Drag-inducing mats for amusement park rides

Abstract

To provide embodiments in the field of amusement parks in general.SOLUTION: A drag-inducing mat includes a main body configured to accommodate a rider. The main body includes a rider surface configured to face the rider, and an opposing surface configured to face a slide surface. The drag-inducing mat also includes a sipe array defined within the opposing surface. The sipe array includes a plurality of sipes that extends from a first lateral edge to a second lateral edge of the main body to selectively induce friction between the main body and the slide surface based on force applied to the sipe array by the rider.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 845,797, filed May 9, 2019, and entitled "DRAG-INDUCING MAT FOR AMUSEMENT PARK RIDES," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] (Technical field) The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices utilized to provide an amusement park experience. [Background technology]

[0003] Water parks strive to offer park visitors a variety of ride experiences, including bumper or raft rides, water slides, log rides, water coasters, and lazy rivers. Water park attractions can be categorized by the presence and / or type of ride vehicle. For example, children's bumper raft rides may be implemented with soft, inflatable rubber rafts, while water coaster rides may be implemented with metal or cage-type ride vehicles that provide shoulder harness restraints similar to those found on non-water roller coasters. Other rides, such as water slides or chutes, may not have any type of ride vehicle; that is, park visitors participate in the ride without being enclosed within any type of restraint. Such rides can provide enjoyment to visitors because visitors sliding down a water chute can experience an enhanced sense of speed relative to the sensations that can be generated in a vehicle traveling at a comparable speed. However, rides implemented with ride vehicles, such as mats, may allow visitors to achieve higher speeds along the water slide than rides without vehicles.

[0004] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be related to various aspects of the present technology, which are described and / or claimed below. The discussion herein is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Certain embodiments within the scope of the originally claimed invention are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment is directed to a drag-inducing mat including a main body configured to accommodate a passenger. The main body includes a passenger face configured to face the passenger and a counter face configured to face the sliding surface. The drag-inducing mat also includes a sipe array defined in the counter face. The sipe array includes a plurality of sipes extending from a first side edge of the main body to a second side edge of the main body for selectively inducing friction between the main body and the sliding surface based on a force applied to the sipe array by the passenger.

[0007] One embodiment is directed to a method of forming a drag-inducing mat. The method includes positioning a mat adjacent a cutting assembly. The mat includes a main body having a passenger surface and an opposing surface. The method also includes moving the mat relative to the cutting assembly to define a sipe array in the opposing surface. The sipe array includes a plurality of sipes extending from a first side edge of the main body to a second side edge of the main body. The method further includes forming the drag-inducing mat by coupling at least one handle to the passenger surface of the main body in a position that allows a passenger's forearm, gripping the at least one handle during riding, to transfer force from the passenger surface to the sipe array defined in the opposing surface.

[0008] One embodiment is directed to a water ride system including a plurality of drag-inducing mats configured to accommodate a plurality of passengers on a slide of the water ride system. Each drag-inducing mat of the plurality of drag-inducing mats includes a respective main body having a slide-facing surface, a passenger-facing surface, and at least one handle coupled to the passenger-facing surface. The plurality of drag-inducing mats includes a first set of drag-inducing mats, each including a first respective sipe array defined from a first side edge to a second side edge of the slide-facing surface of the respective main body. The first respective sipe array is configured to induce a first amount of drag when compressed by a respective one of the plurality of passengers. The plurality of drag-inducing mats also includes a second set of drag-inducing mats, each including a second respective sipe array defined from the first side edge to the second side edge of the respective main body. The second respective sipe array is configured to induce a second amount of drag when compressed by a respective one of the plurality of passengers, the second amount of drag being different from the first amount of drag.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a water park attraction including a drag-inducing mat with a sipe array in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the drag inducing mat of FIG. 1 having lateral sipes thereon in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the drag inducing mat of FIG. 1 with dashed lines or short transverse sipes provided thereon in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the drag inducing mat of FIG. 1 having arrow-shaped sipes thereon in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the drag inducing mat of FIG. 1 having arrow-shaped sipes and transverse sipes thereon in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the drag inducing mat of FIG. 1 having zigzag sipes thereon in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the drag inducing mat of FIG. 1 having lateral and longitudinal sipes provided thereon in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram of one embodiment of a cutting and forming process for forming the drag-inducing mat of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 9] 2 is a diagram of one embodiment of an injection molding process for forming the drag-inducing mat of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of one embodiment of a drag-inducing mat formed by the injection molding process of FIG. 9 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a side view of one embodiment of the drag inducing mat of FIG. 1 having a laminated main body in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and figures. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0012] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include embodiments having plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term "and / or," as used herein, will be understood to mean and encompass any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprises," and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "if" can be interpreted to mean "when" or "upon," or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting," depending on the context.

