Capacity of slide track

Abstract

The invention is directed to a slide track with movable selection segment between an upstream slide way segment and a downstream slide way segment comprising multiple slide ways, wherein a continuous flow path is provided to a selected slide way. To ensure safe operation, multiple sensors are located in the slide track for detecting the speed and position of the rider. The selection segment moves only from a first position to a second position if the movement can be completed in time before the arrival of the rider at the exit of the selection segment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present invention relates to leisure and amusement slide tracks and particularly to water slides and this application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 to Netherlands patent application NL1039884, filed Nov. 8, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The use of slide tracks is known in the prior art. More specifically, slide tracks heretofore devised and utilized for the purpose of entertaining users by permitting slidable movement down the slide way are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations. Slide tracks in general are fabricated from rigid material configured into twists and turns to provide variety and entertainment for the user. A rider travels down the slide track and, because of the rigidity of the slide, travels in a predetermined slide track which is repeated on subsequent uses. The slide track usually starts with an entry to the slide track, a main slide way segment and an exit segment, the latter often comprising means to slow the rider down and to let the rider disengage from the slide track.

[0003] Constructions have been attempted to improve the sliding experience. For this purpose e.g. water slide tracks (hereinafter waterslides) are currently known, which are provided with a water supply. Typical waterslides are made of polyester, fiberglass, Resin Transfer Molding Composites or other materials troughs and/or tubes that are aligned and coupled together to provide a fixed and generally downward sloping flow path. Waterslides (e.g., body slides, inner tube slides, raft slides) may be designed for an individual (hereinafter a rider) to ride without a transport device or with a transport device (e.g., on an inner tube, boat or raft (hereinafter also referred to as rider unless specifically otherwise stated). In operation, water is typically pumped to the top of the traditional waterslides and into associated troughs and/or tubes such that the water passes along the flow path. Riders may then enter through the entry at the top of the slide and be propelled along with the water from the top of the slide to the bottom of the slide. Gravity and/or pumps generally create the motive force to bring the water (and any rider(s) riding the slide) to the bottom of the slide. Additional water may be injected along the path to alter the rider velocity. The water provides lubrication and a sliding enhancement medium. In some cases, water may be replaced by polishing the sliding surface of the slide so as to make a slippery surface on which to slide. Other sliding aids may also be used. Examples include a waxed bag, a mat or a special suit.

[0004] Waterslides are often equipped with a water volume at the exit segment to slow the rider down towards the exit of the slide or a swimming pool in which the rider plunges right after the exit of the slide track.

[0005] Current slide track have several disadvantages, one of which comprise that the capacity--defined as number of riders per time unit--is limited by the time it takes for one rider to complete the slide track and to exit the slide track. The slide track is usually only cleared for a new rider to enter, if it is estimated that the previous rider is safe, meaning that at least the chance should be acceptably low that a next rider bumps into the previous rider. For this purpose currently means are provided to detect if a rider has left the slide track. Often, whether or not the slide track is cleared for the next rider to enter is indicated by a light signal near the entry of the slide track, wherein a red light communicates that the slide track may not be entered and a green light communicates that the next rider may enter the slide track. In other cases a gate may be provided to physically prevent a next rider entering the slide track if the slide track is not cleared. These safety procedures usually result in long waiting times and waiting queues for customers. In order to satisfy the customers and limit the waiting times, amusement parks (for example water parks) often put more of the same slides or symmetric slides in their park to allow more riders to experience a ride at the same time.

[0006] Another solution to increase the overall capacity of the slide track is to make family slides or raft slides, so more people may go the same time into the slide in a raft.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,830,161 by Arrow Development Co. for example discloses a flume amusement ride wherein passengers ride in boats that float on water flowing in water channels, the boats being guided by the walls of the water channel. A steep down chute portion is provided as part of the ride as a means of providing a thrill to the passengers. The down chute portion includes two adjacent water channels into which boats are alternately directed by a gate that is constructed of two parallel wall members hinged to the walls of the single water channel upstream of the down chute. It claims an increase of the capacity and is directed towards the use of boats and rafts.

