Telescoping fountain nozzle with separate extension and water actuation

Abstract

A water fountain system is provided. The water fountain system comprises a water fountain nozzle including a body configured to extend and retract during extension and retraction, and a nozzle outlet coupled to an end of the body. The water fountain system also comprises an extension system configured to actuate the extension and retraction of the body. The water fountain system also comprises an actuation system configured to actuate the discharge of a liquid, such as water, from the nozzle outlet. The extension system and the actuation system are separate systems. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement park attractions. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to water attractions with telescoping fountain nozzles. [Background technology]

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described below. This discussion 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. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Amusement parks include a variety of attractions that provide unique experiences for each park's guests. One of these attractions is a water attraction. These water attractions may, for example, utilize a fountain during a show. However, these fountains typically remain visible when not in use or require an extensive system to raise and lower the fountain relative to the water surface; therefore, a problem associated with a single platform in this system may result in the fountain associated with that platform not being utilized during the show. The increasing sophistication and complexity of modern attractions, and the corresponding rise in expectations among amusement park and / or theme park guests, demand more creative and improved attractions, including attractions that provide unique guest experiences. As audiences become more sophisticated and demanding, it becomes increasingly important to successfully conceal technical equipment so as not to impair performance, as well as to eliminate the risk of major technical failure, such as in favor of any fountains associated with a platform, in favor of smaller risks that are easier to overcome during a live performance. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure; rather, these embodiments are intended only 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.

[0005] In one embodiment, a water fountain system is provided. The water fountain system includes a water fountain nozzle having a body configured to extend and retract when extended and retracted, and a nozzle outlet coupled to an end of the body. The water fountain system also includes an extension system configured to actuate the extension and retraction of the body. The water fountain system also includes an actuation system configured to actuate the discharge of liquid from the nozzle outlet. The extension system and the actuation system are separate systems.

[0006] In another embodiment, a modular fountain system is provided. The modular fountain system includes a plurality of fountain nozzles. Each fountain nozzle of the plurality of fountain nozzles includes a body configured to telescope during extension and retraction, and a nozzle outlet coupled to an end of the body. The modular fountain system also includes a control system coupled to the plurality of fountain nozzles. The control system is configured to independently control the extension and retraction of each fountain nozzle of the plurality of fountain nozzles, and to maintain the body of at least one fountain nozzle of the plurality of fountain nozzles in an extended state without liquid being discharged from the nozzle outlet of the at least one fountain nozzle.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method for utilizing a fountain system is provided. The method includes extending a portion of a telescoping body of a fountain nozzle out of a liquid via an extension system. A nozzle outlet is coupled to an end of the portion of the telescoping body that extends out of the liquid. The method also includes actuating, via an actuation system, the discharge of liquid from the nozzle outlet. The extension system and the actuation system function independently of one another.

[0008] 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]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a water attraction fountain system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 illustrates one embodiment of a telescoping fountain nozzle body of the fountain system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a modular fountain system of water attractions (e.g., having multiple telescoping fountain nozzles) according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates one embodiment of an extension system (e.g., a motorized piston) associated with a portion of a telescoping fountain nozzle, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates one embodiment of an extension system (e.g., hydraulically actuated piston) associated with a portion of a telescoping fountain nozzle, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a fountain system including an extension system and an actuation system in conjunction with a telescoping fountain nozzle, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates one embodiment of an actuation system associated with a portion of a telescoping fountain nozzle, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8]1 illustrates one embodiment of an actuation system in conjunction with a portion of a telescoping fountain nozzle (e.g., having a water channel in a wall of the telescoping fountain nozzle) according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for utilizing a water attraction fountain system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] One or more specific embodiments are described below. In the interest of brevity in describing these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described herein. It should be understood that, as in any engineering or design project, development of such an actual implementation will require many implementation-specific decisions to be made in order to achieve developer-specific goals, including compliance with system- and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. It should further be understood that such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0011] Amusement parks feature a wide variety of entertainment, such as amusement rides, performance shows, games, and the like. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a fountain system for a water attraction (e.g., a show) that may be utilized in an amusement park or other entertainment venue. The fountain system for a water attraction may include a fountain nozzle (e.g., a telescoping fountain). The fountain nozzle may include a body that telescopes during extension and retraction. During retraction, the fountain nozzle may be fully submerged in water. During extension, a portion of the body may extend out of the water. A nozzle outlet coupled to an end of the body (out of the water) ejects water (or other liquid) provided to the fountain nozzle. The extension and retraction may be accomplished via an extension system. In certain embodiments, the extension system may extend the body (e.g., to its full length) and maintain the extension without water being ejected from the nozzle outlet. In certain embodiments, the extension system may include a piston (e.g., a hydraulic or electric piston) for extending and retracting the body of the fountain nozzle. In certain embodiments, the extension system includes a pneumatic system (e.g., utilizing air) for extending and retracting the body of the fountain nozzle. Actuation of the discharge of water from the nozzle outlet can occur via an actuation system. The actuation system can be separate or distinct from the extension system. In certain embodiments, the actuation system can include a pump (e.g., hydraulically operated). In certain embodiments, the actuation system can include and utilize an air compressor / pump (e.g., for pneumatic actuation). In certain embodiments, a power supply for an electric actuator can be utilized for actuation. A control system can control both the extension system and the actuation system. In certain embodiments, the fountain system can be a modular fountain system including multiple fountain nozzles. The control system can independently or separately control the extension and retraction and discharge of water for each fountain nozzle via the extension and actuation system. Thus, if one or more fountain nozzles fail, the remaining fountain nozzles can be used.Additionally, utilizing separate systems to control extension and retraction and water discharge expands the functionality of telescoping fountain nozzles during water attractions, eliminating the need to utilize large platforms to support tens or hundreds of nozzles.