[0013] The present disclosure provides a drag-inducing mat that can be used in combination with amusement park rides. Water slides and / or chutes on amusement park rides can typically be designed for passengers to enter feet first, lining up passengers according to the turns of the water slide and providing legs-first entry into the pool at the end of the water slide. However, some water slides or chutes are designed for use with mat racers or mats (e.g., structures that allow passengers to slide forward facing down). In contrast to rafts or other rides, mats provide minimal restraint to passengers, allowing them to feel closer to the slide surface, resulting in a faster and more intense thrill experience at relatively low speeds compared to vehicle-based rides. Additionally, mats can provide a shield that deflects water from passengers' faces, allowing passengers to enjoy the ride at a similar immersion level to a first-leg ride without a mat. As described below, the present embodiments include various types of mats, including those suitable for head-first or feet-first water slides.

[0014] Provided herein are drag-inducing mats with efficiently configurable features that enable improved control of the maximum speed a passenger can achieve on a water slide, compared to mats without such features. For example, a drag-inducing mat can include sipes defined within the bottom surface of the drag-inducing mat that increase friction between the drag-inducing mat and the surface of the water slide and / or the water. As presently recognized, sipes are cuts or slits within the bottom surface that can improve the drag, grip, traction, and user-adjustable levels of friction of the drag-inducing mat. As will be appreciated, any suitable configuration and depth of sipes can be created to provide the desired performance of the drag-inducing mat. For example, in one embodiment, the sipes can extend laterally along the bottom surface and be spaced substantially parallel to one another, although other sipe arrangements are contemplated herein, as described below. The sipes, therefore, increase the surface area of ​​contact between the drag-inducing mat and the water slide, allowing passengers to more precisely control their descent along the water slide. In some embodiments, passengers can select a drag-inducing mat with more or fewer sipes depending on the speed at which they wish to experience the water slide, with drag-inducing mats with additional sipes providing more speed control. Furthermore, sipes can be formed along the entire width of the drag-inducing mat, allowing blades or hot wires to be moved across the entire width and efficiently form the sipes during an assembly line or other construction process. In other embodiments, sipes can be formed by embedding blades or baffles into an injection mold before the molded drag-inducing mat is manufactured. Furthermore, drag-inducing mats can be reinforced to improve durability, such as through a vulcanization process, rounding the lower profile of the sipes to control or reduce stress concentrations (e.g., stress risers), providing a flexible sheet within the drag-inducing mat as a ripstop, and so forth. In this manner, drag-inducing mats and the sipes therein can be quickly formed, reinforced, and customized for different types of passengers, enhancing the user experience within amusement park rides.The sipes may be very narrow (e.g., less than 1 mm wide) and therefore barely noticeable when the drag-inducing mat is in a flat and / or unpressurized state. However, the sipes may expand and / or move relative to one another due to passenger pressure on the mat. Thus, a passenger of any appropriate weight can increase the drag of a water slide by exposing openings in the sipes, such as by actively or passively pressing on the mat.

[0015] While the disclosed embodiments are generally described in the context of water rides, water slides, or rides that include a water component, it should be understood that the drag-inducing mats as provided herein can be used in other contexts and with non-water-based rides. For example, the drag-inducing mats can be used with slides that do not retain water. Furthermore, in addition to or instead of water, the drag-inducing mats can be used with rides that utilize foam, other liquids, snow, and the like. As an example, the drag-inducing mats disclosed herein can be implemented as snow sleds. Additionally, the specific structure (e.g., material, shape, size) of the mat can be implemented depending on the desired end use. Furthermore, the drag-inducing mats can be implemented to accommodate passengers in either a legs-first or head-first orientation.

[0016] With the above overview in mind, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water ride system 10 including a drag-inducing mat 12. In one embodiment, the water ride system 10 can be implemented to facilitate use of the drag-inducing mat 12 with a water slide 14 or chute. The drag-inducing mat 12 includes a main body 16 that supports passengers 20. Passengers 20 generally rest on a passenger-supporting surface 22 (e.g., upper surface, passenger-facing surface, passenger-facing surface) of the main body 16, while a lower surface 24 (e.g., opposing surface, slide-facing surface) of the main body 16 is in direct contact with one or both of a ride surface 28 (e.g., the slide surface of the water slide 14) or water 30. In this manner, passengers 20 are cushioned against the ride surface 28 while traveling through the water slide 14 at increased speeds compared to speeds achievable on vehicle-less water ride systems. The drag-inducing mat 12 can also include additional features for passenger comfort or control, such as one or more handles 31. In this embodiment, two handles 31 are each secured between a first portion 32 and a second portion 33 of the passenger support surface 22, thereby forming a shielding structure with a portion of the main body 16 to prevent water from contacting the face of the passenger 20. The main body 16 of the drag inducing mat 12 may be formed from any suitable material, including a relatively flexible material such as foam (e.g., closed cell), plastic, or rubber, or a relatively rigid material.