[0008] Netherlands patent NL9301619A discloses a water slide provided with an entry end which lies at a starting level, an exit end which lies at a lower level and a slide path lying between these ends; during use, water is added to the slide path. The slide is provided with means for at least locally substantially varying the flow of water on the slide path over the course of time during use. The slide is preferably provided with at least one water-collection basin, and water which is collected in the collection basin may be moved from the basin to the following part of the slide path substantially all at once. In one embodiment a selection segment is proposed which enables a rider to be transported to one of a plurality of follow up slide ways. The rider arriving from an upstream slide way at the selection segment plunges in the selection segment which comprises a water-collection basin. The selection segment is movable around one of two diagonally crossing swivel axes' to connect to one of the underlying slide ways. The rider is subsequently further transported together with the load of water from the selection segment comprising a water collection basin to the underlying slide way. The water which is collected in the selection segment is therefore moved from that basin to the following part of the slide path substantially all at once.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide a solution for improving the throughput of the slide track, in order to increase capacity of the slide track. The invention realizes the objectives in the following manner.

[0010] In the slide track a selection segment is constructed which provides a continuous flow path for a rider on the slide track entering the selection segment from an upstream slide way, to one of a plurality of downstream slide ways. In a preferred embodiment the selection segment rotates alternatively from a first position to a second position in order to divert a rider to an empty downstream slide way.

[0011] It is readily understood that the terms downstream and upstream merely indicate a relative location. Downstream means in this case following the direction to which the rider heads from a point of view of the selection segment, whereas upstream means the direction from which a rider arrives from the point of view of the selection segment.

[0012] By selectively transporting the rider to an empty downstream slideway the capacity is increased in positive relation with the amount of available downstream slide ways.

[0013] The downstream slideway may comprise an exit slide way, comprising a run-out, slow-down or water basin at the end of the slide track. It is especially advantageous to provide selectable exit slide ways, because just a single main slideway needs to be constructed and multiple (less expensive) exit slide ways, while achieving the benefits of the invention. It is known that most time is lost at the exit slide way, because riders need to be slowed down, recuperate, and leave the slide track in a safe manner.

[0014] In the proposed invented configuration with e.g. two exit slide ways instead of one, the time between a first rider being allowed to enter the slide track and a second rider being allowed to enter the slide track may decrease up to a factor two, which results in an increase of capacity by up to 200% of its normal capacity. With three exit slide ways the capacity increase up to approximately 300% and so forth.

[0015] Furthermore the selection segment is arranged in such a way that the rider is at the most just marginally slowed down in the selection segment itself, or even sped up if a slope is provided in the selection segment. The flow path is therefore not interrupted in time or space. In this way the speed of transport to the downstream slide ways may be substantially maintained, which prevents delay in the selection segment, thus preventing possibly dangerous situations if, in an unwanted situation, a next rider enters the slide track too soon. The chance that a collision of riders occurs in the selection segment is therefore greatly reduced.

[0016] Ultimately this leads to an optimized throughput and higher capacity of the slide track, less negative influence on speed of the descending rider, a safer use of the slide track and in general more fun for the rider.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The figures show views of embodiments in accordance with the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a slide track, comprising a selection segment in a first position.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a Slide track, comprising a selection segment in a second position.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a selection segment.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows section A, a rear view of a selection segment and a base to support the selection segment.

[0022] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a variation of a selection segment

[0023] FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a slide track with a rotating selection segment in the shape of a curved tube.

[0024] FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a slide track with a translating selection segment.

[0025] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a method of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The invention is now described by the following aspects and embodiments, with reference to the figures. There are different configurations with different shapes of selection segments. In the figures below a detailed description is given of these configurations.

[0027] To increase the capacity of the slide, a plurality of exit sections is provided to decrease the time it takes to exit the slide track. When the first rider has passed the selection segment, the selection segment moves to a second position so the next rider follows a flow path and ends up in the second downstream slide way. If there are more than two exit sections, the selection segment goes to its next position, the next rider passes, and the selection segment moves to the next position, and so onwards. When the last position is reached, and the user has passed the selection segment, the selection segment goes back into its first position. With two exit segments the capacity is approximately 200%, with three exit segments the capacity is approximately 300%, and so forth.

[0028] In a setup of a so called fast body slide, with one exit, where the ride takes 7.5 seconds from the entrance till the rider is in the exit segment and 10 seconds to exit, normally the traffic lights use a timer of 20 seconds between two riders. This results in a capacity of 180 people per hour. When there are two separate exit sections, the next rider may already go when one exit section is full and the other one is clear. This means that every 10 seconds a next rider may go and the 2.5 seconds may be used to move the selection segment into the next position. This means a capacity of 200% of 360 people per hour and the waiting times will be cut in half. The operation of the slide track is still in accordance with every safety standard.

