Contoured variably tensionable soft membrane ride surface for ride attraction

• US 6,676,530 B2
• Filed: 04/17/2002
• Issued: 01/13/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/17/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Surf Park Pte, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Light Wave Limited
• Inventors: Lochtefeld, Thomas J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Kien T.
• Application Number:
  US10/124,771
• Publication Number:
  US 20030004003A1
• Time in Patent Office: 636 Days
• Field of Search: 472/88, 472/89, 472/90, 472/91, 472/117, 472/128, 472/129, 428/92, 428/93, 428/99, 428/15, 428/85, 428/96, 428/97
• US Class Current: 472/117
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2009/006 Playground structures
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0063 Shock absorbers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0093 for surfing, i.e. without a sail; for skate or snow boarding
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0054 Features for injury prevention on an apparatus, e.g. shock absorbers mats or the like for absorbing shocks for jumping A63B6/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63C 19/00 Design or layout of playing courts, rinks, bowling greens or areas for water-skiing; Covers therefor golf courses A63B69/3691; water roundabouts A63G3/00; construction of surfaces of foundations E01C; roofs E04B7/00; buildings or groups of buildings for sports E04H3/10; swimming or splash baths or pools E04H4/00; coverings for baths E04H4/06
• CPC Class Codes: A63C 19/10 Ice-skating or roller-skating rinks; Slopes or trails for skiing, ski-jumping or tobogganing chutes A63G21/00; ski-lifts B61B11/00; making or maintaining surfaces of snow or ice suitable for traffic or sporting purposes E01H4/00; removing snow or ice E01H5/00; production of ice or snow F25C3/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63G 21/18 Water-chutes
• CPC Class Codes: A63G 31/00 Amusement arrangements hoop exercising apparatus driven by the user A63B19/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63G 31/007 involving water

Abstract

A ride surface for water ride attractions and the like is provided. The ride surface is fabricated from a reinforced membrane material tensioned over a supporting framework. The tensioned membrane ride surface serves the dual role of providing structural support for water flow and riders thereon while at the same time providing an impact safe surface that is non-injurious to riders who may fall thereon. The tensioned membrane can be adjusted actively and/or passively in order to accommodate different and varied ride experiences. Optionally, the shape of the membrane ride surface can be changed either dynamically or passively by special tensioning techniques and/or by using auxiliary support structures such as air bladders, pressure/suction, foam supports or/or the like.

Claims

1. A ride attraction comprising:

an inclined ride surface adapted to safely support one or more ride participants and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon;

the inclined ride surface comprising a substantially continuous sheet of membrane material supported along at least two edges thereof by a supporting framework;

the membrane material having a coating thereon adapted to provide a substantially smooth and generally lubricous sliding surface;

the membrane material being tensioned so as to provide a resilient, impact-safe support surface for ride participants and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon; and

one or more nozzles for injecting a sheet flow of water upward upon the inclined ride surface comprising the tensioned membrane material.

2. The ride attraction of claim 1 wherein the ride surface comprises a polyester membrane material coated on at least one side with a fluorinated polymer material.

3. The ride attraction of claim 2 wherein the fluorinated polymer material comprises a layer of substantially pure PVDF.

4. The ride attraction of claim 1 wherein the membrane material comprises fibers or yarns of one or more of the following:

carbon fiber, Kevlar®

, rayon, nylon, polyester, PVC, and/or PVDF.

5. The ride attraction of claim 1 wherein the membrane material comprises a coating of one more of the following:

rubber, polyurethane, latex, Teflon, fluorinated polymers, and/or PVDF.

6. The ride attraction of claim 1 wherein the membrane material tensioned substantially equally in weft and warp while a polymer coating approximately 200-300 μ

m thick is applied to the top and bottom surfaces thereof.

7. The ride attraction of claim 6 wherein at least one side of the membrane material is coated with an additional layer of fluorinated polymer material approximately 10-50 μ

m thick.

8. The ride attraction of claim 7 wherein the membrane material has an overall thickness of between about 0.5 and 2.0 mm and a weight less than about 5.0 kg/m².

9. The ride attraction of claim 1 wherein the membrane material is selected to have a tensile strength greater than about 20 kg_f/cm as determined by NF EN ISO 1421 FTMS 191A (Method 5102).

