CN115485044A

CN115485044A - Inflatable floating wave system

Info

Publication number: CN115485044A
Application number: CN202080078338.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: L·帕莱恩; M·米尔曼; B·小出
Original assignee: Baishui West Industry Co ltd
Current assignee: Baishui West Industry Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-13
Filing date: 2020-09-14
Publication date: 2022-12-16
Also published as: WO2021051092A1

Abstract

The systems and methods described herein include an inflatable floating wave amusement ride system for generating waves. Exemplary embodiments also include power and nozzle modules for use with the water amusement ride system.

Description

Inflatable floating wave system

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a national phase application of PCT application PCT/US20/50751, filed on day 14, 9, 2020 and claiming the benefit of U.S. provisional application 62/900,453, filed on day 13, 9, 2019, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Background

Traditional surfing and amusement rides (surfing attractions) simulate the surfing experience by injecting water currents into the ride surface. Conventional systems require sufficient rigidity to support the rider and the water injected thereon. Even inflatable rides remain used with rigid ground or support structures to provide stability to the ride surface.

U.S. patent 9,802,133 to Laurence park and Daniel Paul Benson discloses a sheet wave play facility (sheet wave water attraction) that includes a buoyant structure adapted to float on naturally occurring bodies of water. The plate-like wave amusement ride of the Parlane et al patent draws water from a naturally occurring body of water and floats on the body of water. The Parlane et al patent uses a water injection system to inject a sheet of water on a slope to create a ride-able surface simulating waves. It can be seen that the infrastructure supporting the floating sheet wave ride is still bulky.

Disclosure of Invention

Exemplary embodiments described herein include an inflatable floating wave system. An exemplary inflatable buoyancy system may be configured to rest on a body of water in a stable state. The inflatable flotation system may include a water injection system that injects water onto the ride surface with a body of water to create a sheet of water on the inclined ride surface to simulate waves for the rider to act.

An exemplary embodiment of an inflatable flotation system includes an inflatable substructure and a rideable surface. The system may include additional features according to embodiments described herein.

Exemplary embodiments include a novel and unique arrangement of power, pumps and nozzles. The power and nozzle assembly may be used in an instant floating, sheet-wave ride to minimize or reduce the spacing of the flotation devices on the body of water. This may allow the system to be used in different bodies of water having different depths. The exemplary embodiments of the power and nozzle assemblies can also be used with other water rides and can be used to minimize or reduce the amount of water required to operate the water ride. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a module for supporting the pump, motor/generator, and a fluid assembly for injecting water from a body of water onto the amusement ride system. In an exemplary embodiment, the module is configured to mate with a portion of the inflatable infrastructure such that the power module is configured to extend through the inflatable infrastructure and transport water from beneath the inflatable infrastructure to a top surface of the inflatable infrastructure. In an exemplary embodiment, the module is configured to float independent of wide structure (wide structure). In this case, the module can be salvaged even if the ride structure fails.

Drawings

1A-1B illustrate an exemplary inflatable floating wave system according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary inflatable floating wave system according to embodiments described herein.

3-4 illustrate exemplary partial component views of an inflatable airborne wave system according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary partial assembly view separated from an inflatable buoyancy system according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary inflatable floating wave system according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates the exemplary inflatable wave buoyancy system of FIG. 8 with the exemplary power and nozzle assembly isolated from the system.

10-12 illustrate partial assembly views of a power module and nozzle assembly according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of a power module and nozzle assembly according to embodiments described herein.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description illustrates by way of example, the principles of the invention and not by way of limitation. The description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. It is understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

Exemplary embodiments described herein include an inflatable floating wave system (inflatable floating wave system). An inflatable flotation system may include an inflatable substructure and a riding surface. As described herein, a combination of different gas molded articles, foams, coatings, etc. may be configured to create the inflatable wave floating system described herein. The features and components provided herein are merely exemplary and may be duplicated, divided, combined, integrated, or otherwise rearranged in any combination and remain within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a second inflatable substructure may be added below the first substructure and/or the elevated structure.