[0029] In a setup of a so called short fast speed slide, with one exit, where the rider takes 5 seconds to complete the slide until the exit and takes 10 seconds to exit, normally the traffic lights use a timer of 20 seconds between two riders. In the same slide, configured with a selection segment and three exit sections, and a time of 1 second to switch position from the selection segment, every 6 seconds a rider may go and the rider has 12 seconds to exit. This results in a capacity of 333%.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows a slide track 100 a first position, which may be a default position. This figure comprises three different segments, an upstream segment 101, a selection segment 300a, and a downstream slide way segment 103. A slide track usually starts with an entry to the slide track, which often comprises multiple slide way sections. A middle slide way section may comprise twists and turns to provide variety and entertainment for the user. This path may be long, short, steep, smooth, enclosed or opened on top. The structure may be outdoor or indoor or any combination thereof. A small piece of this possible middle slide way section is showed in FIG. 1 as upstream segment 101. This part may be the end of a straight part, the end of a corner or may be a special object for the fun of the rider. The upstream segment may have a small diameter for speed slides, a bigger diameter for raft slides, or a really big diameter for family raft slides. The selection segment 300a is movably connected 104 to the upstream section 101. This may be done with a joint or with only coincident sections. This joint may comprise a seal to make the transition of the user from section 101 to section 300a a smooth transition and prevents leakage of water. This joint may be a supporting point for the slide track. There may be a construction to support the structure from its foundation. The selection segment 300a may be set in multiple positions to select one of a plurality of downstream slide paths 105a,b.

[0031] For safety reasons a default position 105a is provided. If the actuator system or safety system fails for example by a power cut the selection segment moves automatically to its default position. A safety mechanism may use a counterweight or a spring load to rotate the system back into the default position.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a downstream slide way segment 103 to slow the rider down, to recuperate the rider and to exit the slide. This segment may comprise a body of water to slow the rider down. This example segment comprises two different downstream slide ways, with default first slide way 105a and second slide way 105b. The downstream slide way segment may, however, consist of more than two downstream slide ways. The slide ways are shown as parallel slide ways by means of example, but may be designed with curves, or in a V-shape. The rider may continue his ride for a longer time in a separated slide ways or may end immediately in an exit downstream slide way segment 103.

[0033] The downstream slide way segment 103 (preferably smoothly) separates the beginning shape into two or more slide paths. Wall 108 creates gradually a separation wall between the downstream slide ways. This wall guides the rider safely into a slide way free of occupants. The connection between the selection segment 300a and downstream slide way segment 103 may include a seal to prevent water leaking and providing the rider a smooth transition. The shape of the beginning of the downstream slide way segment is designed in a way it gives the rider a smooth transition.

[0034] The side walls of the downstream slide way segment 109a and 109b make sure a rider is guided safely into the slide way. The length of the downstream slide way segment will be at least dimensioned dependent on the speed the fastest possible rider has when entering the downstream slide way segment.

[0035] The downstream slide way segment 103 and selection segment 300a may be fixed connected to each other. This means the exit segment rotates or moves too.

[0036] The downstream slide way segment 103 may be replaced by a plunge pool 602, comprising a swimming pool to slow down the rider. The selection segment may be just above the plunge pool or may be placed on a height of several meters to create a drop-off for the rider to fall into the plunge pool.

[0037] Sensors may be provided for the actuator and safety system, and may be placed in the upstream segment 101 to detect arriving riders and to detect how much time lapses between subsequent riders. Sensors may be provided to detect the position of the selection segment. These may be connected to the selection segment. In the downstream slide way segment there may be sensors to detect a rider in each slide path. A combination of these sensors and a processor or computer may control the actuator to rotate the selection segment.

[0038] A safety system may be provided for detecting when riders are too close to each other and the system may prevent moving the selection segment if riders are too close to each other. This makes sure that there are no riders near the exit of the selection segment while moving the selection segment.

[0039] The actuator system may work with a mechanical system. The weight of the rider or the shifted water level may actuate the selection segment to rotate. This may work with levers, water pressure, or other means.

[0040] The different slide way sections may be connected to each other with a tube or connected section to stabilize the water level and to ensure this is the right height to slow the rider down.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows a Slide track 100 of FIG. 1 but in the second position.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows a selection segment 300a. The cross-section at rear 302 preferably fits to the upstream slide way segment 101. It may for example be shaped like a circle or a part of a circle to obtain a smooth transition from the upstream segment to the selection segment. The top of the circle could be cut off to obtain an open or half open slide.

[0043] The front cross-section 303 of the selection segment may have different shapes. It may be in the shape of a wide slot and a part at the top may be cut off. Or it may be in the shape of an ellipse or it may be a combined shape of a slot, an ellipse, circle or straight lines.

[0044] The selection segment may obtain a safety shield 304 under the front cross-section to prevent safety issues that riders may get stuck under the selection segment and get injured. Between the safety shield and the downstream slide way segment there may be a seal provided to smoothen the ride and to prevent leakage of water.

[0045] The shape of the slide path may be designed by adjusting the shape of the selection segment. It may be in a V-shape but the ride may be smoothened by designing a smooth curve. This may be a single radius or may be a double curve 305.

[0046] The rotation axis is longitudinal rotatable defined substantially perpendicular to the cross-section at the rear 302. If it is designed differently a special joint is needed in the ends 302 and 303 of the selection segment 300a. The shape of the front cross section 303 may be transferred parallel to the rear cross section 302 so that the bottom line of this shape may be coincident with the rotation axis. This place of the rotating axis is important for solving or creating design problems. The rotation axis may be horizontal or on an angle when viewed from the side. This means that the whole selection segment 300a may tilt a bit compared to the downstream slide way segment.

[0047] The selection segment may be made of one piece of fiberglass or other material or may be made out of different pieces and mounted together.

[0048] The shape of the front cross section 306 may have an elevated piece in the middle to initiate the dividing of the two slide ways with using a wall like 108. This may be at the end of 300a.

[0049] Flexible floors may be used to force riders into the different downstream slide ways. The selected slide way is then lowered and/or the non-selected slide way(s) are moved in a higher position so gravity forces the rider follow the flow path into the selected downstream slide way. The selection segment may be fixed connected to the upstream segment and the downstream segments, and the selection segment may be made of a flexible material. The flexible material may comprise rubber, elastomer such as Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber, or flexible, resilient or deformable plastic, or combinations thereof, for example by layering different materials. By adjusting the shape of the flexible selection segment the rider follows a flow path through one of the selected downstream slideways. Shaping of the flexible material may comprise creating a bump in the flow path or a local lowering of the floor a ridge to force the rider to follow the lowest path, or the path with least resistance or obstacles.

[0050] FIG. 4 shows a rear view of the system, and comprises section A as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The base 401 is connected to the floor and/or foundation, to support the segment section 300a when it is in the first or second position. The base creates an even transition between the selection segment 300a and the downstream slide way section 103.

[0051] The selection segment may be rotatable supported at different places. The whole circular shaped safety shield 306 may be part of a ball-bearing or may slide over a part of the base provided with lubricant. The selection segment 300a may comprise other circles or parts of circles that function as a bearing or joint to support the selection segment 300a.

[0052] The rotating mechanism may be connected at different places. It may use a big sprocket wheel, with an electrical motor having a small sprocket wheel to drive the selection segment. The selection segment may be driven by a hydraulic system or pneumatic system. A belt system may be used or a rack and pinion system or a linear actuator. The rotating mechanism may be mechanically activated.

[0053] FIG. 5 shows a variation of a selection segment 300b. The front cross section 303 may triangular and may have filleted edges. Other variations comprise square or polygon shapes having filleted edges and a radius of each corner to fit the radius of corresponding downstream slide way. By using this shape, the rotation may be in just one direction, either clockwise or counter clockwise. This may result in two or more slide paths in the downstream slide way segment.

[0054] This shape may be used to fit a theme of the slide track and make the product more appealing and fun to use.

[0055] FIG. 6 shows a slide track in a configuration with a rotating curved selection segment 300c. The selection segment 300c may comprise multiple curves and/or straight sections. In this figure the downstream slide way segment 602 is a plunge pool, deep enough for the rider to plunge safely into and providing means to exit the pool. The selection segment 300c rotates to select a different slide way for the rider. In the given example there are three possible positions for the selection segment. The selection segment is positioned to the first position (as shown in the figure) for the rider to end up in the first downstream slide way 604c. The first, second and third downstream slide ways 604a,b,c may in fact be the same pool, optionally divided into sections by using one of multiple floating safety rope(s) 607. Water jets may be used to guide the riders in the right direction and guide them faster to the exit. When water jets are used, safety driving lines may not be needed.

[0056] The selection segment 300c may be supported in the joint with the upstream slide way segment and/or supported in another point. This may be in the extension of the rotating axis or it may be supported in a rotation circle perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0057] This selection segment may be open from the top or may be a closed tube.

[0058] The selection segment may be made of a flexible tube. This tube may be fixed connected to the upstream slide way segment. The end of this tube may move horizontally from a first position into a second position and create flow paths to different downstream slide ways.

