Transport system for rider vehicle with rider from base level to water slides

Abstract

A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. This transportation system comprises one or more conveyor systems, one or more elevator systems, and one or more control systems (including sensors and operating controls) for the purpose of conveying riders from the water ride transportation system's starting point to a water slide's entry point at different elevations. The transportation system may transport the rider to one of many multiple choices of slides. The transportation system may be controlled autonomously and / or via human operator intervention. The system also includes merging of adventure ride attraction along with water slide attraction for riders to enjoy both types of attractions in one system.

Description

[0001] COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Title: TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR RIDER VEHICLE WITH RIDER FROM BASE LEVEL TO WATER SLIDES

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to transport system for rider vehicle along with riders of a water slide. Particularly for transporting rider vehicle along with one or more riders of a water slide from one level to another. The invention also includes merging of adventure ride attraction(s) along with water slide attraction for riders to enjoy both types of attractions in one system. Invention relates to water slide mechanism, specifically which is used for extra fun in places such as tourist facilities, aqua parks, entertainment centers, etc.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Conventionally, the riders of water slide have to climb up the stairs in order to reach a level, which is above a base level, from which the entry to the slide is provided. This is a very exhausting process for the riders. Moreover, the riders may decide to enter any of the levels with or without clearance and that may pose security issues.

[0008] Conventionally, riders are expected to climb the stairs upto the level at which the slide entrance is provided. However, this can be very tiresome. When multiple slide entrances are provided at certain level above the base level, the riders may choose to not climb the stairs again and again.

[0009] Moreover, the conventional systems have separate systems for the riders and their rider vehicle to reach from platform level to the slide entrance level. The present invention proposes a transport system for one or more riders to travel along with the rider vehicle from the platform level to the slide entrance level.

[0010] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0011] These prior arts have defects as mentioned hereinabove. Therefore, the invention proposes a transport system that obviates these defects.

[0012] The transport of rider from base level to the slide entrance level is automated in the present invention.

[0013] Main object of the invention is providing the water slide riders with a comfortable and multi-choice sliding experience, incomparable to known slides. This system eliminates the use of stairs that are conventionally employed for water slides in water parks.

[0014] This system reduces the time required by the rider to get to the slide’s entry point at a high elevation.

[0015] This system reduces the effort required by the rider to get to the slide’s entry point at a high elevation.

[0016] This system introduces comfortable travel and continual comfort in enjoying the water slides experience, as the rider may remain in the seated position on the rider vehicle from the slide system’s starting point and up to the riding position at the top of the tower.

[0017] An object of the invention is to provide a semi-autonomous system for selecting a water slide and reaching said water slide with minimal efforts.

[0018] This system utilizes advanced automation (by use of sensors and control systems), thereby reducing the number of operational staff required.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0020] It is, accordingly, an object of the present invention to provide an effective system for riders to autonomously travel from a platform at base level to the slide entrance. The invention is a transport system for rider with a rider vehicle from a platform at base level to the level of water slides entrance comprising: a structural tower having one or more entry points or platforms at a base level and one or more exit points at one or more elevated levels, wherein one or more slide entrances are provided at the elevated levels; one or more rider vehicles (9) for transport of one or more riders wherein the rider may sit during the functioning of the system; one or more base conveyor means (2), consisting of one or more structural frames, and one or more belts and rollers, for transporting the rider vehicle (9) from the base level to entry point of elevator means (4), wherein the path may be straight and I or piecewise curved and / or inclined with the horizontal plane; one or more elevator means (4), consisting of one or more structural frames, for transporting the rider vehicle (9) from the platform level to entry point of one or more elevated levels, such that the rider vehicle (9) travels in a straight, curved or inclined path; one or more level conveyor means (7), consisting of one or more structural frames, and one or more belts and rollers, for transporting the rider vehicle from exit point of elevator means (4) to the entry of the slides, wherein the path may be straight and / or piecewise curved; one or more sensors for identifying the position and / or orientation of rider vehicle (9); one or more selector means (13) to select the path of the rider vehicle at one or more positions in the system; one or more control means (14) that controls the speed, direction and rotation of the base conveyor means (2), elevator means (4) and / or the level conveyor means (7), such that the rider vehicle (9) follows the selected travel path from the platform at the base conveyor means (2) to the slide entrance at one of the elevated levels.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Fig. 1 discloses an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the present invention;

[0023] Fig. 2 discloses the system of Fig. 1 from a side view for better understanding of the invention;

[0024] Fig. 3 discloses and exemplary embodiment of the rider vehicle;

[0025] Fig. 4 discloses an exemplary embodiment of the elevator means with a platform with belts and roller mechanism.