[0012] Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a fountain system 10 for a water attraction (e.g., a show). As shown, the fountain system 10 includes a telescopic fountain or fountain nozzle 12 disposed within a body of water 14. The body of water 14 can be a pond, lake, pool, tank, or building structure (e.g., located in an amusement park). The fountain nozzle 12 includes a body 16 (e.g., a telescopic body) that extends in a first direction 18 (e.g., vertically) and retracts in a second direction 20 (e.g., an opposite vertical direction). The body 16 retracts and retracts when retracted or extended. Specifically, the body 16 includes multiple segments 22 arranged in a concentric array that extend relative to each other when extended and retract relative to each other when retracted (e.g., in a nested array). As shown, each subsequent segment 22 extending from the body 16 in the direction 18 is narrower than the previous segment 22 below it. Thus, the body 16 narrows from the lower portion 24 to the upper portion 26 of the body 16. In certain embodiments, the body 16 widens from the lower portion 24 to the upper portion 26 (see FIG. 2). As shown, the body 16 of the fountain nozzle 12 is fully extended such that a portion (e.g., the upper portion 26) is disposed outside the water 14 and a portion (e.g., the lower portion 24) is disposed within the water 14. In certain embodiments, the entire body 16 can extend outside the water 14. The fountain nozzle 12 includes a nozzle outlet 28 located at an end 30 of the upper portion 26 of the body 16 (e.g., indicated by reference numeral 31) through which water is discharged. In certain embodiments, the nozzle outlet 28 can be located along a side of the body 16 for discharging water from the fountain nozzle 12.

[0013] The fountain system 10 includes an extension system 32 that extends and retracts the body 16 of the fountain nozzle 12. As described in more detail below, the extension system 32 may include a piston, pump, or other mechanism for extending and retracting the body 16. The extension system 32 may fully extend, partially extend, fully retract, and / or partially retract the fountain nozzle 12. The fountain system 10 also includes an actuation system 34 that actuates or causes water to flow through the body 16 of the fountain nozzle 12 and discharge through the nozzle outlet 28. As described in more detail below, the actuation system 34 may include a pump, valve, compressor, or other mechanism for controlling the discharge of water from the fountain nozzle 12. Both the extension system 32 and the actuation system 34 are coupled to a control system 36 (e.g., a controller). The control system 36 controls the extension system 32 and the actuation system 34 to control the extension and retraction of the fountain nozzle 12 and the discharge of water from the fountain nozzle 12.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the extension system 32 and the actuation system 34 are two separate or distinct systems that are separately or independently controlled by a control system 36. In certain embodiments, this allows the body 16 of the fountain nozzle 12 to be extended without expelling water or other liquid from the nozzle.

[0015] Control system 36 includes memory 38 and a processor 40 configured to execute instructions stored in memory 38. Processor 40 may include multiple processors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. For example, processor 40 may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors, advanced RISC machine (ARM) processors, performance-optimized enhanced RISC (PowerPC) processors, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) integrated circuits, graphics processing units (GPUs), or other suitable processing devices.

