow control valve 23 is used to adjust the pressure and flow as dictated by the operating parameters and can be remotely controlled and programmed. The nozzle 24 is designed and positioned to emit a jet of water 30 in a direction substantially parallel to and longitudinal to the ride surface 25 through an adjustable orifice 28. To allow continuity in ride throughput and water flow when the modules for a given attraction are connected in series, all nozzles should be oriented in the same relative direction to enhance ride motion. The sliding surface 25 must have sufficient structural integrity to support the weight of a human slider, human sliders, a vehicle and the water moving thereon. It is also preferred that the sliding surface 25 have a low coefficient of friction, so that jet water 30 can flow and a slider 29 can move with minimal loss of speed due to resistance. The state of the jet water flow 30 (ie temperature, turbulence, pH, residual chlorine content, salinity, etc.) corresponds to the standard state of water for a swimming pool, lake or sea that is suitable for human swimming.

The dimensions of the nozzles 24 are a function of the available water flow and pressure and the desired performance and capacity characteristics of the module, as further described herein. Figure 2 shows in perspective a preferred embodiment for a nozzle 24 sized for a flat bottom water slide module for a single participant. Curved bottom slide surfaces would be more effective with the nozzle 24 exiting at the bottom and the opening 28 matching the cross-sectional curvature of the curved slide surface. The opening 28 of the nozzle 24 can be either fixed or adjustable. The preferred embodiment uses an opening that is adjustable. Ideally, the adjustment should allow for changes in the thickness and width of the jet water stream 30. For example, but not limited to, the width c of the nozzle opening 28 can range from 1/2 cm to 40 cm. The width d of the nozzle opening 28 can range from 20 cm to 200 cm. A variety of adjustment devices are capable of providing appropriate orifice control, such as bolted or screwed plates, welded plates, valves, movable weirs or slots, etc. Many such devices can be remotely controlled and programmed automatically. Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of a bolted orifice plate 31 designed to adjust the orifice size to operating requirements. Although only one large nozzle 24 is shown, several smaller Nozzles can be packed together to achieve the same flow and orifice size characteristics with satisfactory results. For multi-participant or large vehicle designs, additional nozzles can be placed side by side to increase the horizontal flow area, or one large nozzle can operate. It is also possible to vary the number and relative position of the nozzle(s) 24 in a given module, so long as they operate to propel a rider or vehicle as contemplated herein.

The module 21 can perform its function with or without channel walls. The channel walls can be designed in many different ways and sometimes act as a sliding surface. In Fig. 1a, 1b and 1c the module 21 is shown without channel walls. Fig. 3a (top view) and Fig. 3b (perspective view) show the module 21 with rectangular channel walls 27a and 27b. Fig. 3c shows the module 21 with channel walls 27c and 27d in a half-tube shape, with the sliding surface 25 and the channel walls 27 forming one piece in the shape of a parabola. Conventional channel wall shapes vary substantially between the ranges described in Fig. 1a to 1c and Fig. 3a to 3c. Compared to a flat slide surface, the addition of channel walls has three main functional advantages: First, as shown in Figure 4a, the module 21 with suitably designed channel walls 27e and 27f allows the introduction of compound curves in the slide surface 25, allowing the slider 29 and jet water stream to slide up the side of the channel wall in an elevated curve, swinging back and forth between the walls as it comes out of the curve, but remaining within the slide surface area defined by the channel walls 27e and 27f. Without channel walls, a slider is restricted to its initial direction of travel and would not be able to complete a curve. unless acted upon by any external force. The second advantage of the channel walls is shown in Fig. 4b (top view) and in Fig. 4c (perspective view), where the channel walls 27a and 27b, by their construction, allow nozzles 24a and 24b to simply emerge from the side rather than the bottom of the module 21. When a nozzle 24 is arranged on the side, it is permissible to direct the jet of water 30 emerging from such a nozzle towards the centerline trajectory of the slider 29 and at an angle slightly oblique to the longitudinal direction of the slide surface 25 to ensure forced contact with the slider 29. Likewise, as shown in Fig. 4d, in which a slider 29 is shown on a slide vehicle 29a, it is possible to position nozzles 24a and 24b above the slide surface 25 on a tunnel arch 32 or any other supporting structure. The third advantage of the channel walls is their safety function, ie they keep a slider within the confines of the channel and prevent slider exits at the wrong time and falling from an elevated slide surface, which can lead to injuries.

In contrast to the previously described advantage of the channel wall for guiding the slider and water in the area defined by the channel channel walls, the channel walls can have the disadvantage of trapping excess water and allowing undesirable accumulation which can adversely affect the operation of the module 21. This undesirable accumulation is particularly acute in an upward flow and is occasionally a problem in a horizontal flow. In both cases, this accumulation is most likely to occur during three stages of operation. (1) starting the water flow without a slider present, (2) transferring the kinetic energy of the acting high velocity water flow onto a lower speed slider, and (3) cumulative accumulation of injected water from a series of nozzles along a slide course. In the start-up situation of (1), the initial water flow often has a volume, velocity, or pressure less than that which exits later due to the gradual build-up of water flow associated with the pump/motor phase of opening or valve opening. As a result, this initial start-up water is pushed by the stronger flow, higher pressure, or faster water that follows. Such pushing results in a build-up of water (a hydraulic rise or transition wave) at the leading edge of the flow. Upward sloping of the slide surface only makes the problem worse, since the larger the transition wave, the greater the energy required to push such a wave further up. As a result, the transition wave leads to further accumulation which, if not released, results in a reduction in the overall stream velocity, i.e. the slowed down water causes additional water to pile up and eventually collapse back on itself in a turbulent mass of foaming white water which marks the end of the predominantly unidirectional jet water flow. When a slower slide encounters the faster flowing water in the situation of kinetic energy transfer according to (2), a transition wave builds up behind the slide. As this transition wave grows and becomes large, it forms a barrier to the flow of the unidirectionally jetted water at higher velocity, causing a stream slowdown. In the case of excessive accumulation of water over time from a series of jets along the path of a slide according to (3), the collision of a preceding stream with a following stream can result in an undesirable transition wave. and flow attenuation at a point near where the two streams meet. Under all three conditions it is possible to eliminate the transition wave by immediately increasing the flow pressure and overwhelming the transition wave or washing it away from the slide surface. There comes a point, however, when the accumulation of water volume is so great that for all practical purposes overwhelming it is either impossible or at best an expensive solution to a problem that could be solved less expensively. Such a less expensive solution is possible by introducing discharge openings. Modules that do not have channel walls (or have a relatively lower height) are self-discharging, that is, the slower water escapes to the sides. By introducing discharge openings in channel wall situations, one can combine the aforementioned advantages of channel walls (ie, guidance, structure and safety) with the self-draining properties of the absence of channel walls, while simultaneously solving the run-up, chute-induced and transition wave problems caused by excessive accumulation.

Two classes of discharge mechanisms can be specified for use with a module 21. The first class, "porous discharge openings" is shown in Fig. 5a, where the slider 29 is located in an inclined module 21 with channel walls 27a and 27b. The jet water stream 30 already exits the nozzles 24 when the slider 29 enters its stream. Since the speed at which the jet water stream 30 moves is greater than the speed of the entering slider, a transition wave 33 builds up behind the slider. This build-up can be eliminated by discharging the slowed water through porous discharge openings 34a, 34b, 34c or 34d along the sides of the channel 27a and 27b or through a porous discharge opening 34e along the bottom of the sliding surface 25. The porous discharge openings 34 must be large enough to allow the transition wave 33 to discharge, but not so large that the safety or performance of a rider or ride-on vehicle traveling over the surface 25 is adversely affected. Acceptable types of porous discharge openings include a multitude of small holes, a porous fabric, slots, grates, etc. Once the water has discharged, it can be returned to the water source 22.

The second class of discharge mechanism usable in a module 21 may be described as overflow discharge or a "trough within a trough." Two preferred embodiments specific to this class are referred to below as the triple channel and the double channel. The triple channel has the advantage of allowing higher degrees of predominantly straight upward slope than the double channel, while the double channel has the advantage of allowing sharp upward curves not available to the triple channel. Although the triple channel and the double channel are described together with the module 21, they can both be individually attached to conventional non-injection water slides for self-draining purposes as described above.

