Slide with twisted tube
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-11
AI Technical Summary
Conventional water slides lack innovation in providing a unique and safe sliding experience, with trajectories that may lead upwards against gravity, potentially causing riders to get stuck, and fail to offer an extraordinary visual effect for observers.
A closed, twisted tube with a non-round cross-sectional area is designed, where the axis of rotation is outside the center of gravity, allowing the tube to rotate around the rider and create a novel trajectory while ensuring the lowest point always decreases, preventing upward motion against gravity, and featuring steep longitudinal inclination and torsion of 180 degrees or more.
The twisted tube design provides a unique sliding experience with a novel trajectory that prevents riders from getting stuck and creates an unusual visual effect by ensuring the lowest point of the tube always decreases, enhancing both safety and visual appeal.
Smart Images
Figure IB2024000229_07112024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
SLIDE WITH TWISTED TUBECROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims priority to German Application No. 102023111627.4, filed4, 2023 which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.BACKGROUND
[0002] The embodiments herein relate to a closed, twisted tube for a slide and a slide with such a tube.
[0003] Slides, particularly water slides, with a closed tube are known. A closed tube means that it only has openings at its beginning and its end. There are closed tubes with a round cross- sectional area or non-round, particularly oval cross-sectional area.SUMMARY
[0004] The closed tube for a slide according to some embodiments has a non-round cross- sectional area. The tube features a section in which it is twisted around an axis of rotation that runs in the direction of the slide and is located outside the center of gravity of the cross-sectional area. Here, the center of gravity of the cross-sectional area particularly refers to the geometric center.
[0005] The direction of the slide is the direction that connects the beginning of the tube to its end. The direction of the slide is perpendicular to the cross-sectional area of the tube. The twisted section of the tube can encompass the entire length or only part of the length of the tube.
[0006] When a person slides through the twisted section of the tube, the tube rotates around the person, creating a unique optical effect. This also creates an unusual visual impression for an observer from outside.
[0007] The position of the axis of rotation outside the center of gravity of the cross- sectional area results in a novel and extraordinary trajectory for the person while sliding. In one embodiment of the tube, the axis of rotation is located outside the tube.
[0008] In one embodiment of the tube, its twisted section has a longitudinal inclination that is so steep that the lowest point of the tube decreases monotonically in the direction of the slide. This ensures that the trajectory of the sliding person never leads upwards against gravity, preventing the person from getting stuck. However, it is also possible for the lowest point of the tube to briefly lead upwards again.
[0009] In one embodiment of the tube, the torsion is 180 degrees or more. For example, the torsion could be an integer multiple of 90 degrees. Some embodiments further relate to a slide with a closed, twisted tube. The slide could, for example, be a water slide. The slide may be used with a vehicle, such as a boat or a ring, or it could be a body slide.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] So that hat the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only some aspects of this disclosure and the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[0011] Figure 1 shows a schematic of a straight, closed tube, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0012] Figure 2 shows a schematic of the tube from Figure 1 twisted, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0013] Figure 3 shows a schematic of the tube from Figure 1 twisted differently, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0014] Figure 4 shows a first cross-sectional area of the tube, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0015] Figure 5 shows a second cross-sectional area of the tube, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0016] Figure 6 shows a torsion around a first axis of rotation, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0017] Figure 7 shows a torsion around a second axis of rotation, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0018] Figure 8 shows the forces acting on a sliding person, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0019] Figure 9 shows a water slide with a twisted tube, in accordance with some embodiments; and
[0020] Figure 10 shows another view of the water slide from Figure 9, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0021] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure so as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure. Notably, the figures and examples below are not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure to a single embodiment, but other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Moreover, where certain elements of the present disclosure can be partially or fully implemented using knowncomponents, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present disclosure will be described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components will be omitted so as not to obscure the disclosure.
[0023] In the exemplary embodiments described herein, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting; rather, the disclosure is intended to encompass other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, applicants do not intend for any term in the specification or claims to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present disclosure encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.
[0024] The embodiments described herein provide systems, apparatus, and methods for facilitating an interactive tubular ride feature, for example an aquatic waterslide. In the realm of aquatic entertainment, the waterslide is a quintessential component that has evolved through numerous evolutions, each iteration striving to enhance the exhilaration and safety of the end-users (z.e., riders) while maintaining structural and operational efficiency. Notwithstanding the considerable advancements in waterslide technology, there remains a continuous pursuit for innovation that can deliver an unprecedented sliding experience.
[0025] Figure 1 shows a 3D view of a straight, closed tube 1 with an oval, non-round cross- sectional area. Tube 1 is made up of several segments that are connected together with flanges.
[0026] Figure 2 shows tube 1 from Figure 1 in a twisted state, hi this example, the axis of rotation for the torsion lies within the cross-sectional area of tube I, but outside the center of gravity of the cross-sectional area. Figure 3 shows tube 1 from Figure 1 in another twisted state, where the axis of rotation of the torsion lies outside the cross-sectional area of tube 1.
[0027] Figures 4 and 5 show two exemplary cross-sectional areas of tube 1. The cross- sectional areas are defined by two parallel lines that are connected by two semicircles, resulting in a closed, oval, non-round cross-sectional area. In conventional water slides, one of the straight boundaries serves as the sliding surface, the other straight line as the roof, and the two semicircles as the side walls of the tube. The width of the oval is adapted to the size of a vehicle that slides through tube 1.
[0028] Figure 6 schematically shows a torsion of tube 1 around an axis of rotation D, which is located within the cross-sectional area of tube 1. In this example, the axis of rotation D is at midheight of the cross-sectional area and at the midpoint of a semicircle that forms a side wall of tube 1.