[0017] Additionally, to control the speed of the passenger 20, the lower surface 24 of the main body 16 is textured via a sipe array of the drag-inducing mat 12 that increases friction between the lower surface 24 and one or both of the vehicle surface 28 and the water 30. Indeed, it should be understood that the drag-inducing mat 12 may induce both drag against the water 30 and kinetic friction against the vehicle surface 28. As described below, the sipe array is disposed in a connection region 34 of the main body 16 and exerts a force through the passenger's elbow and forearm while the passenger 20 holds the handle 31, and in some embodiments, through the handle 31 itself. A force applied from the passenger support surface 22 of the drag-inducing mat 12 to the main body 16 adjacent the sipe array (such as a force applied by the passenger's elbow while the passenger 20 is gripping the handle 31) can cause the sipes of the sipe array to open, increasing the surface area available for frictional contact with the water slide 14. However, the sipe array may alternatively or additionally be formed in a secondary connection area 36 below the passenger's knees (where additional force is typically applied) or any other suitable portion of the main body 16.

[0018] As will be appreciated, the drag inducing mat 12 may allow the passenger 20 to selectively decrease or increase their velocity along the vehicle surface 28 by applying harder or softer pressure, respectively, to the drag inducing mat 12. Indeed, the passenger 20 may adjust the velocity of the drag inducing mat 12 by moving between various passenger positions. For example, velocity may increase when less passenger weight is placed on the sipe array 50 and / or connection region 34, such as when the passenger 20 lifts off their elbows, weights on their hips, weights on their knees (when using a drag inducing mat 12 without a sipe array 50 formed below the knees), and the like. Alternatively, velocity may decrease when more passenger weight is placed on the sipe array 50 and / or connection region 34, or when more passenger weight is placed on the secondary connection region 36, or when the passenger 20 assumes any other suitable position that further engages the sipe array 50 with the vehicle surface 28 or its water 30. Thus, the drag inducing mat 12 allows for selectively controlled descent of the passenger 20 along the ride surface 28, contributing to enhanced passenger enjoyment.

[0019] 2 is a bottom view of the drag inducing mat 12 illustrating one embodiment of a sipe array 50 formed within the underside 24 of the main body 16 of the drag inducing mat 12. As presently recognized, the sipe array 50 may be one or more sipes that improve or increase the grip of the drag inducing mat 12 with the vehicle surface 28 and water 30 described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the sipe array 50 includes four lateral sipes 52 (e.g., laterally extending sipes, linear sipes), each extending in a substantially straight line across the entire width 54 of the main body 16 defined parallel to a transverse axis 56 of the drag inducing mat 12. However, it should be understood that any suitable number of lateral sipes 52 may be included in the sipe array 50, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more. Furthermore, as used herein, an element described as substantially straight indicates that the element is within 5% of being perfectly straight. Additionally, while the lateral sipes 52 are shown equally spaced from one another relative to the longitudinal axis 58 of the drag inducing mat 12, in some embodiments the lateral sipes 52 may alternatively be closer together or spaced farther apart based on the expected pressure exerted by the passenger 20. The sipe array 50 is located within the connection region 34 of the main body 16 near the handle 31 located on the top 60 of the drag inducing mat 12. Thus, due to the localized pressure that the passenger 20 may exert on the drag inducing mat 12 during a typical ride, the sipe array 50 increases the resistance of the drag inducing mat 12 against the water slide 14 to facilitate speed control for the passenger 20. By way of example, during a riding experience, passenger 20 may apply pressure to bring a first wall of first lateral sipe 52 into contact with vehicle surface 28, causing a second wall of first lateral sipe 52 to fold under itself, thereby allowing the opposing wall of an adjacent second lateral sipe 52 to contact vehicle surface 28. Indeed, sipe array 50 may selectively open in any suitable manner in response to the applied pressure.