Fig. 5b shows a perspective view of a triple channel 35 with the improvement of the self-drainage for the module 21. Fig. 5c shows a cross-sectional profile of the triple channel 35. In construction, the triple channel 35 has a sliding surface 25 and two adjacent overflow channels 36a and 36b. The sliding surface 25 forms one piece with the two channel walls 27f and 27g with a low rise of approximately the same height or is connected to them. The overflow channel 36a borders the channel wall 27f with a low rise and thus forms a piece, is connected to, or is a part of, and on its opposite side forms a piece with, or is connected to, the high channel wall 27h. The overflow channel 36b is adjacent to, and forms a piece with, is connected to, or is a part of, the low rise channel wall 27g and on its opposite side forms a piece with, or is connected to, the high channel wall 27i. The orientation of the triple channel 35 has a predominantly upward slope with a jet water stream and a slide moving in an upward direction on the slide surface 25 and any overflow water overflowing into the overflow channels 36a and 36b moving in a downward direction due to gravity. The horizontal use of a triple channel 35 is convenient in circumstances where a building up transient wave collides with the slow jet water stream. However, in any type of horizontal application, the overflow channel 36a and 36b must maintain a sufficient degree of inclination to allow the overflow water to drain off in an appropriate manner. In the triple channel 35, the heights of the low channel walls 27f and 27g are variable depending on a number of factors, such as the initial start-up water pressure and start-up water flow, the time required to reach full operating water pressure and flow, the volume of the slide surface 25 (i.e., slide surface width multiplied by the wall height), the length and degree of upward slope of the slide surface 25, the disparity in velocity between a slow entering slider and the higher velocity stream, the flow volume of accumulating water, and the design preference as to whether to encourage the transition of a slider from one channel to the other, etc. At a minimum, as shown in Fig. 5d, the height of the low channel walls 27f and 27g must be sufficient to accommodate the upward jet water flow 30 from the downstream overflow water 37 and to facilitate the tracking of a slider 29 substantially on the slide surface 25. At a maximum, the low channel walls 27f and 27g must not exceed a height at which emptying of the transition wave 33 is prevented. From a practical point of view, the low channel walls 27f and 27g are always smaller than those that would be required for high channel walls 27h and 27i to avoid redundancy. The overflow channels 36a and 36b are of at least sufficient size to accommodate any overflow water 37 and can also be made large enough to act as conventional downstream sliding surfaces for a participant. In this latter case, it would be possible for one slider to move up on the main slide surface 25 and for two sliders to move down in the overflow channels 36a and 36b. The high channel walls 27h and 27i have the usual slide height to prevent unwanted slides from the triple channel 35.

As discussed above, one of the operational advantages of the unique design of the triple channel 35 arises primarily in connection with horizontal or upward flow either during the water flow start-up process without a slipper present, or when a lower velocity slipper encounters a higher velocity water flow, or in the case of excessive accumulation of injected water. In the standard start-up process, there is usually a time lag between the initial start-up working flow and pressure and the full operating flow and pressure. This delay is due to the time required to fully open a flow control valve 23 or, if already open, due to the time required to fully open the pump or other to bring the water delivery devices up to full operating speed or efficiency. Figures 5e, 5f and 5g show in a time lapse sequence how the triple channel design 35 operates to solve the problem of pressure/flow delay at start-up. In Figure 5e, the jet water stream 30 has begun to exit a nozzle 24 in an upward direction. As the jet water stream 30 moves up the slide surface 25, the leading edge of the water stream is slowed downward by a combination of the downward force of gravity and friction with the slide surface 25, whereupon it is taken over and pushed by the faster and stronger water stream subsequently exiting the nozzle 24. The result of this flow dynamic is that a transition wave 33 begins to form. However, as the transition wave 33 forms, it reaches the height of the low channel walls 27f and 27g and begins to overflow into the overflow channels 36a and 36b. Since the overflow channels 36a and 36b are sloped, the overflow water 37a and 37b flows downward due to gravity to porous overflow discharge openings 38a and 38b, whereupon it is discharged and either pumped back to the water source 22 or used in some other way. Fig. 5f shows these start-up moments later, where the water pressure/flow rate from the water source 22 or flow control valve 23 has increased and the transition wave 33 has moved further up the slope. As this occurs, the overflow water 37a and 37b continues to overflow and flow downward to the porous overflow discharge openings 38a and 38b. Fig. 5g shows the final stage of the start-up, where the transition wave 33 has been pushed over the top of the rising slide surface 25 and the jet water stream 30 is now running freely. Similar to the start-up process, when a slider at a lower speed enters the water with higher velocity or when a series of injected water streams result in an accumulation of water. The transition wave is similarly eliminated by overflow into the overflow channels and appropriate drainage. In operational use, the triple channel 35 is limited to predominantly straight sections because the height of the low channel walls 27f and 27g is insufficient to hold a slider 29 on the inside slope of a sharp arc radius of curvature due to the centrifugal acceleration of the slider 29. If one attempted to sharply curve the triple channel 35, the centrifugal force together with the high water velocity would cause the slider and water to jump to the outside of the low rise channel wall into the overflow channel. Despite the inability of the triple channel 35 to make significant changes in direction, its main advantage over the existing state of the art is its ability to achieve a smooth upward jet stream and to maintain this smooth jet stream at high inclinations under a wide range of operating water flow variables.

Fig. 5h shows a perspective view and Fig. 5e shows a cross-section of a modified construction of the self-draining embodiment with the overflow outflow or "a trough within a trough", hereinafter referred to as dual channel 39. Dual channel 39 has in its construction a skid surface 25 and an overflow trough 36c. Skid surface 25 is integrally formed or connected to a channel wall 27j on one side and to a high channel wall 27k on the other side. Overflow trough 36c adjoins and forms an integral with, is connected to or is a part of the low rise channel wall 27j and forms a piece with, is connected to or is a part of the low rise channel wall 27j on its opposite side. with a high channel wall 271 or is connected thereto. As a result of only one side being provided for the outflow, on the one hand the double channel 39 does not provide as effective an outflow as the triple channel 35, and therefore cannot achieve the high gradients as the triple channel 35. On the other hand, due to the one-piece construction of the high channel wall 27k with the sliding surface 25, the double channel 39 can be designed in such a way that it allows high degrees of curvature, whereby the slider 29 can be held securely on the inner slope of the high channel wall 27k. Fig. 5j shows this ability of the double channel 39 to allow upwardly inclined curves. Fig. 5j shows a slide 29 in varying stages of a curve on the dual channel 39 with portions of a transition wave 33 overflowing into the overflow channel 36c, whereupon this overflow water 37c drains by gravity to the porous overflow downstream 38c. The ability of the dual channel 39 to provide upward curves as well as self-downstreaming is a unique and significant advantage over the existing prior art. The radius of curvature, degrees of curvature, left or right orientation and curve-to-curve connectivity/oscillation achievable by the dual channel 39 is substantially similar to that currently utilized by those skilled in the art who construct and operate conventional downstream water slides. However, unlike conventional downhill water slides, the orientation of the double channel 39 is predominantly an upward slope with a jet stream of water and a slider moving in an upward direction on the slide surface 25 and any overflow water overflowing into the overflow channel 36c moving in a downward direction due to gravity. Horizontal use of the double channel may also be appropriate in cases where a building up transition wave collides with the smooth jet stream of water. With each horizontal However, in use, the overflow channel 36c must have a sufficient degree of slope to allow the overflow water to drain properly. In this mode of operation, the double channel 39 acts in a similar manner to solve the transient wave problems associated with slide initiation, slide transition and water accumulation of the triple channel 35, except that overflow water 37c drains only on one side at a low rise. Fig. 5k, Fig. 5l and 5m show in a time lapse sequence how the double channel 39 operates in the start-up situation to allow self-drainage and to facilitate the desired free smooth flow. In this sequence, it can be seen that as the jet water stream 30 advances upward on the slide surface 25, a transition wave 33 builds up and overflows into the overflow channel 36c, whereupon the overflow water 37c drains by gravity to the discharge opening 38c.

In order to safely take advantage of the functional propulsion utilities provided by module 21, it is preferred that an entering vehicle or ride-on 29 achieve an initial take-off velocity prior to entering module 21. Numerous techniques are available in the art to achieve such an initial take-off velocity, such as a conventional gravity-driven inclined water slide or dry slideway, or a mechanical spring or hydraulic/pneumatic power-operated pressure cylinder, etc. It is also preferred that the entry direction for a vehicle or ride-on 29 be substantially aligned with the direction of the jet water stream 30. Such alignment is particularly important in the accelerator designs described herein to ensure the most efficient momentum transfer from the water to the ride-on. It is for a It is possible for a rider or vehicle to enter the jet stream 30 in a non-aligned manner or directly opposite to its flow. Such entry will result in a large transient wave and a greater reduction in speed, but care must be taken to avoid tumbling and injury which could result from the jet coming and hitting at an angle.

