Surfing emulator theme park attraction system

Abstract

A theme-park attraction system including a wave simulator, a transit mechanism, and a platform emulates a surfing experience. The transit mechanism extends longitudinally through the wave simulator. The platform can carry at least one rider and is carried by the transit mechanism. The rider can be loaded securely onto the platform at a loading location, the platform can be driven along the transit mechanism through the wave simulator; and the wave simulator can be activated as the platform enters and deactivated as the platform leaves the wave simulator. The rider can be offloaded at the loading location.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 519,399, filed Aug. 14, 2023, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a theme park attraction system and, more particularly, to a surfing emulator theme park attraction system that provides a surfing experience to a user.

[0003] Surfing, i.e., using a surfboard (or the like) to ride waves, is one of the most popular water sports. However, the average person never experiences surfing a “big wave”. It requires a lot of skills and practice for a person to surf in water. In addition, surfing in water may be dangerous because the sea water may be infested with sharks and other sea creatures that may attack a surfer. Therefore, a lot of people are not able to enjoy surfing.

[0004] The only surfing themed roller coaster is located at SeaWorld, Orlando and is called “Pipeline”, which merely provides a fountain spraying adjacent to the track. Riders do not get the experience of passing through a tunnel wave.

[0005] As can be seen, there is a need for a safe environment where people may enjoy surfing, without risking their lives.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a theme-park attraction system operative to emulate a surfing experience, comprises a wave simulator; a transit means extending longitudinally through the wave simulator; and a platform carried by the transit means and configured to carry at least one rider.

[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, a method of operating the theme-park attraction system comprises loading the at least one rider securely onto the platform at a loading location; driving the platform along the transit means to the wave simulator; activating the wave simulator; driving the platform longitudinally through the wave simulator from an entrance to an exit; deactivating the wave simulator; driving the platform along the transit means to the loading location; and offloading the at least one rider.

[0008] The present disclosure is directed towards a theme park attraction system that provides an ability to the non-surfing population to experience surfing with the safety and realism of a theme park attraction. By creating the surfing experience via the theme park attraction system, people may not have to surf in shark infested waters.

[0009] In some embodiments, the system described herein may have any of the following configurations: single or multi passenger ride apparatus, riders in standing position or seated, forward facing passenger apparatus or side facing position, on a suspended track, a traditional bottom supported track configuration, or waterslide structure with or without a floatation device, in which the riders in any of the above mentioned configurations pass through a standing wave / flow rider apparatus, using physical water effects propelled, by any means or technology, over a preform-a wave shaped structure operative to create a barreling wave for the riders to pass through. In some embodiments, the system may have trackless ride technology. In some embodiments, the system may employ computer generated images, e.g., projected in an indoor environment, to emulate physical water effects, thereby providing a similar experience.

[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic view thereof;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic view thereof;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0021] Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a surfing emulator theme park attraction system.

[0022] The system may move the rider in a seated or semi-seated position through realistic, yet exaggerated surfing movements and speeds, representative of surfing a large, free-standing wave. By bringing the entire surfing experience into the format of a ride or attraction, everyone may now have the surfing experience of a seasoned, trained professional.

[0023] The system may be configured for indoor use in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the system may be configured for outdoor use. The ride may be presented in a dark ambience or in a daylight ambience.

[0024] The system may comprise solo occupant or multi-occupant platforms or cars, also referred to herein as coasters. The platforms / cars may comprise surfboard-shaped or other water sports equipment-shaped structures in some instances.

[0025] The platforms / cars may be moved by a variety of transit means, including supported on a track or rail: suspended from a track or rail; supported on a trackless device, e.g., a wheeled vehicle; or carried by water, e.g., with a floatation device, such as a boogie board or an innertube. For example, the platform / car may be carried by water down a water slide. The platform may move a rider through surfing positions, transitioning the rider in three-dimensions.

[0026] In some embodiments, the theme park attraction system of the present subject matter may have a track and carriage configuration such as, but not limited to, the configuration disclosed in WIPO Publication WO 2007 / 136245 A1 by Vekoma Rides Engineering B.V. The contents of WO 2007 / 136245 A1 is incorporated in its entirety by reference.

[0027] In some embodiments, the visual effects may be presented in a two-dimensional art format or in a three-dimensional, fully animated format. In some instances, the effects may be digitally rendered. For example, images may be computer generated and / or projected. The images may be displayed on a light emitting tunnel shaped display, such as but not limited to the display disclosed in US D1010735 S1 to Flieg, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Alternatively, the images may be projected onto a tunnel-shaped screen.

[0028] In some embodiments, the rider's experience may be enhanced with positionally triggered physical or computer-generated water effects.