[0020] As discussed in more detail below, the lateral sipes 52 can be small cuts (e.g., less than 1 mm, less than 0.1 mm) having a razor or blade width that can be cut into or integrally molded into the main body 16 parallel to the vertical axis 62 of the drag inducing mat 12. That is, each lateral sipe 52 can be sized such that the sipe walls of each lateral sipe 52 primarily contact each other when the drag inducing mat 12 is not under pressure from the occupant 20 (e.g., providing the appearance that the lateral sipe 52 is not present, forming a gap less than 1 mm wide, forming a gap less than 0.1 mm wide, etc.). Furthermore, compared to conventional mats that can include large grooves having widths of several centimeters, the negligible or near-zero width of the lateral sipes 52 reduces material wear, improving the usable life of the drag inducing mat 12 while allowing for selective tailoring of the contact surface area of ​​the lower surface 24. Indeed, it is now recognized that the sipe array 50 provides improved performance, such as better speed control, with less user effort compared to these conventional mats. In some cases, the sipe array 50 may also vary in depth across all or a portion of the overall width 54 of the main body 16 as described above to enhance or control the opening of the lateral sipes 52 during use. The sipe array 50 may also be invisible or nearly invisible in some embodiments, enhancing the aesthetics of the drag inducing mat 12. As described below, the drag inducing mat 12 may include additional features and / or undergo specific treatments to enhance the durability of the drag inducing mat 12.

[0021] The specific shape and location of the sipe array 50 can be customized for multiple riding environments. That is, as recognized herein, the sipe array 50 of the drag-inducing mat 12 can take one of many suitable forms that increase drag and improve speed control of the drag-inducing mat 12. It should be understood that each of the sipe arrays 50 described herein can include any suitable number, depth, and sizing of sipes, which can be constant or variable along the respective drag-inducing mat 12. It should also be understood that various features of the sipe array 50 can be combined from multiple embodiments described herein and described with reference to a single figure for clarity. Indeed, any suitable configuration and depth of the sipe array 50 can be utilized to achieve a desired level of performance for the drag-inducing mat 12. For example, FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a drag-inducing mat 12 in which the sipe array 50 has a staggered, dashed-line arrangement. That is, four lines 80, each having a plurality of short lateral sipes 82 (e.g., short, laterally extending sipes), are formed in the lower surface 24, where the short lateral sipes 82 of adjacent lines 80 are staggered or offset relative to one another. In some embodiments, each short lateral sipe 82 extends along the same width portion 84 of the overall width 54 of the main body 16. However, in other embodiments, the short lateral sipes 82 of each line 80 may extend along separate width portions 84 of the overall width 54, such that the short lateral sipes 82 of lines 80 more centrally located within the connection region 34 are longer than those located more remotely within the connection region 34.

[0022] Additionally, FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a drag inducing mat 12 having a sipe array 50 in an arrow or chevron arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the sipe array 50 includes four arrow-shaped sipes 90, each extending from a first side 91 to a second side 92 of the main body 16 of the drag inducing mat 12. The arrow-shaped sipes 90 may each include an apex 93 that intersects a longitudinally extending centerline 94 of the main body 16 (e.g., parallel to the longitudinal axis 58) and points toward the steering wheel 31. Additionally, in the embodiment of the drag inducing mat 12 shown in FIG. 5, the sipe array 50 includes arrow-shaped sipes 90 each having an apex 93 that points in an opposite direction (e.g., away from the steering wheel 31), as well as lateral sipes 52. By including two different types of sipes, the drag inducing mat 12 may allow the occupant 20 to further refine their speed. It should be understood that, in certain embodiments, the arrow-shaped sipes 90 and the lateral sipes 52 can have the same or different depths defined in a direction parallel to the vertical axis 62. Further, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6 , the sipe array 50 can alternatively include zigzag sipes 95 extending along the lower surface 24. To achieve a desired density in the sipe array 50, each zigzag sipe 95 can have any suitable sipe dimension 96 defined along the longitudinal axis 58 between adjacent peaks 97 and valleys 98 of the zigzag sipe 95. Indeed, to enable a desired level of speed control, each occupant 20 of the water slide 14 can select a drag-inducing mat 12 having a desired density of sipe arrays 50.

[0023] Additionally, as shown in the embodiment of the sipe array 50 in FIG. 7 , longitudinal sipes 100 (e.g., longitudinally extending sipes) may be formed in a distal portion 102 of the main body 16 of the drag-inducing mat 12. The longitudinal sipes 100 extend along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 58, such as from the upper end 104 to the lower end 106 of the main body 16. Thus, in this embodiment, the longitudinal sipes 100 transverse or intersect the lateral sipes 52. That is, in addition to the lateral sipes 52 extending along a direction parallel to the lateral axis 56 across the entire width 54, the longitudinal sipes 100 extend transversely or perpendicularly to the lateral sipes 52 across the entire length 110 of the main body 16, which may allow for further tailoring or expansion of the surface area of ​​the drag-inducing mat 12 for resisting movement of the drag-inducing mat 12 along the water slide 14. This combined embodiment can create a denser sipe grid 112 near the area of ​​expected elbow contact for further expansion of sipes and associated drag. In some embodiments, the longitudinal sipes 100 and / or lateral sipes 52 can be segmented to form staggered and / or dashed sipes.

