CA2390240A1

CA2390240A1 - Water flow activated switch

Info

Publication number: CA2390240A1
Application number: CA002390240A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Wyeth Tracy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-06-11
Filing date: 2002-06-11
Publication date: 2003-12-11

Abstract

A water flow activated switch is adapted to emit a water flow, and which is operated by a user obstructing the water flow therefrom. The switch includes one or more water outlets of a size which permits at least partial blockage by the user. A primary conduit tube or passage is used to fluidly connect the water outlet to a water source and defines a flow path along which, under normal flow conditions, water moves from the water source to the outlet, and outwardly therefrom as the water flow. A sensor is provided in selective fluid communication with the primary conduit. The sensor is located out of the flow path that it remains substantially inactivated during normal flow conditions, and wherein the blockage of the outlet results in a redirection of water flow to activate the sensor. The sensor is electrically coupled to a controller operable to send control signals to operate one or more electrically operated elements, such as lighting apparatus, sound apparatus, and/or electromechanical valves which regulate water flow to a water play element.

Description

i~ u.i~ n i ~i WATER FLOW ACTIVATED SWITCH
SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a water flow activated switch, and more preferably a water flow activated switch which, for example, may be used by play participants to control water play elements in amusement parks, water parks and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of water play elements in water parks, spray parks, amusement parks and water amusement parks (hereinafter collectively referred to as water parks) is becoming more and more common. Such water play elements frequently include, by way of non-limiting examples, structures which are adapted to produce patterns of water spray or flow to create visual and/or cooling effects for the user. Conventional water play elements include water nozzles, tipping buckets, spray daisies, water slides, spray fountains and fans and water spray arches, as well as water curtains and the like.
To conserve water and energy, and to provide a more interactive play area which permits more direct control by the users, water play elements frequently include switches which enable the selective activation of water flow or deactivation by the users themselves. Conventionally, water play element switches consist of rubber sealed push-buttons or pressure pads which are mounted on an exterior surface of the water play element structure. In addition to creating an unsightly appearance, conventional push-button and pressure pad-type switches suffer the disadvantage in that over time the physical wear caused by repeated pressure on the switches cause the buttons to either jam in a continuously closed position, whereby the water play elements operate on a continuous full-time basis, resulting in water wastage and energy loss, or alternately, the buttons fail altogether.

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2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention seeks to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of prior art switches by providing a switch for use in controlling the flow of water to one or more water play elements in a water park. In operation, the switch provides a water flow such as a water jet, water cascade, stream or spray, which when interrupted or otherwise blocked by a play participant or user activates valuing to alter the operation of one or more of the water play elements.
Another object of the invention is to provide one or more water flow activated switches which are suitable for installation housed within a water play element for a water park, and which permit greater interaction and participatory play by the water park users.
Another object of the invention is to provide a switch used in controlling the operation of one or more electrical devices, and which is adapted to provide a water flow, so as to be operated by a user selectively interrupting the flow of water.
Another object of the invention is to provide a water flow activated switch which includes a pressure sensor, an electrical contact sensor and/or an optical sensor used to determine a change in water flow characteristics, and which provides control signals in response to the sensed characteristic.
A further object of the invention is to provide a water play element for a water park, and which incorporates a user or play participant operated switch which is adapted to emit a water flow therefrom, and which is used to activate or deactivate the water play element water features by the user at least partially obstructing the water flow therefrom.
The present invention provides a water flow activated switch which is adapted to emit as a water flow, a water jet, stream, spray cascade or other flow of water, and which is operated by one or more users at least partially obstructing the water flow therefrom. The switch includes In ~., Ii i~~i I. ~~~ I RI