The exemplary embodiments described herein may be used to create lighter infrastructure for ease of transportation, storage, assembly, or a combination thereof. Exemplary embodiments may provide a more efficient, faster, simpler, or a combination thereof structure for assembly, disassembly, maintenance, repair, upgrade, modification, or otherwise configuration. Exemplary embodiments may provide safer wave ride by reducing the impact force or extending the duration of deceleration during the impact. The exemplary embodiments can be integrated and/or connectable to one or more structures, such as: wharfs, barges, yachts, cruise ships. Exemplary embodiments may be modular and/or designed with different features, such as different rear portions, including additional side structures, platforms, water recovery (water recovery), etc.

Exemplary embodiments may include power and nozzle assemblies. The power and nozzle assembly may be used in the inflatable flotation system described herein and/or any water amusement ride (water attraction) that may benefit from the features described herein. Exemplary embodiments of the power and nozzle assemblies may provide a modular system that can be separated from a water amusement ride. The modular nozzle assembly may be separated for rider safety and/or to reduce debris and material entering the modular nozzle assembly. The modular nozzle assemblies may float independently in the event of a failure of the inflatable buoyed wave system. Exemplary embodiments of the modular nozzle assembly may reduce the vertical distance required for the assembly to be positioned below the waterline to provide water flow onto the riding surface. Exemplary embodiments of the modular nozzle assembly may include balancing the ballast of the system in response to motors and pumps from the power and nozzle assemblies to reduce its rotation in an unstable water environment.

Fig. 1-13 illustrate an exemplary inflatable floating wave system according to embodiments described herein. The inflatable

buoyant system

100, 800 may comprise an

inflatable substructure

104, 106, 204, 206, 804, 806, 904, a

water injection system

108, 402, 808, 906 and a

riding surface

102, 202, 802, 902.

As shown in fig. 1A-2 and 8-9, the

inflatable substructures

104, 106, 204, 206, 804, 806, 904 may include one or

more base structures

104, 204, 804, the

base structures

104, 204, 804 configured to support an inflatable wave system atop a body of water. The

base structure

104, 204, 804 may be inflatable. For example, the

base structure

104, 204, 804 may comprise a three-dimensional fabric (drop stich) to define the shape of the base structure. The base structure may shape the ride surface or may be used in conjunction with other structures (e.g., raised

structures

106, 206, 806, 904) to define the shape of the ride surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the inflatable base structure comprises an inflatable three-dimensional fabric material. The base structure may define a generally flat rectangular shape. The

base structure

104, 204, 804 may be disposed and/or formed over one or more other structures (e.g., the

elevated structures

106, 206, 806, 904 described herein).

The inflatable infrastructure may include one or more elevated structures. Each elevated structure may include separate modular components that can be used in different combinations (e.g., stackable) to create different ride shapes. Each raised structure may include interchangeable components that may be used to create different ride shapes and are interchangeable. The raised structures may be incorporated or created at the time of ride design to create ride shapes and are not interchangeable. The elevated structure may be integrated or fixed to the inflatable base structure.

The inflatable substructure may comprise one or more additional base structures or elevated structures. The inflatable substructure may include one or more reinforcing structures (e.g., beams, bars, frames, etc.) to make the structure more rigid. For example, the frame may be disposed between, around, under, or otherwise near the base structures.

The inflatable infrastructure may be composed of individual components that are used together in a modular fashion. The inflatable infrastructure may be unitary, defining a single infrastructure having a single fluid chamber. The inflatable substructure may be unitary such that the inflatable body defines an additional unitary structure having one or more inflatable cavities.

The inflatable infrastructure may include an aperture for passage of water in a fluid in which the inflatable infrastructure is located and a top surface of the inflatable infrastructure surface for moving water from the fluid to the ride surface. For example, as described herein, the opening may accommodate a power module according to embodiments described herein.

The riding surface may be inflatable, fabric, sheet, or a combination thereof. The ride surface may include a coating (e.g., to reduce friction, prevent uv or reflected heat, etc.), and the ride surface may be mounted and/or attached to the inflatable substructure or other components described herein. The ride surface may also include substructure to increase rigidity and/or to define or maintain a desired shape of the ride surface.