10. The ride attraction of claim 1 wherein the membrane material is selected to have a tensile strength greater than about 50 kg_f/cm as determined by NF EN ISO 1421 FTMS 191A (Method 5102).

11. The ride attraction of claim 1 wherein the membrane material is selected to have a tensile strength greater than about 90 kg_f/cm as determined by NF EN ISO 1421 FTMS 191A (Method 5102).

12. The ride attraction of claim 1 wherein the membrane material is selected to have a tear strength greater than about 50 kg_f as determined by DIN 53.363 ASTM D 5733-95 (Trapezoid Method).

13. The ride attraction of claim 1 wherein the membrane material is selected to have a tear strength greater than about 75 kg_f as determined by DIN 53.363 ASTM D 5733-95 (Trapezoid Method).

14. The ride attraction of claim 1 wherein the membrane material is selected to have a tear strength greater than about 90 kg_f as determined by DIN 53.363 ASTM D 5733-95 (Trapezoid Method).

15. The ride attraction of claim 1 wherein the membrane material is tensioned between about 10 kg_f/cm and 80 kg_f/cm.

16. The ride attraction of claim 1 wherein the membrane material is tensioned between about 20 kg_f/cm and 60 kg_f/cm.

17. The ride attraction of claim 1 wherein the membrane material is tensioned between about 30 kg_f/cm and 40 kg_f/cm.

18. The ride attraction of claim 1 further comprising means for dynamically adjusting the tension applied to the membrane material.

19. The ride attraction of claim 1 further comprising a hydraulic or pneumatic adjustment device for dynamically adjusting the tension applied to the membrane material.

20. The ride attraction of claim 1 further comprising one or more auxiliary support structures for providing additional support to the ride surface.

21. A ride surface for ride attractions, the ride surface comprising a fabric-reinforced material supported by a structural framework and tensioned to at least 10 kg_f/cm, the fabric material being coated with a friction-reducing material adapted to facilitate sliding thereon by ride patrons.

22. The ride surface of claim 21 wherein the fabric-reinforced material comprises a polyester fabric material coated on at least one side with a fluorinated polymer material.

23. The ride surface of claim 22 wherein the fluorinated polymer material comprises a layer of substantially pure PVDF.

24. The ride surface of claim 21 wherein the fabric-reinforced ride material comprises fibers or yarns of one or more of the following:

carbon fiber, Kevlar®

, rayon, nylon, polyester, PVC, and/or PVDF.

25. The ride surface of claim 21 wherein the fabric-reinforced material comprises a coating of one more of the following:

rubber, polyurethane, latex, Teflon, fluorinated polymers, and/or PVDF.

26. The ride surface of claim 21 wherein the fabric-reinforced material is tensioned substantially equally in weft and warp while a polymer coating approximately 200-300 μ

m thick is applied to the top and bottom surfaces thereof.

27. The ride surface of claim 26 wherein at least one side of the fabric-reinforced material is coated with an additional layer of fluorinated polymer material approximately 10-50 μ

m thick.

28. The ride surface of claim 21 wherein the fabric-reinforced material is selected to have a tensile strength greater than about 50 kgf/cm as determined by NF EN ISO 1421 FTMS 191A (Method 5102).

29. The ride surface of claim 21 wherein the fabric-reinforced material is selected to have a tensile strength greater than about 90 kg_f/cm as determined by NF EN ISO 1421 FTMS 191A (Method 5102).

30. The ride surface of claim 21 wherein the fabric-reinforced material is selected to have a tear strength greater than about 50 kg_f as determined by DIN 53.363 ASTM D 5733-95 (Trapezoid Method).

31. The ride surface of claim 21 wherein the fabric-reinforced material is selected to have a tear strength greater than about 75 kg_f as determined by DIN 53.363 ASTM D 5733-95 (Trapezoid Method).

32. The ride surface of claim 21 wherein the fabric-reinforced material is selected to have a tear strength greater than about 90 kg_f as determined by DIN 53.363 ASTM D 5733-95 (Trapezoid Method).

33. The ride surface of claim 21 wherein the fabric-reinforced material is tensioned between about 10 kg_f/cm and 80 kg_f/cm.