3 one or more water outlets which have a size and shape selected to permit their at least partial blockage by a user, and more preferably, are sized to permit blockage by the users' hands and/or fingers. In a simplified construction, a primary conduit tube or passage is used to fluidly connect the water outlet or outlets to a water source. The primary conduit preferably defines a flow path which, under a normal flow condition when the outlet or outlets remain unobstructed, water moves from the water source to the outlets, and outwardly therefrom as the jet, cascade, stream, spray or other water flow.
A sensor is provided in selective fluid communication with the primary conduit. The sensor is located so as to be sufficiently out of the flow path that it remains substantially inactivated during normal flow conditions, but the partial or complete blockage of one or more of the outlets results in a redirection of water flow from the flow path so as to activate the sensor. It is envisioned that various types of sensors would be suitable for use in the present invention, including without restriction electrical contact sensors, optical sensors and pressure or back-flow sensors.
Preferably, the activation of the sensor is electrically coupled to a controller to send a control signal adapted to operate one or more electrically operated elements such as lighting apparatus, sound apparatus, and/or electromechanical valves which regulate water flow to at least one of the water play elements. The controller could, for example, comprise a solid state controller, a microprocessor controller or central processing unit (CPU) used to selectively control different electrical elements and/or at least partially open or close one or more different valves used to regulate water flow to one or more water elements within the water park.
In a preferred embodiment, the switch includes a secondary conduit which is open to or otherwise provided in fluid communication with the primary conduit with the sensor disposed or otherwise in fluid communication with the secondary conduit. Preferably, the secondary conduit is sized and/or configured such that under normal flow conditions, insufficient water flow moves therealong to activate the sensor, however, the blockage or obstruction of the switch outlet iii,i ni ~i

4 results in the redirection of water flow from the primary conduit into the secondary conduit to activate the sensor.
Although not essential, most preferably the switch is provided with suitable valuing which, for example, could include a solenoid valve. Following the actuation of the switch, the solenoid valve operates to interrupt water flow along the flow path and outwardly from the outlet nozzle for a predetermined period of time or until a predetermined event, such as a second other switch being operated, to visually signal to the user that the switch has been actuated.
In one possible use, the switch may be provided as part of a water play element itself. In such a configuration, the activation of the switch by the user blocking the water outlet could, for example, be used to trigger a control signal from the controller to activate a solenoid valve used to regulate water flow from a main water nozzle of the water play element. In this manner, the water play element may be activated by the individual play participants to produce a visual and/or cooling water spray. Following a predetermined event, as for example the operation of a second water flow switch, a manual switch or after a predetermined time and/or sequence of events, the controller could thereafter return the activated valve to its original position, as for example to shut off water flow and conserve water and energy.
In a more elaborate construction, a series of one or more water flow activated switches could be provided in proximity or at spaced locations about the water park.
The operation of the switches by users blocking selected water outlets could thereafter be used to operate one or more water elements in a time specific sequence and/or for a predetermined period of time. It is further envisioned that where the sensors of multiple switches are electronically coupled to a CPU controller, the controller could furthermore be configured to operate multiple water elements in different predetermined or random patterns and/or durations, having regard to the specific configuration of switches which are operated.

Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention resides in a play participant activated switch for use in controlling a valve for regulating water park water effects, said switch comprising, a water outlet having a size selected to permit its at least partial blockage by a body portion of said play participant, a primary conduit providing fluid communication between said outlet and a pressurized water source, a secondary conduit communicating with said primary conduit, a water activated sensor operable to provide control signals to at least partially selectively open or close said valve, said sensor being provided in fluid communication with said secondary conduit, said secondary conduit configured whereby under normal flow conditions water flows from said water source and outwardly from outlet via said primary conduit, and upon said play participant at least partially blocking said outlet, water flows from said primary conduit into said secondary conduit to activate said sensor.
In another aspect, the present invention resides in a user activated switch for controlling a valve used to regulate water flow, said switch comprising, a water outlet having a size selected to permit its at least partial blockage by said user's hand or finger, a conduit for providing fluid communication between said outlet and a pressurized water source, at least part of said conduit defining a flow path whereby under normal flow conditions water flows from said water source along said flow path and outwardly from said outlet as a pressurized stream, a water activated sensor operable to provide control signals to selectively open or close said valve, said sensor being in selective fluid communication with said conduit and disposed out of said flow path whereby the blockage of said outlet by said user's hand or finger redirects water from said flow path to said sensor.
In a further aspect, the present invention resides in a play participant activated switch for controlling a valve used to regulate water flow from a water park play element, said switch comprising, a water outlet having a size selected to permit its at least partial blockage by said participant's hand or finger, a primary conduit for providing fluid communication between said outlet and a pressurized water source, said conduit defining a normal flow path whereby when said outlet is unobstructed water flows from said source along said normal flow path and outwardly from said outlet as a pressurized stream, a water activated sensor operable to provide control signals to selectively actuate said valve from an initial at least partially closed or open position to a second other respective open or closed position, said sensor being in selective fluid communication with said conduit and spaced from said normal flow path whereby the blockage of said outlet by said user's hand or finger redirects water from said flow path to said sensor to actuate said valve, and a controller electrically coupled to said sensor, said controller operable to return said valve from said second position to said initial position following a predetermined event.
In yet another aspect, the present invention resides in a water play element for use in a water park, said water play element being selectively activatable by a user and comprising, a water nozzle adapted to produce a desired water effect, a pressurized water source, an electromechanical valve selectively operable to permit fluid communication between said water source and said water nozzle, a user activated switch for controlling said valve comprising, a water outlet having a size selected to permit its at least partial blockage by said user's hand or finger, a conduit for providing fluid communication between said outlet and said pressurized water source, at least part of said conduit defining a flow path whereby under normal flow conditions water flows from said water source along said flow path and outwardly from said outlet as a pressurized stream, a water activated sensor and a controller electrically coupled to said sensor and operable to provide control signals, said sensor being in selective fluid communication with said conduit and disposed out of said flow path whereby the blockage of said outlet by said user's hand or finger redirects water from said flow path to said sensor to activate said sensor and provide control signals from said controller to selectively open or close said valve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference is now made to the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 illustrates schematically a water park showing a water spray mushroom incorporating a water flow activated switch in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, prior to the activation of the switch;
Figure 2 is a schematic partial perspective view of the water spray mushroom of Figure 1, illustrating the operation of the spray mushroom following the activation of the water flow activated switch;
Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged schematic view of the water flow activated switch identified as feature A in Figure l;

