Controllable waterslide weir
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A waterslide, comprising:
- an elongated trough defining a rider path proceeding generally from a higher elevation to a lower elevation, the trough having a downward gradient whereby a rider can traverse the path substantially by force of gravity;
means for injecting water into the trough adjacent a point of relatively higher elevation of the trough along the path, thereby establishing a gravity flow of water in a forward direction relative to the rider path along the downhill section of the trough toward an area of relatively lower elevation;
a controllable weir spanning across the trough, the weir being mounted to move between a raised position at which the weir blocks at least a portion of the water, forming a pool, and a lowered position at which the weir releases water from the pool.
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Abstract
A waterslide has a controllable weir operable to increase the release of water from an upstream pool upon sensing an approaching rider, and is particularly arranged for riders on flotation devices coupled into arrays. The weir has vertically pivotable damming structure across a local peak in the sluice at the exit point of the pool. Photosensors detect approaching riders and signal a controller to open the weir momentarily to pass the rider and a gush of water, by operation of a pneumatic linkage. Between operations a continuous flow of water increases the depth in the pool. The weir can be high enough to block passage of riders when raised, allowing timed release.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A waterslide, comprising:
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an elongated trough defining a rider path proceeding generally from a higher elevation to a lower elevation, the trough having a downward gradient whereby a rider can traverse the path substantially by force of gravity; means for injecting water into the trough adjacent a point of relatively higher elevation of the trough along the path, thereby establishing a gravity flow of water in a forward direction relative to the rider path along the downhill section of the trough toward an area of relatively lower elevation; a controllable weir spanning across the trough, the weir being mounted to move between a raised position at which the weir blocks at least a portion of the water, forming a pool, and a lowered position at which the weir releases water from the pool. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification