Water amusement system and method
First Claim
1. A water carousel system, comprising:
- a support member anchored to ground;
a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use;
a bushing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member;
a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform, such that the platform rotates about the support member along the surface of the water during use;
wherein powering of the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use, and wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A water amusement system is described which includes a number of different water park rides. The water amusement system may include a water fountain system. The water fountain system includes a roof configured to turn in response to directing a stream of water at the roof. The water amusement system may include a water carousel. The water carousel is a carousel which is configured to float on a body of water. The water amusement system may include a musical fountain system. The musical fountain system is configured to spray water, play music and/or provide visual effects. The water amusement system may include a water powered Ferris wheel. The water amusement system may include a water powered bumper vehicle system. The water powered bumper vehicle system is configured such that the vehicles are preferably propelled by streams of water produced by water nozzles arranged about the water bumper vehicle system. The water system may include a boat ride system. The boat ride system includes a number of boats which are preferably towed by a rotatable base. The boats may also include steering devices and participant interaction devices. The water amusement system may also include a water train system. The water train system is a train system which is propelled by a water propulsion device.
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Citations
137 Claims
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1. A water carousel system, comprising:
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a support member anchored to ground;
a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use;
a bushing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member;
a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform, such that the platform rotates about the support member along the surface of the water during use;
wherein powering of the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use, and wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
a shaft coupled to the propulsion device; and
a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft during use, wherein driving the shaft powers the propulsion device.
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12. The water carousel system of claim 11, wherein the participant power mechanism is a pedal system.
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13. The water carousel system of claim 11, wherein the participant power mechanism is an arm activated device.
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14. The water carousel system of claim 11, further comprising a gear system coupling the participant power mechanism to the shaft.
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15. The water carousel system of claim 11, wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate at a speed as a function of the power imparted to the participant power mechanism during use.
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16. The water carousel system of claim 11, further comprising additional participant power mechanisms and additional shafts for use by additional participants.
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17. The water carousel system of claim 1, further comprising a motor coupled to the propulsion device, wherein the motor is configured to power the propulsion device during use.
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18. The water carousel system of claim 1, further comprising a bubble generator for generating bubbles during use, and wherein at least one feature of the bubbles is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
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19. The water carousel system of claim 1, further comprising a smoke generator for generating smoke during use, and wherein a feature of the smoke is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated during use.
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20. The water carousel system of claim 1, further comprising a lighting system configured to display lights during use, a sound system configured to produce sounds during use, and a control system configured to be coupled to the lighting system and the sound system to automatically activate the lighting system and the sound system in response to a speed of rotation of the rotatable portion during use.
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21. The water carousel system of claim 1, wherein the propulsion device is a water propulsion device.
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22. The water carousel system of claim 1, wherein the propulsion device comprises
a paddle, propeller, or paddle wheel. -
23. The water carousel system of claim 1, wherein the propulsion device is a wheel, and wherein a non-rotatable portion of the platform comprises a substantially circular track, the track being configured to guide the wheel during use.
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24. A water carousel system, comprising:
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a support member anchored to the ground;
a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, the support platform comprising a non-rotatable portion and a rotatable portion, the rotatable portion being positioned above the non-rotatable portion, wherein the rotatable portion is configured to rotate with respect to the support member during use;
a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion during use;
a shaft coupled to the propulsion device; and
a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft during use, the participant power mechanism being operable by the participant during use;
wherein driving of the shaft powers the propulsion device such that the propulsion device applies the propulsive force to the rotatable portion during use, and wherein the rotatable portion is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)
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45. A water carousel system, comprising:
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a first support member anchored to ground;
a second support member configured to float on water during use;
the second support member being further configured to rotate about the first support member during use;
a propulsion device coupled to the first support member, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion during use;
a shaft coupled to the propulsion device;
a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft during use, the participant power mechanism being operable by at least one participant during use;
a seating device configured to be located on the rotatable portion to hold the participant during use, and wherein the seating device is positioned proximate the participant power mechanism to facilitate operation of the participant power mechanism by the participant during use;
a lighting system configured to display lights during use;
a sound system configured to produce sounds during use; and
a control system configured to be coupled to the lighting system and the sound system to automatically activate the lighting system and the sound system in response to a speed of rotation of the rotatable portion during use;
wherein driving of the shaft powers the propulsion device such that the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion during use, and wherein the rotatable portion is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force.
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46. A method for operating a water carousel, comprising:
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placing a water carousel on top of water, the water carousel comprising;
a support member anchored to ground;
a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on the water, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member;
a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform;
a shaft coupled to the propulsion device; and
a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft, the participant power mechanism being operable by a participant during use;
operating the participant power mechanism to drive the shaft, thereby rotating the propulsion device to rotate the rotatable portion. - View Dependent Claims (47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57)
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58. A method for constructing a water carousel system, comprising:
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anchoring a support member substantially perpendicular to ground;
coupling a support platform to the support member, the support platform configured for holding a participant, the support platform being further configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use; and
positioning a bushing between the rotatable portion and the support member for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member;
coupling a propulsion device to the rotatable portion of the support platform such that the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform such that the platform rotates about the support member along the surface of the water. - View Dependent Claims (59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67)
coupling a shaft to the propulsion device; and
coupling a participant power mechanism to the shaft, wherein the participant power mechanism is configured to drive the shaft during use, and wherein driving the shaft powers the propulsion device.
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64. The method of claim 58, further comprising coupling a motor to the propulsion device, wherein the motor is configured to power the propulsion device.
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65. The method of claim 58, further comprising coupling a bubble generator to the support member such that at least one feature of the bubbles is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
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66. The method of claim 58, further comprising coupling a smoke generator to the support member such that at least one feature of the smoke is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
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67. The method of claim 58, wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform comprises a rotatable portion, further comprising placing the rotatable portion upon a non-rotatable portion of the support platform.
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68. A water carousel system, comprising:
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a support member anchored perpendicular to ground;
a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use;
a roof coupled to the support member in a position above the support platform, wherein the roof is configured to rotate about the support member independently of the rotatable portion during use;
a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform, such that the platform rotates about the support member along the surface of the water during use;
wherein powering of the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use, and wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force. - View Dependent Claims (69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81)
a shaft coupled to the propulsion device; and
a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft during use, wherein driving the shaft powers the propulsion device.
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75. The water carousel system of claim 68, further comprising a motor coupled to the propulsion device, wherein the motor is configured to power the propulsion device during use.
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76. The water carousel system of claim 68, further comprising a bearing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member during use.
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77. The water carousel system of claim 68, further comprising a bushing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member.
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78. The water carousel system of claim 68, further comprising a lighting system configured to display lights during use, a sound system configured to produce sounds during use, and a control system configured to be coupled to the lighting system and the sound system to automatically activate the lighting system and the sound system in response to a speed of rotation of the rotatable portion during use.
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79. The water carousel system of claim 68, wherein the propulsion device is a water propulsion device.
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80. The water carousel system of claim 68, wherein the propulsion device comprises a paddle, propeller, or paddle wheel.
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81. The water carousel system of claim 68, wherein the propulsion device is a wheel, and wherein a non-rotatable portion of the platform comprises a substantially circular track, the track being configured to guide the wheel during use.
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82. A water carousel system, comprising:
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a support member anchored to ground;
a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use;
a bearing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member during use;
a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform, such that the platform rotates about the support member along the surface of the water during use;
wherein powering of the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use, and wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force. - View Dependent Claims (83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94)
a shaft coupled to the propulsion device; and
a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft during use, wherein driving the shaft powers the propulsion device.
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90. The water carousel system of claim 82, further comprising a motor coupled to the propulsion device, wherein the motor is configured to power the propulsion device during use.
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91. The water carousel system of claim 82, further comprising a lighting system configured to display lights during use, a sound system configured to produce sounds during use, and a control system configured to be coupled to the lighting system and the sound system to automatically activate the lighting system and the sound system in response to a speed of rotation of the rotatable portion during use.
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92. The water carousel system of claim 82, wherein the propulsion device is a water propulsion device.
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93. The water carousel system of claim 82, wherein the propulsion device comprises a paddle, propeller, or paddle wheel.
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94. The water carousel system of claim 82, wherein the propulsion device is a wheel, and wherein a non-rotatable portion of the platform comprises a substantially circular track, the track being configured to guide the wheel during use.