The water injection system may include nozzles, pumps and/or motors for supplying water onto the ride surface. The water injection system may take water from the body of water in which the inflatable flotation wave system is located for spraying onto the ride surface.

The power module may include a self-floating rigid structure that houses and/or supports a pump and/or motor for maneuvering water via the water injection system. In an exemplary embodiment, the power module does not derive its primary buoyancy from the inflatable substructure or other parts of the wave system, but may include independent buoyancy and stabilizing structures.

In an exemplary embodiment, the power module may be removably connected with the opening of the inflatable substructure. As shown, the outer edge of the power module may be tapered and/or include lips and/or flanges or other shaped extensions to be disposed on opposite sides of the inflatable substructure. The power module may include a water inlet for allowing water from the body of water in which the inflatable flotation system is located to be mobilized from below the system onto the riding surface. The water inlet may include a filter, mesh, or other structure to confine or remove debris. The power module may include a pump, motor, battery, or other electronics to operate the water injection system. Other components may also be associated with the inflatable buoyancy system. For example, the system may include a music interface, lights, winches, anchors, or other connection or control features. The system may include an alternative energy source, such as a solar, hydraulic, or wind energy interface for generating electricity. The system can operate on any combination of power, such as an engine, an electric motor, electrical energy, solar energy, hydraulic energy, wind energy, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the power module includes an inlet/outlet. The inlet/outlet may include a duct or other aperture to allow air to enter and/or exit the compartment. The power module may comprise buoyancy means for the power module to be self-supporting.

The inflatable buoyant system may also include other components. For example, the system may include sidewalls, stairs, handles, friction surfaces/coatings, friction reducing surfaces/coatings, protection from ultraviolet light or reflected heat, etc., connectors, or modular riding surface accessories. These components may be inflatable, may be modular, may be attachable and/or detachable to other components of the system, may be integrated into or combined with other components of the system, may be connected to other components of the system, may be rigid, may be flexible, may be foam, may be non-inflatable, and combinations thereof.

As shown, multiple side walls may be used to separate the riding surface and/or rider area from other areas of the ride. In exemplary embodiments, additional or alternative walls may be used, such as a wall that is a barrier at one end of the system, a wall between multiple riders, a wall between a rider area and other areas (e.g., a spectator area), and combinations thereof.

As shown, the system may include a step, ramp or step-like feature to assist in traversing the elevated portion of the system surface. The steps may be protrusions from the surface, indentations into the surface, frictional structures or features on the surface, cords or other tethers, and combinations thereof. The system may include ramps or steps in other parts of the system, for example, from the body of water in which it is located into the system and/or into a coupling structure (e.g., dock, boat, etc.).

Exemplary embodiments of the system may include connectors between system components and/or retention systems with respect to other objects (e.g., docks, ships, etc.). Exemplary embodiments may include a stabilization system, such as an anchor.

Exemplary embodiments may include a damper or other mechanism for damping the pitch, roll or yaw (or any excessive rate of change) of the inflatable wave system. For example, mooring lines, or a combination of these may employ spring lines. Other dampers, such as sea anchors, may also be used to provide an entertaining or challenging waveform as the system dynamically interacts with waves or swells on the body of water.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment, different access structures may be provided on the inflatable floating wave system. As shown, inflatable, foam or other material structures may be used to provide access to the top surface of the system. The channel may be located on a floating ramp that includes a stand for a hand or foot to climb. Other structures, such as ladders, may also be used.

Alternative combinations of walls may also be included on the ride as shown. For example, different combinations of back and/or side walls may be used to separate a rider on the riding surface from others on top of the system and/or others away from the system. The walls may be inflatable or made of foam or other rigid or semi-rigid structures. The wall may be integrated into one or more components of the system or may be connected to the system.

Exemplary embodiments of the features of a floating wave attraction can be found in US9,802,133, which is incorporated herein in its entirety and used in any combination with the features described herein. Exemplary embodiments of the features of the inflatable water amusement ride can be found in US2017/0136371, which is incorporated herein in its entirety and used in any combination with the features described herein.