[0059] FIG. 7 shows a slide track in a configuration with a telescoping selection segment 300d. The example figure shows three different exit sections. This configuration includes the upstream slide way segment 101 and a telescoping selecting segment 300d. The upstream slide way segment may be straight, in which case the first section 702 of the selection segment 300d is straight too. Both of these sections may also be curved. This sections may be horizontal placed or may be placed under an angle. Extending from the first section 702 is the second section which may turn into a 90 degrees corner 703. In the first, fully extended position, the rider will end up in downstream slide way 604c. In second position the telescope shortens and the selected downstream slide way is 604b. In third position the telescope is in its shortest position and the downstream slide way is 604a. There may be more positions and exit sections provided. This configuration may be combined with the rotating concept explained before.

[0060] In 704 the upper section 101 slides into first section 704 of the selection segment 300d. This connection is as smooth as possible to give the rider a smooth transition.

[0061] FIG. 8 shows a method in accordance with the invention. With this invention a new safety problem is introduced. The issue is the possibility of riders in the selection segment, while the selection segment is moving. This may result in a dangerous situation. To solve this problem a safety system is introduced. There are two possibilities. The first one is that riders do not follow the rules and follow each other really fast, so the time in between riders is smaller than the time needed to move the selection segment. If this situation occurs, the selection segment is supposed not to move. This will result in that the riders go to the same slide way instead of being selected by the selection segment. The second possibility is that the selection segment is already moving and the safety system calculates that the rider arrives before it can complete the movement. When the safety system calculates this, the selection segment moves to its closest position, or the safety mechanism may be activated as described before. The letter and/or number combinations are used for the purpose of simplicity of the representation of the method steps. They are explained as follows: [0062] S1: selection segment 300a,b,c,d [0063] P1: a first position of selection segment S1 [0064] P2: a second position of selection segment S1 [0065] S1 P/S DATA: position and speed data of the selection segment S1 [0066] RIDER1: a first rider [0067] RIDER2: a second rider [0068] SW1: a first downstream slideway [0069] SW2: a second downstream slideway [0070] RIDER2 P/S DATA: position and speed of a second rider (RIDER2) using the slide track 100 [0071] TP1: time needed for the selection segment S1 to move to the first position P1 [0072] TP2: time needed for the selection segment S1 to move to the second position P2 [0073] TR2: time needed for the second rider to move from his current position to the position of the exit of selection segment S1

[0074] The steps are described as follows: [0075] 1001: selection segment S1 is set in a first position P1 and RIDER1 is in a first downstream slide way (SW1); [0076] 1002: a second rider (RIDER2) is detected by one of the sensors in the slide track; [0077] 1003: using input data 1004 registered by sensors at the selection segment S1, the data comprising data on position and speed of the selection segment S1, a time TP1 is calculated of known as a fixed value, comprising the time needed for the selection segment S1 to complete the movement to the first position P1; a time TP2 is calculated or known as a fixed value, comprising the time needed for the selection segment S1 to complete the movement to the second position P2; [0078] 1005: Using input data 1006 registered by sensors in the slide track 100, the data comprising data on position in the slide track and optionally speed of the second rider RIDER2 using the slide track, a time TR2 is calculated, comprising the time needed for the rider to arrive at the exit of the selection segment S1 in a second position P2; [0079] 1007: the values of TP2 and TR2 are compared. If TP2 is smaller than TR2, then, if selection segment S1 is not yet in the second position, selection segment S1 is moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2 at 1008; calculating TP1 and TP2 continues until the selection segment S1 is in the second position P2 as checked at 1009. If the selection segment S1 is in the second position P2, the cycle ends at 1013 and a path is created to exit the second rider RIDER2 to a downstream slideway SW2. The process starts again at 1001, wherein RIDER2 is designated as RIDER1 and the second position P2 is designated as a first position P1 and the downstream slideway SW2 is designated as a first downstream slideway SW1; [0080] 1010: If TP1 is not smaller than TP2, step 1009 follows; [0081] 1011: If TP1 is smaller than TP2, meaning that it takes less time for selection segment S1 to move to the first position P1 than to move to the second position P2, the selection segment S1 is moved back to the first position P1 at 1012. If selection segment S1 is in position P1, the cycle ends at 1013 and a path is created to exit the second rider RIDER2 to downstream slideway SW1. The process starts again at 1001, wherein RIDER2 is designated as RIDER1.