[0029] Physical water effects may utilize a pressurized water source, such as a water cannon. For example, a water cannon system as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,687 B1 to Henry may be suitable. The water may be forced along a wave shaped structure operative to create a barreling wave. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,859 to Lochtefeld teaches a pool having a structure identified as a tunnel generator over which water flows, such that a rider can ride on the water that forms the wave. The disclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,687 B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,859 are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 9, FIG. 1 illustrates a surfing emulator theme park attraction system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising a display screen tunnel 12, a track 14, a vehicle 16 mounted to the track 14, and a harness 18 holding the user 20 in the vehicle 16. The display screen tunnel 12 may display for example, a Hawaiian barrel-style wave around the vehicle 16.

[0031] A surfing emulator theme park attraction system 22 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3. The users 20 ride their vehicles 16 on the track 14 through a water tunnel 28. The water tunnel is formed utilizing a wave wall 24 with water cannons 26 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0032] In some embodiments, the vehicle 32 may be suspended from the track 30, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0033] In other embodiments, the vehicle 34 may be trackless, having wheels upon which it travels; see FIG. 6.

[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the vehicle 38, 40 may support multiple users 20, whether utilizing a track 36 or when trackless, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the user 20 may ride down a water slide 42 through water tunnels 28 formed by spraying water from water cannons 26 onto water walls 24.

[0036] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0021]Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a surfing emulator theme park attraction system.

[0022]The system may move the rider in a seated or semi-seated position through realistic, yet exaggerated surfing movements and speeds, representative of surfing a large, free-standing wave. By bringing the entire surfing experience into the format of a ride or attraction, everyone may now have the surfing experience of a seasoned, trained professional.

[0023]The system may be configured for indoor use in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the system may be configured for outdoor use. The ride may be presented in a dark ...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 519,399, filed Aug. 14, 2023, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a theme park attraction system and, more particularly, to a surfing emulator theme park attraction system that provides a surfing experience to a user.

[0003] Surfing, i.e., using a surfboard (or the like) to ride waves, is one of the most popular water sports. However, the average person never experiences surfing a “big wave”. It requires a lot of skills and practice for a person to surf in water. In addition, surfing in water may be dangerous because the sea water may be infested with sharks and other sea creatures that may attack a surfer. Therefore, a lot of people are not able to enjoy surfing.

[0004] The only surfing themed roller coaster is located at SeaWorld, Orlando and is called “Pipeline”, which merely provides a fountain spraying adjacent to the track. Riders do not get the experience of passing through a tunnel wave.

[0005] As can be seen, there is a need for a safe environment where people may enjoy surfing, without risking their lives.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a theme-park attraction system operative to emulate a surfing experience, comprises a wave simulator; a transit means extending longitudinally through the wave simulator; and a platform carried by the transit means and configured to carry at least one rider.

[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, a method of operating the theme-park attraction system comprises loading the at least one rider securely onto the platform at a loading location; driving the platform along the transit means to the wave simulator; activating the wave simulator; driving the platform longitudinally through the wave simulator from an entrance to an exit; deactivating the wave simulator; driving the platform along the transit means to the loading location; and offloading the at least one rider.

[0008] The present disclosure is directed towards a theme park attraction system that provides an ability to the non-surfing population to experience surfing with the safety and realism of a theme park attraction. By creating the surfing experience via the theme park attraction system, people may not have to surf in shark infested waters.

[0009] In some embodiments, the system described herein may have any of the following configurations: single or multi passenger ride apparatus, riders in standing position or seated, forward facing passenger apparatus or side facing position, on a suspended track, a traditional bottom supported track configuration, or waterslide structure with or without a floatation device, in which the riders in any of the above mentioned configurations pass through a standing wave / flow rider apparatus, using physical water effects propelled, by any means or technology, over a preform-a wave shaped structure operative to create a barreling wave for the riders to pass through. In some embodiments, the system may have trackless ride technology. In some embodiments, the system may employ computer generated images, e.g., projected in an indoor environment, to emulate physical water effects, thereby providing a similar experience.

[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic view thereof;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic view thereof;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0021] Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a surfing emulator theme park attraction system.

[0022] The system may move the rider in a seated or semi-seated position through realistic, yet exaggerated surfing movements and speeds, representative of surfing a large, free-standing wave. By bringing the entire surfing experience into the format of a ride or attraction, everyone may now have the surfing experience of a seasoned, trained professional.

[0023] The system may be configured for indoor use in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the system may be configured for outdoor use. The ride may be presented in a dark ambience or in a daylight ambience.

[0024] The system may comprise solo occupant or multi-occupant platforms or cars, also referred to herein as coasters. The platforms / cars may comprise surfboard-shaped or other water sports equipment-shaped structures in some instances.