Fig. 1-13 illustrate exemplary embodiments of an inflatable buoyant system and its components, according to embodiments described herein. Exemplary embodiments may include different configurations or combinations of any of the features or configurations described herein.

Fig. 1A-1B illustrate an exemplary inflatable guided wave system 100 according to embodiments described herein. As shown, the buoyant system 100 may include a base structure 104. The base structure may be an inflatable part. The inflatable base structure 104 may be a three dimensional fabric (dropstitch) so that the cross-sectional or height dimensions can be controlled even during inflation. Thus, upon inflation, the base structure 104 may create a surface having a desired contour. As shown, the base structure is defined as a generally sheet-like structure having a cross-sectional dimension that is generally constant throughout the base structure. The constant cross-sectional dimension may be a height dimension.

The base structure 104 may be adjustable, for example by deforming to produce structural increases, decreases or different height changes. For example, the inflatable flotation system 100 may include an elevated structure 106. The elevated structure 106 may be disposed below the base structure 104 to adjust or modify the base structure and create a sloped surface. As shown in fig. 1A-1B, the elevated structure 104 is disposed on an interior bottom surface of the base structure. It can be seen that the base structure thus has a raised portion and a lowered portion, which generally form a mountain-shaped structure. Thus, the ends of the base structure may be at substantially the same height. In an exemplary embodiment, the base structures on opposite sides of the elevated structure may be at the same lower or minimum height. Exemplary embodiments of such a configuration may create a back portion that defines a beveled end 118, which beveled end 118 may serve as an additional sliding surface. The end of the sliding surface may include a raised lip 120. The raised lip 120 may slow water from the end of the ride, may divert some of the water to the sides of the ride so that less water flows directly to the rider at the end of the ride, may slow the speed of entry of the rider from the ride into the water, may leave the rider on the ride, and combinations thereof. As shown in fig. 9, at the end of the ride, a second raised structure may be used to form a raised lip 904.

In an exemplary embodiment, the elevated structure 206 may also be contoured such that the base structure 204 disposed above the elevated structure 206 defines an inclined surface and then maintains a high height from the end of the inclined surface 218 to the end of the base structure. The sloped portion of the base structure 204 may define a portion of the riding surface 202. For example, as shown in fig. 2, the raised structure 206 allows the end of the base structure 204 to extend upward and then proceed toward the end of the play system at approximately the same height. As shown in fig. 2, the back end created by the constant height portion 220 may define a platform that may be used to locate available (available) riders or spectators, for additional space into or out of the ride, wiping, for water reclamation, for water filtration, and any combination thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inflatable base structure may be identical and the elevated structure for deforming the base structure may be interchangeable and/or reconfigurable to create different positions behind the ride area. For example, if the elevated infrastructure includes two tapered ramps, the riding surface may be defined by a first side and the ramp may be created by a second side thereof. Alternatively, the elevated infrastructure may be tapered at one end to define a riding surface and maintained at a height to form an elevated recovery or viewing area. Differently shaped and configured elevated structures may be used, for example, further including separate or integrated platforms for extending on opposite sides of the base structure and/or riding surface to create additional viewing, spectator, rider routing, etc. areas.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inclined surface of the

base structure

104, 204 may define a portion of the

riding surface

102, 202. The riding surface may include additional layers on top of the inflatable base structure, or may be formed directly on top of the base structure. The additional layer may be a foam layer, an additional aerated layer, a layer for reducing friction, a layer for adding additional rigidity, or any combination thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, the riding surface 102 may be bounded on opposite sides by sidewalls 112. The side walls may help direct water from the nozzles onto the riding surface. The side walls may help the rider remain on the riding surface. The side walls may separate the ride surface and water flowing thereon from exterior portions of the ride, such as spectators, activities around the ride, or other functions. In the exemplary embodiment, opposing sidewalls 112 are inflatable.