[0082] If it is calculated that the completion of the moving back to the first position in step 1008 will take longer than the arrival of the rider at the exit of selection segment S1, an emergency procedure may be initiated, comprising measures such as braking or warning the second rider, or releasing the emergency mechanism of the selection segment S1 in order to quickly move the selection segment to its default position.

[0083] In a first aspect of the present invention, a slide track is provided, comprising:

[0084] an upstream slide way segment 101 arranged to transport a rider;

[0085] a selection segment 300a,b,c,d comprising an entry arranged for receiving the rider from the upstream slide way segment 101;

[0086] the selection segment 300a,b,c,d comprising one or more exit sections;

[0087] a downstream slide way segment 103,602 comprising a plurality of downstream slide ways 105a,b and 604a,b,c arranged for further transporting the rider;

[0088] the selection segment 300a,b,c,d arranged to selectively transport the rider through one of the one or more exit sections to one of the plurality of downstream slide ways 105a,b and 604a,b,c;

[0089] an actuator arranged to manipulate the selection segment 300a,b,c,d, and

[0090] the selection segment 300a,b,c,d arranged to provide a substantially continuous flow path from the upstream slide way segment 101 to the one of the plurality of downstream slide ways 105a,b and 604a,b,c.

[0091] The advantage of this aspect of the invention is that a smooth and safe flow path is provided for the rider. The speed of the rider arriving from an upstream slide way and entering the selection segment 300a,b,c,d is substantially maintained up to the moment the rider exits the selection segment 300a,b,c,d. The selection segment 300a,b,c,d is positioned in a first position for a first rider and positioned in a second position for a subsequentially arriving second rider. This allows for the use of multiple downstream slide ways 105a,b and 604a,b,c, which alternatingly receive a first, second, third etc. riders. This prevents riders from bumping into each other in the same downstream slide way. This results in a faster and safer operation of the slide track, a higher throughput of riders and therefore an increase of capacity of the slide track.

[0092] In a first embodiment, the selection segment 300a,b,c,d is movably connected to the upstream slide way segment 101. This provides a smooth flow path between the upstream slideway segment 101 and the selection segment 300a,b,c,d.

[0093] In a second embodiment, the selection segment 300a,b,c,d abuts on at least a part of the upstream slide way segment 101 and/or at least a part of the downstream slide way segment 103,602.

[0094] In a third embodiment, the selection segment 300a,b,c,d is rotatably connected to the upstream slide way segment 101.

[0095] In a fourth embodiment, rotatably connected comprises that the selection segment 300a,b,c,d is arranged to be rotatable around a rotation axis running from the entry to the one or more exit sections. This results in an easy joint between the segments and makes it easy to abut the segments to each other. It makes different slide ways possible in a safe system with a substantially continuous flow path for the rider. By positioning the axis for example above the center of gravity of the selection segment, the gravitational force may cause the selection segment to rotate into the default position in a case of power loss or malfunction. This provides an additional safety measure.

[0096] In a fifth embodiment, the selection segment 300a,b,c,d is arranged to be moved from a first position, providing a flow path to a first downstream slide way of the plurality of downstream slide ways 105a,b and 604a,b,c, to a second position for providing a flow path to a second downstream slide way of the plurality of downstream slide ways 105a,b and 604a,b,c.

[0097] In a sixth embodiment, at least a part of the selection segment is made of deformable material arranged to be deformed to selectively create the flow path.

[0098] The advantages of having a deformable selection segment are:

[0099] by reducing the number of moving parts and by having a fixed connection between upstream sideway segment, selection segment and two or more downstream segments, the flow path is uninterrupted by otherwise possibly present bumps, gaps or seams between the segments;

[0100] the selection segment is integral part of the slide track, without a chance that the rider would fall off or out of the slide track at or around the selection segment. This results in better safety and less dangerous situations;

[0101] customizing of the selection segment or adjustments of dimensions and slope in agreement with dimensions and slope of existing slide tracks is easier.

[0102] In a seventh embodiment, the one or more exit sections are arranged to be moved from a first position, providing a flow path to a first downstream slide way of the plurality of downstream slide ways 105a,b and 604a,b,c, to a second position for providing a flow path to a second downstream slide way of the plurality of downstream slide ways 105a,b and 604a,b,c. This results in that more riders may be in different downstream slide ways 105a,b and 604a,b,c at the same time and makes a higher throughput and capacity possible.

[0103] In an eighth embodiment the one or more exit section are arranged to be telescoped.

[0104] In a ninth embodiment, the one or more exit sections are arranged to be veered.

