Roller mat ride vehicle for a recreational slide

Abstract

A ride vehicle (14) that is configured to support a rider down a non-wet lubricated recreational slide (12) is provided. The ride vehicle (14) includes a flexible body (34) that defines a top surface (40) of the ride vehicle (14) that is configured to contact the rider and a semi-rigid substrate layer (46) attached to the flexible body (34). The substrate layer (46) includes a plurality of roller assemblies (48) that are configured to engage a slide surface (18) of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide (12).

Description

ROLLER MAT RIDE VEHICLE FOR A RECREATIONAL SLIDE Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] The present application claims the filing benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.63 / 697,782, filed September 23, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to recreational slides and, more particularly, to a ride vehicle for use with a dry recreational slide. Background

[0003] Recreational slides, such as dry slides and water slides, provide a popular form of entertainment activity. In that regard, conventional dry or water slides include a slide surface down which a rider descends (i.e., slides) for entertainment. The speed at which the rider descends down the slide is often determinative of the level of entertainment experienced by the rider. For most riders, a fast slide speed (i.e., a fast rate of descent down the slide) is more thrilling compared to a slow slide speed (i.e., a slow rate of descent down the slide), and therefore is more desirable.

[0004] There is a notable difference in slide speed between a water slide and a conventional dry slide. In particular, water slides are typically faster compared to same-sized dry slides as a result of water flow down the slide surface, which in some cases can propel the rider down the slide. Further, the water flow lubricates the slide surface which reduces the coefficient of friction between the rider, or a ride vehicle being used, and the slide surface.

[0005] A dry slide is considered to be any slide that is free of any fluid or wet lubricant flowing down the slide surface and between a rider and the slide surface. A dry slide, as a result of not having a flow of lubricant down the slide surface, may not generate the same slide speed as a same-sized water slide. Furthermore, dry slides are often indoor installations so that they can be used year-round. To that end, height restrictions imposed by the ceiling of a building in which the slide is installed necessitate slides having a shorter height, which can further limit the slide speed of a rider.

[0006] In view of the above, an object of the invention is to provide a ride vehicle for use with a dry recreational slide to improve the speed at which a rider supported by the ride vehicle descends down the slide. Summary

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a ride vehicle configured to support a rider down a non-wet lubricated recreational slide is provided. The ride vehicle includes a flexible body that defines a top surface of the ride vehicle that is configured to contact the rider and a semi-rigid substrate layer attached to the flexible body. The substrate layer includes a plurality of roller assemblies that are configured to engage a slide surface of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, the substrate layer may define a bottom surface of the ride vehicle that is configured to face the non-wet lubricated recreational slide. In another aspect, the plurality of roller assembly may be attached to the substrate layer so as to be arranged on the bottom surface of the ride vehicle. The substrate layer may be removably attached to the flexible body of the ride vehicle. In one aspect, the substrate layer may be a sheet of material.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, each of the plurality of roller assemblies may include a ball wheel that is configured to freely rotate omnidirectionally. In one aspect, the plurality of roller assemblies may be evenly distributed in an array across the substrate layer of the ride vehicle. For example, the plurality of roller assemblies may be spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction and / or a lateral direction to define an array of roller assemblies.

[0010] In yet another aspect of the invention, the substrate layer may be semi- rigid, being more rigid than the flexible body of the ride vehicle. For example, the substrate layer may be formed of a material having a modulus of elasticity that is within a range of between about 0.15 GPa to about 5 GPa. In another aspect, the flexible body of the ride vehicle may be formed of a material having a modulus of elasticity that is within a range of between about 0.001 GPa to about 0.1 GPa. For example, the flexible body may comprise a composite closed cell or open cell foam pad. In yet another aspect, the ride vehicle may further comprise a fabric layer that defines the top surface of the ride vehicle.

[0011] In another aspect of the invention, the plurality of roller elements may be configured to support the bottom surface of the ride vehicle over the slide surface of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide. According to one aspect, the plurality of roller elements and the bottom surface of the ride vehicle may both be configured to engage the slide surface of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the plurality of roller assemblies may comprise a plurality of ball wheels, and the substrate layer may include a plurality of sockets integrally formed therein. Each socket may be configured to retain one of the plurality of ball wheels such that the one of the plurality of ball wheels freely rotates within the socket. In yet another aspect, the substrate layer may be embedded within the flexible body of the ride vehicle. For example, each of the plurality of roller assemblies may include a housing that defines a socket and a ball wheel rotatably retained within the socket. The housing of each of the plurality of wheel assemblies may be attached to the substrate layer of the ride vehicle such that the ball is exposed from a bottom surface of the ride vehicle to engage the slide surface of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide.

[0013] According to one aspect, the substrate layer includes a thickness of about 3 mm to about 8 mm.