[0024] As noted above, it should be understood that these embodiments of the sipe array 50 are merely some of the possible configurations, which may be rearranged, customized, individualized, or combined in any suitable manner to provide the passenger 20 with the desired speed control. Indeed, in other embodiments, dimples or other surface area-enhancing features and textures may be combined with the sipe array 50. Additionally, wicker bills, spoilers, or other aerodynamic drag components may be combined with the sipe array 50 discussed herein. Furthermore, the sipe array 50 may be specifically positioned to facilitate passenger control of the drag-inducing mat 12. For example, a passenger 20 who leans or applies force against the drag-inducing mat 12 via their elbows may, due to the positioning of the sipe array 50, induce more drag and thereby reduce vehicle speed compared to a passenger who applies force via their hips. Indeed, as noted above, the passenger 20 may control the speed of the drag-inducing mat 12 by moving to any suitable passenger position that engages and induces drag on selected portions of the sipe array 50.

[0025] Furthermore, given the wide variety of sipe arrays 50 that may be provided on the drag inducing mats 12, it should be understood that the water ride system 10 may include various sets of drag inducing mats 12, each targeted at a different passenger quality and / or passenger experience. For example, the drag inducing mats 12 may be formed in sets of various sizes, such as a first set having a first length corresponding to passengers 20 having a first height and a second set having a second different length corresponding to passengers 20 having a second different height, where the sipe arrays 50 are sized and / or tailored (e.g., in length, width, and / or height) to fit the individual drag inducing mats 12. Additionally, a set of drag-inducing mats 12 may include a high-speed set of drag-inducing mats 12 designed with a low-density sipe array 50 (e.g., the drag-inducing mats 12 of FIGS. 2, 3, and / or 4) to provide increased speed and / or induce a reduced amount of drag compared to a low-speed set of drag-inducing mats 12 having a high-density sipe array 50 (e.g., the drag-inducing mats 12 of FIGS. 5, 6, and / or 7). As another example, drag-inducing mats 12 having shorter lengths may be formed with a higher-density sipe array 50 than drag-inducing mats 12 having longer lengths, thereby allowing for more control over the speed of potentially lighter passengers 20 using shorter drag-inducing mats 12. In either case, offering passengers 20 the ability to select from various sets of drag-inducing mats 12 may provide and target a more enjoyable riding experience to the individual preferences of the passengers 20.

[0026] With the above understanding of the operation and characteristics of the drag inducing mat 12 in mind, the discussion herein regarding the efficient buildability and durability of the drag inducing mat 12 can be better understood. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a cutting process 118 for forming the sipe array 50 of the drag inducing mat 12. In practice, a cutting assembly 121 or machine blade 120 (e.g., a razor, heated blade, hot wire) can be used to form transverse sipes 52 in the underside 24 of a mat 122 (e.g., a flat or smooth mat, precursor to the drag inducing mat 12) positioned adjacent the cutting assembly 121. In some embodiments, the transverse sipes 52 or other sipe types can extend across the entire width 54 of the main body 16, so that the blade 120 can be held in a stationary position while the mat 122 moves relative to the blade (e.g., laterally, longitudinally, vertically). In other embodiments, the blade 120 can move relative to the mat 122. For example, to form a line 80 having a plurality of short transverse sipes 82, the blade 120 can pulsate or move along a direction parallel to the vertical cutting axis 130 as the mat 122 moves. Alternatively, to form a sipe array 50 having chevron or zigzag sipes 95, the blade 120 can adjust its position along a plane 132 parallel to the lower surface 24 of the mat 122 as the mat 122 moves laterally relative to the blade 120. Furthermore, in embodiments in which the blade 120 is heated or replaced with a heat wire, the heat provided to the mat 122 can desirably melt or cauterize the sipe array 50 within the lower surface 24 for improved strength and durability. Additionally, it is now recognized that the sipe array 50 manufactured by these or other processes discussed herein can be vulcanized to reduce stress concentrations and control sipe opening under load.

[0027] Further, in some embodiments, the sipe array 50 may be formed on the surface of the composite mat before the composite mat is segmented into individual mats 122, thereby facilitating the efficient formation of multiple drag-inducing mats 12. Additionally, the cutting assembly 121 may include multiple blades 120 to simultaneously form multiple sipes at a time. It should also be appreciated that in other embodiments, a hot wire or other cutting device of relatively small size may be used with the cutting assembly 121 to form the sipe array 50 or to cauterize the edges of the sipes to prevent tearing. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each sipe in the sipe array 50 may be cut simultaneously, such as by implementing the cutting assembly 121 with multiple blades 120 or hot wire.