[0105] In a tenth embodiment, the selection segment 300a,b,c,d comprises the downstream slide way segment 103,602. This makes it possible to move the downstream slide way segment 103,602 together with the selection segment 300a,b,c,d.

[0106] In an eleventh embodiment, the selection segment 300a,b,c,d is arranged to be moved from the first position to the second position if the first downstream slide way of the plurality of downstream slide ways 105a,b and 604a,b,c is occupied by a rider.

[0107] In a twelfth embodiment, the actuator is operated by exertion of a gravitational force by the rider entering the selection segment 300a,b,c,d. In this way no additional detection means are necessary.

[0108] In a thirteenth embodiment, the actuator is operated by a motor, such as an electrical motor, a hydraulic system, or a pneumatic system.

[0109] In a fourteenth embodiment, the slide track is provided with one or more sensors, arranged for detecting the presence of the rider in the slide track.

[0110] In a fifteenth embodiment, the one or more sensors are arranged to detect the speed and/or location of the rider in the slide track.

[0111] In a sixteenth embodiment, the presence of the rider in the slide track comprises the presence at a location of the group comprising an entry point of the slide track; the upstream slide way segment 101; the selection segment 300a,b,c,d; the junction between the selection segment 300a,b,c,d and the downstream slide way segment 103,602; the downstream slide way segment 103,602; or an exit point of the slide track. The advantage is that by providing means to detect the position of the rider at various locations, a more accurate prediction is possible of the time of arrival of the next rider, in order to safely move the selection segment 300a,b,c,d from a first position to a second position in time.

[0112] In a seventeenth embodiment, a resilient seal is provided between the selection segment 300a,b,c,d and the upstream segment and/or the downstream slide way segment 103,602. This prevents leakage of water and making the transition between the segments smooth.

[0113] In an eighteenth embodiment, the rider comprises a boat or raft arranged to carry one or more individuals. By carrying multiple individuals in a boat for example, the capacity is increased.

[0114] In a second aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for operating a selection segment 300a,b,c,d in a slide track, the slide track, comprising:

[0115] an upstream slide way segment 101 arranged to transport a rider;

[0116] a selection segment 300a,b,c,d comprising an entry arranged for receiving the rider from the upstream slide way segment 101;

[0117] the selection segment 300a,b,c,d comprising one or more exit sections;

[0118] a downstream slide way segment 103,602 comprising a plurality of downstream slide ways 105a,b and 604a,b,c arranged for further transporting the rider;

[0119] the selection segment 300a,b,c,d arranged to selectively transport the rider through one of the one or more exit sections to one of the plurality of downstream slide ways 105a,b and 604a,b,c;

[0120] an actuator arranged to manipulate the selection segment 300a,b,c,d, and

[0121] the selection segment 300a,b,c,d arranged to be moved from a first position arranged to transport the rider to a first downstream slide way, to a second position arranged to transport the rider to a second downstream slide way, wherein

the selection segment 300a,b,c,d is moved to the first position, if it is calculated that the time needed to complete the movement of the selection segment 300a,b,c,d to the second position is longer than the time it takes for the rider to arrive at the exit section of the selection segment 300a,b,c,d to the second downstream slide way. This ensures that the selection segment 300a,b,c,d doesn't move to a position when a rider arrives too soon. If the rider arrives too soon, this may lead to the rider exiting the selection segment 300a,b,c,d while the selection segment 300a,b,c,d is still rotating, causing a dangerous situation.

[0122] In a first embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the calculation is based on determining a speed and a location of the rider at one or more locations in the upstream slide way segment 101, using one or more sensors, and calculate the time needed for the rider to arrive at said exit section.

[0123] The term "substantially" herein, such as in "substantially longitudinal" etc., will be understood by the person skilled in the art. In embodiments the adjective substantially may be removed. Where applicable, the term "substantially" may also include embodiments with "entirely", "completely", "all", etc. Where applicable, the term "substantially" may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, including 100%. The term "comprise" includes also embodiments wherein the term "comprises" means "consists of.