[0014] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the substrate layer may comprise a chain mat including a plurality of linkages that are coupled together at joints. Each of the plurality of linkages may include at least one of the plurality of roller assemblies. For instance, the plurality of roller assemblies may each comprise a ball wheel rotatably supported within a linkage of the chain mat.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, a recreational slide system is provided including the ride vehicle according to any one of the aspects described above and a non-wet lubricated recreational slide including a slide body with a slide surface that extends between a top entrance of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide and a bottom exit of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide.20. According to one aspect, the slide body of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide is molded to have a fixed shape and includes a maximum slope of 5° or less.

[0016] Various additional features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description of one or more illustrative embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to describe the one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0018] Fig.1 is a perspective view of a ride vehicle for use with a dry recreational slide having a slide surface over which a rider supported on the ride vehicle is configured to slide in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Fig.2 is a perspective view of the ride vehicle of Fig.1.

[0020] Fig.2A is a partial cross-sectional view of a side of the ride vehicle of Figs. 1 and 2 in accordance with one embodiment, illustrating an exemplary seam of the ride vehicle.

[0021] Fig.2B is a partial cross-sectional view of a side of the ride vehicle of Figs. 1 and 2 in accordance with one embodiment, illustrating an exemplary seam of the ride vehicle.

[0022] Fig.3 is a perspective view of the underside of the ride vehicle of Figs.1 and 2, illustrating a plurality of roller assemblies arranged on a bottom surface of the ride vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig.3A is an enlarged diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a section of the ride vehicle of Figs.1-3, illustrating additional details of one roller assembly.

[0024] Fig.4 is a partial disassembled perspective view of the underside of the ride vehicle of Figs.1-3A, illustrating assembly of a substrate layer that includes the roller assemblies to the body of the ride vehicle.

[0025] Fig.5 is a diagrammatic side view of the ride vehicle of Figs.1-5 in a flexed state as it travels along a curved slide surface.

[0026] Fig.6 is a perspective view of a substrate layer for use with a ride vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig.7 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the substrate layer of Fig. 6, illustrating a plurality ball wheels retained in sockets formed in the substrate layer.

[0028] Fig.8 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a section of a ride vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig.9 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a section of a ride vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.Detailed Description

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a ride vehicle for use with a dry recreational slide, otherwise referred to as a non-wet lubricated slide. Together, the ride vehicle and the slide may form a slide system. The ride vehicle is configured to support a rider traveling or descending down the slide and includes a plurality of roller assemblies that are configured to be positioned between the rider and the slide surface for sliding down the slide. In one embodiment, the roller assemblies may be in the form of a ball wheel or bearing that is freely rotatable, omnidirectionally, particularly relative to the ride vehicle. For example, each roller assembly may be supported by the ride vehicle such that a ball wheel of each assembly is configured to engage and roll along a slide surface of the dry recreational slide as the rider descends down the slide on the ride vehicle. To that end, the roller assemblies are configured to interact with the slide surface of the dry recreational slide, resulting in a reduced coefficient of friction between the ride vehicle and surfaces of the slide, compared to a ride vehicle without roller assemblies, for example. In that regard, the roller assemblies permit portions of the ride vehicle to roll rather than slide over the slide surface, thereby reducing friction between the ride vehicle and the slide surface. The roller assemblies also reduce the surface area of the bottom surface of the ride vehicle that is in contact with the slide surface, which also reduces the friction between the bottom surface of the ride vehicle and the slide surface. As a result, the rider is provided with an improved (i.e., faster) rate of descent down the slide, compared to a ride vehicle without roller assemblies, for example. These and other aspects of the present invention will be described in further detail below.

[0031] As will be understood by a person skilled in the art, the coefficient of friction between two surfaces is the ratio of the frictional force between the two surfaces to the normal force pressing the surfaces together. That is, Coefficient of Friction (μ) = Force of Friction (F) / Normal Force (N). The coefficient of friction between the ride vehicle and the slide surface may be described in terms of static and kinetic (or sliding) coefficient of friction, and rolling friction. The coefficient of rolling friction may be expressed as Coefficient of Rolling Friction (μr) = Force of Rolling Friction (Fr) / Normal Force (N). Rolling friction typically results in lower frictional forces compared to kinetic and static friction.

[0032] The coefficient of friction between two surfaces is determined using the American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) Coefficient of Friction ASTM D1894 standard test method (July, 2023), which is used to determine both kinetic (moving) and static (starting) coefficient of friction of one surface being dragged across another. The ASTM D1894 test method can be found at www.astm.org. For the ASTM D1894 test, the material specimen is attached to a sled of defined weight. This sled is pulled across another surface at a speed of 136 mm / minute. The force required to start the sled is measured to get the static friction. The force required to maintain the motion of the sled is measured to get the kinetic friction. ASTM G194-08 (2018) is a standard test method for measuring rolling friction characteristics of a spherical shape on a flat horizontal plane, and is used to determine the rolling friction characteristics of a given spherical shape, such as a ball wheel, on a given surface. The ASTM G194-08 test method can be found at www.astm.org.