[0016] The memory device 38 may include volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM), non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, or any combination thereof. The memory device 38 may store a variety of information that may be used for a variety of purposes. For example, the memory device 38 may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for the processor 40 to execute, such as instructions for extending and retracting the fountain nozzles 12, discharging water or other liquid from the nozzles 12, controlling the flow rate of water to the nozzles, or other instructions related to the fountain system 10. The one or more storage devices (e.g., non-volatile storage) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof.

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a modular fountain system 42 (e.g., having multiple telescoping fountain nozzles 12) for a water attraction. As shown in FIG. 3, multiple telescoping fountain nozzles 12, such as those described in FIG. 1, can be coupled to an extension system 32, an actuation system 34, and a control system 36 to form the modular fountain system 42. As shown, the fountain nozzles 12 are disposed within a body of water 14. In certain embodiments, the fountain nozzles 12 can be disposed on a common platform. The control system 36 is configured to independently or separately control the extension and retraction of each fountain nozzle 12 of the modular fountain system 42 via the extension system 32. In other words, the control system 36 can extend one or more fountain nozzles 12 while leaving some fountain nozzles 12 retracted. Alternatively, the control system 36 can retract one or more fountain nozzles 12 while leaving some fountain nozzles 12 extended. As shown, modular fountain system 42 includes four fountain nozzles 44, 46, 48, and 50. The number of fountain nozzles 12 can vary (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or other numbers of fountain nozzles 12). As shown, fountain nozzles 44, 48, and 50 are extended and fountain nozzle 46 is retracted.

[0018] The control system 36, via the actuation system 34, is configured to independently or separately control the discharge of water or other liquid from each fountain nozzle 12. In other words, the control system 36 can cause one or more fountain nozzles 12 to discharge water, while some fountain nozzles 12 do not. As shown, fountain nozzles 44 and 48 are discharging water, as indicated by reference numeral 52. As described above, having separate extension portions 32 and actuation systems 34 allows the fountain nozzles 12 to be extended without water being discharged from the fountain nozzles 12 (as illustrated by fountain nozzle 50).

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of an extension system 32 (e.g., a motorized piston 54) associated with a portion of the telescoping fountain nozzle 12. The extension system 32 includes a piston 54 disposed within the body 16 of the fountain nozzle 12. The piston 54 includes a piston head 56 associated with the upper segment 16 of the body 58. A nozzle outlet (e.g., a nozzle) is coupled to the piston head 56. In certain embodiments, the piston head 56 may be associated with a different segment 22 of the body 16 and / or with two or more segments 22 of the body 16. As shown, the piston 54 is coupled to a power source 60 that causes the piston head 56 to extend or retract from the piston 54. The power source 60 may be controlled by the control system 36. As the piston head 56 extends from the piston 54 in the direction 18, the piston head 56 pushes against the upper segment 58 of the body 16, causing the body 16 to extend. As shown, each body segment 22 includes a lip or flange 62 that interlocks with the lip or flange 62 of the adjacent body segment 22 below it. When an upward force is applied to the top segment 58, the flange 62 of the top segment exerts an upward force on the flange 62 of the adjacent segment 22, lifting the flange upward, and similar interactions occur along the flange interfaces of the other segments 22, thus causing telescopic extension of the body 16. As the piston head 56 retracts in the direction 20 toward the piston 54, the segments 22 of the body 16 retract or nest into one another.

[0020] In certain embodiments, as an alternative to a piston, the extension system 32 may include a threaded insert extending from a tapped segment (e.g., similar to the bore-out form of an electrical lead screw). The tapped segment may be similar to a piston head that extends and / or retracts the segment 22 of the body 16.

[0021] Figure 5 shows one embodiment of the extension system 32 (e.g., hydraulically or pneumatically actuated piston 54) in conjunction with a portion of the telescoping fountain nozzle 12. The piston 54 is as described in Figure 4, except that the piston 54 is hydraulically or pneumatically actuated. Thus, movement of the piston head 56 is actuated via a fluid (e.g., air, water, etc.) within the piston 54.