[0124] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The article "the" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0125] The best mode for carrying out the invention is to provide a slide track with a rotatable selection segment between an upstream slide way segment and a downstream slideway segment, comprising multiple slide ways, wherein a continuous flow path is provided to a selected slide way. To ensure safe operation, multiple sensors are located in the slide track for detecting the speed and position of the rider. The selection segment rotates only from a first position to a second position if the rotation can be completed in time before the arrival of the rider at the exit of the selection segment.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0126] This invention may be used on new products or to improve existing products. It may be used for existing slides or for new slides. It may be used for body slides, opened slides, enclosed slides, raft slides, speed slides and family slides. The selection segment 300a,b,c,d may be produced as a single piece or assembled from multiple pieces of plastic. The selection segment 300a,b,c,d may have an entry selection which is dimensioned to be easily fitted to existing slide tracks, or may be customized according to specific slide track designs or wishes of a customer. Various plastics, fiber glass, or resins are available to be used as material for molding the selection segment 300a,b,c,d

Claims

1. A slide track, comprising: an upstream slide way segment arranged to transport a rider; a selection segment comprising an entry arranged for receiving the rider from the upstream slide way segment; the selection segment comprising one or more exit sections; a downstream segment comprising a plurality of downstream slide ways arranged for further transporting the rider; the selection segment arranged to selectively transport the rider through one of the one or more exit sections to one of the plurality of downstream slide ways; an actuator arranged to manipulate the selection segment; and the selection segment arranged to provide a substantially continuous flow path from the upstream slideway segment to the one of the plurality of downstream slide ways.

2. The slide track of claim 1, wherein the selection segment is movably connected to the upstream slide way segment.

3. The slide track of claim 1, wherein the selection segment abuts on at least a part of the upstream slide way segment and/or at least a part of the downstream slide way segment.

4. The slide track of claim 1, wherein the selection segment is rotatably connected to the upstream slide way segment.

5. The slide track of claim 4, wherein rotatably connected comprises that the selection segment is arranged to be rotatable around a rotation axis running from the entry to the one or more exit sections

6. The slide track of claim 1, wherein the selection segment is arranged to be moved from a first position, providing a flow path to a first downstream slide way of the plurality of downstream slide ways, to a second position for providing a flow path to a second downstream slide way of the plurality of downstream slide ways.

7. The slide track of claim 1, wherein at least a part of the selection segment is made of flexible material arranged to be shaped to selectively create the flow path.

8. The slide track of claim 1, wherein the one or more exit sections are arranged to be moved from a first position, providing a flow path to a first downstream slide way of the plurality of downstream slide ways, to a second position for providing a flow path to a second downstream slide way of the plurality of downstream slide ways.

9. The slide track of claim 8, wherein the one or more exit section are arranged to be telescoped.

10. The slide track of claim 8, wherein the one or more exit sections are arranged to be veered.

11. The slide track of claim 1, wherein the selection segment comprises the downstream segment.

12. The slide track of claim 1, wherein that the selection segment is arranged to be moved from the first position to the second position, if the first downstream slide way of the plurality of downstream slideways is occupied by a rider.

13. The slide track of claim 1, wherein the actuator is operated by exertion of a gravitational force by the rider entering the selection segment.

14. The slide track of claim 1, wherein the actuator is operated by a motor, such as an electrical motor, a hydraulic system, or a pneumatic system.

15. The slide track of claim 1, further comprising one or more sensors, arranged for detecting the presence of the rider in the slide track.

16. The slide track of claim 15, wherein the one or more sensors are arranged to detect the speed and/or location of the rider in the slide track.

17. The slide track of claim 15, wherein the presence of the rider in the slide track comprises the presence at a location of the group comprising: an entry point of the slide track; the upstream slide way segment; the selection segment; the junction between the selection segment and the downstream slide way segment; the downstream slide way segment; an exit point of the slide track.

18. The slide track of claim 1, wherein a resilient seal is provided between the selection segment and the upstream segment and/or the downstream segment.

19. The slide track of claim 1, wherein the rider comprises a boat or raft arranged to carry one or more individuals.

20. A method for operating a selection segment in a slide track, the slide track, comprising: an upstream slide way segment arranged to transport a rider; a selection segment comprising an entry arranged for receiving the rider from the upstream slide way segment; the selection segment comprising one or more exit sections; a downstream segment comprising a plurality of downstream slide ways arranged for further transporting the rider; the selection segment arranged to selectively transport the rider through one of the one or more exit sections to one of the plurality of downstream slide ways; an actuator arranged to manipulate the selection segment; the selection segment arranged to be moved from a first position arranged to transport the rider to a first downstream slide way, to a second position arranged to transport the rider to a second downstream slide way; wherein the selection segment is moved to the first position, if it is calculated that the time needed to complete the movement of the selection segment to the second position is longer than the time it takes for the rider to arrive at the exit of the selection segment.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the calculation is based on determining a speed and a location of the rider at one or more locations in the upstream slide way segment, using one or more sensors, and calculate the time needed for the rider to arrive at the one or more exit sections of the selection segment.