The last element of module 21 that requires description is the speed of jet water stream 30 as it exits nozzle 24 relative to the speed of any object (e.g., a vehicle or ride-on 29) sliding or entering jet water stream 30. This "relative" speed varies depending on the functional purpose of module 21. When acceleration of an entering object is desired, the speed of the water is greater than that of the object in the predetermined direction of the stream. This case is further described in the following horizontal, upstream and downstream accelerator embodiments. When no acceleration or deceleration is desired, the speed of jet water stream 30 is equal to or less than the speed of the entering object. This case will be described later in the non-accelerating drive designs.

DESCRIPTION OF A HORIZONTAL ACCELERATOR

In Fig. 6a, a preferred embodiment is shown, hereinafter referred to as horizontal accelerator 40, which comprises one or more modules 21a, 21b and 21c and the like. The outer ends 41a and 41b of the horizontal accelerator 40 can be connected to known water attraction slides (e.g., a standard water slide or flume slide) to serve as a continuation and an improvement thereon. The outer ends 41a and 41b may also be connected to other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein. As further illustrated in Fig. 6b, the two distinguishing features of the horizontal accelerator 40 are that (1) the orientation of each module 21 is substantially perpendicular to gravity, the nozzle 24 and orifice 28 direct the jet of water 30 substantially parallel to the slide surface 25 and at least that portion of the slide surface 25 positioned closest to the nozzle 24 is horizontal and perpendicular to gravity, and (2) the jet of water 30 exiting the nozzle 24 moves in a predetermined flow direction at a velocity greater than the velocity of the slide 29. It should be noted that the slide surface 25 following the portion closest to the nozzle 24 may gradually change in slope so as to facilitate connection with other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein or with other known water attraction slides.

From the above description, a number of advantages of the horizontal accelerator 40 are apparent:

a) In contrast to conventional attractions, the horizontal design of the embodiment eliminates the need for a loss of level in order to accelerate a participant over a given distance.

b) The sight, sound and sensation of horizontal acceleration induced by the high-speed water jets hitting a slider is an exciting experience for the participant and observer. experience. In addition, the slider can gain speed for increased excitement and to prepare for subsequent traditional water slide maneuvers such as spins, turns, jumps, falls, finishes, etc.

c) The increased speed of the slide due to the acceleration from the high-velocity water jets results in a higher throughput capacity over a given period of time. Higher throughput capacity results in increased participant satisfaction and increased revenue for the slide operators.

d) In those installations where the slide acceleration is a function of an increased attraction level, the present design allows acceleration without construction costs for a higher level.

OPERATION OF THE HORIZONTAL ACCELERATOR

For the operation of the horizontal accelerator 40, it is assumed that a rider (or a rider with vehicle) has reached an initial take-off speed in a conventional manner, as is known to those skilled in the art. After reaching this initial take-off speed, the rider 29 first enters the horizontal accelerator 40 at the end closest to the nozzle 24 and travels along its length as shown in Fig. 6b. The jet water stream 30 coming from the water source 22 is already exiting the nozzle 24 when the rider 29 enters its stream. Since the speed of the jet water stream 30 is greater than the speed of the entering rider 29, a transfer of momentum from the higher speed water to the lower speed rider causes the rider to accelerate and approach the speed of the advancing faster moving water stream. The flow control valve 23 and adjustable orifice 28 allow adjustment of the speed, thickness, width and pressure of the water stream, thereby ensuring proper acceleration of the slider. During this process of momentum transfer, a small transient wave 33 builds up behind the slider. The buildup of the transient wave 33 can be minimized (if desired) by flowing the excess buildup over and away from the sides of the slide surface 25. When the slider 29 is in a channel, this buildup can be eliminated either by discharging the transient wave 33 through porous discharge orifices 34a and 34b along the channel walls 27a and 27b or through a porous discharge orifice 34e enclosed in the slide surface 25. Other discharge mechanisms, such as the triple channel or the double channel, can also be used to solve the transient wave problem. Since the horizontal accelerator 40 may consist of one or more modules 21a, 21b, 21c and the following (as shown in Fig. 6a), and assuming that these modules are properly aligned in substantially the same direction, the slide 29 may move from module 21a to module 21b to module 21c and so on with corresponding increases in acceleration caused by the progressive increase in the velocity of the water exiting each successive nozzle 24a, 24b, 24c and the following until a desired maximum acceleration is achieved. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the horizontal accelerator may be connected at both ends to known water attraction slides as a continuation thereof and as an improvement thereon. In addition, the outer ends may also be connected to other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein.

Accordingly, it should now be obvious that the Horizontal accelerator embodiment of this invention can be used in a water slide attraction to accelerate a rider instead of gravity and without loss of vertical height. It should also be noted that the water pooling and transient wave resulting from the impact of the high velocity jetted water on the low velocity rider can be eliminated by appropriate design of the slide surface and/or channel wall. In addition, the horizontal accelerator has the following advantages:

o It allows acceleration without the need for construction costs for a higher level.

o It allows a slider to experience the sight, sound and sensation of horizontal acceleration induced by high velocity water jets. This experience is exciting for a participant and viewer. It also allows a participant to gain speed for increased excitement and preparation for subsequent conventional water slide maneuvers such as twists, turns, jumps, drops, finishes, etc.

o It allows increases in ride speed, resulting in higher rider throughput and higher ride capacity, resulting in greater rider satisfaction and increased operator revenue.

DESCRIPTION OF AN UPWARD ACCELERATOR

In Fig. 7a there is shown a representation of a preferred embodiment, hereinafter referred to as upward accelerator 42, which comprises one or more modules 21a, 21b and 21c and following. The outer ends 43a and 43b of the upward accelerator 42 may be connected to known water attraction slides (e.g., a standard water slide or flume slide) to serve as a continuation thereof and as an improvement thereon. The outer ends 43a and 43b may also be connected to other embodiments of the invention discussed herein. As further illustrated in Figure 7b, the two distinguishing features of the upward accelerator 42 are that (1) the orientation of the module 21 is substantially upwardly inclined, with the portion of the slide surface 25 closest to the nozzle inclined upwardly from the horizontal, and the nozzle 24 and opening 28 direct the jet water stream 30 substantially parallel to the slide surface 25 and at an angle with the nozzle 24 and opening 28 that points upwardly from the horizontal, and (2) the jet water stream 30 exiting the nozzle 24 moves at a velocity greater than the velocity of the slide 29 in the predetermined flow direction. It should be noted that the slide surface 25 following the portion closest to the nozzle 24 may gradually change in slope to facilitate connection with other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein or with other known water attraction slides.

From the above description, a number of advantages of the upward accelerator 42 are apparent:

a) The upwardly inclined design of the execution allows for acceleration in an upward direction. Such an execution reduces and eliminates the traditional need for a loss of level to accelerate a participant over a given distance.

b) The sight, sound and sensation of upward acceleration induced by the high-velocity jets of water hitting a slider is an exhilarating experience for the participant and viewer. In addition, the slider can gain speed for increased excitement and in preparation for subsequent conventional water slide maneuvers, such as twists, turns, jumps, drops, finishes, etc.

c) The increased speed of the slider due to the acceleration by the high-velocity water jets results in a higher throughput capacity over a given period of time.

d) Acceleration in the upward direction can reduce the need for participants to go to a higher level before entering the attraction. Such a reduction reduces costs for associated stairs, walkways, lifts and other participant or vehicle transportation systems.

OPERATION OF AN UPWARD ACCELERATOR

For the operation of the up-accelerator 42, it is assumed that a ride-on (or ride-on vehicle) has reached an initial take-off speed in a conventional manner, as is known to those skilled in the art. After reaching this initial take-off speed, the ride-on 29 first enters the up-accelerator 42 at the end closest to the nozzle 24 and travels along its length as shown in Fig. 7b. The jet water stream 30 coming from the water source 22 is already exiting the nozzle 24 through the adjustable opening 28 when the ride-on 29 is in its stream. Since the speed at which the jet water stream 30 is moving is greater than the speed of the entering slider 29, momentum transfer from the higher speed water to the lower speed slider causes the slider to accelerate and approach the speed of the faster moving water. The flow control valve 23 and adjustable orifice 28 allow adjustment of the speed, thickness, width and pressure of the water stream, thereby ensuring proper acceleration of the slider. During this momentum transfer process, a small transient wave 33 builds up behind the slider. The transient wave 33 can be minimized by allowing the excess buildup to flow over and away from the sides of the slide surface 25. When a slider 29 is in a double channel 39 as shown, this buildup can be eliminated by draining the transition wave 33 down the low channel wall 27j and the overflow trough 36 for discharge. Other drain mechanisms, such as a triple channel or porous drain openings, can also help solve the transition wave problem. Since the upstream accelerator 42 can include one or more modules 21a, 21b, 21c and following (as shown in Figure 7a), the slider 29 can move from module 21a to module 21b to module 21c and following with corresponding increases in acceleration caused by the progressive increase in the velocity of the water exiting each successive nozzle 24a, 24b, 24c and following until a desired maximum acceleration is achieved. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the accelerator 42 may be connected at either end to conventional water attraction slides or other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein as an improvement thereon.