[0033] Referring now to the figures, Fig.1 illustrates a slide system 10 including an exemplary non-wet lubricated (i.e., dry lubricated) recreational slide 12 and a ride vehicle 14 configured to be positioned between a rider and slide surfaces of the slide 12 for sliding down the slide 12. In that regard, the slide 12 includes a slide body 16 that defines a slide surface 18. The exemplary slide body 16 is pre-formed or molded to have a fixed shape and may be formed of a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), such as fiberglass, for example. However, the slide body 16 may be formed of other suitable materials such as Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), High- Density Polyethylene (HDPE), or other type of moldable thermoplastic material, for example. The slide body 16 may further include a dry lubricant material to improve the lubricity of the slide surface 18, such as the coating described in Application No. 18 / 349,347 (owned by the Assignee of the present disclosure), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0034] By non-wet lubricated, it is meant that the slide body 16, and more particularly the slide surface 18, is free of any fluid or wet lubricant flowing down the slide surface 18 and between the ride vehicle 14 and the slide surface 18. To this end, the recreational slide 12 is not a water slide. However, the slide surface 18 may be periodically conditioned with oil, such as silicone oil, for example, as part of on- going maintenance of the recreational slide 12. While aspects of the present invention are shown and described in the context of a certain type or configuration ofslide 12, it will be understood that the same inventive concepts, and particularly those related to aspects of the ride vehicle 14, may be implemented with different non-wet lubricated slide designs. To this end, the drawings are not intended to be limiting.

[0035] With continued reference to Fig.1, the slide 12 includes the slide body 16 which extends between a top entrance 20 of the slide 12 to an opposite bottom exit 22 to define a length of the slide 12. The slide body 16 is sloped between the top entrance 20 and the bottom exit 22 of the slide 12. In that regard, the slope or gradient of the slide body 16 refers to the angle of inclination or steepness of the slide body 16, such as the slide surface 18, relative to a horizontal reference plane. The slope quantifies how sharply the slide surface 18 descends or ascends along its path, and may be expressed as a ratio of vertical rise (or drop) to horizontal run, a percentage, or an angle in degrees. The slope of the slide body 16 directly influences the speed of a rider traveling down the slide 12, with steeper slopes generally resulting in faster descents and more thrilling experiences for riders. As shown, the slope of the slide body 16 may vary along the length of the slide 12, incorporating different angles or slopes to create a dynamic riding experience.

[0036] As will be described in further detail below, the ride vehicle 14 of the present invention includes a plurality of roller assemblies that provide the ability to achieve a comparable rate of descent for a rider traveling down a low-sloped or minimally inclined slide (e.g., less than 15° of slope and, for example, about 5° of slope) on the ride vehicle 14 as compared to a conventional ride vehicle without roller assemblies descending a more steeply sloped slide (e.g., 15° of slope or greater), such as the exemplary slide 12 shown in Fig.1. For example, a ride vehicle without roller assemblies may require a slide with a slope of at least 15° to achieve a sufficient rate of descent for entertainment purposes. In contrast, a ride vehicle 14 with roller assemblies may be used with slides having a much shallower slope or gradient, such as 5° or less, for example. To that end, one benefit of the present invention is that the ride vehicle 14 provides for a rate of descent down a low-sloped or minimally inclined slide (e.g., less than 15° of slope) that is suitable for entertainment purposes. That is, the ride vehicle 14 provides a thrilling ride experience on a slide 12 with a slide body 16 having a fixed shape and a maximum slope of 5° or less.

[0037] The slide body 16 of the exemplary slide 12 shown in Fig.1 forms a chute that is generally defined by a base wall 24 and a pair of opposite sidewalls 26a, 26b. As shown, the base wall 24 generally defines the slide surface 18 down which a rider may slide. The sidewalls 26a, 26b serve to contain the rider within the slide 12 as the rider travels down the slide 12 along the slide surface 18, but may also form part of the slide surface 18. The slide 12 may further include a cover 28 attached to the body 16 of the slide 12 adjacent the top entrance 20. The cover 28 cooperates with the slide body 16 to form a tunnel through which a rider passes as the rider enters the slide 12 at the top entrance 20 and begins to descend down the slide 12. The slide 12 may further include a plurality of supports 30 configured to support the slide 12 above a mount surface to which the supports 30 are attached, such as a cement floor, for example. The slide 12 may also include a mounting flange 32 at the top entrance 20 of the slide 12 that is configured to secure the slide 12 to a ladder or tower structure used by riders to access the slide 12, for example.