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a fountain system 10 including an extension system 32 and an actuation system 34 in conjunction with a telescoping fountain nozzle 12. The telescoping fountain nozzle 12 is described above. As illustrated, the extension system 32 includes a conduit 64 extending through the body 16 of the telescoping nozzle 12. One or more valves may be positioned at different locations along the conduit 64. As illustrated, a valve 66 is positioned along the conduit 64 within the segment 22 at the bottom 24 of the body 16. Additionally, a valve 68 is positioned along the conduit 64 adjacent the segment 22 near the top 26 of the body 16. The extension system 32 also includes a pump 70 coupled to a fluid source 72 (e.g., water, air in a pneumatic system, etc.). The pump 70 is coupled to the conduit 64 via the conduit 74 and configured to provide a fluid (e.g., water, air, etc.) to the conduit 64. In certain embodiments, the conduit 64 may be coupled to the nozzle outlet 28. Providing fluid to the conduit 64 extends the body 16 of the telescoping nozzle 12. The control system 36 is coupled to and controls the pump 70 and the valves 66, 68. The control system 36 can open the valve 66 and close the valve 68, causing the pump 70 to pump fluid into the conduit 64 to extend the body 16. Once the body 16 has been extended as desired, the control system 36 can close the valve 66 to maintain the extension of the body 16 and stop the flow of fluid from the pump 70. In certain embodiments, the extension of the body 16 can be maintained without actuating the discharge of water from the nozzle outlet 28. In certain embodiments, the outlets can be coupled to the conduit 64 and / or the conduit 74 to release fluid from within the conduit 64 (e.g., when the valve 66 is opened) to allow the body 16 to retract.

[0023] In certain embodiments, a separate actuation system 34 is also coupled to the control system 36 for actuating the discharge of water from the nozzle outlet 28. As shown, the actuation system 34 includes a pump 76 coupled to a water source 78 (e.g., the body of water 14). The pump 76 is coupled to a conduit 80. As shown, the conduit 80 is coupled to a conduit 82 (e.g., separate from the conduit 64) disposed within the body 16. The conduit 82 is coupled to the nozzle outlet 28. In certain embodiments, the conduit 82 may be disposed within one or more walls of the body 16. In certain embodiments, the conduit 82 may be disposed within a space (e.g., a cavity) between the walls of the body 16. Upon receiving a signal from the control system 36, the pump 76 provides water to the conduit 82 for discharge from the nozzle outlet 28. In certain embodiments, the conduit 80 or 82 may be coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled) to the conduit 64 to provide water for discharge from the nozzle outlet 28 when the valve 68 is open. In certain embodiments, the system 10 may utilize a single pump for both extension and actuation for drainage.

[0024] 7 illustrates an embodiment of an actuation system 34 in conjunction with a portion of the telescoping fountain nozzle 12. The actuation system 34 includes a pump 76, a water source 78, and a conduit 80, as described above. The fountain nozzle 12 includes a piston 54 (e.g., electrically or hydraulically operated), as described above, in an extended position that extends the body 16. When the pump 76 provides water to the nozzle outlet 28 via the conduit 80 (e.g., a flexible hose or a rigid fitting coupled to the nozzle outlet 28), the water is expelled from the fountain nozzle 12 (as indicated by reference numeral 90).

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of an actuation system 34 associated with a portion of the telescoping fountain nozzle 12 (e.g., having a water channel in the wall of the telescoping fountain nozzle 12). The actuation system 34 includes a pump 76, a water source 78, and a conduit 80, as described above. The fountain nozzle 12 includes a piston head 56 (e.g., electrically or hydraulically actuated) as described above in an extended position that extends the body 16. A passageway 92 extends through a wall 93 of the upper segment 22 of the body 16. When the pump 76 provides water to the fountain nozzle 12, the water passes through the conduit 80, the passageway 92 (designated by reference numeral 94), and the passageway 88 (designated by reference numeral 96), which forms the nozzle outlet 28 for discharging water from the fountain nozzle 12. As shown, the passageway 92 is fluidly coupled to an interior (e.g., a cavity) within the body 16. In certain embodiments, the passageway 92 may be disposed solely within one or more walls 93 of one or more segments 22 of the body 16 , with the conduit 80 directly coupled to the passageway 92 .

