Method and apparatus for varying water flow for stationary sheet flow water rides

Abstract

The invention relates to a water ride with adjustable nozzles for adjusting the speed and depth of the flow of water emanating from the nozzles and onto the ride surface. The nozzles have a bladder that can be used to adjust the height of the opening and therefore the depth of the water flow. More than one adjustable nozzle can be used to vary the flow effects across the width of the ride surface. Additional adjustment bladders can be provided underneath the inclined portion of the ride surface, wherein by adjusting each bladder independently, the tilt of the ride surface transverse to the direction of flow can be adjusted.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 002,886, filed Nov. 13, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the field of simulated surfing apparatuses and methods, and in particular, to a method and apparatus for varying the depth of a flowing body of water in connection with a water ride having a contoured or inclined ride surface, wherein by regulating the depth and speed of flow in relation to the area and angles of incline, novel flow dynamics can be generated for rider controlled water-skimming activities, including those analogous to the sport of surfing.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Sheet flow water rides have become popular in recent years. The technology that Applicant has previously developed which is referred to as a FlowRider® relates to a standing wave water attraction comprising nozzles that are adapted to inject a sheet flow of water unde...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]The present invention relates to a water ride having an adjustability feature that enables the depth of the flowing body of water being propelled onto an inclined or contoured ride surface to be easily adjusted. The adjustability feature is preferably used in conjunction with the sheet flow water ride technology previously developed by Applicant which has been described above, as well as a relatively deep sheet flow variation of it (which will collectively be referred to as a “sheet flow water ride” for simplicity purposes), which includes an inclined or c

Problems solved by technology

This results in the pressure disturbance transmitting through the fluid and directly to the ground, and allows the ground to participate, as a reaction wall, against the weight of the rider.

Furthermore, intentional rider-induced drag can slow the rider and send him or her back up the incline to permit additional maneuvers.

Therefore, in the absence of a means of adjusting the depth of flow created by the nozzle, the full advantages of the water ride could not be recognized.

That is, if a water ride attraction was built so that it produced only a deep flow of water, none of the many advantages contemplated by the Applicant in association with producing a relatively thin sheet flow could be achieved.

Likewise, if a water ride attraction was built to produce only a shallow sheet flow, the rider could not use a standard surfboard, and therefore, could not learn the skills necess

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