Method and apparatus for fastening of inflatable ride surfaces
First Claim
1. A system for connecting surfaces, comprising:
- a first surface portion having an extrusion with a first mating surface disposed beneath a plane extending along a top surface of the first surface portion;
a second surface portion having a receptacle with a second mating surface disposed beneath the plane extending along the top surface of the first surface portion, the receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of the extrusion, the first mating surface and the second mating surface configured to mate together, defining a gap therebetween, when the extrusion is at least partially received by the receptacle for connecting the first surface portion with the second surface portion; and
a flap configured to extend over the gap above the plane, and over at least a part of the first surface portion or the second surface portion, when the first mating surface is mated with the second mating surface, such that the flap is urged to lay against the first and second portions during operation when presented with a flow of water.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system, apparatus, and method for constructing or providing a ride surface for an amusement attraction, such as an inflatable surfing attraction. The ride surface may be formed via the connection of a plurality of ride surface portions or segments. The ride surface may be connected via fastening elements that are disposed at an elevation different from that of the top or other surface that is to be used by riders during operation. Cut-outs and/or extrusions within one or more of the ride surface portions or segments may aid in preventing disruptive forces from fluid or water during operation from acting to separate the ride surface portions of segments making up the ride surface. Additional fastening mechanisms may be employed in addition to such fastening elements to further aid in increasing durability.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A system for connecting surfaces, comprising:
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a first surface portion having an extrusion with a first mating surface disposed beneath a plane extending along a top surface of the first surface portion; a second surface portion having a receptacle with a second mating surface disposed beneath the plane extending along the top surface of the first surface portion, the receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of the extrusion, the first mating surface and the second mating surface configured to mate together, defining a gap therebetween, when the extrusion is at least partially received by the receptacle for connecting the first surface portion with the second surface portion; and a flap configured to extend over the gap above the plane, and over at least a part of the first surface portion or the second surface portion, when the first mating surface is mated with the second mating surface, such that the flap is urged to lay against the first and second portions during operation when presented with a flow of water. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A water ride comprising:
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a first attraction component having an extrusion with a first mating surface disposed beneath a plane extending along an exterior surface of the first attraction component; a second attraction component having a receptacle configured to receive the extrusion when the first attraction component is adjacent to the second attraction component defining a gap therebetween; a nozzle for providing a flow of water over the first attraction component and the second attraction component; and a fastening mechanism extending over the gap above the plane and at least a portion of the first attraction component and the second attraction component, such that the fastening mechanism is urged to lay against the first and second attraction components during operation when presented with a flow of water. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for a ride surface of a surfing attraction comprising:
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a ride surface material; a sheet having a pocket and configured to at least partially contain the ride surface material within the pocket of the sheet; a water delivery component for providing a flow of water onto the sheet; and a support configured to mate with the sheet to form a ride surface portion, wherein the flow of water is configured to flow over the sheet without making contact with the ride surface material. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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Specification