[0028] In any event, the sipe array 50 may desirably extend from the first side 91 to the second side 92 of the main body 16 of the drag inducing mat 12, utilizing all available space in the main body 16 to include a sipe array 50 that effectively operates as a controllable friction inducer for the occupant 20. Looking then at a side 140 of the resulting drag inducing mat 12, the lateral sipes 52 each have a sipe depth 142 (e.g., defined along a direction parallel to the vertical axis 62) that is a fraction of the overall thickness 144 of the main body 16. In some embodiments, a desirable balance is found between the resistance provided by the sipe array 50 and the material strength of the drag inducing mat 12 when the sipe depth 142 is between 10 and 25 percent of the overall thickness 144 of the main body 16. Once the desired sipe array 50 is formed in this manner, the handle 31 may be coupled to the occupant support surface 22 to form the drag inducing mat 12.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a molding process 160 for forming the drag inducing mat 12. For example, the injection mold 162 of this embodiment includes an interior surface 164 that defines the desired outer boundary for the drag inducing mat 12. Note that baffles 166, such as blades, are embedded within the injection mold 162, allowing the sipe array 50 to be integrally formed with the material 170 of the main body 16 of the drag inducing mat 12. That is, the baffles 166 protrude into the chamber 172 of the injection mold 162 along the entire width of the injection mold 162, such that subsequent application of the material 170 from which the main body 16 is formed forms the sipe array 50 along the entire width 54 of the underside 24 of the drag inducing mat 12. The drag inducing mat 12 (e.g., without the handle 31) can then be removed from the injection mold 162 and used in the water slide 14.

[0030] Additionally, in some embodiments, to inhibit or reduce potential propagation of the lateral sipes 52 along the overall thickness 144 of the main body 16, a particular baffle 166 or each baffle 166 of the injection mold 162 may include a bulbous end 176. Accordingly, as shown in the side view of the drag-inducing mat 12 in FIG. 10 , a through-hole 200 is formed at the inner end of the lateral sipes 52 (e.g., the end of the lateral sipes 52 opposite the lower surface 24). The through-hole 200 may act as a cushion or ripstop to absorb forces that might further stretch the lateral sipes 52, thereby inhibiting tearing of the lateral sipes 52. That is, the rounded contour (e.g., inner contour) of the through-hole 200 may reduce stress concentrations within the drag-inducing mat 12 that might otherwise contribute to premature wear of the drag-inducing mat 12. The rounded contours of the through-holes 200 and the sipe walls extending therefrom may be vulcanized, melted, or cauterized for additional resiliency. The through-holes 200 may further increase the drag of the drag-inducing mat 12 compared to embodiments without the through-holes 200 due to the increased surface area they provide. In some embodiments, the through-holes 200 may be provided in one sipe, two sipes, or all sipes in the sipe array 50. Furthermore, the through-holes 200 may have any suitable size or height relative to the sipe array 50, and the through-holes 200 may be formed by a process other than injection molding. In some embodiments, the distal ends or edges of the sipe array 50 may also be rounded.

[0031] The drag-inducing mat 12 may also include other features to improve structural strength and / or speed-control characteristics, which will be discussed with reference to embodiments of the sipe array 50 including lateral sipes 52 for clarity. For example, when constructed via an injection mold 162, the injection mold 162 may be shaped to form a deposit 210 of material 170 at the apex of the main body 16 between the side surface 140 and the lower surface 24. Thus, as shown, the deposit 210 of material 170 may act as a cushion to reduce forces that might otherwise tear the drag-inducing mat 12. Similarly, an adhesive film 212 may be applied to the side surface 140 to reduce undesired movement or tearing of the drag-inducing mat 12. It should be understood that in other embodiments, other materials, such as the deposit 210, adhesive film 212, and / or shrink-fit material, may be utilized in each lateral sipe 52 and / or other sipes of the sipe array 50. That is, deposits 210, adhesive films 212 and the like may be formed at the joints between the lateral ends of each lateral sipe 52 and the lateral sides 91, 92 of the main body 16 to provide additional strength to the drag-inducing mat 12.