Thus, it can be seen that the up-accelerator embodiment of this invention can be used in a water slide attraction to accelerate a rider against gravity and in an upward direction. Water which has traditionally been pumped upward in closed pipes to a higher level can now be used for the enjoyment of the participant and the economy of the attraction operator. It should also be noted that the transient wave resulting from the impact of the high velocity jetted water on the low velocity rider can be eliminated by appropriate design of the slide surface and/or channel wall. In addition, the up-accelerator has the following advantages:

o Its upward-sloping design allows for acceleration in an upward direction. Such a design eliminates the traditional need for a loss of level to accelerate a participant over a given distance.

o It allows a rider to experience the sight, sound and sensation of upward acceleration induced by the high-velocity water jets. This experience is exciting for the rider and viewer. It also allows the rider to gain speed for increased excitement and preparation for subsequent traditional water slide maneuvers such as twists, turns, jumps, drops, finishes, etc.

o It allows an increase in the speed of the ride, which results in a higher rider throughput and a higher ride capacity, which in turn results in greater rider satisfaction and increased operator revenue.

o It allows the slider to ascend to higher levels without the need for construction costs for stairs, corridors, lifts or other conveyance structures or mechanisms to such higher levels.

DESCRIPTION OF A DOWNWARD ACCELERATOR

Referring to Fig. 8a, there is shown an illustration of a preferred embodiment, hereinafter referred to as downhill accelerator 44, comprising one or more modules 21a, 21b and 21c and following. The outboard ends 45a and 45b of the downhill accelerator may be connected to known water attraction slides (e.g., a standard water slide or flume slide) to serve as a continuation or improvement thereon. The outboard ends 45a and 45b may also be connected to other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein. As further shown in Fig. 7b, the two distinguishing features of the downhill accelerator 44 are that (1) the orientation of each module 21 is substantially a downhill incline, with the portion of the slide surface 25 closest to the nozzle 24 inclined downward from the horizontal, and the nozzle 24 and opening 28 directing the jet water stream 30 substantially parallel to the slide surface 25 and at an angle directed through the nozzle 24 and opening 28 that points downward from the horizontal, and (2) the jet water stream 30 exiting the nozzle 24 moves at a velocity greater than the velocity of the slide 29 in the predetermined flow direction. It should be noted that the slide surface 25 following the portion closest to the nozzle 24 may gradually change in slope so as to facilitate connection with other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein or with other known water attraction slides.

From the above description, a number of advantages of the downward accelerator 44 become apparent:

a) The downwardly inclined design of the embodiment allows acceleration in a downward direction that exceeds the acceleration due to gravity. Such a design enhances the traditional sliding characteristics of conventional water slide attractions.

b) The sight, sound and sensation of the downward acceleration induced by the high-velocity jets of water hitting a slider is an exhilarating experience for the participant and viewer. In addition, the slider can gain speed for increased sensation and in preparation for subsequent conventional water slide maneuvers such as twists, turns, jumps, drops, finishes, etc.

c) The increased speed of the slider due to the acceleration by the invention results in a higher throughput capacity over a given period of time.

OPERATION OF A DOWNWARD ACCELERATOR

For the operation of the down accelerator 44, it is assumed that a ride-on (or ride-on vehicle) has reached an initial take-off speed in a conventional manner, which is known to those skilled in the art. After reaching this initial take-off speed, the ride-on 29 first enters a down accelerator 44 at the end closest to the nozzle 24 and travels along its length as shown in Fig. 8b. The jet water stream 30 coming from the water source 22 is already exiting the nozzle 24 and orifice 28 when the slider 29 enters its stream. The flow control valve 23 and the adjustable orifice 28 allow adjustment of the speed, thickness, width and pressure of the water stream, thereby ensuring the correct acceleration for the slider. Since the speed at which the jet water stream 30 is moving is greater than the speed of the entering slider 29, a momentum transfer from the higher speed water to the lower speed slider causes the slider to accelerate and approach the speed of the faster moving water. During this momentum transfer process, a small transient wave 33 may form behind the slider. The transition wave 33 can be minimized (if desired) by allowing the excess buildup to flow over and away from the sides of the slide surface 25. If the slider 29 is in a channel, this buildup can be eliminated either by discharging the transition wave 33 through porous discharge openings 34a and 34b along the channel walls 27a and 27b or through a porous discharge opening 34e located in the slide surface 25. Other discharge mechanisms, such as a triple channel or a double channel, can also be used to solve the transition wave problem. Since the down-accelerator 44 may comprise one or more modules 21a, 21b, 21c and the following (as shown in Fig. 8a), the slider 29 may be moved from module 21a to module 21b to module 21c and the following with the corresponding increases in acceleration caused by the progressive increase in the velocity of the water exiting each subsequent nozzle 24a, 24b, 24c and the following until a desired maximum acceleration is reached. It will be apparent that the downhill accelerator 44 can be connected at both ends to conventional water attraction slides and other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein as an improvement thereon. Thus, it is apparent that the downhill accelerator embodiment of this invention can be used in a water slide attraction to increase the force of gravity in the downward direction. In addition, the downhill accelerator has the following advantages:

o Its downward-sloping design allows for acceleration in a downward direction beyond the force of gravity. Such a design can reduce the linear distance required to accelerate a participant to a desired speed. Reducing the required linear distance can reduce overall costs by reducing the amounts of material and required height normally associated with conventional "gravity-driven" systems.

o It allows a slider to experience the sight, sound and sensation of a dramatic change in downward acceleration induced by the high-velocity water jets. This experience is exciting for both the participant and the viewer. Furthermore, the slider can gain speed for heightened sensation and in preparation for subsequent conventional water slide maneuvers, such as twists, turns, jumps, drops, finishes, etc.

o It allows for increases in the speed of the ride, which results in higher rider throughput and higher ride capacity, resulting in greater rider satisfaction and increased operator revenue.

DESCRIPTION OF NON-ACCELERATING HORIZONTAL UPWARD AND DOWNWARD PROPULSION DEVICES

In the context of a water slide that has a slide surface with a downward slope followed by an upward slope with a subsequent flat or downward curve of the same slide surface, problems arise when the kinetic energy of a slider at the bottom of the slope is insufficient to overcome the drag forces on a slide path at that bottom section to the top of the upward slope. In this case, a slider will not make it over the slope. It will either stop on the way to the top or slide back down and come to a stop at the bottom. Conversely, if the kinetic energy of the slider at the bottom of a slope is significantly greater than the drag force the slider may encounter from the bottom of the slope to the top, and if the subsequent flat or downward curve has a sufficiently short arc radius, the slider may enter an airborne trajectory that is potentially unsafe. Since the drag forces on water slide attractions are not always constant, for example as slide surface conditions, ride/vehicle conditions, water conditions, etc. change, in the interest of slide safety, ride consistency, ride capacity, and fun, one would like to introduce a mechanism that promotes slider stabilization as well as compensation for differing slider friction coefficients. The following non-accelerating propulsion device designs serve to achieve these stated goals. Similar to their "accelerator" counterpart, non-accelerating propulsion device designs use a Module 21 format. As a result, non-accelerating propulsion device modules can be connected in series if desired.

A preferred embodiment is shown in Fig. 9, hereinafter referred to as horizontal non-accelerating propulsion device 46. The outer ends 47a and 47b of horizontal non-accelerating propulsion device 46 may be connected to known water attraction slides (e.g., a standard water slide or flume slide) or to other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein to serve as a continuation thereof or as an improvement thereon. A slide continuation track 48 is indicated by corresponding dashed lines 48a and 48b, with arrows pointing in the predetermined direction of travel. The four distinguishing features of the horizontal non-accelerating propellant 46 are (1) the position of the horizontal non-accelerating propellant 46 following the start of the slide 29, (2) the orientation of the horizontal non-accelerating propellant 46 is substantially normal to gravity, with the nozzle 24 and the orifice 28 directing the jet stream of water 30 substantially parallel to the slide surface 25 and at least the portion of the slide surface 25 closest to the nozzle 24 being horizontal and perpendicular to gravity, (3) the jet stream of water 30 exiting the nozzle 24 is moving at a speed equal to or less than the speed of the slide 29 in the predetermined flow direction, and (4) the slide surface 25 following the portion closest to the nozzle 24 is finally inclined upwards. curved. It should be noted here that the slide surface 25, following its upward curve, may gradually change in inclination along its length to facilitate connection to other embodiments of the invention disclosed here or to other known water attraction slides.