[0029] The reference symbol RA denotes tube 1 in an initial rotational state, in which the two straight boundary lines of the cross-sectional area run horizontally. The reference symbol RE denotes tube 1 after a rotation of 90 degrees counterclockwise around the axis of rotation D. Furthermore, some intermediate stages of the torsion are depicted.
[0030] Figure 7 schematically shows a torsion of tube 1 around an axis of rotation D, which is located outside the cross-sectional area of tube 1. In this example, the axis of rotation D is centrally located beneath the cross-sectional area of tube 1.
[0031] The reference symbol RA denotes tube 1 in an initial rotational state, in which the two straight boundary lines of the cross-sectional area run horizontally. The reference symbol RE denotes tube 1 after a rotation of 180 degrees clockwise around the axis of rotation D. Furthermore, some intermediate stages of the torsion are depicted.
[0032] Due to the torsion around the axis of rotation D, the lowest point of the crosssectional area of tube 1 initially moves downward. The reference symbol RZ denotes tube 1 at aturning point, where the lowest point of the cross-sectional area has reached the lowest possible point. With further torsion, the lowest point of the cross-sectional area rises again, provided that tube 1 does not have a longitudinal inclination. If the tube 1, as twisted according to Figure 7, is part of a slide, then tube 1 is preferably inclined longitudinally so that the vertical position of the lowest point of the cross-sectional area monotonically decreases. The longitudinal inclination can also stall at or just before the rotational state denoted by RZ of tube 1.
[0033] Figure 8 schematically shows the forces acting on a sliding person. In Figure 8, the floor of tube 1 is inclined at an angle a to the horizontal due to the torsion. The sliding person, who in this example slides through tube 1 on a boat with a second person, slides not only in a direction perpendicular to the cross-sectional area of tube 1 but also laterally towards the lowest point of the cross-sectional area of the tube. Due to the torsion of tube 1, the trajectory of the sliding person is determined by the line defined by the lowest points of the cross-sectional area of tube 1 along its course.
[0034] Figures 9 and 10 show two views of a water slide 2, which features several twisted tube sections. Overall, the tube of water slide 2 consists of multiple round and non-round sections.
[0035] In sections 3, 4, and 5, the tube has a non-round cross-sectional area. Between these sections, the tube has a round cross-sectional area.
[0036] In sections 3, 4, and 5, the tube is partially twisted around an axis of rotation. Especially in section 5, this axis of rotation is located outside the cross-sectional area of the tube. In section 4, the tube is initially twisted, then describes a combination of curves where the tube is not twisted, meaning one straight boundary line of the tube runs horizontally, and then becomes twisted again before transitioning into a section with a round cross-sectional area.
[0037] Although the description provided above provides detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the disclosure is not limited to the expressly disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.
[0038] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word “comprising” or “including” docs not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In any 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 elements are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination.
[0039] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the use of comprise, or variants such as comprises or comprising, includes a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. It should be understoodthat various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that any claims presented at any time in this application define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents are covered thereby.
Claims
CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED:
1. An apparatus for a twisted tube slide, the apparatus comprising a closed tube (1) for a slide (2), having a non-round cross-sectional area, wherein the closed tube comprises a twisted section that is twisted around an axis of rotation (D) and is positioned in a direction of the slide and located outside a center of gravity of the non-round cross-sectional area, and wherein the axis of rotation (D) is positioned below a midpoint of the non-round cross-sectional area in the twisted section.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the non-round cross-sectional area of the tube is oval-shaped.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the twisted section of the tube extends for at least half of the total length of the closed tube.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising internal reinforcement structures within the twisted section of the closed tube.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the axis of rotation is positioned at a distance of 10% to 30% of the width of the cross-sectional area of the tube from its center.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the twisted section of the closed tube has a degree of torsion along its length.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the twisted section of the closed tube includes a segment with a constant radius of curvature along its length.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the twisted section of the closed tube includes a longitudinal inclination configured to cause a low point of the closed tube to consistently descend in a direction of the slide.
9. An apparatus for a twisted tube slide, the apparatus comprising: a closed tube (1) for a slide (2), with a non-round cross-sectional area, wherein the closed tube (1) comprises a twisted section in which the closed tube is twisted around an axis of rotation (D) that runs in the direction of the slide and is located outside the center of gravity of the non-round cross-sectional area, and wherein the twisted section of the tube (1) includes an additional curved segment that increases an overall length of the twisted section.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the non-round cross-sectional area of the closed tube (1) is oval-shaped.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the twisted section of the tube extends for at least half of the total length of the closed tube.
12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the axis of rotation is positioned at a distance of 10% to 30% of the width of the cross-sectional area of the tube from a center.
13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the twisted section of the closed tube has a varying degree of torsion along a length.
14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the twisted section of the closed tube includes a segment with a constant radius of curvature along a length.
15. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising internal reinforcement structures within the twisted section of the closed tube.
16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the twisted section of the closed tube includes a longitudinal inclination configured to cause a low point of the closed tube to consistently descend in a direction of the slide.
17. The apparatus for a twisted tube slide, the apparatus including a closed tube (1) for a slide (2), having a non-round cross-sectional area, wherein the closed tube (1) comprises a twisted section in which the closed tube is twisted around an axis of rotation (D) that runs in the direction of the slide and is located outside the center of gravity of the non-round cross-sectional area, and wherein the twisted section of the closed tube (1) includes a variable longitudinal inclination, transitioning from a first inclination to a second inclination along a length of the closed tube.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the non-round cross-sectional area of the tube is oval-shaped.
19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the twisted section of the closed tube (1) includes a longitudinal inclination configured to cause a low point of the closed tube (1) to consistently descend in a direction of the slide.
20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the axis of rotation is positioned at a distance of10% to 30% of the width of the cross-sectional area of the tube from a center.