Exemplary embodiments of the inflatable buoyant system may include one or more

additional walls

122, 222, 224, 812. The wall may be positioned at one end of the structure, at a side of the structure, and any combination thereof. The walls may be used to leave riders and spectators on the ride. The wall may be used to separate the rider from spectators or others on the ride. The walls may be used to direct water in a desired direction and/or location of the ride so that the water exits the ride. The wall may be inflatable. Exemplary embodiments may include walls having different heights, thicknesses, orientations, and combinations thereof. For example, the wall may be inclined inwardly or outwardly as it traverses from one end of the ride to the other (or from side to side); or the wall may be inclined inwardly or outwardly as the wall extends upwardly from the vertical.

Exemplary embodiments may also include additional components. These components may include additional contour features 116. The contour features can be used to create a consistent shape and/or surface on the ride structure. The profile features may provide a filler on or over the surface of the hard structure. Other features may also include an entry or exit portion, such as ladders, steps, ramps, inflatable or floating wedges, handles, and the like.

In exemplary embodiments, the inflatable flotation system 100 may include a nozzle assembly 108 for spraying water onto the riding surface 102. The nozzle assembly 108 may spray a patch of water onto the riding surface 102. The water may be generally narrow enough to form a sheet flow over the riding surface 102. Thereafter, the rider may perform an action with their body and/or with a board or other play structure.

As shown in fig. 3-5 or 9, the

inflatable flotation system

100, 400, 800 may be configured to allow water from the body of water in which it is located to be pumped up and used for spraying onto the riding surface through the

nozzles

108, 808. In an exemplary embodiment, water is drawn from below the base structure to a location on top of or above the base structure. As shown in fig. 5 and 9, the base structure may include

holes

504, 908, the

holes

504, 908 for positioning the power and

nozzle modules

402, 906 therein. The holes may allow water under the system to pass from one side of the ride to the opposite side. As shown in fig. 5, the aperture 504 may be disposed entirely within the base structure such that the base structure or other portion of the inflatable flotation system entirely defines the aperture. As shown in fig. 9, the aperture 908 may extend to the end of the inflatable flotation system 800 such that at least one side of the aperture is not closed and is open to the outer end of the amusement ride. Thus, the exemplary power and nozzle modules may be fitted within or inserted into the bore.

In an exemplary embodiment, the power and

nozzle modules

402, 906 may be configured to interface with an amusement ride structure. For example, the outer profile of the power and nozzle module may be configured to approximate the inner profile of the bore. The power and nozzle module may be configured with one or more surfaces that extend around at least a portion of the base structure. As shown in fig. 5, the power and nozzle module 402 may include an extended surface 502, the extended surface 502 extending outward from the outer edge of the module. The extension surface 502 may be configured to extend parallel to the upper and/or lower surface of the base structure. Thus, the extension surface 502 may be connected to or in contact with the base structure. As shown in fig. 5, the extension surface may extend from the top surface of the base structure and extend over the lower surface of the base structure, thereby retaining the base structure therebetween. The extension surface may extend around a portion or all of the power and nozzle module to connect one or more sides of the power and nozzle module with the base structure. As shown in fig. 9, the extension surface may extend only at the upper side of the base structure. In this case, if the ride system is out of order and deflated, the power and nozzle structure can be separated from the rest of the ride system. The power and nozzle system may be independently buoyant such that the power and nozzle system may continue to float, separate from the inflatable riding surface.

As shown in fig. 4, the power and nozzle module 402 may extend below the lower surface of the base structure and above the top surface of the riding surface. The nozzle portion 108 may extend above the ride surface and direct water through the nozzle onto the ride surface in the form of an adjustable flap. Portions of the power and nozzle module 402 may extend below the base structure and into the water in which the inflatable buoyancy system is located. The power and nozzle portions may extend into the water to draw water from the body of water and/or from the reservoir and onto the ride surface.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a power and nozzle module 402, according to embodiments described herein. The power and nozzle module 402 may include a water inlet 702, with the water inlet 702 facing the bottom of the power and nozzle module. The water inlet 702 may be disposed on an opposite side of the power and nozzle module 402. The power and nozzle module 402 may include an engine 708 to operate the pump 706. Other power systems may also be used. A pump may be used to inject water from the water inlet to the water outlet 704. The system may include an air inlet/outlet 110 to the pump system. The air inlet/outlet may be used for engine exhaust.