In Fig. 10 a preferred embodiment is shown, to which hereinafter referred to as non-accelerating upward propulsion means 49. The outer ends 50a and 50b of the non-accelerating upward propulsion means 49 may be connected to known water attraction slides (e.g., a standard water slide or a flume slide) or to other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein to serve as a continuation thereof or as an improvement thereon. A slide continuation track 51 is illustrated by corresponding dashed lines 51a and 51b, with arrows pointing in the predetermined direction of travel. The three distinguishing features of the non-accelerating upward propellant 49 are (1) the position of the non-accelerating upward propellant 49 following the launch of the slide 29. (2) the orientation of the non-accelerating upward propellant 49 is substantially an upward slope, with the portion of the slide surface 25 positioned closest to the nozzle 24 inclined upwardly from the horizontal and the nozzle 24 and orifice 28 directing the jet water stream 30 substantially parallel to the slide surface 25. (3) the jet water stream 30 exiting the nozzle 24 travels at a velocity equal to or less than the velocity of the slide 29 in the predetermined flow direction. It should be noted that the slide surface 25 following the portion closest to the nozzle 24 may gradually change in inclination along its length so as to facilitate connection to other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein or to other known water attraction slides.

In Fig. 11 a preferred embodiment is shown, which is referred to below as non-accelerating downward propulsion device 52. The outer ends 53a and 53b of the non-accelerating downward propulsion device 52 can be connected to known water attraction slides (e.g., a standard water slide or a flume slide) or to other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein to serve as a continuation or improvement thereon. A slide continuation track 54 is illustrated by corresponding dashed lines 54a and 54b, with arrows pointing in the predetermined direction of travel. The four distinguishing features of the non-accelerating downward propellant 52 are: (1) the position of the non-accelerating downward propellant 52 follows the start of the slider 29. (2) the orientation of the non-accelerating downward propellant 52 is substantially a downward slope, with the portion of the slide surface 25 nearest the nozzle 24 inclined downward from the horizontal and the nozzle 24 and the orifice 28 directing the jet water stream 30 being substantially parallel to the slide surface 25. (3) The jet stream of water 30 exiting the nozzle 24 moves at a speed equal to or less than the speed of the slide 29 in the predetermined flow direction. (4) The slide surface 25 following the portion closest to the nozzle 24 is finally curved to an upward slope. It should be noted that the slide surface 25 following its upward curve may gradually change in slope along its length so as to facilitate connection to other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein or to other known water attraction slides.

From the above description, a number of advantages of the non-accelerating horizontal, upward and downward propulsion devices are apparent.

a) The injection of the additional water flow onto the sliding surface has the effect of stabilizing a slider which ultimately moves in an upward direction. Furthermore, in circumstances where the friction coefficients of the slider/vehicle change, the injection of the additional water flow will equalize the performance standard for a wider range of sliders/vehicles which ultimately move in an upward direction.

b) The sight, sound and sensation of a slider hitting a jet stream of water is an exciting experience for the participant or observer. In addition, the slider can stabilize his position for safety and in preparation for subsequent conventional water slide maneuvers, such as turns, turns, jumps, falls, finishes, etc.

c) Increased stabilization of the slide and equalization of the friction coefficient due to the injected water flow results in a higher throughput capacity over a given period of time due to the elimination of abnormal behavior of a slider. The higher throughput capacity results in greater satisfaction for the participant and increases the income of the slide operators.

OPERATION OF NON-ACCELERATING HORIZONTAL, UPWARD AND DOWNWARD PROPULSION DEVICES

For the operation of the non-accelerating horizontal, upward and downward propulsion devices, it is assumed that a slider or that slider (or slider and vehicle) has reached an initial take-off speed in a conventional manner known to those skilled in the art.

Fig. 9 shows the non-accelerating horizontal propulsion device 46 in operation, with the slider 29 first climbing the module at the end closest to the nozzle 24, moving along its length and finally rising in level, which is shown by the dashed path 48b.

Fig. 10 shows the non-accelerating up-propulsion device 49 in operation, with the slider 29 first climbing the module at the end nearest the nozzle 24, moving along its length and continuing a level rise as indicated by the dashed path 51b.

Fig. 11 shows the non-accelerating downward propulsion device 52 in operation, with the slider 29 first climbing the module at the end closest to the nozzle 24, moving along its length and finally rising in level, which is illustrated by the dashed path 54b.

In all three propulsion device designs, the jet water stream 30 is already exiting the nozzle 24 when the slider 29 enters its stream. The speed at which the jet water stream 30 coming from the water source 22 is moving is equal to or less than the speed of the entering slider 29. When the slider 29 is moving at a speed greater than that of the jet water stream 30, momentum transfer from the lower speed water to the higher speed slider causes the slider to decelerate and approach the speed of the slower moving water. The flow control valve 23 and the adjustable orifice 28 allow adjustment of the speed, thickness, width and pressure of the water stream, thereby ensuring proper stabilization of the slider. and a balance of the coefficient of friction is ensured. During the process of momentum transfer or during the initiation of the slide, a small transient wave may form as described above. The transient wave may be minimized (if desired) by allowing excess buildup to flow over and away from the sides of the slide surface 25. If the transient wave forms in a channel, this buildup may be eliminated either by discharging the transient wave through porous discharge openings along the sides and bottom of the channel or through a double channel or triple channel as previously described. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the non-accelerating horizontal, upward and downward propulsion means may be connected at either end to known water attraction slides as a continuation thereof or as an improvement thereon. Furthermore, the outer ends may also be connected to other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein.

It will therefore be appreciated that the non-accelerating horizontal, upward and downward propulsion device embodiments of this invention can be used in a water slide attraction to stabilize and equalize a wide range of rides/vehicles having varying coefficients of friction. It should be noted that the transient wave resulting from the impact of a higher velocity ride with a lower velocity jet stream of water can be eliminated by appropriate design of the ride surface and/or channel wall. In addition, the non-accelerating horizontal, upward and downward propulsion devices have the following advantages:

They allow a rider to experience the sight, the sound and the sensation of hitting an injected stream of water. This experience is as exciting for the participant as it is for the viewer. They also allow a slider to stabilize his position for safety and in preparation for subsequent conventional water slide maneuvers such as turns, turns, jumps, falls, finishes, etc.

o They allow increased slider stabilization and increased friction coefficient compensation due to the injected water flows, resulting in higher throughput capacity over a given period of time due to the exclusion of unusual slide behaviors, thus giving the slider greater satisfaction and the operator increased revenue.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF THE STABILIZATION/EQUALIZATION PROCESS

In order to understand the function and solutions offered by the stabilization/balancing process, one must first understand a context in which the process may arise. Fig. 12 shows a representative sectional profile of prior art water amusement slides in which partial elevation recovery occurs but the stabilization/balancing process is not used. The slider 29 (with or without a vehicle) enters a conventional launch basin 55 and begins its descent in a conventional (gravity only) manner on the known attraction surface 56. The attraction surface 56, although continuous, may be divided into sections for the purposes of description, namely an upper down-channel section 56a, a down-channel section 56b, a lower down-channel section 56c, a rising section 56d extending upwardly from the down-chute bottom 56c and an upper section 56e of the up-chute section 56d. In a conventional water slide launch with a certain average speed of the slider 29 at the top of the down-chute section 56a and a certain average energy loss due to the drag forces associated with the slider 29 sliding through sections 56a, 56b, 56c and 56d, the slider 29 is observed to follow a preferred trajectory 57 as shown by a solid arrow line in Fig. 12. Where the speed of the slider 29 at the top of the down-trough section 56a is greater than the average designed into the design and the energy loss due to the drag forces associated with the slider 29 sliding through sections 56a, 56b, 56c and 56d is less than the average, the slider 29 would follow a trajectory 58 in the air as shown by a dashed line in Fig. 12. Conversely, if the speed of the slider 29 at the top of the down-sliding section 56a is less than the average planned for the design and/or the energy loss due to the drag forces associated with the slider 29 sliding through sections 56a, 56b, 56c and 56d is greater than the average, the slider 29 would follow a trajectory 59 that is not consistent with its expected path, as shown by the dotted arrow line in Fig. 12.