[0026] The detailed description of the system is provided as below:

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention proposes a transport system for rider from platform at base level to water slides.

[0028] The system primarily comprises of a structural tower which has one or more entry points at platform level and one or more exit points at one or more levels from which the entry to water slides is facilitated.

[0029] The rider rides on a rider vehicle (9) at the time of entry to the system at a platform on platform level. This rider vehicle (9) is structurally a raft , an inflatable of any shape or size depending on the requirement(s) of the slide or any other such vehicle wherein the rider may sit during the functioning of the system. The rider vehicle (9) may have brackets for interlocking with the base conveyor means (2), elevator means (4) and / or the level conveyor means (7) of the proposed system. The rider vehicle (9) is for transport of one or more riders.

[0030] The system comprises of a platform at the base level from which the rider enters the system. The platform is in turn connected to the base conveyor means (2). This base conveyor means (2) comprises one or more conveyor devices according to the path required to be followed by the rider to reach the start of one or more of elevation means

[0031] (4). In one of the embodiments, the base conveyor means (2) consists of one or more structural frames, and one or more belts and rollers.

[0032] In another one of the embodiments, the base conveyor means (2) may be inclined with the horizontal plane.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, the base conveyor means (2) path may be straight and I or piecewise curved.

[0034] The base conveyor means (2) may be motorized, water-propelled, and / or air-propelled.

[0035] The base conveyor means (2) may be controlled autonomously, and I or it may be controlled via operator interference.

[0036] The base conveyor means (2) may convey one or more rider vehicle (9)s in a parallel manner.

[0037] The function of the base conveyor means (2) is to convey the rider from the starting point to the entry of the elevator means (4).

[0038] The elevation means (4) transports the user from one level to another. The elevation means may start at the same height as the platform level, or it may be above or below the height of the platform level. The function of the elevator means (4) is to convey the rider from the entry point of the elevator at the base level to the exit point of the elevator at an elevated level of the structural tower. As stated hereinbefore, the structural tower may have one or more elevated levels for exit.

[0039] The entry point of the elevator means (4) is the exit point for the base conveyor means (2). The exit point of the elevator means (4) is the entry point of the level conveyor means (7) at the respective level.

[0040] The elevator means (4) consists of one or more structural frames.

[0041] In one embodiment, the elevator means (4) may be such that they have a platform, such that the rider vehicle (9) is transported from the bottom of the vehicle. The platform of elevator means (4) is wrapped with a belt for autonomous movement of the rider vehicle to enter and exit the elevator means (4).

[0042] In yet another embodiment, the platform of elevator means (4) consists of a rotary mechanism. This enables the rider vehicle (9) to change directions at the time of entry and exit of the elevator means (4).

[0043] In one of the other embodiments, the elevator means (4) may consist of ropes and I or belts. The rider vehicle (9) is not transported by resting on the platform of the elevator means (4), but is picked up from one or more sides of the rider vehicle (9) to be transported from one level to another.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, the elevator means (4) consists of a revolving lift, that transports more than one rider vehicle (9) at more than one elevated levels simultaneously. This is achieved by providing multiple platforms to the elevator means.

[0045] The elevator means (4) may be such that the rider vehicle (9) travels in a straight, curved or inclined path.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the elevator means is in the form of a tubular structure, wherein the rider vehicle is propelled to different levels using water pressure using water propulsion systems.

[0047] At the exit of elevator means (4), there is one or more level conveyor means (7) for taking the rider vehicle (9) from the exit of the elevator means (4) to the entrance of the slide. Said one or more level conveyor means (7) comprises one or more conveyor devices according to the path required to be followed by the rider to reach the entrance of the slide.

[0048] In one of the embodiments, the level conveyor means (7) consists of one or more structural frames, and one or more belts and rollers; or sprockets and chains. In another one of the embodiments, the level conveyor means (7) may be inclined with the horizontal plane.

[0049] In yet another embodiment, the level conveyor means (7) path may be straight and I or piecewise curved.