Exemplary embodiments may include a system for reducing debris entering a pump area. For example, as shown in fig. 4, 6 and 9, the inlet area of the power and nozzle module may be closed with a cage, mesh or other filtering interface. The system may also include one or more other filters or obstructions to reduce the amount of debris that enters the system and/or is sprayed onto the riding surface.

Fig. 10-13 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a power and nozzle module 906. Exemplary embodiments of the power and nozzle module 906 may reduce the height 1104 of the bottom of the nozzle module below the waterline. Thus, the power and nozzle module may be used in shallower waters. The power and nozzle module may be used in environments where the power and nozzle module should not draw water near the bottom of the water source. The power and nozzle module may be used in a system to reduce water resources by requiring less water to be retained in the reservoir during use.

As shown, the power and nozzle module 906 may include a water inlet 1004 and a water outlet 1002, the water inlet 1004 being on opposite sides of the power and nozzle module and the water outlet 1002 being in front of the power and nozzle module 906. As shown in fig. 13, the drive shaft of the pump is parallel to the water flowing from the nozzle 808. As shown, water enters from opposite sides of the pump. The pump may be driven by a motor 1202. In an exemplary embodiment, the pump system includes an external drive train. A drive shaft 1306 may extend from the motor through the water inlet 1004. The water then hits the propeller 1308. Once through the propeller 1308, the water is desirably directed in a forward direction, or at least a portion of the water flow is in the same direction as the water ejected from the nozzles 808. As shown in the cross-section of fig. 13, water may be elevated from a level below the water level at the water inlet 1004 to a level above the water level and then to the nozzle outlet 1002 above the ride surface. The nozzle flow path is inclined upward and water moves forward along the entire water flow path. This arrangement may reduce the overall height of the system. In an exemplary embodiment, the water depth (i.e., draft) required to operate the system may be less than four feet. In the exemplary embodiment, power and nozzle module depth 1104 below the water surface is approximately 20 to 30 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the overall length of the pump housing is about 3.5 to 4 feet.

In the exemplary embodiment, the power and nozzle module includes a buoyancy compartment 1004. The buoyancy compartment may be used to enclose air to define a self-buoyant power module. Thus, the power and nozzle module may not need to rely on buoyancy of the amusement ride structure to keep it above the water surface. With the power and nozzle module decoupled from the amusement ride structure, the power and nozzle module may continue to float.

In the exemplary embodiment, power and nozzle module includes one or more ballast 1102. The power and nozzle module may include one or more compartments to add weight to the system. The cells may be weighed to counteract the repositioning of the inflatable wave system resulting from the orientation of the drive train. The rotation of the drive shaft and the horizontal placement of the water inlet may adversely affect the alignment of the riding surface during use. Thus, when the pump is started and sprays water onto the ride surface, the ballast may be filled or emptied to re-level the ride surface. As shown, two ballast weights are used on opposite sides of the pump, below the nozzle area in front of the pump. The shape of the power and nozzle modules may also facilitate or counteract the rotation of the pump. As shown, the power and nozzle module includes a centrally extending boss 1006. The boss may be used to enclose or house the pump and drive train.

In an exemplary embodiment, the nozzle assembly may include an interchangeable interface 1204. The interchangeable interface 1204 may allow the nozzle 808 to be removable. Different nozzle configurations may be used to accommodate different ride shapes, configurations, or sizes. The same power and nozzle assembly includes a motor and drive train, and housing that can be used for different amusement ride configurations, with different nozzle shapes being interchangeable at the end of the module.