[0038] In use, a rider enters the slide 12 via the top entrance 20, travels down the slide body 16 along the slide surface 18, and subsequently exits the slide 12 at the bottom exit 22. In particular, the rider rides down the slide 12 on the ride vehicle 14 which is configured to be positioned between the slide surface 18 and the rider. The rider may ride down slide 12 on the ride vehicle 14 on their stomach with their head traveling down the slide 12 first, for example. As will be described in further detail below, the ride vehicle 14 includes a plurality of roller assemblies arranged on a bottom surface of the ride vehicle 14 that cooperate with the slide surface 18 to achieve an improved, i.e., faster, rate of descent down a same-sloped slide as compared to a ride vehicle without roller assemblies, for example.

[0039] Referring now to Fig.2, the ride vehicle 14 is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The ride vehicle 14, which may otherwise be referred to as a slide mat, includes a flexible elongate body 34 that extends between a first end 36 and an opposite second end 38 to define a longitudinal length of the ride vehicle 14. The first end 36 of the body 34 may form the front of the ride vehicle 14, for example. The body 34 further includes a top surface 40 and an opposite bottom surface 42. The top surface 40 is configured to be in contact with a rider and includes a pair of handles 44 at the first end 36 configured to be gripped by the rider. The pair of handles 44 may be attached to the top surface 40 of the ride vehicle 14 such as by stitching, for example. The bottom surface 42 of the ridevehicle 14 is defined by at least one flexible or semi-rigid substrate layer 46 (“substrate layer 46”), such as a plate or sheet of material, to which a plurality of roller assemblies 48 (e.g., Fig.3) may be attached. In the embodiment shown, the at least one substrate layer 46 forms the bottom surface 42 of the ride vehicle 14. The plurality of roller assemblies 48 are configured to engage and roll along the slide surface 18, as will be described in further detail below.

[0040] The shape of the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 is generally defined by a flexible central core 50. In one embodiment, the central core 50 may be enclosed or covered by a fabric, wear-resistant material 52, such as Neoprene or a similar synthetic fabric, which forms the top surface 40 of the ride vehicle 14. As shown in Fig.2A, a layer of fabric material 52 may be positioned atop and beneath the central core 50 and coupled together at a seam 53 that extends about a peripheral sidewall 55 of the ride vehicle 14. The seam 53 may extend about the entirety of the peripheral sidewall 55, for example.

[0041] In the embodiment shown in Fig.2A, the substrate layer 46 is disposed between the central core 50 and the layer of fabric material 52 on the underside of the ride vehicle 14. The substrate layer 46 may be sealed within the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 by the seam 53 extending about the periphery of the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14. The roller assemblies 48 may extend through the fabric layer 52 on the underside of the ride vehicle 14. In this embodiment, the seam 53 may be formed as a zipper to provide selective access to the substrate layer 46 within the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 for maintenance activities, as will be described in further detail below. Fig.2B illustrates an alternative embodiment of the ride vehicle 14 in which the fabric material 52 on the underside of the ride vehicle 14 is positioned between the substrate layer 46 and the central core 50 of the ride vehicle 14. In this embodiment, the central core 50 is sealed within the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 between layers of fabric material 52 by the seam 53 extending about the periphery of the body 34. The substrate layer 46 is attached to the fabric material 52 on the underside of the ride vehicle 14 such that the substrate layer 46 is exposed at the underside of the ride vehicle 14. In this embodiment, the substrate layer 46 is generally directly accessible for maintenance activities, for example.

[0042] As shown in Fig.2, the flexible body 34 and in particular the central core 50 may be generally rectangular in shape. However, the central core 50 and thus the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 may be formed in other shapes, such as polygonalshapes or circular shapes, for example. The central core 50 may comprise a flexible material, such as a composite closed cell or open cell foam pad, for example, to provide the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 with a flexible configuration, as may be desired. To that end, the central core 50 provides a soft support between the rider and the substrate layer 46 and slide 12 for comfort during use of the ride vehicle 14.

[0043] Fig.3 is a schematic perspective view of the underside of the ride vehicle 14, illustrating the substrate layer 46 of the ride vehicle 14 and the plurality of roller assemblies 48 arranged thereon. For clarity, certain features, including the fabric material 52, are omitted from the depiction of the ride vehicle 14 in Fig.3. As shown, the roller assemblies 48 are attached to the substrate layer 46 so as to be evenly distributed in an array across the substrate layer 46. In that regard, the plurality of roller assemblies 48 are spaced apart from one another in both a longitudinal direction along the substrate layer 46 (i.e., a direction between the first end 36 and the second end 38 of the ride vehicle 14), and in a transverse lateral direction, to form the array. The plurality of roller assemblies 48 may be arranged in rows and / or columns, for example. Alternatively, the roller assemblies 48 may be randomly distributed along the substrate layer 46, distributed in groups along the substrate layer 46 (e.g., Fig.4), or concentrated in certain areas along the substrate layer 46 such as near the first end 36, second end 38, and / or the middle of the ride vehicle 14, for example.