The instability of a slide or unequal friction coefficients for a wide range of different slides or slide conditions will inevitably lead to delays in slide transportation because the slide is unable to successfully traverse the uphill elevation recovery section as symbolized by the non-conforming track 59. In addition, a such instability or inequality may result in injury to the slider in the event that the curve of the uphill recovery section allows a high speed slider to follow the track 58 in the air, or in the event that a second slider sliding along the downhill slide section 56b collides with a preceding slider having the track that does not meet expectations at the bottom of the downhill slide section 56c. Consequently, for reasons of slide safety, slide consistency, slide capacity, and slide enjoyment, one may wish to introduce jetted water streams following the start of a slider to stabilize a slider or to compensate for differing coefficients of friction of the sliders on the slide track from the top of the downhill slide section 56a through to the top 56e and beyond, as symbolized by the preferred track 57.

The stabilization/balancing process in which such additional water injections can be safely introduced is illustrated in Fig. 13. Fig. 13 shows a similar slide profile to Fig. 12, however, the water amusement slide section profile of Fig. 13 shows potential locations for a non-accelerating downward propulsion device 52, a non-accelerating horizontal propulsion device 46 and a non-accelerating upward propulsion device 49, thereby enabling the stabilization/balancing process.

The stabilization/balancing process consists in that at least one or more of the propulsion devices 52, 46 or 49 are suitably positioned and activated along a suitably designed attraction surface 60 at a location just in front of the upper surface 60e, such that the slide 29 is supported by one or more of the jetted water streams generated by the propulsion means 52, 46 or 49 on the path from the top of the down-channel section 60a to the top 60e, that the injected water is brought to a velocity equal to or less than the velocity of the slider 29, that sufficient amounts of injected water are maintained in contact with the slider 29 during the path from the top of the down-channel section 60a to the top 60e so that the flowing water acts to stabilize the slider 29 and equalize the coefficients of friction for a wide range of slide variables, e.g., slide surface, vehicle surface, water flow consistency, slider swimwear, slider skill or lack of skill, etc.

It will thus be appreciated that the stabilization/balancing process contemplated by the invention can be used in a water slide attraction to allow participants to enjoy continuous elevation recovery in a manner superior to recovery lacking injected water streams. Once the destination level is reached, a participant can continue to use recovered potential energy to progress to other downward slides in the conventional manner or be propelled by any of the other embodiments contemplated herein.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF THE ALTITUDE INCREASE PROCESS

In order to understand the function and solutions offered by the elevation enhancement process, it is first necessary to understand the context in which the process can occur. Fig. 14 shows a cross-sectional profile of a water slide in which partial elevation recovery occurs, but the elevation enhancement process is not used. The ride 29 (with or without a vehicle) enters the launch pool 61 and begins a descent on an attraction surface 62 in a conventional (gravity only) manner. The attraction surface 62, although continuous, may be divided into sections for the purpose of description, namely, a top of a down-trough section 62a, a down-trough section 62b, a bottom of the down-trough section 62c, a rise section 62d extending upward from the down-trough bottom 62c, and a top 62e of the rise section 62d. In a conventional water slide launch with a certain average speed of the slider 29 at the top of the down-trough section 62a and with a certain average energy loss due to the frictional forces associated with the slider 29 sliding through sections 62a, 62b, 62c and 62d, it is observed that the slider 29 follows an unsupported trajectory 63 as shown by a dotted line in Fig. 14, whereupon the slider 29 reaches an unsupported zenith 64. In the absence of any other external influence, the maximum recovery altitude as indicated by the unsupported zenith 64 is always lower than the launch altitude as indicated by the launch basin 61 due to the drag forces previously mentioned. It is a significant limitation inherent in conventional water slides. Accordingly, if the profile of the attraction surface 62 were changed by extending the rise section 62d and the rise top 62e, as indicated by a dashed extension of the rise section 62d' and the rise top 62e', the slide 29 would still be limited to the recovery altitude as indicated by the unsupported zenith 64'. In order for the slide 29 to overcome this recovery altitude limitation and to In order for the rocket to reach the top of the ascent 62e', additional energy must be introduced to compensate for the energy loss due to the drag forces. Fig. 15 illustrates an altitude augmentation process by which such additional energy can be safely introduced using horizontal, upward or downward accelerators.

The elevation increase process as shown in Fig. 15 includes appropriately positioning and activating at least one or more of the accelerators, i.e., downhill accelerator 44 or horizontal accelerator 40 or uphill accelerator 42 along an appropriately designed attraction surface 65 at a location just ahead of the elevation of the unsupported zenith 64', passing and accelerating a slider 29 through one or more of the high velocity jet water streams generated by accelerators 44, 40 or 42 on the path from the bottom of the down-trough section 65a to the top 65e, and a slider 29 receiving a momentum transfer (additional kinetic energy) from the exiting high velocity water stream(s) which is at a minimum sufficient to Slide 29 to advance to the top 62e and reach the zenith 66.

It is therefore apparent that the altitude enhancing process contemplated by this invention can be used in a water slide attraction to raise the target altitude of water ride participants above that which can be achieved by gravity alone. Once that target altitude is reached, a participant can further use recovered or newly gained potential energy to advance to another downhill slide or to additional heights or greater speeds through yet another accelerator. to be propelled or to exit the slide at essentially the same altitude as when it started. The altitude increase process also has the following advantages:

(1) The altitude augmentation process allows sliders and vehicles to safely reach altitudes beyond those available with conventional gravity-driven systems.

(2) Increased excitement for the participant by allowing the slider(s) to enjoy larger and faster changes in angular momentum.

(3) Increased slide length.

DESCRIPTION OF THE WATER ROCK AND VALLEY RAILWAY

The water roller coaster design combines the existing water slide and waterslide attraction technology with the new technology disclosed by the horizontal accelerator, the upward accelerator, the downward accelerator, the non-accelerating downward propulsion device, the non-accelerating horizontal propulsion device, the non-accelerating upward propulsion device, the stabilization/balancing process and the elevation increasing process. To avoid confusing drawings and to simplify the description so that it is easier to understand, two drawings for the water roller coaster are included here. Fig. 16 illustrates the accelerator technology and the elevation increasing process as provided in the water roller coaster 69a, and Fig. 17 illustrates the propulsion device technology and the stabilization/balancing process as provided in the water roller coaster 69a. and valley railway 69b is available.

Referring to Fig. 16, the water roller coaster 69a begins with a conventional starting pool 72 followed by an attraction surface 70 constructed of a suitable material such as resin-impregnated fiberglass, concrete, a sand-cement mixture, sealed wood, vinyl, acrylic, metal or the like, which may be constructed in segments joined in end-to-end relationship by suitable waterproof seals. The attraction surface 70 is supported by suitable structural supports 71 such as wood, metal, fiberglass, cable, earth, concrete or the like. Although the attraction surface is continuous, for the purposes of description it may be divided into sections, namely, a first horizontal top of a down-trough section 70a' to which the conventional launch pool 72 is connected, a first down-trough section 70b', a first bottom 70c' of the down-trough section, a first rising section 70d' extending upwardly from the down-trough bottom 70c', and a first top 70e' of the rising section 70d'; then the attraction surface 70 continues in a second top side of a downward channel section 70a", a second downward channel section 70b", a second bottom 70c" of the downward channel section, a second rising section 70d" extending upward from the downward channel bottom 70c", and a second top side 70e" of the rising section 70d". then the attraction surface 70 continues in a third top side of a downward channel section 70a"', a third downward channel section 70b"', a third bottom 70c"' of the downward channel section, a third rising section 70d"' extending upward from the downward channel bottom 70c"', and a third top side 70e"' of the rising section 70d"'. then the attraction surface continues 70 in a fourth top surface of a down-channel section 70a"", a fourth down-channel section 70b"", a fourth bottom 70"" of the down-channel section, a fourth rise section 70d"" extending upwardly from the down-channel bottom 70c"", and a fourth top surface 70e"" of the rise section 70d"" adjoining the end basin 73 in an area adjacent to the start basin 72 and the first top surface of the down-channel section 70a'.

At the first rise section 70d', which extends upwards from the down-channel bottom 70c', an upward accelerator 42 is arranged and forms a part of the attraction surface 70. At the second bottom of the down-channel section 70c" a horizontal accelerator 40a is arranged and forms a part of the attraction surface 70. At the third down-channel section 70b"' a downward accelerator 44 is arranged and forms a part of the attraction surface 70. At the fourth top of the down-channel section 70a"" a horizontal accelerator 70b is arranged and forms a part of the attraction surface 70. The construction supports 71 provide the foundation of the water roller coaster 69a.