[0032] 11 is a side view of a drag-inducing mat 12 having a laminated main body 230. For example, a first layer 232 of material can be bonded to a second layer 234 of material to form the resulting laminated main body 230, which includes the passenger support surface 22 and lower surface 24 described above. The sipe array 50 can be formed in the second layer 234 and proportioned relative to the first layer 232 based on a desired sipe depth (e.g., 10%-25% of the total thickness 144). In this manner, the laminated main body 230 prevents the propagation of lateral sipes 52 into the first layer 232. Additionally, a tough, flexible membrane 236, such as a biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET) sheet, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet, or a sheet of other material, may be disposed and laminated between the first layer 232 and the second layer 234 to prevent propagation of the lateral sipes 52 from the second layer 234 to the first layer 232. It should be understood that the flexible membrane 236 may be formed of any suitable material that is tougher or more tear-resistant than the first material of the first layer 232 and / or the second material of the second layer 234 (which may be the same or different). The flexible membrane 236 may be bonded between the inner surfaces of the first layer 232 and the second layer 234 by any suitable adhesive or corresponding material, or alternatively, may be integrally formed between the layers 232, 234 via an injection molding process. Additionally, the thickness of the flexible membrane 236 may be sized to be less than the relative thicknesses of the layers 232, 234, thereby conserving the use of more resilient material for the flexible membrane 236 to inhibit or prevent unintended propagation of the lateral sipes 52. However, other embodiments of the drag-inducing mat 12 may include a laminated main body 230 without a flexible membrane 236 disposed therein.

[0033] Additionally, as discussed above, each lateral sipe 52 includes sipe walls 240 or inner walls that are primarily in contact with one another (e.g., in contact with one another, nearly in contact, indistinguishable from the remainder of the second layer 234) when the drag inducing mat 12 is not pressurized. Then, when the drag inducing mat 12 is pressurized, the sipe walls 240 open (e.g., fold over one another, move away from one another) and can partially or fully contact the vehicle surface 28, as discussed above. As discussed above, the sipe walls 240 can be vulcanized, cauterized, or melted to further enhance durability.

[0034] Thus, technical effects of the disclosed drag inducing mat 12 include improved and customizable occupant 20 control of friction generated between the drag inducing mat 12 and the water slide 14. For example, the drag inducing mat 12 includes a main body 16 having a passenger support surface 22 that receives the passenger 20, and a lower surface 24 having a sipe array 50 cut, molded, or otherwise defined therein. The sipe array 50 extends along the entire width 54 of the lower surface 24 and may include lateral sipes 52, a line 80 of short lateral sipes 82, arrow-shaped sipes 90, zigzag sipes 95, and / or longitudinal sipes 100. In either case, each sipe in the sipe array 50 is formed to have a significantly smaller width, allowing the sipe walls 240 of each sipe to primarily contact each other in the absence of pressure from the passenger 20. Thus, as a passenger 20 applies force to the drag-inducing mat 12, the sipe array 50 can selectively open to allow at least a portion of the sipe walls 240 to contact the ride surface 28 of the water slide 14, thereby generating additional friction and contributing to increased speed control that enhances the passenger 20's enjoyment of the water ride system 10. Because various features of the drag-inducing mat 12 can be efficiently constructed and utilized to reduce wear, the drag-inducing mat 12 further improves the operation of the water ride system 10 without substantial cost expenditure. For example, providing the drag-inducing mat 12 with a laminated main body 230 that can include a flexible membrane 236 as a ripstop can reduce wear on the drag-inducing mat 12 by preventing unintended propagation of the lateral sipes 52. Additionally, the drag-inducing mat 12 can be vulcanized and / or cauterized to reduce internal or external stresses, thereby controlling sipe opening. Thus, compared to conventional mats that may include wide, visible grooves with non-contacting walls, the drag-inducing mat 12 of the present disclosure may provide improved passenger enjoyment and increased speed control based on the selectively expandable surface area of ​​the sipe array 50.

[0035] While only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. While certain disclosed embodiments are disclosed in the context of amusement parks or theme parks, it is to be understood that certain embodiments may also relate to other applications. It is further understood that certain elements of the disclosed embodiments may be combined with or substituted for one another.

[0036] The technology presented and claimed herein is applied with reference to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that clearly improve the technical field of the present invention, and as such is not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended at the end of this specification includes one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "step for [performing] ... [function]," it is intended that such elements be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim including elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 10. Water Ride System 12 Drag-inducing mat 14. Water Slide 16 Main body 20 passengers 22 Passenger Support Surface 24 Bottom side 28 Vehicles 30 water 31 Handle 32 First Part 33 Second Part 34 Connection Area 36 Secondary connection area

Claims

1. 1. A method of forming a drag inducing mat, comprising: placing a mat adjacent to a cutting assembly, the mat including a main body having a passenger surface and a facing surface; moving the mat relative to the cutting assembly to form a sipe array in the opposing faces, the sipe array including a plurality of sipes with each sipe including a slit with a pair of opposing sipe walls extending from a first side edge of the main body to a second side edge of the main body; forming the drag inducing mat by coupling a pair of elongated handles to the passenger face of the main body in a position that allows a passenger's forearm grasping at least one of the pair of elongated handles to transfer force from the passenger face to the sipe array defined on the opposing face during riding. method.