34. The ride surface of claim 21 wherein the fabric-reinforced material is tensioned between about 20 kg_fcm and 60 kg_f/cm.

35. The ride surface of claim 21 wherein the fabric-reinforced material is tensioned between about 30 kg_f/cm and 40 kg_f/cm.

36. The ride surface of claim 21 further comprising one or more nozzles for injecting a sheet flow of water upward upon the inclined ride surface comprising the fabric-reinforced material.

37. The ride surface of claim 21 further comprising means for dynamically adjusting the tension applied to the fabric-reinforced material.

38. The ride surface of claim 21 further comprising a hydraulic or pneumatic adjustment device for dynamically adjusting the tension applied to the fabric-reinforced material.

39. The ride surface of claim 21 further comprising one or more auxiliary support structures for providing additional support to the ride surface.

40. A kit for assembling a ride attraction, comprising:

a fabric-reinforced ride surface sized and adapted to safely support one or more ride participants and/or ride vehicles thereon;

a supporting framework adapted to support and apply tension to the fabric ride surface; and

tensioning means for adjusting the amount of tension applied by the framework to the ride surface.

41. The kit of claim 40 wherein the fabric-reinforced ride surface comprises a polyester fabric material coated on at least one side with a fluorinated polymer material.

42. The kit of claim 41 wherein the fluorinated polymer material comprises a layer of substantially pure PVDF.

43. The kit of claim 40 wherein the fabric-reinforced ride surface comprises fibers or yarns of one or more of the following:

carbon fiber, Kevlar®

, rayon, nylon, polyester, PVC, and/or PVDF.

44. The kit of claim 40 wherein the fabric-reinforced ride surface comprises a coating of one more of the following:

rubber, polyurethane, latex, Teflon, fluorinated polymers, and/or PVDF.

45. The kit of claim 40 wherein the fabric-reinforced ride surface is tensioned substantially equally in weft and warp while a polymer coating approximately 200-300 μ

m thick is applied to the top and bottom surfaces thereof.

46. The kit of claim 45 wherein at least one side of the fabric-reinforced material is coated with an additional layer of fluorinated polymer material approximately 10-50 μ

m thick.

47. The kit of claim 46 wherein the fabric-reinforced ride surface has an overall thickness of between about 0.5 and 2.0 mm and a weight less than about 5.0 kg/m².

48. The kit of claim 40 wherein the fabric-reinforced ride surface is selected to have a tensile strength greater than about 20 kg_f/cm as determined by NF EN ISO 1421 FTMS 191A (Method 5102).

49. The kit of claim 40 wherein the fabric-reinforced ride surface is selected to have a tensile strength greater than about 50 kg_f/cm as determined by NF EN ISO 1421 FTMS 191A (Method 5102).

50. The kit of claim 40 wherein the fabric-reinforced ride surface is selected to have a tensile strength greater than about 90 kg_f/cm as determined by NF EN ISO 1421 FTMS 191A (Method 5102).

51. The kit of claim 40 wherein the fabric-reinforced ride surface is selected to have a tear strength greater than about 50 kg_f as determined by DIN 53.363 ASTM D 5733-95 (Trapezoid Method).

52. The kit of claim 40 wherein the fabric-reinforced ride surface is selected to have a tear strength greater than about 75 kg_f as determined by DIN 53.363 ASTM D 5733-95 (Trapezoid Method).

53. The kit of claim 40 wherein the fabric-reinforced ride surface is selected to have a tear strength greater than about 90 kg_f as determined by DIN 53.363 ASTM D 573-95 (Trapezoid Method).

54. The kit of claim 40 wherein the fabric-reinforced ride surface is tensioned between about 10 kg_f/cm and 80 kg_f/cm.

55. The kit of claim 40 wherein the fabric-reinforced ride surface is tensioned between about 20 kg_f/cm and 60 kg_f/cm.

56. The kit of claim 40 wherein the fabric-reinforced ride surface is tensioned between about 30 kg_f/cm and 40 kg_f/cm.

57. The kit of claim 40 further comprising one or more nozzles for injecting a sheet flow of water upward upon the inclined ride surface comprising the fabric-reinforced material.

58. The kit of claim 40 wherein the tensioning means comprises means for dynamically adjusting the tension applied to the fabric-reinforced material.