A water source 22 provides high pressure water to the accelerators 40, 42 and 44 and a normal water flow to the conventional launch pool 72. Launch overflow and slider transient wave accumulation are eliminated by discharging the slowed water over the outer edge of the slide surface or through openings along the bottom and sides of the channel or through a triple channel or double channel as previously described. A flood tank 74 acts as a low point reservoir to collect and facilitate pumping back of discharged water and to hold water during system shutdown.

The water roller coaster 69b of Figure 17 begins with a conventional starting basin 72, followed by a first top of a down channel section 70a', a first down channel section 70b', a first bottom 70c' of the down channel section, a first rise section 70d' extending upward from the down channel bottom 70c', a first top 70e' of the rise section 70d'. Thereafter, the attraction surface 70 continues in a second top surface of a down-trough section 70a", in a second down-trough section 70b", in a second bottom 70c" of the down-trough section, in a second rise section 70d" that extends upward from the down-trough bottom 70c", and in a second top surface 70e" of the rise section 70d". Thereafter, attraction surface 70 continues in a third top surface of a down-trough section 70a"', in a third down-trough section 70b"', in a third bottom 70c"' of the down-trough section, in a third rise section 70d"' that extends upward from the down-trough bottom 70c"', and in a third top surface 70e"' of the rise section 70d"'. Thereafter, attraction surface 70 continues in a fourth top surface of a downstream channel section 70a"", in a fourth downstream channel section 70b"", in a fourth bottom 70c"" of the downstream channel section, in a fourth rising section 70d"", which extends upwards from the downstream channel bottom 70c"", and in a fourth top surface 70e"" of the rising section 70d"". The continuation of the attraction surface 70 forms a fifth top surface of a downstream channel section 70a""', a fifth downstream channel section 70b""' and a final bottom 70c""' of the downstream channel section, which adjoins the end pool 73 in an area below the start pool 72.

Two upward accelerators 42a and 42b are positioned at the first rise section 70d' and form part of the Attraction surface 70. A non-accelerating upward propulsion device 49 is arranged on the second rise section 70d" and forms part of the attraction surface 70. A non-accelerating horizontal propulsion device 46 is arranged on the third floor 70c"' of the downward channel section and forms part of the attraction surface 70. A non-accelerating downward propulsion device 52 is arranged on the fourth downward channel section 70b"" and forms part of the attraction surface 70. The foundation of the water roller coaster 69b is formed by building supports 71.

The water source 22 provides high pressure water to the accelerators 42a and 42b and to the non-accelerator propulsion devices 49, 46 and 52 as well as a normal water flow to the conventional launch basin 72. Launch overflow and slide transition wave accumulation are eliminated by discharging the decelerated water over the outside edge of the slide surface or through openings along the bottom and sides of the channel or through a triple channel or double channel as previously described. A flood tank 74 serves as a low point storage facility to collect and facilitate pumping back of discharged water as well as storage water when the system is shut down.

Analogous to the conventional roller coaster, there are numerous possibilities regarding the design and construction of the water roller coaster as shown here, including a redesign of the slide surface profile, a redesign of the length, width, height and angle of the slide surface, a repositioning and recombining of accelerators or propulsion devices in functional adaptation to the redesigned slide surface and the redesigned profile, a repositioning of the start and end basins, a connection of the start and the end to form an endless loop, the Allowing the use of ride-on vehicles and multiple rides, connecting to other slides or attractions, and adding special lighting, sound and themed effects. All of these possibilities are subject to design, construction and operating standards currently in place in the industry and as limited or expanded by the disclosures provided herein.

From the above description, a number of advantages of the water roller coaster are apparent.

(1) The physical profile of "gravity-only" water slide attractions is no longer limited by the functional need for a gradual slope from the top of the attraction to its bottom. Instead, by combining the downward, horizontal or upward accelerators or propulsion devices with the traditional water slide attraction and by using the elevation recovery and stabilization/balancing processes, the water roller coaster enables a physical functional profile similar to that of a standard roller coaster, allowing for the associated ups, downs, overs, unders, turns, loops and rolls.

(2) The slide length is no longer dependent on the starting height.

(2) Slide profile elevation changes may exceed the initial start elevation.

(3) A connection of the start point and the end point can form an "endless loop" slide or a connection can be made to another attraction.

(4) The slide start basin and the slide end basin may be adjacent or connected at substantially the same elevation or the end basin may be at a higher elevation than the start basin.

(5) Multiple ride-ons, ride-on vehicles and special effects can be recorded.

OPERATION OF THE WATER ROCK AND VALLEY RAILWAY

When the water source 22 is in operation, the ride-on 29 (with or without a vehicle) enters the launch basin 72 as shown in FIG. 16 and begins a descent in a conventional manner over the top of the down-trough section 70a' and then to a first down-trough section 70b' and a first down-trough section bottom 70c'. After entering a first up-trough section 70d' extending upwardly from the down-trough bottom 70c', the ride-on 29 encounters an up-tow accelerator 42 which accelerates the ride-on 29 and increases its elevation to a first top 70e' of the up-trough section 70d'. The ride-on 29 then proceeds to a second down-trough section top 70a" and a second down-trough section 70b". After entering a second bottom 70c" of the down-trough section, the slider 29 encounters a horizontal accelerator 40a, which accelerates the slider 29 and increases its altitude to a second rising section 70d" which extends upwards from the down-trough bottom 70c" and to a second upper side 70e" of the rising section 70d". The slider 29 then continues to a third upper side of the down-trough section 70a"'. After entering the third down-trough section 70b"', the slider 29 encounters the downward accelerator 44, which accelerates the slider 29 (and ultimately increases its altitude), a third bottom 70c"' of the downward chute section to a third rising section 70d"', which extends upward from the downward chute bottom 70c"' and a third top 70e"' of the rising section 70d"'. After entering a fourth top of a downward chute section 70a"", the slider 29 encounters a horizontal accelerator 40b, which accelerates the slider 29 (and ultimately increases its altitude), a fourth downward chute section 70b"", a fourth bottom 70c"" of the downward chute section, a fourth rising section 70d"", which extends upward from the downward chute bottom 70c"", and a fourth top 70e"" of the rising section 70d"", where the slider 29 ends his slide in a conventional end pool 73 and leaves the slide.

The water source 22 provides high pressure water to the accelerators 42, 40a, 40b and 44 as well as a normal water flow to the conventional launch pool 72. The velocity of the water exiting each accelerator 42, 40a, 40b or 44 may vary depending on the flow required to overcome friction, transfer momentum and propel the slider to the top of a subsequent rise. The launch overflow and slider transient wave accumulation is eliminated by draining the slowed water over the outside edge of the slide surface or through openings along the bottom and sides of the channel or through a triple channel or double channel as previously described. A flood tank 74 at a lower point acts as a reservoir to collect and facilitate pumping back of the discharged water and to hold the water during system shutdown.

In the water roller coaster variation of Fig. 17, when water source 22 is in operation, ride-on rider 29 (with or without vehicle) enters launch basin 72 and begins a descent in a conventional manner across a top of down-trough section 70a' and then to a first down-trough section 70b' and a first down-trough bottom 70c'. After entering a first up-trough section 70d' extending upward from down-trough bottom 70c', ride-on rider 29 encounters two up-trough accelerators 42a and 42b which accelerate the ride-on rider and increase its elevation to a first top 70e' of up-trough section 70d'. The slider 29 then proceeds to a second top surface of a down-trough section 70a", a second down-trough section 70b", and a second bottom 70c" of the down-trough section. After entering a second rise section 70d", which extends upward from the down-trough bottom 70c", the slider 29 encounters a non-accelerating upward propulsion device 49 which stabilizes/balances the slider 29, via a second top surface 70e" of the rise section 70d". The slider 29 then proceeds to a third top surface of a down-trough section 70a", and a third down-trough section 70b"'. After entering a third bottom 70c"' of the down-trough section, the slider 29 encounters a non-accelerating horizontal propulsion device 46 which stabilizes/balances the slider 29, to a third rise section 70d"' extending upwards from the down-trough bottom 70c"' and to a third top 70e"' of the rise section 70d"'. The slider 29 then continues into a fourth top of a down-trough section 70a"' and encounters a non-accelerating downward propulsion device 52 which stabilizes/balances the slider 29, to a fourth down-trough section 70b"' and forwards to a fourth bottom 70c"" of the down-trough section, a fourth rise section 70d"" extending upward from the down-trough bottom 70c"" and a fourth top 70e"" of the rise section 70d"". The slider 29 then enters a fifth top of a down-trough section 70a""', a fifth down-trough section 70b""' and an end bottom of the down-trough section 70c""' which adjoins the end basin 73, whereupon the slider 29 leaves the slide.