2. the step of moving the mat relative to the cutting assembly forms each sipe of the plurality of sipes having the pair of opposing sipe walls configured to contact each other when the sipe array is not pressurized, and the method includes the step of vulcanizing the sipe walls. The method of claim 1.

3. forming each sipe of the plurality of sipes as a substantially straight line by moving the mat relative to the cutting assembly; The method of claim 1.

4. moving the mat relative to the cutting assembly includes moving the mat laterally relative to the cutting assembly while the cutting assembly does not move laterally. The method of claim 1.

5. the cutting assembly comprises a blade, a heated blade, or a hot wire; The method of claim 1.

6. the mat is a composite mat, and the method includes moving the composite mat relative to the cutting assembly and then segmenting the composite mat into a plurality of mats. The method of claim 1.

7. 1. A method of forming a drag inducing mat, comprising: placing a mat adjacent to a cutting assembly, the mat including a main body having a passenger surface and a facing surface; moving the mat relative to the cutting assembly to define a sipe array in the opposing surface, the sipe array including a plurality of sipes extending along a first direction from a first side edge of the main body to a second side edge of the main body, and the drag-inducing mat including an additional plurality of sipes disposed along a second direction transverse to the first direction; forming the drag inducing mat by incorporating at least one handle such that the at least one handle extends from the passenger face of the main body in a position that allows a passenger's forearm grasping the at least one handle to transmit force from the passenger face to the sipe array defined on the opposing face during riding; method.

8. the step of moving the mat relative to the cutting assembly forms each sipe of the plurality of sipes having sipe walls configured to contact one another when the sipe array is not pressurized, and the method includes the step of vulcanizing the sipe walls. The method of claim 7.

9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the method includes forming a through hole formed in an inner end of each sipe of the plurality of sipes.

10. The method of claim 7 , wherein the cutting assembly comprises a straight, zigzag, or arrow shape, or a combination thereof.

11. the mat is a composite mat, and the method includes segmenting the composite mat into a plurality of mats after moving the composite mat relative to the cutting assembly. The method of claim 7.

12. 1. A method of forming a drag inducing mat, comprising: placing a mat adjacent to the cutting assembly, the mat including a main body having a passenger surface configured to face a passenger and an opposing surface configured to face a slide surface; cutting the mat with the cutting assembly to cut a sipe array in the opposing surface, the sipe array including a plurality of sipes, each of the plurality of sipes including a pair of opposing sipe walls extending from a first side edge of the main body to a second side edge of the main body for selectively inducing friction between the main body and the sliding surface based on weight exerted on the sipe array by the passenger. method.

13. forming the drag inducing mat by coupling a pair of elongated handles to the passenger face of the main body, the sipe array being defined in the opposing face in an area configured to receive pressure transmitted through the main body from the passenger's forearms when the passenger grasps the pair of elongated handles; The method of claim 12.

14. each sipe of the plurality of sipes is formed to extend in the range of 10% to 25% of the thickness of the main body; The method of claim 12.

15. At least one sipe wall of the pair of opposing sipe walls of each sipe is configured to at least partially contact the sliding surface in response to the drag-inducing mat being compressed against the sliding surface by the passenger. The method of claim 12.

16. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein each sipe of the plurality of sipes includes a first sipe wall of the set of opposing sipe walls, a second sipe wall of the set of opposing sipe walls, and an inner contour extending therebetween, and the first sipe wall, the second sipe wall, and the inner contour are vulcanized, cauterized, or melted.

17. Each sipe of the plurality of sipes includes a straight line shape, a zigzag shape, or an arrow shape. The method of claim 12.

18. the plurality of sipes are arranged along a first direction, and the sipe array includes an additional plurality of sipes arranged along a second direction that intersects the first direction; The method of claim 12.

19. the plurality of sipes are formed in a portion of the opposing surface corresponding to an expected elbow position of the passenger, and the drag inducing mat allows the passenger to adjust the friction induced between the main body and the sliding surface by adjusting the weight placed on the portion of the opposing surface. The method of claim 12.

20. The drag-inducing mat is a first layer having the passenger surface; a second layer having the opposing surfaces, the plurality of sipes extending through an entire thickness of the second layer; a flexible membrane disposed between the first layer and the second layer that prevents propagation of the plurality of sipes from the second layer to the first layer. The method of claim 12.

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