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Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged schematic view of the sensor used in the switch of Figure 3 in accordance with a first preferred construction;
Figure 5 illustrates an enlarged schematic view of the sensor used in the switch of Figure 3 in accordance with a second preferred construction;
Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged schematic view of the sensor used in the switch of Figure 3 in accordance with a third preferred construction;
Figure 7 illustrates a partial schematic view of a water park water play element incorporating a number of separate water flow activated switches in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; and Figure 8 illustrates schematically a water park incorporating a number of different types of water play elements, each incorporating a water flow activated switch in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference is made to Figures 1 and 2 which show a water park installation 10.
The water park 10 includes as a water play element, a water spray mushroom 12 which as will be described, is selectively operable by a park play participant 14 to emit a cooling flow of water 16 (Figure 2). The spray mushroom 12 is of a conventional design consisting of a vertical hollow fibreglass support 18 which is mounted on a concrete pad 20. A dome-shaped top 22 is secured to the top of the support 18. As shown best in Figure 1, an underground water supply pipe 24 recessed beneath the surface of the pad 20 extends upwardly into the support 18 and as will be described functions as a pressurized water source for the water mushroom 12. A pvc pipe 21 (Figure 3) extends along the interior of the support 18 and selectively enables the fluid communication between the water supply pipe 24 and a water outlet nozzle 23 located at the apex of the ui , ~i us~~ I ; ~~~

mushroom top 22. Optionally, a master flow control valve 26 may be provided at a location spaced from the mushroom 12. The control valve 26 selectively regulates water flow through the pipe 24 and to the mushroom 12.
As shown best in Figures 1 to 3, a user operated water flow activated switch 30 is housed within the mushroom support 18. The switch 30 is operable to enable the user 14 to selectively control the flow of water 16 from the mushroom top 22, enables the user 14 to activate and/or deactivate the mushroom 22, and although not essential, is most preferably positioned so as to be within reach of the user's hand 32.
The switch 30 is shown best in Figure 3 as including a primary conduit tube 40 which in a simplified construction consists of a copper or pvc pipe. The conduit tube 40 extends from an external outlet opening 42 formed in the side of the support 18 to the water supply pipe 24. The outlet opening 42 has a size selected to enable its blockage by the user's hand 32 and/or forgers.
The internal other end of the conduit tube 40 is selectively provided in fluid communication with the water supply tube 24 by means of a solenoid valve 44, which as will be described is operated via a controller 60. As shown best in Figure 3, a secondary water conduit tube 46 is provided which opens at its first end 48 into a side portion of the primary conduit 40.
The second other end 50 of the conduit tube 46 is provided in fluid communication with a drain (not shown). The secondary conduit has a reduced diameter as compared to that of the primary conduit tube 40.
Figure 3 shows best a water activated sensor 54 positioned in fluid communication with the secondary conduit 46. The sensor 54 is provided in electrical connection with the controller 60, which in the embodiment shown comprises a solid state controller electronically coupled to the solenoid valve 44. The diameter of the secondary conduit is selected so that when the solenoid valve 44 is opened to enable water flow from the supply tube 24 into the primary conduit 40, under normal flow conditions when the outlet 42 is unobstructed, water moves along the conduit 42 as a flow path and outwardly from the opening 42 as a pressurized stream 52 (see Figure 1 ), without significantly flowing into the secondary conduit 46 so as to activate the sensor 54.