[0044] With reference to Figs.3 and 3A, each roller assembly 48 includes a housing 54 that includes an interior socket 56 (e.g., Fig.8) that is configured to rotatably receive and retain a roller or ball wheel 58 of the roller assembly 48. In particular, a portion of the ball wheel 58 may extend from the socket 56 of the housing 54 to engage and roll along surfaces over which the ride vehicle 14 travels, such as the slide surface 18, for example. The socket 56 may be integrally formed within the housing 54 to form a ball-and-socket joint with the ball wheel 58. The ball wheel 58 is retained within the socket 56 which may include ball bearings 60 to facilitate rotation of the ball wheel 58 therein (e.g., Fig.8). To that end, each ball wheel 58 is configured to freely rotate omnidirectionally within the housing 54 and relative to the ride vehicle 14. The housing 54 may further include a mounting flange 62 for attaching the housing 54 to a surface, such as the substrate layer 46. As shown, each roller assembly 48 is secured to the substrate layer 46 with one or more fasteners 64. It is understood that various configurations of roller assemblies 48 arepossible, and that the overall size of the roller assemblies 48 may be scaled to accommodate different sliding applications. As such, the drawings are not intended to be limiting.

[0045] With reference to Fig.4, the substrate layer 46 is configured to be removably attached to an underside 66 of the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 to provide the ride vehicle 14 with a one-piece configuration. In the embodiment shown, the substrate layer 46 is attached to the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 using a combination of strips of hook-and-loop fasteners (also known as Velcro®), illustrated, as attachment strips 68. As shown, the attachment strips 68 are adhered or otherwise secured to the underside 66 of the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14. The underside 66 of the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 may be defined directly by the core 50, or the underside 66 may include an intermediate layer of material, such as the fabric material 52, as described above. Corresponding attachment strips 68 (not shown) are adhered or otherwise secured to the substrate layer 46. The substrate layer 46 may be disposed on top of the underside 66 of the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14, with the corresponding attachment strips 68 aligned, to attach the substrate layer 46 to the underside 66 of the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14.

[0046] One benefit of having the substrate layer 46 be removable from the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 is the reduction of operational costs associated with the use and maintenance of the ride vehicle 14. For example, should one or more roller assemblies 48 become damaged or cease to function properly, such as from normal wear and tear due to use, the substrate layer 46 may be easily removed to replace the damaged roller assembly 48 or roller assemblies 48. The substrate layer 46 may then be easily reattached to the ride vehicle 14, and the ride vehicle 14 returned to service with minimal costs associated with the repair. This prevents the need to replace the entire ride vehicle 14 as a result of having one or more damaged roller assemblies 48. However, it will be understood that the substrate layer 46 may be permanently attached to the underside 66 of the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14, such as with adhesive, for example.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the substrate layer 46 is a flexible or semi-rigid unitary sheet of material. In that regard, the substrate layer 46 may be formed of plastic or polymer material, such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Polyamide (PA orNylon), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyethylene glycol (PEG), Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polyurethane (PU), Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or other similar engineered plastic or polymer, or combinations thereof, for example. Alternatively, the substrate layer 46 may be formed from a composite material, such as fiberglass or carbon fiber, for example. In the embodiment shown, the substrate layer 46 may have a thickness of about 3 millimeters to about 8 millimeters (mm), as measured from a top surface to a bottom surface of the substrate layer 46.

[0048] The substrate layer 46 may be sized to have the same or similar footprint as compared to the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 so as to cover the entirety of the underside 66 of the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14, as shown. The substrate layer 46, while still flexible, is more rigid than compared to the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14, and in particular foam core 50. In terms of flexibility, the substrate layer 46 may be considered semi-rigid, whereas the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14, including the foam core 50, is highly flexible. The difference in flexibility between the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 and the substrate layer 46 may be quantified in terms of the modulus of elasticity of the materials that make up those components.

[0049] The modulus of elasticity, also referred to as Young’s modulus, is defined as the ratio of stress to strain within the elastic range of deformation of a material. Unless otherwise specified, modulus values are understood to refer to measurements taken at room temperature (approximately 55–85 °F). For typical metals, modulus of elasticity is in the range of between about 45 GPa (Gigapascal) to about 407 GPa. For typical plastics, the modulus of elasticity ranges between about 0.2 GPa to about 4.0 GPa. For instance, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is at the lower end of this range, while epoxy resins are at the higher end of this range. For typical woods, the modulus of elasticity ranges between about 7 GPa to about 20 GPa. For typical foams and rubbers, the modulus of elasticity ranges between 0.001 GPa to 0.1 GPa. It is preferable that the modulus of elasticity of the substrate layer 46 be within a range of between about 0.1 GPa to about 10 GPa, and more particularly within a range of between about 0.15 GPa to about 5 GPa, for example. The substrate layer 46, having a modulus of elasticity preferably within a range of between about 0.15 GPa to about 5 GPa, provides the ride vehicle 14 with sufficient rigidity to enable the ride vehicle 14 to travel over the slide surface 18 during use, yetnot flex to the point where the substrate layer 46 sags to contact the slide surface 18 creating unnecessary friction or drag. To that end, the ball wheels 58 of the roller assemblies 48 may be the only part of the ride vehicle 14 in contact with the slide surface 18 during use.