59. The kit of claim 40 wherein the tensioning means comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic jack for dynamically adjusting the tension applied to the fabric-reinforced material.

60. The kit of claim 40 further comprising one or more auxiliary support structures for providing additional support to the fabric-reinforced ride surface.

61. A ride attraction comprising:

an inclined ride surface adapted to safely support one or more ride participants and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon;

the inclined ride surface comprising a sheet of membrane material supported along at least two edges thereof by a supporting framework;

the membrane material having a coating thereon adapted to provide a substantially smooth and generally lubricous sliding surface; and

the membrane material being tensioned between about 10 kgf/cm and 80 kgf/cm so as to provide a resilient, impact-safe support surface for ride participants and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon.

62. The ride attraction of claim 61 wherein the ride surface comprises a polyester membrane material coated on at least one side with a fluorinated polymer material.

63. The ride attraction of claim 62 wherein the fluorinated polymer material comprises a layer of substantially pure PVDF.

64. The ride attraction of claim 61 wherein the membrane material comprises fibers or (yarns of one or more of the following:

carbon fiber, Kevlar®

, rayon, nylon, polyester, PVC, and/or PVDF.

65. The ride attraction of claim 61 wherein the membrane material comprises a coating of one more of the following:

rubber, polyurethane, latex, Teflon, fluorinated polymers, and/or PVDF.

66. The ride attraction of claim 61 wherein the membrane material tensioned substantially equally in weft and warp while a polymer coating approximately 200-300 μ

m thick is applied to the top and bottom surfaces thereof.

67. The ride attraction of claim 61 wherein at least one side of the membrane material is coated with an additional layer of fluorinated polymer material approximately 10-50 μ

m thick.

68. The ride attraction of claim 61 wherein the membrane material is selected to have a tear strength greater than about 75 kg_f as determined by DIN 53.363 ASTM D 5733-95 (Trapezoid Method).

69. The ride attraction of claim 61 further comprising one or more nozzles for injecting a sheet flow of water upward upon the inclined ride surface comprising the tensioned membrane material.

70. The ride attraction of claim 61 further comprising means for dynamically adjusting the tension applied to the membrane material.

71. The ride attraction of claim 61 further comprising a hydraulic or pneumatic adjustment device for dynamically adjusting the tension applied to the membrane material.

72. A ride attraction comprising:

an inclined ride surface adapted to safely support one or more ride participants and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon;

the inclined ride surface comprising a membrane material supported along at least two edges thereof by a supporting framework;

the membrane material having a coating thereon adapted to provide a substantially smooth sliding surface;

the membrane material being tensioned so as to provide a resilient, impact-safe support surface for ride participants and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon; and

means for dynamically adjusting the tension applied to the membrane material.

73. The ride attraction of claim 72 wherein said adjusting means comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic adjustment device for dynamically adjusting the tension applied to the membrane material.

74. The ride attraction of claim 72 wherein the ride surface comprises a polyester membrane material coated on at least one side with a fluorinated polymer material.

75. The ride attraction of claim 72 wherein the fluorinated polymer material comprises a layer of substantially pure PVDF.

76. The ride attraction of claim 72 wherein the membrane material comprises fibers or yarns of one or more of the following:

carbon fiber, Kevlar®

, rayon, nylon, polyester, PVC, and/or PVDF.

77. The ride attraction of claim 72 wherein the membrane material comprises a coating of one more of the following:

rubber, polyurethane, latex, Teflon, fluorinated polymers, and/or PVDF.

78. The ride attraction of claim 72 wherein the membrane material tensioned substantially equally in weft and warp while a polymer coating approximately 200-300 μ

m thick is applied to the top and bottom surfaces thereof.

79. The ride attraction of claim 72 wherein at least one side of the membrane material is coated with an additional layer of fluorinated polymer material approximately 10-50 μ

m thick.

80. The ride attraction of claim 72 wherein the membrane material is selected to have a tear strength greater than about 75 kg_f as determined by DIN 53.363 ASTM D 5733-95 (Trapezoid Method).

81. The ride attraction of claim 72 further comprising one or more nozzles for injecting a sheet flow of water upward upon the inclined ride surface comprising the tensioned membrane material.