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The sensor 54 is operable to direct a control signal to the solid state controller 60 upon sensing water flow and/or pressure along the secondary conduit tube 46. Most preferably, the controller 60 is operable to actuate the solenoid valve 44 so as to selectively move from an initial closed position permitting water flow from the water supply 24 into the primary conduit 24, wherein water flow into said pvc pipe 21 is prevented, as for example is shown in Figure 3, to an open position wherein the valve 44 is moved to prevent water flow from the supply pipe 24 into the primary conduit 40, and the valve 44 redirects water flow along the pvc pipe 21 and outwardly from the mushroom nozzle 23 as the water flow 16.
The operation of the mushroom 12 by the user 14 is described best with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In an initial normal flow condition, water is fed from the supply pipe 24 into the primary conduit 40 and out of the switch outlet 42 as the pressurized stream 52 shown in Figure 1. In this state (shown in Figure 1), the valve 44 prevents water flow from the supply pipe 24 and into the pvc pipe 21 to the nozzle 23. To activate the spray mushroom 12 so as to produce the cooling flow of water 16 from the nozzle 23, the user 14 blocks the outlet 42 with his hand 32. The blockage of the outlet 42 results in water flowing from the supply tube 24 into the primary conduit 40 where it is redirected along the secondary conduit 46. The redirection of water flow along the secondary conduit 46 thereby activates the sensor 54 to provide control signals to the controller 60. Upon activation of the sensor 54, the controller operates to actuate the solenoid valve 44 from the position shown in solid lines in Figure 3, to an operating position shown in phantom wherein water flow is redirected from the supply 24 into the pvc pipe 21 and outwardly from the nozzle 23 as a flow 16 shown in Figure 2. In this mode, the valve 44 acts to prevent water flow into the primary conduit 40, providing the user 14 with a visual indication that the switch 30 is in operation.
Following a predetermined event, as for example the passage of a preset period of time, the activation of a second switch or a predetermined sequence of events, the controller 60 returns the solenoid valve 44 to its initial position, again redirecting water flow again from the supply pipe 24 into the conduit 40 and outwardly from the outlet opening 42. Although the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrates the solenoid valve 44 as preventing the flow of water I. Ii Li ,~ i~, I : ~I

along the primary conduit 40 while water flow from the mushroom nozzle 23 is actuated, the invention is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that, if desired, water could flow concurrently from both the water outlet 42 and nozzle 23 following the activation of the sensor 30. Most preferably, the controller 60 is used to maintain the solenoid valve 44 in an operating position permitting the flow of water from the water supply pipe to the feed pipe for a predetermined period of time, or until a secondary event occurs as for example the user actuating a second other distant water play element (not shown).
Although the preferred embodiment of the invention describes the normal water flow from the outlet as occurring as a pressurized stream 52, the invention is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that depending upon the desired feature, the switch 30 may produce a variety of different types of water effects under normal flow conditions. These could possibly include, by way of non-limiting example, a water spray, a cascading water flow, a slow water dribble and/or other water stream or jet. In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrates a solenoid valve as operable to prevent water flow along the primary conduit 40 and outwardly from the opening 42 when the sensor 54 is actuated, the invention is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that in an alternate arrangement, other electromechanical valves could be used.
Figure 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the sensor 54 consists of an electrical contact sensor which includes a pair of spaced carbon contacts 70a,70b, each electrically coupled to the controller 60. With the sensor of Figure 4, the flow of water along the secondary conduit 46 acts to complete an electrical circuit between the contacts 70a,70b to activate the sensor 54.
Although Figure 4 illustrates a preferred sensor configuration, it is to be appreciated that other sensor configurations may also be used. Reference may be had to Figures