In some cases, the system may draw air from the water surface if water is being pulled from the water surface into the water inlet 1004 of the power and nozzle module 906. This may occur if a vortex from the water surface is created at the water inlet into the pump. This air, when passed through the pump and sprayed with water onto the ride surface, can cause cavitation. The power and nozzle module may include components to reduce system cavitation by restricting air pulled from the water surface. For example, the power and nozzle module may include a lip 1008, the lip 1008 extending above the top of the water inlet 1004. The lip may reduce the amount of water drawn directly from the surface and correspondingly reduce the amount of air entering the pump system. In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder at the top of the water inlet may extend through a plate or extension. Other features may also be used to direct water out of a lower position in the body of water. For example, a pipe or other channel may be used to direct water out of a desired location within the body of water. These components and features may be selected based on the water level and the clearance of the system above the ground below the body of water.

Exemplary embodiments include an inflatable flotation system having an inflatable substructure, and a ride surface on the inflatable substructure. The inflatable substructure comprises a three-dimensional fabric. The inflatable substructure may include a substantially flat portion and an inclined portion. The inflatable surface may be disposed on the inclined portion of the inflatable substructure to form a riding surface. A layer may be provided on the inclined portion of the inflatable substructure to form a ride surface. The inflatable buoyant system may comprise an attachment mechanism configured to attach the system to another object, such as a dock, a boat, another float, or other structure. Exemplary embodiments may include an anchoring system for positioning an inflatable buoyancy system at a desired location in a body of water by contact with the bottom of the body of water or shore or land surrounding the body of water. Other connection systems may also be used to provide the desired location of the inflatable flotation wave system. For example, the inflatable buoyancy system may comprise a winch or other telescopic or extendable linkage system to allow relative movement of the inflatable buoyancy system with respect to another object.

An exemplary embodiment of an inflatable wave system has an inflatable substructure comprising an inflatable base structure and an elevated structure. The inflatable base may define a generally flat rectangular cuboid shape in an undeformed configuration. The inflatable base may be disposed above the elevated structure to deform the inflatable base and determine a riding surface profile. The back end of the system may comprise different shapes, configurations and/or contours. The back end of the system may include modular interchangeable structures. The rear end of the system may include a skid. The back end of the system may include a platform. The back end of the system may include other waterscape(s). The inflatable base may be integrated with the elevated structure. The inflatable base may be separate from the elevated structure and may be inflated separately. The inflatable base and the elevated structure may form a shared inflatable chamber.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inflatable infrastructure may comprise a plurality of structures. The plurality of structures may be adjacently, laterally side-by-side, such that each of the plurality of structures is disposed below the riding surface, across the riding surface. The plurality of structures may be located above another structure, as in the case of a base structure and a raised structure. Multiple structures may be joined together, such as by gluing, adhering, stitching, velcro (Velcro), hook and loop fasteners, straps, or other structures.

In exemplary embodiments, the inflatable substructure has a larger footprint than the riding surface. The riding surface may be inclined. The system may include steps on opposite sides of the riding surface that are inclined upwardly. The system may also include an entry feature configured to assist a user in entering the system from a body of water in which the inflatable buoyant system is located. The inflatable buoyant system may be configured to be positioned and float on a naturally occurring body of water. The inflatable guided wave system may be configured to be positioned and float on a body of water that is continuously stationary.

The inflatable flotation wave system may include a water injection system located at a front end of the ride surface and a back slope extending rearwardly away from the water injection system at another end of the ride surface. The ride surface may comprise a ramp extending from proximate the water outlet of the water injection system, and the back ramp comprises a falling surface extending from the ramp proximate the maximum. The incline and decline define a hump in which a user rides on a sheet wave (surf wave) generated by the wave, acts on the incline, and slips the downstream music equipment from the back slope into the water.

The inflatable buoyancy system may comprise a second infrastructure. The second base substructure may be arranged below the inflatable substructure. The second underlying infrastructure may be inflatable and/or may be made of foam. The second underlying infrastructure can be used to add additional stability to the system.

The inflatable buoyancy system may also comprise one or more walls. The one or more walls may include two opposing side walls on opposing sides of the ride surface. One or more of the walls may include a central wall to separate multiple riders on the same riding surface. The one or more walls may include a wall along the back end of the system. The one or more walls may include a wall along the front end of the system.

Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may include power and nozzle modules. The power and nozzle module may include a housing, a water outlet, a water inlet, and a pump. In an exemplary embodiment, the inflatable substructure has an aperture through a portion of the substantially planar portion, and the power and nozzle module may be disposed within the aperture. The power and nozzle module housing may include structure that engages a portion of the inflatable substructure.

In an exemplary embodiment, the power module is independent of the inflatable infrastructure in the body of water, the power module being self-floating and self-standing stable.

In an exemplary embodiment, a power and nozzle module may be provided for use with a water amusement system. The power and nozzle modules may be used in any water amusement ride system. The power and nozzle module may include a housing, a pump, and a nozzle outlet. The power and nozzle module may also include ballast within the housing. The pump may include an external drive train. In an exemplary embodiment, the external drive train is arranged horizontally parallel to the outlet direction of the nozzle outlet. The power and nozzle module may also include a water inlet between the motor and the propeller of the pump, along the external drive train. The housing, pump and nozzle outlet may be configured to push water forward as it rises from below the power and nozzle module to a higher elevation of the nozzle outlet.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. In particular, exemplary components are described herein. Any combination of these components may be used. For example, any components, features, steps or parts may be integrated, separated, subdivided, removed, duplicated, added, or combined in any manner and remain within the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments are merely exemplary and provide illustrative combinations of features, but are not limited thereto.

The terms "comprise" and "comprise," and variations thereof, as used in the specification and claims, are meant to encompass the specified features, steps, or integers. These terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. An inflatable buoyant system comprising:

a substructure, wherein at least a portion of the substructure is inflatable;

a ride surface coupled to the inflatable substructure.

2. The inflatable airborne wave system of claim 1 wherein the substructure comprises a substantially flat portion and an inclined portion.

3. The inflatable flotation system of claim 2 further comprising a power and nozzle module.

4. The inflatable flotation system of claim 3 wherein the power and nozzle module comprises a housing, a water outlet, a water inlet, and a pump.

5. The inflatable flotation system of claim 4 wherein the substructure includes an aperture that passes through a portion of the substantially planar portion, and the power and nozzle module is disposed within the aperture.

6. The inflatable flotation system of claim 5 wherein the power module is self-floating and self-standing stable in a body of water and independent of the substructure.

7. The inflatable airborne wave system of claim 6, further comprising a connection mechanism configured to connect said system with another object.

8. The inflatable flotation system of claim 7 wherein the power and nozzle module housing includes a structure that engages a portion of the substructure.

9. The inflatable airborne wave system of claim 8 wherein said substructure comprises a three-dimensional fabric.

10. The inflatable airborne wave system of claim 1 wherein said substructure comprises an inflatable substructure and an elevated structure.

11. The inflatable airborne wave system of claim 10 wherein said inflatable base structure is located above said elevated structure to deform said inflatable base and to determine a ride surface profile.

12. The inflatable airborne wave system of claim 1 wherein the rear end of the system comprises a chute.

13. The inflatable flotation system of claim 1 wherein the rear end of the system comprises a platform.

14. The inflatable airborne wave system of claim 1 wherein said substructure has a larger footprint than said ride surface.

15. The inflatable airborne wave system of claim 1 wherein said ride surface is sloped and further comprising steps on opposite sides of said ride surface, said steps being sloped upward.

16. The inflatable airborne wave system of claim 1, wherein said system is configured to be positioned and float on a naturally occurring body of water.

17. The inflatable airborne wave system of claim 1 wherein said system is positioned and floats on a body of water that is continuously stationary.

18. The inflatable airborne wave system of claim 1, further comprising a water injection system located at a forward end of the ride surface and a back ramp at another end of the ride surface extending rearwardly away from the water injection system.

19. The inflatable flotation system of claim 18 wherein the ride surface includes a ramp extending from a water outlet proximate the water injection system and the back ramp includes a drop surface extending from the ramp to near a maximum value.

20. A power and nozzle module for a water amusement ride system, comprising:

a housing;

a pump; and

and (4) a nozzle outlet.

21. The power and nozzle module of claim 20, further comprising: a ballast within the housing, and the pump includes an external drive train.