[0050] As shown in Fig.5, the ride vehicle 14, and particularly the substrate layer 46, is configured to temporarily flex or deform to accommodate an exemplary turn or curve 70 in the slide surface 18 of the slide 12. This may occur where the slide surface 18 transitions between slopes, such as from a steep drop to a flat runout, for example. Regardless, the flexibility of the substrate layer 46 ensures continuous contact between the roller assemblies 48 of the ride vehicle 14 and the slide surface 18 throughout the curve 70. After navigating the curve 70 in the slide surface 18, the ride vehicle 14, including the substrate layer 46, generally returns to its original, unflexed state (e.g., Fig.3) while continuing to maintain contact between the roller assemblies 48 and the slide surface 18. The substrate layer 46 provides the ride vehicle 14 with the ability to adapt to the contours of the slide surface 18, while neither underflexing nor overflexing to the point where the substrate layer 46 contacts the slide surface 18, which would create unnecessary friction or drag during use.

[0051] Referring now to Figs.6 and 7, where like reference numerals represent like features compared to the embodiment of the ride vehicle 14 described above with respect to Figs.1-5, the substrate layer 46 is shown in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In that regard, the substrate layer 46 is formed with a plurality of sockets 72, each containing a ball wheel or bearing 58 that rotates freely within the socket 72, allowing for omnidirectional movement of the ball wheel 58 relative to the ride vehicle 14. As shown, a portion of the ball wheel 58 may extend from each socket 72 to engage and roll along surfaces over which the ride vehicle 14 travels, such as the slide surface 18, for example. Each socket 72 is integrally formed in the substrate layer 46 and forms a ball-and-socket joint with the ball wheel 58. To that end, the ball wheel 58 is retained within a respective socket 72 which may define a race and may further include ball bearings to facilitate rotation of the ball wheel 58 therein.

[0052] As shown in Fig.6, the plurality of socket 72 and ball wheel 58 combinations are evenly distributed in an array across the substrate layer 46. In particular, the sockets 72 are spaced apart both longitudinally along the substratelayer 46 (i.e., from the first end 36 to the second end 38 of the ride vehicle 14) and transversely in a lateral direction, forming a grid-like array. The socket 72 and ball wheel 58 combinations may be arranged in rows and / or columns, for example. Alternatively, the socket 72 and ball wheel 58 combinations may be randomly distributed along the substrate layer 46, distributed in groups along the substrate layer 46, or concentrated in certain areas along the substrate layer 46 such as near the first end 36, second end 38, and / or the middle of the ride vehicle 14, for example.

[0053] The substrate layer 46 shown in Figs.6 and 7 may be removably attached to the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14, such as in the manner described above with respect to Fig.4, for example. Alternatively, the substrate layer 46 may be integrated within the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14. For example, the foam core 50 of the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 may be directly adhered to a top surface 74 of the substrate layer 46. The fabric, wear-resistant layer of material 52 may then be applied over the foam core 50 and partially or fully over the substrate layer 46 to from the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 (e.g., Fig.2A). In one embodiment, the bottom surface 42 of the ride vehicle 14, defined by the substrate layer 46, may remain uncovered by the fabric material 52 (e.g., Fig.2B).

[0054] Referring now to Fig.8, where like reference numerals represent like features compared to the embodiment of the ride vehicle 14 described above with respect to Figs.1-5, a diagrammatic cross-section of the ride vehicle 14 is shown in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. For clarity, certain features, including the fabric material 52, are omitted from the depiction of the ride vehicle 14 in Fig.8. The primary difference between the embodiment of the ride vehicle 14 shown in Fig.8 and the ride vehicle 14 shown in Figs.1-5 is the location of the substrate layer 46. In Fig.8, the substrate layer 46 is embedded within the foam core 50 of the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14, compared to being removably attached to the underside 66 of the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14, as shown in Figs. 1-5. As shown in Fig.8, the substrate layer 46 is situated within a central pocket or cavity 76 formed in the foam core 50 of the ride vehicle 14 so as to be enveloped or surrounded by the foam core 50. That is, the foam core 50 extends at least both above and below the substrate layer 46.

[0055] The core 50 of the ride vehicle 14 further includes a plurality of bores 78 that extend through the core 50 from the bottom surface 42 to the central pocket 76. Each bore 78 is configured to receive a respective roller assembly 48, as shown. Inparticular, each roller assembly 48 is configured to be received within a respect bore 78 and attached to the substrate layer 46. Each roller assembly 48 may be secured to the substrate layer 46 using various attachment means, such as snap-fit, threading, or bolting, for example. For instance, a portion of the housing 54 of each roller assembly 48 may be externally threaded for threading into an internally threaded opening 80 formed in the substrate layer 46. To that end, each roller assembly 48 may be received into a corresponding bore 78 and threaded into engagement with the substrate layer 46 for attachment to the ride vehicle 14.