[0050] The level conveyor means (7) may be motorized, water-propelled, and / or air-propelled.

[0051] The level conveyor means (7) may be controlled autonomously, and I or it may be controlled via operator interference.

[0052] The level conveyor means (7) may convey one or more rider vehicle (9) in a parallel manner.

[0053] It has to be noted that there are various sensors and selector systems as a part of the present invention for selecting the functioning and path of the base conveyor means (2), level conveyor means (7) and the elevator means (4).

[0054] There are one or more sensors, one or more selector systems consisting of one or more selector means (13) and one or more control systems consisting of one or more control means (14) as a component of the present invention. The sensor(s) may identify the rider’s and / or rider vehicle (9)’s position and / or orientation, assess these inputs, and provide the same as inputs to the control system.

[0055] The rider may be provided with the means to indirectly control the conveyor belt system via the control system.

[0056] Because of sensors, selector system and control system, all components (elevator means, conveyor means, etc.) are interdependent.

[0057] The system will be using multiple sensors at multiple locations to ascertain at least the position and orientation of the rider vehicle (9).

[0058] There is one or more selector means (13) provided in the system. The selector means (13) can be placed at any of the platform, entry point of the base conveyor means (2), the entry point of elevator means (4), the exit point of elevator means (4), or at entry point of the level conveyor means (7).

[0059] The selector means (13) can be accessed by the rider or an operator of the system. It helps select the path which the rider vehicle (9) takes.

[0060] The selector means (13) provides input to the control means (14). After the selection from selector means (13) the control means (14) controls the further path of the rider vehicle (9) in the system. There is a default selection if there is no interaction by the rider or operator with the selector means (13) for a predetermined period of time.

[0061] The selector means (13) can be in the form of buttons input, touch screen input, or wireless input.

[0062] Depending on the selection at the selector means (13) and inputs from sensors, the control means (14) of the system controls the base conveyor means (2), elevator means (4) and / or the level conveyor means (7).

[0063] The control means (14) controls the speed, direction and / or rotation of the base conveyor means (2), elevator means (4) and / or the level conveyor means (7). The control means (14) also controls whether the rider vehicle (9) shall be accepted by the base conveyor means (2), elevator means (4) and / or the level conveyor means (7) or not.

[0064] Additionally, there may be multiple additional inputs to the control means (14). The control means also controls the entry of the rider vehicle (9) to the slide. Only after signal to the control means (14), shall it control the level conveyor means (7) to allow rider vehicle (9) to enter the slide.

[0065] The operating procedure of the system is explained hereinbelow: The rider starts his I her journey at the starting point, at the platform on the base level. The rider places his I her rider vehicle on the stationary base conveyor means (2) and enters the rider vehicle (9). The base conveyor means (2) begins its motion of transporting the one or more rider vehicle (9) from the starting point of the base conveyor (2) and up to the entry point of elevator means (4). o The base conveyor means (2) may begin its motion autonomously, or via operator interference. o The base conveyor means (2) may transport one or more rider vehicle(9)s simultaneously. The elevator means (4) begins its motion of transporting the one or more rider vehicle(9)s from the entry point of elevator means (4) to the exit point of elevator means (4). o The elevator exit point is at a different level of the structural tower. o The elevator means (4) may begin its motion autonomously, or via operator interference. o The elevator means (4) may transport one or more rider vehicle (9)s simultaneously.

[0066] 5. The exit point of elevator means is such that it may rotate to the position of the entry point of the level conveyor means (7). o There may be one or more level conveyor means (7) depending on the number of choices of slides available at the level.

[0067] 6. The level conveyor means (7) begins its motion of transporting the rider I rider vehicle (9) from the exit point of elevator means (4) and up to a slide’s entry point. o A slide’s entry point may be one of many multiple choices of slides. o The slide’s entry point is within the slide’s top section I module.

[0068] 7. The rider I rider vehicle (9) begins his I her slide journey which ends at the any level into a pool or a run-out chute or into a lazy river.

[0069] It is to be noted that in one of the exemplary embodiments, the elevator platform component’s belt begins its motion, which translates the rider / rider vehicle (9) from the elevator means (4) and on to the stationary level conveyor means (7). o The elevator platform is movable, and it is the platform upon which the rider / rider vehicle (9) rests. o The belt surrounds the elevator platform component (similar to a conveyor belt system, in which the belt wraps itself around a series of rollers).