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95. A water carousel system, comprising:
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a support member anchored to ground;
a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use;
a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform, such that the platform rotates about the support member along the surface of the water during use, wherein the propulsion device comprises a paddle, propeller, or paddle wheel;
wherein powering of the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use, and wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force. - View Dependent Claims (96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106)
a shaft coupled to the propulsion device; and
a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft during use, wherein driving the shaft powers the propulsion device.
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103. The water carousel system of claim 95, further comprising a motor coupled to the propulsion device, wherein the motor is configured to power the propulsion device during use.
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104. The water carousel system of claim 95, further comprising a bearing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member during use.
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105. The water carousel system of claim 95, further comprising a bushing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member.
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106. The water carousel system of claim 95, further comprising a lighting system configured to display lights during use, a sound system configured to produce sounds during use, and a control system configured to be coupled to the lighting system and the sound system to automatically activate the lighting system and the sound system in response to a speed of rotation of the rotatable portion during use.
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107. A water carousel system, comprising:
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a support member anchored to ground;
a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use;
a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform, such that the platform rotates about the support member along the surface of the water during use, wherein the propulsion device is a wheel, and wherein a non-rotatable portion of the platform comprises a substantially circular track, the track being configured to guide the wheel during use;
wherein powering of the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use, and wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force. - View Dependent Claims (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118)
a shaft coupled to the propulsion device; and
a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft during use, wherein driving the shaft powers the propulsion device.
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115. The water carousel system of claim 107, further comprising a motor coupled to the propulsion device, wherein the motor is configured to power the propulsion device during use.
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116. The water carousel system of claim 107, further comprising a bearing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member during use.
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117. The water carousel system of claim 107, further comprising a bushing coupled to the rotatable portion for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member.
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118. The water carousel system of claim 107, further comprising a lighting system configured to display lights during use, a sound system configured to produce sounds during use, and a control system configured to be coupled to the lighting system and the sound system to automatically activate the lighting system and the sound system in response to a speed of rotation of the rotatable portion during use.
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119. A method for constructing a water carousel system, comprising:
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anchoring a support member substantially perpendicular to ground;
coupling a support platform to the support member, the support platform configured for holding a participant, the support platform being further configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use;
coupling a propulsion device to the rotatable portion of the support platform such that the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform such that the platform rotates about the support member along the surface of the water; and
coupling a roof to the support member, wherein the roof is configured to rotate independently of the rotatable portion. - View Dependent Claims (120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128)
coupling a shaft to the propulsion device; and
coupling a participant power mechanism to the shaft, wherein the participant power mechanism is configured to drive the shaft during use, and wherein driving the shaft powers the propulsion device.
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124. The method of claim 119, further comprising coupling a motor to the propulsion device, wherein the motor is configured to power the propulsion device.
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125. The method of claim 119, further comprising coupling a bubble generator to the support member such that at least one feature of the bubbles is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
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126. The method of claim 119, further comprising coupling a smoke generator to the support member such that at least one feature of the smoke is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
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127. The method of claim 119, further comprising positioning a bearing between the rotatable portion and the support member for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member.
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128. The method of claim 119, further comprising positioning a bushing between the rotatable portion and the support member for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member.
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129. A method for constructing a water carousel system, comprising:
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anchoring a support member substantially perpendicular to ground;
coupling a support platform to the support member, the support platform configured for holding a participant, the support platform being further configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use;
coupling a propulsion device to the rotatable portion of the support platform such that the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform such that the platform rotates about the support member along the surface of the water; and
positioning a bearing between the rotatable portion and the support member for allowing the rotatable portion to rotate about the support member. - View Dependent Claims (130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137)
coupling a shaft to the propulsion device; and
coupling a participant power mechanism to the shaft, wherein the participant power mechanism is configured to drive the shaft during use, and wherein driving the shaft powers the propulsion device.
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135. The method of claim 129, further comprising coupling a motor to the propulsion device, wherein the motor is configured to power the propulsion device.
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136. The method of claim 129, further comprising coupling a bubble generator to the support member such that at least one feature of the bubbles is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
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137. The method of claim 129, further comprising coupling a smoke generator to the support member such that at least one feature of the smoke is varied as a function of the speed at which the rotatable portion is rotated.
Specification