[0056] With continued reference to Fig.8, each roller assembly 48 is secured to the substrate such that a majority of the housing 54 of each roller assembly 48 is received into the bore 78 and recessed into the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14. As shown, only a portion of each housing 54 and in particular the ball wheel 58 of each roller assembly 48 may extend from the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 to engage and roll along surfaces over which the ride vehicle 14 travels, such as the slide surface 18, for example. As a result of the roller assemblies 48 being recessed into the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14, the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 may sit lower and thus closer to surfaces over which the ride vehicle 14 travels during use. Thus, the bottom surface 42 of the ride vehicle 14 may contact to the slide surface 18 during use. Even so, the roller assemblies 48 permit portions of the bottom surface 42 of the ride vehicle 14 to roll rather than slide over the slide surface 18, reducing friction between the bottom surface 42 of the ride vehicle 14 and the slide surface 18 as compared to a ride vehicle without roller assemblies 48, for example. This is because the roller assemblies 48 interact with the slide surface 18, providing a smoother contact point and lowering the coefficient of friction compared to a ride vehicle without roller assemblies 48. Like the embodiment of the ride vehicle 14 described above with respect to Figs.1-5, the substrate layer 46 provides the ride vehicle 14 shown in Fig. 8 with the necessary rigidity for the vehicle to traverse the slide surface 18, flexing to accommodate turns or curves to maintain contact between the roller assemblies 48 and the slide surface 18, and then returning to its original, unflexed state.

[0057] Referring now to Fig.9, where like reference numerals represent like features compared to the embodiment of the ride vehicle 14 described above with respect to Figs.1-5, a diagrammatic cross-section of the ride vehicle 14 is shown in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. For clarity, certain features, including the fabric material 52, are omitted from the depiction of the ridevehicle 14 in Fig.9. The primary difference between the embodiment of the ride vehicle 14 shown in Fig.9 and the ride vehicle 14 shown in Figs.1-5 is the configuration of the substrate layer 46. In Fig.9, the substrate layer 46 is in the form of a flexible chain mat 82 that includes individual rows that are defined by a plurality of flat links 84 which are hingedly coupled together about hinge points by a hinge element 86. The links 84 hinge with respect to each other to provide the necessary flexibility to the ride vehicle 14 to traverse the slide surface 18, flexing to accommodate turns or curves. The links 84 are each configured to contain and support a freely rotating ball wheel 58 that rotates omnidirectionally within the link 84. More specifically, each row of links 84 defines a row of ball wheels 58, with the rows of links 84 being connected together end-to-end, and in a side-by-side arrangement, to form the chain mat 82 and a grid of ball wheels 58 that move and operate in the chain mat 82 during use of the ride vehicle 14.

[0058] The chain mat 82 may be attached to the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 so as to be arranged on the underside 66 of the ride vehicle 14, as shown. The chain mat 82 may be attached to the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 in the manner described above with respect to Fig.4, for example. Alternatively, the chain mat 82 may be integrated within the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14. For example, the foam core 50 of the body 34 of the ride vehicle 14 may be directly adhered to the chain mat 82, specifically to a flexible cage or housing 88 configured to space the chain mat 82 away from the wheels 58 so that the wheels 58 are able to rotate without obstruction from the central core 50. In one embodiment, the links 84 may be sized to form the cage 88. The links 84 of the chain mat 82 may be formed of plastic or polymer material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), ultra- high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Polyamide (PA or Nylon), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyethylene glycol (PEG), Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polyurethane (PU), Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or other similar engineered plastic or polymer, or combinations thereof, for example.

[0059] Further aspects of the present disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0060] A ride vehicle configured to support a rider traveling down a non-wet lubricated recreational slide, the ride vehicle comprising: a flexible body that definesa top surface of the ride vehicle that is configured to contact the rider; and a substrate layer attached to the flexible body, the substrate layer including a plurality of roller assemblies, the plurality of roller assemblies being configured to engage a slide surface of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide.

[0061] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the substrate layer defines a bottom surface of the ride vehicle that is configured to face the non-wet lubricated recreational slide.

[0062] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of roller assembly are attached to the substrate layer so as to be arranged on the bottom surface of the ride vehicle.

[0063] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the substrate layer is removably attached to the flexible body of the ride vehicle.

[0064] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the substrate layer is a sheet of material.

[0065] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein each of the plurality of roller assemblies each include a ball wheel that is configured to freely rotate omnidirectionally.

[0066] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of roller assemblies are evenly distributed in an array across the substrate layer of the ride vehicle.

[0067] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of roller assemblies are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction and / or a lateral direction to define the array of roller assemblies.

[0068] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the substrate layer is semi-rigid, being more rigid than the flexible body of the ride vehicle.