[0026] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method 98 for utilizing the water attraction fountain system 10. One or more steps of the method 98 may be performed by the control system 36 (e.g., via the extension system 32 and the actuation system 34). One or more steps of the method 98 may be performed simultaneously and / or in an order different from that shown. Additionally, the method 98 may be performed utilizing a single fountain nozzle 12 or one or more fountain nozzles of a modular fountain system. The method 98 includes extending a portion of the telescoping fountain nozzle 12 out of the water via the extension system 32 (block 100). In certain embodiments, the method 98 includes placing the telescoping fountain nozzle 12 in an extended state without discharging water from the nozzle outlet 28 (block 102). The method 98 also includes actuating the discharge of water from the nozzle outlet 28 via the actuation system 34. In certain embodiments, the extension system 32 and the actuation system 34 are separate systems that function separately from one another as described above.

[0027] 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 present disclosure. The technology presented and claimed herein refers to and applies to specific examples of a tangible and practical nature that clearly improve the art of the present invention, and is therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, to the extent that any claim appended hereto includes one or more elements designated as "means for performing a function" or "steps for performing a function," such elements are intended to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim including elements designated in any other manner, such elements shall not be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. 1. A fountain system comprising: a fountain nozzle comprising: a body configured to expand and contract during extension and retraction, the body including a plurality of segments arranged concentrically relative to one another, the plurality of segments extending from one another when extended and retracting into one another when retracted; and a nozzle outlet located on an innermost segment of the plurality of segments that is at the top of an end of the body when extended; a stretching system configured to actuate the extension and retraction of the body; an actuation system configured to actuate the discharge of liquid from the nozzle outlet; a control system coupled to the stretching system and the actuation system for independently controlling the stretching system and the actuation system; Equipped with the control system is configured to place the body in an extended state without the liquid being expelled from the nozzle outlet; the stretching system and the actuation system are separate systems, the stretching system comprising a conduit extending to the body, and a pump coupled to the conduit, configured to cause the liquid to flow into the body of the fountain nozzle through the conduit, the liquid acting directly on each of a plurality of segments of the fountain nozzle to stretch the body of the fountain nozzle; the stretching system comprising a valve disposed along the conduit, the stretching system configured to close the valve when the body is fully extended, thereby retaining the liquid within the body and keeping the body fully extended. Fountain system.

2. 10. The fountain system of claim 1, wherein said extension system is configured to place said body in an extended state without said liquid being expelled from said nozzle outlet.

3. 2. The fountain system of claim 1, wherein the fountain nozzle is one of a plurality of fountain nozzles, the fountain system comprising the plurality of fountain nozzles, and the extension system configured to independently control the extension and retraction of each fountain nozzle of the plurality of fountain nozzles.

4. 4. The fountain system of claim 3, wherein said actuation system is configured to independently control the discharge of liquid from each of said fountain nozzles.

5. 2. The fountain system of claim 1, wherein the actuation system comprises: an additional conduit extending within the body toward the nozzle outlet; and an additional pump coupled to the additional conduit and configured to force the liquid through the additional conduit and into the nozzle outlet to expel the liquid.

6. 1. A modular fountain system comprising: A plurality of fountain nozzles are provided, Each of the plurality of fountain nozzles is a body configured to expand and contract during extension and retraction, the body including a plurality of segments arranged concentrically relative to one another, the plurality of segments extending from one another during extension and retracting into one another during retraction; a nozzle outlet located on an innermost segment of the plurality of segments that is at the top of the end of the body when extended; Including, The modular fountain system further comprises: a control system coupled to the plurality of fountain nozzles, the control system configured to independently control the extension and retraction of each fountain nozzle of the plurality of fountain nozzles to place the body of at least one fountain nozzle of the plurality of fountain nozzles in an extended state without liquid being discharged from the nozzle outlet of the at least one fountain nozzle of the plurality of fountain nozzles; an extension system configured to actuate extension and retraction of one or more respective fountain nozzles of the plurality of fountain nozzles; an actuation system configured to actuate the discharge of liquid from the nozzle outlet of one or more respective fountain nozzles of the plurality of fountain nozzles; Equipped with the control system is coupled to the stretching system and the actuation system to control the stretching system and the actuation system; 10. A modular fountain system comprising: a stretching system and an actuation system, each of which is configured to close the valve when the body is fully extended, thereby retaining the liquid within the body and keeping the body fully extended.

11. A modular fountain system comprising: a stretching system and an actuation system, each of which is configured to close the valve when the body is fully extended, thereby retaining the liquid within the body and keeping the body fully extended.

7. 7. The modular fountain system of claim 6, wherein said control system is configured to independently control the operation of the discharge of said liquid from each fountain nozzle of said plurality of fountain nozzles.

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