[0025] The platforms / cars may be moved by a variety of transit means, including supported on a track or rail: suspended from a track or rail; supported on a trackless device, e.g., a wheeled vehicle; or carried by water, e.g., with a floatation device, such as a boogie board or an innertube. For example, the platform / car may be carried by water down a water slide. The platform may move a rider through surfing positions, transitioning the rider in three-dimensions.

[0026] In some embodiments, the theme park attraction system of the present subject matter may have a track and carriage configuration such as, but not limited to, the configuration disclosed in WIPO Publication WO 2007 / 136245 A1 by Vekoma Rides Engineering B.V. The contents of WO 2007 / 136245 A1 is incorporated in its entirety by reference.

[0027] In some embodiments, the visual effects may be presented in a two-dimensional art format or in a three-dimensional, fully animated format. In some instances, the effects may be digitally rendered. For example, images may be computer generated and / or projected. The images may be displayed on a light emitting tunnel shaped display, such as but not limited to the display disclosed in US D1010735 S1 to Flieg, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Alternatively, the images may be projected onto a tunnel-shaped screen.

[0028] In some embodiments, the rider's experience may be enhanced with positionally triggered physical or computer-generated water effects.

[0029] Physical water effects may utilize a pressurized water source, such as a water cannon. For example, a water cannon system as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,687 B1 to Henry may be suitable. The water may be forced along a wave shaped structure operative to create a barreling wave. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,859 to Lochtefeld teaches a pool having a structure identified as a tunnel generator over which water flows, such that a rider can ride on the water that forms the wave. The disclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,687 B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,859 are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 9, FIG. 1 illustrates a surfing emulator theme park attraction system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising a display screen tunnel 12, a track 14, a vehicle 16 mounted to the track 14, and a harness 18 holding the user 20 in the vehicle 16. The display screen tunnel 12 may display for example, a Hawaiian barrel-style wave around the vehicle 16.

[0031] A surfing emulator theme park attraction system 22 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3. The users 20 ride their vehicles 16 on the track 14 through a water tunnel 28. The water tunnel is formed utilizing a wave wall 24 with water cannons 26 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0032] In some embodiments, the vehicle 32 may be suspended from the track 30, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0033] In other embodiments, the vehicle 34 may be trackless, having wheels upon which it travels; see FIG. 6.

[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the vehicle 38, 40 may support multiple users 20, whether utilizing a track 36 or when trackless, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the user 20 may ride down a water slide 42 through water tunnels 28 formed by spraying water from water cannons 26 onto water walls 24.

[0036] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0021]Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a surfing emulator theme park attraction system.

[0022]The system may move the rider in a seated or semi-seated position through realistic, yet exaggerated surfing movements and speeds, representative of surfing a large, free-standing wave. By bringing the entire surfing experience into the format of a ride or attraction, everyone may now have the surfing experience of a seasoned, trained professional.

[0023]The system may be configured for indoor use in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the system may be configured for outdoor use. The ride may be presented in a dark ...

Claims

1. A theme-park attraction system operative to emulate a surfing experience, comprising:a wave simulator;a transit means extending longitudinally through the wave simulator; anda platform carried by the transit means and configured to carry at least one rider.

2. The theme-park attraction system of claim 1, wherein the wave simulator comprises an analog or digital display operative to surround the platform as the platform passes through the wave simulator.

3. The theme-park attraction system of claim 1, wherein the wave simulator comprises a concave wall adjacent to the transit means and a pressurized water source configured to eject water onto the concave wall, wherein the concave wall and the pressurized water source are configured to direct the water above and over the platform as the platform passes the wave simulator.

4. The theme-park attraction system of claim 1, wherein the wave simulator is operative to activate due to proximity of the platform.

5. The theme-park attraction system of claim 1, wherein the transit means comprises a track; and wherein the platform is mounted to the track.

6. The theme-park attraction system of claim 1, wherein the transit means comprises a wheeled vehicle.

7. The theme-park attraction system of claim 1, wherein the transit means comprises a water slide with water flowing down the water slide.

8. The theme-park attraction system of claim 1, wherein the platform is configured to support the at least one rider in a surfing position.

9. The theme-park attraction system of claim 1, wherein the platform further comprises a restraining device operative to restrain the rider on the platform.

10. A method of operating the theme-park attraction system of claim 1, comprising:loading the at least one rider securely onto the platform at a loading location;driving the platform along the transit means to the wave simulator;activating the wave simulator;driving the platform longitudinally through the wave simulator from an entrance to an exit;deactivating the wave simulator;driving the platform along the transit means to the loading location; andoffloading the at least one rider.

Images