[0069] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the substrate layer is formed of a material having a modulus of elasticity that is within a range of between about 0.1 GPa to about 5 GPa.

[0070] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the flexible body of the ride vehicle is formed of a material having a modulus of elasticity that is within a range of between about 0.001 GPa to about 0.1 GPa.

[0071] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the flexible body comprises a composite closed cell or open cell foam pad.

[0072] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, further comprising a fabric layer that defines the top surface of the ride vehicle.

[0073] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of roller elements are configured to support the bottom surface of the ride vehicle over the slide surface of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide.

[0074] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of roller elements and the bottom surface of the ride vehicle are both configured to engage the slide surface of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide.

[0075] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of roller assemblies comprise a plurality of ball wheels, and wherein substrate layer includes a plurality of sockets integrally formed therein, each socket being configured to retain one of the plurality of ball wheels such that the one of the plurality of ball wheels freely rotates within the socket.

[0076] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the substrate layer is embedded within the flexible body of the ride vehicle.

[0077] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein each of the plurality of roller assemblies includes a housing that defines a socket and a ball wheel rotatably retained within the socket, the housing of each of the plurality of wheel assemblies being attached to the substrate layer of the ride vehicle such that the ball is exposed from a bottom surface of the ride vehicle to engage the slide surface of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide.

[0078] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the substrate layer includes a thickness of about 3 mm to about 8 mm.

[0079] The ride vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the substrate layer comprises a chain mat including a plurality of linkages that are coupled together at joints, each of the plurality of linkages including at least one of the plurality of roller assemblies.

[0080] The ride vehicle of claim any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of roller assemblies each comprise a ball wheel rotatably supported within one linkage of the plurality of linkages of the chain mat.

[0081] A recreational slide system, comprising: the ride vehicle of any preceding clause; and a non-wet lubricated recreational slide including a slide body with a slide surface that extends between a top entrance of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide and a bottom exit of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide.

[0082] The recreational slide system of any preceding clause, wherein the slide body is molded to have a fixed shape and includes a maximum slope of 5° or less.

[0083] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and / or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin.

[0084] While the invention has been illustrated by the description of various embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Thus, the various features discussed herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope of the general inventive concept. WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

Claims

1. A ride vehicle configured to support a rider traveling down a non-wet lubricated recreational slide, the ride vehicle comprising: a flexible body that defines a top surface of the ride vehicle that is configured to contact the rider; and a substrate layer attached to the flexible body, the substrate layer including a plurality of roller assemblies, the plurality of roller assemblies being configured to engage a slide surface of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide.

2. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein the substrate layer defines a bottom surface of the ride vehicle that is configured to face the non-wet lubricated recreational slide.

3. The ride vehicle of claim 2, wherein the plurality of roller assembly are attached to the substrate layer so as to be arranged on the bottom surface of the ride vehicle.

4. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein the substrate layer is removably attached to the flexible body of the ride vehicle.

5. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein the substrate layer is a sheet of material.

6. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of roller assemblies each include a ball wheel that is configured to freely rotate omnidirectionally.

7. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of roller assemblies are evenly distributed in an array across the substrate layer of the ride vehicle.

8. The ride vehicle of claim 7, wherein the plurality of roller assemblies are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction and / or a lateral direction to define the array of roller assemblies.

9. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein the substrate layer is semi-rigid, being more rigid than the flexible body of the ride vehicle.

10. The ride vehicle of claim 9, wherein the substrate layer is formed of a material having a modulus of elasticity that is within a range of between about 0.15 GPa to about 5 GPa.

11. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein the flexible body of the ride vehicle is formed of a material having a modulus of elasticity that is within a range of between about 0.001 GPa to about 0.1 GPa.

12. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein the flexible body comprises a composite closed cell or open cell foam pad.

13. The ride vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a fabric layer that defines the top surface of the ride vehicle.

14. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of roller elements are configured to support the bottom surface of the ride vehicle over the slide surface of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide.

15. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of roller elements and the bottom surface of the ride vehicle are both configured to engage the slide surface of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide.

16. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein the substrate layer includes a thickness of about 3 mm to about 8 mm.

17. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein the substrate layer is embedded within the flexible body of the ride vehicle.

18. The ride vehicle of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of roller assemblies includes a housing that defines a socket and a ball wheel rotatably retained within the socket, the housing of each of the plurality of wheel assembliesbeing attached to the substrate layer of the ride vehicle such that the ball is exposed from a bottom surface of the ride vehicle to engage the slide surface of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide.

19. A recreational slide system, comprising: the ride vehicle of claim 1; and a non-wet lubricated recreational slide including a slide body with a slide surface that extends between a top entrance of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide and a bottom exit of the non-wet lubricated recreational slide.

20. The recreational slide system of claim 19, wherein the slide body is molded to have a fixed shape and includes a maximum slope of 5° or less.

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