5 and 6 which illustrate two alternate possible sensor constructions, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify like components. Figure 5 illustrates a pressure actuated sensor 54 construction for use in the switch 30 shown in Figure 3. In Figure 5, the secondary conduit 46 is provided at its distalmost end SO with a reduced diameter passage 74. The pressure sensor 54 further consists of a pair of spaced flexible curved conductive metal discs. The discs 76a,76b are each provided in electrical communication with a microprocessor controller 60, and are held in a spaced orientation such that movement of the outer disc 76a into contact with the inner disc 76b completes the circuit and actuates the sensor 54. With the sensor 54 construction of Figure 5, the blockage of the outlet opening 42 acts to redirect water flow from the primary conduit 40 into the secondary conduit 46 and outwardly therefrom through the opening 50. The smaller size of the reduced diameter passage 74, however, results in an overpressure in the secondary conduit 46.
This pressure increase causes the biasing of the resilient outer disc 76a inwardly into contact with the inner disc 76b, to complete the circuit and provide electrical signals to the controller 60.
Figure 6 illustrates a further alternate possible sensor construction, in which like reference numerals are used to identify like components. In Figure 6, the sensor 54 is of an optical-sensor type. The sensor 54 comprises an infrared (IR) emitter 80 and infrared (IR) receptor 82, each provided at opposing locations on each side of the secondary conduit tube 46.
The sensor 54 is triggered by the flow of water along the secondary conduit tube 46 which acts to interrupt the transmission of light from the IR emitter 80 to the IR receptor 82, to activate the sensor 54 and provide control signals from the controller 60 to actuate the solenoid valve 44.
Although Figure 1 illustrates the water park installation 10 as including a single spray mushroom 12 as a water play element, and which incorporates a single water flow actuated switch 30, the invention is not so limited. It is to be anticipated that in an alternate embodiment, the water spray element (ie. spray mushroom 12) could include two, three or more switches 30, as for example is shown in the construction of Figure 7, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify like components.
In Figure 7, the mushroom support 18 is provided with 3 separate water flow activated switches 30a,30b,30c. Each of the water flow switches 30a,30b,30c includes respectively a primary conduit tube 40a,40b,40c, a secondary conduit tube 46a,46b,46c and a sensor 54a,54b,54c provided in fluid communication or otherwise disposed within the secondary h I I~ I~ Id ~ ~ IIi G II ~ i i conduit 46a,46b,46c, having essentially the same configuration as the switch 30 shown in Figure 3. The switches 30a,30b,30c are activated by a user selectively blocking a selected water outlet 42a,42b,42c.
As shown in Figure 7, each of the sensors 54a,54b,54c are provided in electrical communication with a simple microprocessor control unit as a controller 160.
The microprocessor control 160 is electronically coupled to solenoid valves 44a,44b,44c, which are operable to permit or prevent fluid flow from a water supply pipe 24 to a respective switch conduit 40a,40b,40c. As well, the control 160 is also used to partially open or close electromechanical valves 100a,100b which are separately operable to permit or prevent water flow into the spray mushroom pipe 121.
As described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, the blockage of one or more of the outlets 42a,42b,42c by a user's hand or finger results in the triggering of the solenoid valves 44a,44b,44c to prevent water flow from the water supply 24 into one or more corresponding primary conduits 40a,40b,40c, depending upon the outlets 52a,52b,52c which are blocked.
Again, depending upon the activation of the specific sensors 54a,54b,54c, the microprocessor control 160 selectively moves the electromechanical valves 100a,1 OOb which, for example, may be used to vary the intensity and/or duration of the water flow into the pipe 121 and from a water mushroom nozzle (not shown).
In one possible embodiment, the simultaneous blockage of all three nozzles 42a,42b,42c and activation of the sensors 54a,54b,54c could result in the controller 160 fully opening both valves 100a,1 OOb to produce a higher flow volume from the spray mushroom. In contrast, only the blockage of nozzle 42a and activation of sensor 54a could result in the controller 160 only opening valve 100a, resulting in either a reduced volume flow from the mushroom nozzle (not shown) or a flow of a shorter or longer duration.