The water source 22 provides high pressure water to the accelerators 42a and 42b and the non-accelerating propulsion devices 49, 46 and 52, as well as a normal water flow to the conventional launch pool 72. The velocity of the water exiting each of the non-accelerating propulsion devices 49, 46 and 52 may vary depending on the flow required to stabilize/balance the slide 29 to the top of a subsequent rise. The launch overflow and slide transition wave accumulation is eliminated by draining the decelerated water over the outside edge of the slide surface or through openings along the bottom and sides of the channel or through a triple channel or double channel as described above. A flood tank 74 acts as a low point reservoir to collect and facilitate pumping back of the drained water and to store water during system shutdown.

Analogous to a roller coaster or a conventional chute slide, there are various variations on the operation of the water roller coaster 69 described here, including the use of ride-on vehicles or boats for a single passenger or multiple passengers, allowing the rider to get wet or stay dry, increasing the capacity of the water roller coaster track 69 to allow multiple riders, connecting the water roller coaster 69 to other amusement attractions, and further embellishing the water roller coaster 69 by adding special light, sound and themed effects. All of these possibilities are subject to design, construction and operating guidelines as currently exist in the industry and are expanded upon by the present disclosure. Thus, it can now be seen that the water roller coaster 69 as contemplated by the invention allows a participant to slide on a water attraction having profile and ride characteristics similar to a roller coaster. In addition, the water roller coaster 69 has the following advantages:

o It allows a rider to experience the sight, sound and sensation of upward, downward and horizontal acceleration induced by high-velocity water jets during a slide. This experience is exciting for both the rider and the viewer. It also allows the rider to gain speed for increased excitement and in preparation for subsequent traditional water slide maneuvers, such as twists, turns, climbs, drops, finishes, etc.

o It enables sliders and vehicles to safely achieve recovery of elevation beyond that available under conventional gravity-driven systems through the elevation augmentation process.

o It provides safety and consistency to the slider as it goes through the stabilization and balancing process.

o It increases the sensation of the participant by allowing the rider(s) to enjoy stronger and faster changes in angular momentum and

o it can create an endless loop if desired.

Although the above description contains many specifications, these are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but are merely representations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the module(s) forming the horizontal, upward and downward accelerators or propulsion devices may have multiple nozzles instead of one nozzle, the water roller coaster may be shaped, sized and profiled substantially differently than shown, such as serpentine, circular, convolute, spiral, parabolic, sinusoidal, etc. The vehicles used in a water slide may have wheels or run on a track. A slider may enter the water stream at an angle other than parallel to the streamline. The water stream may be turned off/on at appropriate times to take advantage of the spacing that occurs between sliders and to provide more efficient use of the water stream.

Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims rather than by the examples given.

Claims (22)

1. Water slide for amusement parks, water parks and the like, comprising a sliding surface (25) for receiving and supporting a slider (29) or a ride-on vehicle (29a) moving along the surface (25) in a predetermined direction, and at least one stream-forming nozzle (24) arranged along the sliding surface (25) at a preselected location and forming a water stream (30) along the sliding surface (25) at a preselected speed, with a preselected volume and with a preselected direction, characterized in that the water stream (30) is injected along the sliding surface as a water jet which effectively contacts the slider and/or the ride-on vehicle, whereby the slider (29) or the ride-on vehicle (29a) is propelled forward by transmitting such an impulse that the Slider (29) or the sliding vehicle (29a) moves along the sliding surface (25) with an acceleration and a speed that are different from the acceleration and speed that are achieved by moving on a slide without the assistance of a jet of water. 2. Water slide according to claim 1, characterized in that the jet water stream (30) is provided at a speed and/or a volume which is sufficient to propel the slider (29) or the slide vehicle forward. (29a) by transmitting such an impulse that the slider (29) or the slide vehicle (29a) moves along the sliding surface (25) in a horizontal, upward or downward direction with an acceleration and a speed which are greater than the acceleration and the speed which are achieved by moving on a slide without the assistance of a jet of water. 3. Water slide according to claim 1, characterized in that the jet water stream (30) is provided at a speed and/or volume sufficient to propel the slider (29) or the slide vehicle (29a) forward by transmitting such an impulse that the slider (29) or the slide vehicle (29a) moves along the slide surface (25) in a horizontal, upward and downward direction with an acceleration and speed that are less than the acceleration and speed achieved by moving on a slide without the assistance of a jet water stream. 4. Water slide according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the slide has a plurality of building supports (71) for supporting the sliding surface (25). 5. A water slide according to any preceding claim, wherein the sliding surface (25) follows an elongated curved path (57) having rising and falling sections. 6. Water slide according to claim 5, in which a further jet water stream (30) with a speed and/or a volume sufficient to reduce the speed of the slider (29) or the ride-on vehicle (29a), whereby the slider (29) or the ride-on vehicle (29a) maintain contact with the slide surface (25) to avoid lifting off on the rising or falling sections. 7. Water slide according to any preceding claim, in which the sliding surface (25) can enable the slider (29) to move in a predetermined direction on the sliding surface (25) in a lying or sitting position. 8. Water slide according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the sliding surface (25) can enable the rider (29) to move on the sliding surface (25) in a sliding ride-on vehicle. 9. Water slide according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the sliding surface (25) can enable the rider (29) to move on the sliding surface (25) in a vehicle provided with wheels. 10. Water slide according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the sliding surface (25) can enable the slider (29) to move in a predetermined direction along the sliding surface (25) in a boat. 11. Water slide according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the sliding surface (25) can enable the slider (29) to move in the predetermined direction along the sliding surface (25) in a sliding vehicle for several passengers. 12. A water slide according to any preceding claim, wherein the jet water stream (30) is injected through an adjustable nozzle opening (28), the jet water stream (30) being driven by a pressurized water source (22) connected to the adjustable nozzle opening (28). 13. Water slide according to any preceding claim, in which the jet water stream (30) is injected by a pump as a water source (22). 14. A water slide according to any preceding claim, which further comprises means (34) for draining water from the sliding surface (25). 15. A water slide according to claim 14, wherein the sliding surface (25) has permeable openings (34e) of a predetermined length and width for providing a self-draining outlet of excess water which collects on the sliding surface (25) when the water is sprayed onto the sliding surface. 16. A water slide according to any preceding claim, further comprising an overflow channel (36a) arranged parallel to and adjacent to the sliding surface (25) for receiving and discharging slower moving excess water overflowing from the sliding surface (25) into the overflow channel (36a). 17. Water slide according to claim 16, wherein the sliding surface (25) and the overflow channel (36a) are separated by a common wall (27) with a predetermined height, which can allow the excess water to overflow and flow from the sliding surface (25) into the overflow channel (36a) so that the speed of the jet water stream (30) and the slider (29) or slide vehicle along the sliding surface (25) is not significantly affected by the slower moving excess water. 18. Water slide according to claim 16 or 17, in which a second overflow channel (36b) is provided parallel to and adjacent to the sliding surface (25), which is arranged so that the sliding surface (25) is located between the overflow channel (36a) and the second overflow channel (36b) which can receive the water that overflows over the sliding surface (25) in substantially the same way as the first overflow channel (36a). 19. A water slide according to any preceding claim, further comprising a flood tank (74) for collecting and temporarily storing the drained water. 20. A water slide according to any preceding claim, in which the jet of water is directed along the sliding surface (25) in a direction substantially tangential to the predetermined direction of the rider or the ride-on vehicle and in a direction in which it strikes the rider or the ride-on vehicle as it moves past the stream forming nozzle (24). 21. A water slide according to claim 5, wherein the jet water stream (30) has a speed and a volume sufficient to increase the speed of the slider (29) or a ride-on vehicle as the slider (29) or ride-on vehicle moves past the stream forming nozzle (24), whereby the slider or The sliding vehicle is propelled forward to reach and pass the apex of the rising sections of the sliding surface (25). 22. A method of propelling a slider (29) along a water slide surface (25) of the type designed to receive and support a slider (29) or a slide vehicle moving along the slide surface (25) in a predetermined direction, the method comprising a step of injecting a water jet (30) along the slide surface (25) at a predetermined speed, volume and direction such that the jet water jet (30) effectively contacts and propels the slider (29) or the slide vehicle as the slider (29) or the slide vehicle moves along the slide surface so that an impulse is transmitted to the slider (29) or the slide vehicle such that the slider (29) or the slide vehicle moves along the slide surface with an acceleration and a velocity that is different from the acceleration and velocity achieved when moving down a slide without the assistance of a jet of water.