[0070] The elevator means (4) may have platform with divider(s) for different rider vehicles (9) to rotate or move in different directions.

[0071] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the rider vehicle (9) is propelled by the base conveyor means (2), the elevation means (4) and / or the level conveyor means (7) by pulley and rope mechanism and / or sprockets and chain mechanism.

[0072] The embodiments of the invention described above have been selected for their concrete natures. Nevertheless, it is not possible to list exhaustively all embodiments covered by the invention. In particular, any of the means described may be replaced by equivalent means without going beyond the ambit of the present invention.

[0073] Many modifications may readily be contemplated by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Many further modifications may readily be contemplated. The description set out above is particularly applicable to high rate clarification applications. However, in conventional clarification where the upstream or downstream processes herein described are not used, the teachings according to the invention may have considerable merit and are also applicable. The specific embodiments described, therefore, should be taken as illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting its scope as defined herein.

[0074] IDENTIFICATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

[0075] 1 entry platform

[0076] 2 base conveyor means

[0077] 3 elevator platform

[0078] 4 elevator means

[0079] 5 structural tower

[0080] 6 level platform

[0081] 7 level conveyor means

[0082] 8 slide entrance

[0083] 9 rider vehicle

[0084] 10 sensors

[0085] 11 control system / means

[0086] 12 base level 13 selector means

[0087] 14 control means

Claims

CLAIMS:[Claim 1.] Transport System for rider along with rider vehicle from base level to water slides comprising: a. a structural tower(5) having one or more entry points or platforms (1) at a base level(12) and one or more exit points at one or more elevated levels; b. one or more rider vehicles (9) for transport of one or more riders wherein the rider may sit during the functioning of the system; c. one or more base conveyor means (2), consisting of one or more structural frames, and one or more belts and rollers, for transporting the rider vehicle (9) from the platform level to entry point of elevator means (4), wherein the path may be straight and I or piecewise curved and / or inclined with the horizontal plane; d. one or more elevator means (4), consisting of one or more structural frames, for transporting the rider vehicle (9) from the base level to entry point of one or more elevated levels, such that the rider vehicle (9) travels in a straight, curved or inclined path; e. one or more level conveyor means (7), consisting of one or more structural frames, and one or more belts and rollers, for transporting the rider vehicle from exit point of elevator means (4) to the entry of the slides, wherein the path may be straight and / or piecewise curved;f. one or more sensors for identifying the position and / or orientation of rider vehicle (9); g. one or more selector means (13) to select the path of the rider vehicle; h. one or more control means (14) controls the speed, direction and rotation of the base conveyor means (2), elevator means (4) and / or the level conveyor means (7).[Claim 2.] System as claimed in any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that the elevator means (4) has a platform with a belt such that the rider vehicle (9) enter and exit the elevator means (4) autonomously.[Claim 3.] System as claimed in any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that the elevator means (4) has a pulley and rope mechanism and / or sprockets and chain mechanism for transporting the rider along with rider vehicle from one level to another.[Claim 4.] System as claimed in any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that the elevator means (4) consists of a rotary mechanism, such that the rider vehicle (9) changes directions at the time of entry and exit of the elevator means(4).[Claim 5.] System as claimed in any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that the base conveyor means (2) may be motorized, water-propelled, and / or airpropelled.[Claim 6.] System as claimed in any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that the level conveyor means (7) may be motorized, water-propelled, and / or airpropelled.[Claim 7.] System as claimed in any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that elevator means (4) consists of revolving lift that transports one or more rider vehicle at one or more elevated levels simultaneously.[Claim 8.] System as claimed in any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that elevator means (4) is a tubular structure wherein the rider vehicle (9) is propelled to different levels using water pressure using water propulsion systems.[Claim 9.] System as claimed in any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that the base conveyor means(2), level conveyor means (7) have pulley and rope mechanism or sprockets and chain mechanism for transporting the rider with rider vehicle.[Claim 10.] System as claimed in any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that selector means (13) is placed at any of the locations of: platform, entry point of the base conveyor means (2), the entry point of elevator means (4), the exit point of elevator means (4), or at entry point of the level conveyor means (7).[Claim 11.] System as claimed in any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that the rider vehicle (9) has brackets for interlocking with the base conveyor means(2), elevator means (4) and / or the level conveyor means (7).

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