It is to be appreciated that the use of multiple switches 30a,30b,30c advantageously enables greater participatory play by the users of the spray park 10, in effect creating a iii ~ " ~~~I ~~I~~~ ~~~ ~i.= i~i combination lock-type water element which achieves different effects, depending upon the order or number of switches 30 being activated.
Although Figure 7 illustrates a single water play element (ie. water mushroom 12) incorporating a number of individual switches 30a,30b,30c, it is to be appreciated that the present invention is equally suited for electronically linking under common control unit a number of different water play elements at a water park. Figure 8 illustrates a further water park installation 10 in which like reference numerals are used to identify like components. In Figure 8, three discrete water play elements are shown which consist of a water tube 116a, a water arch 116b and a water curtain 116c. Each of the play elements 116a,116b,116c is mounted on a concrete pad 20 under which the water supply pipe 24 is recessed. The water tube 116a, water arch 116b and water curtain 116c each include a water flow activated switch 30a,30b,30c, respectively, therein. The switches 30a,30b,30c include respective sensors (not shown), as for example is shown in Figure 3, and which are electronically coupled to a central processing unit 260 as a controller. The switches 30a,30b,30c are each characterized by a discrete water outlet 42a,42b,42c, a corresponding primary conduit providing fluid communication between the outlet and the water infeed pipe, and a corresponding secondary conduit and sensor configuration similar to that shown in Figure 3 and described with respect to the first embodiment of the invention. The controller 260 is further electronically linked to electromechanical valves 1 OOa, l OOb, l OOc which may be selectively opened or closed by control signals received from the controller 260. In this manner, the valves 1 OOa,100b,1 OOc are selectively operated by the CPU
controller 260 to permit water flow from the water source into the internal supply piping 121 a,121 b,121 c of a respective play element 116a,116,116c and outwardly from one or more corresponding spray nozzles 123a,123b,123c.
In the embodiment of Figure 8, the CPU control unit 260 is preferably adapted to provide different control signals to the valves 1 OOa, l OOb, l OOc depending upon the combination of water outlets 42a,42b,42c which may be blocked by a user 14a,14b,14c. By way of non-limiting example, by the users 14a,14b,14c selectively blocking water outlets 30a,30b while permitting water to flow from outlet 30c, the spray pattern may be altered to first effect water flow from element 116a for an extended period of time, and play element 116b for a shortened period of time. In contrast, where all of the switches 30a,30b,30c are simultaneously activated, all three play elements 116a,116b,116c could operate simultaneously for only a shortened time period. In an alternate embodiment, the activation of different switches 30a,30b,30c could result in a number of water play elements 116a,116b,116c operating in a given sequence for predetermined periods of time, with the activation of different switches 30a,30b,30c in different orders achieving different sequences.
Although the preferred embodiment of the invention describes the water flow activated switch 30 as being used within water play elements such as spray mushrooms 12 housed within a water park 10, it is to be appreciated that the term water park would encompass as well water amusement parks, spray parks, wading pools, amusement parks and other recreational installations and/or play structures which include play elements.
Although Figure 1 illustrates the switch as being used in a water mushroom type water play element, the invention is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that the water flow activated switch 30 may equally be used in various other water park play elements including without restriction fountains, water cannons, water curtains, spray daisies, water fountains, water spray heads, tipping water buckets, water slides, and other play elements which will now become readily apparent.
Similarly, although the preferred embodiment of the invention discloses the operation of the water flow activated switch 30 as being used to control electromechanical valuing for adjusting water flow from play elements, the invention is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that the switch 30 could also be used to control not only solenoid or other electromechanical valves, but also other electric or electronic devices which, by way of non-limiting example, could be used to produce a visual, aural or other effects, as for example by light and/or sound emitting devices within the water park 10.

Although the detailed description describes and illustrates various preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. Many modifications and variations will now occur to persons skilled in the art. For a definition of the invention, reference may be had to the appended claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A play participant activated switch for use in controlling a valve for regulating water park water effects, said switch comprising, a water outlet having a size selected to permit its at least partial blockage by a body portion of said play participant, a primary conduit providing fluid communication between said outlet and a pressurized water source, a secondary conduit communicating with said primary conduit, a water activated sensor operable to provide control signals to at least partially selectively open or close said valve, said sensor being provided in fluid communication with said secondary conduit, said secondary conduit configured whereby under normal flow conditions water flows from said water source and outwardly from outlet via said primary conduit, and upon said play participant at least partially blocking said outlet, water flows from said primary conduit into said secondary conduit to activate said sensor.

2. The switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein said valve comprises a solenoid valve.

3. The switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein said secondary conduit has a reduced cross-sectional diameter relative to a cross-sectional diameter of said primary conduit.

4. The switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sensor comprises an electrical contact sensor.

5. The switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sensor comprises a pressure sensor.

6. The switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sensor comprises an optic sensor.

7. The switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein said outlet has a size selected to substantially permit its blockage by at least one of a hand or finger of said play participant.

8. The switch as claimed in claim 4 wherein said sensor is operable to provide control signals to selectively actuate said valve from an initial closed or open configuration, and said switch further includes a solid state controller electrically coupled to said sensor, said controller operable to return said valve to said initial configuration following a predetermined event.

9. The switch as claimed in claim 8 wherein said predetermined event comprises a timed sequence.

10. A user activated switch for controlling a valve used to regulate water flow, said switch comprising, a water outlet having a size selected to permit its at least partial blockage by said user's hand or finger, a conduit for providing fluid communication between said outlet and a pressurized water source, at least part of said conduit defining a flow path whereby under normal flow conditions water flows from said water source along said flow path and outwardly from said outlet as a pressurized stream, a water activated sensor operable to provide control signals to selectively open or close said valve, said sensor being in selective fluid communication with said conduit and disposed out of said flow path whereby the blockage of said outlet by said user's hand or finger redirects water from said flow path to said sensor.

11. The switch as claimed in claim 10 wherein said valve comprises a solenoid valve.

12. The switch as claimed in claim 10 wherein said sensor comprises an electrical contact sensor.

13. The switch as claimed in claim 10 wherein said sensor comprises a pressure sensor.

14. The switch as claimed in claim 10 wherein said sensor comprises an optic sensor.

15. The switch as claimed in claim 10 wherein said sensor is operable to provide control signals to selectively actuate said valve from an initial closed or open configuration, and said switch further includes a solid state controller electrically coupled to said sensor, said controller operable to return said valve to said initial configuration following a predetermined event.

16. The switch as claimed in claim 15 wherein said predetermined event comprises a timed sequence.

17. A play participant activated switch for controlling a valve used to regulate water flow from a water park play element, said switch comprising, a water outlet having a size selected to permit its at least partial blockage by said participant's hand or finger, a primary conduit for providing fluid communication between said outlet and a pressurized water source, said conduit defining a normal flow path whereby when said outlet is unobstructed water flows from said source along said normal flow path and outwardly from said outlet as a pressurized stream, a water activated sensor operable to provide control signals to selectively actuate said valve from an initial at least partially closed or open position to a second other respective open or closed position, said sensor being in selective fluid communication with said conduit and spaced from said normal flow path whereby the blockage of said outlet by said user's hand or finger redirects water from said flow path to said sensor to actuate said valve, and a controller electrically coupled to said sensor, said controller operable to return said valve from said second position to said initial position following a predetermined event.

18. The switch as claimed in claim 17 further including a secondary conduit in fluid communication with said primary conduit, said secondary conduit defining an overpressure flow path, whereby the blockage of said outlet by said user's hand or finger redirects water flow from said normal flow path to said overpressure flow path, said sensor being in fluid communication with said overpressure path.

19. The switch as claimed in claim 17 wherein said sensor is selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensor, a contact sensor and an optical sensor.

20. T'he switch as claimed in claim 19 wherein said sensor is a contact sensor comprising two or more electrical contacts disposed in said overpressure flow path.

21. The switch as claimed in claim 20 wherein said predetermined event comprises a timed sequence.

22. The switch as claimed in claim 17 wherein said switch is housed within said play element.

23. A water play element for use in a water park, said water play element being selectively activatable by a user and comprising, a water nozzle adapted to produce a desired water effect, a pressurized water source, an electromechanical valve selectively operable to permit fluid communication between said water source and said water nozzle, a user activated switch for controlling said valve comprising, a water outlet having a size selected to permit its at least partial blockage by said user's hand or finger, a conduit for providing fluid communication between said outlet and said pressurized water source, at least part of said conduit defining a flow path whereby under normal flow conditions water flows from said water source along said flow path and outwardly from said outlet as a pressurized stream, a water activated sensor and a controller electrically coupled to said sensor and operable to provide control signals, said sensor being in selective fluid communication with said conduit and disposed out of said flow path whereby the blockage of said outlet by said user's hand or finger redirects water from said flow path to said sensor to activate said sensor and provide control signals from said controller to selectively open or close said valve.